COVID-19 Response UPDATE - September 21, 2021
Dear Members and Friends of St. Paul Lutheran,
As you have likely seen in the news, hospitalizations in Minnesota related to COVID-19 cases are at their highest point in 2021 and infections among those who are vaccinated – “breakthrough infections” – while still small relative to the overall vaccinated community, represent an increasingly large percentage of new cases.
As your COVID Response Team at SPLC, we each are aware of friends or family members who have been fully vaccinated, and still tested positive for COVID-19. This is likely the case for you as well. What these recent and increased positive cases, including breakthrough infections, remind us of, is that the pandemic is not over. It is still with us and we have a continuing responsibility to do our part in keeping our members and community safe.
For this reason, our church COVID Response Team decided on Monday, September 20, that all current COVID-19 safety procedures at SPLC should remain in place. As a reminder, these are, simply:
A notable change to our current practice will be, beginning Sunday, October 10, we will no longer offer coffee hour after worship. Sunday, October 3 will be our last coffee hour until it is deemed safe to resume.
Our Team is fully aware that many are experiencing “mask fatigue,” but in the larger picture this feels like such a small thing each of us can do to help us move through this pandemic safely and more quickly. Even if we feel comfortable without a mask indoors, we will continue to wear one for the sake of our neighbor who may not be comfortable, or may be immunocompromised, or may fall in a higher risk category, or in the case of young children - who may not be able to get vaccinated yet. Taking this small step right now, while we are experiencing a surge in cases related to the Delta-variant, will help us safely continue our programming and Sunday worship.
This kind of resilience, adaptability, and care for neighbor has characterized our congregation’s response to the pandemic from its onset. As a Team, we are hopeful that our efforts now will help us move through and beyond the present surge in the coming weeks and that we can resume more normal interactions soon. In the meantime, we will move forward together with hope, always trusting in the Lord, while continuing to share Christ’s love with joy.
Yours in Christ,
SPLC COVID-19 Response Team
Jerry Nelson, Arlie Post, Dave Hasselbauer, Joanna Kroschel, Katie Fetterly, Pastor Dale
OUTDOOR WORSHIP EXTENDED Through September - August 30, 2021
In response to the continuing increase of positive Covid-19 cases in Chisago County and throughout our state and nation, our Covid Response Team has decided to extend our alternating indoor/outdoor Sunday worship schedule through the month of September. They will evaluate the local Covid information and data again at the end of September to make a decision regarding October worship schedule. Thank you again, for your ongoing patience and understanding as we continue to put love for one another and one another's health and well-being first and foremost, per Jesus' example and command.
UPDATED Face Covering/Mask Policy at SPLC - August 5, 2021
Dear Members and Friends of Saint Paul Lutheran Church,
As a COVID Response Team and Church Council, we continue to follow closely the ongoing and changing landscape of the coronavirus (COVID-19), most notably, the highly contagious and more transmissible, Delta variant. This is difficult work done for the safety of, and on behalf of, all of us. Thank you for your patience and understanding, especially in light of this latest recommendation.
Given the most recent guidance from the CDC updated as of July 27, we will again be requiring that masks be worn while inside the church building for everyone over the age of two years, whenever transmission rates are measured at substantial or high for Chisago County, of which they currently are. This policy includes those who are fully vaccinated, as well as everyone else. Based on the data from the Minnesota Department of Health COVID Situation page updated today, August 5, we will implement this new change in policy beginning next Monday, August 9.
Despite this change, we will still be together in-person for worship and fellowship in the church building, outdoors, and online. We are taking these actions to care for everyone. While the pandemic has been going on for a long time, and we are all weary of it and its affect on our lives, we must press on and do our best to help continue to keep everyone as safe as possible. To offer another way of understanding, we offer this illustration:
When we board an aircraft, we are required to wear our seat belts. The pilot gives permission after takeoff to remove our belts for comfort. However, when turbulence happens, we see a blinking textual announcement overhead, along with a verbal announcement directly from the pilot, telling us to “Fasten Your Seat Belts!”
