As you may have heard or read by now, Michigan Executive Order 2020-142 (July 10, 2020) – Masks, has been issued. Effective immediately (beginning July 10, 2020), any individual who leaves their home or place of residence must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth. This includes when you are in any indoor public space; and, when you’re outdoors and unable to consistently maintain a distance of six feet or more from individuals who are not members of your household.
For our purposes at St. Paul, the requirement to wear a face covering does not apply to individuals who: 1. Are younger than five years old, 2. Cannot medically tolerate a face covering, or, 3. Are officiating at a religious service.

In addition, to protect workers and the community, no business that is open to the public may provide service to a customer or allow a customer to enter its premises, unless the customer is wearing a face covering as required by this order beginning Monday, July 13, 2020.

However, no individual is subject to penalty for removing a mask while engaging in religious worship at a house of religious worship. Nevertheless, consistent with guidance from the CDC, congregants are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings during religious services, especially while singing.

What this means is that, as a business that is open to the public, you must wear a mask to enter St. Paul for any reason, unless you meet one of the three above exemptions. Signs will be posted at the doors as a reminder. A limited number of masks may be available if you forget yours. Our worship service rules and practices remain unchanged by this Executive Order.

We realize that this Executive Order is cheered by some and booed by others. We understand the constantly changing rules and practices are frustrating to all of us. All we ask is that you respect our leaders and staff as they apply the ever changing rules and practices we are given to work with.

Finally, heed the words of St. Paul: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interest of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” (Philippians 2:3-7)
​
Let us, by the Spirit’s power, imitate the humility of Christ Jesus while we suffer for a little while. For the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us (Romans 8:18).

On Saturday June 13th at 7:00 PM and Sunday June 14th at 10:00 AM we will have the first communion since the beginning of the COVID pandemic.  In addition to the safety procedures laid out previously, the following details are important for these communion services which will occur on the 2nd and 4th weekends.

• We will use a walk through system on both pulpit and lectern sides. Distribution will be at the floor level in the front.
  
• The Elder/usher will invite family groups forward alternating sides and maintaining at least 6 feet between each family group. Members will come forward using the center aisle and return by the outside aisle.
  
• Pastors will wear gloves and mask, to administer the wafer.
  
• An Elder, wearing a mask and gloves, will invite the people to “Take and drink…” the wine from the trays set on a table. NO common cup at this time. The individual cups will be spaced out so to avoid touching another cup.
  
• A blessing for children can be offered but will follow social distancing.
  
• The pastor will give a corporate dismissal after all have been communed.
  
• The pastors will provide an extension of the communion service later in the day from 1-3 p.m. to those who wish to drive to the church on the scheduled Sunday. This is for those who watched the live stream. Please call the office to arrange to be served Communion in the parking lot.  

We are excited to announce that we will begin opening the sanctuary for in-person attendance on May 30th at 7:00 PM and May 31st at 10:00 AM.  In order to do so safely there will be additional requirements that everyone must follow. ​

The pastors of the Frankenmuth Circuit met via Zoom on May 12, 2020.  They discussed the current situation relating to COVID-19 and also the Executive Orders by the governor.  The Circuit Visitors had a meeting the day prior with representatives of the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) legal team.  It is their legal opinion that the Executive Orders (EO) exempt places of worship from the ban for public gathering.  Of course, proper social distancing and other safety measures should be followed.  We would not be in violation of the EO nor subject to any penalty when we choose to return to the sanctuary for worship. 

The Michigan District of the LC-MS allows for decisions to be made relative to the situation in one’s own area.  As a result of this, the Frankenmuth Circuit pastors want to be working in conjunction with each other as much as possible.  We came up with the goal of regathering on Pentecost Sunday the weekend of May 30-31.  This has wonderful symbolism as the Holy Spirit brought many together as believers, and it is after the EO ending on May 28th.  Although there could be an extension of present restrictions, we believe we can move forward as explained to the Circuit Visitors by ADF.   Each congregation will need to proceed as their circumstances and facilities allow.  If a congregation starts earlier or later, this does not mean they are in defiance to this group proposal.

We are excited to announce that we will begin opening the sanctuary for in-person attendance on May 30th at 7:00 PM and May 31st at 10:00 AM.  In order to do so safely there will be additional requirements that everyone must follow.  Please read the details to find out how you can participate and keep our community of believers safe during this time. 

​We will be continuing to live stream our 10:00 AM service for those who wish to stay home at this time.

Additional and updated information will be added directly to this page.  Please review this page for the latest announcements.

If you are interested, additional information on the history of this decision is available.