Update---- May 3, 2020

Jesus lives!
 
Easter really changed everything.  Women pace towards a tomb fully expecting the sight of death. Disciples huddle together, crushed by the dreadful news of Jesus’ death.  Once again, both groups stared mortality in the face— and death won.
You know the Bible verse. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Death comes to all people because all sinned. Death is a dreadful reminder that something is mortally wrong with us.
Then, Jesus appears.  Not dead, but alive.  As your (and my) Substitute, he lived the life we did not, paid off our death-penalty, and lives again to tell you the good news.  A risen and (still-living) Jesus is proof positive that God accepted Jesus’ life.  A risen and (still-living) Jesus is proof positive that you will not die in hell, but will rise body and soul into heaven.  A risen and (still-living) Jesus is proof positive that you hold victory now.
“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you” (1 Corinthians 15:56-58a).
 
PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE UPDATE AS SOME INFORMATION HAS CHANGED.
Late last week, Governor Whitmer extended her ‘Stay-at-Home’ order until May 15th.  That has brought little change to the way we worship.  In the coming days your church council will begin putting together a set of guidelines (taking into account CDC recommendations) that can be used when worship resumes.  When the order is lifted, you will receive instructions regarding worship. Until that time, worship materials are 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.  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.

** 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, 2020-59, 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.
 
At the close of last month’s congregational budget, all financial obligations were met.  Thank God for supplying all our needs!  And thank God for your faithful giving!  What an awesome delight that God would use us and our financial gifts as tools that allow his Word of life to touch hearts and change lives! (2 Corinthians 8:3-4)  May we always remember this joyful privilege!
 
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.  If you have need of one, please reach out. We will make sure to get one to you.

God give you confidence in the face of death with the victory that is clearly seen in his empty tomb.
 
Your friend,
Rev. Andrew G. Ewald