Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I’m sorry to write such a long letter to you and I do ask that you take a couple minutes to read it in its entirety. I want to cover two topics, the upcoming vote on becoming Reconciling in Christ and Holy Trinity’s response to COVID -19.

First, an update on the RIC process. Approximately 2 years ago, a simple question was asked in a church council meeting. “Can I put a rainbow flag in the parking lot?” Council felt this decision should not be made without have wider conversations among the people of the congregation.

A team was put together to develop a plan to guide us through that process. This occurred through educational forums in which we have brought in speakers, had conversations, listened well and shared personal stories. Topics covered have ranged from “What is a RIC congregation and would would it mean for us?” to “What does the Bible say about same-gendered sexual relationships?” and “A Pediatrician’s Understanding of LGBTQ” (to name a few).

The RIC team believes we are in the home stretch of this process and there is wide ranging support for us to take this step. The following is a timeline for the final dates and in which we will meet, with it culminating in a congregational meeting and vote to become a Reconciling in Christ congregation.

March 22 and 25 - RIC team will present the draft of the Welcome Statement and some ideas on how this will be implemented and advertised. The congregations feedback will be asked for and wanted.

March 29 and April 1- After receiving feedback from the congregation, a revised Welcome statement will be presented to the congregation.

April 19 - A congregational meeting will take place between the services and we will vote on becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation.

Secondly, one can not look in any direction without hearing about COVID-19, the corona virus. It is having an impact on our world in a way I have never experienced before. Here in New Hampshire, there have been several reported cases, and so we want to take every precaution to be part of a solution and limit its impact.

To learn more about this virus, it’s symptoms and up-to-date information please visit the Center for Disease Control’s website. It is easy to navigate with up to date and accurate information. It is www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

In deciding how we react, let our faith always guide us. A hallmark of the Lutheran tradition is asking how does something affect my neighbor. When deciding our response to COVID-19, we want to ask how does it affect my vulnerable neighbor. Even if we do not feel personally at risk, we want our actions to be ones that keep those who are vulnerable safe and healthy. Let us pray that when this has passed we might look back and be grateful we took the necessary steps (even if it seemed to be an overreaction at the time) to limit the impact this virus had. Therefore, at least through the time of Lent, we will do the following…

Greeters will greet with a smile and not a handshake
Use other, non-tactile ways, to pass the peace during worship
Not hold hands during the benediction
Limit communion only individual cups
Hand sanitizer will be used immediately before communion by those distributing the wafers
All doorknobs and handles will be disinfected before worship on Sunday morning
We will continue with food and coffee in between services, but parents we ask that you serve your child the food and not allow them to take it themselves

If you are not feeling well, it is okay to stay home. If you find it becomes necessary to self-quarantine, and would like to receive communion during that time, let the church office know and we can arrange a visit. We will not cancel our worship unless we are told it is no longer in the public’s safety to gather together. If that happens or you cannot join us on Sunday morning, you can watch the sermon on facebook live or listen to it through a podcast (available through our website, iTunes and stitcher).

I do want to mention one thing that might be awkward to say, but it is necessary. If we have a decline in worship, it will affect our finances. Much of our offering comes in on Sunday morning and if attendance goes down, so too does offering. While we are not in a dire situation by any means, I also don’t want it to become dire. Remember, you are able to give online through our website at www.htelc.com/by-giving/financially. Please consider doing so if you not be able to join us, in person, during this time.

In life, many things are uncertain. This can and does cause fear and when our actions are based solely on fear, little good comes from it. One of the most common phrases in the Bible is, “Do not be afraid.” May we be people who act out of hope and love trusting that no matter what happens, God is in the midst of it all.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Tim