FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK…..
July is the month that we find ourselves celebrating freedom, and as I thought about this I had to ask myself, “Do we really know what it is that sets us free”?
In the gospel of John 8: 31 & 32 Jesus said “If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples (vs. 32) then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. As a nation we have seem to forgotten these words of Jesus and struggle to find the freedom our forefathers fought for.
In my morning devotional I read a story I would like to share with you. A story that might help us not only put our nation but our lives on the path to freedom.
A father and mother were having some difficulty in interesting their little girl in the study of geography. They schemed to help her by purchasing for her a jigsaw puzzle map of the United States. They were sure this would require so much effort on her part in piecing it together that it would be a valuable geographical project. To their amazement she was able to assemble the map in a very short time. They asked her how she did it and she explained on the opposite side of the map was a face of George Washington and then she said “when you get the man put together right the United States comes out alright”.
There is a depth truth in that child’s comment. The best way to put things together as they should be, in society, in the nation, and in the world, is for us to have our separate and individual lives put together properly. The whole is made of the sum total of the individual parts. There is primarily no more important part than we can play today as individuals than to present to the nation and the world a good and truthful life.
The finest and most successful way to achieve this good life is to have our lives inspired and molded daily after the example, purpose, and teaching of Jesus Christ. He has been the source of the noblest and most useful living the world has ever known.
So again I ask, “Do we really know what it is that sets us free”?
“THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE!”
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.
Monday, July 13th – Presbyterian Women meet at 11am in the Community Building to learn how to make Gwen’s delicious cinnamon buns, followed by the meeting at noon
Wednesday, July 15th – Men’s Action Group meets at 8am in the Community Building
Saturday, July 18th – Family Supper 5:30pm in the Community Building. Bring a dish to share.
Tuesday, July 28th – Newsletter Deadline
Sunday, August 9th – “Ride your tractor to church” Sunday. Worship Service and picnic is being planned in our pavillion. Stay tuned for details.
Sunday evening Bible Study – taking a break for the summer and will start again in September.
Choir Practice – Taking a break for the summer. Starting Thursday, September 3rd – choir practice will be at 1:00pm.
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. We have delivered 6 shawls so far this year. Thank you!
2015 American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Susquehanna County – Debbie Stalker reports that $2500.00 was raised. Thank you to everyone!
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)