Dear Church Family and Friends,
November has always been special to me. It’s always been a month of celebrations, and the anxiety it brings. Two of my brothers and myself celebrate birthdays in November. So, growing up there was always the anxiety, of what to expect. We also celebrate Thanksgiving, and the beginning of Advent season, and the anxiety that comes with them. Today, most all of us have anxiety when it comes to Election Day, on November 3. It too can be a celebration, depending on who you voted for and who wins. As I write this in October, I can’t tell you wins or losses, but I can tell you that most all of us have anxiety of some form in November. Anxiety can bring to each of us worry or eagerness, and a need for answers. In the light of this current pandemic and the looming election, and my being a pastor, I have been asked many times two questions. “How should I handle the anxiety these things bring?”. The worry, and the eagerness.“ How can I really know the truth?”. My answer to the first question usually is, “That’s between you and God”. In my answer to the second question I always have to refer to what the Bible teaches. So, when people ask me this question, “How can I really know the truth?” Typically, they are not wondering about the latest scandal in the news (which are mostly far removed from truth). They are seeking answers to life’s big questions and are looking to understand spiritual things. The Bible is clear that the ultimate source of truth comes from God. The Scriptures explain this in more than one way. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’ ” (John 14:6). The Holy Spirit is also a provider of truth. “It is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth” (1 John 5:6). So also, God’s Word, the Bible, is a foundation of truth: “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17). One of the principles for finding God’s truth is that we must be earnest in our search. “You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). We should also pray for God to guide us to truth. “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). Although, some people are not willing to give up per-conceived ideas when they are looking for truth. The Bible warns, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12). We must be humble and open to truth. “Cease listening to instruction, my child, and you will stray from the words of knowledge” (Proverbs 19:27). So, if you are studying a Bible passage that stumps you, pray for God to give you understanding, and then search other verses on the topic. Use a concordance and compare Scripture with Scripture. But most of all, search the Scriptures and look for Jesus. It is through God’s Word that we most clearly see the Source of all truth. So, my answer to the second question is the same as the first. “It’s between you and God!” ”Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near”(Isaiah 55:6). Celebrate with me, this November. Because we can KNOW THE TRUTH !
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
Sunday, November 1st – All Saint’s Day
Sunday, November 1st – Day Light Savings Time Ends
Tuesday, November 3rd – Election Day
Wednesday, November 11th – Veteran’s Day
Thursday, November 12th – Presbyterian Women meeting 11am in the Community Building
Wednesday, November 18th – Men’s Action Group meeting 8am in the Community Building
Tuesday, November 24th – Session Meeting – 10am
Thursday, November 26th – Happy Thanksgiving
Sunday, November 29th – First Sunday in Advent
Tuesday, December 1st – Newsletter Deadline
BILL’s Kids for Christmas Mission: Rev. Bill Townsend was the Director of Spiritual Life at the Children’s Home in Binghamton. Our congregation has been donating money for many years to help to make Christmas more merry for the residents; it will begin Sunday, November 1 and continue to the first Sunday in December.
If anyone would like to place a Christmas Greeting in the December Messenger, please give your handwritten greeting to Carolyn White, or email her at whisperpines@frontiernet.net, or place it in her mailbox in the vestibule, by December 1st. Thank you!
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.
Meadow View Residents - please continue to bring cards in for the mail box – when full, they will be delivered. We do have a wish list if anyone wants to also help out – these items help us keep resident busy throughout the year and more 1-1 activities due to we cannot have them in larger groups. (Due to Covid-19) Suet- for bird feeders-bird watching help past the time (no Bird seed due to the nasty squirrels), Large puzzle pieces- none over 300 pieces- due to their visual problems, Nail Polish remover, Family style movies, Music- of all kinds, Adult coloring books, Color pencils, Games such as Checkers, Guess Who, KerPlunk, Don’t Break The Ice, Trivia Books. Activity staff: would like to Thank anyone who may help us during the upcoming holiday seasons- and even more importantly we are just thankful for your card, kind words and you continued support!! If you would like to donate any items, please see Joyce Printz.
Blessing Box – There is a box with food and paper products, ect. Please take what you need and share what you can.
Prayer Shawls – If you know of anyone in need of a prayer shawl, please let Carolyn White know.
Don’t Forget to check your mailbox – as you enter the vestibule on the wall to the left.
We are collecting plastic bags to make crocheted bed mats for the homeless. If you would like to bring bags, or learn how to cut the bags, tie the bags, or crochet the bags, please see Bonne Travis.
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
5 th Sunday – Trehab Local Food Bank (whenever there is a 5th Sunday)
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.
