Post on 10-Jun-2020
transcript
2016 February Tidings Edition
First Presbyterian Church
5 court St., Towanda PA 18848
Email—fpchurch@comcast.net
Website—www.fpctowanda.com
Facebook—Fans of Towanda Presbyterian
From Pastor Rachel
Last month, I shared with you the challenge the Lord has laid before us this year as a con-
gregation: to grow in our practice of group prayer. Maybe you enjoyed being in a prayer group
before, or maybe the whole idea makes you tremble because you don’t like to pray out loud. No
worries. Whatever your past experiences, good or not so much, I do pray that you make it your
priority to take part. A concerted effort is considerably important for our church.
A few years ago, I came across a book titled The Lost Art of Praying Together by James
Banks (it is available to download from CBD). Banks’ approach is highly Biblical while also being
highly user-friendly—you don’t have to be, or pretend to be, super-spiritual to take part in group
prayer. All you need is a heart that is open to loving the Lord more, and open to loving others in
our fellowship better.
In Banks’ introduction, he asks a simple question: “If God invited you to meet with Him,
would you take Him up on it? That’s exactly what He’s done. Jesus promised that ‘where two or
three are gathered in my name, there am I with them’ (Matthew 18:20).” Banks goes on to ex-
plain that praying together is a privilege, not a burden or something only elders and pastors do.
He proceeds to elaborate how group prayer changed his life as a young man.
His point in the early chapters is that any discomfort or awkwardness we may feel praying in
groups is due to a sad reality: praying together has become a “lost art” that used to be common
practice in Christ’s Church. “God loves when His children pray, and He wants our prayers to-
gether to be a constant source of life-transforming encouragement and hope. God has great plans
for our prayers, and our ‘skill’ at prayer has nothing to do with it. …True prayer has much more to
do with God’s faithfulness in response to waiting hearts than with our ability to string words to-
gether.” God loves to be at work in our world in response to His children praying in heartfelt
unity. Banks even proposes a theory that the decline of Christian influence in America coincided
with the decline of united prayer in our churches. Interesting point to think about!
(continued from front page)
Though Banks does not mention this in his early chapters, another major dimension of praying
together involves something we sometimes struggle with: really listening to God, and to each other.
The most powerful part of a prayer meeting may be when no one is saying anything…except the
Lord. When we are still before Him, our hearts together expectantly waiting for His guidance in the
quiet, wonderful and amazing things come from His hand and heart to us. But when we also listen to
each other with heartfelt sincerity, and put our own agendas and opinions aside, wonderful growth
happens as well. When we pray together, it shouldn’t be all about us, because there are other people
in the room! There is a marvelous dimension of servanthood in group prayer when we defer to oth-
ers, and ultimately defer to the One who’s brought us all together.
In a short while, you will be hearing more about the prayer groups we are in the process of orga-
nizing. They will be at different times and various locations to enable as many people as possible to
take part. Please do participate as often as you can. The Lord will do glorious, transformative, and
maybe even miraculous things in our midst—when we make the time and the effort to join as one in
coming before His throne. When we listen to each other, and above all listen to Him, our Heavenly
Father will delight to shower our community with blessings.
Day of Prayer - February 3
For the Lord’s will to be honored and done in upcoming elections.
For the kids we are ministering to in Kids’ Club and the Knight Life youth group to commit
themselves to Christ and grow spiritually.
For this year’s Elders, Deacons, and Trustees to lead us with wisdom, prayerfulness, and love.
For our paid staff to be encouraged and blessed as they serve all of us.
For our homebound members and friends to have good health and draw close to the Lord. Send
them a card, or give them a call!
For our witness of Christ’s Gospel to be loud and clear through our actions and words.
February Elders on Call
February 7 - Dave Guffey (570-265-7518) February 14 - Craig Wollenberg (570-265-0679)
February 21 - Alice Stickler (570-537-6886 ) February 28 - Claudia Mehalchick (570-265-8269)
The Fellowship Team of 2016 would like to invite other teams of the Towanda Presbyterian Church
to assist in supporting the Welcome Center. We have coverage for setting up every week, but need
additional support in providing nourishment and clean up each week. Simple items such as cheeses
and crackers, muffins, and easy snack items would suffice and clean up is maybe 5 – 10 minutes.
Should your team be unable to assist please notify the Fellowship Team members.
January - Choir
February - Fellowship Team
March - Adult Sunday School Class
April - Christian Education Team
May - Deacons
June - Trustees
July - Worship Team
August - T/B/A
September - Stewardship Team
October - Fellowship Team
November - Choir
December - Congregation at Large
The Welcome Center serves as an invaluable fellowship tool and all efforts are truly appreciated.
