The congregation I will be preaching in this Wednesday told me they want to sing Christmas music in Lent. I told them they can sing whatever they want as long as they do not sing "Now the Silence" before the sermon or "Awake O Sleeper, Arise from the Dead" after the sermon.
Both Bishop Eaton and Bishop Briner have suggested congregations not have remote or virtual Holy Communion services. I suggest First Lutheran abide by this advice and not have Holy Communion services
The poncho-like vestment worn at most worship services is to be worn by the presiding minister at Holy Communion. Since there was no sacrament, the vestment was not worn.
Church signs with message boards like the one at First Lutheran Church in Edinburg can create some interesting situations. Sometimes the sign does not communicate what is intended. Following 9/11 at