The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall.
-Nelson Mandela
As we look ahead to August, we will begin our sixth month of COVID-19 restrictions. It is hard to imagine that after six months, we are still struggling to control this virus. We have learned some things; we know that wearing masks helps to limit the spread, we know we must keep physical distance, we know we must disinfect.
But we do not know when we can safely gather again in our church, for Sunday School or for a fellowship meal? We want to do these things as soon as possible, but we want to protect our health and stop any community spread from occurring at our church.
Because of these real concerns, we will not be starting up our educational programs in August. We will delay any restart until October. At that time our COVID-19 Safety Task Force will advise us on best practices.
We will be looking at ways to have some educational programs by Zoom, or Google Meeting. We will continue to work with the YMCA as they develop and programs for students needing supervision for working parents. At this time we do not have details on what the fall YMCA programs will be at St. Luke.
Sunday Worship will continue to be provided on our church web site, stlukememphis.org. We have been prerecording the service, and uploading the video to our church website, usually by Saturday evening. We are currently having in person worship at 8 and 10 am in our church sanctuary. We ask all attending in person to wear a mask and to physically distance from other worshipers. We are currently offering Service of the Word.
These are difficult times. We are all being asked to make changes and sacrifices. As people of faith, we believe God is with us today, in this time. We are most grateful for your support and prayers.
One fine day, we will gather again as the people of God, until then, you are loved and you are missed,
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Cliff