In regard to the pandemic, we are in a time of turbulence, and we are being asked to “Fasten Our Seat Belts!” In Minnesota, nearly 900 newly confirmed cases (12 within Chisago County) were reported today, Thursday, August 5. Also today, five Minnesotans were reported to have died. These numbers and percentages are the highest they’ve been since late May of this year. This trend is moving in the wrong direction.
With that said, we encourage everyone to please wear a mask indoors, wherever you go, whether or not you are vaccinated. And, as people of faith, following the example of Jesus to love our neighbor, we continue to encourage vaccination for everyone who is eligible.
In Jesus’ grace, love, and peace,
SPLC Church Council: Tyler Kroschel, Jaime Fraley, Chris Timmons, Karen Roseke, Andy Stoyke, Dale Brainard, Chris Clark, and Zella Oswald
SPLC COVID Response Team: Jerry Nelson, Arlie Post, Joanna Kroschel, Katie Fetterly, Dave Haselbauer, and Pastor Dale
UPDATED Face Covering/Mask Policy at SPLC - June 18, 2021
Dear Friends and Members of Saint Paul Lutheran,
It seems wherever we go in recent days, there is confusion about whether or not facial coverings and other COVID-19 restrictions are still in place. There are so many new official announcements - weekly, if not daily! I find myself always carrying my mask with me, just in case. It's true at our church now, too. Whether for a small group meeting or for indoor worship, people are wondering/asking, "Do I still need to wear my mask?"
Throughout the pandemic our SPLC COVID-19 Response Team has been good about communicating the expectations surrounding any and all COVID-19 restrictions for our immediate community of faith. So again, in order to eliminate confusion, and provide clarity, our COVID-19 Response Team met via email last Monday and decided the following:
Beginning Sunday, July 11
This decision, we have found, is consistent with many other local and area congregations.
Again, thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding as we head towards the home stretch of this pandemic.
Pastor Dale
COVID -19 Re-Opening Update from Pastor Dale - May 25, 2021
Dear Members and Friends of Saint Paul Lutheran,
For nearly eighteen months, we’ve been working together to navigate a global pandemic in a way that keeps our members connected, strengthens our faith at a time when our faith has never been more important, and do our part to keep our members, staff, and community safe. It has not always been easy. Yet we persevered, committed to keeping our Lord’s command to love our neighbors. Thank you, for your efforts in this.
Our COVID Response Team announced back on March 9 that we would be resuming indoor worship on Sunday, May 30. That day is this coming Sunday, and we are excited!
However, in light of the various press releases of late – including two from the Governor and one from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – I am writing, on behalf of the COVID Response Team, regarding three updated decisions made at our most recent meeting on Thursday, May 13.
As always, thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to consult with health/medical professionals and look for further guidance from our elected officials in order to move forward with confidence. While there is still some uncertainty about when all aspects of our life will return to normal, I want to underscore strongly just how much forward movement we have experienced in the last few weeks. We are at a point when there is not only light at the end of the tunnel, but it is growing brighter each day and week. I am thankful for the progress we have made thus far, look forward to that continuing across the summer, and am eager to resume so many of our cherished practices and traditions this fall.
Please feel free to contact any member of the SPLC COVID Response Team (Joanna Kroschel, Jerry Nelson, Katie Fetterly, Arlie Post, Dave Haselbauer) or me, for any necessary clarification or explanation.
We are getting through this, Saint Paul Lutheran. We are getting through it together and, by God’s grace, coming out stronger on the other side.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Dale
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
COVID -19 UPDATE from Church Council - April 23, 2021
Dear Friends,
Greetings to you from the Church Council!
I am happy to announce again, and remind you of, the re-opening of indoor worship services at Saint Paul Lutheran Church beginning on Sunday, May 30th. We will also be officially opening our building again on Monday, May 3rd.
As part of this greeting you will find links below to three letters regarding the re-opening of the church building and sanctuary.
The first link is to a letter from Pastor Dale welcoming us back into the Church sanctuary beginning May 30th along with a list, and explanation of, expectations for church services moving forward.
The second link is to a letter from our COVID Response Team, with updates of expectations and happenings at the church along with some volunteer opportunities we hope you will consider engaging in, or re-engaging in.
