From the Pastor’s Desk
“Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, No exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless – that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing.
- 1 Peter 3:8 & 9 The Message Paraphrase
Every day I hear stories of how people have had their feelings hurt or been victimized by rumors, identity theft, robbery or any other way that can humiliate a person. It seems the world is bent on hurting someone.
It is that mindset that not only hurts an individual but also causes untold agony from business decisions to war between countries. To inflict pain is the making of radical groups, not only over seas but right here in our own country.
The wish to overcome injustice was how our country arrived at a decision to break away from Great Britain and why we celebrate The Fourth of July which reminds us of our Independence.
Why can we never seem to get over the idea that only our ideas, our beliefs, our opinions are the only ones that have meaning? Why can’t we listen to the message that Peter has given us? Be agreeable, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble!
It starts right here – in our own backyard. Many of our people have given so much of their time to do the work of the church. We must not criticize or find fault with each other! If we have suggestions – that’s fine, but let’s support each other in the way in which we try to serve the Lord.
I have always been so impressed with The Franklin Hill Presbyterian Church because that seems to be the rule rather than a rare mind set. I know that you all love one another and want what is best for the church.
This winter, Ray and I saw how deadly disagreements and criticism could affect a church family. Thank you for being a church that has found Peter’s advice a legitimate avenue to be a church family.
As we celebrate the Fourth, let us keep in mind the lives that were sacrificed in that fight and the many since. It was because some people took very seriously Jesus’ advice of ‘laying down one’s life for a friend.’
Pastor Marilyn
The Church Owl
GOD’S PEOPLE
They whine, they sin, they turn their backs on God over and over again. When given freedom, they blow it. When preached repentance by God’s prophets, they stone them. When offered a savior, we kill him. In the end it must be admitted, God’s people – us!- don’t really shine. Only By God’s grace and the gift of faith in Jesus Christ do we have hope.
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
Thursday, July 4th – Happy Fourth of July!!!
Thursday, July 4th – Parade in Montrose – 11am
Saturday, July 20th – Family Supper in the Community Building at 5:30 PM
Tuesday, July 30th – Newsletter Deadline
Fall Rummage Sale – Please, Do Not, bring any items for the rummage sale until after Sept. 10th, as the school house will be used in the 200th Anniversary Celebration. Thank you, Esther.
Relay for Life for The American Cancer Society in Susquehanna County raised $55,000.
Prayer Shawls – we have several shawls ready. If anyone knows of anyone in need of one, please let Carolyn White know.
On September 8, 2013 the Franklin Hill Presbyterian Church will be celebrating it’s 200th Anniversary. The day will be full of events to celebrate this momentous occasion. We will begin with the normal morning church service. A period of time to reminisce is planned before lunch. A Chicken Bar B Cue is planned for lunch with more time for sharing. The Celebration Service will be at 2:00 which will include previous pastors taking part and lots of special music. Desert following that service will be an old fashion ice cream social with home made ice cream and cake. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for the day or any portion of it.
Anniversary Gift Table – Some of our members are making small items to sell on our Gift Table during our 200th Anniversary. There will be a free-will offering as people purchase those items. If you would like to contribute to this table, check with Bonne Travis. The proceeds from this table will be given to The Local Missions. This Mission is responsible for helping our local church members, friends and family in special times of need. In the past, it has provided money for heating bills, medicine needs, funeral expenses, repairs, etc. We are glad that we can benefit those in need in our local area.
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)