I am grateful to Lena Jones for her article on Covid-19 (see below) and what we can be doing to help protect ourselves and our neighbors. The next two to four weeks will be crucial in our ability to mitigate the damage done to friends, families, neighbors, and strangers. Renee and I have canceled our April trip to California; missing two family weddings and seeing our grandkids is disappointing to say the least,  but since we made our decision TSA agents at San Jose and LAX Airports have tested positive for the virus. Personally, Renee and I are in good health although we are inching closer to the 60 year mark. But if we were to become exposed/infected, and with an incubation period of up to 14 days without any symptoms, it wasn’t a risk we wanted to take on behalf of everyone we would subsequently come in contact with.

Regarding the congregation, as of Wednesday morning at 10 AM, we still plan on having our 6PM Thursday night Lenten meal followed by worship at 7PM. Our Sunday worship services are still planned although we encourage you to refrain from shaking hands in the coming weeks. Our sermons are posted to the University Lutheran Clemson Facebook page if you decide to stay at home for a week or two. A tip I picked up from a colleague was to put the trash cans outside of the bathrooms to remind people that after washing your hands use the paper towel for use on the door handle, then throw it away. Millions of people individually doing wise things can have a dramatic, positive effect in slowing the spread, or “flattening the curve” https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/11/science/coronavirus-curve-mitigation-infection.html

“What is the greatest command?” Jesus was asked. “To love the Lord your God with all your heart, MIND, soul and strength.” Even as we pray for those who are mourning, those who are sick or dying, we can also take other mindful actions to assist during this outbreak.

Please contact me at 843-304-5664 or [email protected] if you have any questions, concerns or just want to talk. Please also check in with one another, especially if you haven’t seen a friend at worship in a while.

As for the daffodil picture, these are known as “Fortissimo”. Hope you enjoy.

God’s peace & hope,

Pastor Jon