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COVID-19 Safety Measures for Public Worship

UPDATE:

Beginning in June, we are planning on relaxing some of our Covid Precautions.  Everything is subject to change, discussion, and consideration.  This announcement is presented here to give everyone full opportunity to understand or question these future changes to our present worship practices.  If you have any comments or questions, please direct them to Pastor or an Elder.  As it stands, here is the tentative schedule for returning to Pre-Covid practices:

June 6 – Acolytes return!

June 20 – Kneeling at Communion returns, if you choose to do so.

July 4 – Greeters return!

July 18 – Passing the Offering Plate returns.

August 1 – The “Sharing of the Peace” returns. 

Chirst the King will be doing as much as possible to make sure that Worship services are safe for our community.  Please see below for a brief list of measures we are taking to protect your health.
WHAT WE ASK OF YOU:
PLEASE STAY HOME:
  • If you are sick or showing any symptoms.
  • If someone in your household is sick or showing any symptoms.
  • If you have reason to believe you have been exposed to the Coronavirus.
  • If you are in a high-risk category (if so, please schedule a private communion service with pastor)
WHAT WE ARE DOING:
  • The entire building will be sufficiently cleaned to be prepared for public worship every week.
  • Hand sanitizer stations will be available at the resource cabinet and at the kitchen counter.
  • Pastor and Elder will be screened for fever and other symptoms prior to the service.
  • Families can sit together, but please try to maintain the “six foot distance” with others.
  • During the Lord’s Supper, the communion assistants will sanitize their hands before serving.
  • Please remain standing during the Lord's Supper so that the altar railings won’t need to be cleaned after every table.
  • During the Lord’s Supper, the individual cups will be spaced out in the trays to prevent other cups from being touched while you are reaching for one.
  • The use of the chalice/common cup will be available for those who choose to use it, and it will be thoroughly wiped with alcohol after each table.
  • The offering plate will not be passed. There will be a designated spot where the offerings can be placed in a plate, or perhaps an offering box.
  • There will not be a greeting/”handshake” line, at first.
  • Sunday Bible Study, Sunday School and Wednesday Bible Studey will be available at the usual times.  Tuesday Book of the Month Bible Study (B.O.M.B.S.) will continue to be "streamed" on Facebook and posted on the website only until further notice.
  • The Fellowship time with coffee and snacks are “go.” Understandably, some will choose to leave, but we know others will really want to stay and get connected to each other after nearly 3 months.
  • Members may choose for themselves about the use of masks or gloves. We won’t be able to provide those for anyone.

News and announcements will be sent out by the already-established “CTK Friday Email.” If you are not receiving them, contact the church office to get on our email list.  To those members unable or uncomfortable with attending at this time, we encourage them to seek out pastor for pastoral care and private reception of the Lord’s Supper. The preached Word and the Lord’s Supper are exactly what our souls need during these times of trial. Please do not neglect these things. If none of these arrangements (public services, private services) work for you please reach out to pastor so that we can devise another way for you to be fed and nourished.

In His Name,

Your CTK Family

A Message from our Pastor

Dear CTK Family,
 
If you are unable to attend public services at this time, please see some of the valuable resources below you can turn to.  Our services and Wednesday evening bible study will continue to be steamed on Facebook and posted on our website at their conclusion.
 
I can’t solve all of the corona-problems.  I wish I could.  BUT I can speak for our church and our faith.   
 
This is not just a battle against germs and viruses.  The devil wants to use this opportunity to drive you further from your Savior Jesus Christ.  He wants to keep you from Scripture, prayer, worship, praise, sacrament, forgiveness, fellow Christians, and even simple conversations of faith.  The temptation during this time will be to say that we are “free” from Christians obligations because there is no public worship taking place.  “I can’t do anything.  We’re being ‘prevented’ from practicing our faith.”  NO!  Take your faith home with you!  Personal Devotions.  Family Devotions.  Online Services and Podcasts.  Free Bible studies, etc. 
 
Christians have ALWAYS had the opportunity for family devotions.  However, a survey recently showed that only 10% of American Christians have personal or family devotions in the home.  That Needs to End Here and Now! 
 
Okay, Pastor, what are these resources?
1. www.worshipanew.org  This was formerly called Worship for Shut-Ins.  Check it out!  It’s a 30 minute worship service provided by LCMS pastors around Ft. Wayne, Indiana. 
 
2. Devotional Resources:
 
3. Podcast Resources – the following can all be found through your usual podcast apps, or on their respective websites
  • “A Word Fitly Spoken” – 3 LCMS pastors with some really strong content.  It’s my new favorite Lutheran podcast. Biblical topics.  Lutheran history.  Faith and practice.
  • "A Christian History Almanac” – usually about 6 minutes long.  The host has a fun, dry sense of humor that sneaks in occasionally.
  • “Daily Chapel Sermon from KFUO” about 15 minutes or so from the LCMS headquarters chapel services.
  • "Daily Devotions from the Lutheran Hour” – about 4 or 5 minutes.
  • “Higher Things Daily Reflections” – actually targets teens and young adults but doesn’t talk down to anyone.  Older Adults can also appreciate these too.
  • "Issues, Etc.” – you’re heard me promote this for years.  It’s the most well known Lutheran podcast.  Very good.
  • “The Word of the Lord Endures Forever” – a 15 minute daily Bible Study.  Just started the Book of Hebrews.
  • “Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio” – 1 chapter of the Bible every weekday.  1 hour format.
(Additional podcast recommendations are posted weekly on our "Weekly Memory Verse" page located under the "About Us" tab.) 
4. Feel free to become my Facebook friend or like the page “Christ The King Lutheran, Riverview, FL”
 
I hope this helps.
 
Stay strong.  Rest in Christ’s promises.
 
 
Pastor Kevin Yoakum
Christ The King Lutheran Church
Riverview, FL

"Advance boldly, dear brother. Be of good courage, let your heart be strengthened, and wait on the Lord." Martin Luther

Giving Request

Please continue to support the church during this time.
We encourage you to continue to support the church with your offerings during this time. Even if you are unable to attend in-person Sunday service, the ministry and expenses of the church will continue. It is critical that you, as members of Christ The King Lutheran Church, continue to support as you are able our ministry together through online giving or mailing in your offering to: 11421 Big Bend Road, Riverview, FL 33579.
  • If you are interested in a direct deposit program, ask me about our Joyful Giving program with LCEF, I can be reached at: [email protected] or download the form below.
  • If you want to mail it in feel free
  • If you are interested in a PayPal process, please use the Paypal button here or on the home page of our website.
Coronavirus Prayer Guide