Thank you again for your kind assistance.
WELCOME CENTER SUPPORT SCHEDULE
Parents’ Night Out Coming in March
In recent years, we have held our Parents’ Night Out
event around Valentine’s Day to give parents a little
time for some romance. This year, we have moved the
date to March 4. Parents will have the option of either
departing when they’ve dropped off their kids, or they
can stay and enjoy dinner and the movie “War Room”
in the DeWitt Room. Please check next month’s news-
letter for more details!
How To Serve God
When we encounter opportunities to serve God, we don’t always respond in the way He desires. Per-
haps we think we can’t because our schedule is too busy or we don’t feel qualified.
Those knee-jerk reactions slam a door closed before we’ve discovered whether or not the Lord wants
us to go through it. You’ve probably never thought of a refusal to serve God as a type of idolatry, but
that’s what it is—bowing down to self instead of submitting to Him.
The Lord desires that His servants be willing to do anything—and that they will seek His specific plan
for them. He uniquely gifts followers to serve according to His will. But when we’ve already decided
what we can’t do, won’t do, or are ill-equipped to do, then we’re acting by our own will. That doesn’t
work.
You may serve the Lord as a godly parent, as a factory worker who shares the Gospel with coworkers,
or as a friend who takes time to listen to the hurting. No restriction exists on what God can do
through the life of a willing helper. The strength of His Spirit overcomes human limitations. Don’t
have enough courage? God can fix that. Don’t have the right skills? God can fix that.
Laying down our excuses is the wisest thing to do when serving the Lord. Trust that He will empower
you to do whatever He calls you to do—and will see to it that you’re properly equipped and trained to
do it (Eph. 2:10; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). All He asks is that you say yes.
Titus 3:4-8: “4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not be-
cause of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of
rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ
our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of
eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who
have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are ex-
cellent and profitable for everyone.”
From intouch.org, January 21, 2016.
Special Sunday School Classes in February
We are excited to offer a Sunday school series during Lent that will use
Adam Hamilton’s DVD titled “24 Hours That Changed the World.” Ham-
ilton takes us to the Holy Land sites where it is thought the last days of
Jesus’ earthly life were spent. Topics include the Last Supper, the Garden
of Gethsemane, Jesus and Pilate, Jesus’ torture and crucifixion, and His
burial and resurrection. You will surely enjoy this opportunity to remind
yourself of the historical power of the Holy Week events.
On February 20 and 27, Pastor Rachel will also lead a Sunday school class to examine what
the Bible has to say about its own authority and several issues related to controversies in our
denomination. We will meet in the DeWitt Room.
February Birthdays
1 - Phyllis Blanchard
2 - Clayton Mount
15 - Linda Ferrario
Camilla Farmer
18 - Patti Rieth
21 - Charlotte Sullivan
24 - Margaret McManus
25 - Kennedy Walsh
26 - Robert Kopetan
27 - Danica McLaud
28 - Danise Fairchild
3G Sleep Over for Youth Group Girls
God, girls, and glamour sleepover
Friday February 5 at 5:30
At 5197 Millstone Rd Monroeton Pa
Call for directions 570.265.0673
Sponsored by Knight Life Youth
Group counselors for the evening will be Juanita Smith and Pastor Rachel
Bring your favorite pajamas, make-up and nail polish!
Everything else will be provided.
We’re making our own pizzas, playing games, watching movies, doing make-up and nails and learning what God wants us to look like inside and out!
Please note that our MOMs Group which meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month has
decided to take a winter break. They will meet again on March 16 at 9AM in the Welcome
Center. Thanks to everyone who has given their time and talents to this outreach.
See you soon!
E.M.P.C.C. Baby Bottle Campaign
It’s time to save those coins!
This year’s campaign will kick off on February 14
with a Minute for Mission from an E.M.P.C.C.
representative during morning worship. Bottles will
be available and donations will be accepted through
the months of February and March.
Ash Wednesday - February 10 - 7 PM
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lenten
discipline for observant Christians. It is traditionally a
time of fasting and prayer in preparation for receiving
or reaffirming baptism at Easter.
Join us this year for our annual Ash Wednesday
Service to prepare your heart for our Lord’s
resurrection.
Pastor Rachel to Lead Membership Exploration Class
On February 6 and 13, Pastor Rachel will lead sessions for those who are con-
sidering becoming members of our congregation. We will meet in the DeWitt
Room after worship. During the first meeting, we will explore what it means to
belong to Christ and His Church. The second meeting will examine what it
means to belong to this particular congregation. If you are planning to take
part, please speak with Pastor Rachel at your earliest convenience.
