As we navigate through the COVID 19 pandemic, the question our pastors, staff and SMART team always asks is this, “How can we accomplish our mission in the safest way possible?” This means always holding in tension the mission or what we are trying to accomplish, and evaluating our decisions based on the best data and guidance from federal, state, and Synod guidelines for public safety. For instance, when we think about worship, right now, the CDC recommends fresh air over inside air when it comes to keeping us all safe. Moving indoors would require us to all wear masks, no singing or chanting, and limiting space in our sanctuary to about 60 people. For now, we have better options that are safer and give us more flexibility to gather, sing, and otherwise worship together. This summer we are offering three different worship opportunities: drive-in worship on Sunday morning at 9 am, live-streaming at 10:30 am (stay at home and watch through your computer or other electronic device), and drive-in worship on Wednesday evening at 6:20 pm. Below is some information regarding drive-in worship and some excerpts from our Minnesota COVID 19 Preparedness Plan that we are required to follow:
COVID 19 Preparedness Plan for Drive-in Worship*
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Brainerd, Minnesota
Following federal, state, and synod guidelines for dealing with COVID-19, Bethlehem Lutheran Church has implemented this plan for drive-in worship in effect until further notice.
Effective May 31, 2020, drive-in worship services will be available on Sundays at 9 am and on Wednesdays at 6:20 pm.
Ushers will greet you at either the north or south entrance. Wearing masks and vests, they will give you a bulletin/s if needed. Hand sanitizer will be on hand at both usher stations. Ushers will have offering canisters or nets available to collect your offering upon entering or leaving the parking lot. On the first and third Sundays (or festival Sundays when celebrating communion) ushers will give you communion kit/s (prepackaged cups with juice in the bottom and a wafer on the top). Please hold onto the kit/s until directed by the pastors during the service.
Drive to the eastern (lower) portion of the lot and park your car (unless otherwise directed). You may crack your windows, provided you are able to maintain social distancing of at least six feet between people in other cars; otherwise, keep your windows rolled up. You are encouraged to wave and smile at your neighbors, but you must remain in your car. Because you are in your car, you may sing/speak along during the service and do not need to wear a mask.
Tune in to AM 1530 to listen to the service on your radio or crack your windows and listen using the speakers that are located by the pastors. We will position the speakers to project to as much of the parking lot as possible.
Pastors and staff are not wearing masks since they are practicing social distancing outdoors.
In case of rain and/or high winds, these services will be cancelled. Although you will be safe and dry in your car, the sound equipment cannot be in the elements. Cancellations will be announced on Facebook https://facebook.com/bethlehem.brainerd and here on our website one hour prior to service start time. We will continue to live-stream the worship service at 10:30 am on Sundays on Facebook https://facebook.com/bethlehem.brainerd The service will also be available on our website https://belcnet.net after it is recorded.
If you have any questions, contact the office at 829-3330 or office@belcnet.net.
*Reference, “Industry Guidance for Safely Reopening: Faith Based Communities, Places of Worship, Weddings, and Funerals” Minnesota Department of Health https://staysafe.mn.gov
Blessings to you as we come together for worship this summer and continue to live out our mission of confessing the faith of the triune God in, under, and with our daily callings in the life of God’s world!
Pastor Mark
