Reflections on God’s Guidance and Our Church’s Journey
Dear Church Family,
I am grateful for the opportunity to share with you in this month’s edition of “The Messenger.” As many of you know, I recently traveled to Kentucky to meet with the Presbyterian Committee on Ministry representing the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The committee’s purpose was to review my credentials, ask questions about my experiences, my faith, and my service to God, and to get to know me on a deeper level.
The meeting, which lasted about an hour, went very well. The committee consisted of a pastor and five elders, and after my presentation and answering their thoughtful questions, a motion was put forward to recognize me as a pastor in good standing within the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The vote was unanimous, affirming my status and welcoming me into their fellowship.
The first question posed to me was both important and filled with excitement: “How did you find out about the Cumberland Presbyterian Church?” I explained that our own session member, Bruce Franchak, was instrumental in this journey. When our session was searching for a Presbyterian denomination that aligned with our beliefs—especially regarding the doctrine of salvation—Bruce diligently researched and discovered the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. This church is distinguished by its faith-led biblical convictions, particularly on the topics of election and predestination, from an Arminian theological view as set apart from the Westminster Confession in 1813. Bruce’s commitment and leadership have been a true blessing to Franklin Hill Presbyterian Church, reflecting Christian character and devotion to God.
As many of you know, ordained elders are vital for the spiritual leadership of the church. They serve as local leaders, responsible for the spiritual care, nurture, leadership, and administration of the church’s life and business. Our church is blessed with five session members who serve faithfully and have been elected to oversee these important responsibilities. I would especially like to commend Bruce for his tireless dedication and his willingness to go the extra mile in seeking positive direction for our church—even when some clergy suggested it would be impossible to find such a path.
Two weeks before my committee meeting, I attended a Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Kentucky, pastored by John Butler, who also serves as the chairperson of the Ministry Committee and has been shepherding in the Cumberland presbytery since 1990. I found the worship and fellowship there very similar to our own at Franklin Hill Presbyterian Church. My conversations and observations have not revealed any differences that contradict our Christian faith or heritage. In fact, I have experienced confirmation in the Spirit that the Cumberland Presbyterian Church is a community of believers who truly love the Lord, God’s Word, and God’s people, striving to serve God to the fullest.
Their church government is Presbyterian, just as ours is, so you will find it familiar if you have attended Franklin Hill Presbyterian Church for years. There are no significant differences in governance, practice, or faith. With one important and eternal difference, the doctrine of salvation. Believing that Christ’s salvation is not limited to a selected group, but is available to all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 10:9-10)
Looking ahead, Lord willing, I will travel to Kentucky again later this year to attend their church conference in September. Additionally, the Presbytery committee will visit us during the first week of October to meet with our session and congregation to learn more about our agenda and vision for the future of Franklin Hill Presbyterian Church. And especially to enjoy our Christian fellowship together as a church united in Christ.
Reflecting on all the changes and transitions we have experienced this past year, I am amazed at God’s intervention, providence, and sovereignty. Together, we are preparing for a hopeful future. I have seen and felt confirmation from God regarding our connection with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church—witnessing good, godly, even miraculous things that point to God’s providence.
Philippians. 3:13-14 says “Brothers (And Sisters) I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
May we have this same mindset as the Apostle Paul had and continue to seek God’s guidance as we move forward as a church family.
Blessings in Christ,
Your Pastor
V V V V V V V V V V V V
Bible Memory Verse
Week 33 – Psalm 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” – Psalm 19:1, NIV
Week 34 – Psalm 1:6 “The LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” – Psalm 1:6, ESV
Week 35 – Isaiah 43:1 “…Thus says the LORD… Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” – Isaiah 43:1, ESV
Week 36 – Isaiah 43:11 “I, I am the LORD, and besides me there is no savior.” – Isaiah 43:11, ESV
V V V V V V V V V V V V
Honoring The Gift Of Work
The Bible affirms both the value and dignity of work. From the beginning, God placed Adam in the garden “to work it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15, ESV). In the fourth commandment, we are reminded not only to observe the Sabbath, but also to labor diligently throughout the week: “Six days you shall labor, and do all your work” (Exodus 20:9, ESV).
Work is more than a routine obligation; it is an opportunity to engage our God-given abilities in meaningful ways. Whether using our hands, minds, or hearts, we reflect the image of our Creator—bringing order, care, and creativity into the world.
Our labor allows us to contribute to the common good, find personal fulfillment, and practice faithful stewardship of the talents and strengths God has entrusted to us. As Paul writes, “We are God’s fellow workers” (1 Corinthians 3:9, ESV).
On this Labor Day, may we take time to recognize the blessing of work and celebrate those who serve, build, teach, lead, and labor with purpose and care.
—Author unknown
V V V V V V V V V V V V
Something Beautiful
“Spread love everywhere you go; to show love for God and our neighbor we need not do great things. It is how much love we put in doing that makes our offering something beautiful to God.”
—Mother Teresa
V V V V V V V V V V V V
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bible Study Wednesday Evenings – 6pm in the Community Building
Choir Practice will resume in September – Keep watching for a date!
You may reach Pastor John at #607-651-4760 or at his.ship@gmail.com
E-Mail Carolyn White with any praises, joys, or prayer requests (whisperpines@frontiernet.net) throughout the week.
Monday, September 1st – Labor Day!
Wednesday, September 3rd – Starting Mid-Week Bible study at 6:00pm in the church hall, in lieu of the current pre-service Sunday School. All are encouraged to attend.
Sunday, September 7th – National Grandparent’s Day!
Session will be returning to regularly scheduled meeting dates. All future Session Meeting will be the second Tuesday of each month in the church hall at 6pm. Next Meeting Tuesday, September 9th.
Thursday, September 11th – Patriot Day!
Thursday, September 11th – Presbyterian Women – going to Flynn’s Garden Center. Meet at church 9:30am
Sunday, September 14th – Barnes Kasson Service – 3pm
Wednesday, September 17th – Men’s Breakfast – 8am
Monday, September 22nd – First Day of Autumn