2017 September Tidings

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Bryce Harris
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1 2017 September Tidings First Presbyterian Church 5 Court St., Towanda PA fpchurch@comcast.net Website: Facebook: Fans of First Presbyterian Church From Pastor Rachel - Last month, I devoted my article to the youth group mission trip to Pittsburgh. THANK YOU for all your prayers and support. To say the trip was a success is a massive understatement. The Lord provided safety, great weather, and excellent ways for us to practically serve the people of Pittsburgh. But He also revealed Himself in life lessons, our interactions with those we were serving, and our harmony as a group. I am confident that this trip will be on all of our minds and hearts for a very long time. Two young people changed their mind about going, so that left Pastor Klees and I with 5 young people to lead and look after. Our trip west was beautiful, if a little dull lots of corn fields and trees across our lovely Commonwealth! We arrived at Southminster Presbyterian Church to find excellent accommodations. We slept in two Sunday school rooms, had basically the run of that part of the church basement, used a small kitchen exclusively, and made thorough use of their youth room. God blessed us with a terrific base camp. Our work at the soup kitchen/pregnancy care center ministry was also blessed. We expected slightly more hands on work to do, but what we did was meaningful. Our group led a brief chapel service before helping to serve a meal to about 100 people. We also cleaned, helped serve clients in a clothes closet, and primed an outdoor wall so that a new mural for the ministry could be painted on it. We met a wide variety of people. Though a few were homeless, most were working people who were simply having a hard time making ends meet. Our dirty demolition work took place at a home that is being renovated for a low-income family. We removed carpet, piping, and flooring. The bulk of the work, though, was cleaning up the site so that contractors could come in to work without any obstacles. This involved a lot of shoveling, sweeping, and hauling refuse to a central location at the front of the house. A dumpster would then be brought in to take away the dozens of containers we filled. One unexpected challenge came the evening we assisted at a church s VBS program. We were preparing to head out to take showers at a YMCA when we were told we couldn t leave. The church was on lockdown due to a nearby shooting. The assailant(s) hadn t been found. After about an hour s delay, we departed. At least some of our teens were shaken by the sobering reality of violence that many people live with daily. It turned out that two teenagers had been murdered. (cont d on next page)

2 On our last full day, I took 3 teens to the Carnegie Science Center, while Pastor Klees took 2 to Kennywood Amusement Park. I highly recommend the science center for all ages! After about 4 hours there, I showed my teens the view of Pittsburgh from atop Mount Washington. Look on our church web site for photos! There isn t room here for me to share the many impressions this trip left on the teens. We all were touched by the Holy Spirit in powerful ways, most of them relating to serving others people we didn t know, may never meet, or may never see again. The selflessness this kind of trip should inspire really did come about. But as we headed for home, there was also a real appreciation for little, old Towanda. We are blessed to live in a beautiful, peaceful place. And we are blessed to have each other, in the Body of Christ. Once again, thank you for any support you offered to help this trip become a reality. The teens were extremely enthusiastic about doing another mission trip next summer! So stay tuned. Day of Prayer Items September 6 1. Praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for the blessed success our ministries to kids and teens had this summer! And thanks to you who took part! 2. For our elected leaders, especially at the state and federal levels, to be wise and just, and to seek the Lord s will in their decisions. May they come to faith if they don t yet trust Christ. 3. May God bless our ministries this fall, especially our new ministry in the monthly community dinners. May He radiate His great love through our service. Praise God for the generous grant we ve received to fund this ministry. 4. For the Lord to grant wisdom and discernment to our church s leaders. May He continue to bless us with new faces, with spiritual growth, and with all we need to keep on serving Him and proclaiming the Good News of salvation of Christ.

3 We are the soldiers of our Lord Jesus Christ. We stand against the enemy and all of his lies! Put on the armor, the armor, the armor of God. Children in grades K4 6th grade will be suiting up in the armor of God this fall when KIDS CLUB resumes. KIDS CLUB meets every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. from September through the second week in May. A delicious meal is enjoyed by everyone followed by music, games and important lessons that God has for us in His Word, the Bible. WHAT S HAPPENING IN SEPTEMBER. Adult Sunday School Class begins September 10 with a study by Chip Ingram entitled Why I Believe Finding Answers to Life s Most Difficult Questions. Plan to meet in the DeWitt room by 11:30 am if you would like to participate in this class. Children s Sunday School a broadly graded class will be available from 11:30 12:15. The class format will be a video followed by discussion and activities time permitting. Volunteers to facilitate this class are needed. Children s Church will resume on a regular schedule beginning Sunday, September 3. This is a once-a-month rotation and several new leaders are needed. User-friendly curriculum is provided and switching Sundays is rarely a problem when the need arises. OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD REMINDER! - Wednesday, November 8, is the night that KIDS CLUB members will be packing shoeboxes. Donations of items or money to purchase items is greatly appreciated. September Elders 3 - Dick Walsh 10 - Tom Neilson 17 - Craig Wollenberg 24 - Art Richards September Scripture Reading 3 - Bob Cooper 10 - Jody Stroud 17 - Deb Wollenberg 24 - Craig Wollenberg

Don t Despise Small Town Living: Jesus Didn t There are advantages to growing up in a small town. Everyone knows where you live, what you drive, and what you did last night.

