Dear Parishioners of Immanuel:
Peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus! I am writing this email to give an update regarding Worship Services and all congregational activity during the coronavirus pandemic. I am also writing to encourage you all in the Gospel of our Lord Jesus and direct you to our congregation's communication platforms and devotional resources. Many of you received the phone message on Tuesday, March 17 informing the congregation that all Worship Services and church activities are cancelled through Saturday, April 4. Many of you have also already received a phone call from an elder. The elders and I will continue to monitor the situation and stay informed regarding updated mitigation guidelines and what this might mean for Immanuel and its life together. We will decide in the coming weeks about Holy Week Worship Services beginning Palm Sunday, April 5. During this time, I am available by appointment if any of you need pastoral care or desire to receive the Lord's Supper. Please do not hesitate to contact me, an elder, or the church office via phone or email.
The leadership of Immanuel will attempt to stay in contact with the congregation in the coming weeks through its communication platforms: phone, email, the church website (immanuelleland.com), and its Facebook page (Immanuel Lutheran Church, Leland, MI). Through these various platforms, we will share not only news and updates but also devotional resources and Church Services to encourage you all to be active hearing and reading God's Word together, praying for the needs of all, and singing hymns of the Christian Faith. In addition to Immanuel's upcoming Worship Services that will be shared online, here are a few other suggestions for engaging in God's Word together as a family:
Some of you may have noticed that we have put our large wooden cross in the front lawn, next to the congregation's sign. Some of you may have also noticed that the sign has the following Scripture verse on it: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1). Furthermore, if you are in Leland near the time of our regularly scheduled Worship Services (and at other times), you may hear our church bells ringing. These are uncertain times. In such a time-at all times-we look to our Lord Jesus Christ and the hope He gives in Word and Sacrament. He is "the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). What an opportunity for the church to give witness to the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ for forgiveness, life, and salvation. God's perfect love that drives out all fear (1 John 4:18).
In Christ,
Pastor LaFeve
Contact Pastor at
pastorjoshualafeve@gmail.comor
231-256-9464