February, 2017
Chapel
Chatter
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HONESDALE
GROUNDED IN CHRIST. CONNECTED IN COMMUNITY.
“You had to admire his commitment. He had made a decision to attend. He would not miss it. The
weather was terrible that day—steady rain, temperature in the forties. He still got out in the weather.
Because of the bad weather, he did not quite make it on time. It was difficult to get to his seat as
well. But he persevered. His seat was not comfortable, but he neither left nor complained. His
presence vividly demonstrated his love and commitment.
He was joyous the entire time. He enjoyed the presence of fellow believers.
attendance, and his enthusiasm all reflected his deep and abiding commitment.
His attitude, his
He was at a college football game on a Saturday afternoon.
By the way, he did not attend church worship services the next day. He was tired from the ball
game. And there was a 40 percent chance of rain.”
Thom S. Rainer’s book, I Will!
Church statistics show (FPCH is no different) that the average family that attended weekly, now
attends bi-monthly, the family that came twice a month now comes once a month and those who
came once a month now come once every other month. There are dozens of great reasons not to
make corporate worship a priority, but one reason why we must. When we come to worship on
Sunday mornings we come out of a RESPONSE to what God has graciously done in delivering us from
the depths of despair. Worship is a response to God’s unmerited favor for us.
Oh, the number of times I have heard people try to explain how they don’t need to come to church
to worship, and in part, that is true in the sense that we should worship our Lord 24-7. However what is
missing in their theology is the act of corporate worship. In corporate worship we are responding to
God alongside fellow believers. To quote Rainer again “There is something powerful, even
miraculous, about believers united together to worship God.” Several weeks ago after the service I
walked inadvertently upon a group of people from our church gathered together to pray. I got
choked up.
continued on page 2
What would it look like if we gathered joyfully together weekly with the intention of praising and truly
glorifying God, of worshipping God for His daily provision? What would it look like if we invited those we
know and love to join us? The Bible describes it in Acts 2:46-47:
Every day they devoted themselves to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their
homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the
people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
46
Notice in this text, the people met together, they devoted themselves, they humbled themselves, they
rejoiced . . . and “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved”. I can’t for the life
of me think of one thing that sounds better than what we see the early followers of Jesus doing through
their corporate worship. Can you?
Reverend Michael Lyle
Vineyard Center
Youth Ministry
The Vineyard has been a hub of activity for the
last couple of months. We have hosted ongoing
programs that include Holy Fitness for Women,
Men’s Basketball League and open Volleyball.
The important thing is that in every way, whether
from false motives or true, Christ is being
preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Philippians 1:18
In addition, the Vineyard hosted several 5th
Quarter events, new member meetings,
Northeast ECO Presbytery Meeting, Souper
Supper, a birthday party, a mission team from
Endicott, TASS, a wedding reception, Boy Scout
annual lock-in, Yoga International staff
recognition party, Little Creek gym time, and
two Winter Escapes. It has been a busy but
exciting time!
Paul sets a great example for us of recognizing
what actually has value in life. He isn't concerned
at all with his own circumstances as long as the
good news of Jesus Christ is being preached. We
started a study of Philippians a few weeks ago
with our students at Fellowship of Christian
Athletes, and I pray that Paul's words will
encourage them to examine what's truly
important in their lives. Please join me in praying
that God would provide our students with strength
and courage to preach Christ in the opportunities
that arise every day.
The Vineyard is an amazing facility with the
flexibility to host many different events. Our
church family has special access to this facility. I
ask that as you plan your upcoming events such
as birthday parties and family reunions or know
someone who is, please consider the Vineyard.
We can help your party or event be a success!
In His service,
George Maxson
Director of Outreach
Women’s Fellowship
For Him,
Andy Wood
Director of Youth
Important Dates for Planning:
February 26th – FCA Red & Black Tubing/Air
boarding at Montage $25.00
Mission Trips
July 16th-July 22nd Grand Rapids, MI (9th-12th)
The Women’s Fellowship will meet at noon in the
Chapel, on Tuesday, February 14th. We will be
studying “Naomi & Ruth,” Lesson 5.
