From Pastor Pitt
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Your Church Council met this evening and has come up with a plan going forward as we seek to serve you and our community during this unprecedented time.
My responsibility is, with the help of capable Council members, to serve you with the Means of Grace, the gospel in Word and Sacrament. In that regard, we will go forward in the following manner.
On Sunday mornings you will be receiving an email with information directing you to the many live streaming services that are taking place throughout the Synod. We have many churches all over the U.S. that are streaming their entire services live. You will be directed to the church website at ourhopelutheranchurch.org to access these services.
In addition, I will be posting weekly devotions each Wednesday via Facebook live on the church Facebook page. These can be viewed live or will be accessible on this page anytime.
As far as Communion is concerned, I will be available to give anyone the Sacrament when they wish. Please call and we will set up a time.
Again, as I mentioned the Councilmen have divided up responsibilities and you will be receiving more information via email as well as a phone call.
I count it a blessing to be working with the spiritual and capable men that you elected to serve in these positions. They expressed their confidence in their God and reminded us all to remain upbeat and take opportunities to be kind and helpful to everyone in our communities.
Finally and above all, remember that in spite of the seeming troubling news, our gracious God is in control of this situation and all things. We need to simply listen to our God who says: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
As always, if you have questions, email me or call me.
In Christ,
Pastor
From the Council
Members of Our Hope Lutheran Church,
Your church council and Pastor Pitt held an emergency meeting on Tuesday evening. In light of the current situation affecting our community, nation, and the world, we made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend activities at the church. As Pastor Pitt has noted, this includes all worship services, meetings, and any other programs.
However, we will continue to provide for spiritual growth, as stated. Please access our website for links to this content, ourhopelutheranchurch.org.
Sunday school families, every Monday you will receive via email a Bible lesson you can complete with your children. It is a simple lesson you do not have to print to complete, simply scroll through it. If you do not receive your first lesson next Monday then we do not have your email address or we have an incorrect email address. Please send an email to demullingc@gmail.com and we will get you on the distribution list.
Confirmation Classes will continue as scheduled for the time being.
To address the church’s financial matters, we have suspended all non-essential projects at this time. With the church building no longer holding services, the heat will be turned down and electronic equipment will not be used. This will result in cost savings and the church has reserve funds to cover regular expenses.
Although financially the church is in a stable position, during this time, we ask all members to continue with their regular givings. This can be done by dropping off offering envelopes at the church or Pastor’s home. These can also be mailed to the church at:
Our Hope Lutheran Church
240 Chapman Rd.
Chippewa Falls, WI, 54729
Additionally, you also have the option of online offerings that can be scheduled for regular dates or one-time givings. You can access this information at this link: Online Giving
As a church council, we will continue to reassess this ever-changing situation and respond as appropriate. You will be notified of any changes and we ask that you regularly access the church’s web page and Facebook page where this information will be disseminated. If you have any questions or concerns, we ask you to contact us or Pastor through these online sites or at (715) 723-6232.
Also, in this time of need, we ask that you check in on not only elderly or vulnerable members of the church but also those in our community. We as a council and Pastor are offering to deliver food, medications, and supplies to those who are unable to do so for themselves. In this service to others, we can let our light shine and be a Christian example to others. If you are in need yourself, please do not hesitate to ask for help.
Through God all things are possible and we as a council have complete trust in the Lord to guide us through these times.
– Our Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church Council