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Churches have long been looked to as safe places for people to go in times of distress and pastors are often among those on the front lines of a crisis. COVID-19 has put all the traditional ways of supporting others to the test.
In response to the ongoing shutdowns, many local churches have begun offering virtual services through various online platforms, to connect with their congregations and offer hope to the community. Local pastors from throughout the region share their messages of hope and offer words of encouragement during unprecedented times.
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At New Life Church in Burnham, Pastor John Walters said they are working to create a Sunday experience to keep people from feeling isolated.
The church is offering the opportunity to hear a message of hope virtually with its worship team and band.
Walters shared a favorite passage of scripture from the New Testament II Timothy 1:7 that says, "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power love and a sound mind."
He said, as we face these uncharted territories the church has been given many opportunities to serve and offer hope to the community. New Life Church continues food distribution, with meals for youth and are giving food to the needy through its food program.
The congregation continues to reach out to those around them with phone calls to see how they can help others.
The church is people and Walters said now, more than ever, it is not about going to a building it is about being the "church" in the community.
"God is in control, He loves us, He cares for us and He has been with us before. He'll be with us through this. We can count on Him. We need to depend on Him. We need to listen more to Him then we need to listen to our fears because He is the one that has given us a spirit of love, power and a sound mind," the pastor said.
New Life Church's virtual services are offered at 9 a.m. Sunday mornings via the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/newlife101.org) or at the church's website (www.newlife101.org). For more information, call (717) 242-1481.
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Calvary Bible Church, of Lewistown, is also offering virtual messages to stay connected during difficult times.
Pastor Ethan Druckenmiller said he wants to provide hope and encouragement to the community in a time when there is increased anxiety and fear.
Druckenmiller said he knows people are searching for answers and wants the church to be a place of comfort and a blessing to the community in what ever way it can.
"Fear is a part of our lives and we talk about trusting the Lord and having a sense of faith but doing so doesn't mean that we ignore the fact that we are afraid of certain things that go on in our lives. It's a matter of us taking that fear and looking to God and putting that in His hands and just trusting Him. We are trusting in the people in our country, those leaders and our medical teams that are out there trying to provide treatment and answers to all these things as well. But ultimately we believe God is in control and God's going to use this and even though these things are beyond us they are not beyond our God," Druckenmiller said.
Calvary Bible's virtual teaching is available through their website (calvarybibleonline.org) at 10 a.m. Sunday mornings. A food box distribution is still being provided with some modifications, so the exchanges have no human to human contact. Those who wish to utilize the program can call the church office at (717) 242-1481.
First United Methodist Church of Lewistown is also utilizing technology to keep people from feeling isolated.
Pastor Randy Hughes described how "wonderful" it has been to see the country coming together with businesses large and small and even to see individuals helping to make personal protective equipment -- such as gloves and masks -- or other supplies to help protect healthcare workers. He compared it to what our country did during World War II. He said his congregation is doing the best they can to reach out to others and checking in on them and helping them in ways they can. John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." Hughes says, "My advice is, stay in tune with the Lord, stay in tune with the body of Christ, which is the church and God will provide our needs."
Hughes keeps a blog every other day on the church's website. On days when he does not post, he will offer a Facebook Live video chat with anyone who wants to join.
He is also using a platform called meet.google.com -- which offers an interactive way to connect where individuals can connect using video.
To join live Bible studies, send your email address to Hughes at rhughes@susumc.org. He will send a link back granting access. Other virtual offerings are available through the church website (www.fumclecwistown.org) or Facebook page (First United Methodist Church of Lewistown or www.facebook.com/LewistownFUMC/).
Pastor Doug Sabin, of Kish Valley Grace Brethren, shared some thoughts from a blogger, Jim Denison that has been a source of encouragement to him. Denison talks about the fact that medical personnel are experiencing PTSD -- but not as in post-traumatic stress syndrome but pre-traumatic stress syndrome. Healthcare professionals are watching around the world at what has happened in other countries and are bracing for the blow.
Sabin shared that this is a good illustration of what all of us are experiencing on some level right now, but what health care providers and even essential employees may be experiencing at an even greater intensity. He shared a scripture. Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear I am with you do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and I will help you and I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Sabin encourages putting the emphasis on the "I will" in this scripture that as we are facing what feels like a freight train coming down the tracks at us, God promises even in our future he will help us if we are rightly connected to him.
The one thing we can do is pray for our health care providers and essential employees to have health and safety and a clear mind amidst the panic.
Kish Valley has assembled a response team to help its congregation and then in the coming days to begin to reach out into the local community to help in ways that they are able.
Virtual services are offered through their website (kishvalleygbc.org) or on YouTube (by going directly to YouTube and entering kishvalleygbc)
Pastor Debby Renninger of Bannerville Church of the Brethren said, "During this time of isolation from our church families, as well as our friends and families, I feel it's crucial for each of us, and brings a degree of comfort, to stay connected as best we can. Where can we go, but to the Lord? I pray that each of us will take the time afforded us now to search our hearts and find God in deeper ways."
Renninger is offering a time of devotion at 10 a.m. Sundays on through her Facebook page.
Pastor Wes Stahl, of Bunkertown Church of the Brethren, said his church will offer virtual messages and a CD ministry for those that want to hear the message, but do not have internet access will also continue to be available.
Stahl said now that God has removed our distractions/idols and ability to go to church, we are left to have a personal relationship with Him.
Weekly messages are available on the church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Bunkertown-Brethren-Church) on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. For an audio copy of the sermons call the church office at (717) 463-3572.
Pastor Ron Shupe of First Baptist Church of Juniata County shared this message and scripture. "This is a serious time for people to turn to the Lord Jesus Christ and in prayer in the Word of God, the Bible, it's a serious time to turn to Him for help. And also, time for their family. Jesus truly is the answer."
Psalm 27:1 "The Lord is my light and my salvation what shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life of what shall I be afraid."
Shupe encouraged people to not let their minds race to the worst-case scenarios and stay focused on handling things one day at a time. He said to pray, encourage one another and check on the elderly to see if there is anyway you can help.
His teachings and the worship teams music will be available on Sunday's on the churches website (www.fbcmiff.com) and on their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/First-Baptist-Church-of-Juniata-County). An audio version will be aired on Juniata County internet radio Sunday's at 11 as well.
Those in the Juniata County area without internet and in need of spiritual help or prayer can call (717) 436-9261 for assistance.