Dear Church Family & Friends,
Happy New Year! Another beginning! A fresh start! Many of us will start the new year making a New Year’s resolution. So as Christians we need to recognize we have more opportunities to grow closer to God. More chances to be the person he created you to be. More ways to serve those around you.
If you’re like me, it’s often hard to know where to begin making changes. So, whether you have a lot you want to change this year or just a few things, you’re going to need God’s power to do it. I’ve selected a couple of verses from God‘s word we need to consider as we start this New Year.
Zechariah in his vision that he received from the Angel of the Lord he penned: “Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the LORD that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen.”(Zech. 4:10 NIV) And Paul wrote to the Galatians saying: “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Gal. 5:25)
So, to help you get started in keeping your New Year’s resolution, consider this. What do you want your story to be a year from now? What major difference do you want to see in your life when you reflect after this new year is over? What’s one tiny baby step you can take today to move in that direction?
We all know how we grow. It can only be done if we practice daily. Rarely does success come without time, discipline, and hard work. Successful people often joke that they spent years becoming an overnight success.
So, what many don’t realize is that it’s by the tiny steps we take that result in the things everyone wants. It’s the faithfulness to do mundane things like walking around the block, eating better, and spending time with God before rushing out the door each morning. So, the best way to think about changing your story is to focus on today, not tomorrow, next week, or next January.
That’s why Zechariah prophesied to his people in troubled times what he was told. “Who dares despise the day of small things,” In other words God’s telling all, “It’s time to take that first tiny step”. And Paul reminds us in taking that first tiny step we are to remember that we live by the Spirit, and we need to keep in step with the Spirit. As he wrote: “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Gal. 5:25)
One small decision today to take that tiny step, could have a big impact on tomorrow. Chances are you can think of something right now that you know God would love to include in your story. Just consider what might happen if you remember to take a walk today or work out tomorrow morning or attend church this Sunday or spend some special time with someone you love.
It doesn’t always take a long time to see big differences in your life. What story do you believe God wants you to tell five or ten years from now? What does God want you to want? Jot down your thoughts about what you believe God wants for your future. Your ideas don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to commit to what you write just yet. Just capture on paper the first thoughts that come to mind.
Then based on what you believe God wants you to want, what tiny step do you need to start doing to head toward where God wants you to go? Choose one thing. You’ll be tempted to pick three, four, or even ten, but don’t. Whatever you do, pick just one thing. Because if you pick more than one, you likely won’t achieve any of them. But if you select just one, you absolutely can start authoring the story God wants you to write.
Start today. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” That is only accomplished if you remember to take tiny steps to reach that goal. Because: “Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the LORD that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen.” And you will have written the story God wants you to write and rejoice because he has chosen you.
In His Service,
Pastor Joe
O Lord, let my New Year’s resolution be to follow you more closely and to trust in your loving guidance.
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21
“Nothing is impossible with God.” —Luke 1:37, NIV
“I will put my love in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God and they will be my people.” Jeremiah 31:33 NIV
Bible Verse Memory Plan…..
Week #1 : In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 NIV
Week #2 : I can do all things through Christ which stregtheneth me. Philippians 4:13 KJV
Week #3 : Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105 KJV
Week #4 : It is God who arms me with Strength and keeps my way secure. 2 Samuel 22:33 NIV
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sunday School – 8:15 AM in the Community Building
Choir Practice Thursdays at 1pm
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 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Sunday, January 1st – Happy New Year!!!
Friday, January 6th – Epiphany
Sunday, January 8th – Baptism of the Lord
Thursday, January 12th – Presbyterian Women meeting – 11am
Monday, January 16th – Martin Luther King, Jr Day
Wednesday, January 18th – Men’s Action Group Meeting – 8am
Saturday, January 21st – Session Meeting – 9am
Tuesday, January 31st – Newsletter Deadline
We would like to thank all who helped out to make this holiday extra special. It couldn’t happen without you! We would also like to thank you for your generous gift to us. We are blessed. Pastor Joe and Bonne
Joyce will be going to Meadow View on Friday at 2:00, Jan. 13 for an hour sing along with the residents. We spend about half the time singing old popular songs and the last half singing hymns. All are welcome to join in. Yes, masks are required.
Corporation Meeting after church on January 15, 2023
Listen to WPEL 96.5 for church cancellation if your internet is down during a storm this winter.
Choir practice will be Thursday’s, at 1 o’clock at the church. Please consider joining us in singing God’s praises!
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.
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
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 Cathe. 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 Cathe will address the envelopes and mail them.
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)
