July 29, 2022
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.
Practice hospitality.
Romans 12:13

The early Christians, people of the way, were ordinary people living radical lives. They were identified by the way they lived their lives, not by what they said but what they did. Often times it would draw them away from the world around them but closer to the heart of God.

This was our recurring theme for the week on our Senior High Seekers’ mission trip to Lynchburg Virginia. Each night an advisor spoke on the “Marks of a Christian” and how it spoke to them in their life. During the Sunday service our youth spoke about their personal experiences of transformation and what “mark” most impacted them. Marks of a Christian include prayer, suffering, forgiveness, simplicity, peace and justice, truthfulness, servanthood, hospitality. 

I chose to share a story of hospitality.
 
In 1984 as an Education major at Lock Haven University I had to decide where I would go for my student teaching placement. My options were to stay in Lock Haven, go abroad or come to Pottstown where the coordinator resided and lived with a host family. My friends and I packed up and two of us moved to the home of Dottie Melchiorre and her family, my other friend moved to the home of the Wrigley family.

I had grown up at Donegal Presbyterian Church in Mount Joy, PA, our family was very involved at church and I was an active participant in all of the children and youth activities growing up, but I had drifted away in my college years. While I was living with Dottie, she invited me to attend church with her and I attended a service at FPC. It is hard not to be impressed with the church, not only the beauty on the inside and the stained-glass windows but with the warm welcome I received from the members of the congregation.
 
Fast forward, I stayed in Pottstown and continued to attend FPC. I was married in the church in 1989, taught Sunday School, had my children baptized and confirmed at the church, I worked as the Nursery School Director, Youth Advisor and now I have the pleasure of being part of the staff. I have made the best of friends who have become part of my family and love my job. I have never felt so much love and support in one place. I often wonder what direction my life would have taken if not for the simple invitation offered by Dottie and Marlene to attend their church. Would I have a church family? Would I still feel connected to God? Would I have lost my way? 

We are ordinary radicals.
Where are we on the path? 
We are still on our way.
What identifies you? 
 How do people know you and what do they see?
Show us your marks.
Are you one of them?

Blessings,
Jaylee
Update on Pastoral Care
Please contact Dawn Skelly if you have any pastoral care needs. Dawn’s contact information is dskelly@fpcpottstown.org. Dawn will be regularly checking her emails. During off hours, you can call 484-268-2919, which will be checked on a regular basis. 
There will be an on-call Pastor available for emergencies.  
Being the Church This Week

Sunday, July 31 
Service of the Lord’s Day 9:30 AM
Rev. Ashley Rossi, preaching 

Monday, August 1 
Troop 146 - 7PM

Tuesday, August 2
Yoga – 9AM – Community Room

Wednesday, August 3
Yoga – 9AM – Community Room

Thursday, August 4 
Community Meals – 5PM – Fellowship Hall

Friday, August 5 
Yoga – 9AM – Community Room
Mission Partner
Every good gift, every perfect gift, comes from above. These gifts come down from the Father, the creator of the heavenly lights, in whose character there is no change at all.  (James 1:17 CEB) 
 
At FPC Pottstown, we believe that our time, our talents, our earthly treasures are not our own; they are gracious gifts from God. God entrusts them to us, and calls us to use our gifts and our lives to make God's love known in the world.
 
We continue to clothe, feed, educate and uplift one another, and our neighbors in need.  This work requires offerings of time, talent and treasure. Your giving makes that work possible. Thank you!