May 20, 2021

My dear people of Grace,

O sing to the Lord a new song, for God has done marvelous things! God has remembered God’s steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel.     Psalm 98   

As we are in the dawning days of another warm summer here in Lakeland, we may be feeling a bit lighter as we see things improving in our community in terms of the covid-19 pandemic. The number of new cases is declining as is the number of hospitalizations and deaths. Approximately one-third of our population has received at least one shot of the vaccine. And, we may be enjoying the experience of walking outside without a mask. Important things for which we are grateful.

At our most recent Council meeting and also the Finance Committee meeting, we saw a number of positive things that I would like to share with you. Our year-to-date finance numbers are quite encouraging. While we are in a deficit situation, it is not beyond that which was budgeted. In fact, because of our approved application for PPP funds, our deficit of $6300 is approximately $10,000 less than what was expected. Our “offerings of record” is only about 4% less than what was budgeted. Given that we did not meet in person for worship or other gatherings for over a year, our financial condition is a testament to your faithfulness and generosity. Thank you very much.

We also considered the number of ways that Grace has “shared God’s love with one another, our community and our world.” Our regular pattern of collecting and delivering goods for local organizations such as the SPCA, VISTE, Talbot House and others has continued in robust fashion. This truly is a way in which we share God’s love. “As you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me, “said Jesus. We have continued our participation with our Lutheran partners around the world as we have given to Lutheran Disaster Response, Lutheran World Relief and the ELCA. In fact, because of your generosity, we have enough funds to provide a small farm to a family living in hunger and poverty. The farm includes a cow, a couple of goats, a dozen chicks, two pigs, farming tools, seeds and agricultural training. Life-changing. During this time of pandemic, some have experienced heightened loneliness and isolation. Here at Grace, people have been intentional about being in touch with one another to help lessen the sadness that comes from being separated from each other. In all of these things, God’s love and grace has been shared and experienced. Thank you.

Earlier this week, Council received the recommendations of the Covid Response Task Force and approved some adjustments to our Sunday morning worship which will continue in-person as well as live streamed at 10:00am. Please note the following:

  • Advance reservations will no longer be required, though people are asked to sign in at the door so that we can contact you should a case of Covid be found in our midst.
  • As summer temperatures are rising and since we are having only one service, we will close the exterior sanctuary doors at 9:30.
  • In keeping with CDC guidelines, safe distancing will be reduced from 6’ to 3’ and we will continue seating in every other pew.
  • Masks will continue to be worn.
  • The last hymn of the service will be sung by the congregation.

We realize that some may not agree with one or more of these decisions. Please be assured that the Task Force and your Council considered the current statistical trends in Polk County, the recommendations of the CDC, the guidelines and counsel of various religious organizations and leaders, and most importantly, the need to seek the most loving way forward for the most vulnerable among us. 

As we look ahead, there are many opportunities for engagement and renewal – regular worship, centering prayer, and vitality training among them. Other activities are planned for the coming weeks. Please find a way to deepen your connection with our community of faith and each other. As always, I welcome the opportunity to have some time of spiritual or pastoral conversation with you as we grow in our relationship with Jesus.

                                                    In Christ’s love,

                                                    Pastor Pam