From Pastor David Poland

Dear OLPC Members and Friends,

I don’t know about you, but to me it feels like it’s already been a year since we last saw each other! And for those of us who are “born-again huggers,” even two weeks is too long…. This “social distancing” is a real pain, even if we do know that it’s necessary and absolutely the right thing to do. While I am still loath to put my trust in an administration that has not yet earned that trust, I am willing to heed the directives of our esteemed doctors and their informed opinions. That is why, although it is so counter-intuitive, the best thing we can do for one another is to keep our distance – physically, anyway – in the name of love.

Last night I received a phone call from a high school classmate who now lives inn Janesville, Wisconsin. He told me about a former neighbor of his – a pastor – whose entire congregation (about the same size as ours!) is now quarantined because they continued to gather for worship, and one turned out to prove positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). No one knew, including the individual infected, and that is precisely the point of NOT gathering again until this pandemic has run its course, however long that may take. Meanwhile, if you would like at any time to speak with me, please feel free to call my cell (610-888-5091), preferably between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., but anytime in the case of an urgency or an emergency. I continue to pray for our congregants daily.

You are aware by now that your Session members have been in frequent and diligent communication with one another concerning our church’s response to this pandemic, and that all worship services, meetings, and other activities that would normally be held in our buildings, have been cancelled until the Philadelphia City ban on such has been lifted. You will be notified as soon as that happens and we are able to gather once again! Until then, I plan to send an email each Saturday, to everyone in the church family for whom I have an email address, attaching a copy of the next day’s sermon, pastoral prayer, and bulletin. If you do not receive yours, or cannot open these attachments, let me know (dpoland16@hotmail.com) and I will make another effort. Copies are also being mailed or otherwise distributed to all non-emailers who desire them.

Finally, for there to be a church complex for us to return to one day, our offerings are still needed. Bills will continue to arrive and necessary payments made accordingly. I was taught from the time I was a child that, “We don’t pay for ‘the show’ (worship) only when we attend; rather, we honor the Lord regularly with our tithes and offerings.” I mailed my (monthly) pledge check to the church office on Monday, and I hope and trust that you will be faithful in doing the same.

Yours in His Service,
Pastor Dave Poland

PS – Please remember to keep in your prayers:
* Healthcare workers
* Older adults
* Persons who are physically fragile and vulnerable
* Those who are in financial distress
*Government officials and scientists, for wisdom and courage
* Comfort for those who mourn
* Peace for those who are quarantine