MARCH 2017

Dustin Cook 3/01/00Callee Warner 3/03/10Patricia Scarborough 3/03/04Sandie Zionkowski 3/03/--Olivia Minturn 3/06/97Hayden Lord 3/-7/08Billy Minturn 3/07/--Aubrey Spearing 3/08/08Nathan White 3/08/--Robert Cook 3/08/--Erika Cook 3/08/--Lacee Warner 3/12/12Kelly White 3/14/--Robert Way 3/15/--Carter McAdam 3/16/16Nicholas Snyder 3/17/--Amanda Thompson 3/17/--Brandon Brown 3/18/00Diana Petlock 3/18/--P. Dean Homer 3/18/--Nichole Johnson 3/18/--Kaitlyn Nonnemacher 3/19/06Karen Ballard 3/20/--Sylvia Ballard 3/20/--Diana Black 3/20/--Amelia Homer 3/20/--

Wyalusing Presbyterian Church79 Church StreetPO Box 25Wyalusing PA 18853return service requested

WONDER OF WONDERSThe world is filled with wonders, writes Nathaniel Olson. Consider chemistry: Salt is formed by two poisonous substances (sodium and chlorine). The alnico magnet, the world’s strongest, contains three nonmagnetic substances (aluminum, nickel and cobalt). And water consists of oxygen (which is flammable) and hydrogen (which burns easily); yet water puts out fires!That pales in comparison to the wonder of salvation through Jesus. Every day, Olson writes, Jesus transforms filthy, hopeless sinners into new, forgiven creations. “On the skid rows of our cities, in wealthy and poor homes, in jungles ... whenever any soul wants Christ, the wonder of the new birth is taking place.”

Cameron & Kaela Smith 3/19/11

THE KEY OF THE DAY: Prayer should be the key of the day and the lock of the night. —George Herbert

Doug Thompson 3/21/--Thomas Beyer 3/22/--Rhonda McCarty 3/22/--Silas Wayman 3/23/15Matisyn Lord 3/24/06Tessa Petlock 3/25/03Linda Moon 3/25/--Caleb Petlock 3/28/11Cody Pickett 3/28/--Anne Gamble 3/29/--Tiffani Warner 3/30/--Mat Taylor 3/31/--Kay Homer 3/31/--

MARCH 2017

the

In Gratitude: In the midst of winter’s chill,

as we grow impatient for spring, fill us with your warmth and new life,

dear Lord.

SPECIAL DATES

March 1, 2017The year the Ash Wednesday Service will be held at the Wyalusing United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. All are welcome!

World Day of Prayer, March 3, 2017

Creative Creator, I’m awestruck by the variety of people

in this world and church, all of whom reflect your image!

Help me show love to all as I would to you.

March 5, 2017

CHURCH OFFICERS’ LEADERSHIP MEETINGFollowing the worship service.

[Rescheduled from February 12]

The FRONT PORCH is the monthly newsletter of Wyalusing Presbyterian Church located at 179 Church Street in the heart of Wyalusing Pennsylvania. The vision of Wyalusing Presbyterian Church is to nurture faith inJesus Christ, and through that faith, reach out to all people in Christian love. Phone: 570-746-3333 E-mail: wpchurch@ptd.net web site: www.wyalusingpc.org

+ Christian Symbol +

HenThe hen represents Jesus’ deep care and compassion even for those who killed prophets God had sent to them. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem,” mourned Jesus shortly before his death. “How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37, ESV).

This is Hunger Sunday

MEET THURSDAY, MARCH 9 at 5:30 P.M

March 10 , 2017Horizons Bible StudyWho Is Jesus? What a Difference a Lens Makes’ by Judy Yates Siker [A New Testament scholar and an

ordained teaching elder in the PC (USA)] .

