Lanse Link

Sunday, August 23, 2026

Church Family News

  • Back to School Sunday: We hope you stick around after the service today to celebrate with us. With the start of a new school year, this is the Sunday kids will return to a class or officially transition to a new class. Class ages/grade levels are listed below. See you there!
    • Little Learners Class is geared for kids ages 3 through Kindergarten
    • Bible Explorers Class welcomes kids in Grades 1 through Grade 3.
  • Heading to College?:  Please give your address to the church office so that our church family can be an encouragement to you this school year.
  • New Bible Table: Are you looking for a new Bible for yourself, a family member, or a friend? Check out the updated Bible Table in the foyer for ideas before you go shopping. We now have a variety of different Bibles on display in four faithful translations that Pastor Matt recommends. Inside each Bible is a helpful info sheet telling you more about its features and approximate cost. On the table there are Bibles created for children, youth, and adults including some specially designed for people with dyslexia and other reading challenges. Questions? See Keith Hurley for more information.
  • KBC Teacher and Helper Meeting: On Sunday, Sept. 6 there will be a brief meeting in the auditorium following the morning worship service  for all current KBC teachers and volunteers. We are looking for some additional teachers/helpers to join our KBC Staff. If you enjoy working with kids and have a heart for raising up the next generation for Christ, please join us at the Sept. 6 meeting or see Vicky or Jordyn to learn more.
  • New Directory: Our new directory is out! If you lost yours or did not receive one, we can always print more. Let Keith Hurley know if you need one.
  • Fall Retreat: Our fall retreat is coming up in just three months on October 16-18! We want you there! This is a great opportunity for your family to get away with the LEFC family and enjoy fellowship, teaching, and more. Registration is open!
  • Matt & Jenni Cox Sabbatical: Matt has been on staff since 1992 at Miracle Mountain Ranch and is currently the Executive Director. The MMR board is encouraging them to step away for a rest, which is financially challenging. There has been an account set up to enable others to give towards this goal, and they’ve had some offers of discounted or free places to stay, but travel and food will still be an expense. If you would like to give towards their opportunity to take a sabbatical, you may do so through the ranch as a tax-exempted gift, just label it “Cox Sabbatical.”

Growing Together

  • Adult Class Sundays @ 6:30pm — Meets in the Fellowship Hall. Currently continuing through the book of Joshua. For more information, see Keith Hurley.

  • Ladies’ Fellowship Hour Wednesdays @ 10:30am — Join us for a time of fellowship, praying for one another and missionaries, and reading Scripture.

  • Prayer Meeting Wednesdays @ 7:00pm — Meets in the Prayer Room to pray and study God’s Word (currently studying Judges). Nobody is put on the spot to pray out loud, and all are encouraged to attend.

  • Explore the Bible at Home: Many adults in our church are utilizing the Explore the Bible resources to dig deeper into God’s Word. Pick up your free copy of Joshua; Judges; Ruth in the foyer and join us as we study Session 12: Faithfulness.

  • This Week in Kids Bible Class: Today, the Little Learners and Bible Explorers will study Luke 7 (Jesus Was Anointed). Resources for family worship arrive in “The Family Table” email this afternoon. Check your child’s Gospel Project Big Picture Card sent home today. Questions or need access? See Jordyn Skacel or Vicky Albert.

  • LEFC Rootsx  (Grades 4–6) Sundays @ 6:30pm (Starts Sept 13) — Kicking off on Sunday, September 13th. See Curtis Quick or Marilynn Kristofits for questions.

  • Youth Group (Grades 7–12) Sundays @ 6:30pm (Resumes Sept 13) — Currently on summer break and resuming September 13th. For more information, see Cody & Holly Crumrine.

Serving & Giving

  • Ways to Give: Offering plates are available at the back of the auditorium.

    • Mail: PO BOX 114, Lanse, PA 16849

    • In-Person: Drop cash/check in the offering plate inside the office door during office hours.

    • E-Banking: Set up automated checks through your bank’s free bill pay program.

    • Online (PayPal & Venmo): Use account email [email protected].

  • Designated Giving Opportunities: Open funds include the Deaconess Compassion Fund (local church family needs), Summer Camp (registration fees), and future updates to the Ark Park Pavilion. Please mark your gifts clearly and drop them in the offering plate.

  • Opportunities for Service: Want to get involved? Contact the ministry leaders below:

    • Attendance: Keith Hurley

    • Coffee Ministry: The Crumrines

    • Greeting Ministry: Katie Kerlin & Haylee Simler

    • Kids Bible Classes: Vicky Albert

    • Nursery: Becky Schiefer

    • Prayer Corners: Keith Hurley

    • Worship Team: Pastor Matt Mitchell

Quick Info & Contacts

  • Church Office: Open Tue–Fri, 8:00am–2:00pm | (814) 345-6500 | [email protected]

    (Bulletin deadline: Thursday @ 1:00pm | Last-minute prayer requests: Friday @ 9:00am)

  • Lanse Free Fridge: Community fridge & pantry open 24/7 in the foyer. Fresh/frozen foods, dairy, canned goods, and prepared items welcome.

  • Need Prayer?: Email [email protected] (seen by Pastor Matt). Indicate if your request is Private (Pastor & Elders only) or Public (Prayer chain).

  • Email Subscriptions: Stay up to date via All Church Notifications (schedule changes/cancellations), The Lanse Link (weekly bulletin), and The Family Table (family discipleship). Subscribe on the website or email the office.

  • Library: Free resources available to the right of the auditorium exit. Browse the online catalog: librarycat.org/lib/LanseFreeChurch(opens in new tab).

  • Sermon Publications: Listen or watch weekly messages on YouTube, Facebook, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pastor Matt’s Blog, or the LEFC website. Contact Keith Hurley for help subscribing.

  • Fellowship Hall Reservations: Contact Keith Hurley in the church office to check availability and request approval.

  • Director of Family Ministry: Jordyn Skacel is available to meet at church, home, or in public! Contact her at (814) 592-9280 or [email protected].

  • Church Elders:

    • Cody Crumrine — (724) 787-8351

    • Keith Folmar — (814) 345-5980

    • Curtis Quick — (814) 404-3798

    • Keith Hurley — (814) 553-5624

    • Abe Skacel — (717) 606-9344

    • Pastor Matt Mitchell — (814) 762-7336