March 2017 Tidings Edition

First Presbyterian Church of Towanda

5 Court Street

570-265-5575

Email - fpchurch@comcast.net

Website - www.fpctowanda.com

Facebook - Fans of Towanda Presbyterian

From Pastor Rachel…

When I came to faith in college, I had the zeal of a new Christian, which at times resembled a bull in a

china shop. I rejected anything I had previously known of religion without much discernment about whether

those practices had any real value. As time went on, I was able to see that I could salvage some of those

practices in meaningful ways that would enhance my intimacy with Christ.

Some of those practices related to Lent, such as giving up meat on Fridays and chocolate every day.

But what is Lent all about, and how can we go beyond “giving up” something to deepen our bond with Je-

sus? Lent is about devoting heartfelt time to reflecting on our need as sinners for salvation, and the glorious

sacrifice Jesus made of Himself to accomplish redemption from sin for us. Once we’ve trusted in Him, our

lives ought to be different in our mindset, behavior, and hope. So how can our practices during this season

of Lent take us a step further to loving Him more? Here are some ideas.

1. Apologize to someone

Lent is a season of repentance. We think of asking God for forgiveness from our sin, but that is only half of

the story. Most sins include hurting others, which mattered to Jesus. He taught that if during worship you

“remember that your brother or sister has something against you, …first make things right with your brother

or sister and then come back and offer your gift” (Matt. 5:23-24). Lent is an ideal time to seek forgiveness

from those we have harmed.

2. Perform deliberate acts of kindness

Express your love for Jesus by loving others. Pay for the order of the person behind you in the drive-

through. Give an extravagant tip. Carry gift cards to give away. Ask others how they are doing, then stop

and really listen to their responses. Share the love of Jesus in any practical way you can think of each day

during Lent.

(cont’d on next page)

3. Delve into a book of the Bible

Enhance your devotions by getting to know a book of the Bible well. Read it repeatedly, at least once in a sin-

gle sitting. Find articles about it. Meditate on it with a commentary. Memorize portions of it. Pray through it.

Google sermons about it. Find hymns based upon it. In the six weeks of Lent, you could develop a deep under-

standing of a book of the Bible about which you have always been curious.

4. Serve people in need

Think of a new way to serve in our church or in the community. Then volunteer to serve throughout the season

of Lent. When Jesus washed His disciples’ feet at the Last Supper, He taught that we are called not to be

served, but to serve (John 13:1-17).

5. Visit the lonely

Jesus also taught His disciples to treat others as we would treat Him. This includes visiting those who are sick

and in prison (Matt. 25:31-36). Talk to a local nursing home about washing wheelchairs. Volunteer with a

prison ministry, senior center, or any other place where people need some human contact. Play games, tell sto-

ries, look at photo albums. Remember that Jesus said, “when you have done it for [them], you have done it for

me” (Matt. 25:40).

6. Tell others you love them

Some of us struggle to say those three little words. Maybe we assume others already know how we feel.

Maybe we think we show our love and don’t need to say it. Or maybe we are concerned it won’t be recipro-

cated. Fight the fear and say "I love you" to friends, family members, and everyone else you love at least once

during the season.

7. Throw a party

Jesus often used the image of a party to describe the Kingdom of God. He talked about wedding receptions and

banquet feasts, and participated in several large group celebrations. Invite people to your home for dessert, or

reach out to make a new friend and treat them to soup. Be hospitable and create an opportunity to be together.

8. Fasting and prayer

Fasting doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to starve yourself. You can fast by cutting out some of the

things in your life that distract you from God and His best for you. Abstaining from candy, TV, soft drinks,

cigarettes, phones, and the internet can be a way to purify our bodies and lives, and use that time to pray in-

stead. What do you need to let go of or “fast” from in order to focus on God? How can you simplify and de-

clutter your life in terms of what you eat, wear, or do? (cont’d on next page)

9. Serve in worship

Your church needs you. Usher, serve as a reader, work with the tech team, help in the nursery, lead children’s

church, or find some other way to serve your church. Don’t wait for someone to ask you to use your God-

given gifts. Offer yourself in service to your church for the season.

10. Say “thank you”

Parents, family members, mentors, coaches, teachers, authors, pastors, Sunday school teachers, and others

have shaped you into the person you are. Each week during Lent, send a note of gratitude to one of them. Tell

them how much they meant to you and how they inspired you. Consider including a small gift. Even if you do

not know that author or speaker personally, draft an email of thanks.

There are many ways to be reflective and extra mindful of our Lord during Lent. Be original! Find

yours.

Adapted from “Beyond fasting: 10 tips for a more meaningful Lent” at umc.org.

