FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
“I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.”
Psalm 119:176
As we have been watching the news and seen all the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy, we realize how fleeting are the material things that we spend so much of our time trying to obtain. Having survived flooding some years ago, I, in a small way, can sympathize with those who have lost so much. The hurt and the pain and the feeling of loss are something I would never wish on anyone.
For those families who lost a loved one, my prayers go out to them as their life will be so different without that loved one.
Sometimes, we feel like the beginning of the following poem:
“Why is it, Lord, that your feet delay?
Did you forget that this was the day””
But God’s answer hastens us to consider all that God has done.
Then soft in the silence a voice he heard;
“Lift up your heart, for I kept my word.
Three times I came to your friendly door;
Three times my shadow was on your floor.
I was the beggar with the bruised feet;
I was the woman you gave to eat;
I was the child on the homeless street!
For those of us who did not suffer this storm – we must see what action we need to take to relieve those who have suffered. We must be the ones whom God seeks to make a difference. We must be the ones who follow God’s commandment: “Love your neighbor as your self. “.
Pastor Marilyn
The Church Owl
In the Presbyterian Today issue of March 2011, Eva Stimson, the editor, says, “Volunteers who have restored hurricane-damaged communities along the Gulf Coast would agree that , “We’re doing more than rebuilding bricks and mortar; we’re rebuilding lives.” Like true artists, they are undeterred by blank canvases, slow progress and the messiness of the job. It’s all part of being a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Announcements
Sunday School – 8:30 AM in the Community Building
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. Winter Address: Rev. Marilyn and Ray Barnard, 5201 W. Camelback Rd. Lot B 31, Phoenix, AZ 85031
Thursday, November 8th – Prayer Shawl Ministry Group meets at Carolyn W. at 7:00 pm
Sunday, November 11th – Veterans’ Day
Saturday, November 17th – Family Supper in the Community Building – 5:30 pm
Sunday, November 18th – Congregation Meeting held after Worship Service
Thursday, November 22nd – HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Sunday, November 25th – Session Meeting after Worship Service
Tuesday, November 27th – 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.
Feed a Friend Wish List – Deadline is November 11th. Bring canned pie fillings, box pie crusts, box cake mixes, prepared canned icings, and/or monetary donations. See Bonne with any questions or donations.
What Is the Christmas Joy Offering?
For more than 70 years, Presbyterians have given generously at Christmas to support the unmet needs of families who have devoted their lives to the mission of the PC (USA). Today this Offering is shared equally by the Assistance Program of the Board of Pension, which provides critical assistance to Presbyterian church workers and their families, and Presbyterian-affiliated racial ethnic schools and colleges, which enable students to develop their gifts and find their calling. The Offering dates back to the 1930′s, when the former Presbyterian Church in the United States and began an offering to supplement inadequate retirement income and provide supplemental medical insurance for former ministers, missionaries, church workers, and their families. Although its roots trace back many years, this special offering remains just as essential today. Equally important to the financial help provided is the spiritual benefit received. Again and again, the individuals and families helped by the Offering say that as crucial as the financial assistance is, what really sustains them is the knowledge that the church is standing with them in their time of need.
Christmas celebrations are varied. This year, instead of gifts for herself, Amira Darrow, 12 years old, wants to collect “Soles 4 Souls”. Shoes for all ages, baby through adult, in wearable condition, will be boxed and taken to a distribution center, where they are shipped all over the world. I will start collecting mid November. Mark can fill his pick up when he comes in December. Questions? Call 879-4111, Esther Darrow, Great Grandma Thank you!
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 Joyce. 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 Joyce will address the envelopes and mail them.
LADIES
You are invited to my home on Saturday, November 17th for a Holiday/Coffee/Tea/Mary Kay Party from 10-12:00…. or later. Our own Kathy Walker Beauty Consultant,
will be there to help us with all our questions and education us on Mary Kay Products. Even if you don’t use or want any Mary Kay please just come and enjoy fellowship with each other before the holidays begin or start your Christmas shopping. Please DO NOT feel obligated to buy anything..
If you have any questions or need directions please call. 570-465-7303
2357 Hall Road, New Milford, PA 18834 Blessings, Bonne
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)
Prayer Shawl Ministry Group: Our group has now been meeting for 2 years. This past year, to date, we have given 12 shawls and also we gave 2 mitten, 2 slipper socks, 8 hats and 11 scarves to
“Bill’s Kids”and we have 18 more scarves ready to deliver before Christmas. If there is anyone in need of a prayer shawl, please let me know, we still have a few made and ready. Thank you. Carolyn White.
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.