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2018 August Tidings
First Presbyterian Church
5 Court St., Towanda PA 18848
Email - [email protected]
Website - www.fpctowanda.com
Facebook - Fans of First Presbyterian Church
From Pastor Rachel...
On July 15, I preached on the portion of the Apostle’s Creed which declares that Jesus will come again to
judge the living and the dead. That day, my sermon focused on the core Christian truth of our Lord’s Second
Coming. While all Christians agree on that, they have differing views of what will happen in the time leading
up to Judgment Day.
I’d like to share with you the 3 major views Christians have about the “end times,” formally known as
“eschatology.” Most of the differences among these views have to do with interpretations of Revelation 20:1-
10, where Satan is bound and thrown into an abyss for a thousand years. This time frame is referred to as the
Millennium.
In the early Church, Christ’s return was assumed to be imminent, so not much thought developed about
the specifics of what the Millennium and Judgment Day would be like. Early Christians tended to see the thou-
sand-year period in symbolic terms. They expected Christ to return in victory and reduce Roman rule to rub-
ble.
When that didn’t happen, Christians devoted further thought to what the end times might be like given
the passage of several centuries and the profession of faith by Roman Emperor Constantine. Nearly all Church
leaders interpreted the Book of Revelation as an allegory in the apocalyptic genre. Apocalyptic writings had
been common for many centuries. They contained revelations about the end of the world and the full mani-
festation of the Kingdom of God, and were assumed to be symbolic in nature.
Of course early Christians believed that the apocalyptic views in the Book of Revelation were inspired by
God, and thus fully valid. But because they were apocalyptic, they were not taken as prophecies of literal, his-
toric facts. Christians after the 4th century generally saw Revelation’s statements about the end times as sym-
bolic and figurative. This view of the end times is called amillennialism, and holds that Christ is now victorious
over Satan and evil. Since Christ’s resurrection, the devil has been restrained in his influence until the Second
Coming. The Millennium is a symbol for the time, however long it may be, until Jesus returns, which could
happen at any moment. When He does return, that is the Day of Judgment, and history as we know it will
end. This perspective was held by the vast majority of Christians through the 17th century, and today is the
view most commonly held by Christians around the world.
(cont’d. on the next page)
The second view of the end times is called postmillennialism. This view developed in the 18th century
and was initially centralized to Britain and the United States. Postmillennialism expects that eventually the
vast majority of people living will be saved. Increasing Gospel success will gradually produce a time in history
prior to Christ's return in which faith, righteousness, peace, and prosperity will prevail in the affairs of individ-
uals and of nations. After an extensive era of such conditions, Jesus Christ will return visibly, bodily, and glori-
ously, to end history with the general resurrection and the final judgment. The settlement and expansion of
the United States was sometimes seen as evidence for the truth of this viewpoint. Its prevalence sharply de-
clined after World War II, though it still has adherents.
The third major view about the end times is called premillennialism, which developed during the 19th
century. This view has several variations that expanded during the 20th century, but its core principle is a lit-
eral interpretation of the Book of Revelation and other Biblical prophecies. Premillennials believe that Je-
sus will physically return to the earth (the Second Coming) before the Millennium and initiate a literal thou-
sand-year golden age of peace. Some premillennial strains also include a rapture in which believers are re-
moved from the world before a 7-year period of worldwide tribulation. Since many televangelists hold this
view, people might think it’s the predominant or even only view of the end times. However, this view exists
mainly in the United States and Britain, and is infrequently held by Protestants in the Reformed tradition.
It is most important by far that we affirm Jesus’ Second Coming and prepare for it by drawing close to
Him and living out His will. The details of how His Second Coming may transpire should not divide us. Even so,
it can strengthen our faith and knowledge of the Lord to explore these ideas and the Scriptures they’re based
on. If some of these ideas are new to you, I encourage you to study more about them, and especially God’s
Word in the Book of Revelation. If you’d like me to direct you to more resources, please let me know!
