The Messenger – August 2021

Dear Church Family & Friends,

August is here already. And oh, how the time seems to pass us by so quickly. So, before I forget, I would like to thank Rev. Marylin Barnhart and Dr. Al Hickok for filling in for me while I was on vacation. And I would also like to thank the church family for allowing me the time off.

While Bonne and I were on the road these passing weeks, I happen to see the same bumper sticker on several cars that made me chuckle. It simply says, “God don’t make no junk!” (Ironically, it seems like every time I see this bumper sticker, it’s always on an old clunker.) But it’s true: when you’re in Christ, God don’t make no junk!

Paul reminds us of that in Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s masterpiece , created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

You are the masterpiece of God, created for the Master’s purpose. The reason it’s important for you to believe this is because when you know who you are, you’ll know what to do. Otherwise, you might be tempted to accept the labels others stick on you and settle for much less.

You are special in Christ, the Master’s creation, created for the Master’s purpose. The Greek word translated as “masterpiece” here in Ephesians 2:10 is poiema (POY-ay-muh). To be “God’s poiema” literally means to be “a work made by God.” Because we derive our English word “poem” from this

Although, some of His poetry is not always appreciated by all but I am confident that “God don’t make no junk!

Just remember in Christ, your life should be a poetic statement of God’s glory. The Master Creator designs each of our lives to join and interlock, to create a big picture, a giant living tapestry, woven of people. Sometimes, from where you’re standing, you might not be able to see where you fit. But if you can take a step back and look at it from His perspective, you can see the overall masterpiece, the perfect workmanship of God.

So, whenever you are feeling unworthy, incompetent or just plain inadequate for a task He has given you, remember: “God don’t make no junk!” And go to Him in a prayer something like this:

God, help me to remember that I’m your masterpiece, as unique and beautiful as a poem. I am not who others say I am but who you say I am. My identity rests in you.”

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, August 12thPresbyterian Women meeting 11am

Wednesday, August 18thMen’s Action Group meeting 8am

Tuesday, August 24thSession Meeting 9am

Tuesday, August 31stNewsletter Deadline

Choir practice will begin Thursday, Sept. 2nd at 1:00! Please come a join us in singing praises to Jesus!

Please sign up to host one of the social hours on the Sunday after Communion Service on the first Sunday of the month. Hosting only means setting out what is brought and cleaning up afterward. It does not mean bringing everything to share.

EMAIL address for the church has been changed to: fhpc400@att.net

Don’t forget to check out our Website – we now have a Donate Button through 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

All Ladies are invited to celebrate Paul and Emily’s upcoming wedding with a bridal shower for Emily on Saturday, August 14, from 1-3. Please let Bonne know if you plan on attending.

 

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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