Pastor James Gottwald of St. John’s United Church of Christ, Laurys Station, recently began a two-year term as assistant moderator of the Penn Northeast Conference of the UCC.

He attends regular meetings with moderator Doug Taylor and conference minister, Bonnie Bates, as well as meetings of the executive committee and conference board.

Gottwald will be a member of the conference delegation to the General Synod in 2021, which will take place online.

Usually held live in a convention center every two years, the event typically attracted UCC delegates from around the United States.

After serving as assistant moderator, Gottwald will be invited to consider the position of moderator for two years.

The pastor offered some comments on the COVID-19 situation.

“This tiny little unseen coronavirus has managed to derail the global economy, education, entertainment and sports,” Gottwald said.

“Slowly we are finding ways to resume our lives and our God-given mission.”

Gottwald said the virus is making us rethink how we do so many things.

“Our power to adjust, adapt, discover, work together and heal comes not from us but form the creative, redemptive and sustaining love of God,” the pastor explained.

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The Learning Ark Christian Preschool at Union Lutheran Church, Schnecksville, will be closed for the 2020-21 term due to COVID-19.

Director Jacqueline Bucks reports the decision was made with the health and safety of students and staff in mind.

Pastor Gordon Camp and the reopening team are monitoring protocols from the CDC, local government and the denomination leadership to determine when it will be safe to return to services inside the Union Lutheran sanctuary.

An outdoor worship service has been scheduled for 9 a.m. July 26.

Wear a mask and follow safe physical distance recommendations to attend.