Family of Hope,

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread throughout the world, Hope Lutheran Church is taking steps to keep our members safe.

In accordance with CDC and Florida-Bahamas Synod recommendations, our Hope Lutheran Church campuses are now closed to the public until further notice. Some essential staff may report as needed, but no congregation member or visitor will be allowed to access our offices.

If you need to contact the church office, please call us at (352) 750-2321 or send an email to info@hope2all.org.

Here are a few more answers to some frequently asked questions:

Are We Worshipping This Weekend?

Yes, we will be worshipping online this weekend! All worship videos may be accessed on our website!

We will have no physical worship services at any Hope campus this weekend. Please join us online from the comfort of your home!

What About Ministry Teams & Groups?

ALL ministry team or group activities, as well as all events, have been cancelled effective Monday, March 16th at all Hope campuses. H.O.P.E. University will be held online only. You can tune in to our livestream during class sessions by visiting hope2all.org/worship/live-stream.

What Is Hope Doing to Protect Our Congregation?

The staff of Hope Lutheran Church is doing everything possible to keep our church safe, clean, and healthy for our members. Under the advisement of the CDC and the Florida-Bahamas Synod, have taken several preventative steps, including:

• Disinfecting ALL surfaces daily, including door handles, light switches, bathroom areas, and other common areas
• Placing hand sanitizer throughout our three campuses
• Routinely checking our soap dispensers, paper towel holders, and hand sanitizing stations throughout the week and before worship
• Staff and volunteers washing hands thoroughly and using hand sanitizer before each service and interaction with the congregation
• Performing deep cleaning in our church buildings throughout the week

What Can I Do to Protect Myself and My Church?

We strongly encourage everyone to take the following steps:

• Wash hands thoroughly before and after worship with soap and water
• Use hand sanitizer whenever available
• Refrain from touching your face, especially your eyes, lips, nose, or mouth
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and immediately wash your hands
• Disinfect surfaces in your home and vehicle each day using disinfectant cleaner
• Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel
• Stay home as much as possible and avoid crowds of unfamiliar people
• Use common sense and have patience

What If I Test Positive for Coronavirus?

If your healthcare provider determines that you have contracted the coronavirus, please contact the church office as soon as you’re able. Your medical information is safe with us! We will not reveal your name to any member of the congregation. We will simply make sure our church buildings are properly sanitized.

Where Can I Find More Information?

We urge all members of Hope to sign up for our Constant Contact email list by visiting hope2all.org/contact/email-updates. You’ll receive updates from our Pastors and church administrators regarding worship services and events.

If you’re on Facebook, please ‘like’ and ‘follow’ our Facebook page facebook.com/HopeLutheranVillages/. We will post updates as they develop.

Please monitor the CDC website (cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html) and the Florida Health website (floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/) for updates on the virus.

Final Thoughts:

As we continue to monitor the novel coronavirus, we will be providing updates for our congregation on all platforms. Please check our website and Facebook page often for updates.

Our Hope pastors are always available for any needs or emergencies you may have. If you need pastoral support, please contact the church office at (352) 750-2321 during business hours or (352) 978-4593 after hours.

Bishop Suarez shared this prayer given by our ELCA Churchwide office:

Merciful God, we know that your heart overflows with compassion for your whole creation. Pour out your Spirit on all people living with this illness, or who are living with anxiety about this illness, for which there is not yet a cure. Be with those who tend to the needs of the sick. Strengthen us all in body and spirit, console us when anxious, comfort us in grief and hearten us in discouragement. Help to remind us that you claim us as your own and are with us wherever we go. Through Christ, our healer and Lord. Amen.