From the Pastor’s Desk
“When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, “Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.”
Acts 11:18
This verse comes at the end of the passage about Peter’s vision about the animals they could eat (Acts 11:1-18) It was a strange vision asking Peter to see that “what God has made clean, you must not call profane.“ It really was not an argument for the ins and outs of what to eat, but rather our human condition of judgment toward one another.
For the Jewish people, the Gentiles were considered unclean. One of the problems of the Jewish religion was that when God told them he had chosen them to be his people, they forgot the last part of that promise: “that you may a blessing to all nations.” (Gen. 12:3c). (In the Message paraphrase it says, “…and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.)
One of the hardest things for humans is to see that there is more than one way to worship God. We find fault with those who cannot seem to hear the message the same as we do. The truth of the matter is God has created us all differently and the church NEEDS those differences.
In the month of February, we celebrate the birthday of two of our most famous Presidents (George Washington and Abraham Lincoln) . They were two people who saw things entirely different than many of their time. It was through the gifts that God gave them that our nation became a democracy and a people who abolished the inhumanity of slavery.
In an old ‘All in the Family’ skit, Archie gives a eulogy for his friend, Stretch. When he arrives at the funeral, he finds out that Stretch was Jewish. Archie had spent much time in adding Jesus’ quotes to his eulogy and was embarrassed to read it. In the midst of the humor, he says, “I never knew Stretch was Jewish, he never acted like he was one””
God saw fit to have the Gentiles know the love of Him and the plan he had for all humankind. We call ourselves Christian, but when it comes right down to it, would anyone know that we are?
The question is a relevant one, don’t you think? Do businesses act in a Christian manner? Do politicians act in a Christian manner? Do we judge people by some man-made idea of what is right and wrong? Do we, when we have a decision to make, pray that the results of our efforts are what a Christian would do? Would you pass for a Christian?
Pastor Marilyn
The Church Owl
The Book of Confession contains many comforting theological insights.
Q. What is your only comfort, in life and in death?
A. That I belong – body and soul, in life and in death – not to myself but to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, who at the cost of his own blood has fully paid for all my sins and has completely freed me from the dominion of the devil; that he protects me so well that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that everything must fit his purpose for my salvation. Therefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.
-The Heidelberg Catechism, Question 1 (BC, 4.001
-The Presbyterian Handbook
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
Wednesday, February 13th – Ash Wednesday
Thursday, February 14th – Valentine’s Day
Saturday, February 16th – Family Supper in the Community Building – 5:30PM
Sunday, February 17th – First Sunday in Lent
Monday, February 18th – President’s Day
Thursday, February 21st – Prayer Shawl Group meets at Carolyn W. – 7:00PM
Sunday, February 24th – Second Sunday in Lent
I would like to thank all of my friends for the prayers, cards & visits during my trips to hospitals before, during and after my visits. The doctors were well pleased with my check up. Said to keep it up. I go again in May. Thanks again.
Love you all – Mary Helen Booth
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.
Coffee Hour – There is a new sign up sheet in the foyer for 2013. Starting in January, we still need a couple people to sign up and you would need to see that the coffee is made and the juice is out and that things are set up. We are then asking that each family bring something to share. Homemade is great, but it does not need to be, and let’s try to bring healthy foods, such as little finger sandwiches, fruit, veggies, healthy snacks and maybe a few sweets for a treat. Let’s all try to help each other for this monthly time of fellowship and let’s keep it simple and healthy. If you have any questions, please see Ella Darrow.
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.
Franklin Hill Presbyterian Church History
In 1958 the exterior and interior of the church was painted, and the church was much improved by plastering inside, a new chimney built on the south side, and an oil heater installed to take the place of the two space heaters, which had been used to heat the church prior to this time. In 1962, drapes were hung on all the windows of the church as a memorial to Miss Vida Lowe and Mrs. Ethel Jones. A sidewalk and outside lights were put at the hall by Mr. Frank Lewis.