The sixth lesson Scripture is Hebrews 4: 14-16 ; 12:1-2. The group will view the DVD that accompanies this lesson in the study and hear Rev. Siker’s comments about these verses.. In her Horizons magazine column for lesson 5 Katie Mulligan titles this month’s lesson: “Sowers and Seeds and Weeds and Deeds” and poses these questions: 1. “Who is in your great cloud of witnesses? Who are the faithful who have nourished your faith and encouraged you?” 2. “Hebrews 11 lists some of the faithful who came before us in the Old Testament/Hebrew scriptures. Who in our great cloud of biblical witnesses inspires you?” 3. “What does it mean to you that Jesus has run the race before us?” Rosalind Banbury, writing about the lesson for Presbyterian Outlook offers a description of early Christians in terms we can recognize today:”Have you ever had a moment when you felt like you just wanted to

give up? There are times when family relationships, finances, illness, addiction or other trouble kicks us in the gut. Maybe you feel that way today or maybe it was long ago. Certainly that is how the early Christians to whom The Letter to the Hebrews is written were feeling.”… “In a stirring section in Hebrews 11, the preacher evokes the memories of those who have handed the faith down to us. The preacher reminds us of those people who have entrusted us with this precious gift of love of God for us, who have trusted God with their lives...” her comments conclude with these encouraging words: “Go for it! Go for it! Go for the prize of our heavenly call I Christ Jesus!”

PLEASE NOTICE the change to an earlier date this month! The study group will meet March 10 at Margaret Dabback’s home at 10:30 a.m.

March 12, 2017 Daylight-Saving Time begins

Girl Scout Sunday

March 12, 2017

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS meet at 8:30 a.m.

March 19, 2017

DEACONS meet after worship.

…from the DEACONS BENCH Katy Stoddard, Linda Moon, Sylvia Ballard Colleen Brown, Sue Fenton, Marleah Stevens, Marilyn Ross, & Cari McCarty

The Deacons met on Sunday 02/12/17 after our worship service.

The following cards were sent: Get well, Valentines for our college students and several sympathy cards.

The Deacon in charge of Greeters and Ushers for March is Katy Stoddard and Marilyn Ross. Sign up in the vestibule if you would like to greet your church family. The meeting was closed in prayer.

Please let any of the Deacons if you have a need or

concern. We are here for you.

Our Next Meeting will be March 19th immediately following church service.

March 20, 2017

TUESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDYContinues March 7, 14, 21 & 28ROMANS STUDY:  The Tuesday night Bible Study began exploring the book of Romans on Tuesday, November 22, at 6:30 PM.  and continues through the month of March This study group meets in the Choir Room. Be sure to contact

Barry if you are interested in joining this study group so he can catch you up on where the study is this month. 

GIVING UP GUILTRev. Greg Boyle, a

Jesuit priest who ministers to high-risk youth in Los Angeles, once quipped, “I ... don’t do guilt. I gave it up for Lent years ago.” Many Christians give up something for Lent but usually not guilt! Rather, Lent is seen as a time to somberly examine our sinful nature. Having witnessed sin’s tragic March 26, 2017effects through addiction, violence and gang warfare, Father Boyle realizes that dwelling on guilt doesn’t lead to hope or healing. Instead, he helps young people discover their God-given strengths and their ability to make life-affirming choices. His nonprofit Homeboy Industries provides positive alternatives for teenagers, who

are reminded not of their guilt but of their identity as God’s beloved children.

On Good Friday Jesus conquered sin and death so we don’t have to wallow in guilt. Giving our lives to God frees us to live in the joy of forgiveness.

