SERVICES SUSPENDED THROUGH THE END OF MARCH
Dear Members and Attendees,
As you may have expected, the Session has voted to extend the suspension of worship services through the end of March. These changes are only for a little while. We will overcome anything the world throws at us because we have each other and Christ who dwells within us. “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-10)
This is our challenge--to reveal the life of Jesus in us even in this time of social distancing and isolation. Just because you can’t get out much, you can telephone. I will be reaching out to each of you during these weeks to see how you are faring. But you can reach out to one another--to talk, comfort, or just listen.
These are frightening times for many. Others among us are frustrated. No matter how you feel, you don’t have to walk this path alone. We are in this together, as a church and as a broader community. If there is any need among you, financial, emotional, spiritual--the church may be able to help. Call me on my cell anytime day or night. Or call the church office at (814) 432-4318 to reach me. I will do what I can to help.
Finally, please check the website at www.franklinpresby.org and our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/franklinpresby/ for updates. And please remain in prayer--seeking the Lord’s help to walk in his way. Pray and help one another in Christ the Lord.
Peace,
Barry
As you may have expected, the Session has voted to extend the suspension of worship services through the end of March. These changes are only for a little while. We will overcome anything the world throws at us because we have each other and Christ who dwells within us. “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-10)
This is our challenge--to reveal the life of Jesus in us even in this time of social distancing and isolation. Just because you can’t get out much, you can telephone. I will be reaching out to each of you during these weeks to see how you are faring. But you can reach out to one another--to talk, comfort, or just listen.
These are frightening times for many. Others among us are frustrated. No matter how you feel, you don’t have to walk this path alone. We are in this together, as a church and as a broader community. If there is any need among you, financial, emotional, spiritual--the church may be able to help. Call me on my cell anytime day or night. Or call the church office at (814) 432-4318 to reach me. I will do what I can to help.
Finally, please check the website at www.franklinpresby.org and our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/franklinpresby/ for updates. And please remain in prayer--seeking the Lord’s help to walk in his way. Pray and help one another in Christ the Lord.
Peace,
Barry
SERVICES FOR MARCH 15TH CANCELLED
Dear Friends,
If you have been watching television as I have, you have seen the reports of the CoVid-19 virus filling the airwaves. You’ve seen the effect of the virus in Washington, New York, and California. There is much fear over the rapid spread of the virus not only in this country, but around the world. While I agree there is a problem and caution is warranted, there is no need to fear.
As you may also know, there have been a growing list of closures and cancelations this week. Sporting events, conferences, and other large gatherings have been cancelled. Yesterday, we received word that the WNY and NWPA Diocese of the Episcopal Church cancelled worship. The governor cancelled school for the entire state of Pennsylvania. We are learning of nursing homes that are restricting visitors and businesses that are choosing to telephone and telecommute in their operations.
These decisions were not made in fear but rather, in an abundance of caution. The concern is that the rapid spread of this virus, and the effect it has had in other countries, will happen here. Health care officials are concerned that should we see too rapid a rise in hospitalizations, then our health care system will not keep up with the need. The result would be that something which shouldn’t kill us might do so.
Given this concern, health care officials and governments in free nations have been urging we take sensible precautions by voluntarily limiting activities where people congregate in groups. This will hopefully slow the spread of the virus and help protect the most vulnerable members of our population. With all this in mind, our General Presbyter, David Oyler, has recommended the cancellation of worship services and church activities in the Lake Erie Presbytery of the PC(USA). The Session at First Presbyterian has voted to accept this recommendation for this week, with additional weeks likely to follow.
Again, this action is being taken prayerfully and out of an abundance of caution. This is a very fluid situation and in the next days we will evaluate the need for other actions. In the meantime, the plan is for the church office to remain open. Committees will each decide whether to meet and announce any cancellations. So check your email or call before coming. As always, I remain available to you 24/7 through the church office at 814.432.4318 or through my cell. Call me if you have questions or need anything. I will also communicate through email, facebook and the church web page at www.franklinpresby.org. And of course, as the body of Christ, you too can call and check on your neighbors and care for one another.
There is no need to fear. With the exception of gathering in larger groups, we are being advised to go about our daily lives. Take sensible precautions. Educate yourself by going to www.CDC.gov to read about the virus. Practice regular hand washing for a duration of 20 seconds. Always sneeze and cough into a tissue or into your elbow. And when out in public places, do not shake hands and do not touch your face. Avoid being around people if you are sick. Do these things and encourage others to do them. Be cautious and help protect the most vulnerable among us.
