FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
“On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.”
Acts 14:27
Paul says that ‘God has opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.“ If that were not true, we would not be The Franklin Hill Presbyterian Church! It took many people to prove that God was the God of all people, not just the Jews. Paul, once the major carrier of the belief that God only cared about his ‘chosen’ people. His blindness was cured on the way to Damascus.
The door of faith jumped out at me as I read this scripture. Doors are necessary to enter and leave a building. What we find inside that door is hidden behind that door until we have the faith to open it.
I’m impressed by the openness of the door at Franklin Hill Presbyterian Church. As you enter you are greeted by Jim Perkins and handed a bulletin by Marcia Perkins or Bob Darrow. Their smiles begin your journey into worship. Everyone feels the welcome in these simple acts.
The door to fellowship begins as soon as you enter the sanctuary. You are greeted by many faces and smiles. You can feel the leading of the Holy Spirit as you make your way to the pew.
Turner N. Clinard says, “The door joins the family within to the world without. Nobody finds himself in seclusion, but the door lets him/her find his/her relations in the world outside, where he/she grows in human insight and sensitivity and “favor with God and man..“
“Discharged from the door, they go the self-fulfilling work, adding to the world’s good and earning their space in the earth. And all who go out on mission return for refreshment, comfort, and rest. “
Is the door of your faith opened to all whom you come in contact with? Will they find the answers to their quest for a relationship with God as they enter your fellowship?
Pastor Marilyn
The Church Owl
Your tongue is the only muscle in your body that is attached at only one end.
The Levites had a mandatory retirement age of 50 years. (Numbers 8:25)
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)
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.
The Newsletter Deadline will be September 1st - due to my involvement in the Harford and Wyoming County Fairs, September’s newsletter will be delayed one week. Thank you!!! Carolyn W.
A BIG THANK YOU to Marcia Perkins for her work on updating the Members and Friends list.
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
New Address: The church will now receive its mail at the church. The address is Franklin Hill Presbyterian Church, 400 Franklin Hill Rd., Hallstead, PA 18822
Loose Change Offerings
1st Sunday – Local Emergency/Deacon’s Fund
2nd Sunday – Local Emergency/Deacon’s
3rd Sunday – Kenya/Rev. Malaho
4th Sunday – Building Maintenance
5th Sunday – Habitat for Humanity (whenever there is a 5th Sunday)
Franklin Hill Presbyterian Church – 200th Anniversary Celebration
Mark Your Calendars: Our 200th Anniversary Celebration will be held on September 8, 2013. We will start the day with Sunday School and Worship in the morning followed by a noon meal. In the afternoon we will have a celebration of the 200 years of the church followed by an ice cream social.
We will be looking for contacts for people who have moved from the area to invite back for the day. Of course we will be building up to the celebration and welcoming visitors all year if they cannot come on the 8th.
Joyce Printz will plan the Worship Service with lots of music.
Ken Post will coordinate a float for the 4th of July parade in Montrose.
Ester Darrow has been sending in old photos and memorabilia. If you have any old photos or anecdotes to share please send them to Jim Perkins.
We will need volunteers to accomplish an unforgettable celebration. See Jim Perkins, chair or Pastor Marilyn. Bob Pratt and Ester Darrow are co-vice chairs.