UPDATE---- May 24, 2020

Will this Memorial Day be different?  At the time of this writing, McEwan Street in Clare is quite active and traffic flowed from US-127 and into Harrison.  I imagine most are trying to escape health stress, political news, strained relationships and tense conversations, changes in work, and reminders that life is not normal.
Life is not normal— at least, not the way we wish.  The Bible makes clear that sin has unleashed its horrible devastation.  The Bible also makes clear that trips up north and time in the quiet is not the antidote to sin.  That’s why Jesus invites you (and me) to find rest in him.  Listen to his pardon for nagging guilt.  Hear him forgive harsh arguments, shameful behavior, and failed self-reliance.  Make use of his invitation to cast all anxiety on him and approach him in prayer.  True rest will never be found in earthly things.  True rest is found in the King of all things.  His Word provides rest now and will forever.
[Jesus said:] Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest  (Matthew 11:28).
 
PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE UPDATE AS SOME INFORMATION HAS CHANGED.
As it stands, we plan resuming worship Sunday, June 7th, at the normal worship times. Your congregation has in place a set of guidelines that will be used when worship resumes.  Governor Whitmer’s ‘stay-home’ order is set to expire this Friday, May 28th.  Naturally, we do not know exactly what to expect, but we remain confident that our plans will be able to remain in place.  The next letter will provide receive clear, definite instructions regarding worship.  Thank you for your patience.
 
Until then, worship materials remain available in one of several formats:
 

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.com.  Near the top of the website is the button ‘Watch Today’s Service.’  Click it.  You will reach the appropriate materials.

 

1. 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.

The Facebook page also shares devotional materials, congregational news, and general announcements.  You may wish to ‘tune in’ often in order to stay up-to-date and share what you find.
** 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 remains 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, 2020-77, pt. 16.)  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.
 
Last week, we sent out 252 fabric facemasks to our friends in the metro Detroit area.  (Be assured, this did not take away from serving the needs of our local community.)  This generosity helped those who live in the ‘hotspots’ of covid-19, and provided a strong example of Christian love to those who need to know Christ.  We are still collecting masks.  If you desire, you may contact Pastor to arrange a drop off.
 
The current set of Meditations devotionals is set to expire May 31st.  New copies are available at each church for pickup.  They will also be distributed upon reopening the church.
 
Finally, please contact the church office should you have difficulty picking up essentials or are experiencing hardship.  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.
 
God continue to provide you with spiritual and mental strength as you live by his promises.
 
Your friend,
Rev. Andrew G. Ewald