Dear Members and Friends of Zion Lutheran Church,

Grace to you and peace from God, our Father, and the risen Lord Jesus Christ.
Weeks into a very different way of life, many of us are weary.  For some, the transition to online work has brought seemingly endless days in front of a screen and on the phone.  Parents and guardians are trying to support in the home their children’s learning from math to gym class, encouraging healthy minds and bodies.  Those who care for older relatives need to allow more time for errands—masked and waiting in line.  Exhausted medical and essential workers continue on the job, often putting in extra shifts uninterrupted. Those who have been furloughed now worry about their next meal.  Others are run down by fear and isolation.  Almost all have prayed for a person suffering from COVID-19 or another illness, and some are grieving the deaths of loved ones without supportive community gathered around them.    

Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-29, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

What a welcome invitation!  Jesus invites us to turn to Him and to remember all He has done for us. Through His death on the cross, we are forgiven for those times we have acted hurtfully out of anger and frustration, and for those times when we neglected to do the right thing.  By His resurrection, He conquered death.  Because He lives, we have the sure hope of eternal life with God.  By the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ is present with us now.  Nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus.  This is true refreshment for our souls!

Currently, and at least through mid-July, Zion will continue to turn to Jesus online and over the phone through Zoom worship services (Sundays at 10:15am and Wednesdays at 12:10pm, and at the 3rd Friday Coffee House).  All are invited to pray for and to uplift one another as best we can in this challenging time, trusting in Christ, our Rock and our Redeemer.

In Christ’s Service, Pastor Karin   
 


UPDATES (5/22/2020)
Communicating during the time of the Corona Virus.  We plan to send group emails to provide updates.  If you are not receiving the emails and would like to add your email address from this communication, please email the church office (zionhbg@comcast.net).  The voicemail greeting for the church office (717-234-4064) and the church website (www.zionharrisburg.org) are frequently updated.  Devotional and other resources are available through the website. The church office voicemail and email (information above) are checked regularly.  Pastor Karin is available by phone, text, and/or email.  Contact the church office for details.
Assistance with Shopping for Supplies.  There are members on the East and West Shores who have offered to pick up groceries, prescriptions, or other life-sustaining supplies for those in need.  Contact the church office or Pastor Karin.
Zion’s building will be closed through Mid=July.  We will look to guidance from the state and federal government regarding re-opening the building.
Worship Services via Zoom.  Zoom allows for participation by computer and/or by phone. As we learn to use this format, we plan to host Bible Study, and other church events online.  Details will be emailed and posted on the website.
Church Offering. We thank all who continue to generously support ministry at Zion.  Contributions can be mailed to the church office:
Zion Lutheran Church, 15 S. 4^th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101