Gretchen Erk
Chairman
July 23rd-July 29th
Pittsburgh, PA (6th-8th)
Deposit of $125.00 due by February 15th
Prayer Calendar
Ruth Weniger joined this church on November
17, 1963 and entered the Church Triumphant on
December 20, 2016.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His
only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in
Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16
Please keep the following church members in
your prayers:
Bill Breckel
Ceil Grandjean
Betsy Lacey Ken Procopio
Bill & Thelma Spry
Doug Krom
Helen Ward
Important Reminder
The Annual Meeting of FPCH will be held on
Sunday, February 12th @ 2:00 PM in the Church
Sanctuary. Please plan to attend.
Birthdays
Feb 1 - Betsy Lacey, Paul Lloyd
Feb 3 - Kelly Birmelin, Doreen Dimmitt
Feb 4 - Tracy Welsh
Feb 5 - Bob Bryden, Kate Maxson, Kody Welsh,
Polly Eisele
Feb 7 - Ceil Grandjean
Feb 8 - Janet Rutherford, Julie Stanton
Feb 9 - Drew Daniels
Feb 13 - Reverend Lyle
Feb 14 - Angelia Rowland
Feb 15 - Morgan Schneider
Feb 17 - Greg Frigoletto
Feb 19 - Mary Kempton, Ken Procopio,
Aline Townsend
Feb 21 - Lorraine Gallik, Chandler Hnatko
Feb 23 - Theresa Agentovich
Feb 25 - Cindy Guenzel, Andrea Stanton
Feb 28 - Clyde Kreider
Anniversaries
Feb 7 - Walter & Marilyn Barbe
Feb 20 - Mike & Tammy Schmoyer
Music Ministry
Welcome Paul Geer
Thank you for embracing me and welcoming me
into the Music Ministry at First Presbyterian Church
of Honesdale! I am both humbled and honored
to be able to answer the call to this role and look
forward to serving and worshipping with you and
Pastor Lyle.
Music ministry has been some part of my life since
I was a senior in high school. To that end, I have
been given a glimpse into the window that is
music ministry and its special connection
between the pastorate and the congregation.
Music prepares the heart of the worshipper and
the worship leaders to receive a revelation of
God through His Word and by His Spirit. It is a
unique and beautiful communion.
I recently mentioned to the choir, that as
someone new to FPCH, I immediately felt as
though I was known for a long time. The warmth,
welcome, and openness you have afforded me
has made me feel as if I was here forever. Please
understand how wonderful it is to not be a
“stranger” in a strange land; how comfortable I
am with you already. There is a true sense of
church here and it is awesome!
What a wonderful, sweet spirit at FPCH. The Spirit
of the Lord is present! Thank you again for
welcoming me. I look forward to the fellowship,
the fun, and the music as we make a joyful noise
to the Lord!
In Christ,
Paul
Children’s Ministry
The first of the New Year brings about new activities and programs starting in Children's Ministry.
Winter Inner Mission began January 4th and will continue through February 22nd. Our weekly meetings
are open for babies through adults.
Winter Escape was held on January 14th & 28th. This was a fun afternoon for children ages 8 and under
to come to the Vineyard Center to learn about Moses and God, as well as have some fun fellowship.
BLAST (Beginning to Learn About Scriptural Truth) will begin February 7th and run for four Tuesdays. This
program is for children in grades K - 2. We will be learning about Making Good Choices and how to
turn to God for help with our choices.
Also, watch for 345 Club, starting March 1st. This program is for children in grades 3-5 and will be held
for six weeks.
Jacqui Barna, VCCC Director
Church Events
Church Events
Church/Chapel
Vineyard Center
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 Sundays - 11AM Worship
  Sundays - 9AM Worship
 Thursdays - 6PMAbraham House Dinner
  Sundays - 5-6:30PM FCA Red
 Thursdays - 7PM Abraham House Clothing Room
  Sundays - 7-8:30PM FCA Black
 Thursdays - 6:45PM Choir Rehearsal
  Mondays - 5:30PM Women’s Fitness
 Thursdays - 7:45PM Bell Choir Rehearsal
  Tuesdays - 3-5PM BLAST for K, 1st & 2nd Grade
 Saturdays - 10AM Abraham House Clothing Room
  Tuesdays - 8PM Men’s Basketball
 Annual Meeting - Sunday, February 12th @ 2PM in
  Wednesdays - 10AM Bible Study
Church Sanctuary
 Women’s Fellowship - Tuesday, February 14th @
Noon
  Wednesdays - 6PM Inner Mission
  Thursdays - 7:30PM Over 16 Volleyball
  Men’s Breakfast - February 28th 7:15AM