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Times-shamrock communiTy newspapers 149 Penn Avenue Scranton, PA 18503 Phone: (570) 348-9185 Fax: (570) 207-3448
March 24, 2016
abingtonsuburban.com
Honoring ‘the Peacemakers’
ON THE INSIDE The latest happenings in our area Page 4
SUBURBAN
Annual dinner pays tribute to those who keep us safe by Linda Scott
SPECIAL TO THE ABINGTON SUBURBAN
The Evangelical Free Bible Church opened its doors last weekend to thank those who serve, including police officers, firefighters, EMTs and military service members. Mike Measley is the pastor at the church. Joseph Ciasulli soon will become the church’s outreach associate minister. “We have hosted dinners in our community for many years,” Measley said. “Three years ago we thought we would start focusing on serving those who serve us. It is in honor of those for what we do. It brings peace to so many and puts peace in their hearts.” The first year the theme was “The Great Rescue,” which focused on firefighters. The second year the theme was “The Shield,” which was to honor police officers and state troopers. “This year we decided on the theme “Blessed are the Peacemakers.” We are hosting and honoring all those who serve or have served including police, firefighters, EMS, Navy, Army, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and National Guard,” Measley said. The dinner was prepared by the chairman of Elder Board, Greg Laughner, who attends the church. He is also the chef from the Inn of the Abingtons. “This is a ministry in helping God,” he said. Women from the church prepare the vegetables. Each year, Olive Garden supplies salads and rolls. The dessert this year was provided by B and B Restaurant in East Benton. “This is a great opportunity to pay back and provides outreach to the church,” said Justus firefighter captain and treasurer Bill Keiser. Stuart Atkinson, Ron Jackson and Ed McCabe sing as a group in the area. “We were using the church to practice and the pastor asked us if anyone was in the service. I was in the Army. He then invited us to the dinner,” said Atkinson. “I was drafted and went to Kentucky for basic training and then to Fort Lee, Virginia.” The guest speakers are selected based on the theme. “The first year we contacted other
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churches looking for someone who had been part of the great rescue of 9/11 [the Sept 11, 2001 terrorist attacks]. We found Pastor John Picarello of Staten Island who was a firefighter on 9/11. John powerfully shared his story from 9/11,” said Measley. “The second year, Chaplain Gary W. Holden, the founder, president and CEO of the Police Chaplain Program in New Jersey, spoke.” The organization Markinc provides biblical counseling and support. Through this organization, this year’s speaker was selected. Det. Joseph “Joe” Racite has served 13 years in the Carneys Point, New Jersey, police department, which employs 19. He has been a detecThe guest speaker was Detective Joseph “Joe” Racite, who has tive for a year and served 13 years in the Carneys Point, New Jersey, police department. also teaches at the Each year members of the church or local Gloucester County Police Ademy in Sewell, businesses donate prizes. Winners are selected New Jersey. He and his wife Candice have a 3-year old- through a random drawing of those who resister. This year, Texas Roadhouse, Panera Bread daughter, Zoe. “Police, firefighters and others have to make and Olive Garden participated. As a way of giving thanks, the church gives critical decisions with the scrutiny of others. Their decisions affect someone’s life,” he said. gifts to those in attendance. The gifts include “They are confronting evil and providing hope a Gospel of John, a booklet on PTSD and a to someone else. By making contact, they are CD. “The CD is of others who share their stoleaving a lasting impression on that person. ries of finding peace when struggling with the difficult situations our peacemakers face while They are doing a portion of God’s work.” serving,” said Measley.