The Lampstand

IS THERE A WAY OUT OF OUR NATION'S CHAOS?

THE WAY OUT IS BACK! 

BACK TO OUR FOUNDATIONS!

BACK TO THE BIBLE!

Our Lenten Series this year will focus on the forgotten Biblical foundations our nation was built upon. My wife, Paula, used her photoshop skills to give us the picture above. It shows the Bible as our Nation's foundation, with Old Glory in the sky above our Capitol building. This nation was firmly founded upon God's Word, but this knowledge has either been forgotten, ignored or intentionally rewritten in our history. It is my hope that as we learn about how the Bible was essential to the founding of our nation, it will help us to see the way forward through this chaos.

We will be using a video series throughout our Lenten services this year: "Building on the American Heritage Series, with Historian David Barton." Each 30 minute video will be followed by a message.

Though as you read through this article, you may think this looks like a course in American civics, it is so much more! Please know that every episode is filled with Biblical quotes as the sources for the foundations of our nation's government.

David Barton's ministry website is wallbuilders.com I have known about and used his materials in the past. He has encyclopedic knowledge of History. If you are like me, you will be amazed at not only his knowledge, but also how the Bible was core to the thinking and writing of our Founding Fathers, who laid the foundations of this nation. WallBuilders has graciously given us permission to both show this series in church, as well as live stream it on the internet! So for those who cannot come to church, you can watch from your homes!

“Join Historian David Barton as he traces America’s history back to the source in Building on the American Heritage. Uncover the forgotten stories. Examine the nation’s founding documents and discover first hand our Founding Father’s original intent. Explore the morals and values America was built on centuries ago. Learn the truth of America’s past, so you can shape America’s future.” (Introduction for each episode)

We will start this series on Ash Wednesday, February 17th at 7 pm., and each Wednesday through March 24th. There are 13 episodes, so I would like to continue this series not only during Lent but each Wednesday after Easter through May 19th when we will complete this very important series.

Also, with the birth of my 3rd grandson, Charlie, I will be gone February 18th through February 26th. Jim Edgel has agreed to preach on Sunday, February 21st and Wednesday, February 24th while I am gone. I asked Jim if he wanted to share the preaching through this series, and he agreed.

Session 1, February 17th Pastor Kris

PRESERVING AMERICA'S HERITAGE

"From news desks to dinner tables and even in the White House, America's Christian heritage has been the source of great debate in recent years. Is America still a Christian nation? Is there proof that our Founding Fathers were actually men of Christian faith? As conflicting answers circulate in society, another question has emerged in many American minds. Why does America's heritage even matter?" David Barton, wallbuilders.com

Session 2, February 24th Jim Edgel

FOUNDATIONS OF AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

"America's government rests on five simple principles found in the Declaration of Independence. But what inspired our Founding Father's to create this distinct form of government? Why did they choose these particular principles as the basis of our nation? And why is it important for Americans to preserve them today?" David Barton, wallbuilders.com

Session 3, March 3rd Pastor Kris

THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT

"America's government was formed with an important balance of powers and limitations, but many Americans are unaware of where this balance lies. So what is the proper role of government? How should it fit into the average citizen's life? And how should it relate with other institutions like the church and family?" David Barton, wallbuilders.com

Session 4, March 10th Jim Edgel

DEMYSTIFYING THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM

"Of all the nation's branches of government, the judicial branch is the most commonly misunderstood. With a court system that bears little resemblance to the constitution, it's time to demystify our nation's judicial. branch. What was the original purpose of the judicial branch? How do we hold our courts accountable?" David Barton, wallbuilders.com

Session 5, March 17th Pastor Kris

AMERICA'S LOST HEROES: AFRICAN AMERICAN PATRIOTS

"Most history books fail to capture the impact of African Americans in our country's founding era. From military heroes and elected officials to educators and religious leaders, many great Americans have been erased from our nation's story. But today these lost heroes receive the honor they have long deserved." David Barton, wallbuilders.com

