FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK…..
Dear Church Family,
August 6th is highlighted on my calendar as” Hiroshima Day” and after reading that story it brought to my mind Hebrews 12: 1&2 in the KJV. “Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.”
We are not willing to admit many of our weaknesses, but most of us will admit that we are impatient with our friends, family, Government and even God himself.” We would like to possess physical and spiritual patience, but how, in Heavens name can we? Is there a secret of patents? The writer of Hebrews tells us that the secret is to concentrate upon the one who is Patient incarnate.
Tertullian once s said that the Pharisees should have recognized who Christ was by His patience. In his temptations he refused the shortcut to fame and power, in his dealing with the disciples he had constant disappointments but never lost faith and hope, upon the cross he was patent even with those who crucified Him, and prayed for them. His was an active patience. Patience doesn’t mean passivity. It means doing our best in the confidence that God will use our best and the right result will follow.
We are not to sit with patience, but to run with patience. Anyone who has learned a new language or how to play an instrument knows what active patience is-how much work has to be done in faith, in order that results may follow. Jesus could run with patience the course that was set before Him, with all its hardships, because of His faith that God would use his life-that out of apparent defeat would come victory.
“Let us run with patience the race that is set before us”!
THERE WAS ONCE A FELLOW who, with his dad, farmed a little piece of land. Several times a year they would load up the old ox-drawn cart with vegetables and go into the nearest city to sell their produce. Except for their name and the patch of ground, father and son had little in common. The old man believed in taking it easy. The boy was usually in a hurry-the go-getter type.
One morning, bright and early, they hitched up the ox to the loaded cart and started on the long journey. The son figured that if they walked faster, kept going all day and night, they’d make market by early the next morning. So he kept prodding the ox with a stick, urging the beast to get a move on.
“Take it easy, son,” said the old man. “You’ll last longer.”
“But if we get to market ahead of the others, we’ll have a better chance of getting good prices,” argued the son.
No reply, Dad just pulled his hat down over his eyes and fell asleep on the seat. Itchy and irritated, the young man kept goading the ox to walk faster. His stubborn pace refused to change.
Four hours and four miles later down the road, they came to a little house. The father woke up, smiled, and said, “Here’s your uncle’s place. Let’s stop in and say hello.”
“But we’ve lost an hour already,” complained the hot shot.
“Then a few more minutes won’t matter. My brother and I live so close, yet we see each other so seldom,” the father answered slowly.
The boy fidgeted and fumed while the two old men laughed and talked away almost an hour. On the move again, the man took his turn leading the ox. As they approached a fork in the road, the father led the ox to the right.
“The left is the shorter way,” said the son.
“I know it,” replied the old man, “but this way is much prettier.”
“Have you no respect for time?” the young man asked impatiently.
Oh, I respect it very much! That’s why I like to use it to look at beauty and enjoy each moment to the fullest.”
The winding path led through graceful meadows, wildflowers, and along a rippling stream-all of which the young man missed as he churned within, preoccupied and boiling with anxiety. He didn’t even notice how lovely the sunset was that day.
Twilight found them in what looked like a huge, colorful garden. The old man breathed in the aroma, listened to the bubbling brook, and pulled the ox to a halt. “Let’s sleep here,” he signed.
“This is the last trip I’m taking with you,” snapped the son. “You’re more interested in watching sunsets and smelling flowers than in making money!”
“Why, that’s the nicest thing you’ve said in a long time,” smiled the dad. A couple of minutes later he was snoring-as his boy glared back at the stars. The night dragged slowly, the son was restless.
Before sunrise the young man hurriedly shook his father awake. They hitched up and went on. About a mile down the road they happened upon another farmer-a total stranger-trying to pull his cart out of a ditch.
“Let’s give him a hand,” whispered the old man.
“And lose more time?” the boy exploded.
“Relax son. You might be in a ditch sometime yourself. We need to help others in need-don’t forget that.” The boy looked away in anger.
It was almost eight o’clock that morning by the time the other cart was back on the road. Suddenly, a great flash split the sky. What sounded like thunder followed. Beyond the hills, the sky grew dark.
“Looks like a big rain in the city?” said the old man.
“If we had hurried, we’d be almost sold out by now,” grumbled his son.
“Take it easy, you’ll last longer. And you’ll enjoy life so much more,” counseled the kind old gentleman.
It was late afternoon by the time they got to the hill overlooking the city. They stopped and starred down as it for a long, long time. Neither of them said a word. Finally, the young man put his hand on his father’s shoulder and said “I see what you mean, Dad.”
They turned their cart around and began to roll slowly away from what had once been the city of Hiroshima. –Charles R. Swindoll, Come Before Winter
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.
Sunday, August 9th – Ride your tractor to Church Sunday – Worship service and picnic at 9:30am
Worship will be in the pavilion behind the Community Building and transportation will be provided to those who need a ride. Lunch is being provided by the Presbyterian Women and includes, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Drinks, Chips, Salads, and Ice Cream with all the “fixins’”. No need to bring anything but maybe a friend or two, but food is never turned down.
Come one, come all.
Saturday, August 15th – Family Dinner in the Community Building at 5:30pm
Wednesday, August 19th – Men’s Action Group, breakfast at 8:00am in the Community Building
Tuesday, August 25th – Newsletter Deadline
Sunday evening Bible Study – taking a break for the summer and will start again in September 13th in the community building
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. 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)