The Covid-19 crisis is real, and we believe that it is important to act faithfully, without fear, but also to be proactive and use the many resources God has given to us. Pastor Jon and Pastor Jean have received periodic updates from experts such from organizations such as UW-Madison and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. They have also consulted frequently with Bishop Arends, and with colleagues from around the La Crosse Area Synod. Our primary concern is with the health of people and remaining connected, especially with those who are more vulnerable and potentially alone.
So, what can we do?
Your response…
- Wear masks. Yeah, we know. They are not comfortable, but they are important. Recent research has shown that this is the most effective tool to curbing the spread of the disease. Do it for your sake, yes, but really, do it for the sake of others!
- Wash your hands! Wash thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. In the absence of soap and water, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Maintain appropriate “physical distancing,” and avoid going to places where you really don’t need to go.
- Self quarantine if you feel ill. And consult your doctor.
- Wear your mask – and wash your hands (yeah, we know we are repeating ourselves, but they are that important!)
A word about why we do this. Yes, to protect ourselves. But much more than that. This is not just about protecting you. We follow proper procedures, not just to keep safe, but to protect others, and to be a part of the healing in our community. Do these things as a gift to the people around you. That is our Christian and civic duty!
For further reflections on what it means to live faithfully these days, check out Pastor Jon’s blog for June 28 (click here). He reflects on Martin Luther’s words from the Black Plague of 1527, words which, if you didn’t know better, you might think were written just last week…
Our response as a congregation…
Update on re-opening
The Congregation Council has had long and intense conversations about re-opening. The Council takes the importance of worship and its responsibility in planning for worship seriously, but also the care of worshipers and the community around us. To that end, the Council has determined the following:
- We will follow the recommendations of the La Crosse County Health Department, and its “Covid-19 Compass Dashboard“.
- Currently, La Crosse County is in the “severe risk” category. Worship will not begin as long as we are in this category. When we move to the “moderate risk” category the council will re-assess the situation. You can follow the county progress on the Dashboard.
- The work of the church continues! We will continue to offer online worship, driveway communion, online Bible study, Summer Sunday School, and other ministries. We will communicate regularly by phone, letter, e-mail and postcard. We will continue to pray and ring the bell (11:45 AM) as a reminder of the call to prayer.
- In addition, the building will have very limited access during a time of “high or severe risk.”
- Office staff will be holding mostly regular hours.
- Food Pantry and Feed Our Children will have access to the building.
- Other access will be at the pastors’ discretion.
- Those in the building are required to wear masks when they are in space with others.
- The Council has developed a plan to safely reopen the building and to resume in-building worship when it becomes appropriate.
- We are working on a number of alternate plans for this fall, depending on the conditions. Sunday School, Confirmation, and other ministries will happen – but they may look very different!
- We continue to be very grateful for the support of the congregation, in financial giving, prayer support, and your understanding of how we can best be faithful to God’s calling to us.
Meanwhile…
Worship
- Saturday/Sunday worship remains cancelled until it is appropriate for us to gather again in person.
- Each weekend a video featuring music and a message from one of the pastors, will be posted by 6 PM on Saturday. You can access that worship experience on the “videos” page of this web site (www.oursaviorswestsalem.org/videos). We will also post a children’s message as a separate video.
- Driveway Communion is available – you provide your own bread and wine/juice, a driveway, and maybe even some neighbors! We gather, appropriately distanced, in the driveway or yard, and spend 15 minutes or so hearing the Word, praying, and celebrating God’s grace through the body and blood of Jesus. Click here to see a sample. Contact us for more information – we’d love to stop by your place!
- Zoom Communion is coming – Sundays at 10:30 beginning August 9. Zoom requires internet connections, and works best with a computer with camera and mic. Without a mic/camera you can still participate, we just won’t see or hear you! Worship, with a message, prayers, and Holy Communion, will last 20-25 minutes. You remain in the safety of your home, and you provide bread and wine/juice (maybe even bake your own bread – you can find a good recipe right here.) We’ll do the rest! To connect, click here. If computer connections are not possible, you can also phone in. Contact Pastor Jon for more information on phone options.
- Meanwhile, during this time a light will remain on the altar around the clock to remind us that even though the sanctuary is empty, God is still with us. And a light at the back of the sanctuary, shining through the stained glass window to Leonard Street below, will also remain on, to remind us that we are still called to make a difference in the world around us.
Feed Our Children
- Feed Our Children is underway! For updates check out “Feed Our Children West Salem” on Facebook. We are working hard to provide meals to children during the summer, and making it happen as safely as possible.
- Feed Our Children happens because the whole community comes together – we are VERY THANKFUL to the businesses, organizations, congregations, and individuals throughout the community who have made this happen!
