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Dear Friends in Christ, Due to the Current Outbreak of the Coronavirus

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Dear Friends in Christ, Due to the Current Outbreak of the Coronavirus Dear Friends in Christ, Due to the current outbreak of the Coronavirus, and in an effort to show love to our neighbors and aid in protecting them, Trinity Lutheran is suspending all public activities effective Friday, March 20th. While this is annoying, I would like to share with you part of the Lutheran Confessions – the documents that state what we as Lutherans believe, teach, and confess. In the Smalcald Articles (written by Dr. Luther in 1537) Section 3, Article 4 we confess: We will now return to the Gospel, which not merely in one way gives us counsel and aid against sin; for God is superabundantly rich [and liberal] in His grace [and goodness]. First, through the spoken Word by which the forgiveness of sins is preached [He commands to be preached] in the whole world; which is the peculiar office of the Gospel. Secondly, through Baptism. Thirdly, through the holy Sacrament of the Altar. Fourthly, through the power of the keys, and also through the mutual conversation and consolation of brethren, Matt. 18:20: Where two or three are gathered together, etc. While studies and services are cancelled for a time, God still remains superabundant in love and mercy for you. God wishes you to know that you have the love of Christ Jesus and forgiveness at all times, and so that is given to you in multiple ways. You are and remain baptized, and not even the gates of hell can undo that washing away of sin. Moreover, you are with your own families and friends at home (and via phone and text) – and as the Baptized you each have the wonderful ability to give each other forgiveness, support, and encouragement at this time (the “mutual consolation of the brethren”). Now, as regards the preaching of the Word – Trinity is going to have a normal service broadcast on our Facebook page at all the regular times, which you will be able to watch. I would encourage you all to follow along, and sing along. If you don't have a hymnal at home, please feel free to borrow one from the church for use until things get back to normal. Also, bulletins will are available on-line (https://trinitylutheranherscher.org/weekly-bulletin) and will be updated for each service. In addition, I will be doing a daily devotional starting Monday, March 23rd at 8:30 am on the Church's Facebook page, which you will be able to watch as well. There will be ample opportunity for you to hear the word from a distance this way. As for any other pastoral needs, feel free to contact me via my phone (580-278- 5222) or Facebook message. I will still be able to forgive and give advice as usual. Also, if in the duration you want or desire the Lord's Supper, I reckon that we can arrange for communion on a per-family basis or some such thing. As the government mandates and regulations are fluid, I can't say how this would work precisely, but we will figure something out. However these next few weeks and months go, in Christ Jesus it is all good. You are baptized, redeemed, washed, and forgiven in Christ Jesus, heirs of life everlasting. While this is a new experience for us, it's nothing new at all for our Lord Jesus. Indeed, He has been preparing you precisely for this moment, for you are still His Workmanship, and He has prepared these strange and different good works for you to walk in. The peace of Christ be with you all! Pastor Eric J. Brown .
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