First Lutheran, Manhattan (MHK)

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In order to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect the most vulnerable in our community, First Lutheran Church remains CLOSED. We have formed a reopening team and are continually reassessing the situation. Please see below a letter on how we are planning to start reopening.

Dear Family of First Lutheran,
 
In our scripture readings this weekend, we hear in the book of Ephesians, “I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers,” (Ephesians 1:15-16). In a very strange and uncertain world, our church continues to be a place of hope and inspiration for so many in our community. God has equipped us disciples to “go and do” in the world, and while we miss our building very much, we know that we can continue to care for one another and our world through many different ways.
 
Our Re-Opening team has been working incredibly hard in creating a plan that allows our church to best serve the needs of our community as well as keep safety and health a priority. Re-opening is careful, patient work that will take time. Over the next few weeks, you will see a few changes:
 

• Beginning June 1, the FLC office will slowly begin to re-open. We will not be maintaining open office hours, but if you would like to come to the church and visit with a staff member, we encourage you to do so by appointment, by calling (785) 537-8532 or emailing the staff.
• If you do come to the building, you will be asked to stop at the self-service health table just inside the north doors, sanitize your hands, wear a mask while in the building, and answer some screening questions. If you are exhibiting any symptoms associated with COVID-19, we ask that you stay home.
• Starting June 1, we will be able to begin accepting specific donations off of our request list, more details about donating will be available soon.
• Beginning June 1, we will begin including a few more volunteers to assist with our already-existing ministries. If you are interested, talk to your team lead to learn more. All work within the church must coordinate through the office (office@flcmhk.org)
• During Kansas’ “Phase Two” (see details about that phase here), we will continue to suspend all in-person gatherings including worship, small groups, and committees. However, we are looking ahead to some coordination of indoor and outdoor space during “Phase Three.” Groups will be able to meet on our patio or green space (bring your own lawn chair!) or might possibly be able to coordinate building use. We are still working through these logistics to do so safely, so if your group would be interested in meeting in-person during Phase Three, please let the office know.
• Plans are underway to begin gathering for worship during Phase Three (estimated start date of June 14^th). I ask for your flexibility and grace as we work through the particular details of this worship, knowing that it might take a bit of trial-and-error, and learning as we go. You can expect to see more than one Sunday service, shorter services, and with limited gathering numbers. We might ask families to sign up ahead of time for their preferred service (leaving a few spots open to welcome anyone, of course!). However, this worship will be no less joyful and faithful than what we knew before!
• In the meantime, plan to come to our Holy Communion Open House on May 31^st (details listed below)!

 
The Re-Opening team has discussed details for many aspects of our ministry, and I am so thankful for the time and dedication they have given this endeavor. If you have questions about any other re-opening details, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
 
Dear people, I do not cease to give thanks for you, holding our church tightly in prayer. I am thankful for the ways we have continued to be church in our world, and am certain we will face the coming weeks and months with grace and courage. I am also certain that God is already doing new and wonderful things with our church, and know we will discover God’s work with joy.
 
I miss you, I love you, I cannot wait until we are back together again soon.
Blessings,   

Pastor Liz