June-July 2017 Tidings

1st Presbyterian Church of Towanda

My schedule for this summer is a full slate of promising church, family, and community activi-

ties. Here’s what I will be up to in the coming months.

From June 5-12, I will be taking study leave. During this time, I will explore more ways we can

use the internet to promote our ministries in the community. This will involve critiquing how our

current web site can improve, whether it is doing what we need it to do to be most effective, and

whether our web hosting company is adequate to optimize this kind of technology for us. (Meredith

Guffey has kindly offered to share her expertise in this! Thank you!) I will also research the accessi-

bility of our web site on mobile devices (phones, tablets), and the possibility of posting our sermons/

worship services on YouTube. I will also learn how to create PowerPoint presentations that include

music and animated features, and create music videos like the ones we use in worship. I also intend

to read Growing Young: Six Essential Strategies to Help Young People Discover and Love Your

Church, and Beyond the Screen: Youth Ministry for the Connected but Alone Generation. If there is

time, I hope to start reading Blur: A New Paradigm for Understanding Youth Culture.

In the latter part of June, I will be taking part in the Hezekiah’s Hands work week for two days,

and in the community VBS program we are hosting. Both of these are ministries YOU can be in-

volved with. Please see Nancy Hughey and Deb Fuller to volunteer.

In early July, I will be volunteering at Camp FLEA (see related article in this newsletter). You

can join me as a volunteer, and carpool with me down to Camp Brule. Meanwhile, I will be taking

part in youth group activities and preparing for our mission trip to Pittsburgh (another related arti-

cle in this newsletter).

In late July, I will head to York County for my 30th high school reunion, which happens to fall

on the weekend of my Mom’s birthday. When I return, I’ll pack for our mission trip the following

week. When I return from Pittsburgh, I will be on vacation from August 7-14. During part of that

time, I will join family and friends in the Thousand Islands region of New York, where I will kayak,

cycle, swim, and veg. Later in August, I may travel to York to attend my cousin Jessica’s wedding re-

ception.

(continued on next page)

From Pastor Rachel

Throughout the summer, I will be continuing my play in the local women’s tennis league,

and practicing my cello. Like you, I’ll be keeping up with the gardening at my home, and enjoying

fellowship time. But as you know, busyness is no excuse for skipping worship or neglecting our

time with God, reading His Word, and sharing our hearts with Him in prayer. There’s no vacation

from our walk with the Lord! My prayer is that all of us will use this summer to serve Jesus, grow

closer to Him, and praise Him with gratitude for all He’s doing in our lives. May our faith in

Christ blossom and grow more than our summer gardens!

Prayer Items for Days of Prayer on June 7 and July 5

For the Holy Spirit to stir in us a passion to know Him, serve Him, love Him, and follow

His ways every day this summer. May we not rest until we rest in Him.

For the Lord to bless our many summer ministries and activities, that His Word goes forth

clearly, that hearts are touched, and that His name is glorified in all we say and do.

For our graduates to draw close to the Lord and grow in faith as He leads them into the

next phase of their lives. Congratulations, again!

For our government leaders at all levels to seek the Lord and His wisdom for their own

lives, and for their leadership decisions.

For the leadership of our church to grow in faith, wisdom, and joy. May this summer be a

time of spiritual growth and refreshment for all of us.

Endless Mountains Pregnancy Care Center

We recently participated in the Baby Bottle Campaign in support of EMPCC. Here is a list of some of

the client needs:

Diapers (all sizes – most often they are in need of size 4 – 6)

12 – 18 month boys and girls clothing (NEW)

24 month boys and girls clothing (NEW)

Infant car seats

Toddler car seats

Pack-n-play

The Towanda office is located at 13 State St. and is open Tuesday 9-6 and Thursday 9-4.

“It’s not too late for

you to join the Relay

for Life team”

Relay for Life on June 10

If you’re reading this in late May or early June,

it’s not too late for you to join the Relay for Life team

our local churches are collaborating for. To join this

fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, go to re-

layforlife.org, find the Bradford County Walk, and

join our Kingdom for a Cure team. You can also call

800-227-2345.

