Lynn Petlock 8/01/--Madison Eberlin 8/03/97Chad Smith 8/08/--Lew Reinhart 8/15/--Scott Eberlin 8/16/99Joshua Stoddard 8/18/06Karyn Ross 8/18/--Gannon Byczkowski 8/19/11Doug Brown 8/18/--Margaret Dabback 8/20/--Parker Petlock 8/21/06Jimmy Howard 8/21/--Chloie Cummiskey 8/23/09Natalie Bennett 8/24/03Carl Button 8/24/--Pat Hoffman 8/25/--Aiden Neiley 8/26/09Amy Eberlin 8/26/--Dave Hindman 8/28/--Trey Taylor 8/30/--

Wyalusing Presbyterian Church79 Church Street

PO Box 25Wyalusing PA 1885

Return service requested

the

FRONTFRONT

Adam & Sara Petlock 8/15/15Sean & Bobbi Jo Gamble 8/23/14Robert & Julie Neiley 8/06/05Carmen & Eric Eberlin 8/22/92Pat & Robert Brown 8/16/80Lorna & Scott Snyder 8/21/76Caroline & Ken Taylor 8/31/68

AUGUST 2017

Prayers of Gratitude:

“The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season” (Psalm 145:15, NRSV). With harvest underway across the land, I thank you, Lord, for food — and for spiritual nourishment.

“Jesus loves me; this I know.” Thank you, Holy Spirit, for reminding me of this simple — yet profound — truth.

“Summer night — even the stars are whispering to each other.”

AUGUST 2017

FRONTFRONT

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

A Prayer to Start the Day:Bless each person today, Loving God.

Whether this week has been smooth or rocky,

may they find refuge in you.

CHRIST’S HANDS In World War II, bombs destroyed a church in Strasbourg, France. As parishioners cleared the rubble, they discovered a statue of Jesus that was now missing both hands. A visiting sculptor later offered to make repairs, but church members declined, saying Christ “has no hands to minister to the needy or feed the hungry or enrich the poor — except our hands. He inspires. We perform.” St. Teresa of Avila wrote:

Christ has no body but yours; no hands, no feet on earth but yours.Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassion on this world.Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good.Yours are the hands with which he blesses all the worldYours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body.Christ has no body now but yours.

THE POWER OF WEAKNESS In Tramp for the Lord, Corrie ten Boom describes traveling to Russia during the Cold War — when Christians were being persecuted — to thank an old woman who’d been secretly translating Christian books (including ten Boom’s). Ravaged by multiple sclerosis, the woman could move only an index finger. Yet with it she typed constantly, translating words while praying for people who’d eventually read them. Ten Boom’s reaction was, “Oh Lord, why don’t you heal her?” But the woman’s husband said God had a purpose in his wife’s suffering. Although the secret police closely watched other Christians, they left this woman alone, assuming she couldn’t accomplish anything. Jesus works through our weaknesses, making his power perfect in them (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). He doesn’t ask if we’re capable — only if we’re willing.

+ Christian Symbol +

SCALES - In biblical context, scales symbolize judgment, particularly divine judgment. In Daniel 5:27, the king is told he has been “weighed on the scales [by God] and found wanting.” Job also uses scales as a metaphor for judgment: “Let God weigh me in honest scales and he will know that I am blameless” (Job 31:6, NIV). Finally, scales may represent the archangel Michael, who is sometimes considered responsible for “weighing” the souls of the dead

OUR FRIENDS FROM

SCOTLAND ARE COMING!Pat Brown reminds us to look forward to the arrival of Rob Mitchell and Evelyn McAulay, our friends from Hawick, Scotland , on Tuesday, September 5, 2017. They will be with us until September 19th so check your calendars and start making plans for outings and meals and good times with these great people!

…from the DEACONS BENCH

Katy Stoddard, Linda Moon, Sylvia Ballard , Colleen Brown, Sue Fenton, Cari McCarty, Marleah Stevens & Marilyn Ross, Reportingthe Deacon Meeting: July 16, 2017

FOR INFORMATION: Deacon in charge of Greeters & Ushers for AUGUST = Sylvia Ballard Deacons to serve Communion in August = Linda Moon and Cari McCarty Next Meeting date is 08-20-2017 - right after worship. OLD BUSINESS: 07/16/17 A Sundae Sunday was served on the law after church. It was a beautiful day to be outside and everyone seemed to enjoy the fellowship not to mention the ice cream and delicious toppings. There were about 40 that stayed for the treat.CARDS SENT:

Get Well Cards: Three Thinking of You Cards: Four Sympathy Cards: Three Encouragement: OnePLEASE NOTICE! Anyone who has any extra assortment of greeting cards: the Deacon’s would appreciate them.  Just leave them in the Deacon box in the office.  If the door is locked just place them in the sorter on the door.

