Weekly News & Happenings

The Door To Joy

The Door To Joy
   “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelations 3:20 KJV).
   Jesus is inviting us to have an intimate relationship with him. Knowing that Jesus wants to eat a meal and have fellowship with us should give us great feelings of joy and a lasting peace.
   The Bible tells us that joy is a gift from God. Psalm 68:3-5 says, the “godly should rejoice and be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy” (NLT).
   However, for a long time I wasn’t feeling the joy and did not know how to find it. Perhaps you struggle with this, too. Along the way, I have discovered that knowledge of Jesus’ desire to be with us and His wonderous saving grace is not enough.
   Opening the door to Jesus is not a one-time event. It requires an active and continuous effort on my part every day. I must open the door to Jesus daily. I must work at building a relationship with Him, just as I must with my friends here on earth.
   This was awkward for me at first. It was like talking to a stranger. I didn’t really “know” Jesus until I studied the Bible to learn about Him and then spent time with Him. As time went on, our morning conversations became easier. I ask for His forgiveness, strength, and guidance. We plan my day. We acknowledge our love for each other. His love is my joy.
   I admit that my personal struggles and the troubles of this present world can lead me down into feelings of despair and disillusionment. To avoid a downward spiral, I turn my attention to God’s promises. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 WEB).
   We have troubles in this life, but “God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested” (James 1:12 CEV).
   It is not easy to be joyous with the troubles and hardships we all experience. Inner peace and joy are only possible through a relationship with Jesus. We have to work on it one day at a time.
   Someday, we will be with Jesus. The Bible says you will “go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and the trees of the field will clap their hands” (Isaiah 55:12 NIV). Now that is the Joy worth pursuing!
-Marty McCormick is the program manager of the Rise Up Village Bakery, a ministry of the United Churches of Lycoming County. Marty and his wife, Wendy, are members of the Oval Church.

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Songs For The Soul

March 22, 2024

The Williamsport Civic Chorus invites you to experience
“Songs for the Soul” this Spring!

If you’re looking for some music to soothe the soul, the Williamsport Civic Chorus has you covered. Join us for a selection of “Songs for the Soul” that offer spiritual and emotional refreshment across a range of cultures, featuring the work of composers who range from Sergei Rachmaninoff to Pablo Casals; from Samuel Barber to our own Michael Connor. A truly eclectic mix of styles and themes with one purpose in mind – to keep you singing long after the concert is over!

This uplifting, feel-good concert is set for Sunday, April 21st, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church at 142 Market Street, Williamsport. Tickets are available at the door, but also at a discount from Robert M. Sides Family Music Center and Otto’s Bookstore, or online at www.williamsportcivicchorus.org. And, as usual, we offer refreshments after the concert – the delicious kind!

Bring yourself, bring your family, bring your friends and enjoy an afternoon of musical bliss!

Rummage Sale

March 22, 2024

Rummage Sale

What:  Rummage and Bake Sale with Marine Corps League holding hot dog sale in parking lot.
When:  April 13th, Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where:  St. Paul Calvary United Methodist Church
1427 Memorial Avenue, Williamsport
Please enter by back corner door.

Walking With God – week of March 24, 2024

March 22, 2024

Walking with God for March 24, 2024

The following institutional services are arranged for, and reported by, United Churches of Lycoming County:

Sunday:

Lycoming County Prison, 1:45 and 3:15 p.m., Mr. Neil Smith and Mr. Charles Walker, River Valley Church, Williamsport.
Williamsport South, 2 p.m., Cancelled.
Valley View Nursing Home, 2 p.m., Ms. Patricia Burket, St. John’s-Newberry United Methodist Church, Williamsport.
We Care of Loyalsock, 2 p.m., Ms. Bonnie Fulton, Lite-Shine Ministries, Inc., Williamsport.
Williamsport North, 2:15 p.m., Cancelled.
Rose View Center, 2:15 p.m., Mr. Jerry Webb, AME Zion Church, Williamsport.
Williamsport Home, 3 p.m., None scheduled.
Pre-Release Center Women, 3:30 p.m., None scheduled.
Pre-Release Center Men, 3:30 p.m., Pastor Velinda Smith, New Life Wake Up Ministries Inc., Williamsport.

Services during the week include:

Heritage Springs, 10 a.m. Tuesday, None scheduled.
Leighton Place, 2 p.m. Thursday, Rev. Brad Walmer, New Covenant United Church of Christ, Williamsport.
Hillside Senior Living, 2 p.m. Wednesday, None scheduled.
Presbyterian Home, 11 a.m. Thursday, None scheduled.

On the Radio:

Radio Services are provided by the following congregations:
8:30 a.m. (Saturday) Jersey Shore Assembly of God, WJSA 96.3 FM.
9:30 a.m. (Sunday) Community Baptist Church, Montoursville, WJSA 96.3 FM.
9 a.m. (Sunday) Pine Street United Methodist Church, Williamsport, WWPA 1340 AM/101.7 FM., WILQ HD3

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