Ron McCarty2/05/--

Brian Stevens2/07/--

Sheila Howard2/08/--

Tiffany Jones2/10/--

Dana Beyer 2/11/--Fran Hindman 2/11/--Barb Hugo 2/11/--Carol Barnes

2/12/--Jeanette Chamberlin

2/14/--Juliana Susanj

2/21/03Jim Howard, Jr. 2/24/--Edie Ermisch

2/26/--Cheryl Keeney

2/28/--Luke Minturn

2/29/00

Marilyn & Jay Ross2/01/75Tony & Ron McCarty

2/12/94Larry & Janet Alderson 2/4/12

Wyalusing Presbyterian Church179 Church StreetPO Box 25Wyalusing PA 18853 return service requested

February is

MonthA prayer of thanks: Even in the depths of

winter, I’m warmed by your love,

O God, and by the love of your people. Thank you.

Bible Quiz

At a time of deep struggle in Elijah’s life, God made his presence known to him. How?

A.In a strong and destructive windB. In an earthquakeC. Through fireD. Through silence

Answer: D (See 1 Kings 19:9-12, NRSV.)

the

he greatest love of all:

On Valentine’s Day, we remember that God is the source of all love in the world. His perfect love for us has made all human love possible.

As the first Sunday in Lent falls on Valentine’s Day

this year,

may we remember that Jesus’ self-giving love

is the greatest love of all

FEBRUARY DATES to MARK on YOUR CALENDAR!

Upcoming Community Outreach/Seminar: "Working on your New Year's Resolutions? Come and meet with Jedd Johnson - muscle expert, trainer and fitness guru - to learn tips for diet and exercise programs.  Wyalusing Presbyterian Church Social Rooms, February 5, 2015 @ 6:30 p.m.

Boy Scout Sunday, February 7, 2016

Wyalusing Presbyterian Church179 Church StreetPO Box 25Wyalusing PA 18853 return service requested

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

MAY 2014 FEBRUARY 2016

“Be Holy “ the 2016 Lenten Devotional from Presbyterians Today and

other Lenten booklets are in the front hall on the Greeters’ Table.

Transfiguration of Our Lord,

February 7, 2016Transform us, Transfigured

Lord,so we may reflect your light in the

world.

The Wyalusing Youth Group meets every Sunday night at 5:00. We have a special event coming up, too! On Tuesday, February 9,from 4:30-

6:00 (or so).we will hold

the Annual Fat Tuesday Pancake Supper

We need you to help with cooking, serving, and cleaning up. All donations are for the Scotland trip in June.

Keep your eyes and ears open for more special events during February. We hope to see you each week at Youth Group!

I remember today that I am dust, and to dust I will return. Yet I am marked with the

cross of Christ, and I am his forever.

Ash Wednesday Service February 10th at 7 p.m.

Wyalusing Presbyterian Church

40 – DAY CHALLENGEBarry & Mike Jensen invite you to join them in reading all of the New Testament during the 40 days of Lent! Let them know if you will join them on this journey. You can find fliers on the Greeters’ table in the front hall describing the whole adventure

The 1st Sunday in Lent is February 14, 2016The 2nd Sunday in Lent, February 21, 2016

“They lose nothing who gain Christ.”—Samuel Rutherford

The 3rd Sunday in Lent, February 28, 2016No matter what brings you here or what you’re facing, take heart: “The LORD is my light and

my salvation;

An Ash Wednesday prayer Dear righteous Lord, we enter the holy season of Lent confessing our many sins that separate us from you. We’re sincerely sorry for offending you repeatedly through our thoughts, our words and our actions — and often through our inactions, too. Forgive us, Lord, and show us your tender mercy. Restore and strengthen us to become your faithful and faith-filled servants. During our Lenten journey, remind us to show mercy to other people, just as you’ve shown mercy to

Jesus began his ministry by being hungry,

yet he is the Bread of Life.

Jesus ended his earthly ministry by being thirsty,

yet he is the Living Water.Jesus was weary, yet he is our rest.Jesus paid tribute, yet he is the King.Jesus was accused of having a demon, yet he cast out demons.Jesus wept, yet he wipes away our tears.Jesus was sold for 30 pieces of silver, yet he redeemed the world.Jesus was brought as a lamb to the slaughter,

yet he is the Good Shepherd.Jesus died, yet by his death he destroyed the power of death.—Gregory of Nazianzus (4th-

century church father)

whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1).

Valentine’s Day February 14, 2016

This is Friends’ Day!

WPC will greet our visitors and hope we ALL become friends

as we share our love of the LORD. Everyone, come, enjoy the merry

voices of our Sunday School children. We invite all who know Jesus Christ as their

Savior to celebrate the Lord’s Supper with us. THEN, after the service there will be a luncheon

party with chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese served with a salad.

