MAY 2016 TIDINGS NEWSLETTER

First Presbyterian Church of Towanda

5 Court St., Towanda PA 18848

570-265-5575

Email - fpchurch@comcast.net

Website - www.fpctowanda.com

Facebook - Friends of First Presbyterian

FROM PASTOR RACHEL…

We are now a few months into our effort to have everyone in our congregation take part in a prayer

group. As with anything new, it usually takes a while for things to gain traction and momentum. So if you

have taken part in a group, how have you seen God in your midst? How has He answered prayers? If you

have not taken part yet, what are you waiting for? This is your encouragement, your urging, and your invita-

tion. Please don’t delay any longer!

One of the most basic reasons that we ought to take part in prayer groups is that our Savior did so. Yes,

there were times when He talked with the Father alone, but there are many times when He joined in with oth-

ers, or led them. In fact, “The Lord’s Prayer” came from just such an occasion. If Jesus prayed with others,

we surely ought to as well.

In The Lost Art of Praying Together, James Banks mentions a time when he visited a church in Van

Nuys, California. Soon after worship began, Pastor Jack Hayford instructed everyone in the congregation to

turn and join in small groups of 2 or 3, and pray for each other. They humbly bared their souls, sometimes to

people they’d never met before. Banks states, “What followed seemed a little like heaven. I could sense that

something significant was happening, something words cannot quite capture. It was the unmistakable touch of

God’s presence. It was a genuinely holy moment, and it caught me entirely by surprise.”

Some people are confused by some passages of Scripture in which Jesus criticizes religious Jews who

prayed in public. His concern wasn’t that they were in public, but about their motives. If we pray out of vanity

to get attention for ourselves, have others think we are super-spiritual, or even display how “humble” we are,

we have missed the point and power of praying with others.

When we pray, we are not to preach, convey veiled gossip or criticism, or draw unwarranted attention to

our needs. We are to confess our sin, our dependence upon the Lord for everything, and our sincere desire for

the care and support of other believers. According to 19th-century pastor Andrew Murray, “As a tree has its

root hidden in the ground and its stem growing up into the sunlight, so prayer needs secrecy in which the soul

meets God alone, and it needs public fellowship with those who find their common meeting place in the name

of Jesus Christ.” Our prayers cannot remain hidden and private for us and our church to survive and thrive.

Our prayers cannot remain hidden and private for us and our church to survive and thrive.

(Cont’d. on next page)

In Matthew 18:20, Jesus promises that “where two or three come together in my name, I am there with

them.” I have often heard this quoted when a disappointing few show up for a prayer meeting. But it is actually

one of the most exciting promises Jesus made. Banks notes, “What happens when Christians pray together is

more than just subjective experience or the ‘warm fuzzies’ of human togetherness. The Spirit of God is at work

in a special way that is different from His work in any other actions that Christians undertake, even individual

prayer.” Jesus promises that He will make His real, powerful presence known.

In his book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Jim Cymbala comments, “You can tell how popular a church is by

who comes on Sunday morning. But you can tell how popular Jesus is by who comes to the prayer meeting.” If

you haven’t joined a prayer group yet, this is your month. Join, keep at it, and one day you will make a marvel-

ous discovery: Jesus is here, with us. What could be more exciting than that?

Day of Prayer: May 4

For each of us to take part in a prayer group, and for the Lord to reveal Himself in

wonderful ways in those gatherings

For those who are graduating from high school and college, and for safety in their

celebrations

For our congregation as we continue to discern God’s leading regarding denominational

concerns

For the Lord to continue to provide for our spiritual, physical, and financial needs

For us to grow in confidence and boldness as we engage our neighbors, family, co-

workers, and friends with the Good News of salvation in Christ

Power of Prayer

No prayer!–No faith!–No Christ in the heart. Little prayer!–Little faith!–Little Christ in the

heart. Increasing prayer!–Increasing faith!–Increasing Christ in the heart!. Much prayer!–

Much faith!–Much Christ in the heart! Praying always!–Faith always!–Christ always!

~ Alexander Whyte

May Birthdays

2 - John Smith, Scott Davenport

3 - Brenda Abbott

4 - Judy Douglas

6 - Tom Neilson, Julie O’Donnell

10 - Barb Fleming

11 - Jessica Pavey

19 - Norma Bacon

20 - Lindsay Vaughn

25 - Bonnie Sullivan

30 - Mark Smith

31 - Lynn Mitchell

May Elders On Call

May 1 - David Guffey

May 8 - Danise Fairchild

May 15 - Alice Stickler

May 22 - Julie O’Donnell

May 29 - Art Richards.

