Dear Church Family,
Summer is in full swing. Plans have been made for vacation, parties to attend, family events and winter chores that need to be done before it’s over. So, if you are like me, you get tired just thinking about all that has been planned, and so tempted to veer off course even when we know God has had his hand in all this planning.
In Isaiah 40: 30& 31 we’re reminded that, “Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength”.
Recently, Bonne and I went on vacation to spent time with family in the state of Washington. Plans had been made, to drive cross country, where we would stay, the activities we would engage in. Then due to unforeseen circumstances we changed our plan to drive and decided flying would be the best way to travel for this trip.
All we had planned seemed to go as planned until our flight home. As we awaited our flight home at the airport and announcement came over intercom that our flight has been delayed, due to weather conditions, and scheduling issues at our destination. The delay wasn’t long, and we proceeded to board the airplane. Once all had boarded the plane, we then headed to the tarmac to wait to take off, and there we set. As we waited, I began to think about what plans had to be made in order for our plane to make this flight, and what plans have I made to do God’s will in my life. Then I began to think, maybe we as Christians should be more like airline pilots.
You see, pilots are required to file a flight plan before they take off. A way of letting people on the ground know where they are going, how they plan to get there, and when they expect to arrive. Everything the pilot does, especially fuel consideration, is included in the plan. Can you imagine what would happen if, after planning one way, a pilot deliberately and repeatedly went off course?
What would happen, if we after deciding to go with God we keep straying off course when any intriguing diversion presents itself? Will we lose our purpose and use up all our resources? The scriptures call this doublemindedness (James 1:8 & 4:8), pilots call it a crash!
Let’s face it, life is no straight, sure journey. Some days the path seems obvious and the progress certain. On other days, when evening comes, we crawl into bed confused and discouraged. However, if we stick to our flight plan, we can look back and realize we have made remarkable progress.
Isaiah reminds us that even youthful energy and stamina will play itself out when the journey is long. God alone can be trusted to guide us on the right course. God alone has the resources to get us safely to our destination. God alone knows the surprises and the home that is awaiting our arrival.
So, if God is in your flight plan this summer, stick to the plan!
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
Thursday, July 1st – Happy Canada Day!
Sunday, July 4th – Happy Independence Day!
Thursday, July 8h – Presbyterian Women's meeting – 11am
Wednesday, July 21st – Men's Action Group meeting – 8am
Tuesday, July 20th – Session Meeting – 9am
Sunday, July 25th – Outdoor Service in Armstrong Park
Tuesday, July 27th – Newsletter Deadline
Don't forget to check out our Website – we now have a Donate Buttonthrough PayPal – just click on the button on the home page and make your donation!
Don't Forget to check your mailbox – as you enter the vestibule on the wall to the left.
Plastic Grocery Bags – Please give bags to Bonne Travis – these are used to crochet sleep mats for the homeless.
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
EMAIL address for the church has been changed to: fhpc400@att.net
Please tune your radio to 89.5 FM to hear the church service. PARKING LOT TRANSMISSION WILL END JULY 11TH.
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)
Be that one. That one who forgives when deep offense has been committed. That one who loves when no one else does. That one who give kindness to those who are mean. Be that one who looks past the insult, instead seeing the pain that motivated it. That one who shines light upon those who sit in utter darkness. Because the impact of being that one runs far and wide. It brings healing to the wounded, joy to the sad, and hope to those in despair. Be that one. —– Sheri Eckert
V V V V V V V V V V V V
“I used to pray that God would feed the hungry, or do this or that, but now I pray that He will guide me to do whatever I am supposed to do, what I can do. I used to pray for answers, but now I’m praying for strength. I used to believe that prayer changes things, but now I know that prayer changes us, and we change things” —–Mother Theresa
V V V V V V V V V V V V
“Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible.” —Corrie ten Boom
V V V V V V V V V V V V
As our nation celebrates Independence Day, let us remember and proclaim that God so loved the whole world that he sent Jesus to share in this life.
