March 18, 2020

Dear California EC Church Family,

California EC Church will suspend all in-person services, classes, events, and activities from Wednesday, March 18, 2020, until further notice. This decision is not made out of fear, but out of an abundance of caution for the care and well-being of our church family. We have chosen to make this decision out of consistency with the ever-changing societal response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). And because this situation is ever-changing, we will provide regular updates.

This decision was extremely difficult to make knowing that this will effectively “stop” our regular worship service and community activities planned for the rest of March and quite possibly further into the month of April. We pray that God would bring our church family and community together even though we are apart.

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So how can we remain “connected” in these upcoming weeks? Here are a few ways for our church family to stay connected:

#1 – Our regular worship services will now move ONLINE beginning Sunday, March 22 @ 10:30 AM. That means you can watch our pre-recorded worship service from the comfort and safety of your own home while also still connecting with your church family from afar. It will be available in video format and uploaded to our website (www.californiaecchurch.com). And, as always, you can watch/listen to any previous Sunday morning worship service or sermon at any time by clicking on the “Sermons” tab at the top of the page.

#2 – Our “Lent Fasting Exercise” continues all throughout this season leading up to Easter! Be sure to continue to “Give Up” or “Take In” daily as a regular practice of worship and daily devotion involving our whole church. Seek out new and uniquely creative ways to practice those elements of fasting even in this challenging season of “social-distancing”.

#3 – Join our “California’s GOD Nuggets” beginning later this week – it is a quick, daily word of encouragement from Pastor David. It might be a bible verse, a short story, or even just simply a word of wisdom. Think of it as California Church’s version of the “Daily Bread Devotional”. It will go out via our prayer chain and on our Facebook page so make sure that you are a part of our listing and “Like” our Facebook page. To be added, be sure to contact Pastor David or Meredith Saluzzi.

I, Pastor David, will continue to serve the California EC Church family and our community. Feel free to text, or call, or e-mail. The church board will meet as needed whether in person or via other telecommunications. Any pastoral care will have to take into consideration the restrictions and recommendations of the hospitals, care facilities, nursing homes, and funeral arrangements/services in place by local, state, and federal recommendations along with the CDC. If you are in need, PLEASE reach out! We have folks in our church and community willing and able to assist your needs.

Pastor David Mennig: Cell Phone (717-203-9618), Home Phone (610-286-6133), Email (california@dejazzd.com)

Meredith Saluzzi (Administrative Assistant): Cell Phone (610-823-1278)

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Please understand that even though our church building will be closed, the expenses and financial commitments of our church will continue. While I understand that many will face financial challenges during the upcoming weeks and months, I am asking you to continue to worship through giving each week by mailing a check to the church address (350 California Road, Morgantown, PA 19543).

We are following events closely and we look forward to re-establishing our in-person services, classes, events, and activities as soon as we safely can.

One last thought, for now, California EC Church is NOT a place! The “Church” is the body of Christ – you are the church regardless of how we connect. Please know that I am thankful for each and every one of you and our family is praying for you!

Grace and Peace,
Pastor David