We 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.
While the sermon is recorded and may be heard at your convenience as a podcast, we emphasize the body gathered. Our breathing and heartbeats synchronize. We share the singing and the proclamation, the sharing and the sending. We gain energy from each other. We support each other. We smile. We pray. We explore as the Spirit guides us, and we do so with a variety of structures and practices. We find the more we worship together, the more we crave and value that time.
We do have habits and rituals, but there is no judgment if you don’t know them or prefer not to do them. You will not be frowned on for “messing up.” Really, learning is part of the process. Teaching you helps us be better, do better, and make better sense of our worship. 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.
We Learn and Practice Discipleship
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.
ADULT STUDY
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 weekly topic. No prep or homework needed. Questions are welcome. Nothing is off the table.
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.
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.
SEASONAL OPTIONS
Lent 2025 will include an after-worship study focusing on discipleship and spiritual practices. It will be in the lounge off Fellowship Hall and start at 11:30. Grab coffee and goodies and join in. Led by Rebecca Fraser who is a certified spiritual director.
We Serve
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 the Pocono Interfaith Council 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. This group hosts the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, a national day of prayer service, and we participate in various events throughout the year.
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.
Beyond our giving to this congregation, most of our members give to many charitable organizations. We value living generously as a spiritual discipline, and we put our money where our hearts are…bringing the love of God to the world.