BUS TRIP TO SEE “JESUS” AT SIGHT & SOUND THEATRE – North Orwell Union Church
Pastor, Rev. Phil Wanck, has made reservations to Sight & Sound to see its newest production, “JESUS.”
The date is Wednesday, September 26, for an 11 AM showing. A family-style dinner at Hershey Farms
(next to the theatre) will be enjoyed immediately afterward. The price is $130 per adult and $95 for
children 12 and under. This price includes bus, theatre ticket and meal (tax and tip included). A hat will
be passed to give the bus driver a tip. The bus will pick us up at 6:15 AM at the old Nichols Creamery,
not far from the Nichols Fire Hall, on West River Road. You might want to bring a drink and bite to eat
for the bus ride. Contact Cathy Rought at 570-247-7280 for reservations. We have 56 tickets re-
served—first come, first served. Don’t miss this exciting spectacle and all the fun we’ll have along the
way.
African Choir Coming, Rescheduled
On Sunday, September 9, the Destiny Africa Children's Choir will be leading us for morning
worship! The choir was supposed to visit us in July, but could not secure visas from the Ugandan
government in time to fulfill their initial schedule.
You may recall that the choir was here 2 years ago and performed at the Keystone Theater.
This time, they will be leading us in song, declaring God's Word, and sharing their testimonies.
Many of the children are orphans at the Kamapal Children's Centre in Uganda, but all have been
adopted as children of God. Their tour raises funds and awareness for their orphanage and chil-
dren's ministries. A freewill offering will be taken to support them. After worship, we will host them
for a fellowship meal. If you'd like to help with that, be on the lookout for bulletin notices this
month.
We are also be looking for host homes for September 8. Each home would have 2-3 people.
Teens will always have a chaperone with them. This is a fabulous opportunity you will surely enjoy.
Please contact Pastor Rachel if you would like to host some of the group.
Please be sure to spread the word about this terrific event and invite your coworkers, friends,
and neighbors! For more info go to destinyafrica.org.
Summer KIDS CLUB will conclude with a pool party at the home of Linda Ferrario on
Wednesday, August 15 from 5:30—7:00 pm. Pizza and drinks will be provided.
Looking ahead...Our weekly KIDS CLUB will resume on Wednesday,
September 12.
SUMMER KIDS CLUB ENDS WITH A SPLASH!
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOX
PROJECT Every fall the KIDS CLUB children participate in
packing boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Monetary
donations or supplies are needed in order to fill the boxes.
“Back to School” supplies are filling the shelves at our local stores and many are
on sale. NOW is the time to consider shopping for the KIDS CLUB shoebox project.
All items should be new.
Items needed: school supplies, arts & craft supplies, small toys, non-liquid hygiene
items such as toothbrushes and bars of soap, washcloths, hair accessories,
calculators, watches, jewelry, clothing accessories – tops, shoes, socks, hair bows,
gloves, scarves.
Do Not Include: Candy, toothpaste, gum, used or damaged items,
war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures, chocolate or
food, seeds, fruit rolls or other fruit snacks, drink mixes (powdered or liquid), liquids
or lotions, medications or vitamins, breakable items such as snow globes or glass
containers, aerosol cans.
Adult Sunday school classes will resume on Sept. 16.
LOOKING FOR A WAY TO SHARE
GOD’S LOVE?
Help is needed in the Nursery, Children’s Church
and KIDS CLUB! Talk to Deb Fuller to find out more
about these ministries.
The Eighth 5th Quarter Is Just Around the Corner!!!
We will be starting the 8th year of our 5th Quarter teen outreach in just a few
weeks. We will meet in the old high school gym after each home football game to
provide safe fun for any youth who wants to come. We will also provide pizza and
drinks as before. WE NEED YOU!!! Even if you can come only once, it is a great help
to have extra chaperones. You can also help by picking up pizzas at the North
Towanda Dandy, sitting at the registration table, playing table games, or keeping
the drinks supplied and chilled. Dates for the 5th Quarter are September 14, and 28; and
October 12, 19, and 26. Please contact Craig Wollenberg to sign up by calling 265-0679.
