This year, Rosemont Lutheran Church is celebrating a century of being a beacon of faith in West Bethlehem. It is also joining other churches in having to temporarily suspend services and activities – with Easter on the horizon – due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The church has never had to cope with a situation such as this, but the Rev. Jack Steltzer, pastor, is confident the congregation will rise to the challenge, and faith will continue to flourish.

Rev. Steltzer, ordained in June 1992, began his pastorate at Rosemont the Sunday after Easter 2003.

“More than anything keep hope in your heart. Remember that this is just a season and that it too shall pass,” is the message Rev. Steltzer is conveying to the congregation.

Rev. Steltzer said Sunday services were suspended March 15 – at the time, it was just for that week. “After the first week we looked at the situation and canceled for March 22.” The fact that many members are older with underlying conditions played a key role in the decision.

He said as of now, worship services and all activities, including a midweek Lenten program, Stations of the Cross, meetings and hall rentals have been canceled until further notice, in alignment with Bethlehem City’s public schools’ closure.

Rev. Steltzer and the church council are revisiting their decision daily as developments warrant.

Rev. Steltzer called each member individually to let them know the church was suspending services and to see how they were. He continues to make calls and send cards as well.

A letter was sent to each member of the congregation by the pastor, in which he told members, “My first priority is the well-being – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual – of our entire community.

“I know you are already reaching out to one another and I know you’ll continue to do so. This is what we do – we take care of one another,” he wrote to members.

Rev. Steltzer also told members, “I ask for your patience and compassion with one another as we figure out how we will manage this unique and fluid situation. Stay safe, be healthy, pray for all those who have been affected by this pandemic, and have faith that we will gather together in person as a church community as soon as we possibly can. May God’s peace and comfort be with each of you.”

Rev. Steltzer recently taped a Lessons and Prayer Service to post on the church’s website http://www.rosemontlutheranchurch.org/. The service included music provided by Michael Pletcher, church organist. A copy of the service was included with the letter for those members who do not have access to a computer or wish to follow along with the service on the website, which has updated information as it becomes available.

One of the scriptures in that service is Psalm 46, which begins, so appropriately at this time, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”

If the suspension goes into Holy Week, Rev. Steltzer may record Holy Week services and the Stations of the Cross to post on the website.

The church also has a Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RosemontLutheranChurch to help keep the congregation linked together.

Members, he said, have reacted very positively in staying connected to one another and the church, noting, for example, “Our prayer chain is very active.”

One of the activities that has unfortunately had to be suspended is Dinner Church, which the pastor described as “spiritual, but not organized church.” The evening includes participants setting the table, cooking the meal and joining together in prayer and music.

Rev. Steltzer has been officiating at funerals using video equipment and at funerals with 10 or fewer people. Upcoming weddings are being looked at as the situation develops.

A church yard sale at the end of April is tentative, based on the advice of the CDC, federal and local governments.

Rosemont has been a cornerstone of faith in the Christmas City since 1920. The original church – located behind Rosemont in the alley– is now Iglesia de Cristo Misionera “Neuvo Pacto,” an Hispanic Pentecostal church. Rev. Steltzer said the original church is affectionately known as “the little brown church.”

The current Rosemont church building was constructed in 1954, a mid-20th century staple of the stretch of Bethlehem’s Broad Street that links that city to Allentown.

An anniversary committee has begun planning for Rosemont’s centennial celebration, though that planning has now been put on hold. A celebratory anniversary dinner will be planned for later this year.

“I encourage people to continue their Lenten observances. I’ve suggested Bible readings and prayers for people,” Rev. Steltzer said.

“I remind people that Lent is not a race, a competition or about getting to the finish line. It is about acknowledging our dependence on God and an opportunity for humility with the goal of growing our relationship with God,” he said. He’s asked members to “add to your Lenten prayers a special petition for the sick and those who take care of them.

“Rather than focus on the inconvenience, let’s instead look at it as an opportunity. Let’s remember in gratitude for what we do have, which for most includes a home in which to be secluded, and overall health,” Rev. Steltzer said.

“Lent is, after all, a time of preparation. Look forward to Easter and remember the Resurrection, which will take on heightened meaning after this unique penitential season.

“And most of all, remember that God is still with us,” Rev. Steltzer said. “As Jesus said, ‘I am with you always, until the end of the age,’ and ‘Behold, I make all things new.’”

As the congregation continues its Lenten journey, it hopes for the most wonderful of Easter blessings – to be able to gather together in the sanctuary and celebrate the Risen Christ.

For now, the century of faith that has buoyed the church through difficult times such as wars and the Great Depression continues to link them to God and one another.