Summer Berry Shortcake Ingredients

1. 2 pounds berries (raspberries, blueberries or sliced

strawberries)

2. 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

3. 1 cup heavy cream

4. 8 biscuits, store-bought or made from a mix

Directions

1. In a large bowl, toss the berries and 1/3 cup of the

sugar. Let sit for at least 15 minutes (and up to 4

hours, refrigerated).

2. In a medium bowl, beat the cream and the remaining

2 tablespoons of sugar until soft peaks form.

3. Split the biscuits in half. Spoon the berries and

whipped cream on the bottom halves and sandwich

with the tops.

Searching for Hats & Wigs

Deb Fuller, our Christian Ed Director, is looking for

hats and wigs. During the flood clean-up we have lost a

few of our skit accessories. If you have any hats (no

winter or baseball caps please) or wigs, please contact

Deb at the church. These would be much appreciated

and adds so much to our Kid’s Club skits. Thank you

in advance!

Thank you to Cathy Guffey for the lovely curtains

in the Welcome Center. It makes the room feel so warm and homey.

A Little Night Music?

A strings recital featuring cellos, violins, and guitars will

be held on Friday, May 6, at 6:30 at the Sons of Italy,

301 Desmond St., Sayre. The Sanphy Music Academy

recital will include students Lynn Mitchell, Meredith Guffey,

and Pastor Rachel. Admission is free. Come and enjoy!

Camp Lackawanna

Can you believe that summer is upon us

already? After a harsh winter of complaining,

“It's way too cold outside,” now we are ready

for, “It's way too hot to be outside!” But in-

stead of staying inside playing video games,

why not consider Camp Lackawanna? There is

no better place to meet new people, have a lot of

fun, and make new and lasting memories!

There is something for all kinds and ages of kids

and teens from arts to sports to adventure and

even a nighttime camp. Try something new this

summer and check out

Camp Lackawanna.

Brochures are

available around the

church!

MARK YOUR

CALENDAR!

On Sunday,

May 1, join us in

our sanctuary

for a special

time of praise at 6:30 PM. Our Knight

Life Youth Group will be conducting the

entire worship service. All are invited

to come and support the youth. A

goodwill offering will be taken to help

with costs for our trip to Kingdom

Bound in July. The kids have worked

hard to put this service together, and

you will be blessed!

RALLIES TO BE HELD ON MAY 5

Two rallies will be held in front of the Court House on

May 5, and you are encouraged to take part. At noon,

the National Day of Prayer gathering will be held.

Then at 6:45 PM, a drug awareness rally will draw

attention to the problem of addiction in our area. Come

out to show your support for these important causes.

POUND THE GROUND FOR ULTRASOUND

3rd Annual Race for First Look Pregnancy Center

Saturday - May 28, 2016

Riverfront Park in Sayre PA

SCHEDULE

8 AM - 10K Trail Run

9:30 AM - One Hour Loop Walk/Run

10:45 AM - Kiddie Fun Run

EVENT FEES

$25 - 10k Trail Run

$25 - One Hour Loop Walk/Run

(Entry fee for both events $40)

$10 - Kiddie Fun Run

$50 - Family of 4 (same household)

(includes 2 BBQ tickets)

All individual registrations (except Kiddie Fun Run) will receive 1 BBQ meal ticket

Online Registration at www.parunners.com

IT’S GRACE CONNECTION MONTH!

The month of May has been designated as Grace Connection Month. Our church will

be collecting donations to help this amazing outreach.

Grace Connection is an ecumenical venture of the churches in the Towanda, North-

east Bradford, and Wyalusing School Districts. The aim of Grace Connection is to

lovingly aid people over the hardships of life by connecting with them in the name of

Jesus Christ, and to help provide assistance when and where other agencies are not

available. Grace Connection provides monetary emergency assistance for shelter,

transportation, emergency food, clothing, furniture, emergency prescriptions, and

hygiene items.

Thanks to all the loving and generous donations families and people have made in

helping those less fortunate than ourselves.

Grace Connection is located in the Trinity Lutheran Church at 908 S. Main Street,

Towanda. Hours are Monday and Thursday 1 PM - 4 PM. Telephone is 570-268-0431.

