FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK…..
I Peter 2: 12 “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the
day he visits us.”
As the Spanish colonized the western world, one of their chief goals was to promote the conversion of natives they encountered. While this was
a noble goal, these men sometimes employed, shall we say , questionable means. For one tribal chief named HATVEY, the Spaniard’s actions spoke louder then
words.
In 1512, he was burned alive at the stake because he refused to convert to Christianity. Legend says that before he was burned, a priest offered him one
last chance to repent, accept Jesus, and go to heaven. Hatvey is said to have asked the priest if their would be Christians present? The priest answered yes.
Hatvey replied that knowing heaven would be filled with men like the Spaniards, he had no desire to join them.
The story really struck a chord in me! Would my words and actions cause anyone to think that he or she wants nothing to do with Christians if they were all like me? Worse yet,
would someone want nothing to do with Christ because of my careless words or actions.
Whatever others see in me could be their only chance to hear the gospel. That’s a daunting realization! I know I encounter people all the time who do not know the Lord,
whether I see them on a regular basis, or just once at the check out stand.
So Peter reminds us, God has called us to use our lives to witness to those around us. Something to think about as we enjoy all the busyness of August.
In His Service,
Pastor Joe
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sunday School – 8:15 AM in the Community Building
Choir Practice Every Thursday at 1:00pm
Evening Bible Study – Every Sunday at 5:00pm
You may reach Pastor Joe at 570-465-7303 or his cell #570-267-4570
Every Thursday Pastor Joe will be at the church from 2-4pm if you need him
Sunday, August 7th – Outdoor Service & Picnic in the Pavilion
Monday, August 8th – Presbyterian women WILL NOT be meeting
Wednesday, August 17th– Men’s Action Group – 8am in the Community Building
Thursday, August 18th – Session Meeting at 2pm in the Community Building
Saturday, August 20th – Family Supper, 5:30pm in the Community Building
Tuesday, August 30th – Newsletter Deadline. Please note, the September newsletter will be delayed
one week, due to our involvement to two fairs. Thank you! Carolyn W.
Choir Practice will begin Thursday, September 8th from 1pm to 2pm. Please consider joining the choir.
Bible Study will begin Sunday, September 11th at 5pm in the Community Building.
Vestal Community Band Concert – The last two concerts of the season will be 7:00 pm on Thursday, August 11th and Thursday, August 18th
Prayer Shawl Ministry – If anyone knows of anyone in need of a shawl, or 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!
Correspondence has been scarce this month. Rev Silvanus Malaho has been occupied with 2 children who have been seriously sick. He has not explained the nature of their problems. He is also focused on finishing the building of a new school/community building. When the children attend this local school, school fees should be greatly reduced. Their weather has been very hot and dry. Their farm crops are drying up and may not be able to be salvaged. They always graciously thank our church for our support and pray with us. Submitted by Jim Kessler
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)
