It’s been an eventful month, but not in a bad way. The huge spike in the coronavirus that marked the end of 2021 and the first weeks of 2022 has shifted to a sharp decrease in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. The positivity rate in testing is still north of 5% (as of this writing), but it, too, has decreased. Based on the decline in numbers, we resumed in-person worship on February 13th at10:30 a.m., with the provision that masking is required. Confirmation classes have resumed in-person meeting and church school will follow suit.
February was also a reminder that Lent is coming soon. Last month’s newsletter shared the worship themes for Ash Wednesday and the Sundays in Lent; this month we will share what the midweek themes will be for the remainder of Lent. Before I go on to those themes, though, I do want to an important change that will take place for Ash Wednesday and all of the Wednesday services: we will be doing live-streaming and in-person at the same time, for the first time. It is essential that masking be practiced during these services, as well.
The five midweek services after Ash Wednesday will be more in line with an evening vesper service, about one-half hour in length. The themes and accompanying scripture for those Wednesdays will be as follows: March 9th– “Shiny Things: (Exodus 32); March 16th– “Happy Enough” (Philippians 4:10-13); March 23rd–“The Tragedy Olympics” (Galatians 6:2); March 30th– “Becoming Real” (Isaiah 53:1-5); April 6th– “Mediocrity for the Win” (Psalm 19). Service times will be all services will be at 7:00 p.m.
I also want to add that if you are planning to use the book Good Enough to enhance your Lenten studies, I would recommend reading only entry per day, as part of a devotional practice.
And, one reminder: Changes and additions to the schedule will always be contingent on changes in conditions in Sheboygan County relative to public health.
We’re off to the next adventure.
Shalom aleichem—Peace be with you.
Rev. Jim Hoppert
