Dear Hot Metallers,

We continue our Lenten journey of searching for and finding God in unexpected places. This week, we'll read John 4:1-42, where Jesus shows up at a Samaritan well and meets a Samaritan woman. They engage in deep theological conversation, and she's the first person in the Gospel of John to proclaim Jesus as the Messiah. What can we learn from this woman and her "God sighting"? Where does Jesus call us to cross boundaries to experience God in new ways?

We'll gather together to hear about God's promises of Living Water and new life, through song and prayer and fellowship. We hope you join us!

Peace,
Pastor Erin

PS. A Note about COVID-19: As the concern and information about the COVID-19 virus spreads even quicker than the virus itself, I want everyone to be assured that Hot Metal is monitoring the situation and discerning the best way forward. We want to walk the fine line between awareness and panic, all while making sure we still care for the vulnerable in our midst in the most faithful way possible. As I write this, no confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Allegheny County. Nevertheless, we are exercising caution.

When the Bubonic Plague hit Germany in 1527, Martin Luther and his wife, Katie (pregnant at the time!), stayed in Wittenberg and cared for those who were sick and vulnerable. He did this because he firmly believed that the Gospel calls those who are able to care for our neighbors. He also said this, " God has created medicines and has provided us with intelligence to guard and take care of the body. … Use medicine; take potions which can help you; fumigate house, yard, and street; shun persons and places wherever your neighbor does not need your presence" ("Whether One May Flee From a Deadly Plague," 1527).

So we attempt to balance our call to our neighbor, and our call to care for ourselves. We balance trusting in God above all, while recognizing science and modern medicine as a gift from God that informs our trust. Here are some steps Hot Metal is taking during this time:

1. Praying for those affected, and for world leaders to calmly, effectively, and honestly deal with the growing pandemic around the world.

2. Encouraging those who are in vulnerable populations or in high-risk sectors to stay home as you are able. We also support anyone who feels safer to staying home to do so, as a precaution to minimize the spread of the virus. We are working on technology that will enable those who stay home to still feel connected. Please be sure to follow us on Facebook and YouTube. Also, if you are in need of extra care or support during this time, please reach out to me or Autumn or the Compassion Team (compassion@hotmetalbridge.com).

3. Adapting our communion practice to ensure minimal contagion. We will still make the gifts of God available to all who hunger for it, while also complying with CDC and denominational recommendations.

4. Making hand sanitizer available in the worship space. We will also encourage appropriate social distance during worship, including in the greeting and passing of the peace. We ask that all remember to wash their hands frequently. Did you know the Lord's Prayer and many hymns take about 20 seconds, the recommended time we should take washing?

5. I have been in contact with our cleaning company and assured that extra precautions will be taken to sanitize the entire space. We'll also be diligent in keeping everything clean and sanitized.

6. Making additional contingency plans. Please keep a look out for additional ways we might care for one another during this time. We are especially mindful of those who are food insecure, and are formulating plans to make sure they can be provided for through our Table Ministry. It is also always possible that we will have to move worship to a fully electronic experience, pending an outbreak here in Pittsburgh. Please stay connected to the email list and Social Media for up-to-date announcements and calls to action.

I don't think it's a coincidence that Martin Luther penned his most famous hymn, "A Mighty Fortress is Our God," around the time he was confronting the Plague. We know that this is a scary time, and yet we also remember that God is our refuge and strength, a present help in time of trouble. We cling to that hope, and to one another (but not physically). May you find Christ's peace.