Grace Lutheran Church, Small Group Services, Sunday, April 5, 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Governor Abbott's decree on March 31 included churches in the exemption provided to "essential services," but restrictions on public gatherings remain limited to groups of 10 per CDC guidelines, so, God willing, we will be able to offer another modified service schedule on Sunday, April 5. Last week, we limited each 30-minute time slot to 9 people (+Pastor = 10), and we had 70 participants. Each service was about 20 minutes, with 10 minutes in between for Pastor to sanitize and set up for the next service. Again, it went very well.

Unless further restrictions are imposed, this week we will offer 13 twenty-minute services with Holy Communion between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Again, I will have a 6-8 minute homily in addition to a basic liturgy.

Recapping safety precautions: Our parish hall is sufficiently large to allow far more than the recommended 6-foot social distance (which I carefully maintained last Sunday as well). My "preaching station" is shown in the picture below.

I am healthy and have not had physical contact with anyone besides my own family since Sunday, March 15, and we have shifted to having our groceries delivered, so it would be extremely unlikely for me to be a carrier of COVID-19. As always, I will scrupulously wash my hands between each service.

Again, we will only offer individual cups. A picture of what each "worship station" will look like is included below. I will be the only person handling the elements until you pick them up after the Words of Institution.

No bulletins or foam plates will be reused. Between each service, we will disinfect tables/chairs that were used. Please wait outside or in your car before your scheduled service, and I will come invite you inside when all is ready.

You may sign up for a Sunday, April 5 service time. I also will be happy to sign you up myself - just call or text 512.229.8899 or email Pastor.Roth@Gmail.com with your preferred time and I will do my best to honor requests.

Thank you for your understanding the disruptions to our congregation's life during this difficult time. Stay safe, continue to take everything to the Lord in prayer, and let me know if you need anything!

Yours in Christ,


Pastor Roth