COVID NEWS - 12/12/2020

To the saints of God at Bethel,

It saddens me to share this with you but together with the officers of our congregation I think it is needful.

This past Thursday Governor Wolf announced a number of restrictions to combat the dramatic spike in Covid-19 cases in our state. The restrictions include a limit of 10 persons for indoor gatherings.

As you may know, a special exemption was granted for worship services, but with that exemption came a plea from public officials that we should not use that exemption but seek alternate ways of meeting together if possible.

I very much appreciate the Commonwealth's careful reading of the Constitution, especially the First Amendment. I also believe that the principle of choosing to not fully use one's freedoms for the sake of serving the neighbor has a biblical foundation and is clearly reflected in the Ministry of our Lord.

In order to (1) safeguard the health and well-being of Beth members and friends (2) in view of the Governor's urgent request (3) with the intent of not giving a poor witness to neighbors by flaunting public health concerns and (4) in order to participate with all the citizens of our Commonwealth in common cause, we have determined the following:

• In person worship will be suspended beginning this Sunday, December 13. All worshipers are directed to the online service via facebook.
• A worship team of no greater than 10 persons will provide that live-streamed service.
• The Voters Meeting scheduled for after church this Sunday is postponed.

Please also be aware that the Tri-Parish Advent Service scheduled to be held at St. John's on Wednesday, December 16 has been cancelled. A time of online fellowship and an Advent devotion will be offered via ZOOM in its place. The information for that ZOOM devotional will be shared in a separate email early next week.

Other modifications impacting future services may be forthcoming; please keep an eye on your email inbox.

I leave you with one of my favorite verses from the Psalms - a reminder that the Lord is our peace and safety in every time of trouble. "Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in You my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by." (Ps. 57:1) May our gracious God keep you and your family safely under wing as this storm rages, and bring you finally to the eternal safe harbor in Him.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Hahn

Bulletin Announcement for October 4, 2020

* ANNOUNCEMENTS * * *

ALTAR FLOWERS are placed to the glory of God by Ross and Lynn Betts in loving memory ofRoss’s mother, Mary Betts.

TRI-PARISH HANDBELL CHOIR REHEARSAL will meet weekly every Monday at 7pm at Bethel. If you have any questions, please contact Vicar Woolweber at 747-232-1911 or email vicar@stjohnsmillvale.org.

TRI-PARISH SEWING GROUP - is scheduled for Saturday, October 10th at 10am at Bethel.TRI-PARISH CONSTITUTION COMMITTEE – will meet at Bethel at 7pm on October 14th. The next

(large group) TRI-PARISH COMMITTEE MEETING will be held at Bethel at 7pm on October 21st.

APPLE DUMPLING GANG – Apple dumplings are going to be sold at the Drive-Through Oktoberfeston October 24th. Come join in the fun! The baking will be done at St. John’s on Saturday, October17th at 10am.

DUPLEX SALE—St. John’s recently acquired a duplex as part of an overall property acquisition plan.The church is now in the process of selling the duplex. The property is located at 508 and 509 Spruce Street in Millvale (Pittsburgh) 15209. The asking price is $160,000. This opportunity is beingmade available exclusively to members of St. John’s, Zion, and Bethel until October 18th before St. John’s enters into an agreement with a real estate agent. If you are interested in touring the duplexor making an offer, please contact Paul Brand by email at prbrand129@gmail.com. This is an excellent investment opportunity or living arrangement in an up-and-coming community. And you canwalk to St. John’s in a matter of seconds.

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“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.”

Numbers 6:24-26 NKJV