Green Hill Good News Online* Edition for March 2019
*Church members, check your e-mail and/or a printed copy for the complete newsletter.
NO COMPARISON
(from Our Daily Bread, 1st of March)
“One of these days I’m going to put it all on Facebook—not just the good stuff!”
My friend Sue’s comment—made casually over lunch with her husband—caused me to laugh out loud and also to think. Social media can be a good thing, helping us stay in touch with and pray for friends across the years and miles. But if we’re not careful, it can also create an unrealistic outlook on life. When much of what we see posted is a “highlight reel” of “the good stuff,” we can be misled into thinking others’ lives are without trouble, and wonder where our own went wrong.
Comparing ourselves with others is a sure recipe for unhappiness. When the disciples compared themselves to each other (see Luke 9:46; 22:24), Jesus quickly discouraged it. Soon after His resurrection, Jesus told Peter how he would suffer for his faith. Peter then turned to John and asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me” (John 21:21–22).
Jesus pointed Peter to the best remedy for unhealthy comparisons. When our minds are focused on God and all He’s done for us, self-focused thoughts fall gently away and we long to follow Him. In place of the world’s competitive strain and stress, He gives us His loving presence and peace. Nothing can compare with Him.
By James Banks
OUR DAILY BREAD
The new copies of Our Daily Bread for March/April/May are now available on the table in the Narthex. Please pick up a copy for yourself, and maybe pick up a second copy to share with a friend.
NEW WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY
A new weekly Bible Study will begin at Green Hill on Wednesday, March 13, and everyone is invited to attend. Whether you are a member of the church, you’ve been just a few times, or you’ve never set foot in the door before, you are warmly invited to join us to learn more about God’s Word. This new Bible Study, taught by Dr. Scott Smith, will focus on the Foundations of the Bible: What made it in to the Bible, what didn’t, and why? Bible Study will begin each Wednesday at 6:15pm and will run until 7:00pm. Prior to Bible Study, at 5:30pm, we will have a Pot Luck Supper in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone is invited to attend Supper as well.
WOMEN’S SPRING GATHERING
The Presbyterian Women Spring Gathering is being held in Andalusia Presbyterian Church on Saturday March 23rd. Come and learn how we relate to Presbyterian Women all over the world. The speakers will be Jyung In Lee who is the past moderator of National Korean Presbyterian Women. This is the largest Presbyterian denomination in the world. She speaks Korean with a New Jersey accent.
The second speaker is Rev. Kathy Reeves, Retired Mission Associate. Kathy has worked with women in almost every country that has a Presbyterian partnership. Her experience is unsurpassed.
Registration from 9:30 – 10 AM with program at 10 AM. Registration received before March 10- $12.50 and after March 10 – $15.00 (includes lunch). Please come and go with us.
The Mission Challenge this year is Laundry Pods for First Presbyterian Andalusia to support their Laundry Love mission project.
If you are interested in attending please contact Betty Bierbaum or Gloria Webb for registration and transportation information.
GIRL SCOUT SUNDAY 2019
All area Girl Scouts are invited to attend the morning worship service at Green Hill Presbyterian Church on Sunday, March 10. Coffee, soda, and light breakfast foods will be available in the Fellowship Hall beginning at 10:30am. The Worship Service begins at 11:00am. At Noon, we will have cake and soda in the Fellowship Hall. All girls are asked to wear their uniforms.
In March of each year, Girl Scouts take time to recognize the anniversary of the founding of the very first Girl Scout Troop. This year the Girl Scout organization is celebrating its 107th anniversary!
Part of this annual celebration is Girl Scout Sunday which is a time for Girl Scouts to be recognized in their places of worship and for them to reflect on the importance of the words “To Serve God” in the Girl Scout Promise.
The mission of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character. More than 50 million American women have participated in Girl Scouting, and that number continues to grow as Girl Scouts of the USA continues to inspire, challenge, and empower girls everywhere.
On my honor, I will try:
To serve God and my country,
To help people at all times,
And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
Green Hill Presbyterian Church 