We have an Illusionist coming to join us and perform

Our Christian Ed Team Leaders, Shannon Lord & Nancy Jones are sure

we will have lots of fun and games.

We have entered an unusually warm February! How strange that the “Sunny South” has had more snow that we have in often cold, gray NEPA. Additionally, it is Leap/Election Year (which, incidentally, means Luke Minturn has a birthday on his real birth date). Another unusual event

is the early date for Ash Wednesday this year. It is February 10, meaning the 40-days of Lent will get underway soon.

Lent is a season to which we pay close attention in our church and spiritual lives. Lent is a season of examine, during which we think about our lives with Christ. We do not mean to dwell on our shortcomings. Instead, we mean to focus on our spiritual need and God’s gracious provision through Jesus Christ. Lent is a season of spiritual discipline. Sometimes we give up something unhealthy for Lent. Sometimes we adopt a discipline or practice that helps us grow in our relationship with God. We view these disciplines—regular prayer, systematic Bible reading/study, fasting, Christian service to people in need within our community, regular focused attention at worship, etc.—as various means of God’s grace. They are ways that we put ourselves before our loving heavenly Father, so that He may further transform us by the Spirit’s power to be the people God designed us to be. This 40-day

season is meant to focus our attention on God so that we are never the same again.

Where will God lead you this Lenten Season? Will God provide you with larger doses of information about himself through Scripture and study? Will God strengthen your relationship with him through devotional reading and prayer? Will God extend your compassion and outreach through Christian service? Will God open your eyes to his presence and power in worship? As we approach Ash Wednesday, ask God to lead you to a deeper faith and a stronger relationship with him. Then see what God will do.

Where will God lead our Church Family this Lenten Season? Will God show up in our worship in powerful ways we have not experienced? Will God strengthen our Christian service together as a church? Will God convince us that we are an outpost of God’s Kingdom from which we can raid the spiritual darkness so close at hand to shine the light of Christ? Will God grow our love for each other? Will God reconcile broken relationships within our church? As we approach Ash Wednesday, let us ALL ask God to lead our Church Family into a deeper faith, stronger relationships within, more confident “light-bearing” outside, and more

Love One Another! “They who love are but one step from heaven.”

—James Russell Lowell

An Early Start to Spring CleaningAlthough Lent starts early this year, before spring appears in many areas, it’s an appropriate time for spring cleaning. Indeed, Lent comes from old German and English words for “spring.” So, while it might be too soon to open windows or hang clothes on the line, now is the ideal time for some spiritual spring cleaning. Lent calls us to examine our beliefs, confess and dispose of old grudges and selfish habits, dust off our Bibles for a new routine of study and prayer, air out our hearts and brighten up our attitudes. “Lent cleaning” lets the Holy Spirit freshen our faith — and it’s never too early for that —Craig Groeschel, The Christian Athiest: Believing in God But

+ Christian Symbol +

Anchor - Because in ancient times an anchor represented safety, early Christians adopted it as a symbol of their hope in Christ. “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Hebrews 6:19, NIV). Word play may have also been involved: ankura, Greek for “anchor,” sounds similar to en kurio, or “in the Lord.” As Latin became Christians’ primary language, however, the “anchor-Lord” connection would

openness to God’s work in our worship. Then we can see what God will do.

Every Lenten Season is potentially a season of transformation. While it may be a good time to kick a bad habit or pick up a good practice, Lent is meant to be a season of spiritual growth and maturity for each one of Jesus’ followers, and all of us together. May we all take seriously the challenge to ask God to empower us to observe a Holy Lent, and then wait and see what God will do.

Presidents Day is February 15, 2016

A New BIBLE STUDY of the first 12 chapters of ACTS - - - The WPC Christian Ed Team led by Elders Shannon Lord and Nancy Jones invites you to this new Bible study that began January 19th and will continue for about twelve Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm in the WPC social rooms The study is led by Barry; please contact him if you have any questions.

SUNDAY EVENING Study Group meets Sunday nights at Toni and Ron McCarty's home during Youth Group (5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.) for parents and other interested adults. Led by Mike Jensen the topic is Service:  “Gifted--that’s you! Uniquely equipped to help

build up the body of Christ. As a follower of Jesus, serving others is an meeting integral part of your identity and an important key to your personal growth. But how do you cultivate a servant’s heart and your spiritual gifts in ways that build up your church, your family, your friends, and your world--without wiping you out in the process?  Gifts guide you to the answers.”  We hope you will join us!  All adults are welcome.  If you want to learn more about the study check with Mike & Amy Jensen or Ron & Toni McCarty.