Cari closed the meeting in prayer.Respectfully Submitted, Marilyn Ross, Secretary

“Look! The world’s going on without us.”

from Joyful Noiseletter.com ©Martha Campbell reprinted with permission

GETGET READY! READY!

THE LOG IN YOUR EYEThis humorous illustration of how not to get along at college also demonstrates Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:3-5.A young man from Scotland went to study at an English university. A month into the school year, his mother visited and asked how he liked living in the dorm.

“It’s awful!” he exclaimed. “The fellow in the room next door bangs his head on the wall constantly, and the one on the other side screams all day.”

“How do you stand it?” his mother asked in amazement.

“Oh, I ignore them,” her son replied. “I just sit here quietly, playing my bagpipes.”

WPC’S mission team 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 & RUF at Carson-Newman University, the Howard family & Wycliffe Bible Translations (Papua New Guinea) and the Wyalusing Youth Group. Thank you to all who continue to support our outreach programs with the many generous donations.

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.

REMINDER! The NOISY CAN COLLECTIONS for May through August go toward Cam Smith’s mission work with college age students. [Barb Hugo shares this with us: …”a donor has come forward to help Cam in his ministry and offered a matching grant for each dollar donation that Cam receives up to $10,000! George and I are pleased to support Cam. He and Kaela are making disciples--helping people find Jesus Christ, and teaching them to live with and learn from the Lord. If there is one thing the world needs right now, it is more of Jesus' disciples! When we think of our what our children and grandchildren are facing in this world today, especially the challenges they face on college campuses, it reinforces our belief that we need more people like Cam and Kaela who are spreading the good Word. We understand finances can be tight, but if you can spare a few dollars, it will help the Smiths in their mission work and give Cam and Kaela encouragement to continue.” ] Please note: the donations have to be “new” in order to be matched – any donations you already faithfully give to CN each year will not be doubled; but, any additional one time gifts will be matched, and new monthly gifts will be matched.

HELPING HANDS food pantry can always use cans of tuna and/or mac & cheese AND right now they are looking for canned fruit and vegetables! Add these to our shopping cart in the front hall during July.

The Missions team has several projects coming up in partnership with Hezekiah's Hands, They are looking for team members to help with these projects.  If you have the skills, they need you!  Contact Mike Jensen and ask how YOU can help!.  

A reporter asked a 104-year-old woman:

“What do you think is the best thing about being 104?”

“No peer pressure,” she replied. ‒via George Goldtrap,

Ormond-by-the-Sea, FL

BIBLE STUDY NEWS Horizons Bible Study beginning September 15, 2017

“Cloud of Witnesses:  The Community of Christ in Hebrews”

2017-2018 Presbyterian Women/Horizons Bible Study Preview: (Introduction to Horizons

preview by Rosalind Banbury)“I received a note recently. There was no return address nor was the writer’s last name written anywhere. It was signed “Nancy.” I know three women with that name. So I was baffled as to who had written it. Like my note, the Letter to the Hebrews (hereafter “Hebrews”) comes with no envelope nor a

return address and no signature or addressee. But we do know the purpose of Hebrews. It speaks eloquently of Christ and urges the community of faith to stand fast and hold on to Jesus, the Son. “Cloud of Witnesses: The Community of Christ in Hebrews,” written by Melissa Bane Sevier, will engage us in understanding this complex and eloquent book of the Bible…”*

If you want to be a part of the HORIZON BIBLE STUDY for 2017-18 please contact the church office and let Diana know so she can order a sufficient number of the Bible study booklets. Each booklet is $10.00 plus an additional $2.00 to cover the cost of the DVD that goes along with each lesson in the study.

The study group meets on the third Friday of each month except January at 10:30 a.m. September through June. Watch you r weekly bulletin to learn where each month’s meeting will be held. We frequently meet in Margaret Dabback’s home at 233 2nd street in Wyalusing

We welcome the fellowship of all the women of the church and the community who wish to participate.

Copies of the complete * “introduction” and an overview of the 1st lesson are available in the church office.

