Friends in Christ,

Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus!

On Tuesday night, the Council approved unanimously the Regathering Phase Plan presented by our Return to In-Person Ministry Team. Based upon infection rates, science, and recommendations from the medical community, this document is a roadmap for our church as we seek to regather and return to full use of our building. It provides a bit of clarity as we navigate these confusing times.

Each week, the Return to In-Person Ministry Team will check data from Dakota and Scott Counties and determine in which PHASE we are located. St. James Lutheran will share this information on the website, weekly email, on our phone recording, and it will be posted on the doors to our building. Using your copy of the roadmap, which you receive in a mailing next week, follow the “masked Luther” graphic. As we move from red to green, we will be able to use more of our building. Currently we are in the yellow Luther or second phase.

Unfortunately, at the time of writing this letter, we have seen escalating community spread of the virus. These developments are alarming and will most likely have us moving backwards to phase one or red Luther. Again, with the roadmap in our hands, we know what our next steps will be as a congregation as we seek to be a positive force of healing and love in this pandemic.

These are hard and discouraging times. We need to remain vigilant in our efforts to hold back the spread of the virus. Not only is this good and responsible citizenship, but it is also connected to our faith. Jesus invited his disciples to show love and compassion to all, especially those who are vulnerable. St. James Lutheran joins other churches in the St. Paul Area Synod, ELCA who are making a conscious choice to be a part of the solution in helping to prevent the spread of COVID.

The staff and Council remain concerned for both the safety and the spiritual health of our community and for those who make St. James Lutheran their church home. We have resources to share if you need assistance, someone to pray with you, or just need to talk. Please contact us at (952) 890-4534.

I pray that this letter and materials find you safe and healthy.

In Christ’s Light,

Pastor Walt