Important Updates 2024:
PLEASE VIEW THIS PAGE FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE CHURCH COUNCIL:
JULY 1, 2024 - UPDATE ON THE STATUS OF OUR CONGREGATION
On June 2 an open forum/town hall meeting was held to discuss our options for continuing worship. The rental of space at Frieden’s Lutheran Church did not work out. A potential space at 101 East Washington Avenue be- came available. At a duly called business meeting of the Congregation of Myerstown UCC on June 9 a straw poll was taken using paper ballots. At that time 23 members chose the option stating “Begin the process of disbanding our congregation planning to conclude by December 31, 2024”. 12 members chose the option stating “Authorize Council to use funds in our general account and organ fund to renovate the main floor of the building at 101 E Washington Avenue”. Opinions were accepted from members who could not be present but who had contacted a member of Council. After that result was announced, a motion to disband was made and passed by voice vote with two noted dissenting votes. On June 16 at a meeting called to adopt an amended budget, the idea of renovating the old borough hall was reintroduced. A straw poll was taken by paper ballot stating “For the purpose and comfort of spending our last months together as a church, council was presented with the possibility of renting the 101 E Washington Ave property as our church. It would need minor renovations with the cost estimated to be $35,000. The Organ Fund would cover the cost of the renovation.” Opinions were accepted from members who were not present. The results were 21 in favor of worshipping together at 101 E Washington Ave and 12 against. After those results were announced a motion was made stating “I move to adopt the budget titled Budget B which includes using money from the organ fund to renovate the space at 101 E Washington Ave.” Anticipating a close vote, paper ballots were distributed. The vote was 17 aye, 9 no. No votes were accepted from members who were not present and several members abstained. So at this time we are proceeding with renovating the main floor of the building at 101 E Washington Avenue, Myerstown. The church office has been installed in the lower level of that same building. Worship services are being planned to be held in a room on the main floor which is usable without renovations. At the same time we are exploring what needs to be done to disband since that motion has not been rescinded.
Our new mailing address is Myerstown UCC, 101 East Washington Ave, Myerstown, 17067 and our phone number remains 717-866-5252.
For current information please check our FaceBook page, Myerstown United Church of Christ, or our website, myerstownucc@comcast.net.
March 25, 2024: MT HOPE CEMETERY INFORMATION: After the sale of the MUCC property, the Mt Hope Cemetery will continue to function as an independent, nonprofit community cemetery. All lot ownerships will be honored. Please share this page to help us spread the word!
March 20, 2024: CHURCH BUILDING SALE: After many years of declining attendance, Myerstown UCC has decided to sell our property to a thriving, growing congregation who will make full use of all those Sunday School rooms and the 300 seats in the sanctuary. The congregation that bought it is Evangelist Christian Baptist Church. They currently worship in a church in Lititz. Most have immigrated from Eastern Europe (some from Russia, some from neighboring countries) to escape religious persecution and they continue to conduct their worship service in the Russian language.
Please direct any questions to the church council, via the church office at 717-866-5252 or myerstownucc@comcast.net
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Our Monthly Publication is called the VINEYARD.
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