MARCH DAY OF PRAYER ITEMS

For our new President and other federal, state, and local leaders to be mindful of

the Lord in their decisions and behavior

That the Lord will have mercy on our nation, pour out His Holy Spirit, and

spread spiritual renewal and revival, especially here in Bradford County

For those who struggle with addictions to receive the help and support they need,

and to trust in Christ for strength to stay clean

For us to take the purpose of this Lenten season to heart, and deeply meditate on

our brokenness and God’s great love in forgiving us through Jesus Christ

For each of us to be generous in using our time, talents, and finances to promote

the love and work of God in our congregation and community

EMPCC—Endless Mountains Pregnancy Care Center

In January EMPCC found itself with the recent

resignation of Shellie Gerould. Shellie served as

Executive Director for 9 years; the Board knew

that they had “big shoes” to fill! Praise the Lord

that He brought Crystal Salsman to the helm of

this vital ministry! Crystal hails from the Wya-

lusing area. She served 15 years on the mission

field in Chile. She is fluent in Spanish, is an ex-

perienced teacher and counselor, among other

things. Crystal comes to us highly recom-

mended by Laure Squire, Executive Director of

Care Net Pregnancy Center of NEPA, under whom she minister as a Volunteer Advo-

cate.

Meet Crystal Salsman...

What words do I use to describe how I feel about my new job? Honored, excited, and

truthfully overwhelmed. There is a lot to learn. I am honored that the Lord has led me to

this exciting ministry. I am thrilled to carry on what those before me have started. I ask

that you pray for me as I learn about all the aspects of my role as the Executive Director

of EMPCC.

Prayer is the backbone of any ministry. We seek your prayers for the Board, our man-

agers and volunteers, and our clients. Thank you for those who are partnering with us

by giving financially, being part of our Baby Bottle campaign, and fund raisers. We

need people who want to join us in becoming the hands and feet of Jesus. There are

many ways to participate —volunteer as an advocate, receptionist, clean, sort and hang

clothes, maintenance, etc.

I am excited as I look to the future. We have already expanded hours at the Towanda

center. We are in the process of changing our center’s mindset from “transaction” to

“transformation.” We desire to help our clients’ lives transform through developing a

relationship with each one and then being able to share the gospel with them. I will be

sharing in our next newsletter some of the changes we plan to make and how you can

Pray, Partner, and Participate in transforming lives at EMPCC.

MAKE SURE YOU PICK-UP YOUR BABY BOTTLE AND SAVE YOUR SPARE CHANGE!

THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN dates are fEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 31

LOOKING AHEAD: Children’s Egg Hunt Planned

This year, the Kiwanis and Ben Franklin will not be having a

community Easter egg hunt. So our Knight Life youth group is

taking over the event as one of their service projects. The egg

hunt will be on April 8 on the Courthouse lawn, and perhaps

our lawn as well. Check your bulletins and the next newsletter

for the time.

Youth Group To Sell Chocolate Eggs for Mission Funds

To raise support for our mission trip to Pittsburgh this summer, the youth group will

be making and selling peanut butter-chocolate eggs. We will be making the eggs on

Sunday, March 26, and selling them until the supply runs out. It will be a fun time in

our church’s kitchen, for a good cause. If you would like to help us make the eggs, or

donate supplies, please see Pastor Rachel. Our mission trip to Pittsburgh is scheduled

for July 30-August 4. We will be helping a ministry to the poor, and helping a church

with its VBS program. Please be in prayer for this terrific trip!

Pitch in for Youth?

Maybe you’re inclined to help with the youth group, but feel you can’t commit to being there every

week. No worries! There is a sign-up sheet on the main hallway bulletin board for you to sign up

to come to whatever meetings you can. Come, enjoy the kids, and model for them what it means to

follow Jesus. Most meetings are in the conference room above the Community Cup, Sundays

from 6-7:30 PM. Please see Pastor Rachel if you have any questions.

The annual Lenten lunches will once again be held at the Towanda

Methodist Church on Main Street.

They will begin Wednesday, March 8. Lunch will be served from

11:45 AM to 12:45 PM. Donation for the lunch at the door will be $5

with table donations going to Grace Connection.

Our church volunteers will prepare the meal on April 5.

Hope to see everyone there!

Enjoy St. Pat’s Day, Support 5th Quarter

Once again we’ll be fundraising for our 5th Quarter teen outreach by

hosting a St. Patty’s Day dinner. The event will be on Sunday, March

19, from 5-7 in Patterson Hall. We will have corned beef, cabbage,

potatoes, carrots, and soda bread, with sloppy Joe’s for those who’d

rather pass on the corned beef. There will also be music and a deli-

cious dessert.

