March 17, 2020

Dear People of Immanuel,

During these extraordinary times, our church is responding to the COVID 19 virus through physical distancing, but NOT social distancing. Now more than ever, we need to connect with each other and with God. In the next few days, we will be working on ways to connect with each other via phone, social media and other technology.  Here is how we are responding so far:

  1. Immanuel Lutheran Church will meet together through our live-stream only for public worship on Sundays, March 22 and 29 and Lent Wednesdays, March 18 and 25. http://imluchurch.org/watch-live/.
    1. As Immanuel is the only ELCA congregation in Missoula currently set up for live-stream and recording, we will host worship for St. Paul Lutheran, Atonement Lutheran, Our Savior’s Bonner, and Prince or Peace Lutheran through our web stream on Sundays at 10 a.m.  We welcome the pastors from each congregation who will help lead our services. The pastors are working together to offer a worship that will resonate for each faith community. 
  2. Pastor Molly would like to set up a network of phone calling and other ways to connect with each other.  Please contact Pastor Molly if you are willing to be a social contact for members of our congregation via phone or other technology – pastormolly@imluchurch.org.
  3. Please contact Lynn (office@imluchurch.org) if you could help coach other church members on how to use their computers and other technology during this time. 
  4. We encourage our church members to Practice 7 at 7. That is set aside seven minutes at 7 a.m. and/or 7 p.m. to pray for our church and our world.  Prayer is powerful, and we can connect through it, knowing that our fellow people of faith are raising their voices in prayer at the same time. Post on IMLU’s Facebook page to let us know you prayed.  
  5. We are exploring ways for the Lent Book Study, the men’s Bible Study and other groups to meet via Google Hangout, Zoom, or other social media tools. We will keep you posted. 
  6. If you need groceries, but are reluctant to leave your home because you are at high-risk for exposure to Co-Vid 19, please contact Lynn. We have some people who have volunteered to do grocery shopping for members who can’t leave their homes. Please let Lynn know if you could help out in this way. 
  7. We encourage you to read the “Wondrous Love” devotions sent out to each household for Lent.  Thanks again to Endowment for this gift. 
  8. These are stressful times not only physically and socially, but also financially. If you are able, please remember to support our church so that we might continue to worship, connect, and serve together during these times.  
  9. Please read Psalm 46 and Prayer below for yourself and for others with you. 

Let us Pray Almighty and merciful God, you are the only source of health and healing; you alone can bring calmness and peace. Grant to us, your children, an awareness of your presence and a strong confidence in you. In our pain, our weariness, and our anxiety, surround us with your care, protect us by your loving might, and permit us once more to enjoy health and strength and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

Psalm 46

 1God is our refuge and strength,
 a very present help in trouble.
 2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
 though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
 3though its waters roar and foam,
 though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
 4There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
 the holy habitation of the Most High.
 5God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
 God will help it when the morning dawns.
 6The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
 he utters his voice, the earth melts.
 7The LORD of hosts is with us;
 the God of Jacob is our refuge.
 8Come, behold the works of the LORD;
 see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
 9He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
 he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
 he burns the shields with fire.
 10“Be still, and know that I am God!
 I am exalted among the nations,
 I am exalted in the earth.”
 11The LORD of hosts is with us;
 the God of Jacob is our refuge.