Based on the advice and direction of civil and spiritual authorities, after our Lenten Service this evening we will be postponing church activities for at least two weeks. Most of our sister churches in the area have decided to take this step, and we feel that it is necessary for us to do so as well.

During this time of anxiety and unrest, we will attempt to send out expanded video messages, devotionals, and resources for your spiritual enrichment and edification. Please feel free to come to the church sanctuary at any time for prayer and meditation. Take a hymnal or bible home with you if you’d like. Make sure you have your portals of prayer or other devotional for use in the home. Let me know if you would like a catechism or other resource from CPH and we can order it for you.

Remember that this will be also be a challenging time financially for our congregation and community. The costs that are part of our annual budget continue whether we are physically assembled or not. There also may be families in our sphere of influence who experience financial difficulties during this time that we may be able to help. This is a time for us to put our faith and trust in God that we might “live generously” as He has called us to do. After supporting your own congregation here at Bethany, you may want to consider giving to the Ministerial Alliance, Food Pantry, or other local charity.

Again – if you are in need of pastoral care during this time please contact me via text, phone, email, or facebook. I am available for prayer, confession/absolution, and private communion. If any of our seniors need assistance with groceries or errands, please let us know. We’re all in this together and we’ll do our best to trust in God and serve our neighbor in love.

Our hope and prayer is that we can gather again for corporate worship on Palm Sunday and continue with Holy Week and Easter. May the Peace of Christ be with you all.

+Pastor Lange