FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
“He (God) was like an eagle hovering over its nest, overshadowing its young, then spreading its wings, lifting them into the air, teaching them to fly.
-Deuteronomy 32:11, 12 The Message
Ray and I went to a football game last Saturday. As we were watching the game, a flock of geese flew over the field. They seemed confused. They were not in that beautiful V formation that birds fly in. They were all in a bunch flying this way and that. Sometime later, back they came in the same confusion flying over the field again. Finally, one bird took the lead and away they went in that extraordinary flight pattern. We thought later that perhaps the field was their yearly stop on their fall journey to warmer weather and we were all in their way.
How often in our lives are we interrupted from the direction we had intended to go in? We overslept, our clock was wrong, we couldn’t find the kid’s shoe – you know what I mean? Many things can get in the way of our intentions.
The same is true with our faith! So many things can distract us from taking the time to speak often with our Lord. How often we neglect our time in prayer or devotion because something has interfered with our schedule? It is so important for us to take those quiet times that we can let in the grace and mercy of God.
The winter schedule is about to resume. New distractions appear. What distractions will now work their way into your life? We need to let God overshadow us, lift us up, and teach us to fly. Don’t neglect your time with God! It is this time that puts us in the right direction as we journey to a better relationship with Him.
Ray and I always consider our time spent with you a blessing. As we depart for the winter, we thank God for your gift of love to us. We know that Joe and Bonne will continue to aide you on your spiritual journey and bring you even closer to the throne of our God.
You know that bird who flies in the front of the V is not the only one to take up that position. That position changes as each bird takes a turn at leading the group. Is it your turn to be the leader, take your turn and praise God when He lets the whole church fly in the right direction.
Pastor Marilyn
The Church Owl
God’s hands, but we also believe that all person Presbyterians believe that God is in charge of the world and that our destiny is safe in s are free and responsible and ought to be obedient to God. -Meet the Presbyterians, by Pat McGeachy
Announcements
Sunday School – 8:30 AM in the Community Building
Adult Bible Study with Pastor Joe Travis – Sunday evenings at 6:00pm
Choir Practice Every Wednesday at 4:00pm
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
Winter Address: Rev. Marilyn and Ray Barnard, 5201 W. Camelback Rd. Lot B 31, Phoenix, AZ 85031 Phone 607-222-8261
Thursday, October 4th – Prayer Shawl Group gathers at Carolyn W. at 7pm
Saturday, October 20th – Family Supper in the Community Building
Tuesday, October 30th – Newsletter Deadline
Christmas time is coming faster each year, it seems. A project started by Presbyterian Women but now includes everyone is “Bill’s Kids”. Pastor Bill Townsend is the Chaplin at the Wyoming Conference Home. We collect money for Christmas gifts. You can mark your regular envelope or us the special
envelopes that Marcia Perkins made. There will be one check sent the home by November 20th. They can stretch the dollars because they know the sizes needed, the children make out a wish list, they buy in bulk and don’t have to pay taxes. Every sent goes where needed, no middle man!
Thank you in advance for all you have done and will do this year. Esther Darrow.
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
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. Esther 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 Esther Darrow are co-vice chairs.