Session 6, March 24th Jim Edgel

REMARKABLE YOUNG AMERICANS

"Today's American culture tends to overlook the youth population and their role in the civil arena. But this has not always been the American way. In the founding era, young Americans made exceptional contributions to the development of the United States. They were scientists, diplomats, theologians, and soldiers. They were America's unsung heroes. Until now..." David Barton, wallbuilders.com

Session 7, April 7th Pastor Kris

CIVIL STEWARDSHIP: DUTY VS. RIGHTS

"Every American citizen has been endowed with a set of rights. But our Founding Fathers said that with every right there is a corresponding duty. What would they think about a society that emphasizes rights, but remains silent about citizen duties? That is the duty of a free citizen?" David Barton, wallbuilders.com

Session 8, April 14th

THE TRUTH OF AMERICAN EXCEPTIONALISM

"America was founded on a distinct set of governing principles, making this country an immediate exception to the worldwide norm. As a result, a unique sense of American Exceptionalism has been woven into our heritage. But where did the idea of American Exceptionalism come from? Is it a legitimate thread in our nation's fabric, or a patriotic cover for American superiority?" David Barton, wallbuilders.com

Session 9, April 21st

CHANGING A STATE--AND A GENERATION

"Most Americans can agree that our country is in need of change. From economics to healthcare to education...our nations's systems are desperate for reform. But what is the average citizen's role in reform? And how long would it take to see true reformation?" David Barton, wallbuilders.com

Session 10, April 28th

REVIVAL AND REFORMATION

"Americans today face moral and economic challenges unknown to previous generations. As a result, Christian across America have joined in prayer for national revival. But the question remains...is revival really the answer to our nation's problems? What have been the affects of past revivals in America?" David Barton, wallbuilders.com

Session 11, May 5th

SOCIAL JUSTICE

"For centuries, issues of social justice have primarily belonged to the church. But in recent years, these issues have made their way into the political arena. So whose job should it be to care for those in need? And what does the Bible say about the government's role in social justice?" David Barton, wallbuilders.com

Session 12, May 12th

POLITICS IN THE PULPIT

"Most Americans are taught that political commentary does not belong in church. But in the founding era, the opposite was true. American clergy played an active role in achieving American independence...in the pulpit, on the battlefield, and eventually in public office. Is it safe for Ameria's pastors and churches to move in these realms today? Is there still a place for politics in the pulpit?" David Barton, wallbuilders.com

Session 13, May 19th

CHRISTIANS IN THE CIVIL ARENA

"America's civil arena can be a complicated place for the Christian to navigate. So how can Christians effectively contribute to public affairs? Did our Founding Fathers leave any clues? Should people even bother with bringing faith into the civil arena?" David Barton, wallbuilders.com

Please join us each week starting Ash Wednesday, February 17th. You will be glad you did!

In The Service of Jesus!

Pastor Kris

We have had our annual congregational meeting delayed twice now due to weather concerns. Hopefully we will be able to meet this coming Sunday, which is also Valentine's Day. In addition to the annual business of the congregation, we will be voting on whether or not to purchase the property pictured above as our permanent church home.

We have made options available for anyone who wants to attend, but due to Covid-19 concerns does not want to be in the building at Willow Brook. You can participate in the meeting from your car. Listen to the meeting on your radio in your car in the parking lot. Tune your radio to 97.7 FM. There will be two cell phones you can call/text with questions/concerns. These numbers will be distributed to everyone in their cars. I am asking that everything spoken in the meeting be spoken at a microphone, even questions or concerns which come in through our two cell phone numbers. Before the meeting begins, ballots for voting will be handed out both inside and in the parking lot. The ballots are numbered, so make sure you are using the correctly numbered ballot when you are voting. Ballots #1,3 and 5 are blue in color. Ballots #2,4, and 6 are pink in color. Ballots will be collected and tabulated, and the decisions will be made known.

How can you vote if you cannot attend the meeting?

Unfortunately our constitution does not allow for either absentee balloting, nor does it allow for proxy balloting. I have offered to people who want to vote, but are unable to attend, that I could read what their thoughts are about buying the church property in Williamsport. So far, three people who cannot be present have shared their thoughts with me. If you would like to be added to that list, please call/text or email me.

In the Service of Jesus,

Pastor Kris