America’s Powerful Document
One of the few remaining copies of the Declaration of Independence was put on display last October in Phoenix. A reporter for The Arizona Republic asked 11 citizens why the document was still relevant today. Here is a summary of their comments:
“It is like a Bible that has been in the family for generations.”
“It is one of the world’s most precious documents.”
“It is a living breathing document with basic values underlying it.”
“It began with some rabble-rousers who believed we should be free, that we should be able to choose our own destiny.”
“The document is very much alive. It’s organic. It is not archival material. It’s real.”
“I think the overwhelming message of the declaration is that it’s okay to disagree with the government.”
A pastor, Dr. William H. Stewart Sr., of the First Institutional Baptist Church, summarized the general consensus with these words: “It is one of the greatest documents that has ever been written about people seeking freedom from an oppressive power.”
While political and personal freedoms are not the equivalent of spiritual freedom in Christ, they are blessings that should be available to all. Jesus, after all, identified himself as one coming to “proclaim release to the captives” (Luke 4:18).
Announcements
Sunday School – 8:30 AM in the Community Building
Choir Practice Every Wednesday at 4:00pm
You may reach Pastor Joe at 570-465-7303 or his cell #570-267-4570
Tuesday, July 1st – Canada Day
Friday, July 4th – U.S. Independence Day
Saturday, July 19th – Family Supper in the Community Building – 5:30pm
Tuesday, July 29th – Newsletter Deadline
The Choir will be taking a break for the summer. If there is anyone who would like to do special music, please let Joyce Printz know.
Debbie Stalker thanks everyone for their donations for Realy for Life – over $92,000 was raised in Susquehanna County.
Greeting Cards – Once you have enjoyed any cards that you may receive, don’t throw them out. Please tear off the front of the card and give them to Bonne Travis, as she uses them for projects. They can be birthday cards, Christmas cards, Easter cards, or cards of any kind. Thank you!
Prayer Shawl Ministry – We have several shawls ready. If anyone knows of anyone in need of one, please let Carolyn White know. Also, if anyone is interested in making shawls at home and wants to donate them to this ministry, please give them to Carolyn White for distribution. Thank you!!!
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)
Jim and Marcia Perkins are looking for honey bee to fill in for their winter loses.
If you see a swarm, please call 570-967-2634 and let them know. A swarm is a clump of bees hanging from a bush or tree while scout bees look for a new home. They will come and get the bees and move them to one of their empty hives. Also, Jim and Marcia have take a class through Cornell University about feral, (wild) honey bees living in trees or building. These bees have some how adapted to our cold winter, pests and diseases. If you know where there is a bee trees with bees in it please let them know. They want to study the bees and see it there is something unique about them.
Same Sex Marriage:
The 221st General Assembly (GA) of the Presbyterian Church (USA) meeting in Detroit has taken two significant actions on the teaching and practice of marriage according to the PC(USA)’s Book of Order. First, the GA approved an Authoritative Interpretation (AI) that now permits PC(USA) pastors to conduct same-sex weddings, and allows sessions to approve the use of church property for such ceremonies. It is extremely important to understand that while the AI broadens the denomination’s interpretation of marriage, it do not require any pastor to officiate or any session to authorize the use of church property for a marriage service with which they disagree. It remains up to each pastor and each session to determine what is and is not appropriate for their congregation.
Secondly, the GA approved a proposed amendment to the Book of Order that would replace current language with a description of marriage as a relationship between “two people, traditionally a man and a woman.” While the AI goes into effect immediately, the proposed amendment requires ratification by a majority of the presbyteries before any change could be made, a process that takes about one year. Both measures are designed to allow pastors and congregations to participate in same-sex weddings in states where gay marriage is legal.
Any questions as to this, please see Jim Perkins.
Looking for work – Odd jobs, yard work, light carpentry, light landscaping, removal of any scrap metal, willing to shop for those who cannot get out, also willing to do housework for those who need help. Call 570-967-2209. Ask for Mike or Charlene.
Want to be a Liturgist or share your special music? – See Joyce Printz