According to The Pasadena Star News, the 342 remaining employees at Worldwide Church of God headquarters in Pasadena, Calif., learned Feb. 20 that layoffs would be coming soon.

The Star News said the church had begun laying off employees in February 1995, when 708 were employed at its administrative headquarters.

Joseph Tkach Jr., WCG pastor general, was quoted as saying all employees, including the 239 full-time ministers around the United States, should be prepared for possible job loss. He cited a 40 percent decline in church income as the reason.

Mr. Tkach also announced that the church-run Imperial Schools will close this spring, at the end of the school year.