all church activities canceled in march

Members and Friends of First Lutheran Church
 
For the safety and well-being of the community, all worship and church activities are canceled until we receive word from health and government officials that it is safe to resume.  ​ The sanctuary will remain open for personal prayer. The situation is fluid with recommendations for gathering changing daily, therefore the council and staff will continue to monitor the situation and the guidance of government and health officials. The council and staff will provide updates and keep you informed about when worship and activities will resume.
 
We make this decision as a community of faith that seeks the well-being of all, and this means paying attention to the spiritual and physical health of people. We believe that taking action now as a responsible member of the community can serve to slow the spread of the virus.
 
During this time, we will continue to offer worship by posting on the home page a weekly service of song, scripture, message and prayer. We will continue the radio ministry with worship broadcast at 8:30 am on Sundays on KMRY  93.1FM and 1450 AM.
 
We thank you for your support for the work of Christ through prayer and your regular financial giving.  Your generosity is so important for continuing the congregation’s ministries and sustaining First Lutheran operations. Options for making offerings and giving commitments include:

• Personal checks to First Lutheran Church, 1000 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
• Visit www.firstlutherancr.org and find Simply Giving at the bottom of the page for online giving.

We are taking steps to develop new ways of reaching out and supporting one another during this time. Watch your mailbox, inbox, and First Lutheran social media sites for additional resources and information in the coming weeks. Thank you for keeping in touch with one another and with the church staff to bring your faith and compassion to our community.
 
The Lenten sermon series is “Stories of Restoration,” based on the Gospel of John. We believe that the gospel message of restoration is one we need to hear at this time. We believe God will provide and restore health to our world. As the church and the whole community we will get through this. It will take some time, and so we act patiently with wisdom, faith, and hope each day.
 
God’s Peace and Hope be with you,
Rev. Dr. Steven Knudson
Senior Pastor

Information about ministry offerings effective through March 31st.. This information will be updated regularly and made available on the First Lutheran website as well as social media sites.
 
Worship:

• Special weekly worship service will be posted on the home web page each week.
• You listen on the radio on Sundays at 8:30 a.m. at KMRY 93.1 and 1450 AM.

 
Scripture and Prayer

• We will develop daily devotions and scripture readings to support our Lenten journey. We are developing new ways of posting brief video devotions and staying in touch.
• The church offers the world the gift of prayer. We invite you to pray for one another, for government leaders, for health workers and emergency people in the community, for the well-being of all.

 
Pastoral and Community Care

• During isolating times, it is important for us to keep in touch with one another in appropriate ways, especially through the phone and social media. As the body of Christ, we nurture and encourage one another through prayer and compassion..
• Please contact the pastors if you have any spiritual need. The pastors and the spiritual care ministries of First Lutheran are here to serve.  For care, please call 319-365-1494 and ask for a pastor. We will continue to provide pastoral care and prayer during this time in ways that are appropriate and helpful.

 
Office Hours

• The office will be open regular scheduled times, Monday through Thursday, 8-5 p.m. and Friday, 8-4 p.m.

 
Committees and Outside Groups

• All groups, committees, and gatherings will be canceled through March 31st. Please stay in touch with your group or committee leader for information.
• The building will be closed to all outside groups.
• SEMP will continue to serve meals by providing box meals-to-go on Saturdays for all who come. Ruth Ehrhardt will communicate with serving groups about volunteer needs.