If you opt not to walk, you can also still support

Pastor Rachel in her walk. As of May 24, she’d raised

over $800! Just give her your check, made out to the

American Cancer Society. Please be in prayer for her

and other walkers as they take part. Thank you!

Get Involved With Camp FLEA!

Applications are now being accepted for children

ages 9-12 to take part in the free, 20th annual Camp

FLEA (Family Life Enrichment Adventure) to be held

July 5-8 at Camp Brule, Sullivan County. As she did

last year, Pastor Rachel will be helping as a camp

counselor. She had a great time and was very im-

pressed with the quality of the program and the Chris-

tian influence that was obvious. There are plenty of

great recreational activities, music, and healthy living

segments. If you or someone you know would enjoy

taking part, please have them contact Bradford

County CYS at 265-1760 by June 16.

News About Our 2017 Graduates

This year, we have quite a few graduates who have been part of our congregation. We will be

hosting a graduation reception for them after worship on June 18. Here’s what’s up with them. Con-

grats to all! We’re proud of you!

Meredith Guffey graduated magna cum laude from Houghton College with a Bachelor in Fine

Arts in Applied Design and Visual Communications. She is looking for a position as a graphic designer,

perhaps in an educational setting.

Brock Horton is graduating from Athens High School.

He is attending Wilkes University, where he will major in com-

puter science. He is also committed to wrestling for their team.

Shane Martin is graduating from Towanda High School.

He is enrolling at Penn State-Altoona to major in business and

minor in accounting. He also plans to play baseball and cheer on

the Nittany Lions at as many home football games as possible.

Ashley Mount completed her 2-year degree in agribusiness at Morrisville State College, which

is southeast of Syracuse. She is staying on to complete her Bachelor’s degree in the same field, though

she expects it will only take her one more year to finish. This summer, she is busy with an internship

with livestock, and is settling into her first apartment.

Clayton Mount is graduating from Troy High School. This summer, he will continue to be ac-

tive in the youth hunting competitions he’s been so successful with. Did you know that last year, Clay-

ton was ranked #8 overall in the nation in shooting for his age group? When not doing this, he’ll be

working on the Gore farm. In the future, Clayton is considering welding, the military, or eventually col-

lege. For his senior project at the vo-tech, he is building a trailer that is large enough to haul a car. It is

the biggest project ever completed at the school.

Josh Pavey is graduating from Towanda High School. He will join his sister Jessica at Susque-

hanna University, where he plans to major in economics.

Nate Pitcher is graduating from North Rome Christian School. He is taking a year off to work.

After that, he hopes to study criminal justice or law.

Ben Seymour is graduating from high school in Norfolk, Virginia. Larry and Peg Putnam will

be traveling to take part in the event. His plans are not confirmed at this time.

On Sunday, June 4th, come and join us in celebrating

our faith through music as the Chancel Choir sings a collec-

tion of songs entitled “In Christ Alone.” The “Celtic-styled” mu-

sic is by the writing team of Keith and Kristyn Getty and Stuart

Townsend. These writers have an ever-increasing treasury of

hymns and sacred songs that have enhanced the worship of

many Christians throughout the world. This team’s music has

contributed to the growth of “modern hymnody.”

The Choir hopes that all will join in praise and worship

through the message and music of this collection of songs!

Church Picnic - June 11

The annual church picnic will take place on June 11 immediately

following worship. We will once again gather at the Riverfront Park

to enjoy fellowship and fun. Hot dogs and buns will be provided by

the Fellowship Team. Please bring your own table service, beverage

and a dish to pass. If you have a favorite lawn game bring that along

also.

June Birthdays

1 - Marge Pierce

2 - Henry Dunn, Kiersten Horton

5 - Wanda Stahl

9 - Stacy Mount

10 - Peg Durnin

12 - Reg Douglas

16 - Cathy Guffey

22 - Ken Parmenter

28 - Bill McConnell Sr.

