Risk Factors for COVID-19 (from CDC)

People Who Are at Higher Risk for Severe Illness

COVID-19 is a new disease and there is limited information regarding risk factors for severe disease. Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Based on what we know now, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are:

·        People 65 years and older

·        People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility

People of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, including:

·        People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma

·        People who have serious heart conditions

·        People who are immunocompromised

o   Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications

        People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher)

·        People with diabetes

·        People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis

·        People with liver disease

May 31 Announcements

1. Sunday Services Online: We are working toward the goal of being able to host in-person Sunday services, but we are not there, yet.  In the meantime, we will continue online services.  Audio can be found on the website after service on Sunday.  Video will be available on our Facebook page, as well.

2. Small Groups: If you are looking for ways for more connection and fellowship, small groups are forming to worship together and have fellowship with one another.  If you would like to host or join a small group, let us know at info@hutchefree.org.

3. Serving Minneapolis:  There will be many needs that come out of Minneapolis in the coming weeks.  I have reached out to our district office to see if there is anything we can do to help, but if you would like to organize a way to help and support the people of the city, please let us know at info@hutchefree.org.

Pray in May

This week, we learned about our need for help, and how we should go to Jesus with whatever we need. However, it may still seem difficult to find the right words or methods or ideas to pray about.

One of our sister churches in the EFCA has put together a list of topics to pray for throughout the month of May. I have adapted it so that it begins with today, May 5. If you would like to join us in prayer this month, please click one of the buttons below to find the prayer list from Park Community Church.

March 27 Announcements

In this season of social distancing, I want to be sure you all are aware of the ways our church is staying connected.  I will continue to send out emails with information that may be helpful to you.

This week, our governor issued a Stay at Home order for Minnesotans.  The order runs from today, March 27th, until Friday, April 10, which is also Good Friday.  At this time, our church plans to continue to follow the guidelines of our government, which means that our primary means of connection will continue to be sermon audio on the website, interacting on our Facebook group, and phone calls with one another. We will not have in-person gatherings or Sunday services until at least April 10th.

When it comes to Easter Sunday (or Resurrection Sunday, if you prefer), please be in prayer for that day.  We don't know what that day will look like yet, but we will continue to seek wisdom and creative ideas for how we could worship our Lord together on that morning.  

Finally, I would like to provide an update about the spiritual act of giving in this season.  Part of our worship on Sundays is singing together, part of it is a message, but part of it is that we give back to God from what he has given us.  In these uncertain times, I want to give you all an opportunity to continue to give as you regularly would (or begin to give as God leads).  At this time, we have two ways you can give.

1. First, you can give online.  Last week, we had a few people give online for the first time.  This is an easy option that will allow you to set up a one time or recurring gift to the church.  If you would like to do that, check out our Online Giving page on the website.

2. In addition, you can give through the mail.  Feel free to send your gift to the church at:

1020 Highway 7 W, Suite D, Hutchinson, MN 55350

We do have a locking mailbox, and I can continue to check the mail at the church during this time.

We are also aware that this season may have some of you in a financial pinch.  As a church, we have already begun to provide resources to those who need it in this season from our benevolence fund.  If you have a need, whether physical, financial, or spiritual, please let us know.  We have plenty of people who love to care for each other!  Remember, we're in this together!

February 23rd Announcements

Congregational Meeting Results and Information

We hosted our annual congregational meeting, complete with our Annual Report. If you would like a copy, stop by the mailbox in the Worship Center or talk to Pastor Mike.

We also passed a vote to move forward with a renovation project for our Ministry Center, including an expansion of our current Children’s areas. We would like to raise fund through giving first. If you would like to give toward the building project, please add designation to the Building Fund or use our online giving platform on the website.

Craft and Create Weekend

This Friday and Saturday, we will host our Craft and Create weekend. Here is more information from Carrie S.

Craft & Create Weekend

Friday February 28th 6:00pm – 10:00 pm and

Saturday, February 29th 9:00am – 5:00pm

 

@ HEFC Worship Center   1020 Hwy 7 W, Hutchinson

 

PLEASE BRING:

A beverage for yourself, a snack to share,

Money for Saturday lunch,

Project(s) to work on, and supplies.

 

Come when you can and leave when you must.

Feel free to invite a friend!

February 9th Announcements

Congregational Meeting and Potluck February 23rd:

We will host our Annual Meeting on February 23rd. At this meeting, we will have some updates from various areas of ministry at Hutch E Free, and we will cast vision for 2020, including an update on the proposed building renovation for Children’s Ministry.

We will also have a potluck lunch. If you would like to contribute to the lunch, please sign up in the worship center on Sunday, or contact Dede H.

February 2nd Announcements

Brainstorming for Outreach

Following Sunday Service on February 9th, we will host a short brainstorming session to discuss how we can better connect with the community around us. We would love to Help People Love God, but we need to find ways to get in contact with those people. Come ready with ideas about who we could reach out to and how we can connect with them in meaningful ways.

A light lunch will be provided. RSVP to Patti K or Jen S.

Photo Directory 2020

We are looking to update our photo directory. If you would like to help verify information, update records, take photos, or format the information in the new directory, please let Jen S know!

Congregational Meeting February 23rd (With Potluck!!!)

We will be having a Congregational Meeting on February 23rd to discuss our Annual Report, the Building Project, and some upcoming updates to our Constitution and Bylaws.

We will also have a potluck that same Sunday. There is a signup sheet available in the Worship Center if you would like to contribute to the food and festivities!

January 26th Announcements

HAY Lunch January 30th (Volunteer Need Filled!)

We needed 10 volunteers to help with HAY (Hutchinson Area Youth) Lunch on Thursday. This is an opportunity to serve lunch to almost 300 students from Hutchinson High School.

We have our volunteers set for January, but if you would like to serve in the future, our next HAY lunch is April 30, 2020. Contact Pastor Mike or Dede to help!

District Blitz for Youth

We will be taking our youth to District Blitz from April 17-19. We are currently working on the details including group size, accommodations, and transportation. If you or your friends would like to attend, contact Pastor Mike or Isaac. Group signups begin February 7th!

January 19 Announcements

Craft and Create Weekend

This weekend, we will be hosting a Craft and Create weekend at the Worship Center. Feel free to bring whatever project you’re working on for a time of fun and fellowship. Come for part of the time or the whole thing! We will meet from 6-10 pm Friday (the 24th) and 9-5 pm Saturday (the 25th). Contact Carrie S with any questions.

HAY Lunch January 30th

Next Thursday, January 30th, we will be facilitating the Hutchinson Area Youth lunch at CrossPoint Church. We will be serving lunch for the high school students, and we will need 10 volunteers from 10 am until about 12:30 pm. Contact Dede H or Pastor Mike if you would like to help!

District Blitz April 17-19

This year’s District Blitz for youth is set for April 17-19 in Duluth, MN. This is a very exciting and encouraging time for our youth. We would love to support them on their trip, but we may need chaperones to help. If you would be interested in traveling with our youth to District Blitz, contact Pastor Mike.