MAY 2016 TIDINGS NEWSLETTER
First Presbyterian Church of Towanda
5 Court St., Towanda PA 18848
570-265-5575
Email - [email protected]
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