BIBLE QUIZ

Jacob had two wives, two concubines (his wives’ maids), 12 sons and one daughter. Who gave birth to the daughter, Dinah? A. Zilpah B. Bilhah C. Leah D. Rachel Answer: C (See Genesis 30:19-21.)

The last couple of days in July leaning into August have led me to some genealogical records from 1 Chronicles. The editors of The One Year Chronological Bible apparently thought it was a good time to run down these records as the Old Testament narrative rounds out the destruction and exile of Judah, with only a remnant of faithful people remaining. Normally, I skim through these records quickly. However, a few things caught my eye this time through.

First, I noticed that the list, starting with each of the 12 sons of Jacob, is out of order. It starts with Jacob’s son, Judah in 1 Chronicles 4. Judah was Jacob’s third son. His mother was Leah, a woman Jacob was tricked into marrying. Yet Judah’s descendants became the strongest tribe of Israel. King David was from Judah. The Messiah was from Judah’s family line: Jesus is known as “the Lion of the Tribe of Judah,” (Revelation 5:5). 1 Chronicles 5 records that Jacob’s first son, Reuben, defiled his father’s marriage bed, therefore he was not worthy of the birthright normally reserved for the first-born son. In Genesis, Judah committed a similar sexual sin, but he was repentant. Reuben was not. Because Judah showed such humility and good character despite his failings, his family line was blessed. Also, Judah is listed genealogically as first-born. Order was important.

Next, I had to ask, “What happened to the birthright that was usually reserved for the first-born?” Because of his unrepentant sin, Reuben’s birthright was given to Joseph—Jacob’s first son by the wife he originally chose, Rachel. Joseph’s sons were Manasseh and Ephraim. Manasseh’s family included a man named Zelophehad, who had no sons and five daughters. What would happen to Zelophehad’s land in Israel when he died, since normally land was inherited by sons, not daughters? Numbers 27 reveals that Zelophehad’s five daughters made the case for inheriting their father’s land, and won. These five strong women were the first female landowners in Israel.

Third, Joseph’s son, Ephraim’s line was blessed as well, although there was misfortune. 1 Chronicles 7 records that two of his sons, Ezer and Elead, were killed by the men of Gath. Although saddened, Ephraim had another son, Beriah (which sounds like Hebrew for “misfortune”). Joshua, who led Israel into the Promised

Land after Moses died, came from Beriah’s line, descended from Ephraim. Joshua means “God saves.” It is the Hebrew version of the name “Jesus.” So, a savior, a type of the Savior, came from Ephraim, son of Joseph, who received the birthright forfeited by Reuben.

Observations: 1. God’s redemptive nature is displayed in this

genealogical record. God redeemed mistakes made in Jacob’s family. Leah was not the wife Jacob wanted, but God redeemed things for her by giving her the most sons, and the strongest of Jacob’s sons, Judah. God redeemed Judah because of his humility and repentance, even bringing kings and the Messiah through his line. God redeemed Joseph’s life, even though his brothers hated him (for a truly dramatic and elongated story of this redemption, read Genesis 37-45). The daughters of Zelophehad and future leader, Joshua came from Manasseh and Ephraim.

2. God’s Sovereignty is displayed as this extended family with all its faults remains God’s Chosen People through whom God would save the world.

3. God values humility. Like Judah and Joseph, when we realize our utter dependence on God, and humbly repent of our sin, God works in us. Reuben, who concealed his sin, seemed less usable.

There are probably more observations that an astute group of people like you folks can probably point out. However, I learned once again that even though it may be tedious to pay attention to genealogies in Scripture, they are still God’s Word, and God can use them to teach us and speak to us.

I trust that you are not taking for granted the ready availability of God’s Word. Even though it is not always easy or the most convenient thing to do, I hope that you are making Bible Intake a priority in your life. Over time, the Holy Spirit brings clarity and greater understanding to Scripture, and speaks to us through the written Word, even genealogies.

from… JOKES PASTORS CAN TELL

A lonely bachelor went to a pet store and bought a talking centipede (a 100-legged bug) and took it home in a little box.

On Sunday, he asked the centipede in the box, “Would you like to go to church with me today? The pastor always has a good sermon.”

But there was no answer. The bachelor asked the centipede to go to church with him several more times, but each time there was still no answer. Finally, the bachelor put his face up against the centipede’s house and shouted, “Hey in there! Would you like to go to church with me and learn about God?” This time, a little voice responded, “I heard you the first time! I’m putting my shoes on!”

