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Important Information

Friends – Your Church Council and I have made a decision to CANCEL WORSHIP IN PERSON ON SUNDAY JUNE 27TH. The hot weather is a threat to safety, and we are unwilling to risk your health.

So – Please Watch ONLINE on Sunday (facebook or www.holycrosslutheran-salem.org), and stay safe!

NOW – Let’s talk about SAFETY. Are you safe? This weather will be nearly unbearable if you are not in a space with air conditioning. At the end of this document we will list cooling centers in the area.

As we face this challenge here are three things you can do:
If you or someone you know does not have air conditioning and needs relief, please contact me by email (patriciamakesjam@gmail.com) or by phone 503 510 9976. I will try to connect you with resources.

If you do have air conditioning and are willing to host someone who doesn’t during this heat wave, please also text or email me and let me know you can be a resource.

Please take a moment to think of your friends and neighbors who may need relief and give them a call yourself just to check on them. (church friends, neighbors, people you know who are alone).

As you know, we have been participating with the Oregon Disaster Response through the Oregon Synod, and last night’s meeting was quite sobering about just how difficult the next few days may be. This is not a drill, friends. Be safe. Pastor Patricia Hughes

Cooling Centers:

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They’re finally here!

Hello, everyone!  Our devotionals, “Christ In Our Home” for the first quarter 2021, have finally been delivered!  We have large print as well as the regular print size.  Be sure to pick up a copy when you come for drive up communion on Sunday at noon!

Janet

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praying and support

Friends, the world, and our corner of it in particular, are responding to the spread of the COVID-19, or Coronavirus. It behooves people of faith to respond with love, prayer and preparedness.

It is my prayer that each of you is in a place of safety, away from those already infected, and that you are preparing for a quiet few weeks. As of last night, Salem Keizer Schools will close by Mar 16, reopening on Mar 31. Our governor has stated no gatherings of 250 are allowed at this time. While Holy Cross is not that large a church, we must still pay attention.

For three weeks, we have altered our communion practice, our passing of the peace practice (we speak a greeting, but do not touch – our hands are held in a prayer position), and I have been refraining from shaking your hands at the door. We have a large beautiful sanctuary and I have been advising you all to sit apart from each other. So many preparations. But now, I think we need to pause and speak plainly.

The church has always been a place of safety and of solace. I know many of you go to church for that, though seeing your fellow believers is also high on your expectation. Therefore, this sunday, March 15th, the church will be open for worship, and prayer, with special emphasis on prayers for those affected, and those concerned about the virus. You, however, have an important part to play. PLEASE Self-select (that means decide to stay home) if you are in a vulnerable population, or have high concern for your own and others safety. We at Holy Cross (pastor and council) wish to make our space available for prayer and worship in this time of uncertainty. But your job is to DECIDE IF YOU OUGHT TO COME.

On the practical side, we also will cease any food or beverages served on our premises for the time being. We will monitor and abide by governmental directives regarding gatherings like ours. Be safe. Be well. Pray. For others.

As the picture attached to this document tells you, there are many affected  more than you and I. Our job, as Christians is to pray for them. Call me, or email me if you want to talk

Pastor Patricia