Updates on the COVID-19 pandemic, how it’s affecting our community, and what we can do about it.
And We’re on Hold
[This page was updated on May 21, July 20, August 24, 2020, and again on March 25, 2021, as new details became available.] Pretty much everything is “on hold” right now, but I’m pretty sure “We’ll be right back” is not what we’re going to hear. The next step(s) of dealing with the division within the United Methodist Church are “on hold” as well. It’s been a wild ride, and things change daily. Some details: General Conference Our quadrennial (big word meaning ‘every 4...
read moreCoronavirus Safety Procedures (Revised)
Revised effective 1/2/21. Your comments are invited. Older persons in vulnerable age groups, especially those with certain health conditions, should not attend. Please do not attend if you are ill, ESPECIALLY with symptoms like fever, cough, sneezing, etc. Each person will have their temperature checked upon entering the building. Persons whose temperatures are above 100.4° F will be asked not to enter. We have received a donated no touch thermometer; using this thermometer, “normal” temperatures appear to be in the range of 96-98°. We will...
read moreDraft Re-Opening Plan eff. 6/22/20
We have added some small revisions as of 6/22, in red. 5/31 Ad Board Meeting Following were discussed during our May 31, 2020, Ad Board meeting via conference call: Safe distancing (outdoor/parking lot worship when weather permits) Masks required (we expect to have some masks on hand if needed) No group singing (not decided – we’re talking about this) Changes to our monthly Holy Communion Changes to normal procedures for offerings and prayer Stay home if you’re not feeling well Vulnerable persons (age/health conditions)...
read morePlanning for Re-Opening
Pastor Roger’s thoughts and resources on re-opening our sanctuary as we recover from the Coronavirus shutdown. Note that religious institutions have not been ordered to close during the pandemic; Governor Wolf has consistently classified us as Essential. That has never changed. However, it has seemed prudent to temporarily stop gathering together in our sanctuary, and move to online worship for the time being. As for re-opening, Bishop Peggy Johnson is encouraging us to hold off until the Governor updates Lancaster County to...
read moreDraft Re-Opening Plan After COVID-19
This replaces the original draft version from the EPA Conference. The original had several broken links. Comments from Pastor Roger: This is presented for information and guidance only. Some recommendations here may not fit our circumstances. Many of the links and references at the end appear to be very negative in approach. I would have preferred more balance. [pdf-embedder url=”https://pbmtzionumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/200429-Re-Opening-Plan-EPA-_2_.pdf” title=”200429 Re-Opening Plan EPA _2_”] Download the...
read moreLetter from Pastor Roger
Dear Mt. Zion Family, The COVID-19 epidemic has forced so many changes, as more and more people are infected and even dying. We are saddened. At times like these, we can turn to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and release our cares and our worries to him in prayer. We should do that ALL the time, not just in times of trouble. As Jesus said in Matthew 25:31-33, “Don’t worry and ask yourselves, ‘Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?’ Only people who don’t know God are always worrying...
read moreUpdate on General Conference 2020
It looks like our 2020 General Conference will be postponed until 2021, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. This report from UMResource: March 23, 2020 Nashville, Tenn.: Subsequent to the announcement by the Executive Committee of the Commission on the General Conference that the 2020 General Conference will be postponed, the full Commission met March 21, 2020 to determine next steps to take in setting a new date. After hearing recommendations from Sara Hotchkiss, Business Manager of the General Conference, and discussion of possible...
read morePray Against COVID-19
10 Guidelines for Prayer against COVID-19 Use these prayer points as a guideline for your own personal prayers against the COVID-19 coronavirus and its effects on people everywhere in the world. PEACE- Pray against spirits of division, suspicion, anxiety, panic, and fear that grip our communities. LEADERSHIP- Pray for wisdom, truth, direction, compassion, and strength for all leaders (political, medical, economic, ecclesial, etc) in authority. PROTECTION- Claim the blood of Jesus as a shield and healing over people groups, institutions,...
read morePray without Ceasing
epaumc.org | Bishop’s Blog | pen-del.org Pray without Ceasing – Words from Bishop Peggy Johnson Greetings. The Lord God declares, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14) People of God, I call on you to lift this COVID-19 crisis in prayer. Pray that God will heal our land and all the countries of the world. It is the first thing...
read moreAbundance of Caution
Abundance of Caution: What Should We Do about Church Services this Sunday? Jesus said that he came to bring life and life abundantly. That means the promise of spiritual life and everlasting life but also physical life. We as God’s people must be in partnership with God’s healing and preventative care ministry during this Corvid-19 pandemic. I am writing to follow up from yesterday’s pastoral letter. People have asked if we are to cancel church on Sunday or even in the weeks to come. In consultation with the EPA Cabinet I...
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