Riverfest Dunking Booth Planned
Last year we arranged to have a dunking booth on
our lawn for Riverfest. It was such a huge success
that we’re doing it again! Come on Saturday, August
18, and see your favorite church friends dunked. We
will also be handing out promotional materials for
our church and for Kids Club. If you would like to
help with coordinating the dunking booth or hand-
ing out promos, please contact Pastor Rachel. We
also welcome volunteer “dunkees,” including young
people who can take part with their
parents’ permission.
Day of Prayer: August 1
Thank the Lord for the ways He’s blessed you and guided you so far this summer.
For those who struggle with addiction. May the Lord empower them to be healthy, and empower us
to care for them with love and compassion.
For kids and teachers as they prepare to start another schoolyear. May the Lord keep them safe and
enable them to do their very best.
For our congregation’s leaders to be enthused and wise as they seek the Lord’s will for us, and in-
vest themselves in service.
For the missionaries and ministries to the poor that we support. May the Lord provide for their
needs and encourage them in their work.
For our attendance of Sunday school and Bible studies to grow in number and in faith.
“Hiding Our Hurts” by Elisa Morgan
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between
soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all crea-
tion is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are
accountable. (Hebrews 4:12-13)
I was guest-speaking in a local church and my topic was an honest story about presenting our broken-
ness before God and receiving the healing He wants to give. Before closing in prayer, the pastor stood in the
center aisle, looked deeply into the eyes of the gathered congregants, and said, “As your pastor, I have the
privilege of seeing you midweek and hearing your heart-breaking stories of brokenness. Then in our weekend
worship services, I have the pain of watching you hide your hurt away.”
My heart ached at the hidden hurts God came to heal. The writer of Hebrews describes the Word of
God as alive and active. Many have understood this “word” to be the Bible, but it’s even more than that. Je-
sus is the living Word of God. He evaluates our thoughts and attitudes--and loves us still.
Jesus died to give us access to God’s presence, all the time. And while we all know it’s not wise to share
everything with everyone, we also know that God intends His Church to be a place where we can live unapolo-
getically as broken and forgiven followers of Christ. It’s to be a place where we can “carry each other’s bur-
dens” (Galatians 6:2).
What are you hiding from others today? And how are you trying to hide from God as well? God sees us
through Jesus. And He still loves us. Will we let Him?
Who will you prayerfully consider letting help you carry your burdens? God sees us with the eyes of a
Father.
From “Our Daily Bread,” July 14, 2018.
August Greeters
5 - Dave Guffey
12 - Ray Fleming
19 - Tom & Nancy Neilson
26 - Craig & Deb Wollenberg
August Scripture Reading
5 - Shirley Strohl
12 - Judy Isaac
19 - Deb Fuller
26 - Marguerite Fox Picou
Wisdom and Riches by Woodrow Kroll In Early in the Morning
I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
Proverbs belongs to that segment of the Old Testament designated as "wisdom literature." Such proverbial teaching repre-
sents one of the most ancient forms of instruction. The wisdom literature of Israel was the chief storehouse of moral and practi-
cal instruction for the Jews. It guided the head of state as well as the head of the home. It embodied the difference between
right and wrong, righteousness and unrighteousness. But most of all, Israel's wisdom literature taught the Jews how to live
before Jehovah. It contrasted the wisdom of the world, a wisdom of possessions, with the wisdom of God, a wisdom of piety.
Proverbs teaches us that all who would live godly must seek the wisdom of God and forsake the wisdom of the world. To seek
divine wisdom, therefore, is to seek to know God better and to possess less. Wisdom is God; and speaking as wisdom, God
says, "I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me" (Proverbs 8:17). God is to be sought early in life
and early in each day of life. When we show Him we love Him in this way, He shows us He loves us by filling our day with His
wisdom.
