FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK…..
John 15:16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you.”
Dear Church Family,
May comes and we have so many choices. Will I have a garden and if so, what shall I plant? Where do I want to go on vacation? What events should we attend? And where should I spend my time? But do we really have the choices? Don’t others around us make those choices for us?
The one choice we do have to make is, what do I believe? The twelve were very much surprised, I am sure, when Jesus said to them, in John 15:16, “You did not choose me, but I chose you.” They had been under the impression that had come about the other way entirely. They met Jesus, heard him talk, been attracted by his personality, and final decided to he was worthy of their loyalty and time, so they had chosen to follow him.
Now from one point of view that was true. But for a moment, at least, Jesus wanted to emphasize the other side. He had put his hand on Andrew and on Simon. To James and John “follow me.” He had sought out Nathanael and the rest. Jesus had chosen them.
It’s a mistake for us to think that the choices we make are made by us alone. For it is God who choose us and leaves it to us to choose what we believe.
It brings to mind a story of two boys walking home from Sunday school after hearing a strong sermon on the devil. One said to the other, “what do you think about all this Satan stuff?”
The other boy replied, “Well you know how Santa Claus turned out, it’s probably your dad!”
Christian faith in God includes recognition of our dependence upon him. To be a Christian is not only to make a choice for Christ, it also to answer yes to his call.
So when we realize that it is God who chooses us to serve him, we will come to the realization of what he gives to us. For he gives us courage to make right choices, and humility so that his grace and knowledge might be realized in our lives.
You decided! Did you choose or are you chosen?
In His Service,
Pastor Joe and Bonne
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
Every Wednesday Pastor Joe will be at the church from 2-4pm if you need him.
Thursday, May 7th – National Day of Prayer
Sunday, May 10th – Happy Mother’s Day!
Monday, May 11th – Mother Daughter dinner – 6pm in the Community Building.
Bring a dish to share.
Saturday, May 16th – Armed Forces Day
Saturday, May 16th – Family Supper in the Community Building – 5:30pm
Wednesday, May 20th – Men’s Action Group – 8am for Breakfast in the Community Building
Sunday, May 24th – Pentecost
Monday, May 25th – Happy Memorial Day!
Friday, May 29th – Rummage Sale & Bake Sale – 9am to 2pm and Saturday, May 30th – 9am to Noon. Help needed & Baked goods needed,Sign up sheet in the foyer, or see Lori Webster
The Annual Meeting of the Franklin Hill Cemetery Association will meet at the Franklin Hill Presbyterian Church Community Bldg. Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at 7:30 pm. Marcia E. Perkins, Sec/Treas
Beginning the Conversation – After church on Sunday, May 17th the Session will make a short presentation entitled Beginning the Conversation. Recently the Presbyterian Church USA has endorsed Ordination of Gay and Lesbian Pastors and Same Sex Marriages. As a result churches are withdrawing from the PCUSA. The Session would like to begin the conversation with the congregation as a whole and parishioners as individuals to ascertain the feelings of the Franklin Hill Church. Please plan to stay after church for a short time. Thank you, The Session
The Baby Bottle Campaign is now underway. Your generosity is appreciated by many here within our county. All donations should be turned in by Mother’s Day, May 10th. You may make a donation by indicating on an envelope, or fill a baby bottle with change or currency.
Do you read the Presbyterian Today Magazine? Do you want it in the future? If you answer yes to these questions please get your name on the list that is hanging in the vestibule of the church.
Several months ago session decided not to renew the subscriptions to this magazine as they come up for renewal this year. This decision came about because many people told session they do not read the magazine and no longer wanted it. Some subscriptions may have already expired but the majority expire in June. Instead session will order a set number of magazines and put them in the vestibule of the church for people to take home as we currently do with the Upper Room. How many should be ordered when this starts in July will be based on the number of people that request the magazine. If you do read and like this magazine please sign the sheet in the vestibule. Thank you from Session.
2015 American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Susquehanna County event will be held on Friday, June 26th at the Montrose High School. Everyone is invited to join us for the evening. As in the past, there will be a complimentary dinner for survivors and caregivers at 5:30 pm. The opening ceremony and survivor lap is to be held at 7:00 pm to be followed with a survivor dessert at 8 pm. The luminaria ceremony will begin at 9:00 pm. Please see Debbie Stalker for both survivor reservation forms as well as luminaria forms which allow folks to purchase a luminaria for a loved one lost or surviving cancer, which will be lit that evening. Mark your calendars and stop by and do a lap with us or stay for the evening if you can….we would love to see you there!”
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!
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!
MENS ACTION GROUP *** If anyone is in need of transportation and/or assistance for doctor or hospital appointments, please contact Bill Printz at #570-967-0858, or e-mail bjprintz@frontiernet.net
***If anyone needs visitation or for a friend, neighbor or family member, please contact Ken Post at #570-879-4219, or e-mail kpost@echoes.net OR Bill Printz at #570-967-0858 or bjprintz@frontiernet.net
***For help with small projects for church family and neighborhood, please call Pastor Joe Travis at
#570-465-7303 or email him at joetravis@live.com
Loose Change Offerings
1st Sunday – Local Missions
2nd Sunday – Local Missions
3rd Sunday – Kenya/Rev. Malaho
4th Sunday – Building Maintenance
5th Sunday – Habitat for Humanity (whenever there is a 5th Sunday)