Dear Church Family,
As most of you know, I believe the Lord has called me to step down as your pastor and that will most definitely lead to some changes in the leadership of this church. In the changes of our worship service and our relationship with each other and the surrounding community. Change is always hard, and it forces us to consider changing our habits. To build new relationships with others. Paul in his first letter to the church at Corinth wrote, “By the grace God has given to me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care.” (1 Corinthians 3:10) We are all called to grow in the knowledge of God and build secure habits that will keep us strong in doing His will. This month I think we should focus on building a secure relationship with whomever God calls to lead us and build habits pleasing to God with great care. I have learned the hard way that I am never as strong as I think I am. Like you, I am a work in progress, often taking two steps forward and three steps back. Sometimes I can be the most self-disciplined person you have ever met, the Rock of Gibraltar of selfcontrol. I can go for years without holding a grudge or holding my tongue with people I know with no problem at all. But when someone cuts me off on the road, then all my self- discipline goes out the window in a flash. Knowing how quickly I’m capable of failing , I’m never going to say for a second, I’m above any sin. I am human like everyone else. Truth be told, we all are. We are all capable of falling short in any way at any time, and we have to recognize our weaknesses and defend ourselves against attacks from the enemy of sin. Acknowledging your weakness is the first step toward true strength. And true strength is what is needed in this world today. You are only as strong as you are honest, and if you really want to rely on God, then you must not deceive yourself about your flaws. With that being said, remember that with God’s help we can build stronger relationships including forgiveness and restoration. Like a house being renovated, some parts have to be torn down before the new design can take shape. You are God‘s masterpiece even when you can’t see the transformation. “By the grace God has given to me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care.” (1 Corinthians 3:10)
In His Service, Pastor Joe
A Prayer When Challenged
God of wisdom and love, help me and all others who are struggling with difficult circumstances find direction and strength to face our challenges. Give us the assurance that underneath us are your everlasting arms, which will sustain us through everything we face day and night. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sunday School – 8:15 AM in the Community Building
Choir Practice will resume in September
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 11:00am to 1:00pm
Sunday, June 4th – Trinity Sunday
Thursday, June 8th – Presbyterian Women Meeting at Gwenn Pope’s home – 10:30am
Wednesday, June 14th – Flag Day
Saturday, June 17th – Session Meeting 9am
Sunday, June 18th – Happy Father’s Day!!!
Wednesday, June 21st – First Day of Summer
Wednesday, June 21st – Men’s breakfast and meeting 8am
Tuesday, June 27th – Newsletter Deadline
Thank you to all who donated to Care Net. We presented them with our check in the amount of $1550.00.
There will be a congregational meeting after worship service, June 4th – to discuss and vote on having Dr. Al Hickok as Interim Pastor for one year. Everyone is encouraged to attend.
Choir will resume in September
Plastic Grocery Bags – Please give bags to Bonne Travis – these are used to crochet sleep mats for the homeless.
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.
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)