Horizons Bible StudyCome to the Waters by Judy Record Fletcher The 5th lesson in this series is “Stormy Water – Faith.” The lesson focus: “The disciples encountered stormy times in their faith, and so do we. What does it mean to be people of faith? How does our faith sustain us?”

The Scripture for lesson 5 is Matthew 14; 22-33. The opening litany is from Isaiah 55: 1-3. The Presbyterian Women’s study group will meet at 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 19, 2016 at the home of Margaret Dabback. All women of the church will be welcomed!

MISSION GIVING! Mission Team: Elders Pam Quentin & Deb Minturn

Throughout the year WPC supports local charities, 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

AND A REMINDER…It is time to pay apportionment for 2016.  The cost this year is $31.00.  WPC will

receive 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)

and our own Presbytery of Lackawanna.

WPC’s total for 2016 will be $5735.00

donations in the basket go to TACO – Towanda Area Christian Outreach – which helps needy people in Bradford County including many in our school district.

During the month of February, the Loose Change collections will be donated to T.A.C.O.

Our special collections for Helping Hands Food Pantry will be toothpaste, tooth brushes and toiletries. 

The Noisy Can collection for January ( $200.00) was donated to the Wyalusing Youth Group for their 2016 trip to Scotland. The special food collection during January for Helping Hands Food Pantry was very successful with 89 cans of tuna, 5 cans of vegetables and 3 bags of instant milk collected. Thank you, thank you to all who gave so generously.

WPC has been a blessing to so many and we look forward to continuing this amazing outreach in 2016.

[Check the Thank You column l to read TACO’s thank you letter

describing the great number of people this outreach touches.]

Grateful For GraceJohn Newton, a slave-ship captain who became a minister and abolitionist, had a special affinity for grace. In fact, he wrote the hymn “Amazing Grace” to celebrate the freedom that God gives to Christians. “I am not what I ought to be,” Newton said. “I am not what I want to be. I am not what I hope to be. But still, I am not what I used to be. And by the grace of God, I am what I am.”

… a HUGE THANKS to all the outgoing Elders and Deacons for a job well done!  Elders  Caryl Snyder and Rachel Sznaider. AND to Amy Eberlin who completed her term on Deacons and is now answering her call to serve on Session! Your service was truly appreciated!

Dear Congregation Members,Towanda Area Christian Outreach (TACO) Food Pantry board of directors would like to thank you for your generous donation of food to our pantry November 6th , 30th and December14, 2015. These donations are very appreciated and will help us continue the work of our pantry especially during the holiday months.

Through November of 2015 we have served 2,962 families totaling 7,089 individuals. We also distributed 904 boxes in our Elder Share project during the year. Thank you for all the faithful support of our pantry during the past year and we wish you all a good 2016.

Blessing of the Season, Sandra L. Niuman, Towanda Area Christian Outreach (TACO) Food Pantry.

… what a wonderful way to start the new year! We got to hear the beautiful voice of Kirstyn Ballard – home from college – a special treat. And then the very next Sunday, January 10, 2016,

Shannon Lord gave us special music AND the music for the offertory. Aren’t we blessed!Next we topped that off with delightful songs from the children of the Sunday School on the next Sunday, January 17.We gave our soloists a bit of a break and sang two favorite hymns of members on the last two Sundays of January. We have some great music lined up for this month, but there are still plenty of open spots to fill as the year moves along. Volunteer - please let Diana know if you have something special to share – your favorite hymns – your favorite musician – all suggestions are welcome.

Thank you for the gift package. It was greatly appreciated. Jake Minturn

Thank you for the care package during finals week.

It was greatly appreciated. Olivia Minturn

An Underappreciated Faith Hero Saul, who was converted from persecutor of Christians to the foremost evangelist Paul, is a tremendous role model for surrendering one’s life to Jesus. But another man in that story warrants celebration, too. Ananias, a disciple of Jesus, lived in Damascus when Saul was led there, blind from his bright-light encounter with Jesus. The Lord told Ananias to visit Saul, lay hands on him and restore his sight (see Acts 9:11-12). Not surprisingly, Ananias resisted; he knew of Saul and his violence toward Christians. Yet the disciple surrendered and obeyed. To top it off, when Ananias arrived, he spoke the warmest of greetings: “Brother Saul ...” He didn’t just call Saul by name, nor did he berate him.

…to Lorna Snyder and Pat Brown and all their helpers for putting together a great “Pot Luck” dinner for us following the Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday, January 31! If you missed the meeting, you also missed some great food!

SPECIAL THANKS *To Shannon Lord & Sue Kilmer and all the kids in the Sunday School for their uplifting music. They always have the whole congregations smiling. What a blessing these children and their leaders are to Wyalusing Presbyterian Church!

* 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.

