Staying Connected
WORSHIP SERVICES
LIVE How to connect
Options are the same whether joining for Sunday or Wednesday livestream
1) Facebook: If you are on Facebook, find us “live” on Facebook www.facebook.com/elkriverlutheran
2) Youtube: Not on Facebook?
Click this link at or before service time
https://www.youtube.com/c/elkriverlutheranchurch
Going Away:
Zoom Service and Coffee/Fellowship: Not on Facebook?
Click this link* at or before service time
https://zoom.us/j/733768254
*Please note, if this is your first time using Zoom, after you click the link you will be asked to download a “Zoom” extension for your web browser if you are on a computer or an “app” if you are on a smartphone or tablet. You must accept/approve this download. Then you’ll be invited to type your name so we can see you’re there. You’ll be in a waiting room and we will let you in when it’s time for the service to begin.
3) Telephone
Call in to the meeting via phone
Option 1: On a smartphone click on the Number/Symbol string below for the phone to do the dialing:
+16465588656,,733768254# US
Option 2: On a landline or cell phone, dial the following:
Dial 16465588656 and enter Meeting ID: 733 768 254
1) Facebook: If you are on Facebook, find us “live” on Facebook www.facebook.com/elkriverlutheran
2) Youtube: Not on Facebook?
Click this link at or before service time
https://www.youtube.com/c/elkriverlutheranchurch
Going Away:
Zoom Service and Coffee/Fellowship: Not on Facebook?
Click this link* at or before service time
https://zoom.us/j/733768254
*Please note, if this is your first time using Zoom, after you click the link you will be asked to download a “Zoom” extension for your web browser if you are on a computer or an “app” if you are on a smartphone or tablet. You must accept/approve this download. Then you’ll be invited to type your name so we can see you’re there. You’ll be in a waiting room and we will let you in when it’s time for the service to begin.
3) Telephone
Call in to the meeting via phone
Option 1: On a smartphone click on the Number/Symbol string below for the phone to do the dialing:
+16465588656,,733768254# US
Option 2: On a landline or cell phone, dial the following:
Dial 16465588656 and enter Meeting ID: 733 768 254
ERLC Status Messages
Pastor Update , June 28, 2021
Dear Members and Friends of Elk River Lutheran,
This week we take a huge step in reopening the church as we welcome you back into the sanctuary to worship together at 8:30AM! This letter shares this and other details that are a part of the reopening plan the church council has approved. Thank you for your faithfulness and patience as we’ve navigated these past fifteen months of the pandemic. Starting this week our worship schedule is as follows:
8:30AM Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary -- Some elements of this in-person worship service have been adjusted to meet CDC and MDH guidelines, but most of your favorite parts of worship will be there: scripture reading, prayer, singing together from the red hymnal, a sermon, and Holy Communion (for now we will use individually packaged communion). Rows of chairs will be spaced out to allow those who wish to socially distance to do so. Vaccinated people are free to not wear a mask and those who are not yet vaccinated are asked to please wear a mask to protect children and others who are not vaccinated.
10:30AM Contemporary Worship Outdoors & Online -- Enjoy the beauty of creation as you worship! Bring a lawn chair, stay in your car, or worship from home via Facebook or YouTube. This service will include modern music and new arrangements of classics, scripture, a sermon, and Holy Communion (individually packaged elements distributed in-person, at home please have your own).
The decision to move the 8:15AM service to 8:30AM was made with the goal of creating more natural overlap of different service attenders at the coffee hour, and there was a consensus that, especially for new people, 8:30AM and 10:30AM are easier times to remember than 8:15AM and 10:30AM. It’s a small change, but we hope it will serve us well.
Starting in July we will also be launching an exciting new sermon series called “Binge the Bible: Genesis to Revelation in 6 Episodes.” Have you ever wanted to know what the Bible is all about, but been a little intimidated by the size and scope of this beautifully complex book? Well get ready to Binge the Bible and work your way from Genesis to Revelation, in only six weeks! We’ve divided the Bible into six sections and each Sunday at worship we’ll share a Biblical Preview (a summary of the week’s section), followed by a sermon focused on what the overall message of that part of the Bible means for us and our daily life. Jeremy and I will provide a more in-depth exploration of scripture on Thursdays at 11:00AM with our Binge the Bible Breakdown live on Facebook and Youtube.
