A Message from David Chavez

St. John’s Lutheran Church – Congregation President

April 28, 2020

Isaiah 55:11

So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Ecclesiastes 3:1a, 2a

For everything there is a season, a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

Dear Parents and Students of St. John’s Lutheran School:

The Bible tells us that there is a season for everything, and that the Gospel will always accomplish what God purposes. This has been and remains our faith, God is good and has a plan.

Today, our church enters a “new season”. Upon the recommendation of the Church Council, the voter’s assembly of the church has decided to close the school at the end of this school year. We will not reopen in August, ending a 70-year ministry of Gospel outreach to the greater Oxnard community.

This decision was made after many weeks of deliberation at the Church Council level, after two evening discussions with the voters, and after consultation with the Pacific Southwest District of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. We looked at many different financial and grade scenarios, concluding that the school was not sustainable at this time.

Due to economic and physical restraints resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, our plans for opening a preschool for this next year have been paused until further evaluation of this project can take place later in the Summer or early Fall.

Our prayers remain for all of you, as you seek a new school for your student. Please know that our church staff is always here to help you and our arms are open to you in Christian fellowship.

May God bless you all as we move forward hopefully in these uncertain times.

V/r

David Chavez, President