May 21, 2020
Dear Friends in Christ,
As we continue to face these unprecedented and challenging times, know that we are not facing them alone. Christ is with us, and we can be there for each other. I am praying for you and appreciate all your prayers for our church and community.
A reminder that, if you are in need of prayer or pastoral care, please let me know by emailing me at pastor@stjohnslutheran.church.
Worship – Celebrating our Youth
This Sunday, May 24, we will be celebrating virtual Confirmation in a Worship Service focusing on the children and youth of St. John’s.
Scripture Readings for this Sunday were chosen by our Confirmand ~ Job 1:20-22; Jeremiah 29:11-13; John 13:34-35
To watch our 9 am (Traditional) and 11 am (Contemporary) Worship Services live online, click on this link to access our channel on YouTube.com, “St. John’s Lutheran Church Palm Desert Media.” Beginning this week, we will also be broadcasting Worship Services live on Facebook – join the live chat on our Facebook page.
Bulletins for this week’s Worship Services are available by clicking here for the 9 am and here for the 11 am.
A reminder that we are including virtual Communion in our live stream Worship Services. If you would like to participate, I invite you to have bread and wine or grape juice ready at home before the Worship Service starts, and I will offer the Words of Institution and instructions during the Service.
Zoom Bible Study
We’ve launched a Zoom Bible Study on Wednesdays 12 pm. We’re discussing the coming week’s Lectionary Scripture readings.
Zoom is a video conferencing program that both Molly Farrin, our Youth and Family Coordinator, and I have been using for several weeks for various meetings and educational opportunities. Molly has recorded this video tutorial – https://youtu.be/ol7Rn0US62Y – and you can visit their website, Zoom.us, to sign up and for more information.
Please email Pastor Jen at pastor@stjohnslutheran.church for the Zoom Bible Study invitation.
FIND Food Distribution – Next Tuesday
Our next distribution will take place on Tuesday, May 26. We are asking for volunteers at 7:30 am to help bag food and/or at 11 am for food distribution. As a reminder, please do not volunteer if you are ill, if you are aware that you have been exposed to the Coronavirus, or if you are a member of the population vulnerable to the Coronavirus.
If you would like to volunteer, or for more information, please email Molly at youth@stjohnslutheran.church. Thank you to everyone who has contributed time and finances to this vital ministry!
Office Hours
The church office continues to be available via email, office@stjohnslutheran.church. You can also leave a message at 760-345-2122 and we will return your call.
Giving
As we continue to provide for the spiritual and physical needs of our community, we are deeply grateful for your financial support. Please give as you feel called and able to do so, and know that any amount you give is deeply appreciated.
You can give online through the “Give” button on the top right corner of our website. The direct link is available here.
Support Resources
Several resources available to Californians can be found at covid19.ca.gov.
You can click here for a “Coronavirus Help Sheet” from the Riverside University Health System on coping with stress during these times.
Please continue to check our website and Facebook page for additional updates and resources.
In closing, I invite you to keep in heart and mind the words of the Apostle Paul, “I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:12-13)
Now, as always, our hope is in our living, loving, risen Lord.
Grace and peace that passes understanding,
Pastor Jen