Worship & Ministry Plans - March, 2020
We are in an unusual time. There are two pandemics that threaten: the CORONAVIRUS and FEAR. Both must be faced. Both send us to the Lord who, as our Shepherd, provides all we need. “We shall not be in want”!
On Friday, Governor Tim Walz declared a “peace-time state of emergency” across Minnesota and urged all organizations – including faith communities – to temporarily suspend large gatherings to help slow the spread of the virus.
The health and safety of all those who worship at Bethel and the people in the communities in which we meet is extremely important. The church is an integral part of the community, and many social contacts run through the church.
So now we want to take a moment to update you on how Bethel is responding. Keep in mind that this situation is dynamic and we will be monitoring developments.
Let’s keep being the church! Don’t let fear interfere! It’s a great time to be the church! Your neighbors need you. While we may not be gathering physically, we are united in Christ and unified in our commitment to do all that we can to slow the spread of this virus and, in this way, obey our Lord’s command to love our neighbor.
Let’s be in prayer for each other, our leadership, those who are vulnerable, and all those responding on the front lines of this illness.
Finally, remember the words of scripture: (Phil. 2:6-7) “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
God’s peace to you!
- Pastor David Foss, Lead Pastor
On Friday, Governor Tim Walz declared a “peace-time state of emergency” across Minnesota and urged all organizations – including faith communities – to temporarily suspend large gatherings to help slow the spread of the virus.
The health and safety of all those who worship at Bethel and the people in the communities in which we meet is extremely important. The church is an integral part of the community, and many social contacts run through the church.
So now we want to take a moment to update you on how Bethel is responding. Keep in mind that this situation is dynamic and we will be monitoring developments.
- In order to care for and protect our neighbors we will suspend in-person worship gatherings at both our Fergus Falls and Battle Lake campuses this Sunday and next (March 15 & 22).
- For these next two Sundays, we will make available a video of a worship service at bethelutheran.church, our mobile app and Facebook. You will be able to access that video anytime after 8:00 AM. This service will also be broadcast on the radio at 11am on 97.7FM
- Since school activities in our communities continue as scheduled, we will continue to offer midweek ministries for children, youth and college students. Appropriate modifications and precautions will be used in planning these activities.
- Groups, Teams, and Bible studies that meet during the week, please keep meeting as usual.
- Of course, if you or anyone in your family is not feeling well, we ask you to stay home. This is good for all.
- As for schedule changes after March 22, please stay tuned to social media and Bethel's website for any developments. We will monitor things, stay in contact with local officials, and make a decision based on the facts at that time.
- Meanwhile, Bethel’s office, facilities, and staff remain responsive to you and the community. The church is not “closed”. We continue to welcome those needing care. Please call or stop by. If you’d like to come and sit in the sanctuary to pray and worship, you are welcome!
Let’s keep being the church! Don’t let fear interfere! It’s a great time to be the church! Your neighbors need you. While we may not be gathering physically, we are united in Christ and unified in our commitment to do all that we can to slow the spread of this virus and, in this way, obey our Lord’s command to love our neighbor.
Let’s be in prayer for each other, our leadership, those who are vulnerable, and all those responding on the front lines of this illness.
Finally, remember the words of scripture: (Phil. 2:6-7) “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
God’s peace to you!
- Pastor David Foss, Lead Pastor