- Your gifts of time and financial contributions are greatly appreciated. You can now make a gift directly to Feed Our Children through our electronic giving options (Giving).
- As summer is nearing its end Feed Our Children is considering how it might continue to meet needs through the coming months. Keep checking back for updates!
Food Pantry
- The Care and Share Food Pantry remains open for business. The pantry, an ecumenical venture supported by the whole community and housed at Our Savior’s, is available Saturdays from 10 AM to Noon. Recipients need to bring two forms of identification.
- The pantry continues to rely on your generosity. While the building is closed, we will be present on occasion. To make a contribution call ahead to make arrangements for drop off.
Education ministries
- Sunday School…
- Summer Sunday School is on – check the video page for a weekly lesson!
- Children will be sent material for Sunday School, to use with a video posted each Saturday evening on the video page.
- If you want a copy of the material, contact Pastor Jean or use the “contact us” form.
- Confirmation activities are concluded for the year.
- The Affirmation of Baptism for 9th graders will occur August 30, at the Lion’s Shelter, in smaller groups. Parents have been sent details – contact Pastor Jon for more information.
- Adult Bible study continues!
- Wednesday mornings, from 9:30-11 AM – Bible study, via Zoom. Click here to join us!
- Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM. Zoom in right here.
Pastoral Care
- Most local nursing and assisted living facilities are now closed to outsiders, leaving us unable to connect with residents. We will try to find other ways to connect.
- We are also aware that the hospitals are restricting visitors. While we may not be able to physically visit, we can telephone and provide support. Let us know when you are hospitalized.
- Beyond that, please contact us with pastoral care concerns. You can call the office, use e-mail, or the “contact us” form on the web site. We will connect with you – we can keep you in prayers – and even if we can’t visit, we can do some “telephone-care.”
Other ministries
- Moms! Don’t miss the Mom’s group. They are going strong, even in these days of crisis and confusion – check out their Facebook page for more information. Look for “OSLC West Salem Mom’s Group” – it’s a private group, but just ask – they’ll let you in. It’s been a busy place!
- We are praying! Every day, Monday through Friday, from 11:45 AM to Noon, someone is praying in their own space. Wherever you are, join them. And if you want to be one of the regularly scheduled pray-ers, let us know – we’ll sign you up! And listen for the church bell – we’ll ring every day at 11:45, as prayer time begins.
- The Prayer Labyrinth is available in the back of the lot bounded by the black chain link fence across from the parking lot. Use it – and invite other to do so too! Not sure what a Prayer Labyrinth is all about? Check out the description on our “prayer ministries” page.
- The office and building have limited access, other than the regular Food Pantry hours on Saturday mornings (10 AM – Noon) and the Feed Our Children ministry. The pastors will frequently be in the office, but will not allow entrance to the building. Messages will be checked, and e-mail always gets through!
- If you know someone who has a need – an older individual unable to get what they need, someone needing childcare, or other needs, let us know. We have a growing list of folk willing to help out to make a difference. Maybe you could join them?
- Pastor Jon offers frequent “reflections.” You can access them on the “Pastor’s Blog” page, or send Pastor Jon an e-mail to get on the list.
Financial support
- Remember that your financial support continues to be important.
- Though worship is not happening, the work of Jesus continues. From feeding hungry families, to connecting with those who are now distant from others, to proclaiming God’s work through Jesus, God’s work is happening. Lives are being touched as in a variety of ways we proclaim God’s message of hope to a very troubled and fearful world.
- This would be a great time to begin electronic giving. Click here to learn more about the options for electronic giving (there are several!) We thank you for all you have shared with us, and as you are able, we ask for your continued support.
Updates
- We will keep this page current, so check back frequently for updates.
Finally…
The Apostle Paul says: “There is nothing in life or death that can keep us from the love of God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:38-39). Not even Covid-19!
And Jesus says: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
These are tough times. We are frightened, anxious, and weary. But we are not alone. God is good, the grace of Jesus fills us, and the presence of the Holy Spirit surrounds us.
We may be distant from each other, but God is not distant from us, and the God who is in our midst holds us together as the Body of Christ!
Reliable links and resources…
The La Crosse Area Synod – the synod web site has a collection of res0urces and links, especially for how congregations can respond to Covid-19 – www.lacrosseareasynod.org
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – resources for the church and the public – www.elca.org/publichealth
Centers for Disease Control – a variety of resources from the Federal Government – www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html
Wisconsin Department of Health Services – a state resource with lots of information and links – www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/index.htm
La Crosse County Health Department – some local connections on Covid-19 – www.co.la-crosse.wi.us/health/
Gundersen Health Systems – local health system resources – www.gundersenhealth.org/services/infectious-disease/coronavirus/
WXOW – lots of additional links for more information on Covid-19 – wxow.com/2020/02/28/links-coronavirus-resources/
