Lampeter-Strasburg /townlively
APRIL 22, 2020
IN THIS ISSUE: STUDENTS RAISE FUNDS FOR CHILDREN page 2
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LVII • NO 2
Mission Church Launches Community Food Pantry By Dayna M. Reidenouer
When Mission Church bought the former Lancaster County Christian School building at 651 Lampeter Road, Lancaster, in April 2018, the congregation had more than enough room for a sanctuary, children’s ministry classrooms, and staff offices. Launching a food pantry was one of the visions that had been created when looking at the abundant space. When the current crisis hit, church leaders spent time in prayer and determined that now was the right time to turn the vision into a reality. “ We stepped out in faith, and
things fell into place quickly,” remarked Mission Church senior pastor Jerry Lingenfelter. “The Lord has brought great partners to help us with supplies and the logistical infrastructure to get things moving. While we are thrilled to house the pantry, it is really a full community effort. There are a lot of great organizations in this region and around the country and even in Canada who have helped us.” Lingenfelter noted that Mission Church exists to make disciples who are loved and sent to the glory of God. “We believe we are called to preach the Gospel and then live what we preach. Right now, the food pantry is a great
way to offer the love of Christ to those in need,” Lingenfelter said. While the state shutdown might have moved up the timeline on the food pantry, the leaders hope to keep it going indefinitely. “In this climate, we are not entirely sure how it will be resourced, but the Lord has already shown us He will provide,” Lingenfelter remarked. “ We will keep pursuing food resources, and we will continue to give it away as we have it.” Bethesda Mission Outreach in Mechanicsburg helped Mission Church get its food pantry started by donating 14 pallets of See Food Pantry pg 4
Mission Church director of facility management Jeremiah Miller holds a box of food like those distributed to families in the past three weeks at the new Mission Church Community Food Pantry near Lampeter. The church welcomes donations of nonperishable foods and household items, as well as applications for assistance.
Deadline Extended For Art Contest
MHALC Offers Mental Health Support
Submissions Sought For Online Gallery
By Dayna M. Reidenouer
By Dayna M. Reidenouer
LSA
In January, Mulberry Art Studios founder April Koppenhaver announced that she was accepting entries in the second annual Charles E. Gaul II and Milo “We Love Our Pets” contest and exhibition. April 1 was set as the deadline for entries, and the opening reception was scheduled for Friday, May 1. For obvious reasons, the timeline has changed. Mulberry Art Studios gallery curator and publicist Stephanie Cole noted that the show has been
A lot has been said lately about the importance of physical health as it pertains to the novel coronavirus. However, as people stay confined to their homes or report to jobs where they might be putting themselves at risk of illness, mental health must not be forgotten. “It is just as important to take protective action and precautions for your mental health as you
would for your physical health. One cannot exist without the other,” advised Kim McDevitt, executive director of Mental Health America of Lancaster County (MHALC). “COVID-19 has changed the way we think about things. Where we had safety, we have insecurities. We are also conflicted with feeling anxious but also grateful for some of the gifts that we have received as a result of this crisis. The forced series of events and feelings associated with them can throw our equilibrium off.” MHALC’s mission is to promote optimal mental health through advocacy, education, and support, so the organization has stepped up its
See Art Contest pg 4
See Mental Health Support pg 3
“All the World,” a chalk art creation by Ethan Cole, 8, is the first youth contribution to Mulberry Art Studios’ new community collective online gallery space. All adults and children are invited to contribute artwork that expresses what they have been experiencing. People may also submit artwork in the Charles E. Gaul II and Milo “We Love Our Pets” contest until June 1.
Mental Health America of Lancaster County leaders, including (from left) president Tracey Lavallias, executive director Kim McDevitt, and vice president Julie Weaver, have worked together to ensure their organization is prepared to offer increased mental health support.
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