March 28, 2020
Dear Friends in Christ,
I’m writing with the latest updates from St. John’s as we continue to care for the physical and spiritual needs of our community. Please remember that you are not alone. Christ is with us, and, even in this time of physical distancing, we can be there for each other. If you are in need of prayer or pastoral care, please let me know by emailing me at office@stjohnslutheran.church.
Worship This Week ~ exploring the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11) and sharing the good news of our eternal life in Jesus Christ.
We are not holding in-person Worship Services at this time. Our Saturday Night Light 4 pm Worship Service has been canceled through April 4. Our Sunday 9 am (Traditional) and 11 am (Contemporary) Worship Services are available to Live Stream on our YouTube channel.
To watch our Worship Services Live, all you need is a computer, pad, or phone with internet access – simply click on this link to access our channel on YouTube.com, “St. John’s Lutheran Church Palm Desert Media.”
Holy Week and Easter
We are still discerning how to proceed with Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter weekend Worship Services – and we will keep you posted.
Office Hours
At this time, our church office is open during regular office hours (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 2 pm), but please call ahead to confirm someone is available on site (760-345-2122).
Giving
We continue to be 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 (stjohnslutheran.church). The direct link is available here.
Reliable Information
A friendly reminder to please make sure you are gaining your information from trusted sources.
Three reliable sources of information are:
~ the Eisenhower hotline, 760-TEST 988 (or 760-837-8988) – and website, https://eisenhowerhealth.org/
~ Riverside County Public Health – https://www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus
~ the CDC website – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
In addition, you can click here for a “Coronavirus Help Sheet” from the Riverside University Health System on coping with stress during these times. Please share this information with those for whom it might be helpful.
Please continue to check back here on our website – and Facebook page – for updates.
In closing, I invite you to keep in heart and mind the words of the Apostle Paul, “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)
Now, as always, our hope is in our living, loving Lord.
Grace and peace that passes understanding,
Pastor Jen
