‘For we have this hope as an anchor’

February 15, 2020

Many people collect items that bring them joy or remind them of a time in life or a moment of strength. The symbol I enjoy is the anchor. I latched on to a scripture a few years ago that helps me hold on when the “storms of life” try to “blow me out to sea.” Hebrews 6:19 says this: “For we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure…” (NIV). I think of the anchor symbol in five ways. What is the symbol in your life? For me, hope is a person. Hope is Jesus and all the promises that he brings into my life when I trust him. Acts 27 is a great example ...

Minnesota church one of many hitting restart

February 8, 2020

HUTCHINSON, Minn. — Two years ago, Vineyard United Methodist Church was in trouble. Attendance had been dropping steadily for years, and the handful of members keeping things running was growing exhausted. While the church was still making its budget, the writing was on the wall for the ...

National IF: conference makes third local appearance for women’s worship, fellowship

February 1, 2020

Women around the world will be able to join together Friday and Saturday to worship and focus on Jesus as part of IF: 2020 conferences. IF:Lycoming County will be held at First Church Christian Life Center, 601 Market St., from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, then 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 ...

St. Mark’s youth tackling hunger in annual Souper Bowl

February 1, 2020

The youth of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Williamsport, are tackling hunger in the community by participating in the 30th annual Souper Bowl of Caring. Cans of soup and gifts will be collected from those attending worship services Sunday. Soup will be delivered to the United Churches ...

Diamond Street Christian Church opens food pantry to help the hungry

January 25, 2020

Although their original plans to have a soup kitchen have been temporarily put on hold, the Diamond Street Christian Church still opens its doors to those in need of sustenance by way of a food pantry, open on the first and third Sundays of the month from 2 to 3 p.m. Voncier Gammage, ...

Christian Community Center offers hidden-gem ministries in the West End

January 11, 2020

For 150 years, the building at the northwest corner of Diamond and West Fourth streets served as the Newberry United Methodist Church. Then in 2004, with the congregation aging and the church building becoming more decrepit, the church closed. The remaining members successfully merged with ...