MenuHoly Cross Update: March 18, 2020
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
Dear Holy Cross Family:
We first pause to offer God our praise and thanksgiving for this new day to rise and give glory to Him. During this time of quick changes we as a community of faith would like to be proactive in taking measures to ensure your safety and well being. We do not forget God among all of this uncertainty but cling to Him for His grace and mercy.
Here are a few updates for you:
Thanks be to God:
We thank God for you, for your prayers, your support and your understanding. This is a unique time and your patience and support is a blessing.
Church Gatherings Postponed or Limited
As citizens of our community, state and nation, Holy Cross will heed the call of our leaders who ask for no more than 10 persons to be in a group gathering.
At a time of global and national crisis it is within the scope of the governing authorities, as God has established them, to enact the current restrictions. It is clear that these restrictions are not targeted at the Church as an attempt to curtail the Gospel – in which case we would be in duty bound to resist them. Rather, gatherings are being restricted on all manner of businesses, community groups, and public events in view of the public health. (Matthew 22:21; Romans 13:1, Acts 5:29)
Accordingly, effective immediately, physical gatherings at, or hosted by, Holy Cross will be postponed, altered, or restricted through March 31. We will seek alternative means to share God’s Word and the “mutual consolation of the saints.” An additional email with further information will follow regarding individual events and activities.
Sunday Morning Worship
Sunday Morning there will be no “in person” services or activities. We will offer a video recorded stream of service on our Facebook page and our website. Join us Sunday morning on Facebook at “Holy Cross Lutheran Clarence, NY” or online at holycrossclarence.com.
Not meeting together in person, for now, is done out of love for our fellow believers and our entire community. Rest assured, this was not our desire. We know for sure “… how good and a pleasure it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” We should not, and do not, forsake the gathering together of believers. However, these are unusual times. We will have to gather in alternative and limited ways until we can safely gather in person.
Holy Communion
Pastor Nickel will bring the Sacrament of Christ’s body and blood to the homes of those who desire it. We are all shut-ins for the moment. Please call the church office if you desire it.
The Lord gives us His means of grace in three ways: His Word, Holy Baptism, and the Sacrament of the Altar. Now is the time to rest and rejoice in your Baptism (Romans 6). All the gifts of Holy Communion are also yours in baptism and in the gospel proclaimed to you. Please pray for each other and the leadership of Holy Cross to shine the light of the gospel in these days of danger and opportunity.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Study
Although there will be no “in person” Sunday School, Confirmation, High School Bible Study, or Adult Bible Study until April 19, we will provide alternatives. Sunday School families are invited to see the email from MaryAnn Schettler. Confirmation and High School families can look for an update from Harry Grimes. Sunday morning Adult Bible Study will be taking place digitally through Zoom Meetings at the regularly scheduled time, 9:30-10:30am. That can be accessed online by clicking here on Sunday morning at 9:30am; the password for the Bible Study is 8900. Tuesday morning Bible study and Tuesday evening Bible study will continue by phone – contact Linda Cummings and Dave Chalmers if you would like to participate in them.
Offerings and Tithes
During this time, we invite you to bring your tithes and offerings to the Lord as we present our first fruits to His glory and praise. You can give your offerings by mailing them to the church office (8900 Sheridan Drive, Clarence, NY 14031) or giving online at: https://holycrossclarence.com/giving.html. We thank you for your continued commitment to the work of the Lord at Holy Cross as we seek to fulfill His mission and calling.
Peace be with you
God is a great God and His glory continues to shine. May the peace of Christ Jesus rest upon you and your family.
Pastor Nickel and the Holy Cross Leadership
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. Psalm 56:3-4