Rev. Dr. Keith A.

Blank, Pastor
October/November 2016
The Friendly Church on the Hill

With the election fast upon us, I have gathered a list of things we Christians
need to keep in mind:
(1) The Kingdom of God and America are not synonyms. As Jesus followers, our loyalty
is to a different Kingdom, one that Jesus claimed was not of this world (John 18:36). Furthermore, were actually called to live here, not as American citizens, but as immigrants from another
place people who are called to live out our time as foreigners, immigrants, and exiles (1 Peter
1:17, 1 Peter 2:11). This unique calling to serve Gods Kingdom should, at a minimum, invite
Christians in America to really take a moment to reconsider the time, attention and efforts often
given to the American political process, compared to those given to the Kingdom.
(2) There are Christians of all political persuasions. Republican. Democrat. Libertarian. Green
party. Constitutional Party. And no party. Some vote. Some dont. But politics should not divide
Christians in an election year. Or any year. We go to church together. Worship together. Serve
the same God. Were all bought by the blood of Jesus. Were walking the same spiritual road and
share the same hope. Lets not allow political differences to destroy the unity for which Christ
died. (Gal. 3:26-28; Eph. 4:1-3)
(3) Dont confuse patriotism with spirituality. Loving our country does not make us more spirituality minded. Nor does our brand of patriotism make us more spiritual than others that we deem
less patriotic. What makes us spiritual minded is thinking on things that are above, and not on
things of the earth (Col 3:1-2). Prayer. Bible study. Fellowship. Discipleship. Worship. Outreach.
Ministry. These strengthen our spiritual lives, not political activism or patriotic allegiance.
(4) Remember that your partys political platform is not perfect. Every four years the platform is tweaked and changed. Its formed by ambitious and imperfect politicians. The
Democratic Party is not the same as it was 50 years ago. But neither is the Republican Party. The only
platform that is perfect is the one given by God and revealed through His infallible Word. (2 Tim.
3:26-17) And, it will provide for us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3)
(5) Stop saying This is the most important election in the history of our nation. Im
hearing it. Again. In fact, Ive said it in the past. But I was wrong. Every election has its own
importance. Ill leave the debate of the most important election to the historians. But I suggest
the election of Abraham Lincoln might be difficult to beat. Christians, however, need to be more
concerned about their spiritual election by Gods grace. Be diligent. Make it sure. Stay focused.
(2 Pet. 1:10-11) Take a look at Revelation and realize that God does have a plan for us, and it will
not be as the rest of the world desires.
Continued on page 2

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(6) Pray for the elected leaders regardless of who wins. The Bible commands prayerful respect
for governmental authorities. Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that
we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and
acceptable in the sight of God our Savior (1 Tim. 2:1-3). Mocking, jeering, and vilifying our
elected officials on Facebook grieves God and is a stain on our Christianity.
(7) Your candidate is not the last, best hope for America. Yes, I know you really like him or her
and their politics. But they are imperfect. They do not share all of your spiritual values. And if they
lose, America is not doomed. The best hope of America is Jesus Christ, who calls for a return to
faith and the gospel message of salvation from sin. (Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor 15:1-3) Our hope transcends
the policies and politics of this country, or any other country. Furthermore, the leaders are not in
control of our destiny. God is.
(8) Remember your favorite talk show host and cable news channel is all about ratings. Dont
allow the news celebrities to fill you with fear, or instill paranoia. Few, if any, are unbiased. They
all have some agenda. And, they all want you to watch or listen to their program.
You might want to turn it off and spend time with your family. Or read a good book. Go visit a
friend. Read your Bible. And pray for Gods guidance, strength and patience during this heated
political season.
Its good to be informed. Champion a noble cause. Work to make our country better. And vote your
conscience. Just dont lose perspective. Stay focused on whats most important. And live godly in
this ungodly world. Amen!
(9) In all things turn to Scripture as your Authority, for instance see Matthew 22:15-22:
15
Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. 16 They sent their disciples to
him along with the Herodians. Teacher, they said, we know that you are a man of integrity and
that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You arent swayed by others, because
you pay no attention to who they are. 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the
imperial tax[a] to Caesar or not? 18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, You hypocrites, why
are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax. They brought him a
denarius, 20 and he asked them, Whose image is this? And whose inscription? 21 Caesars, they
replied. Then he said to them, So give back to Caesar what is Caesars, and to God what is Gods.
22
When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.
In Christs Love,
PK

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Director of Youth & Family Ministry