This is a series you won’t want to miss and with so many ways to connect, you don’t have to miss out! Ways to connect:
In-person LIVE - Come to the church Sunday morning at 8:30 or 10:30AM
Online LIVE - Jump on Facebook or YouTube at 10:30AM for a LIVE broadcast
Watch/Listen Later - Videos are automatically saved and available on Facebook and YouTube, and don’t forget our Powered by LOVE podcast, which is available anywhere you download podcasts. If you are busy and on the go this summer, the podcast is a great way to grow in faith and connect with church.
Our reopening plan also opens the church building up for a wide variety of midweek gatherings of members and nonmembers. Outside groups who have held meetings in our building will once again be welcome to return. I am grateful that we will once again be able to hold funeral and memorial services at the church, but at this time we are still exploring the best/safest way to reinstitute funeral lunches. Traditionally these lunches have been self-serve buffet style, which given the ongoing pandemic, doesn’t seem like the best option. So aside from masking recommendations (that unvaccinated people mask) and holding off on serving food, most of our gatherings will feel pretty normal.
After a long year of separation, this summer will be a wonderful time to reconnect with one another, and so to this end
ERLC Reconnection Meetups -- Look for details forthcoming on these casual gatherings hosted by ERLC staff at church and around the community.
Smores Sunday -- July 25th enjoy a smore and some camps songs after worship.
Bless My Ride Sunday -- August 8th Bring your ride (bike, motorcycle, classic car, walker, whatever you’ve got!) to outdoor worship to receive a special blessing and a “Blessed Ride ERLC” sticker.
I look forward to seeing you in-person soon! Thank you again for your support and love of this church and for helping us make the best of a difficult year. Please contact the church office or me directly (pastornathan@elkriverlutheran.org cell# 763-242-8347) with questions or needs the church could help with.
Grace and Peace, Pastor Nathan
This week we take a huge step in reopening the church as we welcome you back into the sanctuary to worship together at 8:30AM! This letter shares this and other details that are a part of the reopening plan the church council has approved. Thank you for your faithfulness and patience as we’ve navigated these past fifteen months of the pandemic. Starting this week our worship schedule is as follows:
8:30AM Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary -- Some elements of this in-person worship service have been adjusted to meet CDC and MDH guidelines, but most of your favorite parts of worship will be there: scripture reading, prayer, singing together from the red hymnal, a sermon, and Holy Communion (for now we will use individually packaged communion). Rows of chairs will be spaced out to allow those who wish to socially distance to do so. Vaccinated people are free to not wear a mask and those who are not yet vaccinated are asked to please wear a mask to protect children and others who are not vaccinated.
10:30AM Contemporary Worship Outdoors & Online -- Enjoy the beauty of creation as you worship! Bring a lawn chair, stay in your car, or worship from home via Facebook or YouTube. This service will include modern music and new arrangements of classics, scripture, a sermon, and Holy Communion (individually packaged elements distributed in-person, at home please have your own).
The decision to move the 8:15AM service to 8:30AM was made with the goal of creating more natural overlap of different service attenders at the coffee hour, and there was a consensus that, especially for new people, 8:30AM and 10:30AM are easier times to remember than 8:15AM and 10:30AM. It’s a small change, but we hope it will serve us well.
Starting in July we will also be launching an exciting new sermon series called “Binge the Bible: Genesis to Revelation in 6 Episodes.” Have you ever wanted to know what the Bible is all about, but been a little intimidated by the size and scope of this beautifully complex book? Well get ready to Binge the Bible and work your way from Genesis to Revelation, in only six weeks! We’ve divided the Bible into six sections and each Sunday at worship we’ll share a Biblical Preview (a summary of the week’s section), followed by a sermon focused on what the overall message of that part of the Bible means for us and our daily life. Jeremy and I will provide a more in-depth exploration of scripture on Thursdays at 11:00AM with our Binge the Bible Breakdown live on Facebook and Youtube.
This is a series you won’t want to miss and with so many ways to connect, you don’t have to miss out! Ways to connect:
In-person LIVE - Come to the church Sunday morning at 8:30 or 10:30AM
Online LIVE - Jump on Facebook or YouTube at 10:30AM for a LIVE broadcast
Watch/Listen Later - Videos are automatically saved and available on Facebook and YouTube, and don’t forget our Powered by LOVE podcast, which is available anywhere you download podcasts. If you are busy and on the go this summer, the podcast is a great way to grow in faith and connect with church.
Our reopening plan also opens the church building up for a wide variety of midweek gatherings of members and nonmembers. Outside groups who have held meetings in our building will once again be welcome to return. I am grateful that we will once again be able to hold funeral and memorial services at the church, but at this time we are still exploring the best/safest way to reinstitute funeral lunches. Traditionally these lunches have been self-serve buffet style, which given the ongoing pandemic, doesn’t seem like the best option. So aside from masking recommendations (that unvaccinated people mask) and holding off on serving food, most of our gatherings will feel pretty normal.