29 - Evelyn Jones

July Birthdays

1 - David McLaud

3 - Shane Martin

8 - Meredith Guffey

9 - Josh Pavey

13 - Emily Carr

14 - Brooks Greenland

15 - Joan Gormley

21 - Matt Pavey

25 - James Guffey, Alexia Kinney

27 - Saige Greenland

28 - Christopher Horton

PANCAKES FOR SUPPER

Our Outreach Team is planning a Pancake Supper for Saturday, June 3,

from 5-7 PM. While we would love for you to come and enjoy, this is your

opportunity to invite family, neighbors, coworkers and friends to come and

see what this congregation is about. Come and bring a guest or two, and enjoy

terrific food, and warm fellowship. We will have pancakes, fruit, breakfast

meats, eggs, OJ, coffee and toppings. Cost is a donation.

Youth Group Gearing Up for Summer

Our Knight Life Youth Group will be relaxing from its weekly meeting schedule this

summer. Even so, we will have fun things to do, and will take part in a terrific mission trip to

Pittsburgh. We will be going bowling, playing bocce, swimming, grabbing a movie together

sometime, and doing a pre-mission trip team building/prep session.

For our mission trip, we will depart at 1 PM on Sunday, July 30, and return Friday,

August 4. We are staying for free at Southminster

Presbyterian Church in Mt. Lebanon, just south of

Pittsburgh. During our evenings, we will help with

a VBS program at a church in McKeesport, which is

a depressed area east of downtown. During our

afternoons, we will serve the disadvantaged

through the McKeesport church and another local

mission. One day, we will take off for fun. Weather

permitting, we will go to Kennywood Theme Park;

if not, we will go to the Science Center. We will also

have devotions, ministry discussions, and reflection time. Please pray for our trip. Pastor

Rachel and Pastor Bill Klees expect 6 youth to take part.

Thank you for your support of our youth group. We will need adult volunteers this fall.

PLEASE pray about volunteering one Sunday evening per month. This is a great group of

teens and you WILL be blessed by joining in as a mentor.

Pastor Rachel and Judy Douglas attended the Northeast Presbytery meeting held in Lib-

erty Corner, NJ, on May 5-6. This was an inspiring time of worship, fellowship, and encour-

agement that blessed both of them greatly.

There are a few news items to inform you of. First, this was the last official meeting of

Northeast Presbytery because as of July, it will multiply into 3 Presbyteries. This multiplica-

tion has become necessary because so many churches are joining. Since we joined ECO last

fall, over 100 more churches nationwide have also joined. ECO’s goal is to keep the number of

churches in a Presbytery small so they can meaningfully know each other and work together

in practical ministry. Our Presbytery is now called Cornerstone. The other two are Heritage,

and the Presbytery of the Northeast Coast.

Second, the Theological Task Force is busy on a local and national level to define which

historic confessions of faith should be part of our polity. If you would like more info about

this, please contact Pastor Rachel.

Third, we will not have a Presbytery “office” as was true in the PC(USA). The Presbyter-

ies will be administrated according to who is serving as the Moderator in any given year. Cur-

rently, our Moderators are Revs. Tim and Jan Devine of Endicott. Our Presbytery mailing

address is the home of the Stated Clerk, who is Bob Bryden (Honesdale). Next year, Pastor

Rachel will be the Moderator.

Fourth, our Cornerstone Presbytery expects to receive a new member church soon.

Elysburg Presbyterian Church will join us when it is officially dismissed by the PC(USA). This

will bring the number of churches in our Presbytery to 15.

Fifth, Cornerstone Presbytery will continue with these 2 Presbyteries to support a new

church plant in Boston. Brice Williams and Ken Liu have been led by God to start Garden City

Church in Jamaica Plain. The Lord is doing a great work in this city, as this church plant is

one of hundreds that have begun in metro Boston in the past few years. New England is

largely spiritually dead, so this is a very exciting work for us to be involved with. Please be in

prayer for this marvelous ministry!

(continued on next page)

(continued from Presbytery May Meeting)

Last but not least, our congregation will host the next Cornerstone Presbytery meeting on

October 13-14. This will be a fantastic way for you to see firsthand what this new ECO adventure is

all about—I promise you will be inspired and pleased. Look for more info about how you can join in!

