The Messenger – March 2021

Dear Church Family,

The local sheriff was looking for a deputy, and one of the applicants – who was not known to be the brightest academically, was called in for an interview. “Okay,” began the sheriff, “What is 1 and 1?” “Eleven,” came the reply. The sheriff thought to himself, “That’s not what I meant, but he’s right.”

Then the sheriff asked, “What two days of the week start with the letter ‘T’?” “Today & tomorrow.” Replied the applicant. The sheriff was again surprised over the answer, one that he had never thought of himself.

“Now, listen carefully, who killed Abraham Lincoln?”, asked the sheriff. The job seeker seemed a little surprised, then thought really hard for a minute and finally admitted, “I don’t know.” The sheriff replied, “Well, why don’t you go home and work on that one for a while?” The applicant left and wandered over to his pals who were waiting to hear the results of the interview. He greeted them with a cheery smile, “The job is mine! The interview went great! First day on the job and I’m already working on a murder case!”

I found this anecdote while preparing a sermon. It got me thinking about the fact that, different people perceive a different perspective from the same message.

I’m certain all of us are more than ready for March to arrive. With what we know it will bring. The start of spring, daylight savings time, warmer weather and planning for outdoor events. And I’m certain all of us are more than ready for this craziness that’s going during this pandemic to end. The “lock downs”, the “social distancing “, the political battles, and the differing opinions on how best to combat the coronavirus, with terms like “follow the science”, being used. And doing that seems to depend on who’s saying it and their perspective. Other terms we are hearing like, “defund the police” and what the media calls “cancel culture”. We hear these terms and forget the fact that, different people perceive a different perspective from the same message. It begs the questions we should be asking ourselves. Am I a”Cultural Christian” or an “All In Christian”? What does the Bible teach on how to handle all this turmoil that’s going on?

As I prayed about this, God brought to mind what Paul wrote in Romans 8:5-6. “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;”

So, with the term ,”cancel culture” in mind, let me ask you. Are you looking for full-time benefits from a part-time investment? Can you work out just once a year and still be physically in shape?

What if you told your spouse, you loved them only on your anniversary? Would they believe you? Sometimes we’re like that in our pursuit of Christ. So let me give you another fact. It’s impossible to be sort of a Christian and expect to grow in our faith. We can’t be a “Cultural Christian” and have spiritual success!

How do you know if you’re a “Cultural Christian”? If you answer that question by saying; “Well, I go to church, always at Easter and Christmas. And I try to be a good person, you know, not over the top like those weirdo types who take religion too seriously. Yeah, I’m a Christian. I believe in God and all that stuff.”

Believing in God doesn’t mean you know God. Scripture teaches that even the demons believe in God. If you’re always blending in, going with the flow, not wanting to stand out because of your faith, then it’s time to re-evaluate your faith.

Today make sure you have a full-time faith, not just part-time. Don’t be a “Cultural Christian”, be a whole-hearted, “All In Christian”, and you’ll never need to fear those who wish to “cancel culture”.

Remember, It’s impossible to be sort of a Christian and expect to grow in our faith. We can’t be a “Cultural Christian” and have spiritual success!

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

Friday, March 5thWorld Day of Prayer

Sunday, March 7th 3rd Sunday in Lent

Thursday, March 11thPresbyterian Women meeting 11am

Sunday, March 14th4th Sunday in Lent

Sunday, March 14th – Daylight Savings Time Begins – Spring forward 1 hour

Wednesday, March 17thMen’s Action Group Meeting – 8am

Wednesday, March 17thHappy St. Patrick’s Day!

Saturday, March 20th First Day of Spring!

Sunday, March 21st5th Sunday in Lent

Tuesday, March 23rd Session Meeting – 10am

Sunday, March 28thPalm Sunday

Tuesday, March 30thNewsletter Deadline

Sunday, April 4thHappy Easter! Sunrise Service at the home of Bill and Carolyn White

One Great Hour of Sharing – For over 70 years, One Great Hour of Sharing has provided Presbyterians a way to share God’s love with our neighbors in need around the world. The three programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing are the Disaster Assistance, The Hunger Program and Self Development of People. All work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, their work fits together to provide people with safety, sustenance and hope. Typically received during Lent, each gift helps each of the three programs supported by One Great Hour Of Sharing.

The Presbyterian Women will be putting together a recipe book for our Church. If anyone would like to share some of their recipes please type them or print them and give them to Bonnie Travis or Debbie Stalker.

Thank you all who donated to the Chimney Fund!!! We received enough funds for the replacement and needed repairs to the chimney and surrounding structure.

Thank you to all who donated to the Super Bowl!!!– 57 Food items were collected and $1239.00.

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.

Don’t Forget to check your mailbox as you enter the vestibule on the wall to the left.

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 joe.s.travis@gmail.com

Plastic Grocery Bags – Please give bags to Bonne Travis – these are used to crochet sleep mats for the homeless.

If you are in the parking lot, PLEASE TUNE YOUR RADIO TO 89.5 FM TO HEAR THE MORNING SERVICE. PLEASE NOTE: We ask that you wear a mask as you ENTER the church.

Winter Months – Session discussed the procedures the congregation will follow during the winter months. People will enter and leave the Church by the front door. Mask must be worn as they enter and go to a pew. Mask must be worn when they leave the Church. Pastor Joe will stand near the pulpit when the service is finished to speak to people before they leave. He will not stand by the front door. Session is asking that people do not congregate in the vestibule or loiter for a long time in the sanctuary when they leave. Hand sanitizer will be located by the front door for people to use. PLEASE check your E-Mail or Messenger Sat. evening & again Sunday AM each week for possible closing of SUNDAY Services do to any unforeseen weather conditions.

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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