The Messenger – July 2019

From The Pastor’s Desk…..

Dear Church Family,

On the 4th we celebrate (Independence Day) and revel in the freedom we won. But as Christians maybe we should celebrate DEPENDENCE Day.

In Romans 6:20-21, Paul writes “when you were slaves to sin you were free from control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death!”

Here’s a truth that I have learned the hard way; submission to God is not a mark of defeat. It takes more personal fortitude to submit you to Him than to maintain the slavery to pain and sorrow that we like to call independence.

I used to wish that God would mind His own business. I wanted to run my own life and play by my rules. I certainly didn’t want to become some Christian goody, goody, two shoes, because I was sure that you had to check your personality and your brain at the door.

Here’s what living my own life got me, misery, bitterness and a complete lack of peace. You wouldn’t have guessed, and I surely would not have told you. I was too proud to admit defeat. But it was agony to keep up the appearance that I had it all together. I felt alone even among friends. I knew the truth, my life was falling apart.

It took earthshaking circumstances for me to turn my stubborn heart toward the one whose only desire was to love and care for me in the way that I desperately needed. I pray that if you are struggling today, you will not suffer one minute more! Hear me when I say the leap is not as long as it appears to be, and God’s strong arms are waiting to catch you. And by the way, you don’t have to leave your individuality or your intelligence behind. Where do you think you got them anyway?

As Christians, let us celebrate DEPENDENCE DAY.

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

 

Monday, July 1stHappy Canada Day!

Thursday, July 4thHappy Independence Day!

Thursday, July 11thPresbyterian Women meeting – 11am

Wednesday, July 17thMen’s Action Group meeting – 8am

Tuesday, July 30thNewsletter Deadline

 

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 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.

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)

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