The last link is to a letter outlining an upcoming 5 week preaching series entitled, “Sharing Christ’s Love”, based on our church mission statement, that will begin on Sunday, May 30. Please join us on Sundays in May and June to hear and share the word of God.
It has been over a year since we last worshipped inside of our sanctuary and the wait has been, at times, difficult. I want to thank everyone for their patience, kindness, and support of our mission during this past year. Let us all take the time to appreciate the blessings we encounter as we move back into “normal” life.
With God’s help, I believe there are great things about to happen at St. Paul Lutheran. I can’t wait to see you back in church!
Tyler Kroschel
Church Council President
(On behalf of the rest of the Council: Pastor Dale Stiles; Andy Stoyke, Vice President; Pat Clearence, Secretary; Chris Timmons, Treasurer; and members at-large Jaime Fraley, Dale Brainard, Chris Clark, Karen Rozeske, and Zella Oswald.)
Click on the Links Below to View the Letters
Pastor Dale's Welcome Back Letter
COVID Response Team Letter
"Sharing Christ's Love" Preaching Series Introductory Letter
__________________________________________________________________________________________
COVID-19 Response Team - UPDATE - March 9, 2021
Dear Friends and Members of St. Paul Lutheran Church,
Our COVID Response Team met on Monday, March 8, and discussed what needs to happen for us to get back to in-person, indoor worship. We are keeping an eye on the potential spike in cases from the variant new strains as well as the on-going vaccine rollout. Currently, it was decided the target date to be back in the building for in-person worship is Memorial Day weekend, Sunday, May 30.
This is provided that any new viral variant spikes that might occur recede and the vaccine availability continues the course that it is on. Our Parish Nurses are currently contacting congregation members over the age of 65 to aid in navigating the vaccine system. They estimate at the present time, 70% are vaccinated or will be in the near future, which is encouraging! We are grateful for this. If you are wanting to get a vaccine and need help figuring out how to do so, please contact one of our parish nurses.
In order to go forward with the May 30 date a few things need to happen:
The current plan will be to alternate indoor/outdoor worship as we have in past summers, starting Memorial Day weekend. Regardless of indoor or outdoor, the worship service will continue to be broadcast online via our Church Facebook page.
In the meantime, the COVID Response Team will be meeting regularly to plan the logistics of resuming indoor worship. We are considering numerous options including, but not limited to, ushering in/out of service, pre-registration, limited sanctuary seating, shorter indoor worship, and overflow seating throughout the church if needed. As decisions are made, we will continue to update the congregation.
As a team we are excited to be planning the return of in-person worship. We are hopeful for the vaccine rollout, but continue to be watchful of the variant strains.
Stay safe and we can’t wait to hopefully see you all in-person, indoors, soon!
SPLC COVID Team
Katie Fetterly
Arlie Post
Joanna Kroschel
Jerry Nelson
Dave Haselbauer
Pastor Dale
Hand Washing Instructions
Face Mask Guidelines
Dear Members and Friends of St. Paul Lutheran,
As you have likely seen in the news, hospitalizations in Minnesota related to COVID-19 cases are at their highest point in 2021 and infections among those who are vaccinated – “breakthrough infections” – while still small relative to the overall vaccinated community, represent an increasingly large percentage of new cases.
As your COVID Response Team at SPLC, we each are aware of friends or family members who have been fully vaccinated, and still tested positive for COVID-19. This is likely the case for you as well. What these recent and increased positive cases, including breakthrough infections, remind us of, is that the pandemic is not over. It is still with us and we have a continuing responsibility to do our part in keeping our members and community safe.
For this reason, our church COVID Response Team decided on Monday, September 20, that all current COVID-19 safety procedures at SPLC should remain in place. As a reminder, these are, simply:
- Continue alternating between in/outdoor worship through October.
- Masks are to be worn at all times when in the building, regardless of vaccination status.
- Social distanced seating will continue while worshiping.
- Continued sign in at front door or on clip boards in sanctuary, for contact tracing purposes.
A notable change to our current practice will be, beginning Sunday, October 10, we will no longer offer coffee hour after worship. Sunday, October 3 will be our last coffee hour until it is deemed safe to resume.
