To Encourage Return to In-Person Worship

WHEREAS, God’s people are called to “[r]emember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Ex. 20:8); and

WHEREAS, Thisday is intended asaday of sacred assembly: “Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work. It is a Sabbath to the Lord in all your dwelling places.” (Lev. 23:3); and

WHEREAS, Numerous epistles are written to the saints in certain places and were read publicly when they gathered together, for example, “To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours” (1 Cor. 1:2); and

WHEREAS, Paul exhorts Timothy to focus upon the public reading and teaching of God’s Word: “Until Icome, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands upon you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Tim. 4:13–16); and

WHEREAS, Our Savior comes to us through his Word and Sacraments as means of grace to forgive, strengthen, comfort, and guide us as his people as he bids us to do in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”;

therefore be it

Resolved, That the Texas District in convention encourage a return to in-person worship for the proclamation of the Word and administration of the Sacraments to God’s saints; and be it further

Resolved, That every pastor and congregation hold in-person services as they are able, recognizing that this will vary based on location, need, and specific accommodations in regard to the number of worship services and people in attendance; and be it further

Resolved, That this resolution not be understood to devalue or seek to stop the use of streaming or recorded services to proclaim God’s Word; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Texas District memorialize the Synod to do the same.