03-15-2020 Announcements

IN YOUR PRAYERS:  Pray this week for; Those who are recovering from surgery, hospitalization, or sudden illnesses (Alice) and for those being treated for long term health issues or mobility issues (Orville, Connie, Bernice, Lavonne, Lorna, Melton, Millie, Ruth, Marlene, Norby, Wyona, Lucille, Bernita, Eldora*, Darlene, Harvey, Marvin, Susan, Myron, Brandon* Sharon), all residents of facilities being shut down and kept from family members.  *=non member

 

Keep on doing this. When Jesus said, “Do this”, in giving the Lord’s Supper, He used a verb form which means, “Keep on doing this”, or, “Do it again and again!”. As we keep on doing what He has here commanded us to do, we also want to keep on witnessing to the truth of His Word.  For this reason, the churches of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod promise to follow the historical Biblical practice of closed communion. Guests who desire to commune are kindly asked to speak with the Pastor before partaking, or cross their arms across the chest at the rail to receive a blessing

MENTOR/MENTEE group will be meeting on Sunday, March 22 with Dustin and Daniel hosting.

 

The MELCHER / DEWALD SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE has begun accepting applications for its 2020 awards. Eligible applicants are members of St. Paul Lutheran Church who are either high school seniors or college students. Anyone who desires an application may pick one up from the bulletin board at church or contact Joan Dreessen or Karen Pidde. Completed forms may be returned to Joan or Karen on or before April 12, 2020.

WHAT IS THE JOYFUL RESPONSE PROGRAM?  St. Paul Lutheran has been set up to accept bank transfers as a new option to writing checks or cash for offering donations.  You may set up your automatic donation in any amount and any time frame you choose (weekly, monthly, twice monthly, every other month, yearly).  The offering would then be automatically deducted from your bank account and transferred electronically to the Church account. Forms are available in the Fellowship Hall and on the bulletin board.  Please return the form to one of the Finance Officers:  Penny Saarie, Vicky Huber, Joni Knittel, or Treasuer Sharon Pfeiffer.  Please contact Penny Saarie 351-7848 with any questions.

COVID 19. With the lock down of the health facilities in town, I wanted to let you know what steps that are taken here at St. Paul Lutheran when handling the elements of the Lord's Supper to reduce transmission of pathogens (like the flu) and for those with gluten intolerance. Note that His body and blood (which gives you life) is never bad for you, but we do take precautions with the bread and wine (which remains). These steps are on the back of the bulletin insert this morning. As far as other things you can do to reduce catching the flu or other communicable diseases, see advice from health officials, but I pray this gives you comfort so you may not fear the blessed life-giving Sacrament of the Altar. These are our practices year round, not just during the flu season or pandemics. We are staying abreast of the situation and if we need to make changes due to the Covid 19, we'll keep you updated, but for now...fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.(Isaiah 41:10) - Pastor

Handling of the elements of the Lord's Supper:

When preparing the bread and wine before services, the Elders wash their hands beforehand (and use sterile gloves when handling the reduced gluten wafers which are placed in a separate container). The Pastor washes his hands before services and uses a hand sanitizer before the Sacrament of the Altar. After consecration, only the Pastor handles the elements directly.

You may notice that when I take a host from the Paten, I pause. This is to look and see if you are receiving it by mouth, or by hand. When receiving the host in the hand, I ask that you place one hand in the other, palm up, and fingers flat and closed (St. Tertullian says; like a throne) so I know your intention. Once I place the host in your hand, move your hand to your mouth to receive it (without touching it with your fingers). When receiving the host on the tongue, please lean the head back slightly, open the mouth, and put the tongue out far enough so I may lay it on the tongue without fumbling.

With the blood, the elders hold the tray with the individual cups by the tray sides and you remove the cup from the tray (unless you request the pastor to do it for you). Try to touch only one please. The pastor handles the chalice. Before consecration, I have cleaned the entire rim of the chalice with a purificator cloth dipped with wine. During distribution, The chalice is wiped with a dry purificator cloth after someone drinks and rotated to a new spot on the chalice for the next person. I can pour, or you can assist by grabbing the bottom of the chalice and helping tip it. Once the table has been dismissed, I again, clean around the entire rim of the chalice with the first purificator cloth. It is suggested that those with gluten issues should use the gold/silver lined chalice, as the rim is never touched with bare hands and is therefore more likely to be uncontaminated by contact with gluten (unlike the small plastic individual cups that are literally handled by touching the rim).- Pastor

What is the Sacrament of the Altar? It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which we Christians are commanded by the Word of Christ to eat and drink...for on this account He bids me eat and drink, that it may be my own and benefit me, as a pure pledge and token, yea, the very  same treasure that is appointed for me against my sins, death, and every calamity. (LC, Sacrament of the Altar, 8, 20, emphasis mine).