Our Team is fully aware that many are experiencing “mask fatigue,” but in the larger picture this feels like such a small thing each of us can do to help us move through this pandemic safely and more quickly. Even if we feel comfortable without a mask indoors, we will continue to wear one for the sake of our neighbor who may not be comfortable, or may be immunocompromised, or may fall in a higher risk category, or in the case of young children - who may not be able to get vaccinated yet. Taking this small step right now, while we are experiencing a surge in cases related to the Delta-variant, will help us safely continue our programming and Sunday worship.
This kind of resilience, adaptability, and care for neighbor has characterized our congregation’s response to the pandemic from its onset. As a Team, we are hopeful that our efforts now will help us move through and beyond the present surge in the coming weeks and that we can resume more normal interactions soon. In the meantime, we will move forward together with hope, always trusting in the Lord, while continuing to share Christ’s love with joy.
Yours in Christ,
SPLC COVID-19 Response Team
Jerry Nelson, Arlie Post, Dave Hasselbauer, Joanna Kroschel, Katie Fetterly, Pastor Dale
OUTDOOR WORSHIP EXTENDED Through September - August 30, 2021
In response to the continuing increase of positive Covid-19 cases in Chisago County and throughout our state and nation, our Covid Response Team has decided to extend our alternating indoor/outdoor Sunday worship schedule through the month of September. They will evaluate the local Covid information and data again at the end of September to make a decision regarding October worship schedule. Thank you again, for your ongoing patience and understanding as we continue to put love for one another and one another's health and well-being first and foremost, per Jesus' example and command.
UPDATED Face Covering/Mask Policy at SPLC - August 5, 2021
Dear Members and Friends of Saint Paul Lutheran Church,
As a COVID Response Team and Church Council, we continue to follow closely the ongoing and changing landscape of the coronavirus (COVID-19), most notably, the highly contagious and more transmissible, Delta variant. This is difficult work done for the safety of, and on behalf of, all of us. Thank you for your patience and understanding, especially in light of this latest recommendation.
Given the most recent guidance from the CDC updated as of July 27, we will again be requiring that masks be worn while inside the church building for everyone over the age of two years, whenever transmission rates are measured at substantial or high for Chisago County, of which they currently are. This policy includes those who are fully vaccinated, as well as everyone else. Based on the data from the Minnesota Department of Health COVID Situation page updated today, August 5, we will implement this new change in policy beginning next Monday, August 9.
Despite this change, we will still be together in-person for worship and fellowship in the church building, outdoors, and online. We are taking these actions to care for everyone. While the pandemic has been going on for a long time, and we are all weary of it and its affect on our lives, we must press on and do our best to help continue to keep everyone as safe as possible. To offer another way of understanding, we offer this illustration:
When we board an aircraft, we are required to wear our seat belts. The pilot gives permission after takeoff to remove our belts for comfort. However, when turbulence happens, we see a blinking textual announcement overhead, along with a verbal announcement directly from the pilot, telling us to “Fasten Your Seat Belts!”
In regard to the pandemic, we are in a time of turbulence, and we are being asked to “Fasten Our Seat Belts!” In Minnesota, nearly 900 newly confirmed cases (12 within Chisago County) were reported today, Thursday, August 5. Also today, five Minnesotans were reported to have died. These numbers and percentages are the highest they’ve been since late May of this year. This trend is moving in the wrong direction.
With that said, we encourage everyone to please wear a mask indoors, wherever you go, whether or not you are vaccinated. And, as people of faith, following the example of Jesus to love our neighbor, we continue to encourage vaccination for everyone who is eligible.
In Jesus’ grace, love, and peace,
SPLC Church Council: Tyler Kroschel, Jaime Fraley, Chris Timmons, Karen Roseke, Andy Stoyke, Dale Brainard, Chris Clark, and Zella Oswald
SPLC COVID Response Team: Jerry Nelson, Arlie Post, Joanna Kroschel, Katie Fetterly, Dave Haselbauer, and Pastor Dale
UPDATED Face Covering/Mask Policy at SPLC - June 18, 2021
Dear Friends and Members of Saint Paul Lutheran,
It seems wherever we go in recent days, there is confusion about whether or not facial coverings and other COVID-19 restrictions are still in place. There are so many new official announcements - weekly, if not daily! I find myself always carrying my mask with me, just in case. It's true at our church now, too. Whether for a small group meeting or for indoor worship, people are wondering/asking, "Do I still need to wear my mask?"