Chuck Lamon
Well, its that time of year and Awana has begun! This is a new
year and new beginning for God to do a new thing here at
Trinity. We are walking the kids through the Old and New
Testament stories to help them grasp who God is and what their
identity is through Him. I will include the kids in the lessons each
week to help channel their energy and make it more fun for them.
I cant leave out the awesome youth group! We are going to have a busy fall as we connect with
Bethesda Missions Youth Center, and Cross Point in Rutherford, for some upcoming events and
some ministries we connected with during our missions trip from Southern VA and Middleburg, PA.
Once a month, beginning in November, we will rent out the Rutherford Youth Club for a night of
fun, games, and a guest speaker. This event will be called J Spot and will be for the youth in grades
7th- 12th. We also have guest speakers come and share their life testimonies on youth group nights.
Dont forget about the 30-Hour Famine which is set for Friday, October 28- starting at 12:30 pm and
ending on Saturday the 29th during the afternoon with a service at the Bethesda Mission Womens
Shelter. We will also pass out tracts and share Christ on Trick or Treat night at the church on October
27 and have our annual Pantry Raid in November, collecting food to help support those who are less
fortunate at Bethesda Mission.
So you can see we have very busy days ahead and we welcome all who can come and volunteer their
time and love of God for our Youth Group and Awana kids!
Please also keep Nick Beers in your prayers. He is one of our youth group graduates who recently
left for the United States Army. Please pray for our Youth Group and Awana leaders, children, and
families.
God Bless!
Chuck Lamon

Upcoming . . .
October:

November:

October 2: Youth Group - 5:30-7:30 p.m.

October 9: Youth Group - 5:30-7:30 p.m.
October 16: Pasta Dinner/Mission Trip
Presentation-5:30 p.m.
October 23: Youth Group- 5:30-7:30 p.m.
October 27: Trick-or-Treat Night at Trinity 6-8pm
October 28-29: 30-Hour Famine
October 30: No Youth Group

November 6: YG, 5:30-7:30

November 12: Pantry Raid - 10 a.m.
November 13: YG, 5:30-7:30
November 20: YG, 5:30-7:30
November 27: No YG

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White Gifts for StoneRidge Retirement Living a huge success!

As a result of our White Gift Sunday on September 11, 2016, the items listed below were
donated for StoneRidge Retirement Living. A special thanks to all who donated items!
Thanks also to Bunny Lutz & Pat Heilner for transporting the gifts to StoneRidge and to
Mike Bruno for setting up the table.

Barrettes/Hair clips - 6/2

Bars of Dove soap - 55
Birthday & Anniversary cards - Approx. 50
Body Lotion - 10
Body wash - 20
Brushes - 3
Cleansing wipes - 1 pk.
Combs - 2
Cottonballs - 1 pk.
Denture cleanser tablets - 6 (various sizes)
Deodorant - 9
Emory boards - 1
Hair Spray - 1

Knee His/Thigh His - 2

Mens aftershave lotion/cologne - 1
Mouthwash - 3
Nail & toenail clippers - 1
Novel - 1
Ponytail holders - 1 pk.
Powder - 2
Shampoo - 10
Shower caps - 29
Tissues - 28 various sizes
Toothbrushes - 37
Toothpaste - 24 various sizes
Word search puzzle books - 7

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Franklin Grahams Decision America Tour

Comes to Harrisburg
Carol Jones and Diane Paul, from Trinity Church, attended Franklin Graham's Decision America
Tour in Harrisburg on September 15. Below is a summary of what he talked about.
Franklin Graham estimated a crowd of 7200 gathered at Soldiers and Sailors Park, just east of the
Pennsylvania Capitol, on September15, 2016, because of their concern about the spiritual decline
and ungodliness which is overwhelming our nation. He indicated the upcoming election is an
extremely important one because several Supreme Court Justices will probably be elected. It is
important that the appointees believe in Biblical morality.
The program opened by singing numerous songs including the favorites Victory in Jesus, How
Great Thou Art, Lord I Lift Your Name on High, and Nothing But the Blood of Jesus.
Mr. Graham based his comments on Nehemiah Chapter 1. Nehemiah was in captivity when he heard
that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down, and its gates had been destroyed. He focused on these
verses:
4

When I heard these words I sat down and wept, and mourned for days, fasting and praying before
the God of heaven. 5I said, O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant
and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments; 6let your ear be attentive
and your eyes open to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for
your servants the people of Israel, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned
against you. Both I and my family have sinned. 7We have offended you deeply, failing to keep the
commandments, the statutes, and the ordinances that you commanded your servant Moses.
Prayer is extremely important in preparation for the election. He drew the following parallels and
had the group join in a time of prayer related to each area:
1. As Nehemiah confessed the sins of the Israelites, we need to confess the sins of our nation.
2. As Nehemiah confessed his sins, each one of us needs to acknowledge our own sins and repent of
them.
3. Nehemiah confessed the sins of his family. We, too, need to pray for our families to be godly.
He stated that many of our churches are more concerned about profits and political correctness than
about God's truth and righteousness.
Franklin challenged all Christians to do the following: Pray for our country and its leaders, vote, and
to run for office at every level.
He said that millions of evangelicals did not vote at the last election. It would make a big difference
at the polls if we all got out to vote. He stated that he has no hope in either party (Republican or
Democrat). The only hope for this country is Almighty God! He stated that Nehemiah rebuilt the
walls of Jerusalem in 52 days, so it is never too late for our country to get back on the right path.

