Franklin Hill Church A small church with a big heart, full of faith
Pastor Jeremy Lewis
September 11 Commemorative Message:
This week marks twenty-five years since the attacks of September 11, 2001. For many of us, that morning remains clear in our memories. We remember where we were. We remember who told us. We remember watching the images from New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. We remember the confusion, fear, and grief. Nearly three thousand people left home that morning expecting an ordinary day. Many never returned. Families lost husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, friends and coworkers. Firefighters, police officers, emergency medical workers, military personnel, and ordinary citizens moved toward danger to help people they had never met. Some gave their lives while trying to save others. Many who survived carried physical injuries, illness, grief, and painful memories for years afterward. Here in Pennsylvania, we also remember the passengers and crew of Flight 93. When they learned what was happening, they acted with courage. Their actions prevented more lives from being lost, but they paid for that decision with their own lives. September 11th showed us the terrible damage hatred can cause. It also showed us the courage people can demonstrate when they value the lives of others above their own safety. For a time, our nation came together. People filled churches. Neighbors checked on one another. Strangers prayed together. Political differences seemed less important. We were reminded that life is fragile, tomorrow is not guaranteed, and we need one another. Twenty-five years later, we must not allow the passing of time to erase those lessons. Psalm 46:1 says: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” God does not promise that we will never experience tragedy. He promises to remain present when tragedy comes. Today, we remember those who died. We honor those who responded. We pray for the families who still feel the loss. We remember those who continue to suffer from illnesses connected with their service at Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and the Flight 93 crash site. We also ask God to help us become people of courage, compassion, faith, and peace. At this time, I ask that we observe a moment of silence. May we never forget the lives that were lost. May we never take our freedom, our families, or another day of life for granted. May we seek God while He has given us the opportunity. May the light of Jesus Christ guide us through every season of darkness. As we worship this morning, let us place our trust in the God who remains our refuge and strength.
Scripture : Matthew 27: 50-54
50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people. 54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”
Message : Back At The Garden Tomb
Listen To Audio: Sermon 09132026
ANNOUNCEMENTS
You may reach Pastor Jeremy at jeremyrlewis@gmail.com or 570-604-7537. Office hours by appointment. Pastor Jeremy is available for hospital visits, shut-in visits and nursing home visits.
Adult Sunday School – Every Sunday 8:30am to 9:30am
Adult Exercise Class – Every Monday – 10am to 11am
Choir Practice – Every Thursday – 1pm
E-Mail Carolyn White with any praises, joys, or prayer requests (whisperpines@frontiernet.net) throughout the week.
Monday, September 14th– Exercise Class – 10am to 11am Wednesday, September 16th– Men's breakfast – 8am Saturday, September 26th – Potluck Dinner – 6pm Tuesday, September 29th– Newsletter Deadline