GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

210 N. Lincoln Street

PO Box 262

ELKHART LAKE WISCONSIN 53020

Phone 920-876-2341

March 16, 2020

Dear brothers & sisters in Christ,

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
-- Philippians 4:6

     When much of what we hear serves to produce and increase anxiety, let Paul’s words be a reminder of the truth that God hears the prayers of his people, in every situation, including this one. Let us also pray, for health and healing, for safety, for wisdom, and peace.

     I write this to bring you words of encouragement and bring to your attention some temporary changes here at Grace in scheduling and practice.

     These are trying days. We endure and witness the sinful parts of our human nature manifesting themselves in greed, hoarding, selfishness, and the like.

     Yet, we also witness brothers and sister in Christ, displaying selfless acts of Christian love and compassion seeking out ways to assist the ailing while risking their own health and well-being. All this done out of thankfulness to Christ Jesus their Savior.

     Ups and downs, good days and bad days, joys and sorrows are always a part of life and ministry as a child of God. We give thanks to God for His promise that the "gates of hell" cannot prevail against His church whose foundation is in Jesus Christ alone.

     As you continue to balance your faith life between being thoughtful of those whose are at risk of illness and maintaining your attention to your own spiritual relationship with Jesus; I pray that the Holy Spirit would grant you discernment and wisdom as you serve in light of the coronavirus.

     Remember that ministry takes place through us, not because of us. It is by His work that ministry carries the messages of Law & Gospel to all who are in need of its healing message of Jesus crucified and risen.

     As a congregation, we are making some temporary adjustments as we balance “Love your neighbor as yourself,” (Matthew 22:39b) with our objective “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,” (Ephesians 4:12).

     I have enclosed an insert describing some of the temporary changes we have made in our scheduling and practices. Prayers for God's love, strength and peace in your life (and adjustments) as the Lord has so blessed you; in Jesus our Savior.

Shalom in Jesus our Risen Messiah,

Rev. Peter M. Peitsch, Pastor

Grace Lutheran Church—Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

and Church Council

Enclosure: “Temporary Ministry Modifications – March 2020”