Local Methodist Churches Reopening Doors

FLEMINGTON – The three churches of the Flemington/Lamar/Mill Hall Charge of the United Methodist Church will all have reopened their doors to the public as of Sunday, July 19.

Pastor Rick Conklin circulated the announcement on Tuesday:

Being back in their houses of worship brings peace to many even with the requirements and restrictions of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. The Flemington/Lamar/Mill Hall Charge of the United Methodist Church now has all three churches worshiping in their respective buildings. The churches Bishop Jeremiah Park, and Susquehanna Conference Safety Committee, have offered guidelines that are in line with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control recomendations, to allow members to return to communal worship. According to Pastor Rick Conklin, “Worship without singing, and in absence of physical contact, is the safety standard. There is no question that it makes ‘doing church’ a bit more difficult. My goal, and the goal of each of our churches, is to keep its congregants safe, and show each other appropriate respect.”

Two of the congregations have been meeting in their worship centers for the past few weeks and there is a notable, and understandable, reduction in attendance. In addition, the churches have been participating in conference call and Facebook Live worship since the weekend of March 22 with excellent results. The hope of the members is to continue Facebook Live services going forward.

Temperatures will be checked on arrival and attendance will be recorded. Masking is required and social distancing will be practiced. There will be no congregational singing during the service and no choirs will be permitted. Mill Hall UMC meets at 8:45 a.m., Lamar UMC at 9:45 a.m. and Flemington UMC at 11 a.m. These are inclusive congregations that welcome all visitors with love, peace, and grace.