Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We are reaching out to inform you about some upcoming changes at Emmaus Lutheran Church. This letter will address and explain the new changes and procedures that will be done at Emmaus considering Governor Walz’s Executive Order 21-11, issued on March 15, 2021.
One of the highlights, and most impactful moves, from this latest executive order is that it allows congregational singing, as long as everyone is masked. In light of this new provision, the Worship Committee, along with other congregational leaders, have found it appropriate to reevaluate our current worship procedures and practices, and to begin reintroducing other sung parts of the worship service again, beginning on April 4, 2021.
We will not be returning to pre-COVID type worship services yet, but will be taking a “phased” approach. As a group, we decided and believe that this will be easier to get used to, give our musicians, leaders, and other volunteers the appropriate amount of time to make the necessary adjustments, stays faithful to our Lutheran heritage, and, most importantly, keeps the worshipper safe, while honoring the guidelines and requests of our governing authorities.
For April 4, 2021 (Easter Sunday), we will begin our service with two stanzas of an opening hymn, and will reintroduce the Sanctus. We will continue with our tradition of ending our services with a closing hymn. On the following Sundays, beginning April 11, 2021, two stanzas of a sermon hymn will be done instead of an opening hymn. We will evaluate these things monthly as we begin to reincorporate more parts of the service. We thank you for your patience and support as we make these decisions.
With that being said, I know and realize that some are not ready to come back. For some, it still might not be safe. For others, they might not feel comfortable, and they will still be worshipping with us in a virtual format. I understand that, as do your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, and we look forward to the day when you join us again with your presence. Please let us know so that we may continue to care for you, and know that we will continue to offer our worship services in a virtual format.
If you have any questions about this, please reach out to Renata Brand, Pamela Uran, Todd Pierce and me. We hope that you have a blessed Easter season, and we will continue to see you in person, or virtually.
In Christ,
Pastor Kooi