After a long year of separation, this summer will be a wonderful time to reconnect with one another, and so to this end
ERLC Reconnection Meetups -- Look for details forthcoming on these casual gatherings hosted by ERLC staff at church and around the community.
Smores Sunday -- July 25th enjoy a smore and some camps songs after worship.
Bless My Ride Sunday -- August 8th Bring your ride (bike, motorcycle, classic car, walker, whatever you’ve got!) to outdoor worship to receive a special blessing and a “Blessed Ride ERLC” sticker.
I look forward to seeing you in-person soon! Thank you again for your support and love of this church and for helping us make the best of a difficult year. Please contact the church office or me directly (pastornathan@elkriverlutheran.org cell# 763-242-8347) with questions or needs the church could help with.
Grace and Peace, Pastor Nathan
Summer ERLC Current, June 1, 2021
Dear Members and Friends of Elk River Lutheran Church,
Beginning on Sunday, July 4th Elk River Lutheran Church will reopen for limited indoor Sunday Worship, offering a Traditional Worship Service at 8:30AM in the sanctuary and an outdoor Contemporary Drive-In Church Service at 10:30AM. The 10:30AM service will be livestreamed online, with hopes of also livestreaming the 8:30AM service as we build up our audio/visual volunteer base.
I am so grateful that decreasing case numbers and increasing vaccination rates have allowed us to return to more “normal” congregational life. Over a year ago I sent out a different letter with this update:
Beginning on Sunday, July 4th Elk River Lutheran Church will reopen for limited indoor Sunday Worship, offering a Traditional Worship Service at 8:30AM in the sanctuary and an outdoor Contemporary Drive-In Church Service at 10:30AM. The 10:30AM service will be livestreamed online, with hopes of also livestreaming the 8:30AM service as we build up our audio/visual volunteer base.
I am so grateful that decreasing case numbers and increasing vaccination rates have allowed us to return to more “normal” congregational life. Over a year ago I sent out a different letter with this update:
“Out of an abundance of caution and love for our neighbors, Elk River Lutheran Church is suspending in-person Sunday worship,
all programming, and meetings, including the outside groups who use our facility, through the end of March.”
Pastor Nathan Mugaas,
March 14th, 2020 update letter to the congregation
all programming, and meetings, including the outside groups who use our facility, through the end of March.”
Pastor Nathan Mugaas,
March 14th, 2020 update letter to the congregation
We all know that “two weeks to flatten the curve” turned into a years-long global disruption and for the past fifteen months our church has continued to practice an abundance of caution and love for our neighbors. I’m grateful for our Church Council’s commitment to loving our neighbors by prioritizing the health and safety not only of our members, but our community. Thank you for your patience and support during this time.
In the past fifteen months we have all missed being together, worried about ourselves, friends, and loved ones getting sick, and even grieved the death of loved ones, often from a distance. There has been so much hardship. We have felt this as individuals and as a congregation, and healing will take time. As people of faith we know that God walks with us through challenging times and works to bring about good and new life, even out of extreme hardship. My family literally welcomed a new life into the world when our baby Ben was born May 18, 2020. Our church has experienced its own surprise blessings in the past year, including:
Online Worship -- We have discovered the blessings of gathering for worship online, which has allowed people from all over the country to be a part of the Elk River Lutheran Church community. Online worship will continue to be a primary way we stay connected as a church and share the good news of God’s love with others.
Connections -- When we were no longer able to gather regularly in-person, church members naturally stepped up to check in with each other, and many volunteered to be part of the Community Care Team that called through our membership list.
Generosity -- Your generosity has helped us maintain, adapt, and expand Elk River Lutheran’s ministries this year. At Easter, through our first generosity project, ERLC members distributed 250 thank you cards to a wide variety of people who went the extra mile this year. In 2020 when we could no longer send volunteers to work at CAER (our local food shelf) we donated more money to support their work than in any previous year. In 2021 we have topped that annual record, by already giving $16,569 to CAER. Well done generous people! *See page 12 for a more detailed financial update
I know some of you have been frustrated with me and/or the Church Council during this year. This has been a tough year and I’m sorry for the ways I/we have failed you. Please know that we have worked diligently to do our best and if you find yourself still holding onto anger or frustrations from this past year, give me a call (Pastor Nathan cell# 763-242-8347) and let’s work it out.
