The Messenger – August 2020

From The Pastor’s Desk…..

Dear Church Family and Friends,

The other day I stopped at the Pump and Pantry and while filling my truck with gas a man, at the pump next to me seem to be suffering from the heat we have been experiencing. So, I commented on how hot it has been. And he replied ,” I guess this is what we should expect during the dog days of summer.” I hadn’t heard that term used in a long time, and the more I thought about it, I wondered what it really meant. So, I looked it up in the dictionary and found 2 definitions. 1 : the period between early July and early September when the hot sultry weather of summer usually occurs in the northern hemisphere 2 : a period of stagnation or inactivity After reading them I had to ask myself which definition he was really talking about? The “dog days” of summer, those weeks when the temperatures soar and make it impossible to enjoy being outside for long. The air scorches our nostrils, the heat burns our skin, and the pavement sizzles beneath our feet. You know cooler weather will come eventually, but in the meantime, you’re sweating buckets. Or the “dog days” of stagnation or inactivity, like we are experiencing during this pandemic. In times like these I’m reminded of what we need to do. In 1 Chron.16:12. We’re told to … “Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.” Sometimes our spiritual lives feel like “dog days.” Dry and desolate, without any rain from heaven in sight. We feel alone and rejected, misunderstood and isolated. We feel afraid and wonder how we got to this place—and how long it will last. Even as I’m writing this, I continue praying for this pandemic to end and for the violence that we see in our cities to cease. Like many of you, I’m so ready to get back to normal. Ready for the heat to end. Looking for a reason or purpose of the times we are going through. Unfortunately, God doesn’t always do exactly what we hope He will do, does He? For every miraculous air-conditioning miracle, I know as many or more stories of prayers that seem to go unanswered. Seemingly unanswered prayers might make you somewhat unsure of God’s presence, his power, or his involvement. But just because you don’t see him doesn’t mean that he’s not there. Just because he doesn’t do what you want doesn’t mean that he doesn’t hear your prayers. I hope all of you this month to come, in these “dog days” of August…Continue to pray and… ” Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles and the judgments He pronounced.”

In His Service,

Pastor Joe

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sunday School – 8:15 AM in the Community Building

Choir Practice Every Thursday at 1:00pm (Postponed until further notice)

You may reach Pastor Joe at 570-465-7303 or his cell #570-267-4570

Every Thursday Pastor Joe will be at the church from 2-4pm if you need him

Presbyterian Women – will not be meeting this month

Men’s Action Group will meet Wednesday, August 19th at 8am in the Community Building

Anyone wishing to share a talent, to sing, play an instrument, read a poem, tell a story, or give testimony, etc. during worship, please contact Joe or Bonne.

PLEASE NOTE: As we reopen our regular church services, we ask that you wear a mask as you ENTER the church and as you EXIT. To EXIT, please use the Front, Side, EXIT DOOR. Thank you. Members of Session. If you are in the parking lot, Please tune your radio to 89.5 FM to hear the morning service.

Thank you all,  We would like to thank everyone for the prayers, cards, gifts, calls and messages over the past month.  My knee surgery went very well and I have been released from the Surgeon and also Physical Therapy.  July 7th my Mom went to Heaven and once again the prayers, gifts, cards and calls poured in.  We are so grateful for all of you.    With Love and thanks,  Marcia & Jim

Newsletter Deadline is Tuesday, August 25th

Don’t forget to check for mail in our new mailboxes!

The Care Net checks were hand delivered and received with joy by two very grateful ladies, one of whom couldn’t speak when she saw the total. We had another donation since the total was announced in church which brought our grand total to $1,251.08! I think not only did the total numbers surprise them, but then it sunk in that it came from a small congregation, on top of a hill,out in what some would call, “The Country”. It’s a thrill for me to deliver this all important gift each year to be used by new mothers to care for their babies. In order to receive much needed items, the mothers have to attend classes about child care as well as Bible studies to earn the points that allow for the shopping. This year all this had to be done virtually and items were needed more than ever. I know we will get a Thank You letter from Care Net, but meanwhile I thank you and your ever present generosity to this very needed ministry. Many of you will remember Ray Osburn, a neighbor, friend, and member of this congregation. He brought this organization and their needs to us many years ago, and we have kept up the “good work” ever since. So, thanks again to all of you and to Ray. Joyce Printz

 Clara Singer loves to receive cards Her address is: Barnes Sassoon SNF, 2872 Turnpike Street, Susquehanna, PA 18847 Room #211

 Gwen is asking for burned out, old style, light bulbs - the kind that look like the incandescent of days of old, for her craft projects.

 Prayer Shawls If you know of anyone in need of a prayer shawl, please let Carolyn White know.

 Men’s Action Group ***For help with small projects for church family and neighborhood, please call Pastor Joe Travis at #570-465-7303 or email him at joetravis@live.com

 Loose Change Offerings ( coins and bills)

1st Sunday – Local Missions

2nd Sunday – General Fund

3rd Sunday – Kenya/Rev. Malabo

4th Sunday – General Fund

5th Sunday – Trehab Local Food Bank (whenever there is a 5th Sunday)

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