We will not gather this Sunday.

EPMC Church Family,

     As you know, our Ministry Team made the discernment that our worship gathering schedules will follow the local school schedules in response to COVID-19.

     This afternoon, President Donald Trump declared a National Emergency for the United States. This National Emergency will help release federal funding and is focused on slowing the spreading of this viral infection by releasing more tests, resources, funding, and by prioritizing a “limit” of public gatherings, assemblies, and visitors into residential/hospital communities.

     In response to this looming news, Governor Wolf declared earlier this afternoon, that all Pennsylvania Schools will be closed for ten days. Again, this is an attempt to limit the spread of this virus through large gatherings of individuals.

     Our Ministry Team has decided to stay with our discernment, to follow the school schedule for this week. We will take this discernment weekly, and we will continue to follow the progression of this virus while observing governmental recommendations and those recommendations of our medical professionals. As a church, we want to do our part in limiting the opportunities this virus has to spread. This is also a way to prioritize the health of those with underlying health issues and older individuals. By limiting exposure opportunities, we hope to also avoid a tasking overload on our local healthcare systems.

     As a result, this week, we will NOT have any Sunday morning gathering. This means our Small Group/Sunday School Hour and our Main Worship Gathering has been canceled. Please communicate any pastoral care needs to the Church Office.

     This week I had the opportunity to check-in with some neighbors and friends, and ask how they are doing with this news. It gives us the chance to inquire about their needs and anxiousness. Please continue praying for our church and our neighborhoods. Also, find ways to check-in with your friends, family, and neighbors – see how you might love them with Jesus’ love in the confusion of the world around us.

Pastor Jeff McLain