Our future together is bright and exciting! In the pages that follow you’ll see some of the awesome things we have planned for this summer; opportunities to be together online and in-person (indoors and outdoors). Our upcoming worship theme is Love is on the Move (see pages 6 and 15 for more) and this summer we will be on the move, celebrating the joy of life together, and living this mission out:
Trusting in God’s grace, an accepting, joyful community, serving God and neighbor.
Grace and Peace, Pastor Nathan
In the past fifteen months we have all missed being together, worried about ourselves, friends, and loved ones getting sick, and even grieved the death of loved ones, often from a distance. There has been so much hardship. We have felt this as individuals and as a congregation, and healing will take time. As people of faith we know that God walks with us through challenging times and works to bring about good and new life, even out of extreme hardship. My family literally welcomed a new life into the world when our baby Ben was born May 18, 2020. Our church has experienced its own surprise blessings in the past year, including:
Online Worship -- We have discovered the blessings of gathering for worship online, which has allowed people from all over the country to be a part of the Elk River Lutheran Church community. Online worship will continue to be a primary way we stay connected as a church and share the good news of God’s love with others.
Connections -- When we were no longer able to gather regularly in-person, church members naturally stepped up to check in with each other, and many volunteered to be part of the Community Care Team that called through our membership list.
Generosity -- Your generosity has helped us maintain, adapt, and expand Elk River Lutheran’s ministries this year. At Easter, through our first generosity project, ERLC members distributed 250 thank you cards to a wide variety of people who went the extra mile this year. In 2020 when we could no longer send volunteers to work at CAER (our local food shelf) we donated more money to support their work than in any previous year. In 2021 we have topped that annual record, by already giving $16,569 to CAER. Well done generous people! *See page 12 for a more detailed financial update
I know some of you have been frustrated with me and/or the Church Council during this year. This has been a tough year and I’m sorry for the ways I/we have failed you. Please know that we have worked diligently to do our best and if you find yourself still holding onto anger or frustrations from this past year, give me a call (Pastor Nathan cell# 763-242-8347) and let’s work it out.
Our future together is bright and exciting! In the pages that follow you’ll see some of the awesome things we have planned for this summer; opportunities to be together online and in-person (indoors and outdoors). Our upcoming worship theme is Love is on the Move (see pages 6 and 15 for more) and this summer we will be on the move, celebrating the joy of life together, and living this mission out:
Trusting in God’s grace, an accepting, joyful community, serving God and neighbor.
Grace and Peace, Pastor Nathan
March 25, 2021 - Easter Invite and March 2021 Church Update
Dear Members and Friends of Elk River Lutheran Church,
We are excited to gather for worship this Easter Sunday, April 4th, for two Drive-In Church services (8:15 & 11:00AM), as well as an online service at 9:30AM! Join us as we celebrate the joy of Christ’s resurrection and by picking up a Holy Week Kit outside the front doors of the church. These kits include palm branches, worship bulletins, special pita bread for communion, an Easter garden kit, butterflies, and even Laffy Taffy; all to enhance the following Holy Week worship services:
Palm Sunday -- March 28
Online Service, 9:30AM
Hosanna Hootenanny & Parade 11:00AM
Maundy Thursday Online -- April 1, 6:30PM
Good Friday Online -- April 2, 6:30PM
Easter Sunday -- April 4
Online Worship, 9:30AM
Drive-In Church, 8:15AM & 11:00AM
Holy Humor Sunday Online -- April 11, 9:30AM
As vaccines roll out and the governor relaxes restrictions we are excited to prepare for a return to in-person worship. Our phased reopening plan starts with the return to regular outdoor Drive-In Church services, and then ultimately back into the building. My goal has always been to return to in-person worship with no restrictions (no masks or social distancing, being able to shake hands and drink coffee together), and gathering outdoors is a great first step toward that goal. Drive-In Church allows people to stay safely in their cars or get out and socialize as they feel comfortable, with the outside air greatly reducing the potential for viral spread. I know these Drive-In Church services will be joyful opportunities to connect as people bring lawn chairs, travel mugs of coffee, and once again connect with church friends.
Weekly 9:30AM Sunday Drive-In Church Services (weather permitting) Starting April 18
In the weeks ahead we’ll also be transitioning to a new online broadcast platform that will allow us to livestream services with greater audio and video quality. You’ll still be able to find the services in the same places (Facebook, Zoom, & Youtube), only we will update the software and cameras at the church to produce an attractive and user-friendly online worship service.
