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September 17, 2020 (Week 27)
Greetings one and all!
Another week, another newsletter! As the fall unfolds, there are church activities that are going to be renewed and re-invigorated to reflect the COVID-19 world we’re living in at the moment. Sunday School and Confirmation classes are about to kick off once again, all virtually, but in ways that we’ll hopefully find to be practical and safe.
This past week has seen San Diego county go significantly backwards with some of the key indicators of the status of the COVID-19 pandemic. About a month ago we were doing quite well, cruising at around 5.8 infections per 100,000 population. Ten days ago we hit 6.9, just beneath the 7.1 threshold for re-closing those business and entities that had re-opened with restrictions. On Tuesday we discovered that we are now at 7.9. If that number doesn’t go back beneath 7.1 by this coming Tuesday, we will be put back into the tier that prohibits public gatherings in enclosed spaces. So despite the energy and interest in re-opening our doors, the time may not yet be right to do so. There are a variety of opinions about this matter, some driven by political interest, some driven by economic pressure, and many driven by social despair. All of these perspectives have potential validity and justification. However, as I have indicated from the outset of our reaction to this pandemic, our decisions will always be according to law, and will be driven by the informed recommendations of the scientific community, and the medical folk who live and work among us. We are absolutely committed to your safety and spiritual well-being. And as responsible citizens in our community, we will abide by all laws, which by the way, is a prerequisite of our insurance provider. And so, we continue to do the best we can to adapt to the changing times.
And now, for something completely repetitive:
I want to remind you once again about our search for a kidney donor that I shared with you in my newsletter some five or six weeks ago. (You can find it on our website). Please keep this possibility in your prayers, and if you feel moved by the Spirit to check out how to participate, please do! The need is serious! You can start by checking out the process here: https://www.scripps.org/services/transplant-services/kidney-transplant .
If you haven’t already done so, please download our church’s app for your smartphones from the Apple App Store for iPhones and iPads, or from the Google Play Store for Android devices. Our app connects you directly with our website and puts at your disposal everything we’re providing at the touch of a link. If you don’t have a smartphone but can access a computer, you can find everything at www.godamong.us .
Quite specifically, our app (and our website) will direct you to all of our online activities. “Virtual” gathering is not perfect, but under the circumstances is the best and safest thing we can do. If you click on “ILC Online Activities,” you will see links giving access to: worship services, past and present, Evening devotions, Bible studies, Bible readings, Zoom meetings, etc. I really do encourage you to get involved.
Take care of yourselves, my friends. We are anxious to restart; we are anxious to “get going” again; we are pretty tired of the restrictions and the waiting; the interminable waiting. All of that is true, but as in all things, God empowers us to wait and to work, as the world unfolds as it will. God has never abandoned us! God is with you! And if you do need something, please call. We’re here for you. And in case you’re wondering....I really miss all of you.
Peace and grace,
Pr. Luther
- After worship, around 11 am, Darrell and Nancy Datte host our after worship coffee/donut fellowship time (BYOC/D) on Zoom, and look forward to welcoming everyone in our community. Please think about joining in and saying hi to your brothers and sisters. That gathering can be found here:
https://zoom.us/j/98483096300?pwd=aTVJV0JJWkdsaG9ESFFMTlNuWVVDUT09