The Bible reminds us that life in this world is not easy. Matthew 24:5–8, “5For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.” We see this truth in action with the coronavirus severely impacting our life in the church and world.
By Governor Reynolds order all church services are cancelled though March 31st. Unless there is a change in the Government Decree the next church service will be held Sunday April 5th.
It is proper we follow this order for the health and safety of our neighbor. By keeping this decree, we are keeping the second table of the law, commandments four through ten. This government order is not a matter of church persecution but for the good of Iowa’s citizens.
What does this mean for you and Concordia?
Pastor is available to be called. He can be reached at church 319-754-4246 or mobile 319-750-0659.
Pastor will be available Sunday morning from 9 AM to 11 AM. The church is available for those wishing to come and pray individually in God’s House. Pastor will be available to hear confession and pronounce forgiveness of sin and give to those who desire the Holy Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood. Please remember no more than ten gathered in the church at one time. So please call, 319-754-4246 from the parking lot to see if it is ok to enter the building.
Also remember our individual duty to neighbor. To heed Governor Reynolds order to limit your travel and group meetings, to help a neighbor who might need help in getting needed groceries etc.…Also be watchful for those seeking to do you harm. National emergencies often bring out selfish people who seek to take advantage of others for their own gain and your harm!
Please remember church expenses continue. Please consider mailing your offering to the church where it will be placed in the offering plate and counted.
You can also find past Sermons and church announcements at the Church Web Site, www.concodiabrl.com
You can also find information on the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod web site at www.lcms.org
There you can find an article written by Rev. Roy Askins. Rev. Askins is the managing editor of The Lutheran Witness, and until recently, was a missionary in Southeast Asia. Askins wrote the following article, and I would urge you to go and read it:
Please extend grace as we respond as a church. I even with 30+ years in the ministry, I have never pastored through an epidemic before! We will take prudent and necessary action as things unfold and information is given.
God bless you during this time and may God preserve us in good health and help those in need. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this, please reach out to me.
Have confidence in Jesus! You and I have Forgiveness and Sins and eternal life though His Death and Resurrection. There is nothing to fear as Jesus is with you in Grace and Mercy each Day.
We will see you in church when all this mess comes to an end and rejoice in Goodness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Christopher Roepke
Please remember Holy Week Maundy Thursday 6:30 PM, Good Friday 6:30 PM, Easter Sunrise 6:30 AM, Easter Breakfast 7:30 – 8:30, Easter late Service 9 AM