May 2017 Tidings First Presbyterian Church of Towanda

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May 2017 Tidings First Presbyterian Church of Towanda 5 Court Street Towanda PA 18848 570-265-5575 From Pastor Rachel.

1 May 2017 Tidings First Presbyterian Church of Towanda 5 Court Street Towanda PA From Pastor Rachel... We all know someone who s had cancer, and some of us have dealt with the disease ourselves. Not so long ago, the C word meant a sure death sentence, but no longer. Scientists and physicians have made great strides in diagnosing and treating cancers of all types. Much of this success has come from the efforts of the American Cancer Society. On Saturday, June 10, our church is joining others in the Towanda area to take part in the Bradford County Relay for Life. From 10 AM to 10 PM, participants will take turns walking or running around the track at Wyalusing High School. Our Towanda clergy group will have a table that witnesses to the Lord and advertises our ministries. There are a variety of ways YOU can take part, support a great cause, and show our community that we care about those who ve suffered from cancer. 1. WALK! You can walk as many laps as you like, for however long you choose. You can have people sponsor you to raise funds, you can make a donation yourself, or both. To participate this way, call or go to Relayforlife.org. When you sign up, you can join our team, which is called Kingdom for a Cure. 2. SPONSOR! Sponsor a walker like me. I plan to walk 15 laps so you can sponsor me per lap, or make a lump-sum contribution. To do this, give your check to me, made out to the American Cancer Society. 3. ATTEND! There will be vendors, music, and other events occurring while participants walk. Our pastors band may be performing. We also need people to look after our Kingdom for a Cure table, so you can sign up for an hour or two and help in this way. 4. PRAY! Remember in your prayers those who will be taking part, and those you know personally who ve been impacted (even now) by cancer. I have lost numerous family members to cancer, so I know firsthand the impact it can have. But there is hope hope in the Lord, and hope for a cure. Through the Relay for Life, let s be a positive witness for Christ and a force for good in our county.

2 May 3 Day of Prayer For Pastor Rachel, Judy Douglas and others as they travel to the Presbytery meeting in Liberty Corner, NJ, on May 5-6. May they have a safe, blessed, and enriching time as they participate. For our elders to grow in their own faith as they continue their work in the Flourishing churches curriculum. For those graduating from high school and college to be blessed and guided by the Lord in their next steps. Congratulations! For our Kids Club and Knight Life youth group ministries as they wind down to their lighter summer schedules that the young people will grow in their faith in Jesus during the off months. Pastor Elected to Theological Fellowship In March, Pastor Stahle learned that she was chosen to be a Fellow by the Center for Pastor Theologians, based near Chicago. The CPT is an evangelical organization dedicated to assisting pastors in the study and written production of biblical and theological scholarship for the spiritual renewal of the Church. The pastoral calling too often isolates the pastor-theologian from the network of relationships so crucial to the theological task. Further, the demands and expectations of local church ministry seldom support the scholarly calling. In light of these hurdles, the Center hosts four Fellowships organized to provide a select group of pastor-theologians with the motivation, network, and resources necessary for the scholarly task. The 16 pastors chosen for her Fellowship have or are completing a PhD in theology, church history, or Biblical studies. They come from a variety of conservative, evangelical traditions, and must sign a statement of faith. Her Fellowship will meet every March in Oak Park, IL. They will read, discuss, and write works relevant to living out Biblical theology in our world. Lodging, meals, and travel are paid for by the CPT. To learn more about CPT and its publications and events, go to pastortheologians.com.

3 May is T.A.C.O. Collection Month The food, TACO provides is furnished by donations of money, food and time by members of your local community, the state of Pennsylvania and the Federal surplus food program. The Towanda Area Christian Outreach (T.A.C.O.) Food Pantry is a non-profit volunteer organization supported by the local churches, individuals, civic and business community. The pantry serves the Towanda, Northeast Bradford and Wyalusing school districts. A family will receive enough food to feed the family for at least a three-day period. The number of people in the family determines the quantity. No two orders will be the same as food is packed according to what is available and extras that have been donated. The pantry is for emergency needs. Therefore, a family is limited to twelve visits per calendar year (January through December). An emergency visit is available but only surplus food in stock will be given on this visit. Visits should be at least 28 days apart but exceptions are made in extreme emergencies. T.A.C.O. is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 AM until 12:00 Noon. The pantry phone number is and the address is US Rte 6, Wysox Office Complex, Wysox PA The mailing address is PO Box 463, Wysox PA T.A.C.O. is closed whenever the Towanda schools are closed due to bad weather. Please bring identification including social security number, driver s license and/or Access card number (if the person has an Access card) for every adult (18 years and older) in your household to receive food. This identification must be presented each time you visit the pantry. You must furnish ID for all children including social security number. Children s ID only needs to be presented once unless the information changes. REMEMBER to bring your non perishables to the church any Sunday and place them in the basket at the front of the church sanctuary. Envelopes are in the church pews for your monetary donations. Church Picnic - June 11 Immediately following worship at Riverfront Park Hot dogs and buns provided by Fellowship Team Congregation is asked to bring own table service, beverage and a dish to pass.

