From The Pastor’s Desk…..
Dear Church Family,
It’s Monday morning and it’s time to prepare for another week. I’m sure if you’re like me you make a mental list of what needs to be done and what you would like to accomplish. So first things first. I start with prayer, and then read my daily devotion. This morning I was reading from Ephesians Chapter 4 verse 17-32 where Paul writes about living as children of light and when I got to verse 31 where he writes, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” I remembered that I needed to set out the garbage and write something for Newsletter, so I decided to use all three (kill 3 birds with one stone).
So here we go. Back to verse 31. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
Now there’s a nasty list, a lot of garbage to get rid of. Nasty or not, look it over. Then notice something; it’s pretty easily divided into inner attitudes and outer expressions. We can spot the angry, slanderous brawler; but we don’t always know who is bitter or who is harboring malicious intent, even when that person is us.
Whether the problem lies in our thought life, or our outward responses; Paul solution is the same. GET RID OF IT! It doesn’t matter if we’re raised by angry parents or if someone has committed a terrible wrong against us. We must let it go. The world tells us we have our reasons and our rights. In the heavenly economy, our rights are a poor substitute for the blessings God has prepared for us.
Do you know the word that scripture uses for negative attitudes and actions? It’s fruitless. Imagine spending your life cultivating a dead tree. Picture yourself laboring season after season under the hot sun, putting all your energy into watering, pruning and fertilizing a lifeless stump.
Here’s what Paul is saying to us. MOVE ON! Don’t waste your life on what is coming to nothing. Leave yesterday’s business behind. Get over what’s causing you to become bitter. There’s a better way. JESUS’ WAY! There you will experience a new kind of life full of freedom, Joy and growth.
Next on my to do list…..
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, October 1st – World Communion Sunday
Monday, October 9th - Presbyterian Women meet at Noon for lunch, meeting at 12:30pm
Sunday, October 15th - Bible Study begins, 5pm to 6pm – Study will be on the Holy Spirit.
Wednesday, October 18th – Men’s Action Group meets at 8am for breakfast & meeting
Sunday, October 29th – Reformation Sunday
Tuesday, October 31st – Reformation Day
Tuesday, October 31st – Newsletter Deadline
Thank you to all who gave to the flood relief in Texas. The offering totaled $270.00. The church added $230.00 for a total of $500.00 which then $250.00 was sent to Texas and $250.00 was sent to Florida.
Thank you all who helped, donated and gave to the Rummage Sale/ Bake Sale. A total of $1010.35 was received.
Thank you Pastor Joe for your dedication and faithfulness in sharing the word of God with us and for your love and encouragement in each of our lives, and for all you do. You are a blessing to us all. You are in our prayers and We love you!!!
Kenya has been having extreme weather conditions. This causes outbreaks of malaria which lead to pneumonia and flu. This week Rev. Malaho reports that his daughter Patricia and four other children are in the hospital. Nurses are on strike for fair wages at the cheap government hospitals therefore they needed to go to private hospitals to receive medical attention. Last month one of his children died because of lack of proper medication. We remember Patricia as his daughter who we sponsored for high school. Rev. Malaho is always very thankful for the help and prayers we send and gives us a report of how the funds are used. By Jim Kessler
Saturday night suppers on the 3rd Saturday of each month, have been canceled for now.
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
