New ministry opportunities

A silver lining of our year of worshiping online and over the phone has been the opportunity to reconnect with folks who were otherwise not able to attend worship in person on a regular basis. Whether on Zoom, over the phone, or through Facebook, we've been able to worship, pray, and hear God's word together, even in the face of illness, scheduling challenges, distance, and accessibility issues. In these times of uncertainty and upheaval, the familiar rhythms of the liturgy and powerful stories of God's faithfulness and presence have comforted and sustained us.

I'm excited to share that soon we'll be able to offer an even more robust online worship experience. With the installation of a livestreaming system that includes two cameras in the balcony and a computer connected to our current sound system, those who are unable to gather in person will soon be able to join our 9am worship service from home or on the road. 

Since our return to in-person worship in mid-June, our current online offering has been a separate service that I've led at 10:30am, sometimes with the assistance of a reader. With our new equipment, however, those worshiping from home will be able to worship alongside the congregation gathered in-person, experiencing with us the gifts of our talented musicians and readers, as well as special occasions like baptisms. 

We are hoping to install the new system over the next month. In choosing equipment to do this well, our goal has been to balance production quality and good stewardship. The system we have put together with the help of Nathan Ivey (a friend of the congregation, who has been instrumental in running his Pittsburgh congregation's online worship) is simple enough to be run by one volunteer each week, and will provide a close-up view of the pulpit, lectern, altar, and chancel from cameras installed in the balcony.

Your support in this endeavor is greatly appreciated. We welcome your financial contributions to offset the cost of cameras, computer, cables, and other equipment, which will total no more than $5,000. We also encourage you to consider serving as a tech volunteer on Sunday mornings. Donations can be marked with "technology" on your check or offering envelope or given online here (choose "Livestream Equipment" from the drop-down menu). More information about equipment installation and training for our tech crew is forthcoming. I am so excited to expand our mission and ministry in this way, as we continue to share the good news of God's love and grace!

With hope,
Pastor Kerri 

Bonus Resources: 

• This moving piece by Deanna Thompson, about the power of online worship and the "virtual body of Christ".
• The news coming out of Afghanistan this week has been heartbreaking. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (LIRS) is hard at work to help our Afghan allies, who served alongside US troops, diplomats, and other government employees. To find out more, or make a donation to this work, visit their website.

• Thank you for continuing to wear a mask over your mouth and nose while inside the building on Sundays, regardless of vaccination status. Our decision to continue wearing masks is a way of showing care and hospitality to everyone who wishes to come to worship, including children and others unable to be vaccinated.
• Be mindful of distancing when selecting your seat and communing at the altar rail. 
• Windows in the sanctuary will remain open for ventilation and air exchange.
• We are delighted to be singing together as a congregation once again. Feel free to sing from the hymnal or from the lyrics printed in the bulletin.

Back-to-School Clothing Giveaway

• Discussion of the current worship restrictions: we will continue to require masks in worship, continue to keep the A/C running as well as have the windows open for greater ventilation, and will return some hymnals to the pews. Restrictions will be re-evaluated at each regular meeting.
• Decision to purchase livestreaming equipment for the sanctuary, not to exceed $5,000, and to invite donations to defray the cost.
• Update on Property Committee issues, including initial discussion about replacing the light fixtures in the Sunday School room downstairs (most are burned out or damaged), a renewed push to solicit bids for repairing the front steps, and the decision to begin planned updates to the upstairs restroom.
• Donations to the SWPA Synod Madagascar Relief Fund ($50) and the Wesley Health Center Flu Shot Initiative ($160 for one vial of 10 shots).

Daily Bible Readings