Reopening Task Force

Reopening Task Force to begin work

May 14, 2020

Dear Immanuel family,

We have formed a Reopening Task Force that, in the next few weeks, will put together plans and protocol for how we will reopen our building. Thank you for your faithfulness during this frustrating time that we have not been able to gather for worship, fellowship, faith-formation, and celebration. Your support of and prayer for our shared ministry have been great gifts. I know all of us look forward to being able to gather once again!

As our state gradually opens up again, Immanuel’s Reopening Task force will put together a stepped plan to resume ministry in the building. This plan will include safety policies and protocols for how we gradually ramp up ministry. We have guidance from the ELCA, as well as other expert sources as to what we need to consider to re-open as safely and timely as possible. You can review the ELCA guidelines. These guidelines provide helpful steps in how and when we gather, how and when we disinfect our facility, and how and when it is prudent for different populations to gather. We will base our plan on the best scientific and medical information we have as well as state requirements and regulations. Our hope is that this carefully considered plan will give our congregation confidence that we are reopening as safely as possible!

The Immanuel Reopening Task Force includes Dr. Monte Johnson, our Parish Nurse Kari Totall, Mike Schommer (public health communications manager), Jackie Getchius, Brian Naslund, and staff members Pastor Paul, Martin Rathjen, Tammy Vergeront, and Clark Weyrauch.

Please keep the task force in your prayers as we engage in this important work. We will be keeping the congregation informed of our progress. Please contact me - .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) - if you have any questions. 

I look forward to seeing you again!

Pastor Paul