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING Around the world, millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity. Each gift to One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) helps to improve the lives of people in these challenging situations. The Offering provides us a way to share

God’s love with our neighbors in need. In fact, OGHS is the single, largest way that Presbyterians come together every year to work for a better world. One Great Hour of Sharing, received during the season of Lent (March 1 -

April 15), makes a difference in the world through three impactful programs: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) Works alongside communities as they recover and find hope after the devastation of natural or human-caused disasters . Receives 32% of funds raised

Presbyterian Hunger Program (PHP) Takes action to alleviate hunger and the systemic causes of poverty so all may be fed. Receives 36% of funds raised

Self-Development of People (SDOP) Invests in communities responding to their experiences of racism, oppression, poverty and injustice and educates Presbyterians about the impact of these societal ills

Receives 32% of funds raised

WPC will receive the One Great Hour of Sharing offerings on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. The giving envelopes will be in the Palm Sunday bulletins

WHY HE QUIT GOING TO SPORTS EVENTS A pastor gave these reasons why he stopped attending sports events: “Every time I went, they asked me for money. The people with whom I had to sit didn’t seem very friendly. The seats were too hard and not comfortable. The coach never came over to talk to me. The referee made a decision with which I could not agree. I was sitting near some hypocrites who came only to see what others are wearing. Some games went overtime, and I was late getting home. The band played some numbers that I had never heard before. The games are scheduled when I want to do other things. Since I read a book on sports, I feel that I know more than the coaches anyhow. I don’t want to take my children because I want them to choose for themselves what sport they like best.” (Following was this postscript: “With apologies to those who use the same excuses for not going to church.”)

and of course, you can pick up a FISH BANK at any time during the Lenten season.

MISSION GIVING! Mission Team: Elders Deb Minturn & Mike Jensen

Throughout the year WPC supports local charities: Towanda Area Christian Outreach, Hezekiah’s Hands, , Helping Hands, Endless Mountains Pregnancy Care Center, Grace Connection; Rev. Cameron Smith, the Howard family and the Wyalusing Youth Group. The first Sunday of each month we leave the HUNGER BASKET at the Greeters table in the front hall – all donations in the basket go to Towanda Area Christian Outreach (TACO) which helps needy people in Bradford County including many in our school district.

The Noisy Can Collections for January – April will go toward camperships for our children attending summer camp at Camp Lackawanna..

Helping Hands can always use cans of tuna and/or mac & cheese! Add these to our shopping cart in the front hall during March.

Thank you to all who continue to support our outreach programs with the many generous donations.

NEWS from our

SCOTLAND LINK ! From the Manse…

“… a word from our new minister:I am writing this brief note on Sunday 29th January, having had my final service at Lylesland

this morning and the farewell social lunch a!erwards. It has been a big day, bringing to afitting close our eight plus years in Paisley.Sheila and I (with Zak the dog!) now look ahead with excitement to moving to Hawick On Tuesday, to the induction on Friday and all that lies ahead. We do so trusting in the Lord who watches over our coming and going both now and forever.We look forward to getting to know you all in St Mary’s & Old and Teviot & Roberton overthe coming weeks and months and to beginning a new ministry among you in a verydifferent place for us. Please join us in prayer for the empowering of the Holy Spirit forfaithfulness and fruitfulness as I give myself to the ministry of God’s Word and prayer and allthat this ministry will involve.This is as just a brief word for now; I’m sure there will be further opportunity for me to tellyou more about myself after I arrive!May God bless us together in this new beginning.”

- Alistair Cook

LACKAWANNA PRESBYTERYE-NEWS

In case you missed it, Lackawanna Presbytery Friends, we now have a new moderator and vice moderator. 2016 Moderator Rev. Bill Samford installed CRE Leslie Bullock as 2017 Moderator and Rev. Roger Griffith as 2017

Braintrim Baptist Church & “Sheldon funeral Homes are sponsoring a 13 week grief support group using the nationally used Grief/ Share materials. Each meeting presents a DVD featuring experts in grief and ordinary people sharing their stories,, plus an optional discussion time. Most of those attending in the past have appreciated the times of information and sharing. The meetings are held Thursday, February 2 – April 27 at Sheldon Funeral Home in Wyaluisng. ( no charge) A person does not have to enter at the first session nor complete any number of sessions. He/she could come at any time and is not committed for the duration. All session are

Vice Moderator at the February stated meeting. The presbytery's new officers and new teams are ready for some exciting happenings coming soon...

