Important notice regarding service

Greetings to you all on this Saturday afternoon.  The council has voted to close the church until April 5th (Palm Sunday).  There will be no midweek services as well.   We do this to help those who are vulnerable and those who are on the run and all of our brothers and sisters in Christ.  I will continue to preach each week and video tape it for you and will post it on our facebook page.  We will also have a giving page for you to use for those who do not have automatic giving.  But first and foremost we need you to be safe and healthy.  We have formed a care team at this moment who will meet on Sunday to discuss helping our congregation and neighbors.  We will be phone calling all of you to check in to see how you are doing and if we can help get groceries, medicines or just talk or pray with you.  We want and need you to be as healthy as you can be and we give thanks to God for the gifts of so many who can help.  Our church is also listed on the community help page and the 211 assistance program.  We will continue to love our brothers and sisters and work together to share peace, grace and healing.
In Christ, Pastor Sherry McGuffin
 
 And a letter from our President, Sommer Poquette :
Cross of Christ Lutheran Church of Petoskey, Michigan Church council has decided with a  majority vote that our in-person church service and meetings will be cancelled until April 5, 2020.  The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Interim recommendations for COVID-19 Community Mitigation Strategies which says to cancel gatherings of more than 10 people if we serve a high-risk population which we do. 
 
Let’s lead with grace and stay calm.  This could very well strengthen our church community, if we communicate well and can be a pillar for those who are scared, suffering, and need the church and our support more than ever to get through some potentially tough times.  Empowered by the grace of God to Love, Lead and Serve. 
 
As Church , we should encourage our community and members to

1. If you are financially secure, keep the economy moving and spend money, shop local, order from local restaurants for takeout.
2. If life has been good to you, pay it back, help a friend or neighbor that is not financially secure cover rent or food; cash is going to be very tight for hourly workers especially those with children
3. Help friends and family to make sure childcare is covered.
4. If there is a way to help, help but put on your own oxygen mask first.  You can’t help others if you are sick.
5. If possible, get fresh air, sunshine nd take a walk.  This will help with your mind, body, health and mood.
6. Don’t share articles or information that you have not vetted.  It is not helpful to spread misinformation and cause unnecessary anxiety and fear right now.  Be mindful of your sources.  The local hospital and health department are great sources to follow.  McLaren is offering Coronovirus screening on the McLarenNow telehealth site to help protect you and reduce the spread of infection.  To access McLarenNow, visit www.mclaren. org and click “Virtual Care.” The cost is $29.  McLaren Northern Michigan COVID-19 hotline wihich is free is 231-487-5550