To those gathered to the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at other locales, loving greetings.

“Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus…”  Luke 1:1-3

What a grand privilege it is for us to have the complete word of God! It declares everything we have to know while we are still here and excites us with precious promises of what is yet to come.

“That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.” (v.4)

Just like Theophilus had this addressed to him, those of us who “most surely believe” have the word of God personally addressed to us as well. We can be thankful for the penmen of Scripture, but not elevate them above the Author. They were eyewitness and ear-witness, but “all scripture is given by inspiration of God”. Our Precious Savior is in “the volume of the book”, He is the center of all things, and the Holy Spirit makes the word true and living to us. What a portion we enjoy presently, being gathered to His name and His name alone.

With that in mind, we here in Scranton would like to invite you to come apart on the weekend of September 9^th, 10^th, and 11^th for a time of special meetings and fellowship centering on our Savior and His word. We have been in much prayer about this, and feel that we have His mind in doing so. The conference will be held, Lord willing, at the same location as in previous years, at the Montrose Bible Conference facility in Montrose, PA. Further details as well as registration information are attached on the following page. If you plan to attend, we ask that you please register by Wednesday, August 24^th.

We look forward to seeing many here in September to be encouraged, to build up one another, on the pathway that the Lord has set before us; every one as an individual. Collectively we are the “Church”, the Bride, the Body – but we also are known of God personally! How endearing. How close. How thankful we can be that He brought us into this favored place!

So near, so very near to God,
I cannot nearer be,
for in the Person of His Son,
I am as near as He!

With much love to our brethren from those gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus in Scranton, PA,

Gary A. Gruen                                      Kenneth Tansits                                            Aaron Stewart