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LUTHERAN CHURCH-MISSOURI SYNOD​​​​​

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questions?  Contact

hope ev. lutheran church, lcms

click here >>

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UPDATES FROM PASTOR MEYER

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DAILY

CONNECTIONS

WITH HOPE


Check out Hope's Facebook page, 

YouTube Channel and links below:



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       hope youtube >>

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​UPDATE, JULY 17, 2020: 

A Message from Pastor Meyer


Greetings in Christ!


On Thursday the governor announced that Delaware County is now under a mask mandate. Because of this, we must now ask everyone attending to wear a mask unless you fall under the government issued exceptions to the mandate. The exceptions are listed below. 

I know that wearing a mask is far less than ideal, but God's Word tells us that we are to be subject to the governing authority (Romans 13). The service will continue to be live-streamed at 11:00 AM as well. 

Please continue to pray for those in authority in the government as they make decisions. 

In Christ, 
Pastor Meyer

Registration for Onsite Sunday Services:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1q3FAKHlwKKe262a7GWPdU-sTf2Z74bRtedPV1_zOX_c/edit?usp=sharing


 
EXCEPTIONS TO THE STATE'S FACE MASK POLICY:

  • Those under the age of 10
  • Those with respiratory conditions that restrict breathing, mental health conditions or disability that suggests a mask should not be worn
  • Those who are communicating with someone with a hearing impairment, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication
  • Those who are alone in an enclosed space, such as an office, which is not intended for use or access by the public
  • Those actively involved in exercise at a gym if 6 feet of separation exists
  • Those participating in athletic practice, scrimmage or competition that is permitted under a different Ohio Department of Health order
  • Those who work in public safety, including law enforcement, firefighters or paramedics
  • When face coverings are in violation of documents industry standards
  • When face coverings are a violation of a business’ document safety policies
  • Those actively participating in broadcast communications
  • Those who officiate religious services


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SMALL GROUP COMMUNION SERVICE ONLY:

In order to serve those who are at higher risk and/or concerned about the safety of gathering for worship, we are going to have small group communion services available as an option. 

If you do not feel safe in coming Sunday morning, please consider coming for a small group communion service. 

At this point the small group communion service will be at 1:00 PM on Mondays, but if you can not make it then, but want to receive Holy Communion, please contact Pastor Meyer so we can work out a plan. 

  • The services will be 10-15 minutes long.
  • We will practice social distancing.
  • If you have a temperature or in any other way do not feel well, please do not come.
  • We will prop open the door so that you don't need to touch anything on the way in.
  • We will use a printed order of service that will be disposed of after the service.
  • Every effort will be made to sanitize the communion ware.
  • We will use communion wafers for the time being.
  • We will use metal folding chairs for this, as they are easily sanitized.
  • We ask families to come together and sit together.
  • Children may absolutely come and receive a blessing.
  • Please include children when signing up. 
  • Try to avoid using the restrooms unless it is absolutely necessary, to minimize the sanitizing that needs to take place between services.
  • Once the services is done, please exit the sanctuary so that sanitizing can take place in preparation for the next group. 
  • Masks will not be required, but you may wear one if you desire. 
  • Please refrain from physical contact with others, including handshakes.


This is, of course, not mandatory. If you don't feel safe in coming, that's okay.

If you have other concerns about how this will happen, please let me know so we can address them. 

Pastor Meyer 
 
Registration for Small Group Communion Services only: 
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_b9rFaXdVSlqxX9HgO7LEkRaQzKM_KMLF97iJbFRrrM/edit?usp=sharing




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UPDATE, MAY 26, 2020

A Message from Pastor Meyer:



Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

It is with great joy that I write to you announcing that we will resume gathering together for worship beginning May 31st!

The elders and I have considered many options for how we can safely gather for worship and here is the plan. As always, the following is subject to change as more information becomes available and circumstances change.  


  • We will have three services: 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 AM

​

  • You must register for the service you would like to attend, as we will have a limited number of seats for each service. The link to register is listed below.


  • The 9:30 service will be a masks required service.


  • The 8:00 and 11:00 services will be masks strongly encouraged services.


  • We will use metal chairs so that we can sanitize them between the services.


  • The chairs will be arranged to allow for the CDC recommended distancing.


  • Please do a temperature check at home and stay home if you have any symptoms of COVID-19.


  • The doors and windows may be open to allow fresh air to flow throughout the service. The AC may or may not be on, so dress accordingly!


  • The distribution of Holy Communion will be continuous flow.


