Live stream link for Sunday’s Service at 10:45 a.m.: hps://youtu.be/oQ2SaVdshxQ If you miss the live stream, watch your email for the link to the to be sent out Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Face Masks Required During Worship Services Dear Friends, Like you, we are aware of the disturbing uptick in Covid-19 infections in our area, even among those who have been vaccinated. This morning, the North Carolina Synod's Regathering Team released updated guidelines for churches in an effort to keep everyone healthy and to slow the spread of this deadly virus. As people are traveling more and as teachers and students are returning to school, we share in the Synod's desire to keep everyone healthy and encourage everyone to do their part in protecting the most vulnerable in our midst. After reviewing the current situation, council has voted to approve reinstating the mask requirement for indoor church services until further notice. This is in addition to the guidelines from the Synod and to socially distance the best they can to honor Jesus's commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31). If you are uncomfortable attending in-person worship, we encourage you to participate in the Livestream Worship of our 10:45 a.m. service. I recognize a return to these guidelines is disappointing. I am disappointed! But I also view them as an opportunity for us as people of Christ to embrace them as visible ways of showing God's love! Let's do our best to support one another, care for one another, and pray for one another as we continue to navigate the difficult terrain of Covid-19. Let's keep our hearts and minds open for ways to rise above the discontent and inconvenience and celebrate the true freedoms we have in Christ. Together we are stronger, so let's stay united in this effort and get through it together. In Christ, Pastor Brook Many of you may have already heard the news that Matthews Alive has been cancelled again this year. In a unanimous decision by the board of directors and supported by the main sponsor Novant Health and the Town of Matthews, the decision was made to cancel this year’s show to ensure the health and well being of our attendees and festival partners. Cognitive Health The Cross and Crown Wellness Team has idenfied Cognive or Intellectual Health as the focus for August. In order to exercise your brain, a Vocabulary of the Faith crossword puzzle is available for you to download from the newsleer or pickup in the Narthex. Engagement in cognive exercise will support connued cognive funcon. If you do not have a printer and are not coming to services, please call Judy Hughes, 980-339-7551 and one will be mailed to you. Cross Word Puzzles can be a way for you to smulate your brain during the hot August heat as you sit in the shade, relax on the beach, or travel for one last summer vacaon. We hope you will pick up one and return it in the offering plate with $1.00. The Wellness Team will match up to 100 Cross Word Puzzle returns for a donaon to the local Alzheimer’s Associaon. Complete the puzzle Individually or engage your children with looking up scripture references. The answers are aached so it doesn't become too frustrang. Thanks for parcipang! Water Challenge Report WOW! Cross and Crown you are amazing! Over 50 people signed up for the water challenge and together you contributed just pennies over $1,000.00 to an ELCA Good Gifts Safe Water Project. Yes, that is not a typo, there are three zeros! In addition to supporting your wellbeing, you have made it possible for the ELCA to provide not one but 4 shares of a Safe Water Project for a community in need! The ELCA reports lack of access to safe water is one of the biggest challenges to overcoming poverty- even more critical with climate change catastrophes. It’s also one of the most powerful opportunities to create change. With a simple water well, spring box, or other water points, as many as 500 families gain access to clean, safe water. Communities are healthier. People spend less money on medical expenses and more on food and education. And instead of spending hours each day gathering water for the family, women and children have time for work and school. Talk about a future filled with hope! Cross and Crown you have positively impacted the lives of hundreds of families! Congratulations! Thank you! Cross and Crown Wellness Ministry News Backpack Blessing During next Sunday’s worship services there will be a “Blessing of Backpacks & Devices” for our students returning to school in person or those participating in online school!