Everyone is welcome, you do not need to be a Lutheran to join us. We welcome everyone from all religious backgrounds.

We look forward to having you join us on this trip of a lifetime. It promises to be a wonderful experience for all with time to enjoy the fellowship of old friends and new. Nawas International Travel is making the arrangements for us and has earned a reputation for reliability and excellence in their 59 years of business.

While the year 2010 seems a long time away, NOW is the time to make plans and reserve your place on the tour as space is limited. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see the Passion Play and experience Luther’s Germany! Click here for a brochure. Website: http://tours.lutheranweb.net/

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other leading health experts agree that the threat of a flu pandemic is real. Improving our health habits is a simple way to slow the spread of germs and helps us all start preparing now. 

So from time to time I will be sending out notes provided for us by the CDC and adapted for our use here.

In an effort to keep everyone healthy, we ask everyone to help improve health habits here at Gethsemane and at home.
What does that mean?

We will see some small changes in worship and at our church home.

1: For now we will no longer be sharing the peace by shaking hands.

2: We will be changing from the common loaf to individual wafers. 

3: We will continue to use disposable cups.

4: We have stepped up our housekeeping practices 

What should I do?

Here are simple steps that everyone should take.

1. Wash your hands throughout the day:
    a. after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing;
    b. after using the bathroom;
    c. after being near someone who is ill;
    d. after touching items handled by many people;
    e. before and after eating or drinking; and
    f. after handling garbage.

2. Never cough or sneeze into your bare hand. Use a tissue to avoid spreading germs to your hand and then to things you touch. Then, throw the tissue into the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve.

3. Keep your telephones, computers, keyboards, and other frequently touched machines or equipment clean.
These simple habits can help keep all of us healthy, and we encourage you to practice them here at [insert organization’s name] and at home to minimize the spread of germs.

More information about protecting yourself and your family can be found at http://www.pandemicflu.gov/.

Your brother in Christ,

Steve Olson