Dear Church Family and Friends,
This Advent season our theme is “Faith over Fear”. It seems that ever since the start of the pandemic, people have lived in fear. They have let their fear drive every decision they make in their lives. They are constantly looking for a sign that it will come to an end. They keep tabs on the daily news, the Covid positive count and the deaths attributed do it. They allow the fear of contracting Covid influence where and when to go. Whether it’s shopping or a local event or even attending church. Granted a lot of these decisions are regulated by our government the CDC and the mindset of those around us. Still, it seems like people are losing faith that this pandemic, this mindset will never come to a close. It seems everyone is looking for a sign a Savior to restore life to normal.
As I was preparing a message for one of our Advent Sundays and thinking about the signs, we are given that should bring us hope and “Faith over Fear”, I read again the words from Isaiah 7:14.
“Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel.”
Have you ever had a hard decision to make and asked God to give you a sign? For most people, we rarely get the bold skywriting from God that we would like to have regarding our next steps. Instead, we often have indicators that are more subtle—a verse from God’s Word, wise advice from a trusted friend, or circumstantial evidence. The people of Israel had been promised a Messiah, a savior for God’s people, for so long. Year after year they waited, until finally they were losing faith. But throughout the more than four hundred years they waited on the arrival of Jesus, God never forgot his people or his promise to them. Speaking these words from today’s verse through the prophet Isaiah, God clearly outlined the birth of his Son to a virgin. It’s no coincidence that this name, Immanuel, means “God with us.”
Christmas often gets so defined by its commercial, decorative aspects that we overlook it as a celebration of God keeping his promise. But like a loving parent dropping hints to a child eager to know what’s inside a present, God provides reminders of his generosity. He gave us the best, most perfect gift he was able to give. He allowed his Son Jesus to be born as a baby in a manger in a little, backwoods town called Bethlehem. Beneath all the bright lights and shiny tinsel, look for reminders that God is with you today—and every day.
As we once again enter this holiday season and look for a sign that will strengthen our faith, please pray with me. “Open my eyes, Lord, and open my heart so I can see the many ways you reveal yourself to me during this wonderful holiday season.”
Have a Merry Christmas! In His Service, Pastor Joe
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sunday School – 8:15 AM in the Community Building
Choir Practice Every Thursday at 1:00pm
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
Sunday, December 5th – Second Sunday in Advent
Wednesday, December 8th – Cemetery Trustee Meeting - 9am
Thursday, December 9th – Presbyterian Women Christmas Party - 11am, Please bring a dish to share.
Sunday, December 12th - Third Sunday in Advent
Wednesday, December 15th – Men's Action Group Meeting and Breakfast - 8am
Sunday, December 19th – Fourth Sunday in Advent
Tuesday, December 21st – Session Meeting – 9am
Tuesday, December 21st – First Day of Winter
Friday, December 24th – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service – 7pm
Saturday, December 25th – MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Tuesday, December 28th – Newsletter Deadline
Friday, December 31st – New Year's Eve / Watch Night
Feed-A-Friend – We received $760 in donations, which was sent to Trehab. Thank you to all!
Bill's Kids – Monetary Donations are being collected until Sunday, December 5th.
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.
The Presbyterian Women met Thursday Nov. 11. Debbie Stalker led us in devotions. Election of officers was held and the following ladies will be leading us beginning January 2022. President – Gwen Pope, Vice President – Julie Grey, Secretary – Deb Stalker, Treasurer – Carolyn White Upcoming events are the annual Christmas Tea at the Montrose Bible Conference to be held Dec. 7th, at 11:00, followed by the Annual Christmas party here in the Hill, Dec. 9th. W e will meet at 11 to exchange gifts and reveal Secret Sisters, followed by a covered dish lunch. All women are welcomed at both events, but let Bonne know in advance so a place at the table can be set for you!
The cemetery has been green and beautiful all summer due to the frequent rains. Normally we can back off on the mowing in July and August, but not this year. As a consequence, our mowing expenses have exceeded our plans, If you would like to make a contribution to help cover these costs, please send a check made out to: The Franklin Hill Cemetery Association c/o Marcia Perkins, treasurer, 995 Liberty Park Road, Hallstead, PA 18822. Thank you. Jim Perkins, president.
We will attempt to have church cancellations due to weather announced over WPEL 96.5. We will send e-mails of cancellation also, but there is always the chance that your internet may be down.
The Franklin Hill Church Community Building will be available as a warming station if you lose your heating this winter. This is not a shelter providing cots and food. You will need to bring your own supplies. The building is supported with a back-up generator to keep the light and heat on. See and Elder to let you in.
The PW is selling Franklin Hill Presbyterian Cookbooks called “Recipes From The Hill” at $10.00 each. All proceeds go to missions. We still have a few left if you like to purchase one. They make a great Christmas gift. See Debbie Stalker.
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.