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Upcoming . . .
October 2, 2016
Communion will be offered at the
8:30 & 11:00 a.m. worship services.
--------------------------------------------------------------

Missionary Service With Gloria Smethers

Sunday, October 9, 2016
8:30 & 11:00 a.m. services
Gloria serves at AIM Retirement Center in FL
See page 7
--------------------------------------------------------------

All are welcome!

Free Community Pasta
Dinner & Youth Mission
Trip Presentation
Sunday, October 16, 2016
5:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall
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Trinitys Trick or Treat Night

Thursday, October 27
Stop in between 6:00 and 8:00 pm. Use the door on
Huntingdon Street and follow our signs. Come in
your costumes and take a trip around our downstairs neighborhood. Find a friendly face behind
each door with candy galore! Stop by our Fellowship Hall and rest your feet while you relax with free
hot dogs, drinks and goodies.
--------------------------------------------------------------

Annual Congregational
Meeting
Sunday, November 13
11:00 a.m.

We will have one blended service at 9:45 a.m. in

Fellowship Hall followed by light refreshments.
There will be no Sunday School. All members of
Trinity Church are encouraged to attend. Your
attendance and participation is very important for
the good of the church.

CHICKEN CORN SOUP & BAKED GOODS

ELECTION DAY FOOD SALE
November 8, 2016
Pastor Keiths world-famous chicken corn soup will
be available for pre-order by the quart and available
for lunch/dinner on Election Day. In addition, and
back by popular demand, are Jack Wetzels wonderful sticky buns (he gave us the recipe!). We will be
taking pre-orders for these in tins of 8 sticky buns
with or without nuts.
Order forms will be in the church bulletin, in the
Narthex, and on the Welcome Table downstairs.
Order Forms must be turned in by October 23rd.
Pick-up will be on Election Day, Tuesday, November 8 in Fellowship Hall. You must come to the
church to pick up your order.
Please place your order in the boxes located on both
levels of the church. You can pay at the time you
order or when you pick up.
On election day, stop by Fellowship Hall for something to eat. Available for purchase will be soup, hot
dogs, beef barbeque, sticky buns, drinks and other
goodies.
Proceeds benefit various church projects!
--------------------------------------------------------------

Thankoffering Service

With Lamar & Janice Stoltzfus

Sunday, November 22, 2016
8:30 & 11:00 a.m. services.
Lamar & Janice serve with Rift Valley
Academy in Kenya. See page 7
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Trinity Choirs Christmas Cantata

December 11, 2016 ~ 4:00 p.m.
Mark your calendars and check
upcoming Sunday bulletins for more
details.

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Missionary Fellowship Page

JOIN US FOR THESE UPCOMING SERVICES:

Sunday, October 9, at both AM services, we will be blessed by Gloria Smethers. She is a
career missionary nurse who is currently caring for retired missionary residents medical
needs at the AIM (Africa Inland Mission) Retirement facility in Florida. She formerly was
stationed in Africa as a medical missionary. Youll want to hear her views on how God cares
about all people, and uses a nurse to proclaim the message of salvation and love to all, no
matter their circumstances.
Sunday, November 20, we will have our annual Thank Offering service. Our featured
missionary speakers for both AM services will be Lamar and Janice Stoltzfus. They will be
sharing their work at the Rift Valley Academy in Kenya, Africa. Come and hear what these
self-proclaimed Amish-Africans have been doing. You may be surprised to learn about a
different type of missionary service that can be done. God surely can use us all. Maybe you
will be inspired to use your talents to serve him. Also, remember our special Thank Offering
will be collected on that day. This special offering goes to the support of the International EC
Church conferences in Japan, India, Nepal, Mexico and Liberia.

DID YOU KNOW? . . .

1. The EC Global Ministries Commission empowers over 500
international churches in five nations.
2. The EC Global Ministries Commission facilitates 45 mission workers
in 9 countries working with 20 different sending agencies (missionary
agencies such as Wycliffe, etc.).
3. Through these 45 workers, it ministers to the marginalized in many of these same
countries and creates global Christians through informational and educational initiatives.
All of this is accomplished through the cooperation of the local EC Churches here in the USA.