FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK…..
Dear Church Family,
This month, America will once again pause to celebrate Thanksgiving. From 1621 to the present, Americans have marked a bountiful harvest with a host of traditions.
On September 6th, 1620 a group of 110 people set sail from Plymouth, England for the New World on a ship called, The Mayflower. They had just spent 11 years in Holland in an attempt to escape religious persecution in England. I can’t begin to comprehend their commitment to religions freedom and this dedication to starting a new way of life.
Their story reminds me of what Abraham must have went through, as a pilgrim for God. His story we read in Genesis 2 and it started with a call from God. Verse 1, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.”
I believe those pilgrims in 1620 must have heard this same call. As we all who received Christ as our Savior do.
This voyage took more than 7 months. On a wooden ship with no heat or plumbing. Fire was a concern so food was eaten cold. This band of hardy souls landed at Plymouth, Massachusetts late in the year. One of their leaders wrote in his journal that they fell to their knees and
blessed God. Can you imagine what was going on in their heads and hearts?
Many of the settlers, who called themselves Pilgrims, died during that first winter.
When spring came, some friendly Indians gave them lessons in agriculture. Thanks to their help, the first harvest was very successful. It was time to celebrate the first Thanksgiving in America.
Do we have what it takes to be a Pilgrim? Do we have a vision and a hope that spurs us to take action? Do we have powerful and God deep convictions that will direct our lives? Do we have the self-discipline to survive discomfort and hardship? Do we honor and respect the freedoms that are ours?
What a heritage we have not only as Americans but also as Christians. Let’s celebrate and give thanks for these Pilgrims of old and for the Pilgrims of today.
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
Wednesday, November 1st – All Saints’ Day
Sunday, November 5th – Daylight Savings Time Ends
Tuesday, November 7th – Election Day
Saturday, November 11th – Veterans Day
Monday, November 13th – Presbyterian Women meet at Noon for lunch and meeting
Wednesday, November 15th – Men’s Action Group meets 8am for breakfast and meeting
Sunday, November 19th – Session Meeting after Worship Service
Thursday, November 23rd – Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 28th – Newsletter Deadline
Sunday, December 3rd – First Sunday in Advent
Prayer Shawls – I have two prayer shawls if anyone knows of anyone who could use one. I just
gave one this week, also. Thank you, Carolyn White
Feed-A Friend Mission begins October 29th through November 12th. Please bring non perishable dessert items, such as cake mixes, boxed pie crust, icing, pie filling, jello pudding, etc.
If anyone would like to put a Christmas Greeting in the December Newsletter, please e-mail or give a handwritten note to Carolyn White, by Tuesday, November 28th. Thank you!
Bill’s Kids for Christmas – Rev. Bill Townsend is the Director of Spiritual Life at the Children’s Home in Binghamton. Our congregation has been donating money for many years to help give the residents a more “Merry Christmas”. This will continue until Sunday, November 5th.
Choir Practice is every Thursday from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. If anyone is interested in joining the choir, please contact Kathy Walker at 570-877-4341 or mkcorral18823@yahoo.com
Sunday School starts at 8:30am. The study is on angels. If you have missed some lessons, it does not matter. Come join us!
Sunday Evening Bible Study is at 5pm – The study is on “The Holy Spirit” Please plan on joining us!
Ladies Christmas Tea – Tuesday, December 5th – 11 am to 1pm. – Christmas music, devotional thoughts with our speaker, Kimberly Kirk. A light lunch, assortment of seasonal goodies & tea, plus “Around The World Nativities” in Torrey House. Cost is $12.00. If you have any questions, please see Bonne Travis. Even if you don’t like tea, come and receive a blessing!
Saturday night suppers on the 3rd Saturday of each month, have been cancelled 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
5th Sunday – Trehab Local Food Bank (whenever there is a 5th Sunday)
