While the vaccines are rolling out and we see light at the end of the tunnel for the pandemic, we are not there yet. In fact, over the last couple of weeks, numbers of cases, deaths, and positive test rate are actually increasing, including here in New Hampshire and specifically Rockingham County.

Therefore, I don’t have a devotion or any “wise” sayings today, just a reminder for our worship gatherings this weekend.

Concerning all indoor worships

There will not be any congregational singing. All singing will be done by the worship leaders.
Please wear your mask at all times, even if you have the vaccine. People singing and speaking will be able to take off their mask, but only at the appropriate time.
Please observe the 6-foot physical distance rule. You may sit next to the people you came with, but leave space between your group and another group. White tape designates rows of chairs where you CANNOT sit.
Please do not visit with each other, in the narthex, after worship. Due to the nature of the services, we ask you to depart in silence from the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday Service.
You must sign-up using Sign-Up Genius to attend. The links are available in this email and on the homepage of our website, www.htelc.com. We are not accepting walk-ins. Sorry.
Please “check-in” when you walk in the building with the Greeters. They will have communion and a bulletin for you pick-up.

Concerning all outdoor worships

Please wear your mask at all times, even if you have the vaccine.
There will be congregational singing, and we do ask you to wear your mask for this.
Please observe the 6-foot physical distance rule.
Signing up with sign-up genius is encouraged but not required. It will help us have the appropriate amount of supplies available.
Bring a chair for the outdoor worship at the church. We will be gathering in the fenced in area for the 11am worship. It will have the feel of our Outdoor Summer Gatherings.
You won’t need to check-in, but there will be a table with Greeters with communion and bulletins for you to pick up.
Unless the weather is a downpour, we will still gather, so please dress appropriately.

Don’t forget, all the indoor worships will be available through a live-stream. You can access it through our website or through our YouTube channel. We have increased our internet at church so the stream should be even better!

It will be good to be together, even if it is not exactly the same as it has been. Christ still rises whether we are at a park on the water, in the sanctuary, sitting on a chair outside the sanctuary, or watching a worship at home on a screen.

If you would like some “wise” words as we enter Holy Week, or even if you don’t, watch the following video. It comes from Luther Seminary and was made approximately 10 years ago. It is one of my favorites and I have seen it countless times. It is titled “Easter is Coming.” If you haven’t seen it before, you will not be disappointed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c2inXKD6PI

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Tim