September 2020 Council Corner
Council members finalized the details for our reopening during our most recent meeting in August. We still plan to open our doors on September 6 for the first time in almost six months. We have everything in place. Just a reminder, masks are required for all adults. Ushers will provide hand sanitizer and will take temperatures using an infrared thermometer at the entrance to the church. Only members of the same household are allowed to sit together. Every other pew will be blocked off to encourage social distancing. The front door will be used as the main entrance while the side door will be used as the exit in order to manage the flow of germs more effectively and efficiently. Bulletins will be placed at the end of each pew and kept (instead of recycled) at the end of each service. Communion will be offered in individual packets. Finally, offerings plates will be placed at each door. If you have any questions regarding our COVID-19 procedures, please feel free to contact the church or a council member.
The councils from HLC and Babbitt Evangelical Lutheran Church (BELC) have approved a proposal for an interim minister. In order to respect the confidentiality of this process, I cannot really divulge any specifics about the person or the proposal at this time. It will now be forwarded to the interested party for review and response. If accepted, we can expect the person to start sometime in the beginning of October. This is an exciting time for Hope Lutheran. Given the current pandemic, finding pulpit supply pastors has become nearly impossible. Possibly getting an interim minister allows us to begin the process of eventually getting a permanent pastor in place.
The council discussed the option of automatic withdrawals for our offerings. After a great deal of research, we found a program offered through Thrivent called “Simply Giving.” It is really a simple process with very few bells and whistles attached. Many local Lutheran churches in the area use Simply Giving for their weekly offerings. We plan to conduct a little more research on the program before moving forward with it. To be extremely clear, any automatic withdrawal process adopted by HLC will be 100% voluntary. Those who wish to continue their traditional method of giving (offering envelopes) each Sunday will be able to do so. We just want to offer our congregation members another option.
Finally, I would like to thank Lora Langowski for volunteering her time to run the Confirmation program during the upcoming school year. This requires a great deal of preparation, organization, and time on for her. Confirmation represents such an important part of our lives in the Lutheran church. Without Lora stepping forward, we would definitely find ourselves in a bind.
May God grant you peace until we meet again next month…….
In God’s Name,
Lance Kupka
Council President
Hope Lutheran Church of Embarrass