Points to Ponder
Many years ago at a previous job, I had walked into a room where I found several of my coworkers talking. This wasn’t unusual, of course – we generally all got along very well. But this time, the tone was a little different. There was hushed talking, even some snickering. I pretended I hadn’t really noticed, and soon the group had disbanded and gone on to work with other things. After a while, my curiosity got the better of me, so I asked one of the people what all that was about. I questioned, “Was it about me?”
“No, ”she said. “Not about you.”
“Do I want to know?”
“Maybe? Apparently So-and-so and What’s-her-face are having a bit of a fling.”
This information caught me off-guard… Especially since I knew that So-and-so was married. What was I supposed to do here? Of course, I felt curious to hear more… but should I really want to know more? Was it my business to know someone else’s business? Especially since they were ruining their lives? What internal conflict I felt!
Gossip is an interesting thing. And what’s weird about it is that oftentimes it can start innocently, or even well-intentioned. So let’s see if we can define it.
First, it’s not just being in-the-know about something secret. If I were to tell you about a surprise party for Pastor Darren, and he would show up unaware and Jim Kinney were to jump out of a cake… It’d be pretty awesome, hilarious even… but that’s not gossip. Is it about passing on exciting news that not a lot of people know about? When I found out that my wife was pregnant with one of my kids (Note: the pregnancies that were years ago, not current – don’t want to start any gossip!), it was not something I went around telling everyone. But it was something that I slowly revealed to people, as I knew that it would spread around. So is that gossip? Perhaps, as definitionally gossip includes a degree of spreading private information about the lives of others. But I think there’s a little more to it.
On top of sharing private information with others, who in most circumstances are not directly involved with the information being shared, gossip involves one of three things. First, gossip usually involves a rumor, often unsubstantiated. My brother and I look pretty similar, and years ago an old friend of mine had seen my brother out with his girlfriend at the time. He could very easily have started a rumor simply by asking one of our other friends or acquaintances, “Hey, I thought I saw Tim out with another woman… Do you know anything about that?” It doesn’t even have to be confirmed. Even just asking the question is enough to kick things off. Second, gossip often involves a story to make someone look bad or confirm a negative bias. How many times have you heard a negative story about someone that confirms a particular pattern of behavior, such as disorganization or laziness? It can be quite amusing to keep dumping on that person behind their back. And third, gossip can include some degree of judgment or condemnation. It involves telling a story in which it makes the subject appear in a potentially negative light, especially when used to make the sharer seem better. I heard once of a family friend, who was going through some rough times, had bared his soul to someone he thought he could trust with what he was going through. Instead, armed with that information, they had turned around and shared with others that he was a disturbed and mentally troubled individual. Talk about adding insult to injury!
Especially for Christians, we need to strongly police ourselves about gossip. I get it, let’s be honest - there’s a certain thrill with hearing gossip. As it says in Proverbs 18:8 and 26:22 – “The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.” The author of Proverbs understood that not only are we excited to gobble up the news or information, but we internalize it. Ultimately it affects our judgments about others. Further, in Proverbs 16:28 – “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.” Gossip causes all kinds of friction and conflict - It even has the ability to break apart even close relationships. But also in Proverbs 20:19 “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.” How do you want to be known – as someone who is trustworthy? Someone people can confide in? Someone that people can count on, to come to with compassion? Or instead, are you known in the family or community as someone who carries the juicy details on some inane chatter? And here's the hard part: gossip might not always be black and white. Not everyone stumbles across a crazy story, like a story about an affair or workplace embezzlement or worse. Sometimes it's in the everyday.
So how do we avoid it? Here's some practical tips. If you happen across something that would be an exciting thing to tell someone, practice discernment and discretion. Would the subject of the story want to keep things private? Could it present that person in a bad light? If yes, maybe it's best to just be silent (Proverbs 5:2). Maybe instead you heard about a rumor, or saw something that might need some confirmation. In some cases, it's probably best that you quietly and tactfully ask the subject of the story about it. Remember my story above, where a friend saw my brother with his girlfriend and thought it was me? I'm incredibly thankful that he quietly pulled me aside and asked me about it. I'm glad we had that kind of relationship where he felt comfortable confronting me, and it was especially nice that we could share in the laughter of relief! Well, what about those situations where you hear about something worth praying about? Too many times we present gossip under the veneer of a prayer request. We could even be earnest in our prayers! Ask yourself: Are we trying to lift up and edify the subject of the story? Did they ask for prayer? Would they want us to share the story? If not, maybe it's best not to share. And what about the situation where I heard about the workplace romance? What did I do in that instance? Honestly, I ran. My exact words were "Please don't share anymore. I really don't want to know." Fleeing from sin is often the only(and best!) option (1 Cor 10:13).
Unfortunately, gossip is a universal problem that we need to avoid. Unless you're alone or with only one other person on a deserted island... If there's three or more people, there's bound to be gossip. I want to urge us and remind us all that we need to practice biblical virtues: self-control, wisdom, discernment, discretion, and compassion. I'm reminded of Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Bethe person that others can count on, especially with your words. In such behavior, you bring glory to the God who made you - and that's a story worth sharing.
