MOUNT CARMEL - Being locked out of their church since June 24 hasn't stopped members of Union Evangelical Free Church from practicing their faith and finding a new home to worship.
During a 10 a.m. service Sunday in the lawn outside the church at 601 W. Fifth St., the Rev. Larry Coutlee, pastor, told approximately 25 church members that a dispute over construction issues
with the building's owners "remains in the hands of the court system and attorneys." Although some of the activities held at the church have been temporarily discontinued, Coutlee made it clear to his parishioners that the church will continue to carry on its ministries while securing a new home in Locustdale.
"We've encountered a hiccup, a mild bump in the road, but this hasn't stopped our ministry," Coutlee said. "We need to dissolve the walls of the church and get outside the building, where we can talk and walk with people. This is the beginning of a new era. It's not the end of the church."
More than a week ago, landlord Joan Cicchello reportedly had the locks changed at the building, which is owned by Twilight Beginnings, a charity on West Avenue in Mount Carmel.
Union Evangelical Free Church moved to the building from the former St. Joseph Catholic Church in Locust Gap in February 2010 to save money in heating expenses. Coutlee said the church and Twilight Beginnings do not have a written lease, but the church's rent has been paid up to date.
Church records and various possessions, including furniture and hymnal books, remain locked in the building, which also served as a meeting area for a Girl Scout troop affiliated with the church.
Despite the inconveniences presented by the lockout, Coutlee and his congregation have persevered and expressed gratitude to God and church elder Bob Keener of Fountain Springs for answering their prayers in regard to finding a new church building.
Coutlee said Keener, who also serves as a Sunday School teacher, has agreed to transfer ownership of his property at 221 Main St., Locustdale, to Union Evangelical Free Church for $1. Keener said his building has served as the County Corner Market since 1999 and was the former home of St. Joseph Catholic Church for many years prior to the consolidation process involving Catholic churches in the Diocese of Harrisburg in 1995.
The first service at the new location is scheduled for Aug. 7, Coutlee said.
Coutlee expressed his appreciation to officials at Hope Community Church in Mount Carmel and Bethany Bible Fellowship Church near Wilburton for allowing his congregation to conduct services in their churches since the lockout.
"They have been very kind in allowing us to share their facilities," he said.
When asked about the lockout, Keener replied, "We're very disappointed by the landlord's behavior. We're not happy about it, but we are still a church and we are praying for her. We are thankful to God for leading us through this difficult time. This is a goodbye service to this building, which was a blessing to have. But the Lord has other plans for us now."
Keener's wife, Jill, who plays the keyboard at church services and also serves as a Sunday School instructor, added, "We are still a church even if we don't have all our possessions."
Randy and Kathy Rearick, who live next door at 529 W. Fifth St. and allowed the church to use their electrical outlets for the service, are sorry to see the church being forced to relocate.
Mr. Rearick stated, "I hate to see them go. They have been great neighbors."
Coutlee commended the Rearicks for their friendship and hospitality during the past 16 months.
During his homily Sunday, Coutlee stated, "The church isn't the building. It's not the bricks and mortar, but the people who make the church. We have about 25 churches here today. Each person is the church and it's our mission to go on and continue our ministries. God shows us the path of life."
The dispute, according to Coutlee, started approximately three weeks ago when the church was informed of plans to turn the building into a gathering place for elderly members of the community.
Coutlee said Cicchello informed him contractors would be installing a metal roof and would "appreciate not having anyone in the building while the construction was going on."
Unfortunately, the church was told the process could take months because the contractor can only work Saturdays and Sundays. Construction on the roof began June 18, according to Coutlee, however, Cicchello had not told the pastor or other church members when construction was slated to begin. Church members found out while preparing for a Father's Day event.
"With our rent paid, we should have free and unfettered access to the building," the pastor previously said.
Cicchello previously reserved comment about the issue, hanging up twice when contacted by The News-Item.