Leechburg Methodist church benefits from federal stimulus money, congregation’s generosity
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A Leechburg church has some financial breathing room thanks to money it received as a result of the covid-19 pandemic, both from the federal government and members of the congregation.
“Not only have we been able to meet our responsibilities this autumn, but for the first time in a while, we also have a (financial) cushion and are able to fund more ministries,” said the Rev. Beverly Spore in a letter to members of the congregation.
First United Methodist Church, located at 251 Main St., resumed face-to-face worship in June with a 10 a.m. service on Sundays, after enduring two years of financial challenges, Spore said.
“This is the first time that I haven’t had to worry about getting bills paid,” Spore said.
Spore said she is “greatly blessed” by the generosity of the church family.
“People have been extremely generous, and some of it was related to them receiving stimulus checks and giving from those,” Spore said.
The church also secured a loan of nearly $15,000 in May through the federal Paycheck Protection Program, which provided relief to businesses adversely affected by the covid-19 pandemic. Churches of all denominations and other religious nonprofits were eligible to take advantage of the program.
The church also received a grant of more than $3,000 in April from the Western Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church.
“All churches in the conference received monies in various amounts,” Spore said.
One of the new outreach programs made possible by the extra money kicks off in October.
“We will be providing a regular teacher lunch for Leechburg Area School District beginning Oct. 14,” said Terry Snyder, church administrative assistant.
In-person church services have been going well, according to Spore.
“We make everyone feel welcome here, but wear your mask,” said Spore, noting about half of the congregation has returned to face-to-face worship.
This Sunday, the church will celebrate Holy Communion as part of World Communion Day. People attending in person will be provided with a pre-packaged wafer and cup.
For people who would prefer to remain at home, a pre-consecrated communion element package is available for pick up at the church from noon to 3 p.m. Thursay. Delivery is available by calling the church at 724-845-8761.