Kaiserslautern Evangelical Lutheran Church (KELC), where I will be serving as vacancy pastor into the fall, worships in the facility of the Ev.-Lutherische St.-Michaelis-Kirche, which belongs to the LCMS’ partner church body. In light of the current COVID-19 lockdown in Germany, KELC’s congregation is now worshipping at home, following pre-recorded worship services for each Sunday. My first opportunity to be part of this online strategy will be on May 2,
when we observe the 5th Sunday after Easter according to the 3-Year lectionary (Series B). Yes, KELC uses the Lutheran Service Book (LSB) so I already feel very much at home! These services are posted on YouTube and you will be able to view them at your convenience. In order to provide an opportunity for Holy Communion even during the lockdown, KELC leadership is providing an online sign-up sheet for people to schedule a time with me to receive the Lord’s Supper individually or in family groups in the church’s nave. While it is unfortunate that we cannot worship in the regular way at this time, the current procedure is actually a blessing in disguise because I will get to meet parishioners individually or in a family setting! Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” In addition, I have already begun visiting KELC parishioners in their homes (I have already had COVID and have also had both shots so no one is at risk).
Before COVID-19, KELCs Bible class and Sunday potlucks were held in the facilities of Kirche Mittendrin [“Church in Your Midst”]— a local Pentecostal congregation, located right around the corner from KELC. Use of this facility, too, is currently suspended, but will hopefully be possible in the future, once COVID numbers begin to decrease.
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