In closing, I want to share my extreme gratitude and an apology. I will be forever grateful for the love, support, flexibility, and resilience Elk River Lutheran has shown in this extraordinary time. The commitment of our members, Church Council, and staff has been personally inspiring and crucial to carrying our mission and life together forward. But I also know that I, and we as a whole church, have dropped the ball in some ways great and small; ways I know about and certainly ways I’m not even aware of. For that, I am extremely sorry. We have tried our best, but I know that our best has not always been enough. If you feel neglected, disconnected, or forgotten by the church, know that I want to do what I can to restore your connection here. I want us to continue to live out this mission together:
Trusting in God’s grace, an accepting, joyful community, serving God and neighbor.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Nathan
We are excited to gather for worship this Easter Sunday, April 4th, for two Drive-In Church services (8:15 & 11:00AM), as well as an online service at 9:30AM! Join us as we celebrate the joy of Christ’s resurrection and by picking up a Holy Week Kit outside the front doors of the church. These kits include palm branches, worship bulletins, special pita bread for communion, an Easter garden kit, butterflies, and even Laffy Taffy; all to enhance the following Holy Week worship services:
Palm Sunday -- March 28
Online Service, 9:30AM
Hosanna Hootenanny & Parade 11:00AM
Maundy Thursday Online -- April 1, 6:30PM
Good Friday Online -- April 2, 6:30PM
Easter Sunday -- April 4
Online Worship, 9:30AM
Drive-In Church, 8:15AM & 11:00AM
Holy Humor Sunday Online -- April 11, 9:30AM
As vaccines roll out and the governor relaxes restrictions we are excited to prepare for a return to in-person worship. Our phased reopening plan starts with the return to regular outdoor Drive-In Church services, and then ultimately back into the building. My goal has always been to return to in-person worship with no restrictions (no masks or social distancing, being able to shake hands and drink coffee together), and gathering outdoors is a great first step toward that goal. Drive-In Church allows people to stay safely in their cars or get out and socialize as they feel comfortable, with the outside air greatly reducing the potential for viral spread. I know these Drive-In Church services will be joyful opportunities to connect as people bring lawn chairs, travel mugs of coffee, and once again connect with church friends.
Weekly 9:30AM Sunday Drive-In Church Services (weather permitting) Starting April 18
In the weeks ahead we’ll also be transitioning to a new online broadcast platform that will allow us to livestream services with greater audio and video quality. You’ll still be able to find the services in the same places (Facebook, Zoom, & Youtube), only we will update the software and cameras at the church to produce an attractive and user-friendly online worship service.
In closing, I want to share my extreme gratitude and an apology. I will be forever grateful for the love, support, flexibility, and resilience Elk River Lutheran has shown in this extraordinary time. The commitment of our members, Church Council, and staff has been personally inspiring and crucial to carrying our mission and life together forward. But I also know that I, and we as a whole church, have dropped the ball in some ways great and small; ways I know about and certainly ways I’m not even aware of. For that, I am extremely sorry. We have tried our best, but I know that our best has not always been enough. If you feel neglected, disconnected, or forgotten by the church, know that I want to do what I can to restore your connection here. I want us to continue to live out this mission together:
Trusting in God’s grace, an accepting, joyful community, serving God and neighbor.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Nathan
January 31, 2021 - Future Together Sermon from Annual Meeting Sunday
September 8, 2020 - ERLC Fall 2020 Update
May 28, 2020 - Update from Pastor Nathan
About Sunday Online Worship
Sunday mornings at 9:30am
We will be hosting an online worship service Sundays. This service will be recorded and shared afterward, but it is also available live as listed above. Please keep an eye out for when we will be hosting Drive-in Worship (which will be held jointly with Online worship)
Zoom Coffee/Fellowship (after Sunday Worship)
At the end of the service, everyone is invited to Zoom Coffee/Fellowship where all ages will gather for a large group hello then break into smaller groups.
LiFT! Kids and families will go to a breakout room with Lisa where we will have interactive LiFT! Family Sunday School.
We will be hosting an online worship service Sundays. This service will be recorded and shared afterward, but it is also available live as listed above. Please keep an eye out for when we will be hosting Drive-in Worship (which will be held jointly with Online worship)
Zoom Coffee/Fellowship (after Sunday Worship)
At the end of the service, everyone is invited to Zoom Coffee/Fellowship where all ages will gather for a large group hello then break into smaller groups.
LiFT! Kids and families will go to a breakout room with Lisa where we will have interactive LiFT! Family Sunday School.