THE COMMUNITY ALLIANCE CHURCH IN MONROETON will host its annual bocce tournament on Sunday, June 4.

July Birthdays 2 - John Smith 3 - Brenda Abbott 4 - Judy Douglas 6 - Tom Neilson, Julie O Donnell 11 - Jessica Pavey 19 - Norma Bacon 30

Items have accumulated around the church that are not used and will be sold on Friday, May 19, and half day on Saturday May 20.

Help is needed to gather up, sort, price, etc. on Wednesday, May 17, and Thursday, May 18. Our own people can shop Thursday evening.

Jean Hall-Kafes has taken on the task of organizing the event and is wondering why!

4 THE COMMUNITY ALLIANCE CHURCH IN MONROETON will host its annual bocce tournament on Sunday, June 4. Come at 3 PM to play bocce or around 4:30 for hot dogs. Please bring a dish to pass if possible, and lawn chairs. ALL are welcome! July Birthdays 2 - John Smith 3 - Brenda Abbott 4 - Judy Douglas 6 - Tom Neilson, Julie O Donnell 11 - Jessica Pavey 19 - Norma Bacon 30 - Mark Smith 31 - Lynn Mitchell BIG CLEAN OUT SALE! Items have accumulated around the church that are not used and will be sold on Friday, May 19, and half day on Saturday May 20. Nothing will be brought in to sell! Dishes, chairs, lamp shades, crutches (yes!) and much more. Help is needed to gather up, sort, price, etc. on Wednesday, May 17, and Thursday, May 18. Our own people can shop Thursday evening. If you have a talent for advertising or sign making, please volunteer soon. Jean Hall-Kafes has taken on the task of organizing the event and is wondering why!! However, she is confident people will step up and help. Contact her in person or or tallhall204@comcast.net or call her home phone at Pancake Supper Coming Up! Our Outreach Team is planning a pancake supper for Saturday, June 3, from 5-7 PM. Be sure to invite your friends and neighbors so they can get to know us and the Lord. More details will come in next month s newsletter and future bulletins.

What is Hezekiah s Hands? HEZEKIAH S HANDS WORK WEEK June 19 - June 23 It is a nonprofit Christian community dedicated to loving our neighbors as Christ has called us to do.

During the week of June 20 June 24 we will send out crews of youth and adult volunteers who give freely of their time and energy to perform free home repairs for homeowners.

5 What is Hezekiah s Hands? HEZEKIAH S HANDS WORK WEEK June 19 - June 23 It is a nonprofit Christian community dedicated to loving our neighbors as Christ has called us to do. Our purpose includes upholding the dignity of vulnerable homeowners who live in Bradford County. During the week of June 20 June 24 we will send out crews of youth and adult volunteers who give freely of their time and energy to perform free home repairs for homeowners. There is still time to sign up as a volunteer for this year s mission week. Matters not if you have one day or 5 days to offer, workers are very much needed. Also, if you know of anyone who needs work done, please contact Nancy Hughey at nancy.hughey@gmail.com or call You may also call the church office at Having this information is vital to a successful week and helps plan accordingly. ALSO, our church is preparing the volunteer dinner for the first day of work. If you can help with serving or clean-up (food has been taken care of) it would be much appreciated. Please contact Nancy Hughey at the above phone number. CAMP LACKAWANNA IS HERE! The first camp session begins June 25 so don t forget to pick up your camp brochure for more information on how to register. Church scholarships are also available so don t miss out on your chance for a very fun summer experience. The memories you make will last forever!

Free Movie About Martin Luther at the Keystone On Sunday, April 30, at 4 PM, the film Martin Luther: The Idea That Changed the World will be presented at the Keystone Theater.

500 years ago, Martin Luther triggered a seismic upheaval that rocked the western world with an impact that continues to reverberate to this day.

At the same time, it's a story about the most important questions of life, including "Who am I?" "What is my purpose?" and "How do I get right with God?

6 Free Movie About Martin Luther at the Keystone On Sunday, April 30, at 4 PM, the film Martin Luther: The Idea That Changed the World will be presented at the Keystone Theater. Admission cost is a canned good for donation to TACO. The film is narrated by Hugh Bonneville, star of Downton Abbey. 500 years ago, Martin Luther triggered a seismic upheaval that rocked the western world with an impact that continues to reverberate to this day. This entertaining new film follows the great adventure story of Luther s life, packed with political intrigue, kidnappings, secret hideouts, and life-or-death showdowns. At the same time, it's a story about the most important questions of life, including "Who am I?" "What is my purpose?" and "How do I get right with God?" This screening is the perfect outreach opportunity a chance to invite friends and neighbors to an entertaining event in our community. This is the first time in more than 60 years that Lutherans have made a feature-length film about Martin Luther and the Reformation. Filmed in historic locations across Europe, this movie brings Luther s story to life with exquisite attention to detail. It s a way to strengthen our faith by revisiting the birth of Protestant Reformation, and a chance to share that experience with others. Mr. Tom Neilson is now leading a study from the book All the Places to Go How Will You Know? during our Sunday School hour, through the month of May in the DeWitt Room. In All the Places to Go... How Will You Know?, bestselling author John Ortberg opens our eyes to the countless doors God places before us every day, teaches us how to recognize them, and gives us the encouragement to step out in faith and embrace all of the extraordinary opportunities that await.