Throughout the pandemic our SPLC COVID-19 Response Team has been good about communicating the expectations surrounding any and all COVID-19 restrictions for our immediate community of faith. So again, in order to eliminate confusion, and provide clarity, our COVID-19 Response Team met via email last Monday and decided the following:
Beginning Sunday, July 11
- Facial coverings WILL BE OPTIONAL at all times while inside the church (worship and small groups). However, all children, youth, and adults involved in, or participating in, our upcoming Vacation Bible School, will still be required to wear masks.
- Non-vaccinated are encouraged to continue wearing masks for the protection of themselves and any children or non-vaccinated youth present until our children and youth are able to be vaccinated.
- Coffee and treats will begin to be served after worship in the fellowship hall or outside (only vaccinated or those wearing masks/gloves may prepare/serve)
- Social distance seating in the sanctuary will continue indefinitely.
- Contact tracing/worship attendance will continue by way of clip-boards in designated sanctuary seating.
- As always, if not feeling well or experiencing any cold/COVID-19 symptoms, please stay home and worship online until you are feeling better.
- Continue healthy hand-washing and sanitizing practices
This decision, we have found, is consistent with many other local and area congregations.
Again, thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding as we head towards the home stretch of this pandemic.
Pastor Dale
COVID -19 Re-Opening Update from Pastor Dale - May 25, 2021
Dear Members and Friends of Saint Paul Lutheran,
For nearly eighteen months, we’ve been working together to navigate a global pandemic in a way that keeps our members connected, strengthens our faith at a time when our faith has never been more important, and do our part to keep our members, staff, and community safe. It has not always been easy. Yet we persevered, committed to keeping our Lord’s command to love our neighbors. Thank you, for your efforts in this.
Our COVID Response Team announced back on March 9 that we would be resuming indoor worship on Sunday, May 30. That day is this coming Sunday, and we are excited!
However, in light of the various press releases of late – including two from the Governor and one from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – I am writing, on behalf of the COVID Response Team, regarding three updated decisions made at our most recent meeting on Thursday, May 13.
- In reference to the CDC’s updated guidance suggesting relaxed mask wearing in some (but not all) indoor settings, we decided it is best to continue with our plan to require mask wearing when worshiping indoors. We realize the CDC counsel is that all vaccinated people can remove masks and that unvaccinated people should not, but we, as a congregation, are not in a position to know who is vaccinated and who is not. Nor do we wish to make those kinds of distinctions in our worshiping community. On the other hand, while worshiping outdoors this Summer, mask wearing among our members and guests will be optional.
- The Governor has also announced relaxed physical distancing for indoor groups under five-hundred people. For now we have decided to continue with our physical distancing measures in the sanctuary, which still allows for up to 150 worshipers to gather together safely.
- Singing will be allowed and encouraged (while masked) during indoor worship.
As always, thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to consult with health/medical professionals and look for further guidance from our elected officials in order to move forward with confidence. While there is still some uncertainty about when all aspects of our life will return to normal, I want to underscore strongly just how much forward movement we have experienced in the last few weeks. We are at a point when there is not only light at the end of the tunnel, but it is growing brighter each day and week. I am thankful for the progress we have made thus far, look forward to that continuing across the summer, and am eager to resume so many of our cherished practices and traditions this fall.
Please feel free to contact any member of the SPLC COVID Response Team (Joanna Kroschel, Jerry Nelson, Katie Fetterly, Arlie Post, Dave Haselbauer) or me, for any necessary clarification or explanation.
We are getting through this, Saint Paul Lutheran. We are getting through it together and, by God’s grace, coming out stronger on the other side.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Dale
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
COVID -19 UPDATE from Church Council - April 23, 2021
Dear Friends,
Greetings to you from the Church Council!
