Dear friends in Christ,
We have been “remembering the Sabbath Day” with personal devotions at home, daily devotions and Sunday worship videos on YouTube, our Radio Service, and with our weekly private and small group communion. We know it just isn’t the same as gathering. We are eager to get back to church, “like calves released from the stall” (Malachi 4:2).
The governor’s “safer -at-home” order has been overturned by the Wisconsin Supreme Court. That does not mean that COVID-19 is no longer a risk. As of today (May 15) there are 79 confirmed cases in Dodge County. It’s unknown how many of those are in Beaver Dam. Members of St. Stephen’s travel to Madison and Fond du Lac for work. These are COVID “hotspots.”
We know that some people are eager to come together. We know that some are afraid to.
So what do we do?
As much as we would love to gather for worship on May 17 and do everything as we had been, we know that does not address the health and safety issues. Even though the order is lifted for the state, various counties have given guidelines. Dodge County has directed that all businesses follow the guidance of a document by WEDC (Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation). So we need some time to sort out this information and plan how we get back together.
Our church council will meet on Monday (May 18) to discuss and approve a plan as we go forward. We will strive to balance our desire and need to gather with our need also to be safe and watch out for the health and safety of one another.
Watch for YouTube, Facebook, email and a special newsletter next week with more details.
+ In Christ +
Pastors Dorn, Heyer and Stratman
