In the June/July issue of Living Lutheran, in an article titled The Church is Always Open,  the magazine’s editors lay out a long list of congregations and ways that each is finding new and different ways to meet the challenges of being church when the old ways are at least temporarily non-viable. Some congregation’s have outdoor services with members staying in their cars; many – like St. Matthew’s New Life- have turned to virtual worship and on-line resources. Whatever the method, the point is the same- to be Christ’s presence in the midst of unrest and life-changing changes.

Because of the increasing numbers of COVID cases in Florida and Duval County – and in order to show care and concern for each other, the council has decided to delay reopening worship in the chapel. We have not set a definite date as we will continue to watch the numbers and heed the advice of the CDC, local health agencies, the Synod staff as well as the ELCA guidelines.

The lessons this week focus on God’s word as effective and powerful. Send our link to our Virtual Worship to a friend or loved one as we share the peace. God promises his word will never return empty.