Discovering Who We Are

by

Pastor B.J. Knefley

Do you ever question who you are? Do you want to be someone different? Not happy with you? Frustrated with life and your place in it? Expressions like “If only” dot your vocabulary? Or maybe it’s, “Some day I’m….” Does any of this sound familiar?

The Apostle Paul had a thorn in his flesh. What specifically that was we do not know, but he did not want it, and he asked God to remove it. God’s response was to say that His grace was sufficient. In other words, God was saying “trust me.”  If you were Paul, how would you have responded? Would you feel satisfied, or would you want more? More in the sense that you want something to change right now, not some time in the future. I mean, it’s great to trust and all of that but I am hurting right now, in this moment. It is in this moment that I want fixed. But God comes back with the idea of trusting Him in the circumstances. Yeah, I would probably want more.

Part of discovering who we are requires honesty. Admitting our struggles, our belief about ourselves and admitting that is some of those first steps. The point is, many do not like themselves to begin with and they’re looking for something to like. Rather than finding ways to celebrate their uniqueness, they are trying to find ways to be different. Interestingly, God loves each of us just the way we are. We do not have to become something for God to love us. This point alone is often one that people struggle with. I wonder why?

Perhaps the starting point for discovering who we are needs to start with God and what He says about us. If God cannot lie, then everything He says about us must be true. We need to find a way to battle the lies we believe about ourselves and start applying God’s truth. To do that we will need to quiet the accusing voice in our head and tune our ears to hear His small voice. You might be surprised by what you’ll learn. Think about it.

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a four-day jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse, Frederick Camejo, Jr. was convicted of crimes related to the killing of Edward “Bo” Fomby, Jr. over Memorial Day weekend in 2022. Camejo was charged by City of Bradford Police after police were called to CAMEJO’S residence on Congress Street on May 29th, 2022 after CAMEJO shot and killed Fomby in front of his home after the pair, along with others, came to the residence for an “after party” after frequenting area bars.  City of Bradford Officer Patrick Caskey was the first on-scene.  Sgt Jason Daugherty, Officer Blake Taylor, and City of Ambulance EMS Evan Piganelli and Zachary Harten responded.  Fomby was found deceased on the sidewalk, laying on his back. 

Barbara A. TREGLOWN, 86, of Sunderlinville, PA, died Thursday, September 19, 2024 in her home.  Friends may call at St. Bibiana Church, 111 Germania St., Galeton on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. The Rev. Christopher Wheeler will be the Celebrant.  A complete obituary will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com. 

The Potter County Farmers Market will be outdoors on the square across from the county jail, every Friday (weather permitting) from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The next market will be this Friday, September 20th. Below is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:

[  The outdoor market is held each Friday from May through October (weather permitting; on very rainy days, we will relocate into the Riley Gallery (if available)).  In November, the farmers market goes indoors for the winter market.

 *  Market times have been established after many trial times over the years.  If you are not able to visit us and would like something particular from one of the vendors, please contact them directly.  They are willing to try to accommodate your request.

 *  If you are interested in joining the market this year or have any questions please contact …. Netra Baker, 814-544-7313 netrabaker@hughes.net]

MILL CREEK MARKET will be attending this week with $5 variety packs of mushrooms and microgreens.  Mushrooms: Lion’s Mane, King of Pearl, Golden, Sajor Caju.  Microgreens: Sunflower, Pea Shoots.  We accept cash and Venmo.  To learn more about us visit:  www.instagram.com/mill_creek_market. millcreekmarketpa.etsy.com. Or contact us at: millcreekmarketpa@gmail.com 

MOUNTAIN VIEW SHEEP FARM will be attending the farmers market September 20th, weather permitting. With hand woven wool blend shawls and scarves .   Also  lovely delicate designed, scented and fragrance free handmade sheep milk soaps  all from our own sheep.  Pa preferred and Juried. We accept cash, check and cards. Follow us on Facebook @mountainviewsheepfarm Or contact by email@ mountainviewsheepfarm@yahoo.com 

MIKE THOMPSON will be a vender this week at The Farmers Marker.   Bringing Mixed Tomatoes, Bell Peppermill, Hot peppers, Green Beans, Dill weed, Macintosh and Granny Smith Apples. Get your knives sharpened before Market moves indoors and while you wait or shop.   ACCEPTING FMNP CHECKS

ME AND MY BOYS will be there on Friday. We will have a selection of goat milk based products. We accept cash or card payments.