I am happy to announce again, and remind you of, the re-opening of indoor worship services at Saint Paul Lutheran Church beginning on Sunday, May 30th. We will also be officially opening our building again on Monday, May 3rd.
As part of this greeting you will find links below to three letters regarding the re-opening of the church building and sanctuary.
The first link is to a letter from Pastor Dale welcoming us back into the Church sanctuary beginning May 30th along with a list, and explanation of, expectations for church services moving forward.
The second link is to a letter from our COVID Response Team, with updates of expectations and happenings at the church along with some volunteer opportunities we hope you will consider engaging in, or re-engaging in.
The last link is to a letter outlining an upcoming 5 week preaching series entitled, “Sharing Christ’s Love”, based on our church mission statement, that will begin on Sunday, May 30. Please join us on Sundays in May and June to hear and share the word of God.
It has been over a year since we last worshipped inside of our sanctuary and the wait has been, at times, difficult. I want to thank everyone for their patience, kindness, and support of our mission during this past year. Let us all take the time to appreciate the blessings we encounter as we move back into “normal” life.
With God’s help, I believe there are great things about to happen at St. Paul Lutheran. I can’t wait to see you back in church!
Tyler Kroschel
Church Council President
(On behalf of the rest of the Council: Pastor Dale Stiles; Andy Stoyke, Vice President; Pat Clearence, Secretary; Chris Timmons, Treasurer; and members at-large Jaime Fraley, Dale Brainard, Chris Clark, Karen Rozeske, and Zella Oswald.)
Click on the Links Below to View the Letters
Pastor Dale's Welcome Back Letter
COVID Response Team Letter
"Sharing Christ's Love" Preaching Series Introductory Letter
__________________________________________________________________________________________
COVID-19 Response Team - UPDATE - March 9, 2021
Dear Friends and Members of St. Paul Lutheran Church,
Our COVID Response Team met on Monday, March 8, and discussed what needs to happen for us to get back to in-person, indoor worship. We are keeping an eye on the potential spike in cases from the variant new strains as well as the on-going vaccine rollout. Currently, it was decided the target date to be back in the building for in-person worship is Memorial Day weekend, Sunday, May 30.
This is provided that any new viral variant spikes that might occur recede and the vaccine availability continues the course that it is on. Our Parish Nurses are currently contacting congregation members over the age of 65 to aid in navigating the vaccine system. They estimate at the present time, 70% are vaccinated or will be in the near future, which is encouraging! We are grateful for this. If you are wanting to get a vaccine and need help figuring out how to do so, please contact one of our parish nurses.
In order to go forward with the May 30 date a few things need to happen:
- Continued adherence to social distancing measures and correct mask wearing at outdoor/drive-in worship.
- Increased volunteerism to clean the church. If we do not have volunteers to clean on a regular enough basis, we will be unable to worship in the sanctuary. Sign Up to clean here.
- COVID numbers would need to continue to go down and any spikes would need to recede. Find out current data trends for Minnesota by clicking here.
The current plan will be to alternate indoor/outdoor worship as we have in past summers, starting Memorial Day weekend. Regardless of indoor or outdoor, the worship service will continue to be broadcast online via our Church Facebook page.
In the meantime, the COVID Response Team will be meeting regularly to plan the logistics of resuming indoor worship. We are considering numerous options including, but not limited to, ushering in/out of service, pre-registration, limited sanctuary seating, shorter indoor worship, and overflow seating throughout the church if needed. As decisions are made, we will continue to update the congregation.
As a team we are excited to be planning the return of in-person worship. We are hopeful for the vaccine rollout, but continue to be watchful of the variant strains.
Stay safe and we can’t wait to hopefully see you all in-person, indoors, soon!
SPLC COVID Team
Katie Fetterly
Arlie Post
Joanna Kroschel
Jerry Nelson
Dave Haselbauer
Pastor Dale
- SPLC COVID-19 preparedness plan
- Building use request form
- Visitor handout
- Facility use handout
- Cleaning guidelines
Hand Washing Instructions
Face Mask Guidelines