To keep costs down, we will have a giving poster outside the church secretary’s office, much like

we do with Charlie Brown for Thanksgiving dinner. If you can contribute an item, please remove a sham-

rock and have your food here at the church no later than March 16.

Because of your support, we have been able to provide a fun, safe atmosphere for students after each

home football game for the past 6 years. Continue to pray for this outreach, and that youth will come to

know Jesus personally as a result of our efforts.

Will You Walk for Life?

Our local churches are joining together to form a team for the 2017 Bradford County

Walk for Life for the American Cancer Society. Pastor Rachel and Rome Presbyterian Pastor

Karen Ballard are co-chairs of our team, which is named “Kingdom for a Cure.” The event will

take place on Saturday, June 10, at Wyalusing High School.

Our goal is to be a witness for faith in Christ at this

event. Our team will have a table where the churches taking

part will have flyers, offer prayer, and present information

about salvation in Jesus Christ. We would love to have people

walk to raise money, but we can also use people to look after

our team’s table.

You will be hearing more about this… but in the mean-

time, mark your calendar. If you walk, it’s up to you how

much you do. You can also sponsor Pastor Rachel in her walking. So join other Christians from

our Towanda churches to walk for a cure for cancer, and show that Jesus cares for those who

suffer. You can register at relayforlife.org, or call 800-227-2345.

Church Library Additions -

The Chasm, A Journey to the Edge of Life, by Randy Alcorn

Hope Runs, An American Tourist, a Kenyan Boy, a Journey of Redemption,

by Claire Diaz-Ortiz

Journey of the Heart series, by Colleen Coble

The Amish Millionaire series, by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Preparation Through Prayer

“When [the disciples] had entered the city, they went up to the upper room where they were staying….

These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and

Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers” (Acts 1:13-14).

The Book of Acts is an amazing record of how God worked in and through the early Church, and

one of their most important activities was prayer. While Jesus was with His disciples, little was recorded

of them praying because they could talk directly to Christ. But after His ascension, they immediately

gathered in the upper room and “devot[ed] themselves to prayer” (Acts 1:14).

Talking to God was their means of preparing for the work He had for them. Jesus had told them

the Father would give the Holy Spirit to those who ask (Luke 11:13). Then after the resurrection, He

instructed them to stay in Jerusalem until they were “clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).

Without the Spirit, they were not adequate for the Great Commission even though they’d spent time

with Jesus. And if they needed the Spirit’s power, so do we.

To the degree we’re willing to admit our absolute helplessness to do God’s work, the Holy Spirit

will empower us as we pray. When we are devoted to prayer, the Lord begins to work in our heart, pre-

paring us for service. He gives us the Spirit’s boldness to speak God’s Word (Acts 4:31) and the cour-

age to face any persecutions that might result (Acts 4:29).

God is looking for believers who understand the importance of prayer and realize the only way to

fulfill His calling for the Church is through His supernatural power. Christ’s Church is not grown

through programs, seminars, and conferences, but through the humble prayers of saints who gather to-

gether in utter dependence upon Him. That’s when God’s power is released and His will is accom-

plished.

From intouch.org, February 7, 2017.

Easter Flower Orders!

We will once again be ordering flowers in remem-

brance or in honor of your loved ones for Easter.

Please see the order form inside this month’s news-

letter. Order forms will also be in the weekly church

bulletin and on the literature racks at church. The

flowers will be $7.50 per flower and the deadline is

March 19.

To The Staff,

O how I love to go to the church on Wednesday nights.

O how I love to sing songs praising God and Jesus.

O how I love the food they make for us.

O how I love to go in groups with the other wonderful children.

O how I love to be silly and play fun games.

O how I love to pray with everybody.

O how I love the staff that does a lot for us.

But most of all …

O how I love God and Jesus!

(Written by Miss Arianna Hammond

a member of our Kids Club group)

COMMUNITY VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

JUNE 25 - JUNE 29

AT 1ST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Dear Praying Friends, February 6, 2017 Remember when we were kids and somebody shouted, “Ready or Not…..? I am sure you can fill in the rest!... “Here I come!” Only in our context it is, “Here we come”! Alessandra, Alyssia and I just received the news that we have 8

Apex college students/young adults confirmed and coming to spend 6 weeks with us! We are maxed out with the

four young woman, three young men and their fearless young leader, Jordan.

This is good news but it presents a real dilemma WE ARE NOT READY! We need more space, showers and

toilets! We will have between 14 and 16 people staying in the mission home! This includes the Apex team, the Weyandt fam-ily, Brazil staff and US and Brazilian church partners!

