Amnesty International reports the following for last year:
122 countries tortured their citizens
Prisoners of conscience were detained in 61 countries
36 countries illegally sent refugees back to a country where their rights were at risk
113 countries repressed their people's right to freedom of expression
Armed groups committed abuses in 36 countries
Men, women, and children faced unfair trials in 55% of countries
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