Tim Leidy
Rally Day!
Join us for Rally Day, September 13th at 8:45 in your new Sunday School classrooms to meet your teachers, enjoy some snacks, and create fun art for our Kids Wing!
Parents are welcome to stay and join in the fun!
The Real Mom Conference
Saturday, September 26
8:30- 3:00 pm
Motherhood is a ministry made up of many seasons. Whether you are knee deep in diapers or running on empty in a nest that has flown, come on out to the Real Mom Conference on September 26 and pick up Auntie and Gramma along the way!
Join us for a day of encouragement, worship and great teaching with keynote speaker Jessie Seneca along with seasoned moms and leaders offering powerful breakouts. Also, volunteers are needed to help with the day. Register by September 21, lunch and t-shirt option cut off September15th at https://moreofhimministries.org/therealmomconference/ or call the church office.
9-11 25th Anniversary
Service of Remembrance
The Warren Royer Post 234 American Legion, with the Bucks-Mont Coalition for Evangelism will hold a service of Remembrance, marking the 25th anniversary of the horrific event we now simply know as 9-11. We will also publicly recognize and thank our first responders. Service will take place at the Souderton Rotary Park commencing on Friday, September 11 at 6PM. In the event of inclement weather, the service will take place at Christ Reformed Church at Indian Creek, 171 Church Rd., Telford.
October7 - November 11date may change
5:00-5:45 Grace Notes*
5:45 pm Family Dinner
6:15-8pm KIDS QUEST
Join us for our Wednesday Night Program for Kids in grade 1-5
Make new friends and have fun learning with engaging activities, interactive games and meaningful lessons, while growing in your understanding of God's love and promises for everyone.
Family Dinner - Join us for dinner! Kids Quest participants will be sitting together with their assigned Table Parents in order to get to know their peers and build friendships. Parents and other siblings are encouraged to stay for dinner and meet other families!
*Grace Notes - Join our kids choir before Kids Quest for singing, games and fun!
Register Participants, Youth Volunteers, &
Table Parents or General Volunteers all at one place!
Ladies of Leidy’s
Ladies of Leidy’s meets on the first Tuesday of each month as we seek to serve God’s people through prayer, encouragement, support, and acts of service. Join us on September 1st at 6:30pm in Rm. 123 where we take time in prayer and seek ways to help our church family and local community by blessing them through Rummage, Advent Workshop, baking, giving gifts, and other activities. Please enter through the West Entrance. Questions? Feel free to contact Karen Mirabella or BJ Kulp.
Precept Bible Study
An invitation to dig deep in the Word of God every Thursday morning in the book of Colossians & Philemon - “Gaining a True Knowledge of Christ So No One Deludes You.”
Please join us beginning on Thursday, September 10th from 9-11:30. During this time we have prayer and worship, teaching by long-time leader Marci Stunkard, class discussion and video teaching. Workbook cost is $25. Please contact Verna at gvbowman@comcast.net.
Men’s Pig Roast
The men’s team at Leidy’s invites you to a FREE Men’s Pig Out (Pig Roast) on Saturday, September 12th, from 11:00 a.m.–1:30p.m. It will take place at the athletic fields by the pond.
Pastor Darren will also share his vision for the men of Leidy’s and introduce the Man Alive Challenge.
Man Alive, by Pat Morley, helps men grow in their walk with Christ through authentic relationships with other men. The challenge begins with a four-week small group covering the first four chapters of the book. After that, you'll have the option to continue with the remaining four chapters. We'll offer several meeting days and times to fit different schedules.
Whether or not you’re interested in joining a group, we’d love to have you come for the food, fun, and fellowship.
This is a rain-or-shine event. Please sign up ASAP so we can order enough food. You can register online using the link provided or at the sign-up table in the lobby.
Free Family Event
Everyone is Welcome. Join us under our 1,000-seat tent. Free Food, Live Music, Kids Block Party, 80+ Non-Profits, Speakers, Resources for Life's Struggles and a healthier community! Real-life stories about how people came from darkness to light!
Sweatshirt of Hope is bringing our community together to understand the mental, physical and spiritual needs of those struggling. Featured Speakers at HOPE Festival 26: Former NY Giants David Tyree, Music: Tenth Avenue North, Freedom in Christ Band, Laura Williams, Band Reeves, Stephen McWhirter. Do Not Struggle in Silence: There is help and support – come and experience the joy in life! Those who have HOPE in the Lord will renew their strength. they will soar on wings like eagles; They will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint. –Isaiah 40:31
Lots of volunteers are needed. Go to www.sweatshirtofhope.organd click on the volunteer tab and you’ll find plenty of volunteer opportunities. You’ll find lots of other information at that website as well, so check it out.
This event takes place right across from Jesse’s Barbeque on County Line Road. The dates are September 18,19 and 20.
