March 17, 2020

St. Paul’s and St. John’s Lutheran Church

Brothers and sisters in Christ,

As of today, our State Governor Tony Evers issued a ban that’ll be taking effect 5pm today concerning public and private gatherings whose number exceed 10 people. Alongside this state ban and the recommendation made by the White House yesterday of the same degree, with a heavy heart it has been decided that all services remaining this month will be cancelled. I, repeat, in-person services will be cancelled for the remainder of the month (3/22, 3/29). The recommendation is to abstain from gathering for the next 14 days. What happens after that, we’re not too sure, but leadership will be gathering to discuss possibilities.

During these next two weeks, if you might join me on Facebook Live on Sunday mornings, I’ll be sharing God’s Word and singing hymns and saying some prayers. There are some questions concerning logistics that I will figure out with leadership and those gifted in technology. For those of you without the internet, you may have family members who might be able to accommodate you. If not, I do plan to mail out these sermons to those without internet access. More information will be shared with you all in the coming days concerning the live stream.

During this time, Pastoral Care will continue. If there is a need for prayer, private confession and absolution, care, etc. please get a hold of me. Now is the time. My cell number is 414-292-7283. My email address is dvangstpauls@outlook.com. I will still be at the office at St. Paul’s Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9am-4pm and at St. John’s on Tuesdays from 9:30am-4pm.

There are some other details that do need to be worked out, so we ask for your patience and prayers as we continue to navigate through this changing and fluid situation.

Lastly, I leave the words of  Paul with you all. "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:3-6

It's true. We are in this together. We are partners in the Gospel. I’m so thankful for the faithfulness and service you all have demonstrated to Jesus’ Church. It may not seem like things are going well, and they aren’t, but the Church of Jesus will prevail for he is King of all. Now is the time for our church to shine and to show how great our Jesus is, even at a time like this. We live by faith and we cling to hope.

Remembering, reconnecting, and reflecting God’s love together.

Pastor Daniel Vang


And as a reminder, the work of the church continues as do the expenses. You can send in your envelopes/contributions via the mail. Just put it in the envelope, seal it and put a stamp on the address side and mail it. The postal system will pick it up and get it to the church.

Pastor Tom