God has blessed us abundantly and promises to walk with those who seek him. So during this time, count your blessings and remember to pray. In Philippians 4:6-7 we are reminded, “not to be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
May the peace of Christ be with you,
Barry
If you have been watching television as I have, you have seen the reports of the CoVid-19 virus filling the airwaves. You’ve seen the effect of the virus in Washington, New York, and California. There is much fear over the rapid spread of the virus not only in this country, but around the world. While I agree there is a problem and caution is warranted, there is no need to fear.
As you may also know, there have been a growing list of closures and cancelations this week. Sporting events, conferences, and other large gatherings have been cancelled. Yesterday, we received word that the WNY and NWPA Diocese of the Episcopal Church cancelled worship. The governor cancelled school for the entire state of Pennsylvania. We are learning of nursing homes that are restricting visitors and businesses that are choosing to telephone and telecommute in their operations.
These decisions were not made in fear but rather, in an abundance of caution. The concern is that the rapid spread of this virus, and the effect it has had in other countries, will happen here. Health care officials are concerned that should we see too rapid a rise in hospitalizations, then our health care system will not keep up with the need. The result would be that something which shouldn’t kill us might do so.
Given this concern, health care officials and governments in free nations have been urging we take sensible precautions by voluntarily limiting activities where people congregate in groups. This will hopefully slow the spread of the virus and help protect the most vulnerable members of our population. With all this in mind, our General Presbyter, David Oyler, has recommended the cancellation of worship services and church activities in the Lake Erie Presbytery of the PC(USA). The Session at First Presbyterian has voted to accept this recommendation for this week, with additional weeks likely to follow.
Again, this action is being taken prayerfully and out of an abundance of caution. This is a very fluid situation and in the next days we will evaluate the need for other actions. In the meantime, the plan is for the church office to remain open. Committees will each decide whether to meet and announce any cancellations. So check your email or call before coming. As always, I remain available to you 24/7 through the church office at 814.432.4318 or through my cell. Call me if you have questions or need anything. I will also communicate through email, facebook and the church web page at www.franklinpresby.org. And of course, as the body of Christ, you too can call and check on your neighbors and care for one another.
There is no need to fear. With the exception of gathering in larger groups, we are being advised to go about our daily lives. Take sensible precautions. Educate yourself by going to www.CDC.gov to read about the virus. Practice regular hand washing for a duration of 20 seconds. Always sneeze and cough into a tissue or into your elbow. And when out in public places, do not shake hands and do not touch your face. Avoid being around people if you are sick. Do these things and encourage others to do them. Be cautious and help protect the most vulnerable among us.
God has blessed us abundantly and promises to walk with those who seek him. So during this time, count your blessings and remember to pray. In Philippians 4:6-7 we are reminded, “not to be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
May the peace of Christ be with you,
Barry
Being Held By God Is Like ...
18 The LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love.
19 He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine.
20 We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield.
21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
22 Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.
(Psalm 33:18-22 NLT)
19 He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine.
20 We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield.
21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
22 Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.
(Psalm 33:18-22 NLT)
Weekly Schedule of Activities
Sunday
Adult Connect
9:00 - 9:50 am
Gathering Room
9:00 - 9:50 am
Gathering Room
Worship & Nursery
10:30 am
Kids Connect
After Children's Message in Worship
10:30 am
Kids Connect
After Children's Message in Worship
Tuesday
Women's Lunch Bunch
1st and 3rd Tuesdays - 12:00pm
1st and 3rd Tuesdays - 12:00pm
Wednesday
Bell Choir
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Meeting Room
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Meeting Room
Chancel Choir Rehearsal
7:00 pm
Choir Room
7:00 pm
Choir Room
Thursday
Bible Readers Group
6:00 pm
Gathering Room
6:00 pm
Gathering Room
Saturday
Monthly Men's Group
Breakfast at Linda Lou's
4th Saturday
7:00 am
Monthly Men's Group
Breakfast at Linda Lou's
4th Saturday
7:00 am
1250 Elk Street
Franklin, PA 16323
(814) 432-4318
Email: office@franklinpresby.org
At the corner of Elk and West Park Streets
