COVID-19 Procedures
In a letter to Rev. Dr. John Hess, found in Luther’s Works, Volume 43 p. 132, as “Whether one may flee from a Deadly Plague,” Luther writes:
“I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me however I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely as stated above. See this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash no foolhardy and does not tempt God.”
These procedures are written “in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence.”
Personal Self-Assessment/Personal Responsibility
Each member of the congregation is to assess themselves to determine if they should attend worship services. If you are immuno-compromised – such as in chemotherapy, etc. you should NOT attend services at this time. The further assessment should include:
Identifying your own risk category from the following (highest risk is level A, lowest risk is level D:
- Age 65 or older with a chronic health condition (most risky are high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.)
- Age 65 or older with NO chronic health condition
- Age 65 or younger with a chronic health condition (see conditions in A).
- Age younger than 65 with NO chronic health condition.
Those members in risk category A should remain at home and take advantage of the online worship resources provided. If the member is in categories B – D, make your decision on your own risk tolerance. Please consider letting your elder or pastor know if you have determined it best for you not to attend for these reasons in order for us to minister to you, as needed as we desire to provide Christian care for you.
Identify other significant factors:
- Have you been in close proximity to anyone that has tested positive with COVID-19?
- Do you have a fever, cough, or other symptom associated with COVID-19?
If you answer yes to questions 1 and 2, you must not attend service in person, but worship via online resources.
The procedures and information are also provided to reassure our Immanuel family, as well as local, state, and national authorities, that we are taking all necessary precautions to ensure our congregation’s health and safety. The best way to prevent illness is to practice routine and common sense hygiene practices. These everyday practices also help to prevent the spread of many other respiratory diseases. Each member, guest or user of Immanuel’s facilities should follow the following general guidelines:
- Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of their elbow. Used tissues should be thrown in the trash and hands washed.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, especially your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Clean high-contact surfaces and objects thoroughly and repeatedly.
In accordance with state guidelines, masks are optional starting on March 12, 2022 until further notice. We understand there will be strong feelings on both sides about this decision. We ask that your decisions and conversations be made and had in wisdom. Please practice things that bring peace and unity to the Kingdom of God while giving thanks and living in joy, brothers and sisters!