  • Pastor and the assisting elder will wear masks for the distribution.


  • Holy Communion will be distributed at all services.


  • Everything needed for the service will be printed in the bulletin.


  • Bathrooms will be open, but please try to keep from needing to use them in order to minimize the sanitizing needed between services.


  • The front door will be propped open. Please enter and exit through it.


  • Services will continue to be recorded and posted on Facebook and YouTube, so if you aren’t comfortable coming yet, that will continue to be an option for you.


I look forward to praising and praying together with you!

Pastor Meyer



Here is the link for registering to attend a service:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1q3FAKHlwKKe262a7GWPdU-sTf2Z74bRtedPV1_zOX_c/edit?usp=sharing
 

Conversation w/a Missionary:

Join us tonight at 7 PM on Facebook Live for a conversation with Missionary Rev. Micah Wildauer on how Pentecost, the Lutheran Confessions, and missions are intertwined. 

Ecclesiastes study:

Join us Wednesday at 7 PM for a study of Ecclesiastes, a time of prayer and encouragement with your church family via Zoom.

Here's the link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/72965633536

Daily Video Devotions:

During this time Pastor Meyer is putting video devotions on Facebook and YouTube every weekday! Hope's YouTube videos - click here >>


Recommended Resources:
https://www.hopelutheransunbury.org/resources.htm

Offerings can be mailed to:
Hope Lutheran Church
PO Box 255
Sunbury OH 43074

Online giving is now available HERE >>

Do you need help getting groceries, picking up medications, or with something else? Please let Pastor Meyer know! Contact Page >>



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UPDATE, MAY 13, 2020​

A Message from Pastor Meyer

Brother's and sisters in Christ, 


In the early days of this pandemic we were asked to make sacrifices for the sake of our neighbors. We have done so and will continue to do so.
However, having to go without the Lord's Supper is not something we think should continue to be a part of that sacrifice.
Therefore, we will again have services of Holy Communion for small groups (10 or fewer) this Sunday. 

If you registered and communed this past Sunday, you still need to register again for this Sunday! 
Our procedures will continue to change based as we seek to do the best we can to serve the congregation while keeping everyone safe. 

We are designating some of the service times as masks required and others masks will be optional, but encouraged.  This is to protect those who are most vulnerable to the virus, including the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. For the masks required services, I will wear a mask as well. 


  • The services will be 10-15 minutes long.
  • We will practice social distancing.
  • If you have a temperature or in any other way do not feel well, please do not come.
  • We will prop open the door so that you don't need to touch anything on the way in.
  • We will use a printed order of service that will be disposed of after the service.
  • Every effort will be made to sanitize the communion ware.
  • We will use communion wafers for the time being.
  • We will use metal folding chairs for this, as they are easily sanitized.
  • We ask families to come together and sit together.
  • Children may absolutely come and receive a blessing.
  • Please include children when signing up. 
  • Online worship will continue, with pre-recorded services. 
  • Try to avoid using the restrooms unless it is absolutely necessary, to minimize the sanitizing that needs to take place between services.
  • Once the services is done, please exit the sanctuary so that sanitizing can take place in preparation for the next group. 
  • Masks will not be required, but you may wear one if you desire. 
  • Please refrain from physical contact with others, including handshakes.


This is, of course, not mandatory. If you don't feel safe in coming, that's okay.

If you have other concerns about how this will happen, please let me know so we can address them. 

I look forward to celebrating the Lord's Supper with you soon!
I greatly desire to gather with all of you for worship again soon!
Please let me know if there is anything more I can do for you. 

Pastor Meyer 



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UPDATE, MARCH 17:


Friends in Christ, 

Acting upon the advice from the White House and recommendations from the CDC, the Elders and I have decided to suspend allworship services at Hope Lutheran Church for the next three Wednesdays (March 18, 25, and April 1)  and the next two Sundays (March 22and 29). The Elders and I will discuss the situation on March 30 and determine whether to extend or lift the suspension.

During the suspension, we will provideonline devotional videos each weekday and each Sunday, beginning this Sunday, on Hope's Facebook page. Please check the Facebook page or our website for updates. If you don't have good internet access, please let me know and we can make arrangements for you to join a household that does.

None of this is ideal, but we are going to try our best to bring God's Word to you throughout this time and, of course, when it is over as well. 

If you are in need of immediate pastoral care please contact me. If you need help getting food or medicine, we have a whole bunch of members ready and willing to jump in and help. Simply let me know and we'll get you the help that you need. 

