Note from Pastor Jim (6/8/20):

Dear First Lutheran Family,

We have been longing to gather again for worship in the sanctuary, as well as regular fellowship, for several weeks now. As Governor Hogan issued updated guidance that opens the doors for that to happen again, our leadership has set July 12th as a goal for returning to limited in-person worship. As always throughout this time, my chief concern continues to be you … the members and guests of First Lutheran Church … and what you are feeling and going through in this unprecedented time.

Taking into account the responses from the recent survey, our return to limited in-person worship will initially include several safety and health measures designed to show Christian love to all God has placed in our midst, especially the weakest among us, (Matthew 22:34-40). In addition, we fully intend to support the guidance of those authorities placed over us by working as best we can to support the directives of our local, state, and national leaders (Romans 13:1-7). In this way we will fear, love, and trust God as we uphold His commandments by “honoring, serving, and obeying” those placed in authority over us and by “not hurting or harming our neighbor in his body … and helping and supporting him in every physical need” (Luther’s Small Catechism, Explanation of the 4th and 5th Commandments).

We are looking to have two in-person worship services per week, each with limited attendance - Sunday morning at 8:30AM and Wednesday evening at 6:30PM. These identical services will include Holy Communion. The attendance will be limited to ensure proper social distancing and masks will be required. Details on how the service will look will be shared in multiple ways in coming weeks as we prepare for July 12th.

In addition to these two services, we will also continue live streaming one service each week on Sunday at 10AM. This service will also be recorded and hosted on YouTube for viewing at a later date.

Thank you in advance for your faithful support to God and His people at First Lutheran Church … as well as your patience throughout this difficult time.

In the Love of Christ,

Pastor Jim