CO ARS a ox SHE a Sr ota sadist TB 12 Sunday, October 5, 2003 0) PASTOR’S CORNER By Rev. W. James Pall Huntsville United Methodist Church Preaching isn’t just words trom a pulpit Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world, etc.” A significant part of my life (my calling) is preaching. Some people even address me that way. “Hey, Preach (er)!” In a lighthearted moment I once paraphrased a piece of rhyming tough guy movie dialogue: “James’s the name .. preaching’s my game.” According to scripture, it's way more than a game. “Woe unto me if I preach not the gospel (of Jesus Christ).” (I Corinthians 9:16) This is clearly the position of Paul and every pastor that I know loves to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. But how about you? Did you ever hear the say- ing, “You are the only sermon that some people will hear today.” This poem makes clear what is meant: Men read and admire the Gospel of Christ With his love so unfailing and true But what do they say and what do they think Of the Gospel according to you? You are writing each day a letter to men — Take care that the writing is true “Tis the only Gospel that some men will read The Gospel according to you. Not all life-changing moments occur while seat- ed in front of a pulpit occupied by an eloquent preacher (.. not with the wisdom of words.” I Corinthians 1:17) You can be at work, a meal or in transit. Jesus called his disciples together and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the king- dom of God, and to heal the sick. (Luke 9:1,2) Preaching is a bigger obligation than just coming | up with-the right words and speaking them to oth- ers. How you live your life can be a source of inspi- ration to others. One author tells of having a rotten day. Getting onto a subway did not improve his mood. Something brushed against him, cooing. Looking up, the irritated passenger saw a baby grabbing for him, looking for a little baby interac- tion. The unhappy man tried scowling. This only amused the baby and she or he only tried harder to get the man’s attention. Soon there was a marathon meeting of the eyes and funny faces and gooing and cooing noises. By the time the man left the subway he confesses that he felt very different about himself. The baby provided inspiration that a book or sermon may not have accomplished, certainly not as quickly. The unconditional love expressed to him, understood by many to be grace, lifted him up beyond his own “me-centered” focus. We are instruments, all of us, meant to convey God’s message of love and salvation. We have awe- some potential. We are each a sermon or gospel. Who is “reading” you? Who is listening as they ob- serve your life? Don’t waste the potential. More im- portantly, don’t waste the potential of God to speak through your life. Rev. Pall also is chaplain at the State Correctional Institute at Dallas. Pastors Corner is a weekly feature that ro- tates among leaders of Back Mountain church- es. To reserve your spot in the schedule, call Erin Youngman at 970-7184. SEAN'S SKI TIPS Q. What's up with those SHAPE skis? A. Simply put, the hourglass shape makes skiing easier by reducing the amount of angulation you need to turn! untryskiandspO SKI SPORTS 1080 W-B Township Boulevard, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 Route 309 at Blackman Street (570) 824-0541 + Fax: (570) 824-6024 www.countryskiandsports.com “Active Life Style Sports” ITE Gate of Heaven women hold birthday tea | The Altar and Rosary Society of Gate of Heaven Church in Dallas recently held it’s 47th Annual Birthday Tea. More than 200 people were in attendance at this major fundraiser. Twelve tables were decorated for each month of the year along with a special birthday table. Some of the themes were: Winter Wonderland, Spring Garden, June's Bustin’ Out All Over, Summer Fun, Autumn, Spooktacular Soiree, and Santas on Parade. Rev. Kevin Mulh- ern gave the blessing to start the festivities. Dolly Yunkunis delighted the crowd with her songs and stories. A raffle was held and door prizes were awarded. This year’s chairwomen were, from left: Donna Klug, Renee Benedetti, Teresa Pizzo. inh pi Festival of choirs at Shavertown UMC Shavertown United Methodist Church is pleased to announce the formation of a new Fine Arts Series, which will be open to the community. The first concert in a series of four this