‒via Rise Samra, Hallandale Beach, FL

… to everyone who ordered geraniums for Memorial Day that eventually became part of the summer plantings around the church grounds,

…from the building & grounds Committee: especiallyBIG THANKS to Mary Eberlin and Carmen Eberlin and Linda Neiley for planning the geraniums and annual flowers! ... and to John Petlock for the wonderful care he gives the lawn and all the plants around the church grounds. We are constantly receiving thanks and compliments for the beautiful flower beds!

… to our Deacons (Katy Stoddard, Linda Moon, Sylvia Ballard, Colleen Brown, Sue Fenton, Cari McCarty, Marleah Stevens & Marilyn Ross) for the delightful SUNDAE SUNDAY on June 16 – good ice cream, great toppings , excellent servers and terrific company. What a perfectly wonderful way to enjoy a marvelous summer Sunday. Check out these photos from the event, courtesy of Colleen Brown:

THANKTHANK YOU...YOU...

Thanks to all who offered special music this July: Shannon Lord, Mckenna Mapes, Kahlan Delamarter & Diana Black and Nancy Bendinsky – wonderful

words and songs, bright keyboards and ringing bells! We are so fortunate to be blessed with these talents..

…a BIG thank you to our anonymous donor for the magnificent new upholstery on the pulpit chairs. The lovely green and gold pattern compliments the oak of the wooden frames perfectly.

… from the Towanda Area Christian Outreach (TACO) Food Pantry: The board of directors would like to thank you for the donations of food to our pantry on June 16, June 30 and July 7, 2017 Through June of 2017 we have served 1,426 families totaling 3,460 individuals. We also served 783 senior families through our Elder Share/ Fresh Express programs. Your faithful donations are always very appreciated and we thank you for supporting our mission to provide help to those in your local community in need of food assistance … & once again, a special word of thanks to Linda Moon who faithfully delivers our food donations to TACO with regular trips to Towanda - thanks, Linda!

GOD OF TOMORROWS

This is the blessed life — not anxious to see far in front, nor eager to choose the path, but quietly following behind the Shepherd, one step at a time. The Shepherd was always out in front of the sheep. He was down in front. Any attack upon them had to take him into account.

Now God is down in front. He is in the tomorrows. It is tomorrow that fills [people] with dread. God is there already. All the tomorrows of our life have to pass him before they can get to us. —F.B. Meyer

AROUND THE PRESBYTERY & BEYOND AUGUST 26 - Whisper Sabbath, all-presbytery event at Camp Lackawanna, 9:00 AM-5:00

PM info and registration, DUE AUGUST 4, are online at lackawannapresby.org

SEPTEMBER 23 - Save the date...Lackawanna Presbytery Stated Meeting at Camp Lackawanna...details TBA

SEPTEMBER 30 - Save the date...Joint Gathering with Lehigh Presbytery as Sue Wonderland brings her Synod regional presentation on-the-road...details TBA

NOVEMBER 14 - Save the date...Lackawanna Presbytery Stated Meeting at Presbyterian Churches of West Pittston and Wyoming...details TBA

FROM OUR NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS:

August 1-3 - Understanding and Engaging Our Muslim Neighbors, Leadership Institute at Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond, VA, upsem.edu/leadership-institute

August 7-9 - Fabric Arts Workshop, Stony Point Center, Stony Point, NY, stonypointcenter.org

August 7-11 - Full STEAM Ahead: Exploring Environmental Literacy, Industry, and Art in Central Pennsylvania, PA Association of Environmental Educators, Pottsville, PA, contact ethorpe@cbf.org

August 25 - RailRiders Faith and Family Night, PNC Field in Moosic, 7 PM

April 2018 - Mission Study Trip to Peru, 8-10 day trip to explore mission issues, including 3-day tourist excursion to Machu Picchu, contact Scott Loomer,floomer3@aol.com or 570-578-9424 for more info

Did you know? The Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network (POAMN) provides resources for older adults and those engaged in ministry with older adults. Check out its activities and subscribe to its newsletter at poamn.org.

e World’s Wonders:

Never question the truth of what you fail to understand, for the world is filled

with wonders. — L. Frank Baum, Rinkitink in Oz

Help with the WPC FLOAT for the Annual Firemen’s Parade!

Check with float organizers – the Young Adult Group - to get the

particulars concerning times and places … and …

We need lots of candy to pass out during

the parade …Drop off your bags of candies at the church --- lots to candies for the float riders to share with the folks watching

the parade!

This will be a “SWEET” outreach!