National Day of Prayer to be Observed Locally The 66th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer will take place on Thursday, May 4, and be observed locally at noon on the steps of the Bradford

O Lord, Hear and Act! For Your Sake, O My God In honor of the event, the County Commissioners will be issuing a proclamation designated May 4 as a Day of Prayer in Bradford County.

7 National Day of Prayer to be Observed Locally The 66th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer will take place on Thursday, May 4, and be observed locally at noon on the steps of the Bradford County Courthouse in Towanda. This year s theme is For Your Great Name s Sake! Hear Us...Forgive Us...Heal Us! and is taken from Daniel 9:19, which says, O Lord, Listen! O Lord, Forgive! O Lord, Hear and Act! For Your Sake, O My God In honor of the event, the County Commissioners will be issuing a proclamation designated May 4 as a Day of Prayer in Bradford County. This year the students from North Rome Christian School and St. Agnes School will be participating in the program along with several area pastors, including Pastor Rachel. While every day should be prayerful, this annual observance will bring Christians of many persuasions together in renewed appreciation of the power of prayer. We hop you will plan to join us for this special event. REMINDER! Vacation Bible School will take place the week of June 25-June 29 for children in grades Pre-K through 6th. It will be held at the First Presbyterian Church at 5 Court St. Remember to come early the first night so you can register and then start the fun. This year s theme is Mighty Fortress...In Jesus, the Victory Is Won! Invite your neighbors and friends!

RECLAIMED MINISTRIES INC. The Nite Lite Gospel House Bath, New York Thank you for your generous support of Tim & Bernadette Negus through the Performance & Arts Branch of Reclaimed Ministries, Inc.

8 RECLAIMED MINISTRIES INC. The Nite Lite Gospel House Bath, New York Thank you for your generous support of Tim & Bernadette Negus through the Performance & Arts Branch of Reclaimed Ministries, Inc. We appreciate your continued support of this not-forprofit Christian ministry. It is through the generous gifts of individuals like yourself that we are able to continue spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ to the community and surround areas. Some of Reclaimed Ministries Inc, programs include Christian concert events, Bible study groups, home/hospital visitation and crisis intervention counseling. All of this very important work has been made because of YOU! We are very excited about the vision that the Lord continues to give us and look forward to serving Him for many years to follow. Thank you so much for your prayers and generous support. They are greatly appreciated. Love in Christ, Tim & Bernadette From the Wycliffe Newsletter Mexico is a multi-ethnic country that has been invaded and conquered by various leaders and countries over the centuries. This has directly shaped its history, peoples and cultures. For nearly 500 years, the indigenous languages of Mexico have been considered second class, inferior to Spanish. But in 2003, the General Law of Linguistic rights was passed. It states Spanish is no longer the official language, but rather just one of many languages spoken throughout Mexico. This law has helped raise awareness among the people, allowing them to understand that Mexico s culture will be incomplete unless they value and preserve each of its many languages a job that goes hand in hand with translating the Bible into languages within the country that still desperately need it. And although Mexico was one of the frontier countries where Wycliffe began its work, there is still much to be done in reaching these communities with the Scriptures in a way that speaks directly to their heart. You can make a difference in countries like Mexico by joining our prayer team. Sign up at Wycliffe.org/prayer to receive weekly s on different countries, people groups and more to help you pray for what God is doing around the world.

May 2017 It s TACO collection month Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 1PM Worship Team 5PM Trustees 6:30 Scouts 6:30 Women s Study 2 3 Church Day of Prayer 8AM Hezekiah s

in New Jersey Pastor Rachel and Judy Douglas attending 6 7 Communion 8 9 10 11 12 13 10AM Worship 11:30 AM SS Class 5:30PM Outreach Team 5:30 Kid s Club Parent s Night 6:30PM Choir 12:15 PM Deacons

9 May 2017 It s TACO collection month Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 1PM Worship Team 5PM Trustees 6:30 Scouts 6:30 Women s Study 2 3 Church Day of Prayer 8AM Hezekiah s Hands at the Cup 5:30PM Kid s Club 4 National Day of Prayer Courthouse at noon for assembly 6:30PM Choir 5 ECO Mtg. in New Jersey Pastor Rachel and Judy Douglas attending 6 7 Communion AM Worship 11:30 AM SS Class 5:30PM Outreach Team 5:30 Kid s Club Parent s Night 6:30PM Choir 12:15 PM Deacons 6PM Youth Group 6:30PM Scouts 6:30 Women s Study 14 Mother s Day AM Worship MFM Compassion Children 11:30 AM SS Class 6:30 Women s Study 1PM Prayer Group at Richards 6:30PM Choir Kitchen Sale see article in newsletter Kitchen Sale see article in newsletter 21 TACO Sunday AM Worship 11:30 AM SS Class 6:30 Women s Study 6PM Stewardship Team 6:30PM Choir 6PM SESSION Memorial Day AM Worship 11:30 AM SS Class Church Office Closed

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