You are all in my prayers. I ask that you pray for our federal, state, and local governments and health officials that they may do what is best for all of us.

In closing, here are words from Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

The Lord be with you, protect you, and give you peace now and always!

Pastor Meyer 

March 17, 2020



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CANCELLATIONS UPDATE, MARCH 14, 2020:


In seeking to do what is best for the community we are canceling for the time being:


-Sunday School and Confirmation classes
-Soup Suppers
-fellowship refreshments

As things progress with regards to the Coronavirus we will assess when to restart the normal schedule.

We will continue with our normal service schedule, as two services will allow people to spread out.

Please let me know if you have any questions.


God’s blessings!
Pastor Meyer

March 14, 2020


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Pandemic

Procedures 

& ProtocolS ​

for Hope



Out of Christian love for our neighbor (Mark 12:31), especially the elderly, during this time of uncertainty regarding the Coronavirus, the Board of Elders at Hope have decided the following:

All Sunday morning greeters and handshaking in the greeting line have been discontinued until further notice. We also recommend parishioners not shaking hands with each other either.

When a pandemic reaches Delaware County, Knox County, or surrounding counties, be prepared for the possibility of all non-essential church functions being cancelled including Soup Suppers, Living Hope, Anchored Kids, Quilting, home group Bible Studies, and Easter breakfast. Nothing has been canceled yet, but Elders will assess the situation as it develops under the advice of the governing authorities. (Remember that the Government is one of the means by which God protects us. See Rom. 13:1-4.)

Divine Service will continue until the time when a governing authority should tell us to stop assembling for public safety, OR if conditions in Delaware County, Knox County, or surrounding counties warrant a reason for the Board of Elders to cancel worship. However, please know that if you are elderly or have a reason to be concerned that you may be sick or have been exposed to the virus, it is OK to miss Church. Missing Church in these circumstances would not be “neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some” as Hebrews 10:25 warns. You would not be “despising preaching and His Word” (3rd Comm.) It is general practice to let your Pastor or Elders know if you are going to miss or have missed Church for the sake of pastoral care as it is. Please especially let them know in times like these!

As is always the case, all people experiencing flu-like symptoms should stay home. In this case, until we know more information about the virus, if anyone in your house has a fever, please stay home. Please DO NOT send any children to Sunday School if anyone in the house has a fever.

Regarding Holy Communion, there have been studies conducted for over 100 years regarding the transmission of diseases via the Lord’s Supper and there has never been any evidence that showing that there is any more risk in communing than standing in a greeting line. If we have worship, we will also offer the Sacrament in both kinds at Communion services unless a pastor is not there to administer it (see point 4). However, it must be stated, that if your conscience is burdened by the reception of the Sacrament, it is OK to withhold from taking it! We do not want anyone taking it out of fear or coercion, and that applies AT ALL TIMES! Those who continue to commune, however, should take Communion in both kinds, that is, both the body (bread) and blood (wine) of Jesus, as Christ instituted (See Matt. 26:26-27; also Augsburg Confession Art. XXII.)

In the event we cannot safely assemble for worship, sermons and Bible studies will be online. While heads of household are expected to lead worship at home in normal circumstances as Scripture teaches (Deut. 6:6-7, Prov. 22:6, Eph. 6:4) this may become even more important now! As resources for this have been available in the past from Pastor, they will continue to be available. More information will be forthcoming.

All communication will first happen via email blasts, as well as Hope’s Facebook site, and website. If you know of individuals who will not receive these, please contact them to pass along the information.

This is certainly no time to panic. It is precisely times like these when the Church has the opportunity to be a light in the darkness by teaching all the things that Jesus has commanded (Matt. 28:20). It is a great time to show the world how we put our fear, love, and trust in God alone (1st Comm.), and yet also submit to the wisdom of governing authorities when and where it benefits our neighbors. Everything will work out for good (Rom. 8:28). God is in control, and He will continue to provide all that we need in body and soul unto life everlasting as we confess in the Creed. God is with you. Abide in His love!



Pastor Meyer

March 11, 2020


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​BELOW: 

PANDEMIC PROCEDURES

& PROTOCOLS FOR  HOPE​



  • Onsite Seating Registration for @ 8:00, 9:00, 11:00 AM Sunday Services, click here >>​
  • Onsite Seating Registration for Mon. @ 1:00 PM            Small Group Communion Services, for those at higher risk  for Coronavirus complications, click here >>
  • ​Watch Live or Recorded Services, click here  >>

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