Reflect on God’s Mercy This Lent
We will begin Lent this year with Ash Wednesday worship on February 10 at 7 PM. On sub-
sequent Sundays, Pastor Rachel’s sermons will revolve around the theme of God and His amazing
mercy. We will consider the mercy God showed to the Israelites in the Old Testament; God’s
mercy in disciplining King David; His mercy in sending Jesus to live as one of us humans; and
the mercy in Jesus’ teachings and miracles. On Palm Sunday, we will consider how Jesus is a
merciful King to us. God’s mercy is most apparent when we contrast His holiness with our un-
worthiness, so take time to reflect on God’s vast love for us despite our sin.
The yearly Lenten lunches will continue to be held at the Towanda Methodist church and
also pick up on the theme of God’s mercy. The first luncheon will be on February 17, and all the
luncheons will run from noon to 1 PM. As before, local pastors will take turns speaking at each
event, and your donation for the meal will benefit local ministries for the disadvantaged.
We will also be having Maundy Thursday worship on March 24, which will either be a Seder
or a communion service. On Good Friday, we will examine “The Story” materials in Lesson 26,
and Lesson 27 will cover our theme for Resurrection Sunday. If you are an early riser, our church
will host the sunrise service this year. Please check your bulletins or the church web site for the
times of these worship events. And please take advantage of all of these opportunities to grow in
your faith and closeness with Jesus.
Ingredients
3 eggs
1/2 cup 2% milk
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup diced fully cooked ham
3/4 cup shredded Colby-Monterey jack cheese, divided
2 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
Directions
1. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, flour, salt and pepper. Pour into an 8 inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray.
2. Bake, uncovered at 450 degrees for 7-9 minutes or until eggs are set. Sprinkle with ham and 1/2 cup cheese. Bake 3-5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.
3. Loosen edges of omelet from baking dish with a knife. Using two small spatulas, carefully roll up tightly, jelly-roll style, leaving it in the dish. Sprinkle bacon and remaining cheese over omelet roll. Bake for 3-4 minutes or until cheese is melted. Yield: 2 servings
Ham & Cheese Omelet Roll for Valentine’s Morning or Supper
Youth To Hold Spaghetti Fundraiser
On February 14, you can have a delicious Valentine’s
dinner and support our youth group at the same time!
Come to Patterson Hall anytime between 5-7 PM and
enjoy a spaghetti dinner for the cost of your donation. All
proceeds will help the youth raise funds for their summer
trip to Kingdom Bound and an upcoming mission trip.
Spread the word with your friends and neighbors!
Youth To Go Tubing!
On February 20, our youth group will head over
to Sawmill to go snow tubing (assuming it is cold
enough). All kids in 7 - 12 grades are welcome,
even if they are not currently part of our youth
group. Please contact Pastor Rachel ASAP for
details or to sign up!
Unique Hockey Fundraiser for Our Youth Group
If you or someone you know is a sports fan, here is a fundraiser for
you! On Sunday, March 6, at 4 PM, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pen-
guins will host the Hershey Bears, and it should be a great game. For
those who mention our Knight Life Youth Group, $4 from each
ticket will be refunded to us. If you would like to carpool with our
church group, please contact Pastor Rachel.
Tickets are $17, $20, or $22, and can be purchased over the phone
by calling Alex Ellsworth at 570-208-5415. You may also order tick-
ets through the mail by sending your check to the Wilkes-Barre/
Scranton Penguins, ATTN: Alex Ellsworth, 40 Coal St., Wilkes-Barre
18702. Tickets must be purchased by March 1. Please spread
the word to your friends and coworkers who like hockey!
I often encounter people who want to begin a daily quiet time, but they aren’t sure how. It really isn’t
as complicated as we often make it out to be. The main thing is simply to do something, but in case
you are one of those still wanting to but not sure how…
Here are 5 easy steps to begin a daily quiet time:
Place - Pick a definite place where you’ll be everyday for your quiet time. Obviously if you travel fre-
quently this is more difficult, but the more routine you can make this the better. It should be as free
of distractions as possible. This place will soon become very comfortable to you.
Schedule Time - Pick a reasonable amount of time and put it on your schedule. If you use an elec-
tronic calendar like I do, you can set it to repeat the appointment everyday. Start with 15 minutes,
maybe even 10. The key at this point is consistency, so make sure you don’t burden yourself with
something you will not do. By the way, it most likely will seem like a sacrifice at first, but keep the
objective in mind. You need this. As you accomplish discipline in a little time it will be easier to in-
crease the time you spend.
