BY SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

Union United Church of Christ, Neffs, reports, “February is the month of love!”

Although the church is not having indoor worship services due to COVID-19 precautions, it is offering an opportunity outdoors for people to receive and share some love.

On Sundays in February, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Pastor Kris Snyder-Samuelson and Pastor Kayli Freeman will be greeting people on the north Neffs’ side of the church parking lot.

They will wear masks and hand out communion elements for visitors to take home.

The pastors will offer blessings and prayers to individuals who stop by.

The Welcoming Committee will give out bags of treats.

During those times, Union UCC will be collecting soup donations for Souper Bowl Sunday, as well as food for the Northern Lehigh Food Bank and toiletry items to be distributed by the Lehigh Conference of Churches to those who are lacking the essential products.

The pastors invite people to call 610-767-6961 to set up a time to talk or visit.

They want the community to know, “We send our love and prayers. We’re here for you.”

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The Auxiliary of Northern Valley EMS, NOVA, is having a soup sale Feb. 7 with pickup from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Chicken noodle, and ham and bean soup will be available in quart containers.

To reserve soup, call Julie at 610-262-7749.

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Union Lutheran Church, Schnecksville, reports the outdoor services in the parking lot are going well with about 100 people attending.

Pastors and musicians are inside, visible through a large window. Worshippers remain in their vehicles and listen on their radios to the church’s FM station.

Although the traditional Souper Bowl cook-off and loud coin collection in big soup pots is canceled due to COVID-19, the church is still collecting cans of soup for local hunger needs.

Irene Folk, keeper of the church’s Little Pantry, reports people are careful to take just what they need. Others drop off donations to keep the pantry stocked.

To make donations of canned soup or other nonperishable food, ring the bell at the church’s main entrance between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays.

A church representative will come out to pick up the contributions.