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Important Message from Low's:

Dear Low's Church Family,

I wanted to let you know, in case you have watched or will view the online service for Pentecost streamed and taped this morning, that Marie's nephew (not brother but brother's son), Johnny Clapp hasn't died, nor has anyone else in Marie's family passed recently. I apologize for the confusion. I was unable to check into the information before our worship. Nevertheless, please keep Marie Paul and the family in your prayers,

Additionally, we give thanks to God that Winnie Stafford has experienced healing in her leg and is able to move about more. While still restricted to her apartment at Cedar Ridge she is able to see family members and friends from her balcony and take mail, etc. by drawing up a bag tied to a rope. She says things will be opening up--slowly and carefully--at Cedar Ridge, but still no outside visitors.

Be looking our for the June newsletter in your email or mail box soon.

May God's Peace be with you this weekend

May the peace of Christ be with you, Pastor John Mark

Welcome to Low's Lutheran

God's Work. Our Hands.

Join us for Worship

Our YouTube Channel is up! To see the Cantata and a couple of other videos, check out the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG1deMhnuas

Our service for the 7th Sunday of Easter is on YouTube as well as Facebook. If you would like to watch on Youtube. Click below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfoZ17nvPSg&t=3s

Congregational News
A Word on Worship: At our May meeting Low’s Council made the decision to hold drive-in worship beginning Sunday, June 7, at 11:00 am. Members, friends, and visitors are encouraged to park in the church lot, and either remain in your automobiles or bring a lawn chair and sit in front of your car. Everyone is encouraged to keep a space between parked cards and to observe social distancing. Holy Communion will be observed—please bring your own grape juice/wine and bread/crackers. There will be a sound system and platform for worship leaders and we hope everyone will be able to hear. A bulletin will be handed out and an offering taken. You are encouraged to bring canned and non-perishable food items and toiletries for local ministries—SAFE, Salvation Army, and Allied Churches. A container will be placed outside for food and toiletry items. Worship will continue to be recorded so that those unable to be present may view the service.

Making the decision to move from online worship to drive-in worship (as opposed to moving to indoor worship) required careful consideration and discussion on the part of Low’s Council. Since our NC Lutheran Synod has encouraged congregations to follow state and federal guidelines regarding COVID-19, a number of measures would have to be followed inside the sanctuary to enable us to worship safely. The congregation would need to be encouraged to wear masks, there could be no congregational singing (a very effective way to spread the virus), and those present would need to be spaced at least 6 feet apart. Later this summer we will be able to move back into the sanctuary for worship but as of now most major denominations are not recommending a resumption of indoor worship. Some churches have made the decision to move back into their sanctuaries, and this is a decision that needs to be made according to the individual congregation’s situation. In some denominations—not ours—the bishop can require congregations to adhere to certain restrictions. In our case the Bishop and Synod Council (the governing body of the NC Lutheran Synod, elected at our annual assembly) make recommendations but they are not binding. But given the current state and denominational recommendations, there are liability issues since Low’s (and most congregations) are not covered for a pandemic situation like today’s.

While legally we could resume worship inside, it is not the best way to show love for our neighbor. While it is commonly assumed that refraining from indoor worship is done out of fear, it is rather done out of love, love for those who are at risk from the current pandemic. St. Paul tells us in Philippians 2:3—4, Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Of course, this doesn’t mean that those who want to worship inside are simply being selfish. Rather, the Apostle is saying that we are all to exercise humility on behalf of the neighbor, allowing for some inconvenience on our part if it helps keep our neighbor safe and well. We take the example of Jesus, who sacrificed himself for our benefit, even though we were undeserving sinners.
Certainly we miss worshiping in our sanctuary and having fellowship with one another as before coronavirus. Some of you, I know, are ready to resume worship inside. I also know others are not comfortable even attending a drive-in service. Whatever your personal situation and your preferences, please know the decision to begin the drive-in service is done to keep others safe, especially our more mature members and those who have compromised health. Thanks to all of you for your understanding and patience as we navigate this strange time.

Upcoming Events 2020

Funeral for Spencer Williams: In light of the decision outlined above, an exception is being made for a funeral service for Spencer Williams. The family plans to have a service Saturday, June 20, at 11:00 am. Low’s members and friends are welcome to attend—please observe social distancing. There will be no congregational singing inside but there will be special music during the funeral and at the graveside. We pray this service will bring comfort and peace to Spencer’s family as they have waited some time for it to take place.

CELEBRATION - In 2021 Low’s will celebrate 250 years of ministry. We are looking at ways to celebrate this milestone in the story of Low’s, and will need your help in the months ahead. Among the needs will be photos and memorabilia from Low’s early days, and folks to help publicize and organize events. Please consider how you can help Low’s mark this important anniversary.

BULLETIN DEADLINE is Wednesday by 5:00 p.m. Please call Kathy Fries at 336-706-3965 with any announcements. Thank you.

FOOD PANTRY - Donations may be made at any time. Just bring in and place in the box located in the Narthex. Your Social Ministry Committee thanks you for your participation in this community outreach ministry to the most vulnerable of our community. For a complete list of items needed most, see your newsletter.