Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Pastor asks Ephrata council to help find community uses for United Methodist Church property
Summary
Donald, who identified himself as pastor of the United Methodist Church, told the council that the congregation has dwindled and asked the council to help identify nonreligious community uses for the church building, which includes a health‑department‑certified kitchen and meeting spaces.
Donald, who identified himself only by his first name and as pastor of the United Methodist Church, asked the Ephrata City Council to help the congregation plan for the future use of its property if the church must close.
“...we would like to see the property continue to be used in ways that could serve the community,” Donald said, noting the building’s kitchen is certified by the health department and the facility has meeting rooms that could support social‑service activities. He said membership has declined because of deaths and people moving away, and the congregation is exploring options other than selling the building to a business.
Michael Reynolds, introduced by Donald as his associate at the church, joined the appeal and stood with Donald during the three‑minute public‑comment period. Council members thanked them for the presentation and said staff would forward community ideas if they arise.
The request came during the public‑comment portion of the meeting; no formal council action was taken. Council discussion afterward consisted of expressions of sympathy and an agreement to share any community leads with the speakers.
The council did not specify follow‑up tasks or commitments; the speakers asked for community involvement and suggestions to keep the property in civic or social use if the congregation can no longer maintain it.
