May 26, 2020
Dear Members of First Lutheran Church,

As you are aware, our first in-house public worship was held this past Sunday, May 24th, with 18 members in attendance, plus Pastor Eggert, SM Pastor Gawura, Vicar Longden, Organist Patty Greene, and a few others assisting. This service was considered a “practice run,” and it went off without a hitch. So, we’ll do it again this coming Sunday, May 31st, and expand to two services including a “parking lot service” in the comfort and safety of your own car.

First Service will be at the traditional time of 8:30AM, in the Sanctuary, with communion. All the protocols from this past Sunday will be in place:

1) This service will be limited to 40 worshipers, and will be on a first come first served basis. If you wish to attend, please call me, Dennis Sergent, at 810-338-9265. Leave a message if necessary, and I will call you back.

2) The church will have been thoroughly cleaned & sanitized. Sanitizing stations will be available, and using one will be required as you enter. We ask that you bring your own masks, as they will also be required.

3) Worshipers will enter the building by the northwest entry (along the driveway) to be as close as possible to the sanctuary, as movement to other areas of the building will be limited.

4) In the sanctuary, worshipers will be seated in alternating rows and staggered to maintain at least 6 feet between them. Members living in the same household may sit together.

5) Offerings will not be gathered, but a place to put tithes and offerings will be provided.

6) Communion will be served in a manner which maintains social distancing and safety for everyone involved.

Second Service will be in the west parking lot at 11:15AM, with members remaining in their own vehicles, and the service will be broadcast on car radios at 107.1 FM. As you park, please do so in every other parking space as available.

Communion will be brought to your car on individual plates by elders, as was done in the earlier communion service held in the parking lot on May 9.

It is important to understand that we wish to do this in a safe manner for all involved. If you are older, or if you have compromised immune systems, or feel unsafe being out with others. please consider staying home for your own well-being. You should not feel guilty about doing so, as you need to protect yourself. Livestreaming will continue for those unable to attend.

Praise God that we are able to keep moving towards the day when we can all once again freely worship together in our sanctuary. What a glorious day that will be! We look forward to seeing all those who can attend at one of these services this Sunday, May 31 .

In Christ, Dennis Sergent Chairperson, Board of Elders