UPDATE-- April 19, 2020

Christ is and remains risen, risen indeed!
 
That good news is not meant for one day, only to be packed up with the rest of the Easter decorations.  That good news applies to life every day, be it April 30th, July 21st, October 11th or January 18th.  The fact that Jesus rose long ago and remains alive means that death will not hold you in the ground.  It means you will see God face to face.  It means your Jesus, once publicly humiliated, is now reigning at the top, governing all things for your good!  The troubles in this life can weigh heavy on our minds and pull our attentions off from this good news.  When you find yourself sitting under a heavy cloud, stop and listen to Jesus teach his disciples the point of his death and resurrection:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
 
PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE UPDATE AS SOME INFORMATION HAS CHANGED.
Nothing has changed in the response of Faith, Harrison, and St. John, Clare, to the current COVID-19 pandemic.  Governor Whitmer’s ‘Stay-at-Home’ order remains in effect until Thursday, April 30th.  Until we receive further guidance, we will still worship remotely.  When the order is finally lifted, you will receive instructions regarding worship opportunities.  Until then, you will continue receiving an abbreviated order of service, a sermon, and a familiar hymn.  You have options as to how you may receive and use these materials:
 

1. Printed material will be made available Fridays after 3:00pm.  PLEASE notify the church office should you need printed copies.  You will either receive one (1) delivered by mail, (2) by picking one up at the St. John church office, (3) electronically through email, or (4) delivered by a councilman.

** PLEASE hang onto your GENERAL DEVOTION handout as we will continue following/reusing this service. You will receive a new hymn each week.
 

1. St. John YouTube channel will also provide the video-recorded Sunday service every Sunday morning (by ~8:00am).

To access the videos follow these steps:

1. Access www.youtube.com
2. Type: ‘St John Lutheran Clare’
3. A circle with the picture of the church will appear in the search results. Click it.
4. Select desired video.

** Thank you to all who have subscribed.  If you have not yet done so, please considering ‘subscribing’ as this makes our content more visible and easier to find.
 

1. St. John & Faith Lutheran website will also provide these videos and materials. Simply type: stjohnclare.org  or  faithlutheranharrison.  Near the top of the website is the button ‘Watch Today’s Service.’  Click it.  You will reach the appropriate materials.
2. St. John Facebook page will provide a link to all these materials.  If you have not done so already, please ‘Like’ the page so that you may receive the most recent notices.

** Consider leaving a ‘welcome’ in the comment section below the video.  In this way, we may interact with one another, even if from a distance.
 
Pastor Ewald still makes himself available by appointment for devotions and private communion in his office during this time of restrictions.  (This type of activity is allowed under the current Executive Order, 2020-42, pt. 13.)  Please call to schedule.  He holds steady office hours (8:00am-5:00pm) at St. John, Clare. PLEASE NOTE: He will be at Faith Harrison Wednesday this THURSDAY afternoon (1:00pm-5:00pm).  He also will try to contact you via telephone, e-mail, Facebook, or text message about every 7-10 days.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to him.
 
Several local grocery stores will take your order, offer payment methods, and arrange home delivery or curbside pick up.  (You may also contact the church office should you have difficulty picking up necessities.  We will do our best in meeting reasonable requests.)
 
CARROW'S SUPERMARKET (FARWELL)
call in order (989-588-2965)
give credit card over the phone
curbside pickup (9a-6p)
Clare County Transit Delivery: (9a-2p)
(orders for same-day delivery made before 1:00p)
STEVE’S COUNTRY MARKET (HARRISON)
call in order (989-539-3110)
give credit card over the phone
curbside pickup (8a-6p)
Clare County Transit Delivery (2p-8p)
(orders for same-day delivery made before 11:00a)

WITBECKS GROCERY (CLARE)
call in order (989-386-7591)
NO credit card over the phone
pay cash or check at curbside
curbside pickup 9a-6p
Clare County Transit Delivery (2p-8p)

Finally, your financial contributions to the ministry of Faith, Harrison, and St. John, Clare, enable us to produce and deliver these worship materials for you.  Our thank-offerings are a form of worship in which we thank God for (1) what he has given us physically and (2) what he gives us spiritually.  Your offerings are much appreciated as they serve my needs, your needs, and the needs of your fellow members.
 
God fill you with the certain peace that flows from the empty tomb.
 
Your friend in Jesus,
Rev. Andrew G. Ewald