From The Pastor’s Desk…..
Dear Church Family,
As this New Year marches on, it seems like every time I hear or watch the news, there’s a new scandal or protest that seems to take the forefront in the news. It seems that so many have forgotten the lesson of, “what goes around comes around.” I have to ask myself, what is the purpose of all these scandals and protest, what do they accomplish? Do they make anyone’s life better? As I think about this I’m reminded of the scripture in I Thessalonians 4:11 & 12 where Paul writes:
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders.”
What a surprising thought. Don’t people’s ambitions usually center on dreams of fame or wealth? To aspire to a quiet life sounds like working hard to be dull, doesn’t it?
In this setting however, the Greek word for quiet is similar in meaning to tranquil on inner peace that has nothing to do with circumstances.
Something else we should aspire to, according to this verse is to mind our own business. While there are lots of head nodding when the conversation comes around to certain moral sins, how many sermons have you heard on the topic of busy bodies? Yet how often do all of us cross the line from sharing prayer requests about another’s situation to speculation and gossip? There is no doubt that a friend or neighbor who handles other’s business with discretion and kindness is a rare jewel, trusted by all who know them.
The apostle Paul, was a firm believer in earning his keep. His love offerings went for those in need, he made tents to pay for his daily bread. Each of us should have a body at work
that we are known by. It may be a good reputation at our workplace, or an orderly home, or commitment to serve others.
What does all this add up to? RESPECT! New cars and promotions may produce admiration, in the short term. The kind of person others look up to is the person who is at peace with himself
or herself in all circumstances, who guard other’s reputation as carefully as his or her own, who works hard at whatever they do. That’s the kind of person who builds solid, long term relationships. That is the kind of person God can use as His witness.
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, February 5th – Boy Scout Sunday
Monday, February 13th – Presbyterian Women meet at Noon in the Community Building
Tuesday, February 14th – Happy Valentine’s Day
Wednesday, February 15th – Mens Group meets at 8am for breakfast & meeting in the Community Building.
Sunday, February 19th – Session meets after Worship Service
Monday, February 20th – Presidents Day
Sunday, February 26th – Transfiguration of Our Lord
Tuesday, February 28th – Newsletter Deadline
A BIG THANK YOU to Sandy and Cathe Parks for the beautiful new book racks on each of the pews.
Thank you to everyone who helped at the cleaning day for the Community Building. Keep listening, there will be more cleaning days inside and out.
Prayer Shawl Ministry – I have some prayer shawls ready, if anyone knows of someone in need of one, please see Carolyn White
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 – Trehab Local Food Bank (whenever there is a 5th Sunday)