Updates as of Friday, March 20, 2020
Trying to communicate effectively in this crisis has been like hitting a moving target. We are trying to keep everyone informed, provide pastoral and worship services and plan the way forward—all at the same time. We ask for your prayers, your patience, and your support.
Remote Worship
Our Saviour is excited to offer a “Virtual Church” experience this weekend. This is a way for us to come together in worship while remaining safe and healthy at home. We will meet again on Tuesday to determine ongoing worship plans, so check back here for another update next week. We ask that if you can join the live service, please do. We will all be joined together in prayers and in support of each other, our community, our church and the world. If you cannot join live, you can still view the recorded service at the same link after it is over. To join the live service, at 10:00 am on Sunday, March 22, click on this link to view the church’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/oslcwarrenton. There will be a link to view the worship service as it is happening. You do not need to have a Facebook account to view it. Click below for this weekend’s worship page and bulletin. https://oslc-warrenton.org/multimedia-archive/2020-march-22/ The text of the sermon will also be posted on the website directly after the service, no later than 1:00 pm on Sunday.
Holden Evening Prayer
Please join us on Facebook Live Wednesday, March 25 at 7:00 pm for a virtual Holden Evening Prayer service. You do not need to have a Facebook account to view it.
Weekly Updates
We will post updated news on the website at least once a week on Fridays no later than 5:00 pm. We hope that by establishing this routine, everyone will know when and where to look for news. If you have news to add to the weekly news post, please send it to office@oslc-warrenton.org. Our Bishop has recommended that we suspend in-person activities through May 17, with re-assessment to be made prior to that date based on guidelines from health industry, government and community leaders.
Meetings and Events
Following guidelines from the CDC and other health authorities, as well as the growing consensus of ELCA leaders, Our Saviour’s Ministry Continuity Committee has adopted best practices in regards to groups and social distancing. For the foreseeable future, all in-person group activities have been suspended at the church. We encourage Bible studies, ministry teams, committees, classes, etc. to find an alternative means to meet, such as ZOOM, Facebook Live, or Skype. The Continuity Committee is investigating procudures that may allow small groups to meet in the future. If you would like to hold a remote meeting with your ministry or committee, and you need help doing that, please contact the church office and information and assistance will be provided.
Devotional Prayers
We have a new web page for Devotional Prayer. We already have two videos posted. Just click here to view videos: Devotional Prayer Videos
What Can We Do?
- We can pray. For the sick, for healthcare workers, and for caregivers. Also, for those suffering from anxiety and loneliness.
- Keep in touch with family, friends, and acquaintances. We have started a calling tree to check on members of the congregation and make sure people are okay. Each member of the congregation can call their own contacts. In addition to ensuring that no one is in distress, it’s a good way to socialize.
- Participate in remote worship.