COVID-19 Precautions
To stop the spread of coronavirus, St. Paul has suspended in-person worship and closed the church building.
Stay in touch:
Stay in touch:
- watch worship online (click here)
- give online (click here) or write a check to "St. Paul Lutheran Church" and mail it to 715 S. Third St., Clinton, IA 52732
- like and follow the Facebook page (click here)
- subscribe to the e-news (click here)
- listen to the new sermon podcast (click here)
- reach out by phone and mail to neighbors and St. Paul people, especially your Care Circle
Coming Back resources
In-person worship is dangerous. Aerosols are the reason why. Singing is like sneezing without covering your mouth.
Dr. Michael Osterholm on the pandemic and reopening in-person worship May 5, 2020: a webinar with an infectious disease epidemiologist and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, hosted by the Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.
A Guide to Staying Safe as States Reopen May 7, 2020: a Q&A with public health experts from The Atlantic Magazine, of special note:
A Guide to Staying Safe as States Reopen May 7, 2020: a Q&A with public health experts from The Atlantic Magazine, of special note:
- 'CAN I ATTEND A RELIGIOUS SERVICE?
'“Going to a crowded church, temple, mosque, or whatever is not a great idea right now,” Carlton said. She was particularly concerned about the risks to any older attendees, and recommended finding a safer way to congregate than gathering in close quarters indoors.
'Virtual services seem most prudent, but Marr thought that spaced-out, outdoor services would be okay. But she cautioned that singing might come with a higher risk of spreading the virus than talking does. Religious services “probably raise my concern more than many other things we’ve talked about, because of the singing,” she said.'
The American Choral Directors Association recommends suspending choirs for the next 18-24 months.
What Do Science and Data Say About the Near-Term Future of Singing? May 5, 2020: a webinar hosted by the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), Chorus America, Barbershop Harmony Society, and Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA), summarized here.
When we first come back--whenever that will be--worship will look a lot different.
Can you imagine worship with no singing, no communion, no passing the peace or the offering plate, no coffee or fellowship time?
Can you imagine worship with no singing, no communion, no passing the peace or the offering plate, no coffee or fellowship time?
"Returning to Church" April 23, 2020: guidance from the Wisconsin Council of Churches.
Cleaning guidelines are stringent.
Resources for ministry during COVID-19 updated regularly: from the Southeastern Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Of special note is this May 4 Letter from the Bishop, which includes guidance on cleaning:
"The governor’s declaration assumes “deep cleaning” of church facilities. This is serious business and requires more attention than you might think. There are specific guidelines provided by the CDC, state (Iowa guidelines), and local public health authorities. In addition to making sure you are adhering to the guidelines for cleaning, check with your insurance carrier. Some congregations have been warned of additional liability if an outbreak is tied to churches that have not followed the recommended cleaning requirements."
Before We Gather updated regularly: from Brotherhood Mutual, St. Paul's property insurance company.
"The governor’s declaration assumes “deep cleaning” of church facilities. This is serious business and requires more attention than you might think. There are specific guidelines provided by the CDC, state (Iowa guidelines), and local public health authorities. In addition to making sure you are adhering to the guidelines for cleaning, check with your insurance carrier. Some congregations have been warned of additional liability if an outbreak is tied to churches that have not followed the recommended cleaning requirements."
Before We Gather updated regularly: from Brotherhood Mutual, St. Paul's property insurance company.
There's a lot we don't know.
Why the Coronavirus Is So Confusing April 29, 2020: Big-picture reporting from Ed Yong, one of the best journalists covering infectious disease, from The Atlantic.
"Be still." --Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns.
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.”
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns.
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.”
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Photo by Anchor Lee on Unsplash
