We Are the Church: Locking Shields for Our Community
Dear Church Family,
The letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2-3 were written to real people in real cities, but they carry a message that is still relevant for us today. While these letters address specific historical congregations like Ephesus, Smyrna, and Philadelphia, they collectively paint a picture of the entire body of Christ.
When Jesus looks at a congregation, He doesn’t just see a building or a single leader; He sees a “lamp stand” – a unified witness meant to push back the darkness in its specific Church and community. To be the church means recognizing that we are more than just individuals attending a service. We are a “collective lampstand”, and our light only burns at its brightest when every member stands together in true solidarity.
Sometimes, it’s easy to think that “combating evil” or “standing for truth” is the pastor’s job alone. We might think the leader is the only one responsible for keeping the church pure or speaking out against what is wrong.
But according to Scripture, that is a weight no one person is meant to carry.
When Jesus rebuked the churches at Pergamum and Thyatira, He didn’t just point at the man in the pulpit; He spoke to the entire congregation for “tolerating” what was wrong. Holiness is our shared atmosphere. If the pastor is the only one standing against the tide, the church becomes a fragile church. But when the church cohesively commits to the truth they become an unbreakable wall.
Illustration: “The Roman Phalanx”
In the ancient world, the Roman army used a formation called the Testudo ( The Tortoise). Every soldier held a large shield. When the enemy showered them with arrows, the soldiers in the front held their shields forward, while those in the middle and back held their Shields over their heads.
As long as they stayed locked together, they were an armored tank. No single arrow could get through. But if one soldier got tired and dropped his shield -or if one soldier thought, “The guy in the front has it covered, I don’t need to hold mine up” – the whole group became vulnerable.
The Church is supposed to be that formation. The pastor is in the front, but if you don’t lift your shield beside him and over the community, the enemy finds a gap. We don’t win by having one “super soldier”, we win by locking Shields.
With this general understanding of Jesus teaching, as a church moves on in God’s direction, many churches have the “internal goodness” down pat, without having the unified shield wall outward towards our community.
· Own the Truth: Don’t wait for a sermon to call out evil. If you see gossip, division, or spiritual apathy, use your “shield” to stop it in its tracks.
·Reach Out Together: Identify one neighborhood at a time. Don’t ask
“what is the church doing?” (A general question asked by most churches), Ask Instead: “how can we go there together?”
· Support the Line: Check on a fellow member this week. Make sure their “shield” isn’t getting too heavy to hold along.
I hope this message for May is helpful to everyone. Our Christian walk is one that is challenging at times. This message pertains to our collective challenges as a church together. It is a human tendency to sit back, sometimes as a church, and expect others to fight the battles that God has called us all to face in God’s Spirit of solidarity. I sincerely pray that with God’s Grace He would help the Franklin Hill Presbyterian Church To lock Shields, protecting the truth within the walls of the church and pushing back the darkness in our community.
Let us be a unified Lampstand that cannot be moved, burning brightly for all to see. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
In God’s Love, Grace and Peace, Pastor John
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Mother’s Day: A Legacy of Love
Mother’s Day invites us to honor the women who have nurtured, guided and loved us. We celebrate not perfection, but faithfulness shown in countless quiet moments. May we give thanks for the love that shapes hearts and points us toward God’s grace.
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O mighty God, help each of us to sincerely seek and know you so that our souls may be properly fed.
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Grant, O Lord, that in the beauty of your house, we may sense again your profound love.
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May God enable us all to learn and follow his ways. Quietness within should be our prayer.
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Grateful for Those Who Gave All
We Remember, O Lord, the men and women who have made the supreme sacrifice for our country. Help us never to breathe the air of freedom, claim the right to justice or enjoy the privilege of worship without deep gratitude for those who gave “the last full measure of devotion” for our sake. May they now know the peace of eternity and the joy of your presence. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Serve With a Grateful Heart
May offers many reasons to celebrate, but also opportunities to serve. Look for simple ways to encourage others through kindness, prayer and generosity. Together, let us live out our faith with thankful hearts and open hands.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
You may reach Pastor John at #607-651-4760 or at his.ship@gmail.comat any time to discuss your needs and concerns
Adult Sunday School – Every Sunday 11:00am to Noon
Adult Exercise Class – Every Monday 10:00am to 11:30am
Bible Study – Every Wednesday at 6pm
Choir Practice – Every Thursday at 1pm
E-Mail Carolyn White with any praises, joys, or prayer requests (whisperpines@frontiernet.net) throughout the week.
Thursday, May 7th – National Day of Prayer
Sunday, May 10th – Happy Mother’s Day!!!
Tuesday, May 12th – Annual Cemetery Association Meeting – 6pm in the Community Building.
Thursday, May 14th – Ascension of The Lord
Friday, May 15th – Presbyterian Women’s Day out. Going to Shore Sisters Farm Market in Towanda. Meeting at the church at 9:00am and will carpool from here.
Saturday, May 16th – Armed Forces Day
Sunday, May 17th – Barnes Kasson Service – 3pm
Sunday, May 24th – Day of Pentecost
Monday, May 25th – Happy Memorial Day!
Tuesday, May 26th – Newsletter Deadline
Sunday, May 31st – Trinity Sunday