Practicing Faith in Uncertain Times

In these challenging days, and every day, remember that in the waters of Holy Baptism our loving God names you “beloved.”

MARKED with the cross of Christ forever,
we are claimed, gathered, and sent for the sake of the world.

CLAIMED by God's grace for the sake of the world,
we are a new creation through God's living word by the power of the Holy Spirit;

GATHERED by God's grace for the sake of the world,
we will live among God's faithful people
hear the word of God and share in the Lord's supper;

SENT by God's grace for the sake of the world, we will
proclaim the good news of God in word and deed
serve all people, following the example of Jesus
strive for justice and peace in all the earth.

In these days when we cannot gather for worship in the same space and when we cannot meet at God’s table of grace, let us remember that we are children of God. That in our baptism God has claimed us. That in our baptism we are marked with the cross of Christ. That by our baptism we belong to God forever – no matter what! In good days, in times of joy and celebration, and most certainly in days filled with fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. Always, we are God’s beloved child, held in God’s love, mercy and forgiveness

In the weeks ahead many of us will not gather for worship in the familiar spaces with other – in these days let us remember our baptism and give thanks for God’s promises in water and word.

Dipping your finger in water, trace the cross on your forehead and pray these words:

We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters and by your Word you created the world, calling forth life in which you took delight.

Through the waters of the flood your delivered Noah and his family. Through the sea, you led your people Israel from slavery into freedom. At the river, your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit.

By water and your Word, you claim us as daughters and sons, making us heirs of your promise and servants of all.

We praise you for the gift of water that sustains life, and above all we praise you for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ. Shower us with your Spirit, and renew our lives with your forgiveness, grace, and love.

To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Lorna
The Rev. Lorna H. Halaas
Bishop
Western Iowa Synod, ELCA

2020 Western Iowa Synod Assembly has been cancelled.
At this time, we are postponing the Gala

with hope to hold it in the fall.
Refunds will be made after April 15, 2020.
If you have registered for the May 2020 Assembly,

note that you have a few options:

1. Request a full refund.

2. Ask for it to be transferred to mission support.

3. Apply your registration to the assembly offering. Igumbilo Lutheran Girls Secondary School of the Southern Diocese of Tanzania and The Transportation for all Western Iowa Synod Youth attending the ELCA National Youth Gathering the summer of 2021.

Please send your request to kay.broich@wisynod.org by April 1, 2020.

A NOTE FROM PORTICO - ELCA PRIMARY HEALTH BENEFITS

As we feel the evolving impact of COVID-19 on our lives and communities, Portico is here to support you. The health and well-being of our members is paramount. We encourage you to use your ELCA-Primary health benefits to help you and your covered family members stay well — physically as well as emotionally.

Use this link to the ELCA Resource for guidance to our faith community: https://www.elca.org/ public health.
You can always reach out to the Portico Customer Care Center, 800-352-2876
Regional Representative, Jennifer Prinz – jprinz@porticobenefts.org or call 563-650-4122.

WORSHIP, PRAYERS, AND PLANNING

Worship in Times of Public Health Concerns ENGLISH SPANISH

VIRTUAL WORSHIP
In cases of virtual worship gatherings online, the sacrament of Holy Communion is not to be celebrated. "The Use of the Means of Grace" reminds us that Holy Communion takes place in the assembly (Principle 39).

"Even in times when a community cannot gather to share the sacrament, Jesus shows up, and we are still part of the body of Christ. Consider how to honor the body of Christ in your virtual community." (ELCA statement on worship/communion)
How to Stream Your Worship Service — A starter guide
Intercessory Prayers in the midst of the spread of COVID-19 from the Lutheran World Federation-ENGLISH SPANISH

In these times when gathering for communion is not feasible, living our baptism becomes even more important. Faith Practices – Living Our Baptism initiative of the ELCA urges members of this church to "put their faith into practice" by living out the promises contained in the liturgy for the Affirmation of Baptism. These ELCA's Faith Practices for Congregations and Synods are excellent resources.
A Family Devotional

COPYRIGHT INFO

Remember to include info on copyright if you are streaming worship in whatever format.

From March 15 through May 31, 2020, Augsburg Fortress is temporarily expanding permission for all ELCA and ELCIC congregations and worshiping communities to include Augsburg Fortress administered liturgical text and liturgical music copyrights in a livestream or podcast.

CCLI has also done the same.

OneLicense is offering a free subscription to all congregations who sign up through April 15, 2020.

SERVICE OF THE WORD
Available in the ELW (pg 210) and at Sunday and Seasons.

AT-HOME RESOURCES FOR PRE-SCHOOL - HIGH SCHOOL

With schools closed and students at home, they can keep learning with these online resources:

- Scholastic free learn-from-home site with 20+ days of learning and activities.

- Virtually visit these worldwide museums and galleries

- Brain games by grade level