From The Pastor’s Desk…..
Dear Church Family,
Have you ever had one of those days, where you had to bite your tongue until it bleeds? I’m sure you have. Well, I’ve had more than I can count lately and God has reminded me in my morning readings of its danger.
In Proverbs 12:18 we read, “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
In my devotional reading today, I read an article that I would like to share with you.
Titled “A lesson From the Sea Cucumber.”
Have you ever been caught in the crossfire when someone vented? Have you hurt someone with your words? Either way, you stand to learn something from the sea cucumber.
The sea cucumber has an unusual way of defending itself. It spills its guts-literally. Its insides are very sticky, and predators get entangled in them. This is what happens when we vent, others get entangled in our problems, whether or not they want to be involved.
Along with the sticky tubules, some species of the sea cucumber release a chemical so deadly that it can kill any animal that happens to be nearby. We do the same thing when our angry words and unchecked emotions boil over. The damage we do is very difficult, if not impossible to repair. No matter how many apologies we offer, we cannot take back those hurtful words.
Interestingly, spilling its guts does not kill the sea cucumber. Within a few weeks, it’s back to normal and ready to defend itself again. We too might return to normal, but our friends and loved ones are left struggling to forgive us for the hurt we’ve caused.
The bible tells us that we shouldn’t be defensive or easily provoked. James 1: 19-20 says, “Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”
Next time you’re ready to explode, remember the sea cucumber. Considering the toxic cloud you’re about to create might help you to bite your tongue until your emotions are back under control.
Something to think and pray about. I know I have.
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, 6/9 – Pentecost
Thursday, 6/13 – Presbyterian Women meeting – 11am
Friday, 6/14 – Flag Day
Sunday, 6/16 – Happy Father’s Day!
Sunday, 6/16 – Trinity Sunday
Wednesday, 6/19 – Men’s Action Group Meeting – 8am
Friday, 6/21 – First Day of Summer
Tuesday, 6/25 – Newsletter Deadline
Sunday, 6/30 – Outdoor Service (weather permitting)
Prayer Shawls – If anyone knows of someone in need of a prayer shawl, please let Carolyn White know.
Men’s Action Group ***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
There will be summer services and picnics held at the pavilion in Armstrong Park down back of the Community Building the last Sundays in June, July, August and September, weather permitting.
Choir Practice will resume in September! If you would like to share something special during the summer, please let Bonne know.
The Presbyterian Women met on Thursday May 9 with 7 ladies present. Bonne had a CD of a skit done by the motivational speaker ?? on Motherhood.
Finishing touches to plans for the Ladies Spring Banquet were worked out. Special thanks to all the women who helped in all the preparations and also those who stayed to clean up, This made this event a success. Peggy Walker’s time of sharing was an inspiration – she is a amazing. Reports were made by those making crafts for the fall Bazaar, soup, and bake sale. Since this is a new adventure for us, we are “feeling our way”until we find what works. We know soups sell as do baked goods – as for crafts, it’s just hard to tell what will be successful. Those who attended the retreat felt it was a huge success and look forward to the next one. The place mats for Meals on Wheels totaled 61 that were delivered on May 15 to be distributed in the Blue Ridge & Montrose sectors. About 6 Christmas Holiday ones are being held to be delivered in the next phase. The group will be sewing again on Tuesday June 4th in the Community Building from 8:30 to 2:30, or whatever time between those hours that works for you. Donations of suitable fabric are always appreciated – bring it and stay to sew, press, cut, or just visit for a bit. We have 2 very simple patterns that can be used, if you wish, and you can take fabric home to sew if that is better for you.
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)