Seeking the wisdom of God and the God of wisdom does not necessarily mean we will be paupers on this earth. God says,
"Riches and honor are with me; yea durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea than fine gold; and my
revenue than choice silver" (Proverbs 8:18-19). The revenue paid by seeking this world's wealth is temporal gain and a fre-
quent deterrent to godliness. The revenue gained by seeking divine wisdom is eternal gain and an everlasting aid to godliness.
Therefore, the truly wise person in this world will seek God's wisdom instead of the world's wealth. But should God allow us to
have both, our attitude toward our possessions will be, "Every man to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given
him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God" (Ecclesiastes 5:19).
An English nobleman once visited Josiah Wedgwood to see how he made his legendary china and pottery. A young apprentice
was instructed to give the nobleman a tour of the factory. The nobleman didn't believe in God and was sacrilegious and foul-
mouthed, and he consistently ridiculed the Bible during the tour. At first the young apprentice was shocked, but after awhile he
began to laugh when the man made his cynical remarks. Josiah Wedgwood was greatly disturbed by this, especially when he
saw how his young apprentice was being influenced by this wealthy nobleman. Later the atheist asked if he could purchase a
particularly expensive vase. As he handed it to the nobleman, Wedgwood deliberately let it crash to the floor. With a vile oath
the nobleman angrily said, "That's the one I really wanted and now it's shattered by your carelessness." Josiah Wedgwood
replied, "Sir, there are things more precious than any vase things that can never be restored once they are ruined. I can make
another vase, but you can never give back to my helper the pure heart you've defiled by your vile language and sacrilegious
talk!"
The nobleman was an example of a man who did not seek the Lord early but sought riches all the day. Josiah Wedgwood is a
fine example of a man who early sought the Lord and recognized that his wealth was a gift from God. God never intended that
we should not have riches; He only intended that riches should not have us. It is vitally important for Christians who possess
wealth not to be possessed by it. Seek the wisdom of the Lord early in the day, before earning the wealth of the world. Then
use that wealth in a way which will bring eternal reward.
August Birthdays -
2 - Dick Walsh 7 - Jean Hall Kafes 24 - Matt Smith
3 - Dave Guffey, Henry Dunn Sr. 8 - Deb Wollenberg, Dixie Cabucci 29 - Sally Rohrer
5 - Rowena Kuhn 9 - Lois Smith 30 - Zanetta Tewksbury, David Pavey
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 Day of Prayer
8AM H.H. at Cup
2
3 4
5 COMMUNION
10AM Morning Worship
“Crumbs on the Carpet” following morning worship in Welcome Center
6
6PM Trustees
7
9AM Prayer and Bible Study
8 9
10
1PM Fellowship Team
11
12
10AM Morning Worship
Church Picnic immediately following at Riverfront Park
3PM Virginia Rice piano recital in church sanctuary
Pastor Rachel on vacation
13 14
9AM Prayer and Bible Study
1:30PM Christian Ed Team
15 Tidings Deadline
1PM Prayer and
Bible Study -
Richards Home
5:30 Kid’s Club Pool Party at Ferrario Home
16
6PM Stewardship
Team
17 18
19
10AM Morning Worship
2PM Youth Group to Knoebel’s
20
1PM Worship Team
21
9AM Prayer and Bible Study
Sr. Citizens Day
22 23
24 25
26
10AM Morning Worship
5PM “Thank You” Dinner at Community Alliance Church
27
Pastor Rachel on
study leave
28
9AM Prayer and Bible Study
6PM Session
29
Pastor Rachel on
vacation
30
31
AUGUST 2018
5th - 9th - Vacation Bible School at Wysox Presbyterian
RiverFest
Pastor Rachel on vacation