New ways to stay the church!

Our staff met today to come up with some incredible ideas to keep us moving forward and supporting each other during these trying times.  Some of the things we came up with are:
 
+ Brand new LIVE stream worship at 9 a.m. - The worship team and A/V team are working together to develop a 30 minute live service featuring scripture, a contextual sermon, live music, and up-to-the-minute prayers.  After the service you can visit the “virtual narthex” to chat with our pastors (just eat your own donut holes at home).
 
+ Prayer on the 9s - Michael had a great idea to call the congregation to prayer at 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily.  Pr. Craig will schedule two simple daily prayer prompts using the prayer petitions from our the prayers of intercession or current events (i.e. for strength for hospital workers, etc.)
 
+ Light for Day Daily Videos - Pr. Steve had the great idea for the pastors to post short messages of inspiration daily to Facebook and YouTube accessible on the front page of our website.  They are already drawing a thousand viewers and new subscribers daily.
 
+ Live Healing Prayer - Joel gave us a great idea to hold a real time online prayer session for healing of all kinds.  Twice a week at 12:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday you can join us on Facebook to type the name of a person, situation, or place in our world in need of prayer. Our pastors will speak them aloud saying “Be not afraid,” and we will all collectively respond by typing, “God is with you.”
 
+ Children’s Chats Online - Marissa has the awesome idea to read aloud a book with our kids and their families at 1 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays on Facebook.  Kids and their parents can comment in this fun interactive break in the day!
 
+ Radio Worship - We expect a great deal many new listeners to our beautiful full worship broadcast at 8:30 am every Sunday on KMRY Radio at 93.1 FM and 1450 AM.
 
+ Phone Tree - Pr. Craig is looking for volunteers to help keep our congregation members connected to each other and to the pastors during this time of crisis.  We’re asking for volunteers to each call the same 10 families (especially our elderly) once a week while we are apart.  The callers will relay any health concerns or general needs back to the pastors.
 
+ We are hear for you!  We will always make sure we have a pastor in the church office every day during the week and our sanctuary will remain open for prayer. If there’s anything we can do for you, do not hesitate to ask.
 
Look for more information coming as things develop!

​Peace be with you,
First Lutheran Staff