FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
“Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears.
Joel 3:10
In July, we celebrate the freedom over our country over the laws and regulations of the British Empire. Our forefathers determined that this new land would have a government of the people, by the people and for the people. A land of democracy was a dream that they had for this land.
I don’t begin to know how we can have this wonderful country without an army to provide protection for our way of life. I wish all the swords and pruning hooks could be made into useful items in the family home. This dream is especially true for those who have lost loved ones who have defended this country.
We took the children to Gettysburg on one of our vacations. The thing that amazed me the most was the number of lives lost in that battle. I didn’t even think there were that many people in the country then. The pictures of body after body lying in the fields of this beautiful country side.
Little did I ever dream that our 8-year-old son (at the time) would lay upon a battlefield in Panama as he gave all for this country. Sacrifice is a two-edged sword. We are thankful that there are those who will give all, but the sadness extends beyond that soldier.
Why have we become a country that is tearing itself apart. There is no soldier, sailor, marine who can fight this battle for us. There must be an answer to what lessons we must teach that will bring healing to the country. Why can’t those who have been elected look at the larger picture and fight for the best solution by leading instead of arguing? What does it say to our children when grown men and women make it part of their plan to bring up real or made-up dirt on those opposed to them?
“Every Christian is responsible for adding to the defenses of justice. Let us make our homes havens of peace so that those close to us can see what life would be like if we respected one another.
C. Neil Strait gives us this quote: The Church, it appears, is on trial. How will it respond to social unrest? Will it proclaim – unafraid – that man is not to be viewed by the color of his skin,, nor by the poverty of his existence, but by the possibilities that might be wrapped up in him as a person, waiting to be tapped for good?
Let us be the ones to make our weapons those that will lift people up instead of putting them down.
– Pastor Marilyn
THE CHURCH OWL
What Does a Spiritually Centered Community Look Like?
A spiritually centered community is one where young people find compassion and solace in an environment that promotes healthy, nurturing connections with caring adults, with peers, and with God. It is an environment in which young people can recapture the joy of life. The spiritually centered community offers redemption, restoration and grace in a setting where young people interact with honesty and openness, where conflicts are peacefully resolved, and where young people learn to love themselves so they can begin to love others and reach out to others with caring and compassion. In the spiritual centered community loneliness, pain and rejection are replaced with inclusion, healing and acceptance. Inner turmoil and self-loathing are replaced with peacefulness and self-acceptance.
Rev William Townsend
Announcements
Sunday School – 8:30 AM in the Community Building
Adult Bible Study with Pastor Joe Travis – Sunday evenings at 6:00pm(will resume in September)
Choir Practice Every Saturday at 9:30am (will resume in September)
Wednesday, July 4th - Independence Day
Saturday, July 21st – Family Supper in the Community Building – 5:30pm
Sunday, July 22nd - Session Meeting
Tuesday, July 31st – Newsletter Deadline
Pastor Marilyn : You can reach her at 607-222-8261. If anyone needs to meet, or need a visit or counseling, be sure to call. The summer address is: PO Box 511, Hallstead, PA 18822
The Prayer Shawl Group will not be meeting in July or August. We will resume our gatherings in September, but will continue to work on our projects. If you know of anyone who is in need of a prayer shawl, please let Carolyn White know or e-mail her at whisperpines@frontiernet.net.
We are looking for “Special Music” through Sunday, August 26 while the choir is on vacation. Please contact Pastor Marilyn.
Relay for Life event was a great success. Thank you to everyone.
Splash Into God’s Word -The Silver Lake Presbyterian Church has invited us to join them in this family event. It is and afternoon of fun and fellowship as we splash into God’s Word. Please join the kids this year for some water-themed activities and Bible stories. Sunday, July 8 2P.M. – 6 P.M.
Bible Stories, Games, Songs, Food Whole Family invited Pre-register your family at slpc.carol@gmail.com
Don’t forget our card ministry – If you would like a card sent to a particular person to give them a lift or let them know they are missed or offer encouragement, etc. etc., just give the name and address to Janet Decker. Cards, envelopes and postage will be provided and placed on a table in the Community Building the first Sunday of each month. As we file past the table on our way to the coffee pot, we will be able to sign each of the cards and Janet will address the envelopes and mail them. You can reach Janet at 570-967-2343 or email her at rdecker31@stny.rr.com