From The Pastor’s Desk…..
Dear Church Family,
Reading the Christmas story as I so often have done at the start of Advent Season, I got thinking about that journey Joseph and Mary took to Bethlehem. In Luke 2: 4-5, we read “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David because he belonged to the house of David. He went to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.”
I wonder how it felt to take each step of obedience as Mary and Joseph walked to Bethlehem. How much of the big picture were they able to understand? I wonder if their faith was similar to yours and mine-one step at a time.
Am I the only one who find myself slowly putting one foot in front of the other, unsure of how or why I should take the next step; knowing only that I am called of God, loved by Him, and that obedience is my best way to return his love? So I wonder if it was that way for Joseph and Mary, one step of faith at a time.
Was it drudgery, that seventy mile journey from Nazareth, their hometown, to their destination to Bethlehem? Were they going out of allegiance to Caesar or did they know that God was in every detail of their lives, even a part of their destination? Were there grumbling and complaining or rejoicing and prayers? Did they realize that each step led them closer to fulfilling the Old Testament prophecy?
Mary and Joseph were mere mortals chosen by God for the delivery of His special gift to mankind. How many gifts has He entrusted us to deliver in our daily journey? Maybe we’re not clear about the destination. Perhaps we question the route we seem to follow, but one step of faith at a time is all the Lord requires, and the destination and delivery of the gift is left to Him.
Trust God to make your trip eternal. The way He uses the gifts He gives you may affect others for years to come!
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 – Postponed Until Further Notice
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, December 2nd – First Sunday in Advent
Tuesday, December 4th – Ladies Christmas Tea – 11am Torrey Lodge Montrose Bible Conference
Thursday, December 6th – Ladies Sip & Shop 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Sunday, December 9th – Second Sunday in Advent
Thursday, December 13th – Presbyterian Women meeting – 11am in the Community Building
Sunday, December 16th – Third Sunday in Advent
Wednesday, December 19th – Men’s Action Group Breakfast & Meeting 8am -Community Bldg
Friday, December 21st – First Day of Winter
Sunday, December 23rd – Fourth Sunday in Advent
Monday, December 24th – Christmas Eve Service – 7pm
Tuesday, December 25th – Merry Christmas!!!
Thursday, December 27th – Newsletter Deadline
Monday, December 31st – New Years Eve/ Watch Night
Tuesday, January 1st – Happy New Year!!!
Thank you to all who donated to Feed A Friend – a total of 41 items and $145 was collected!
Prayer Shawls – 4 shawls were delivered. If anyone is in need, please let Carolyn White know.
Thank you to all who donated to Bill’s Kids – a total of $663.00 was collected!
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 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 – Community Building
5th Sunday – Trehab Local Food Bank (whenever there is a 5th Sunday)
