Dear Flock,

I have to say that after being away for a week of vacation and two Sundays, I come back refreshed and missing you more and more. Thank you for your encouragement and for the great blessing of the two faithful ministers who filled in while I was away. I am grateful for the sermons that Ev and Jeff brought and the ways that they encourage you to continue to find hope in God who is speaking a better word in our current wilderness, and the encouragement to trust in God’s ability to surprise us with MORE JOY (Yes, sometimes I feel like a nut!)

Thank you also for your efforts to follow the state mandate to wear masks in church. We will remain this way until this mandate is lifted. I understand that this causes some to feel that the state is muzzling the word of God or inhibiting the church but I assure you this is not the case. Even the rocks would cry out if we do not praise Him. We will not be a church that is silenced.

For the previous months, others of our congregation could not attend because they are vulnerable and were not comfortable because masks were not being worn in church. It appears from our numbers this past week that mask wearing has allowed them the freedom to attend. Let’s continue to honor and obey our civil authority while continuing to worship and to honor one another by keeping social distance indoors. Your obedience is critical in this matter.

Be Unoffendable, Be at Peace,

Dan

Dear friends,

It has come to my attention that one of our parishioners has been tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. I feel that it is our responsibility to notify you of this fact so that you can choose to respond accordingly based on your own needs and susceptibility.

To comply with state requirements, we have spoken to those who were directly in contact with this person and recommended that they stay clear in hopes of avoiding anyone during the incubation period. Also, we have contracted the cleaners to do a thorough disinfecting of the first floor, concentrating on the areas that this person was on Sunday.

Because this is something that most of us never want to have, or be the one who possibly infects others, we will keep this person’s name anonymous. If you are tempted to curiosity or gossip, I would direct you to turn to prayer for this person and for their healing.

To make things even more complicated, late Wednesday night I was admitted to Medina Hospital with a leg infection that had gone septic and needed heavy-duty antibiotics. While I have been impressed with my stay at Hotel Cleveland Clinic…I am ready to check out…but, I’m not sure they are willing to release me. So, you will likely see someone pinch-hitting for me on Sunday.

We will do everything we can to prepare a safe place for worship on Sunday and yet would advise those of you who would prefer to stay home to do so.

Be well, be blessed, and pray!

Dan