4 Don t Despise Small Town Living: Jesus Didn t There are advantages to growing up in a small town. Everyone knows where you live, what you drive, and what you did last night. You grow up with great trust in humanity and knowing no stranger. You truly learn to love your neighbor as yourself. Friendships are forged for life. No feud is ever worth missing your weekly burrito on Mexican Food Night at the local café. There are also some frustrating aspects unique to growing up in a rural community. Everyone knows where you live, what you drive, and what you did last night. You grow up dreaming of moving to a big city and escaping the scrutiny of your nosy neighbors. You long for the bigger and better where everyone does NOT know your name and what you may or may not have done last Friday night. While modern technology has greatly increased the rate of speed at which world news travels, it s still got nothing on my grandma on her front porch with her rotary dial phone. Growing up, my elementary school playground sat directly across from her house and every time I was at recess, she would be out there watching me. When I got home after school, my mom would already know my big news of the day, whether it was catching a touchdown pass in football or getting in a scuffle with kids on the opposing team. Good or bad, she knew before I could tell her. That s just how fast the word spread. Jesus understood this well. He spent his childhood years in Nazareth, but referred to Capernaum as his hometown. Capernaum was strategically placed on the Via Maris, an ancient trade route, and was home to about 1,500 people. The Via Maris was a direct passage connecting Egypt to Syria, and whenever something happened on this route, word spread all the way from Egypt to Syria. It was from here, the small town of Capernaum, that Jesus became a household name. Jesus was simply doing the work of His Father. People would listen in amazement as He taught in the synagogue. He cast out the demons of those who were suffering. He healed Peter s mother-in-law. Word began to travel not only through Capernaum, but also down the Via Maris. People started coming from all over just to receive healing. With fame comes notoriety, and Jesus was not immune to heartache. He had developed deep relationships in this town and even though many had seen miracles, they were still skeptical of Him. As it s still true today, credibility is hard won (and easily lost).

Jesus kept it simple. He loved His community, built relationships, and didn t look for greener pastures. He looked at His world around Him and worked to make a difference.

5 Jesus kept it simple. He loved His community, built relationships, and didn t look for greener pastures. He looked at His world around Him and worked to make a difference. Through that simple obedience, God used Him to make a difference in the world. If you want to be a world changer, here s some strategies to start changing your world: 1. Pastor your community. Don t view yourself as the pastor of only those that attend on Sunday. When you go to the football game on Friday night, let the coach know you re praying for him. When you go to parent/teacher conferences, stop in the principal s office to see if there s any specific needs you can meet. When you go into the coffee shop, the waitress should know that you re the one to talk to about her rebellious teenager. Keep a spiritual pulse of the town, not just the church. Love them all. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Even when they break your heart. 2. Build authentic relationships. Jesus built relationships with Peter, James, John, and Andrew in Capernaum. They were His crew. Everyone in town knew those boys ran around together. From skipping rocks, fishing, and perhaps political or theological debates, they were friends. They knew who He was. They knew everything about Him as He was transparent with them. Ministry can be very lonely, especially as we feel the need to conceal faults out of fear. If you expect people to open up their lives to you, you must be willing to be authentic with them. 3. Recognize you re strategically placed. Capernaum seemed insignificant in light of global influence, yet God had a master plan that only Jesus could fulfill. God has placed you in the small town for a reason. To the farmer who just got hailed out, the widow who just buried her husband, or the young couple on the verge of divorce, you can show Jesus to them. God loves that community so much, He sent YOU there to represent Him. Every small town has a Via Maris, and your name is being whispered along it. How you live and what you do will determine what is said. Join us September 19 & 20 in Sachse, Texas, for the inaugural Rural Matters Conference. Details and registration at ruralmatters.eventbrite.com. Tyson Lambertson is the Founder and Lead Pastor of The Rock Church in Western Nebraska. Born and raised in northeastern Colorado, Tyson was wired for rural ministry from the beginning. Answering the call of God on his life, in 2006 he and his wife launched The Rock. From a small beginning of just six people, the Rock has blossomed into two locations providing five worship service opportunities on Sunday mornings. While balancing family and ministry life, he is also pursuing his Doctoral Education in Organizational Leadership. His heart is to equip leaders and pastors to fulfill the God-given call on their lives to reach One More! for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Making Sure No One In Our Community Goes Without Food! Towanda Area Christian Outreach is a non-profit volunteer organization supported by local churches, individuals, civic and business community.

A family will receive enough food to feed the family for at least a three-day period. Located on Route 6 in Wysox, the hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00-12:00.

