Dear YBC Family,

Due to the COVID-19 virus and the recommended responses by the CDC, local, state, and federal officials for social distancing,
YORK BIBLE CHURCH  will not gather in the building for Sunday morning services throughout the remainder of March 2020.

On Sunday morning, we will post the morning Worship Sermon on the website as soon as possible.

Other ministries may still continue depending on size and participants.

Please refer to the website for updates and scheduling changes, or call 717-308-2040 for additional information.

We all have concerns as the media continues their interest in the current outbreak of Covid-19. During a time of crisis, prayer should always increase. When Peter was in prison in Jerusalem, during a wave of persecution that had just seen James beheaded, Acts 12:5 records, “Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.” This is a good time to step up your prayer life.

Prayer can also bring peace to our hearts when we become fearful. Philippians 4:6–7 admonishes and promises, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

The local church is “one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” (Romans 12:5).  Although it is true that we, as believers, find ourselves in a challenging moment to minister in a society that is practicing social distancing, we need not be discouraged or fearful for the ability of the church to continue. For Christ promised, “…I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18). The current situation certainly does not take our Lord Jesus by surprise.

As Christians, rather than responding in fear or giving up on our responsibility to minister to one another and continue to proclaim the gospel, we should be wise and proactive. And we should be so committed to our mission that we can be flexible and adaptable in finding ways to carry it out.

We recommend that all who participate in YBC’s ministries follow the recommended precautions to slow the spread of the disease:

• If you are ill, please stay home.
• Wherever possible maintain the recommended 6’ social distance
• There are additional hand sanitizer stations in key locations of the building for those smaller sized meetings.
• We are working with our cleaning crew for increased diligence when cleaning restrooms, kitchen, and classrooms, using disinfectant spray on all hard surfaces, including door handles.
• Simply greet one-another with a smile and a heart-felt, “It’s wonderful to see you here.” in place of handshakes.
• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Sing one of these hymn suggestions while washing your hands; Amazing Grace, Be Thou My Vision, Doxology, or the chorus of Great Is Thy Faithfulness, Here I Am Lord, or How Great Thou Art.

We know this can be a scary time for people, especially those in vulnerable populations. We ask that everyone stay calm, engage in the above precautions, and remember to trust in God at all times.

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” (Psalm 118:8)

“Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us” (Psalm 62:8).