DIXON DESIGNS will be there this Friday.  Selling handcrafted earrings, bracelets and smartwatch bands.

BLUE MARBLE FARM will be at the market with local, organically grown beautiful produce.  We will have Delicata Squash, Carrots, Fennel, Celery, Swiss Chard, Cucamelons, Peppers, Onions and Tomatoes. We accept cash, checks, FMNP and credit cards. For more information, contact Lisa at bluemarblefarm@outlook.com, 814-320-1308 or bluemarblefarm.weebly.com 

SMETHPORT – Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) and his district office team are once again partnering with Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity and her office to assist Senate District 25 residents with recovering their unclaimed property. 

BTC (Break the Chains) will present its 4th Annual “Cruisin’ To Recovery Carshow” Saturday, September 21st at the Kane Family  Drive In.  Registration will be from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. with judging at 3 p.m.   Prizes will be awarded  for first, second and third places in the categories of car, truck and motorcycle.  There will also be a Best in Show, Kid’s Choice and People’s Choice.  The event will feature food, raffles and some amazing vehicles.  For more information and registration, please visit www.breakthechainscoaltion.com or contact the BTC coalition at breakthechainsfestival@gmail.com. 

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, UPMC Magee-Womens is offering $55 mammograms for those with no or limited insurance coverage. This may include individuals with a gap in insurance coverage or those with insurance, but the screenings are not covered.

The mammograms will occur at the following locations and times:

Bonnie Satterlee Lowe, 77, of Lewis Run, passed away unexpectedly, Monday, September 16, 2024, at Bradford Regional Medical Center.

Born April 4, 1947, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Alver L. and Carolyn (Burtis) Satterlee. She was a 1965 graduate of Bradford High School, and attended the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford in the early 1980’s.

Bonnie briefly worked a few years at Fretz Middle School and JC Penney before she began a 34-year career at National Fuel Gas Company, where she retired in 2009.

On May 20, 1989, in Lewis Run, she married the love of her life James W. Lowe who survives. Throughout their marriage they have enjoyed traveling all over the US, raising and loving their miniature schnauzers, going on motorcycle rides, camping, and Sunday brunch after church.  The couple owned and operated The Rosebud, a florist shop in Portville, NY in the 90’s.   

Today, Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) and the House Republican Policy Committee, led by Chairman Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), convened a hearing to define human trafficking under state law and highlight the actions being taken to help identify, stop and prevent human trafficking from occurring in Pennsylvania.

The hearing, titled “Uncovering Human Trafficking,” took place at Three Springs Ministries and featured testifiers Korrin Moon, founder, Lantern Rescue; Scott Henry, president, Northern Tier Law Enforcement Instructors Group; Joseph C. Peters, district attorney, Wyoming County; and Heather Castellino, chief deputy attorney general, and Gabriel Fabian, special agent, both of the human trafficking section, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.

Beacon Light Behavioral Health System (BLBHS), Beacon Light Adult Residential Services (BLARS), Deerfield Behavioral Health (DBH), Deerfield Solutions and their parent company Journey Health System (JHS), hosted an annual employee service awards lunch in Bradford on Tuesday. The staff members being recognized are celebrating a total of 555 years of service.

Guy Signor, JHS President & CEO said, “I’m honored to be the first to congratulate and thank you for your years of service. We are nothing without you and you give so much of yourselves toward our mission of helping others.”

With 35 years of service at BLBHS, Kimberly Bond was applauded. Since she began her career in 1989, Bond has dedicated herself to her students without hesitation.