year will be: A Festival of Choirs will be held Sunday, October 19, at 7 p.m. at the church, 163 N. Pio- neer Ave., Shavertown. Choirs from Shavertown UMC, including Chancel, Bell, Chime, Youth and Children’s choirs and St. Paul's Lutheran Senior Choir with guest organist Donald H. McFarland, Wilmington, DE, and guest singers from Church of Christ Uniting, Pilgrim Congregational, Tunkhannock UMC and Richardson Park UMC, DE, will participate. A free will offering will be received and a reception will follow the concert. Plctured are committee members. From left, seated: Cassie Munzing, Gene Kelleher, chair- person, and Pam Langdon. Standing: Lois Cook, Lisa Evans, Alice Niskey and Helen Davis. Through the doors of SCRANTON PREP it’s possible Prep students come from a seven county area representing 18 public school districts, 26 parochial schools, and 4 private schools, There is convenient transportation available. It’s affordable Compare our cost to other private college prep high schools! This year almost $600,000 was awarded in need based financial aid. Better than 38% of Prep’s students receive aid. It’s advantageous 98% of graduates go on to 4 four-year college. 86% of the class of 2003 was accepted to the £9 college of their first choice. Average SAT scores are 1135. The class of 2003 was awarded a total of 6.3 million dollars in performance based scholarship awards. Become a part of our tradition in excellence! For more information, or to arrange a personal visit, please call 941-PREP extension 141 SUNDAY OCTOBER 19, 2003 1-4PM Aq | o ard c da | Spa 696-3747 25th anniversary for Victory Bible Victory Baptist Bible Church, Market Street, Lehman, will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Sunday, October 12. Rev. Earl Booth, interim pastor, will conduct the service, assisted by his wife, Ann Booth on the organ and Bob- biann Morgan on piano. Rev. Wayne Reese, the church’s founding pastor, will travel from Lynchburg, Virginia with his wife, Charmaine, to speak to the cong) gregation. Bob and Nancy Lutz will play and sing along with other solo, duet and musical selec- tions. The service will take place starting at 10 a.m., with dinner to follow. CHURCH NOTES Huntsville United Methodist Huntsville Rd., Chase October 11, anniversary covered dish din- ner with several former pastors attending. October 12, 10 a.m. 125th anniversary wor- ship service, special music by Shavertown 5, and special guest Dr. William Reid, former Wilkes-Barre District Superintendent. November 16 10 a.m. 125th anniversary worship service, Bishop Susan Morrison and current Wilkes-Barre Superintendent Dr. Parker. River of Life Fellowship 194 N. Memorial Hwy., Shavertown Thursday night soaking and healing prayer sessions. Pastor Stephen M. Kotch said “There is no corporate worship, no Bible teaching or coun- seling during these meetings, no shopping) ) lists or agendas. It is simply a time to soak in the presence of the Lord Almighty.” Soaking sessions begin at 7 p.m. For more information call 674-5459. Shavertown United Methodist 163 North Pioneer Ave., Shavertown October 5 - November 23, Confirmation Sundays wQetober 5, 6-7:30 p.m. Youth Game Night. bring a game or play one of our’s. October 5 - Rally Day ! ““October 12,13, 7 p.m. AA meeting October 12, 1 p.m. Youth CROP Walk. Meet in the parking lot. October 14, 12 p.m. retirees bag lunch so- cial. October 19, 7 p.m. Youth Hymn Sing October 19, 7 p.m. Festival of choirs featur- 0) ing numerous choirs from near and far, “ St. Paul’s Lutheran RR4 Box 627A (off of Rt118), Dallas October 5 Bake sale and car wash to raise funds for the senior youth group. October 5 guest speaker Carl Goodwin will explain Home Ruler Charters. October 13 blood drive from 1-6 p.m. St. Therese’s 64 Davis Street, Shavertown October 9, Bereavement Ministry meeting at 1 p.m. in Rectory meeting room. Back Mountain Youth Council accepting new members for junior high (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12). For more informa- tion call Denise at 696-1144. It’s easy to have your church included in Church Notes. Just send us a bulletin or event notice by noon Wednesdays. E-mail is best: dallaspost@]leader.net Fax to 675-3650 Mail: The Post, 15 N. Main St. Wilkes-Barre PA 18711 121 S. Memorial Hwy. Shavertown tte IN Gad iep WWWw.ajaspa.com
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