Envelopes for your donations are available at the church literature racks and in the

church pews.

MEMORIALS RECEIVED

In memory of Fran Gore - Danise & Terry Fairchild, Sally Rohrer, Beverly DeWitt, Sherman & Jeanne

Warner, Ruth Squires, Karl & Zanetta Tewksbury, Catherine Wrisley, Jack & Pearl Fox, Tom & Nancy

Neilson, Arlene Mills, Jim Mullendore, Kenneth & Marguerite Shaner, Donald & Carolyn Bixby, Paul

& Bethea Ackley, Rhea Johnston, Paul DeWitt, William & Susan Gatliff, Noreene & Howard Carlson,

Louise Bump, Joan Fiester, Phil & Margaret Durnin, Janice & Gary Larsen, Elizabeth Bishop, Jess &

Norma Bacon, Daniel & Elaine Chrispell.

In memory of Nancy Mullendore—Susan Gatliff, Daniel & Elaine Chrispell

Thank you to everyone for you memorial gifts!

“Fill My Cup” Tea Party

Join us on May 15 for the Annual Ladies Luncheon.

This will be held in Patterson Hall immediately

following worship service.

Call the church to make a reservation

by May 10.

Check your weekly bulletins for more details.

Hope to see you there!

Stand Up to Cancer Relay

On Saturday, June 11, the Bradford County Relay for

Life for the American Cancer Society will be held at

Wyalusing High School. We will be joining other

churches in putting a team together to show our care for

those who battle cancer and our support to find a cure.

More information will be in our next newsletter and in

future bulletins—but in the meantime, plan to come and

walk a few laps as a representative of our church, as

your schedule allows. If you have questions, please see

Pastor Rachel.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Communion 10AM Worship

“No Sunday School”

11:30AM Q&A on

Denomination Change

12:15 PM Deacons

6:30 Youth Group

Evening Worship at 1st

Presbyterian

2 5PM Trustees

5:45PM Worship

Team

6:30 Women’s

Bible Study

6:30 Boy Scouts

3 9AM Bible Study at

Fox Home

9:45AM Prayer Group at

Fox Home

10:30AM Probation

Dept in Patterson Hall

1PM Seekers

4 Day of Prayer 8AM Hezekiah’s Hands

at the Cup

5:30PM Kid’s Club

(Parent’s Dinner)

5 National Day of Prayer

6PM Stewardship

Team

7PM Choir Practice

6 7 10:30AM Praise Practice

8 Mother’s Day

10AM Worship

MFM - Grace

Connection

11:30AM Sunday

School

No Youth Group

9 9AM Clergy Retreat at

Standing Stone

6:30 Boy Scouts

6:30 Women’s

Bible Study

10 9AM Bible Study at

Fox Home

9:45AM Prayer Group at

Fox Home

10:30AM Probation

Dept in Patterson Hall

1PM Seekers

6:15 Outreach Team

6:30 Christian Ed

Team

11 12 7PM Choir Practice

13 1PM Fellowship Team

14 Youth Group clean-up

@ Camp Lackawanna

Meet at First Pres-

byterian at 9AM to leave

15 TACO Sunday 10AM Worship

“No Sunday School”

Ladies Tea following

morning worship

6PM Youth Group

16 6:30 Boy Scouts

6:30 Women’s

Bible Study

17 9AM Bible Study at

Fox Home

9:45AM Prayer Group at

Fox Home

10:30AM Probation

Dept in Patterson Hall

1PM Seekers

7PM Prayer Group at

Wollenberg Home

7PM Prayer Group at

1st Presbyterian Church

18 1PM Prayer Group at

Richards Home

19 7PM Choir Practice

20 21 10:30AM Praise Practice

22 10AM Worship

Infant Baptism

11:30AM Sunday

School

6PM Youth Group

23 6:30 Boy Scouts

6:30 Women’s

Bible Study

24 9AM Bible Study at

Fox Home

9:45AM Prayer Group at

Fox Home

10:30AM Probation

Dept in Patterson Hall

1PM Seekers

6:00 PM SESSION

25 26 7PM Towanda Baccalaureate

7PM Choir Practice

27 28

29 10AM Worship

11:30AM Sunday

School

6PM Youth Group - Game night at 1st Presbyterian

30 Memorial Day

Church Office

Closed

31 7PM Towanda Graduation

May 2016