…from Our Neighbors & Friends:MARCH 10 - Manhattan Clam Chowder and Bread Sale, Dunmore PC, takeouts only, 4:00-6:00 PM, reserve at dunmorepresb@verizon.net

MARCH 13-14 - Deepening Connections, Inspiring Innovation, Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators, McKeever Environmental Learning Center, Sandy Lake, PA

MARCH 17 - East Meets West: Cosmic Christ, Kirkridge Retreat Center, Bangor, PA, kirkridge.org

MARCH 29-31 - Hatchathon: Growing Missional Ideas into Actionable Ministries, Lackawanna Presbytery invitation from Congregational Innovation Team, Princeton Theological Seminary, more info from Alex Becker pastor@langcliffeavoca.church

MARCH 30 - The Cross and the Lynching Tree, part of series on Theology, Racism, and Christian Practice at St. Mark's PC, sponsored by Presbyterian Outlook and National Capital Presbytery, info at pres-outlook.org

MARCH 31-APRIL 2 - Singing in the African American Tradition, Kirkridge Retreat Center, Bangor, PA, kirkridge.org 

Did you know? The Mission Yearbook is still published for FREE

on the PCUSA website.

Go to pcusa.org and scroll down to the red arrow on the right for each day's entry.

NOTES FROM HOME: GENERAL ASSEMBLY AMENDMENTS -

Introduced at the November stated meeting, discussed at our February presbytery meeting, these will be voted on in May, and you can read them in entire here: http://www.pcusa.org/resource/ga222-proposed-amendments-constitution/

The Kitchen Store in Owego does private cooking class parties. They have an opening on

Friday March 24th the cost is 39.00 per person the minimum number in class is 6 the maximum is 12.  We can do any menu or make up one. We often talk about  having a woman's night out - didn't know if anybody would be interested in doing something like this. If you are let Pat Brown know at 570-746-3407 or e-mail pbrown1@ptd.net

2017 Apportionment up-date - - - The current roles show Wyalusing Presbyterian Church with 196 active members. The cost of apportionment this year will be $31.00 per member.  WPC’s total for 2017 is $6, 076.00 Our church receives a discount if we pay weekly so the sooner the better!  We thank you for paying your apportionment which supports the day to day work of PC(USA) & our own Presbytery of Lackawanna.

Remember our shut-ins - Let them know you are thinking of them with a visit, a phone call or a card: Becky Nevins & June Nevins at Highlands 918 Main St. LaPorte, PA 18626 and Jeanette Chamberlin (let us know if you have her address!)

Another successful Friends Day has come and gone! First of all, everyone who worked to make the day work as well as it did deserves a big “Thank You!” Additionally, everyone who invited a friend deserves a “way to go!” There sure were a lot of kids! We really love kids in our worship services—they are a blessing from God, and we church folks have the responsibility of being good stewards of this young lives. We want to guide them to a life of Christian

discipleship. There were some adult guests in our service, too. How easy it is to invite a friend to church! I personally invited three people—alas, none could make it. I did get at least one rain check, however. So, thanks for everyone who made Friends Day successful again this year.

Let’s think about that invitation thing again. It is not really that difficult to simply invite someone to attend a church event, right? Invitation is the first step in extending the opportunity for evangelism and discipleship to those outside of Christianity. The second step is hospitality. As we welcome folks into our gatherings, we hope to help them feel that they have a place, a safe space, and the potential to belong. Hopefully, as our guests worship with us, engage in the church’s teaching—especially from the foundation of Biblical integrity—mobilize in mission with us, and get to know us at social events, they will continue down a path of discipleship. We hope to help people become Jesus’ disciples, and foster spiritual growth for us all. It all starts with a simple invitation.

