From The Pastor’s Desk…..
Dear Church Family,
August is upon us, and if you’re like me, you have visions of completing a 100 different outdoor projects, an every time you set out to accomplish one of them it’s 90 degrees and muggy, or the rain starts and hinders your progress.
Recently on one of those 90 degree days, I was working on the roof of my barn, and thinking I must be crazy for being out here. Sweaty and tired, dreading one more trip up and down the ladder, I prayed to God for a little relief.
It couldn’t have been more than 2 minutes passing when a single cloud appeared in the sky and seemed to sit right over me and give me shade. I can’t tell you which I was happier about, the relief from the heat or that God answered my prayer. Maybe this was how Jonah felt when we read in Jonah 4:6, “Then the Lord God, provided a vine and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the vine.”
You would think Jonah would be thrilled that God picked him to do a special work. Not so. Jonah ran away from God instead of going to Nineveh.
God rescued Jonah after he spent 3 days and 3 nights in the belly of a fish. That did not bring him happiness. The Lord took compassion on the Nineties and didn’t destroy them. Jonah was angry and greatly displeased.
The only time the Bible mentions Jonah being happy is when God provides a vine and made it grow over him to give him shade and ease his discomfort.
Everyone wants happiness, but many times our eyes are tinted by the colors of worldly things. We lose our focus on the things of God.
Does your salvation make you happy? Jesus told us in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.”
Christ is the strongest vine of all. Is He your vine, your shade? If you are not finding happiness in your faith, examine it. Are you growing, through prayer, bible study and on close walks with the Lord? Do you thank God for the sacrifice He made to provide your vine, your shade?
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 13th – Worship Service & Picnic at the pavilion. Please bring a dish to share.
Monday, August 14th - Presbyterian Women meet at 10:00am to work in the Community Hall to
prepare for the Rummage Sale in September. Lunch at Noon and meeting at 12:30pm
Wednesday, August 16th – Men’s Action group & breakfast – 8am in the Community Building
Tuesday, August 29th – Newsletter Deadline
Anyone wishing to share an experience where they feel God guided or intervened in a life experience or wish to give their testimony please contact Cathe at 607-768-9269 or parks1944@gmail.com
Sunday School & choir will begin again in September. Anyone interested in joining the choir please contact Kathy Walker at 570- 877-4341 or mkcorral18823@yahoo.com.
Rev. Malaho continues to express great gratitude for the funds that we have sent him. All the funds provide hope and love to the poor destitute people of the village. Since we have been supporting him all the funds are focused on food, education, and health and other small essentials like soap. He has not bought any motorbike, home improvement, or business opportunity. The funds are dispersed personally by Rev Malaho. There is no middleman. Recently prices of essential items has gone up very high because of political campaign. Fear, frustration, and hoarding, are abundant. Bloodshed and destruction of poor peoples property is common. They really need our prayers and support. We don’t know how politics really happens in other countries and who the victims are. By Jim Kessler
Session did not meet in July, so there are no minutes for the newsletter this month.
Next Worship Service in the pavilion is September 10th
Vestal Community Band will have concerts in Arnold Park, Vestal, on Thursday evenings Aug. 10, 17, & 24. The concerts begin at 7:00 and last about an hour. Different music is played each week. Bring a chair or a blanket, and sunglasses!
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 ( coins and bills)
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)
