Since last Thursday, when the staff and leaders of First Lutheran decided to move our worship from in-person gatherings to an online stream, we celebrated our first virtual service with almost 100 viewing groups. Andy Stutesman, our Communications Director, got something up and running in just a matter of days. It was like watching someone bake from scratch. There were a couple minor technical glitches, but overall it looked and sounded great!

Today, our staff and leaders are reluctant to move us fully into stage 3 of our pandemic protocol which would completely lock down the building to all staff and groups. But we do believe we need to move into a sort of “Stage 2.5” where staff work from home, we end all church-related small group gatherings of any number, suspend funerals and weddings, and limit visitors to couriers who deliver packages. In-person worship this Sunday, Mar. 22, is—obviously—cancelled.

The good news is this: Virtual worship on Wednesdays at 6:15pm and Sundays at 10:30am will still happen through a live stream. Sunday school, confirmation and some other small groups will happen through Google Classroom and Zoom and other virtual platforms. And we hope all our members hear from a connector very soon as we launch our Neighbor to Neighbor program. This is where one person/family checks in regularly with other First Lutheran families in their neighborhood. Maybe someone has a special need (pick up a prescription or groceries) or a prayer concern. That someone could tell their neighborhood connector who will provide the help or share the prayer concern with a pastor. Our fellowship will continue to grow stronger during this crisis!

Now is the time to start giving electronically! Of course, you can mail your offering, too. But if you have a checking account and a phone or computer, you can go to our website at firstlutheranonalaska.org/giving. Hit the “Give Now” button and everything else is as easy as can be. Thanks for supporting a ministry that is creatively engaging with our community to proclaim light amidst darkness!