"I truly believe that my greatest joy in life, and my greatest responsibility, is to be the best wife and mom I can be," said Annie Friedrichs, a member of the Change of Pace (COP) leadership team. COP is a seasonal Bible study program sponsored by Friendship Foundation, Inc. "COP has given us a great opportunity to come together and open God's Word to gain the wisdom and understanding He offers," continued Friedrichs.

Two studies will be offered at Conestoga Church of the Brethren, 141 E. Main St., Leola. "Sermon on the Mount" by Jen Wilkens will meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Mondays from Jan. 25 through March 22. The same study will be offered on Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. from Jan. 28 through April 1. Child care will be offered for the Thursday morning session. The second study, Family Life's "The Art of Parenting" by Dennis and Barbara Rainey, will meet Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. from Feb. 4 through April 1.

The "Sermon on the Mount" study will encourage participants to think differently about what it means to be a follower of Jesus and how following Christ challenged Christians to find joy in the words of Jesus. COP Central facilitator Noel Connell notes that the Sermon on the Mount includes the Beatitudes, the Lord's Prayer, and a discussion of religious devotion, ambition, and relationships. "It seems rather timely to be studying about being a peacemaker, being salt and light in a dark world and also our relationships with others," said Connell. Connell added that rather than dividing the sermon, the author has set up the study so that participants will consider the whole sermon to see how they should navigate the world we live in.

"The Art of Parenting" is a video-based study designed to help parents find new ways to integrate faith into everyday moments and to celebrate healthy breakthroughs in the parenting journey. The study will be facilitated by Dr. John and Debbie Tornfelt, who bring 40 years of parenting and ministry to the conversation. Recent events have caused families to experience unprecedented isolation and cultural challenges that have made many parents wary of the future. Considering the subject matter of the study, COP Central facilitators Deb and Keith Garner referenced verses in Deuteronomy and Proverbs that apply to raising children, noting, "We have an obligation as parents and grandparents to teach our children the ways of the Lord." They referred to the study as one that will help equip parents and grandparents to help children navigate the cultural waters.

Readers who would like to obtain more information or preregister may call 717-519-5220, email copcbiblestudies@gmail.com, or visit http://www.changeofpacecentral.webs.com.