Cookout &Cornhole
Sunday, September 20
4:00–7:00PM
Location: TBD
If you're in your 50s or 60s, join us for a laid-back afternoon of good food, great conversation, and friendly cornhole competition! We'll provide the grilled main dish—just bring a favorite side dish to share.
Bring a lawn chair, invite a friend, and come enjoy a relaxing backyard cookout with your church family. Whether you're playing cornhole or just enjoying the fellowship, it's a great opportunity to connect, laugh, and make new friends. Sign up via the on-line newsletter or call the church office. We hope to see you there!
Heidelberg Catechism
The Lord’s Supper/Holy Communion
Question 75: How are you reminded and assured in the Lord’s Supper that you participate in the one sacrifice of Christ on the cross and in all His benefits?
Answer: In this way: Christ has commanded me and all believers to eat of this broken bread, and to drink of this cup, and has joined to this command these promises: first, as surely as I see with my eyes the bread of the Lord broken for me, and the cup given to me, so surely His body was offered and broken on the cross for me, and His blood was shed for me; furthermore, He has promised that He Himself feeds and nourishes my soul to everlasting life, with His crucified body and shed blood, as surely as I receive from the hand of the Elders, and taste with my mouth, the bread and cup of the Lord, which are given to me as sure signs of the body and blood of Christ.
Question 76: What does it mean to eat the crucified body of Christ and to drink His shed blood?
Answer: It is not only to embrace with a trusting heart the whole passion and death of Christ, and by it to receive the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. In addition, it is to be so united more and more to His blessed body by the Holy Spirit dwelling both in Christ and in us that, although He is in heaven and we are on earth, we are nevertheless flesh of His flesh and bone of His bone, always living and being governed by one Spirit, as the members of our bodies are governed by one soul.
Question 77: Where has Christ promised that He will feed and nourish believers with His body and blood just as surely as they eat of this broken bread and drink of this cup?
Answer: In the institution of the Lord’s Supper which reads: The Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, “this is My body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, “this cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. This promise is also repeated by the apostle Paul: When we bless “the cup of blessing,” is it not a means of sharing in the blood of Christ? When we break the bread, is it not a means of sharing the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we - many as we are - are one body; for it is one loaf of which we all partake.
OASIS (55+)Fall Potluck Luncheon
Wednesday ,September 23
11:30AM -2:00PM
You're invited to join OASIS (Older Adults Sharing In Service,55+) members & friends for our Fall Luncheon!
Come together with friends to enjoy an afternoon filled with laughter, fellowship, and mouth watering dishes!
Soups and Salads will be provided - bring your favorite dessert sides to share. Hope to see you there! Email the office if you'd like to sign up.
Happy Birthday & Anniversary to . . .
Birthdays
1 Gus Niederhaus
2 LeRoy Gehman
8 Ryan Fisher, Laurie Weiss
9 Anna Kulp, Gerald Moyer
17 Andrew Camuso, Mark Pappas
22 Dave Guntz, Patty Kendall,
Morgan Slack
23 George Frueh, Drake Hager,
Dave Walbrandt
25 Bekky Armstrong
26 Amelia McVaugh
27 Judy Ott, Elaine Greene
29 Bekah Kulp
Anniversaries
2 Don &Karen Haggerty
3 Bob &Georgia Kowalski
5 Brent &Marjorie Talbot
7 Steve &Debbie Bandura
12 Arlin &Donna Moyer
14 Sherman &Karen Focht
18 Andrew &Carly Camuso
19 Ken &Connie Merritt
20 Michael &Jenna Dezii
27 Tony &Kelly Wilwert
28 Rod &Yvonne Shoemaker,
Francis& Judi Weiss
29 Tim & Rachel Leidy
30 Dave & Allison Walbrandt
Local Events
BMCE Fall Breakfast
The BMCE Fall Breakfast will take place on Thursday, September 17 at 6:30AM at the Franconia Heritage Restaurant.
Our speaker will be Dennis Gehman, Founder, Gehman Design Remodeling. Throughout this journey, Dennis attributes his success to the guiding hand of God, which has shaped both his work and his commitment to excellence. He will share his story and testimony of God’s work in his life. Contact John Niederhaus or Jack Parry for tickets. The cost is $25 per ticket.
Join us for abuffet-style meal, good fellowship among friends and inspiring words from Dennis! Please respond if you are interested in attending by September10. Thank you!
International Food Festival
Come Taste an International Community! Friday & Saturday, Sept 18 & 19, 12 noon to 8 pm at St. Philips, 1900 Clearview Rd., Souderton.
Featuring dishes from Ethiopia, Greece, Lebanon, Poland, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, & the USA ALSO: Church tours, Children’s Activities, Gift Bazaar, Live Music, Iconography Display Taste and see an international Orthodox Christian community!
A portion of proceeds to benefit local charitable agencies.
Within the Fellowship
Our sincere Christian sympathy to Rose Jaunzemis and family at the death of her husband Earl, and to family and friends at the death of Lillian King. May God be with these families at this time.
Congratulations to Levi & Morgan Slack at the dedication of their son, David Lorne. May God be with them as they grow in Him.