And as always, if you have any questions, please contact Pastor Rachel or our Clerk of Session, Judy

Douglas. A Cornerstone Presbytery web site is also in the works.

June Elders on Call

4 - Danise Fairchild

11 - Art Richards

18 - Dave Guffey

25 - Craig Wollenberg

July Elders on Call

2 - Danise Fairchild

9 - Julie O’Donnell

16 - Tom Neilson

23 - Dick Walsh

30 - Judy Douglas

JUNE 25—29

6:00—8:00pm

Mighty Fortress — In Jesus, the Victory is Won!

Preschool through 6th graders are invited to join us for the celebration!

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

PRAY for many children to come, for sufficient staffing, for the glory and love of Jesus to

be shared and received.

PHOTOGRAPHER Needed.

VOLUNTEER to assist with a small group as they rotate through the learning centers.

DONATE to the mission project for Hezekiah’s Hands or to offset expenses.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

The Divine Conspiracy, for You

Let’s not allow our faith in Christ to become flabby during the

summer months. Make a point to attend the Sunday school

class Pastor Rachel will offer from July 2-August 6. We will use

the program The Divine Conspiracy: Jesus’ Master Class for

Life by Dallas Willard with Kevin and Sherry Harney. This is a

timely and challenging call about the true meaning of Christian

discipleship.

Gracefully weaving Biblical teaching, popular culture, science,

scholarship, and spiritual practice into one study, Willard

shows you the necessity of making profound changes in how

you view your life and live out your faith. It captures the core of

Christ’s teachings in a fresh, relevant light, revealing a way to

know God as an essential part of your “here and now.” Based

on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, Willard calls you to a deeper,

more authentic faith, and then offers a practical plan so you

can answer the call. Mark your calendar!

“Financial Peace University” To Be Offered

Approximately 76% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, regardless of their income,

“Broke” has become the new normal in our nation, but this doesn’t have to be true for you.

Taking control of you money starts with a plan, and Financial Peace University is that

plan!

Financial Peace University is financial expert Dave Ramsey’s nine-week money class.

You’ll learn practical ways to pay off debt, overcome your fear of budgeting, and create a

savings plan to replace retirement worries with financial peace.

More than 4.5 million people have changed their futures with Financial Peace University.

You can too!

Begins June 21, 2017 6:00 PM First Presbyterian Church Towanda

To sign up, please call Dave Guffey at 265-7518

HEZEKIAH’S HANDS WORK WEEK

June 19 - June 23

What is Hezekiah’s Hands?

It is a nonprofit Christian community dedicated to loving our neighbors as Christ has called

us to do. Our purpose includes upholding the dignity of vulnerable homeowners who live in

Bradford County. During the week of June 19 – June 23 we will send out crews of youth

and adult volunteers who give freely of their time and energy to perform free home repairs

for homeowners.

There is still time to sign up as a volunteer for this year’s mission week. Matters not if you

have one day or 5 days to offer, workers are very much needed. Also, if you know of anyone

who needs work done, please contact Nancy Hughey at nancy.hughey@gmail.com or call

570.265.3767. You may also call the church office at 265-5575. Having this information is

vital to a successful week and helps plan accordingly.

ALSO, our church is preparing the volunteer dinner for the first day of work. If you can

help with serving or clean-up (food has been taken care of) it would be much appreciated.

Please contact the church office if you can help.

SOME HUMOR FOR THE DAY

Perfect Timing

On vacation in Hawaii, my step-mom, Sandy, called a café to make reservations for 7

p.m. Checking her book, the cheery young hostess said, "I’m sorry, all we have is 6:45.

Would you like that?"

"That’s fine," Sandy said.

"Okay," the woman confirmed. Then she added, "Just be advised you may have to wait

15 minutes for your table."

Life Guards vs. Life Coaches

L.A. public pools don’t have lifeguards—[they] have life coaches. If they see you struggling in the water,

they say, “Are you happy with the decisions you’re making?” and give you a pamphlet for a yoga studio.