CONGRATULATIONS to our colligate scholars! Here are the WPC college students who were awarded scholarships during the worship service on January 10:

Kirstyn BallardCourtney Eberlin

Maddy EberlinPaul Hugo

Jake Minturn Olivia Minturn

Jonecca Robinson

…from the DEACONS BENCHMeeting January 24, 2016

following the worship service Katy Stoddard, , Jay Ross, Mary Eberlin, Scott Eberlin, Sylvia Ballard, Linda Moon, Colleen Brown,

Sue Fenton, Marleah Stevens

New Business: Reviewed and updated Deacon lists to include:

duties, information, ushers/greeters, TLC, Shut-ins, annual calendar of events.

Ushers/Greeters for January 2017 are to be included in current year’s list.

Our budget will be $550.00 this year When furnishing meals, we will offer to do so

for 2 or 3 times. We will adjust if there is a need.

We will offer a Flower Chart Challenge in order to revitalize the furnishing of flowers for church. No flowers are requested for Communion Sundays.

We will offer a card challenge for those needing special thoughts for a time after a death in the family so they don’t feel forgotten - sending them once a month.

Cards Sent: Get Well Cards: Joe Petlock Thinking of You Cards: Jeanette

Chamberlain, Lew and Jean Reinhart, Edith Ermish

Visits/TLC: Lincoln Welles, Sr., Lew and Jean Reinhart, Jeanette Chamberlain, Becky Nevins, June Nevins

Request/Information for Session: In July the Deacons will hold the Fellowship Event – “ Sundae Sunday” with date to be decided.

Reminders: Deacon in charge of February Greeters/Ushers

is Sylvia Ballard The nursery rotation will be kept the same No Deacon is scheduled to serve Communion on

February 14t

Next Meeting: February 21, 2016, after worship service

AROUND THE PRESBYTERY… Praise for the staff and volunteers at Camp

Lackawanna who want to make our camp great again!   Prayers for our new camp director! Prayers for WPC’s Sue Kilmer who serves on

the Presbytery Camp Committee.

FEBRUARY 6 - Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Lackawanna at FPC Hawley, 10:00 AM,

FEBRUARY 7 - Souper Bowl Sunday, Marge (Margaret Zeigler, Stated Clerk/Administrative Coordinator) fills us in on the details: “ Souper Bowl of Caring which will be on Sunday, February 7. Last year, more than $8 million were raised to support local programs addressing the hunger needs of the area. ..If your church or community group would like to share from the offering received at the Presbytery meetings, please send the name and information about the group to Jean Biggar at joho427@aol.com or 570-344-2504. We give

Men’s Breakfast 8:00 a.m. February 28, 2016

to two groups at each meeting and try to serve each of the counties in the Presbytery. The recipients in 2015 included Good News Café (Hawley), Bread Basket of NEPA (Lackawanna County), TACO Emergency Food Pantry (Towanda), Chow for Children (Sayre), Seven Loaves Soup Kitchen (Tunkhannock) and the Weekend Backpack Project (Dallas).” 

FEBRUARY 12-14 - Clarks Summit Ice Festival participation by FPC, including ice sculpture, artwork exhibit, juggler performance, piano recital, renewal of wedding vows, and Chile Cafe; schedule at www.fpccs.org.

February 15 - Winter Fun Day for youth, sponsored by Back Mountain and Wilkes-Barre Ministeriums at Camp Orchard Hill, 12:00 - 3:00 PM, info and reservations contact jim@camporchardhill.com 

February 27 - Oh Say, Can You Sing? 2016 Rail Riders National Anthem tryouts, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM, Viewmont Mall, register at 570-969-2255

Not coming backSeveral years ago, a story on the newswires told of a boomerang that returned to its owner after 25 years. Here’s how: An American tourist stole a boomerang from Australia’s Mount Isa museum and managed to get it out of the country. But a quarter of a century later, he sent it back, along with a full confession. Apparently, guilt had been eating away at the man; he hadn’t known how his mischief would ... boomerang. Sin has a way of returning in ways we didn’t expect, bringing loads of shame along with it. During Lent, with its focus on confession and absolution, we remember that God tosses those “boomerangs” of wrongdoing as far “as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12). In other words, they’ll never come back. —Timothy Merrill

Love notesWhen it comes to relationships, kid quotes are priceless:

“I love you so much that even God is amazed!”

“Dear Mom, I love when you spend time with you.” (A mom can only dream!)

“I’m sorry that I’ve been chasing you outside. If you start to like me, I will not chase you.”

Responding to a note that asked, “Do you like me?” a child wrote, “I don’t know. I don’t know myself yet. Plus I’m under a lot of stress at home so, I can’t tell.

P.S. You don’t know yourself until you’re 18.”