Our Choices Newsletters
Monday, May 05, 2003
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April 29,2003-Luzerne County MH/MR Public Hearing
Quite a few members attended and spoke up at the meeting. The Governor is passing a
budget that incorporates many cuts to Human Services which will probably include Our
Choices Drop-in Center. So we felt that the more input the County receives, the more
likely they’ll be sure to keep the programs that are working. Bill R. brought up the fact
that if they cut the services from the drop-in, it’ll cost them more in the long run with
increased hospitalizations. Paul La. said we have almost 200 petitions for the
Harrisburg rally on the 13th. Rita asked if they will be using the funding for t he drop-in
to replace the funds cut for the Drug/Alcohol Programs. The County replied that
each is a separate line item and can’t be spent that way. Jim inquired about how the
cut-backs will affect his medication. Northeast Counseling advised him that those
funds won’t be in danger of cut-backs. Carol B. said that we really need the services
offered at Our Choices. What would some members do if they didn’t have the drop-in to
help them socially. The other members who attended were Ed, Steve L., Chris Z., Carol S.,
Franny F. and Charlotte. Hopefully, we made a difference by going and speaking out. The
County also suggested that a letter writing campaign will help as well.
The Scripture Corner
Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem was not as a conquering King on a stallion. It was
a peaceful entry symbolized by the donkey. Matthew 21:1-5 explains that He rides in on a
donkey and a colt. The colt’s mother followed along with him. It always seemed odd that
it said He rode on both. One Commentary said He might have rode partway on each one.
Jesus’ purpose was not to be King and free Israel from the Romans but to free them
spiritually. He’ll come again to earth as a conquering King to take His subjects home with
Him to heaven. This first coming was for Redemption, to set us free from the penalty of
death which is separation from God for eternity,because of our sin. God cannot look on
sin, but Jesus’ blood covers our sin because He’s Righteous and has no sin of His own. He’s
worthy of paying the price which is death. Romans 6:23 states the wages of sin is death
but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The price is too high for us to
pay so we must accept His sacrifice on our behalf. Because in Christ Jesus the Spirit of life
set me free from the law of sin and death, (Romans 8:2) Christians ( those who are born
of the Spirit ) call the Friday He was crucified “Good Friday” because we know what the
end result would be, Our Salvation. He didn’t die in vain. He died to purchase our
salvation. But the really good news is that He didn’t stay in the tomb!! He Arose!! God raised Him from
the dead to show us what would happen to those who believed in Him. Because He arose,
we will as well. Death has been swallowed up in victory 1Cor 15:54-55, Where oh death is
your sting? If we believe in Jesus and that God raised Him from the dead, we will be born
again. Being born again means being born spiritually. We have new life in Christ. I hope
that you, in this Easter season, will come to know Him personally and start living the
only life worth living. Accept His Sacrifice for your sin. We’re all sinners until He
washes us clean with His Precious Blood. Then you’ll know Him as I do and you’ll call it
“Good Friday” as well.
There’s some sad news. We lost one of our dear members. Francis C. passed away April 27. We’re going to miss him
greatly. Our sympathy goes to his family and friends. You’re in our pray
Center Hours
Monday 12:30PM-8:30 PM
Tuesday 4:30PM-8:30 PM
Wednesday 12:30PM-8:30 PM
Friday 10:30AM-3:30 PM
Our Choices Drop-In Center
First Presbyterian Church
Broad And Church Streets
Phone # 455-1669
E-Mail Address :
ocal@ptd.net
Web Site: home.ptd.net/~ocal
April 21-Easter Dinner-Another holiday dinner at the drop-in and was it good! There was plenty of food to
go around. If you left hungry it was your own fault. There was Ham,Au Gratin potatoes,corn,string beans
and applesauce.
April 23-Circus-The circus was lots of fun. Thirteen members went and all got in for free. There was Nemo
the Clown, Acrobats, performing Elephants,3 Lioness’, 2 Dog Shows. High-wire acts with motorcycles and
Trapeze artists.
April 27-Keep Pa Beautiful Day- On Sunday 4 volunteers cleaned up Mine St. They changed the date from
Saturday to Sunday because of the rain. Lunch at Taco Bell was “on the drop-in” for the workers. Thanks
for your help!
May 28th- Birthday Night- Music by Joey G
What’s Happening by Rita Sweeney
March 30-Allison H. had a baby girl. She is 7 lbs. 13 1/2 oz. and 19 inches long. Her name is Brianna Lynn.
Congratulations to Allison and Donny and the proud grandmother Theresa F!!!
The last Tuesday of March and the first Tuesday of April we were visited by Mr. Riley with Allison L. of
course.
April 9-Bingo-There were 11 people playing which was a good crowd for the first night. We’re watching to
see if its successful. If it is we’ll keep playing. Prizes were: shampoo, body wash, a lighthouse night light
and a pretty flowerpot.
We’re going to start up the Women’s Group the second Monday in May. Carol B. and Bonnie will be co-
chairing it.
Our Choices Drop-in Picnic
Saturday June 21 at Community Park. Meat and drink provided, bring a dish of your favorite food to
share.
Music by Joe G. the DJ
Web Links: www.garfield.com
