See latest COVID update below.
Worship is essential, to your physical and spiritual well-being.
We prepare for Jesus at Christmas, see our Christmas 2020 schedule (Thanksgiving and Advent included) - see WORSHIP.
Current actions with COVID-19 (Updated)
From Pastor Prentice (Note) Sermons being posted under Worship
Update 11/19/2020 - Rest assured, worship is marked essential, and we will be open safely for you to come and worship in His House during these enhanced COVID mitigation efforts. We are doing all we can to make you experience safe...and will continue to monitor and make adjustments.
Of course, feeling sick or ill, or waiting for a test in case exposed (really to anything), stay home, come back when ready. Common sense. But if you need time with God in His Church, for Word and Sacrament...we are here.
Update 11/12/2020 - We are spiking and stay at home orders may come, unless essential services are required; and church and worship are deemed essential. Yet, we understand masks, social distance, etc. are needed, and we do that...but to "spread out" even more, we beginning this Sunday are adding a 11 am service of prayers and preaching. We will continue to clean and do all we can, but the church is open for you, just as a hospital is open for the body, His Church is open for your soul and well-being.
Of course, you must do what is right for you and if you want to pause, no problem; we ill be here when you re ready. This is a long race...
I will try and post sermons as well for those that cannot make it.
Stay safe.
Update 10/20/2020 - The Governor said, in essence, religion and its practice is essential; yet we do understand the challenges of doing it safely. We at Faith are doing most everything we can out of respect for our secular leaders, our flock, and all visitors. We are practicing safely with masks, hand cleaners all around, social distancing, etc. Of course, to some, you may be nervous, come attend when you are ready, but for those that are ready and want to be in God's House for Word and Sacrament, we are here. Yes, a hospital and doctor will assist in your physical and mental health if needed; a church and God's Word and Sacraments are provided for your soul.
Update 9/28/2020 - We have decided based upon data and guidelines, we are going to use the LSB hymnals again. Of course, if you want...take it home, bring it back the following week.
Update 7/21/2020 - So far, so good. We are gathering to worship with all safeguards we are able to muster. We are constantly watching and will fine tune as needed. Please know this, worship in person is marked essential, and as long as a congregation exists, an altar in a building (we call the sanctuary) exists, and the Word and Sacraments are to be delivered...we will never again pause. If we spike, we will make changes, add services, whatever we must; but His House will remain open so you can come and refresh your soul. And a refreshed soul can also mean a healthy mind and heart, and body.
OK, we will still be adding some sermons and online content...but we do not want to make it too easy to never come back. But we get it, as said all along, come back when you are ready and feel safe.
And if in need, call us....
Update 6/3/2020 - The plans for a safe church are under the Worship Section, please take a look. Thank you.
Update 5/28/2020 - June 14 is our first scheduled worship service. Please watch for more updates or send us a request. We will be emailing and calling our flock with details on our "safe to worship" planning.
Update 5/23/2020 - We are planning to re-open in June, the exact date is TBD. Please watch the WEB SIte for more details as we close in. The plan to worship safely will be posted as well. If you want more details, send us a message request and Pastor will reply. For now, continue to stay safe and as Momma said, "say your prayers", and we will be back. Remember, God never left us, we just paused in our classic worship style for a moment in time...
Update 5/2/2020 - since we closed down 3/17/2020
The church and religious organizations are getting mixed signals in May. Stay closed, or open with under 10 following guidelines; but better to do online and drive in. There are challenges being made in courts...but I want to focus on what is right for our people at Faith (and those that may enter His house here).
We are told to respect leadership, and we do so. We pray for leaders, both parties.
Very soon, we will be laying out plans to reopen. We intend to respect leaders, but we also know the people of God crave and desire Word and Sacrament; you can listen to a sermon online, but the Eucharist cannot be done online or via video. Nope, and if some say it can, run from those false shepherds fast!
How do we do this and not burden consciousness, to be determined shortly. And when we open again soon, no one demands you to come. Your faith in Christ has saved you, not the times you attend worship service; yet, attending worship bolsters faith, and gives courage to the heart of the faithful, in the midst of these challenging times. Yes, some will wait, others want to receive Word and Sacrament in His church, the sanctuary space that brings peace and calm.
Yes, soon the call of this shepherd to his flock will come...and whether some come right away, or hang tight...all is good.
Pastor Prentice
(New Note) - Because of the recent extension into May (and perhaps beyond); we truly are not sure when we can safely re-open and care for our flock. Sort of like making changes to a plane, while in the air...not easy. But please, hang in there...keep praying, listen to our devotions, call pastor if in need...read some Bible! Stay well...
Dear Members of Faith Lutheran Church of Westchester,
Regretfully, it has come to this: Everything at Faith is cancelled until further notice.
This decision has been made to best care for an aging congregation. And we do have some young ones too...
At the center of it lies this question: How best can we serve God and love our neighbors in this troubled time and place?
For now, closing Faith to all public gatherings is the best answer.
Please note: I still at work. If you need care, then call me at 708-343-1030, or send an email via WEB Site.
Soon, we pray, all of it—Liturgy, Eucharist, Bible Studies, Beauty, Community, and Joy—will be restored.
Until then, I am working on posting sermons, etc. to the WEB and FB.
More news will follow, but because the circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic are changing so rapidly, it is best to get this notice out to your right now.
Pray for Faith! Pray for our world! Beg for the mercy of Jesus!
Pastor Prentice
(NOTE) If any member needs me for prayers, consultation, etc., sharing the love of Christ...contact me...please. The church will still be available for your soul's needs. I have the keys and heat is on....