8 Making Sure No One In Our Community Goes Without Food! Towanda Area Christian Outreach is a non-profit volunteer organization supported by local churches, individuals, civic and business community. It provides for emergency food needs in the community, serving Northeast Bradford, Towanda and Wyalusing School Districts. A family will receive enough food to feed the family for at least a three-day period. Located on Route 6 in Wysox, the hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00-12:00. TACO is closed when school is closed due to bad weather. September is T.A.C.O. Collection Month Envelopes will be available in this months Tidings and the church pews. Phone: (570) The following books have been added to the library: Encountering Jesus When God Doesn t Fix It 3 novels by Charles Martin: Wrapped in Rain; Chasing Fireflies; and When Crickets Fly Donations include: When Jesus Prayed The Lord Is How to Survive the Loss of a Love THE MONDAY NIGHT WOMEN S BIBLE STUDY will kick off the fall with a social gathering at Pastor Rachel s home (10 Mix Ave) on September 11 at 6:30. All ladies are welcome! If you would like to bring a treat to share, please let her know. MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Our church is hosting the next Presbytery meeting! October Plan to attend!

First Presbyterian FIRST Monthly Community Dinner On Tuesday, September 12, 2017 from 5:30 to 7 pm we will sponsor a spaghetti dinner at our church.

The dinner is meant for our local community: for working parents and families who could use a prepared meal during the work week, for elderly folks who would like some company and a free meal, and

9 First Presbyterian FIRST Monthly Community Dinner On Tuesday, September 12, 2017 from 5:30 to 7 pm we will sponsor a spaghetti dinner at our church. The cost is free although you can make a donation if you choose to. The dinner is meant for our local community: for working parents and families who could use a prepared meal during the work week, for elderly folks who would like some company and a free meal, and for our neighbors and friends that would like to share a meal with us. All are welcome. Invite your neighbors and friend. Carry a meal to a shut-in. Our intent is to provide this outreach opportunity monthly on the second Tuesday of each month. Volunteers are needed. Desserts are needed. Please contact Danise Fairchild, Pastor Rachel, Dave Guffey or Craig Wollenberg if you need further information. You may call ahead to reserve your spot September Birthdays 2 - Fred R. Place 17 - Joyce Hinkson 4 - Dawn Terascavage 18 - Grace Sung 8 - Helen Lynde 19 - Linda Hall Smith 9 - Virginia McPherson 21 Pastor Rachel, Allison Fairchild 11 - Bob Cooper 25 - Sandy Walsh 13 - Jerry Young 28 - Judy Parmenter 16 - Brynleigh Carey

September 2017 Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 Communion 4 5 6 Day of Prayer 7 8 9 10AM Morning Worship Office Closed for Labor Day 9AM Study Grp.

At Fox Home 10 Rally Sunday 11 12 13 14 15 16 10AM Morning Worship 1PM Worship Team 9AM Study Grp.

At Fox Home 1PM Christian Ed Team 5:30PM Community Supper 5:30PM Kid s Club (Tidings Deadline) 17 TACO 18 19 20 21 22 23 10AM Morning Worship 11:30 Sunday School 6PM Youth Group 6:30PM Women s

10 September 2017 Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Communion Day of Prayer AM Morning Worship Office Closed for Labor Day 9AM Study Grp. At Fox Home 8AM Hezekiah s Hands at the Cup 6:30PM Choir 5th Quarter at THS 10:30AM Praise Practice 9:45AM Prayer Grp. At Fox Home 10 Rally Sunday AM Morning Worship 1PM Worship Team 9AM Study Grp. At Fox Home 6:30PM Choir 1PM Fellowship Team MFM - TACO 12:15PM Deacons 11:30 Sunday School 5PM Trustees 5:30PM Outreach Team 6:30PM Women s Bible Study 9:45AM Prayer Grp. At Fox Home 1PM Christian Ed Team 5:30PM Community Supper 5:30PM Kid s Club (Tidings Deadline) 17 TACO AM Morning Worship 11:30 Sunday School 6PM Youth Group 6:30PM Women s Bible Study 9AM Study Grp. At Fox Home 9:45AM Prayer Grp. At Fox Home 5:30PM Kid s Club 1PM Prayer Grp. at the Richards Home 6PM Stewardship Team 6:30PM Choir 5th Quarter at THS 10:30AM Praise Practice AM Morning Worship 11:30 Sunday School 6PM Youth Group 6:30PM Women s Bible Study 9AM Study Grp. At Fox Home 9:45AM Prayer Grp. At Fox Home 5:30PM Kid s Club 6:30PM Choir 6PM SESSION

June-July 2018 Tidings Edition

June-July 2018 Tidings Edition First Presbyterian Church of Towanda PA 18848 5 Court Street 570-265-5575 Email - fpchurch@comcast.net Website - www.fpctowanda.com Facebook - Fans of Towanda Presbyterian