… ANOTHER KIND OF FLOAT…

Plan to join the Young Adults Group’s fun afternoon on the river on Sunday afternoon,

AUGUST 20TH.Any mode of water- going transportation is good. If you want a canoe or a kayak give Melody or Dave Buck a call and they can outfit you. Don’t forget the sunscreen when you’re out on the water.

Our hosts at the landing will be Adam and Sara Petlock. Check with them about plans for the picnic.

THE HEART OF JESUSThe idea of a spiritual heart transplant is a vivid image to me; once you have the heart of somebody else inside you, then that heart is there. Jesus’ heart is inside me, and my heart is gone. So if God were to place a stethoscope against my chest, he would hear the heart of Jesus Christ beating. —Max Lucado

THE POWER OF WEAKNESS

Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your personality. Be active, be energetic, be enthusiastic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

“There are some people who have the quality of richness and joy in them, and they communicate it to everything they touch. It is first of all a physical quality; then it is a quality of spirit.” —Thomas Wolfe (1938)

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." ‒Albert Einstein

In Tramp for the Lord, Corrie ten Boom describes traveling to Russia during the Cold War — when Christians were being persecuted — to thank an old woman who’d been secretly translating Christian books (including ten Boom’s). Ravaged by multiple sclerosis, the woman could move only an index finger. Yet with it she typed constantly, translating words while praying for people who’d eventually read them. Ten Boom’s reaction was, “Oh Lord, why don’t you heal her?” But the woman’s husband said God had a purpose in his wife’s suffering. Although the secret police closely watched other Christians, they left this woman alone, assuming she couldn’t accomplish anything. Jesus works through our weaknesses, making his power perfect in them (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). He doesn’t ask if we’re capable — only if we’re willing.

“We built a wall, and made Satan pay for it.

Reprinted with permission from JoyfulNoiseletter.com ©Harley L. Schwadron

OUR KIDS AND GRAND KIDS, from kindergarten to graduate students are gearing up for the 2017 fall term of school.

Let’s keep them in our hearts, our minds and most especially in our prayers.

“The aim of educationis the knowledge not of facts but of

values.” - William S. Burroughs

I pray for students getting ready to go back to school

or already having started. Bless their learning and growth in

academics, life skills and faith.

LOVE’S LESSONA new school year promises new adventures, challenges and friends — as well as new classes, homework and lessons. But the most important (and simplest) lesson we can learn is summed up by 19th-century hymn writer Jane Eliza Leeson:

Savior, teach me day by daylove’s sweet lesson to obey,sweeter lesson cannot be,loving him who first loved me.

“Because of a back injury, a teacher had to wear a plaster cast around his upper body. It fit under his shirt and wasn't noticeable at all. On the first day of school, still wearing the cast, he walked confidently into a classroom full of rowdy students. “After giving a lecture and assignment , the teacher opened the window and busied himself at his desk. When a strong breeze made his tie flap, he grabbed his stapler and stapled his tie to his chest. Needless to say, the teacher had no trouble with discipline that year.” —Rev. Sam Laswell , Redford, MI

“Sad. He had just paid off his student loan.”

from Joyful Noiseletter.com ©Harley L. Schwadron reprinted with permission

“As a child of God, I am greater than anything

that can happen to me.” —A.P.J. Abdul Kamal

BUT WHAT ABOUT HERE? At age 4, Anna was starting to make sense of prayer. Her parents had been praying with her since birth, but now her developing cognitive and language skills caused her to really ponder what prayer meant for her. One night, after tucking her into bed and leaving the room, Anna’s dad heard her voice. He paused outside the door to see if she needed something. But she was speaking to her heavenly Father: “Dear God,” Anna prayed, “when is the best time for me to talk to you? I mean, Mama and Daddy say I can pray anytime, and I know you’re always listening. But when will you be

KNOW YOUR TARGET Businesses must know their target market. Writers must know their target audience. And we all make better decisions when we consider the target of our actions. A college religion teacher set up a cardboard target in his classroom. “Draw someone who has upset you,” he instructed. Students sketched ex-boyfriends or -girlfriends, coworkers who’d mistreated them, childhood bullies. Each, in turn, then placed their drawing over the bull’s-eye and took aim with a bow and arrow. Afterward, the bull’s-eye was riddled with holes. The students congratulated one another ... until the teacher pulled back the target, revealing Jesus’ scarred, torn face. Silence fell as he read: “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these ... you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40, NRSV). In choosing actions — no matter the human