March 14, 2020

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Zion’s Ministry Team members have been praying and talking for a few days about what steps, if any, Zion Church should take in response to the current crisis surrounding the spreading and potential future spreading of the COVID-19 virus.  They have made a current decision, which might change as the situation around us develops.

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While these leaders recognize that this small family of believers probably has a very low risk for any serious problems, they have decided that Zion Church will not hold its regular Sunday School or Praise & Worship activities for the next two Sundays, March 15 and 22.  They will evaluate the rapidly changing conditions at that time to decide what steps are warranted before Sunday, March 29.  Here are some of the main reasons for their action:

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1.       It seems that no one really knows yet who may be carrying the virus at this stage of its spread, with some medical leaders stating that many can be carrying the disease with few or no symptoms.  Experts seem to learn more about this virus every day, with much still unknown.

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2.       It makes sense to be proactive in working to prevent the virus spreading rather than reactive to known cases.

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3.       The leaders believe that Zion should be responsible members of its community by honoring the recommendations of civic leaders in this emergency.  Governor Wolf has closed all schools in Pennsylvania for two weeks and asked, as of last Friday, that everyone immediately implement strict measures of “social distancing,” minimizing opportunities for further increases in COVID-19 cases.

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4.       The Zion congregation includes many children, whose contact with one another would be impossible to curtail significantly, and they could quickly carry illnesses to older, more vulnerable adults.

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Please feel free to contact any of the Ministry Team members with questions or ideas at any time.  Remember that previous services are available here on this website, where one can “go to church” Sunday morning or anytime with worship and preaching from Zion services that were missed or may someone may want to experience again.

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This action is based on faith, not fear. Some may recall the Scripture read at the start of the service last Sunday:

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“The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom should I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life – whom should I dread?”     – Psalm 27:1 (CSB)

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Please join in praying for those who have suffered or lost loves ones as a result of COVID-19, and that the countless people working to manage this complex crisis are effective in their efforts.  President Trump has called for a National Day of Prayer this Sunday, March 15.

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Please watch for updates, and believers please stay in touch with one another during this unprecedented time!

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Zion’s Ministry Team