Mt. Calvary To Reopen

Dear fellow members in Christ,

​As we contemplate the return of the gathered saints from pandemic exile, it is good to consider a Biblical precedent.

Looking forward to returning to our beautiful church we should consider the story of Nehemiah’s return from the Babylonian Exile in order to rebuild the breached wall of Jerusalem. Recently Rev. Dr. Robert Kasper, Assistant to Michigan District President Rev. David Maier, penned the thoughts from Nehemiah shared below:

​Nehemiah experienced the following:

1. He got permission from the king and received right of passage and provisions for the work (Neh. 2:4–9).
2. He made a personal evaluation of the situation (context) with a small group of advisors (Neh. 2:11–18).
3. He divided up the work among several team leaders (Neh. 3).
4. He encouraged the many joining in the effort to stand strong against opposition (Neh. 4 and 6).
5. He directed ministry to meet the needs of those in the community who were suffering want (Neh. 5).
6. He kept track of people and accounted for them because people are really important to God (Neh. 7).
7. He arranged for God’s Word to be proclaimed that led to repentance and renewal and a celebration that is described in this way: “The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away” (Neh. 8–12; see esp. 12:43).
8. He instituted some lasting reforms … some things would not go back the way they were (Neh. 13).

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Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church will re-open for public worship beginning Sunday, June 21, 2020. We will host one service at 9:00 a.m. under the following safety protocol measures:

1. We will encourage the sick, compromised, and even those who are yet uncomfortable to stay home.
   
2. We will continue to provide electronic service.
   
3. We will encourage social distancing as best we can.  This means sitting in every other row of pews and staying six feet apart in the same pew unless parties are living in the same household.
   
4. We encourage the use of masks.  When available, we will provide masks for those wanting one.
   
5. We will suspend the receiving line until such time as it is deemed safe.  
   
6. We will wipe down pew tops, doors, rails etc. after each service.
   
7. We will provide hand sanitizing stations at the two main entry points. (Main Front & Rear Parking Lot Entrances)
   
8. We will not host the choir until such time as this practice is deemed safe.
   
9. We will ensure that all doors leading to the sanctuary are open (touch less entry).
   
10. We will arrange bulletins on tables in the hall and narthex in such a manner that congregants may pick-up their own bulletin without contacting others (touch less worship).
    
11. We ask that offering envelopes be placed in the receptacle near the side entry to the sanctuary and in the narthex. If you need an envelope for your offering one will available on the tables near the offering receptacle.  On-line giving options will continue to be available.
    
12. We will not host any Sunday morning Bible study.  We will continue to host the Wednesday evening Bible study via Zoom.
    
13. We will not host any donut/coffee fellowship following our service.
    
14. At the conclusion of our service, we request you exit the Church and the building in an orderly manner following safe social distancing practices.
    
15. Communion:
    
    1. Communion will be prepared following CDC guidelines.
       
    2. An opening “Take Eat” and “Take Drink” will be offered.  The Pastor will not speak during the distribution.
       
    3. The servers will hand sanitize and utilize masks.
       
    4. We will not offer the common cup until further notice.
       
    5. Communion will take place in a modified, socially distanced, continuous line utilizing the center aisle. (Similar to the receiving of the ash cross at the Ash Wednesday Service)
       
    6. The host will be placed into your hand, not directly into your mouth.Where there is incidental hand contact the Pastor will use hand sanitizer before continuing.      
       
    7. The Elder will peel back a plastic covering from a partially stocked tray to reveal an individual cup for your use.
       
    8. A basket will be provided to Drop the used individual cup into a basket for touchless disposal.

​May the Lord bless our ongoing efforts to both feed and protect the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand!