Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, May the grace and mercy of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, the eternal love of God, and the fellowship and guidance of the Holy Spirit be with you.

As you have probably already heard, Union County and the North central region of Pennsylvania have entered into the Yellow Phase of Gov. Wolf's transition of stay-at-home measures. This is not a return to "normal", but an easing back to the re-opening of business and other organizations, keeping in mind the safe practices and social-distancing that will help slowing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Under this Yellow Phase, in-person gatherings are limited to 25 persons and less, all the while paying strict attention to safe sanitary and social practices, such as wearing facial masks and using hand sanitizers. Therefore, throughout the month of May, we will continue to provide videotaped worship services that can be accessed through both congregations' websites and their Facebook pages. 

But beginning, Monday, May 11th, we will resume Bible studies at both congregations. Again, you will be asked to wear facial masks to participate in these in-person sessions, and please do not attend if you have been exposed to any who have tested positive to the COVID-19 virus or if you, yourself are experiencing any associated symptoms. Because we have not been able to gather together for worship for quite some time, the format of our Bible studies will include an abbreviated worship and prayer service and a time to "check-in" as to how we are doing. 

The scheduled Bible studies are as follows:

    Monday, May 11 and 18 from 10:30 AM to 12 Noon at CULC

    Monday, May 11 and 18 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at FELC

    Tuesday May 12, 19 and 26 from 10:30 AM to Noon at FELC

    Wednesday, May 13, 20, and 27 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at CULC

If you have not participated in our Bible studies in the past or if it's been some time since, we invite you to begin or re-start for an important time of fellowship and study.

In service to Christ and the Church,   Pastor John

    To all my sisters and brothers in Christ, 

As we cautiously move into a different phase of the COVID-19 shutdown, enabling small groups of 25 or less to gather in person, we continue to stress the importance of safe care practices and to engage and reengage with God's guiding word.

The writer of Proverbs shares a bit of wisdom and counsel: 

     My child, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.

     Do not let them escape from your sight; keep them within your heart.

     For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.

     Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

                                                                                      (4:20-23)

Together we will have the opportunity to gather for fellowship, prayer and study over the next several weeks in our scheduled Bible studies. This will be the first opportunity to be together in-person for well over a month. Please join us for a time of story sharing, mutual support, and a little learning and reflection upon God's word from all participants. There will be several times each week to come together as were listed in the prior briefing. Come and share the experience with your other sisters and brothers in Christ.

      And now, my children, listen to me: happy are those who keep my ways.

      Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it.

      Happy is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors.

      For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the LORD.

                                                                                       (Proverbs 8:32-35)

Also, starting Monday, May 11th, the church offices at both congregations will resume regular office hours. Additionally, for those without digital access to these daily briefings and scheduled activities, paper copies will be mailed weekly.

You will continue to be able to view our videotaped worship experiences and to read the daily briefings on the respective church websites and on their Facebook pages: 

         www.4bellschurch.com                   www.felcmifflinburg.org  

Any thoughts, questions, or helpful hints, give me a call at 570-837-9232 or text: prjohnyost@gmail.com. 

Take care and God bless!    Pastor john