It has been said that Christianity is always one generation away from extinction. However, if we at WPC keep a “Friends Day” attitude all year, we can prevent this from happening. Being good stewards of the children in our midst by helping them know Jesus and grow into discipleship helps prevent this. Continuing to invite people to join us on Sunday and for other occasions, then welcoming new folks with hospitality helps prevent this. Maintaining Biblical integrity distinguishes our church’s identity as Christian, and that keeps extinction from happening. All of these elements work together to help people get to know Jesus, our Savior and our Lord, our Friend and our King.

May we continually ask God to direct us to people whom we can invite to church. God is faithful, and I believe God will do it.

…from Pat Brown:

I want to say Thank You to all who helped in providing the luncheon after Randy's burial. Our Church set a 2017 goal to be more missional focused, that luncheon was a major outreach to many who are 'unchurched'. I can't imagine that a seed wasn't planted in many hearts that it was Randy's Grandparents Church Family offering a place of comfort, not any of the organization that he belonged to. Randy had also been baptized in our

church and we held our promise made to him 47 years ago. Thanks So Much and continue to keep the family in your prayers.

… and to Kathy Trowbridge, Barb & George Hugo, Sylvia Ballard, Pat Hoffman and Todd Miller for their special assistance with the Woodruff dinner.

SPECIAL THANKS *To our LAY READERS of the past several months: Lisa & Mckenna Mapes, Marilyn Ross, Pat Brown, Lorna Snyder, Matisyn Lord, Noah & Liz Kilmer, Callen & Kiley Pickett, Cari McCarty,

Madilson Eberlin, John Petlock , Lynn Petlock, Mary Eberlin, Kenneth Mapes, Jr., Amy Eberlin, and George Hugo. We are so appreciative of your sincere readings of the scriptures. * If there is someone you would like to recognize for their volunteer work in the church – especially those “silent” church mice - who see a need and just do it with no fanfare – please be sure to mention it to Diana.

... from Bryce Wiebe, Director of Special Offerings for the Presbyterian Mission Mission Agency, thank you for your recent gift to the “Christmas Joy offering… Gifts to all of our Special Offerings represent Presbyterians from all over the United States joining together with a common purpose – sharing Christ’s love. … (see letter on the Sigler Hall bulletin board)

… to Wyalusing Presbyterian Church… Thank you for your continued support of

Helping Hands Food Pantry in our mission to feed our neighbors. Together in 2016 we provided food for 8130 individual and packded 9,126 Packpacks.

WOWZA!! THANKS AGAiN, Peg ,

… 2 letters from TACO:The board of directors of Towanda Area

Christian Outreach Food Pantry thank the WPC congregation for their very generous donation of $145….donated to the food pantry on December 31, 2016… Thank you for your donation of food given to the pantry on January 27, 2017. Your gift is very appreciated and will help us in our continuing mission to ensure that no one in our local area goes without food. Sincerely, Sandra L. Niuman

There are always thanks for the providers of “joyful songs”… Thank you to Pat Brown for her beautiful piano solo on February 12, to Shannon Lord for her wonderful vocals as special music and our offertory on February 26 and to our delightful Sunday School students for their strong leadership and enthusiastic singing on Friends Day, February 19!

… to everyone who helped with the ‘Fat Tuesday’ Pancake Supper (February 28).. the Youth Group appreciates your support!

THE YOUTH GROUP NEWS ! The Wyalusing Youth Group continues to meet weekly at 5:00 at WPC. The group is open to any 7th-12th Grade Students in

the community. We gather for fun food, fun games, and a lesson. We do some singing, too, or at least make a joyful noise to the Lord. Sometimes we do special events like go to movies or have parties instead of the regular meeting. Whatever we are doing, we have a great time in a safe environment. Karen and Barry Ballard co-lead along with Heather and Scott McAllister from the Wyalusing United Methodist Church. Keep up with the latest Youth Group information on the Wyalusing Youth Group Facebook page, where we post what is going on each week.

