Building Closed - No Gatherings

Our decision-making process:

  • For the time being, we are not permitting indoor gatherings of any size groups in the building. (Exempted: construction crews at work).  If there is something that warrants a significant shift in this policy we will let you know.
  • We are committed to keeping each other, and those with whom we share our space, as safe as possible.  We believe we all belong to each other, and that means we are responsible not just for our own well-being, but our neighbors as well, especially the most vulnerable among us.  
  • The most contagious environments are gatherings of people indoors, in close proximity for long periods of time, with singing, talking and touching, are the most contagious environments.  
  • Session is staying current with all new public health and safety information and recommendations.  
  • The re-opening plan has many requirements, including building adaptations and policies for proper ventilation and airflow requirements, regular cleaning and sanitization of public areas and restrooms, liability and insurance regulations, procedures for group behavior (masks, social distancing, no singing, food-related rules, etc.) and detailed implementation of procedure for contact-tracing.  A full re-opening document is required before moving forward.
  • A re-opening document will be completed by the end of April detailing the steps and requirements for each phase of expanding building use.  We are currently planning for the various phases of re-opening the building, including maximum group sizes, room authorization and requirements. 

Talk to us! 
 
If you have unusual requests for building use that do not involve group gatherings please don't hesitate to ask. (eg., two siblings in one family recorded themselves on the sanctuary piano for an online recital, a teacher recorded a video in the space to be shared online, sanctuary can be used for personal prayer times, etc.). Please reach out with other questions or ideas.

Coronavirus Resources and Links

Ways to help or find help:
Online fun things to do:
Good Podcasts and Internet Shows:
Discernment and Decisions
Session’s job is to discern how God is leading us.  Right now, this work combines paying close attention to the guidance of our state health officials and our own presbytery and denomination and to the needs and circumstances of the congregation, guided by prayer, scripture, and our congregation’s own sense of identity, calling and mission. 

Our congregation’s wisdom includes:
  • We shape our life together around worship, hospitality and sabbath. How are we called to live these right now? Especially, how can we practice hospitality (mutual receiving and welcoming of each other) when many of us feel isolated and lonely? How can we offer hospitality to the community?  What are the needs and invitations around sabbath in this time? What creative ways of worshiping might open up to us when we’re forced outside the walls of the traditional sanctuary setting?
  • LNPC is guided by these four convictions:1- God is doing something here and now that incorporates the past and leads us into the future. 2- We are exactly the right size and make-up, and have all the resources we need, for what God wants to do in and through us. 3- Each person participates from their own particularities and passions. 4- We are all ministers - we all share the work of the church.  These are especially meaningful and important touchstones for us right now! 
  • We believe the Church is called to embrace the leadership and care of the most vulnerable among us.  What are the needs rising up among us? How can we give voice to each other, include everyone, and empower each other as ministers? How can we practice belonging to each other in this time when our typical ways put one another at risk? 
  • We discerned this year that our building is central to our mission.  How does this look right now, and in the coming days, weeks, months and years?  (Current example: Owen and Maisy’s piano teacher recorded the opening and closing portions of an online recital in our sanctuary last Friday). 

Throughout history, there have come significant global events and particular world-shaping moments that obliterate the status quo and shift life onto a different plane for a time.  We are living in one of those moments.  One day we will look back at all the ways it changed us, and marvel at what God did.  

In the midst of these times, the Church is forced/called to return to its core identity and purpose and truly be Church.  So, just like we always have, and also in brand new, completely different ways, that is what we do.  We watch for God, we help each other practice our belonging to God and one another, and we join in God’s work in the world right here and now.

We are grateful for all the Spirit is doing in through us in this time. 
 
In gratitude, trust and courage,
 
Pastor Kara Root, Pastor Lisa Larges, Clerk of Session Lisa Johnson and Ruling Elders Brian Rainey, Sue Goodspeed, Susan Hensel, Joyce Tesarek, Amy Leafblad, Jason DeBoer-Moran
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Background Info:

If you'd like some more detailed background information, the following is helpful.