Worship
We are gathered every Sunday at 10am in our sanctuary to worship. Rev. Eugene Peterson says, “Worship is the strategy by which we interrupt our preoccupation with ourselves and attend to the presence of God.” Seems that choosing to attend to God in worship increases our ability to attend to God at other times, until we are attentive to the presence and work of the Holy in all times, all places, and all peoples.
Fr. Richard Rohr reminds us that, “the worship of Jesus is rather harmless and risk-free; actually following Jesus changes everything.” We find, however, that the regular discipline of hearing scripture read and interpreted and being in a faith community increases our ability to follow and strengthens us on that journey.
We do have habits and rituals, but there is no judgment if you don’t know them or prefer not to do them. Your presence blesses others and theirs will bless you. You are welcome at any point in your life journey—no matter who you are or what you believe.
If you’d like to join us, we hope you’ll note:
A city parking lot is open behind our building. All slots (including the center) are available and free on Sundays. A handicap accessible entrance is located at the back of the building and we are fully accessible.
You’ll see everything from t-shirts and shorts to suits and ties. Your presence matters, not your presentation. Please come as you are comfortable.
Children are encouraged to stay in worship. We love their wiggles and giggles. A table for games and toys is located in the back of the sanctuary should it be helpful. If you need it, we have a quiet room accessible through the door to the right of the pulpit, through the library room, and to the right (you can continue to see the service).
Hearing devices are available. Ask an usher.
Christian Formation
We are always seeking to learn and grow as disciples of Christ. If you’re interested in growing your faith and spiritual practices, we invite you to join us.
Wired Word
8:45 a.m. on Sundays in the Fellowship Hall
We engage our faith with the real world as we relate our scripture and experience to a topic in the news that week. No prep or homework needed.
Weekly bible/BOOk study
This group meets on Thursday afternoons at 3:30 p.m. (via Zoom) to discuss readings and insights. You can participate without reading the book. Find the current book here.
APPLYING SCRIPTURE
This study takes a story from the headlines and challenges us to look at it through the Biblical lens. No preparation is necessary; bring your favorite translation as each version provides insight.
The group will meet at the home of church member Joan Jeffers'. Please email the church office for the address and details.
Children
We have a children’s class that meets upstairs (right at top of stairs) on Sunday morning at 8:45 a.m. Lessons are active and hands on, focusing on the stories of our faith.
Service
The foundation of our faith practice is loving God and neighbor. We use the resources we have been given to serve in our local community, across the nation, and around the world. A few of our partners include:
MINISTRY OF FRIENDSHIP
Our newest call and focus builds relationships with our community in numerous ways and will continue to grow as we discern God’s calling. We provide space for events and missions (AA groups, Northbound Thanksgiving lunch, Beacon Hill Concerts, Garden of Giving Benefit Concert, Pocono Concert Chorale, and more).
We participate in Stroudfest, Trick or Treat on Main, Winterfest (as a warming station), and other community events. We offer free, noontime music concerts during Advent (December) and Lent(March-ish) which is a great place to bring a friend or make a friend.
Coffee and Camaraderie is great fun, and represents our mission to bring people together. You don’t have to be a member of our church to come together with others to enjoy the offerings and the space. Laughter is plentiful as we get to know each other and build friendships. People say once you come, you come back.
POCONO AREA TRANSITIONAL HOUSING (PATH)
Our congregation supports PATH in many ways: we offer financial support through our general mission budget; we hold a PATH Chicken Pot Pie Sale in the fall; and we continue to support many PATH functions and fundraising projects throughout the year.
AA Groups
We provide space and support for three AA groups that meet Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from noon to one.
Camp johnsonburg
We believe Christian camping has a profound impact on the faith of our children and youth. We support Camp Johnsonburg just across the Delaware river.
SALVATION ARMY
We support the work of the local Salvation Army through fund-raising and the gift of many of our members who work closely with their mission to support those in significant need.
INDIVIDUAL CALLINGS
Not all our local mission is through an organization. Our members serve with their unique gifts in many ways, doing so as part of their walk of discipleship. Some volunteer at the hospital, some are caregivers for family and neighbors, some keep in touch with fragile folks via telephone. Each of us has an individual calling to serve as well as opportunities though this community.
ECUMENICAL AND INTERFAITH WORK
We are committed to bringing people together and supporting all faith walks and service. We are part of Monroe County Faith Leaders as they do interfaith events for education, community, and service and we work with other Christian churches in the area as we serve and worship together.
Giving
Twenty percent of our church’s pledged budget goes straight to mission projects here and around the world. Financial support is provided to our connectional system which includes Lehigh Presbytery, the Synod of the Trinity, and the General Assembly of the PC(USA). Alonside our denominational partners we support missionaries, advocacy and social justice work, disaster response, educational opportunities, alleviation of hunger and poverty, racial and gender equity, worldwide mission, and more. We provide a short-term mission fund which assists members who wish to travel throughout the country or around the world to do hands-on mission.
In addition to our regular giving, we receive four special PCUSA offerings throughout the year: One Great Hour of Sharing throughout Lent, Pentecost Offering at Pentecost (50 days after Easter), Peace and Global Witness on World Communion Sunday, and Christmas Joy throughout Advent and Christmas.