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 1st – Happy Canada Day!
Thursday, July 4th – Happy Independence Day!
Thursday, July 11th – Presbyterian Women meeting – 11am
Wednesday, July 17th – Men’s Action Group meeting – 8am
Tuesday, July 30th – Newsletter 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)