UPDATE-- April 26, 2020

Christ is risen, risen indeed!
 

What good news that sets a clear perspective!  At the time of this writing, you have ‘stayed home’ (or had restricted travels) for five weeks.  Your stress might have risen at alarming news, but has now since calmed.  At the moment you may feel a little depressed staying away from children and grandchildren, friends and neighbors.  And the anticipation that the order will be extended does not help.
It is frustrating.  It is a little depressing.  It does not feel good.  Remember: Jesus lives— just as promised.  Which means, he keeps promises.  He keeps the promise to strengthen you with his Word.  He keeps his promise to hear and answer your prayers.  He keeps his promise to bless you with patience, mental strength, and peace.  When exasperated, take him up on those promises.  Go to him in prayer.  Memorize and recall his Word meant for you, for a moment like this.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).
 
PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE UPDATE AS SOME INFORMATION HAS CHANGED.
Once again, April 30th will address Governor Whitmer’s ‘Stay-at-Home’ order.  While we fully expect it to be extended, there remains a possibility certain organizations might open.  Again, when the order is lifted, you will receive instructions regarding worship.  Until that time, we will worship remotely.

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 is 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  He will be at Faith Harrison Wednesday 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.
 
Please contact the church office should you have difficulty picking up essentials.  We will do our best in meeting reasonable requests.  Also, fabric facemasks have been donated to the church by Jim, Ann, and Betty Schaeffer.  If you have need of one, please reach out. We will make sure to get one to you.
 
Your thank-offerings are still being received and deposited (when a sizeable deposit can be made).  At present offerings are below our weekly needs (hovering around 70% of budgeted needs), but we thank God that our ministry has not fallen into dire financial straits.  Our financial outlook remains positive.  That means, you (and I) are still able to consider in our hearts what God has given us and what amount we may return to God (2 Corinthians 9:7).  In this way we demonstrate love for God (as we treasure his Word over wealth) and demonstrate love for his Word in life.  Your financial support enables us to produce and deliver these worship materials for you and your fellow members.  Please remember the  privilege God gives us in supporting a ministry that carries eternal implications.

God’s peace be yours.
 
Your friend,
Rev. Andrew G. Ewald