A Note from Sylvia Ballard Hello Church Family:

I am writing to update you on the current theatrical endeavor of my grand-daughter, Kirstyn.  She will be graduating from the University of the Arts this upcoming May with a BFA in Musical Theatre, and is lucky enough to know her immediate post-grad plans!  Over

the past several months, she has been a part of developing a new play called Edison.  Kirstyn has been given the incredible opportunity to compose the music for this new work, and the production has recently been accepted into the Prague and Edinburgh Fringe Festivals over the summer of 2017!  She and the group will be traveling across Europe to perform this show in various locations as well as the two main festivals.

I am writing to ask for your support, and to send you the link to her fundraising page if you are interested in donating!

This is an amazing opportunity for Kirstyn to expand her theatre network in ways that are not possible at home.  She will be able to make connections that have potential to launch her career by gaining exposure to the international theatre community and honing her craft with some of the most gifted people creating theatre today.  The Edinburgh Fringe alone features about 3,500 different shows over the course of a month and hosts over 30,000 artists from all over the world.  This insane amount of theatre is found nowhere within the USA.  What Kirstyn will learn on this tour will help define her as an aspiring artist in this wildly competitive industry.

The group is receiving a bit of aid from UArts in regards to funding, however each of the artists participating in the tour is required to contribute.  After including her own money and other fundraising, Kirstyn is still $2,500 away from the total cost of the trip.  The money that she raises will be contributed to her housing, airfare, and travel within Europe.  These arrangements need to be made by March 17th.

“After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.”

―Aldous Huxley

“Music comes from an icicle as it melts, to live again as spring water.” —Henry Williamson

LOOKING AHEAD - - -

WPC ‘S GOOD STUFF YARD SALE …. coming ….

APRIL 3…….. ……...7 & 8

Willing to WorshipLamentation is a powerful, and

meaningful, form of worship because it places our love for God above even the worst of circumstances in our life. ... God does not ask us to deny the existence of our suffering. He does want us to collect it, stand in those things and make him an offering.

The Holy Spirit, our Comforter, helps us to do this: He aligns himself with our will and says, “I will help you to will to worship God.” The glory of the majesty

Bible Quiz

In John 4, Jesus talks with a woman about living water. Where does that conversation take place?

A. SycharB. SamariaC. GalileeD. Jacob’s well

Answer: A, B and D (See John 4:4-7ff.)

“It must’ve been a candy apple. I can’t believe Adam and Eve would do us in for plain fruit.”

Relentless PrayersAre you reluctant to bring the same

prayers to your heavenly Father over and over? Maybe you don’t want to trouble God; after all, he already knows what you’re going to say. Plus, you’re not worthy to ask for anything!

If those thoughts surround you, think about Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint. At 16, he was dragged from his home to be a slave. Patrick tended sheep in the cold. Hungry and miserable, he begged God for mercy and deliverance.

In his Confessio, Patrick recalls praying “a hundred times in the day and almost as many at night.” Without ceasing, he told God of his needs, wants, thanksgiving and confession. And God

From Great to GoodJim Collins’ 2001 book Good to

Great featured companies that had “made the leap” to greatness. Years later, many of them are no longer great; some aren’t even around.

Should Christians seek greatness? After all, our attempts to be great — wealthy, powerful, successful, famous — often become the “enemies” of our doing the good God commands.

God’s Word flips on its head the saying “good is the enemy of great.” The meek, Jesus teaches, will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5). “Whoever would be great among you,” he says, “must be your servant” (Mark 10:43, ESV). One of Jesus’ most famous parables is called the Good Samaritan, not the Great Samaritan. And goodness, not greatness, is a fruit of the Spirit.

Christians and churches are called

“I AM committed to church. I go sometimes, once in a while, every now and then, on Christmas and on Easter!”

God’s Kids Say & Do The Funniest Things At Sunday School they were teaching how God c r e a t ed everything, including human beings. Little Johnny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam’s ribs. Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and she said,

“Johnny, what is the matter?” Little Johnny responded,

“I have a pain in my side. I think I’m going to have a wife.”