In the name of our blessed Savior Jesus,
We find ourselves in strange times and uncharted waters. Whether we find ourselves among those being paralyzed with fear over the coronavirus information that keeps flooding our way or find ourselves questioning and challenging the level of panic that has been generated by that same reporting, we ought to express the compassion of Christ toward those who do feel threatened and find a way to address those fears with the resources at our disposal.
We do have an age demographic in our congregation that is particularly susceptible to the coronavirus. We do not want to endanger anyone by treating this threat cavalierly. Worship attendance was 50% less than usual over this past weekend. And now the CDC has recommended that all gatherings of 50 or more people be avoided for the next 6 to 8 weeks.
When Martin Luther was dealing with The Black Death plague, he wrote these wise words that can help inform the way we approach things happening in our world right now...
“I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me however I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely as stated above. See this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy and does not tempt God." Luther's Works Volume 43 pg 132 the letter "Whether one may flee from a Deadly Plague" written to Rev. Dr. John Hess
While many still desire to attend regular worship, many others are in need of some alternatives to safeguard their health. No one ought to be judged or criticized for what is a very serious decision that is being made. We will continue to offer regular worship but are considering the offering of individual cups only for the Sacrament. The offering plates may be placed at the back of the church as we do for midweek services. Dr. Carroll has assured me of his good health and of his intention to continue with organ and choir duties. For those who would like to have a worship service they can at least watch on computer, tablet, or television, there are a number of congregations in our district that live stream their services online. These are listed below. A quality program called Worship Anew, produced at our Fort Wayne Seminary is available on television on Sunday mornings. See your television guide for time and channel depending on your provider. We are not equipped at Ebenezer with a strong enough bandwidth to live stream our own service.
For those who cannot come to worship at Ebenezer but would like a copy of the sermon, please contact Pastor Fair at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and an email group will be generated for weekly distribution until the current crisis is over. When everything is changing quickly and the course seems to be uncertain, remember the words of Jesus: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
The peace of Christ be with you all.
Pastor John W. Fair
Ascension Lutheran Church - Charlotte, North Carolina
Lake Norman Lutheran Church - Denver, North Carolina
Messiah Lutheran Church - Wilmington, North Carolina
Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church - Catawba, North Carolina
St. John's Lutheran Church - Conover, North Carolina
St. Paul's Lutheran Church - Norlina, North Carolina
St. Stephens Lutheran Church - Hickory, North Carolina
Fountain of Life Lutheran Church - Kernersville, North Carolina
PRAYER IN RESPONSE TO THE CORONAVIRUS:
God, our peace and our strength, we pray for our nation and the world as we face new uncertainties around coronavirus. Protect the most vulnerable among us, especially all who are currently sick or in isolation. Grant wisdom, patience, and clarity to health care workers, especially as their work caring for others puts them at great risk. Guide us as we consider how best to prepare and respond in our families, congregations, workplaces, and communities. Give us courage to face these days not with fear but with compassion, concern, and acts of service, trusting that you abide with us always, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.