Golf in Heaven

A cleric found himself wondering whether there were any golf courses in Heaven. He even began to ask

the question in his prayers. One day, in answer to his prayers, he received a direct answer from on high.

"Yes," said the Heavenly messenger, "There are many excellent golf courses in Heaven. The greens are

always in first class condition, the weather is always perfect and you always get to play with the very

nicest people." “Oh, thank you," said the cleric, "That really is marvelous news." “Yes, isn't it?" replied

the messenger, "And we've got you down for a foursome next Saturday."

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” -Psalm 34:8

(NIV)

Thoughts from Deb Fuller, CEC

THANK YOU to those who generously “shopped” for the KIDS CLUB Family Night meal.

SUMMER KIDS CLUB DATES:

JUNE: 7th & 21st

JULY: Date still to be determined.

AUGUST: Pool Party on the 16th from 5:30—7:00 p.m.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday` Saturday

1 2 3

5-7 PM

Pancake Supper in

Patterson Hall

4 PENTECOST

“Communion”

10AM Worship

Chancel Choir Cantata

11:30AM S.S. Class

6PM Youth Group

3PM Bocce Ball Tour-nament at Community Alliance - Picnic at 5

5

5PM Trustees

5:45PM Healing

Journey

6

9AM Bible Study at the

Fox Home

9:45AM Prayer Group

at the Fox Home

11AM C.E. Team

7PM High School

Baccalaureate

7 Day of Prayer

8AM Hezekiah’s Hands

5:30PM Kid’s Club

8

7PM High School

Graduation

9

1PM Fellowship Team

Last Day of School

10

Bradford County

Relay for Life

at Wyalusing H.S.

10AM—10PM

11 Trinity Sunday

10AM Worship

11AM Church picnic

at Riverfront Park

12

5:45PM Healing

Journey

13

9AM Bible Study at the

Fox Home

9:45AM Prayer Group

at the Fox Home

1PM Worship Team

14 Flag Day 15

6PM Stewardship

Team

16 17

18 Father’s Day

TACO Sunday

10AM Worship

11AM Graduate

Reception in the

Welcome Center

19

5:30PM Outreach

Team

5:45PM Healing

Journey

20

9AM Bible Study at the

Fox Home

9:45AM Prayer Group

at the Fox Home

5:30PM Finance Team

21 Summer Begins

1PM Prayer Group at

Richards Home

5:30PM Kid’s Club

6PM Financial Peace

22 23 24

25

10AM Worship

26

5:45PM Healing

Journey

27

9AM Bible Study at the

Fox Home

9:45AM Prayer Group

at the Fox Home

28

6PM Financial Peace

29 30

June 2017

HEZEKIAH’S HANDS WORK WEEK

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL AT 1ST PRESBYTERIAN

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

2 Communion

10AM Worship

11:30AM Sunday

School

3

5PM Trustees

5:45PM Healing

Journey

Church office closed

4

Independence Day

Office

Closed

5 Day of Prayer

8AM Hezekiah’s

Hands

6PM Financial Peace

6 7 8

9

10AM Worship

11:30AM Sunday

School

10

5:30PM Outreach Team

5:45PM Healing

Journey

11

9AM Bible Study at the Fox Home

9:45AM Prayer Group at the Fox Home

6PM SESSION

12

6PM Financial Peace

13

Youth Group Swim

Party

14

1PM Fellowship Team

15

16 TACO Sunday

10AM Worship

11:30AM Sunday

School

17

5:45PM Healing

Journey

18

9AM Bible Study at the

Fox Home

9:45AM Prayer Group

at the Fox Home

19

1PM Prayer Group at

Richards Home

6PM Financial Peace

20

6PM Stewardship

Team

21 22

23

10AM Worship

11:30AM Sunday School

Community Day of Service with picnic to follow - Details T/B/A

24 25

9AM Bible Study at the

Fox Home

9:45AM Prayer Group

at the Fox Home

26

6PM Financial Peace

27 28 29

30

10AM Worship

11AM Crumbs on the

Carpet - Welcome

Center

31

July 2017