Format - Decide basically how you will structure your quiet time. You may ask first what you hope
to achieve and base your format around that. If developing intimacy with God in prayer is your goal,
then certainly choose to spend more time in prayer. If Bible knowledge is your goal, then you may
want to choose to do a Bible study. You can change the format over time and do combinations of
each of these.
Activities – Decide what you will specifically do in your time. Will you do a Bible study or simply
read Scripture and pray? If your time is 15 minutes, for example, you could spend 6 minutes reading
the Bible; 3 minutes talking to God; 2 minutes in silence, asking God to speak to you; and 4 minutes
writing your thoughts at the time. If you choose the structure of a Bible study, you may need to allow
more time, but again, the key is that you decide before you start what you are going to do during this
time. The goal is not to be mechanical or punch a clock here, but rather to provide structure, which
will lead to productivity in your building your God rela-
tionship. Don’t worry as much about what activities you
are doing at this point, just do something.
Discipline – Commit to doing something consistently for
at least 30 days. Every day… without exception… do it…
whether you “feel” like it or not. If you miss the exact time,
make it up later in the day. Again, it will require sacrifice.
Habits and lifestyles form this way and you’ll need this
discipline, because as soon as you attempt this dozens of
obstacles will stand in your way.
Now I realize “easy” is not the best choice of words for this post, but I did want you to read it. Form-
ing this time into your daily schedule will not be easy. Nothing of value is ever easy. The main objec-
tive for any of us, including pastors, is disciplining ourselves to do something every day. Over time, it
becomes a habit that is easily repeated. Even better, it will soon become the best and most produc-
tive part of your day.
How to Begin a Daily Quiet Time In 5 Easy Steps
by Ron Edmondson from CrossWalk.com
1
5PM Trustees
5:45PM Worship Team
6:30PM Scouts
6:30PM WBS
2
9AM Prayer Group
1PM Seekers
Pastor Rachel on
vacation
3 Day of Prayer
8AM H.H. @ The Cup
5:30PM Kid’s Club
4
5PM Adult Bible Study
6PM Stewardship Team
7PM Choir
5
12PM WBS
5:30PM -Youth Group Girls Overnighter
6
10AM Presbytery at First Presbyterian in Hawley
7 Communion
10AM Worship
11AM Welcome Center
11:30AM S.S. Classes
6PM Youth Group
8
6:30PM Scouts
6:30PM WBS
9
9AM Prayer Group
6:15PM Outreach Team
6:30PM Christian Ed. Team
10 Ash Wednesday
5:30PM Kid’s Club
7PM Ash Wednesday Service
11
5PM Adult Bible Study
7PM Choir
12
12PM WBS
1PM Fellowship Team
6PM - 9PM Tween Night in Welcome Ctr.
13
10:30AM Praise Team
14 1st Sunday of Lent
10AM Worship
11AM Welcome Center
11:30AM S.S. Classes
5PM - 7PM Youth Group Spaghetti Dinner
15 No School
6:30PM Scouts
6:30 WBS
16
9AM Prayer Group
17
5:30PM Kid’s Club
18
5PM Adult Bible Study
7PM Choir
19
12PM WBS
20
Youth Group Snowtubing
11AM - 7PM
21 2nd Sunday of Lent
TACO Collection
10AM Worship
11AM Welcome Center
11:30AM S.S. Classes
6PM Youth Group
22
6:30PM WBS
6:30PM Scouts
23
9AM Prayer Group
6PM SESSION
24
5:30PM Kid’s Club
25
5PM Adult Bible Study
7PM Choir
26
12PM WBS
27
10:30AM Praise Team
28 3rd Sunday of Lent
10AM Worship
11AM Welcome Center
11:30AM S.S. Classes
6PM Youth Group
29
6:30PM WBS
6:30PM Scouts
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Gaining a Big SMILE Through Amazon
Our congregation has been approved to take
part in the AmazonSmile fundraiser program. When
you shop through the AmazonSmile portal, 0.5% of
your purchase total will be automatically donated to
our church at no extra cost to you. While not all
Amazon products qualify, millions do. Qualifying
items will mention their eligibility.
So how do you do this?
BEFORE you begin shopping, go to smile.amazon.com.
Type in First Presbyterian Towanda as your charity choice, and click on it to confirm.
Shop away! That’s all you need to do. If you are a registered Amazon user, our church will
remain as your chosen charity.
Bookmark smile.amazon.com so you don’t forget!
We will keep you informed about the total funds we receive through this program