WE WILL BE READY! Many of you have been praying faithfully for us. Many of you contribute finan-

cially to our ministry. We need you to let others know about the Mission House Project! Would you be willing to share our need and vision with a church, small group, family member or individual that you be-lieve would want to contribute to the APEX Experience. Brazilian Partners from REDEMIS Last Saturday at our Home share Tacos and Guarana while we dream and plan together how we can impact the APEX Rio participants!

Praise the Lord with us for those coming to Rio and that there is such a hunger among young people to go farther and deeper in their relationship with Jesus and understanding of their call to serve. Pray that the Lord will raise up individuals, churches or regions to partner with us financially in completing the

Mission House Project!. Pray that God would give us wisdom and His direction as we work with our partners to create our ministry oppor-

tunities for the APEX team.

Delighting in Him, Craig, Alessandra and Alyssia Weyandt Partner with the Weyandts financially! Online Donations (click here) https://my.efca.org/NetCommunity/SSLPage.aspx?pid=359&des=WEYANDT-M1409 (copy & paste) Or Make checks out to: EFCA ReachGlobal Attach a note that says: I am supporting the ReachGlobal work in Brazil by Craig Weyandt, Account 1409 Please Mail Check to: EFCA ReachGlobal; 901 East 78th Street; Minneapolis, MN 55420-1300 952-854-1300

2017 SUMMER APEX, RIO DE JANEIRO

EFCA ReachGlobal would like for you to consider investing as a church or region in the EFCA 2017 Apex

Missions Experience for college students and young adults in Rio de Janeiro. We have witnessed God at

work over the years through relationships between US college students and young adults working

alongside of our dynamic, Brazilian, disciple-making partners coupled with older, “more mature” Christ

followers as mentors. This six week Apex missions experience results in the following:

1. Shares the Good News of Jesus

2. Gives hop to children, teens and the poor while learning and doing together

3. Empowers the local Brazilian church to missions and transforms the US sending church

4. Creates disciple making opportunities for the local church

5. Promotes multiplication of leaders, churches and disciple-making movements.

Will you join what God is doing in Brazil and invest in His story by contributing to 2017 Rio de Janeiro Experience?

Give financially to the mission house project—housing for the Apex participants

Send a construction team to work alongside of Brazilian workers on the mission house project (winter-spring 2017)

Encourage college students and young adults to apply for the Apex Rio experience

Send baby boomers as mentors for these millennial missionaries (June24-August5)

Contact:Craig.Weyandt@efca.org

Delighting in Him,

Craig, Allessandra and Alyssia Weyandt

https://www.apexmissions.org/opportunities/14 http://reachglobalcity.blogspot.com/

March 2017 Church Calendar

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Ash Wednesday

8AM Hezekiah’s Hands

4PM Confirmation Class

5:30 PM Kid’s Club

7:15PM Ash Wednesday Service

2

4PM Communities

That Care

6:00 Stewardship

6:30PM Choir

3 World Day

of Prayer

4

10:30AM Praise Team

Practice

5 Communion

10AM Worship

11:30AM Sunday

School for all ages

6PM Youth Group

6

5PM Trustees

6:30PM Boy Scouts

6:30PM Women’s Bible

Study

7

9AM Bible Study at

Dewitt Home

9:45AM Prayer Group

at DeWitt Home

8

5:30 PM Kid’s Club

9

6:30PM Choir

10

1PM Fellowship Team

11

12

10AM Worship

11:30AM Sunday

School for all ages

6PM Youth Group

13

5:30PM Outreach

6:30PM Boy Scouts

6:30PM Women’s Bible

Study

14

9AM Bible Study at

Dewitt Home

9:45AM Prayer Group

at DeWitt Home

11AM Christian Ed.

15

1PM Prayer Group at

Richards Home

4PM Confirmation

Class

5:30 PM Kid’s Club

16

6:30PM Choir

17 St. Patty’s Day 18

10:30AM Praise Team

Practice

19 TACO

10AM Worship

11:30AM Sunday

School for all ages

5-7PM St. Patrick’s

Day Dinner

6PM Youth Group

20

6:30PM Boy Scouts

6:30PM Women’s Bible

Study

21

9AM Bible Study at

Dewitt Home

9:45AM Prayer Group

at DeWitt Home

22

5:30 PM Kid’s Club

23

6:30PM Choir

24 25

26

10AM Worship

11:30AM Sunday

School for all ages

6PM Youth Group

27

6:30PM Boy Scouts

6:30PM Women’s Bible

Study

28

9AM Bible Study at

Dewitt Home

9:45AM Prayer Group

at DeWitt Home

6PM SESSION

29

4PM Confirmation

Class

5:30 PM Kid’s Club

30

6:30PM Choir

31 1

10:30AM Praise Team

Practice