Church of Our Saviour

Today we worshiped at Church of Our Saviour, 2405 Clearview Drive, Glenshaw, PA 15116, 412.486.5171, www.churchworthfinding.org, Rev. Joseph Martin, Pastor.

Scripture – Ephesians 1:1-14

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment – to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession – to the praise of his glory.

Bob’s thoughts:

We entered the building from the lower level parking lot and were greeted on the stair to the Sanctuary, then welcomed at the Narthex, and again as we entered the company of, at a guess, about 30 worshipers…and I think we met everyone.

The Deacon shared some current history of the church and denomination. It helped to clarify for me some of what I had read on their struggles to remain true to God’s Word.

The Sanctuary is an elongated rectangle with a domed ceiling. The Chancel area seemed to be a third of the space, and I was pleased to see more than one cross. Most of the service was projected on a screen, but from where we sat in the back it was mostly unreadable. The temperature and humidity were up, and without an occasional breeze I don’t think I could have stayed.

The sermon was the first of an 8-week study of Ephesians, today of Ephesians 1:1-14: Paul’s witness that we are called by God into sainthood, He chooses us, that we become blameless in Christ. It brought to mind my own coming to Christ. I was in the world for the first 50 years, but in retrospect I saw many times when my life was spared and my family saved. People have always said you have to accept Christ, and maybe I did. What I remember is being totally overcome and Christ taking me. In hindsight I saw many things that were preparing me, but when the time came I was completely consumed.

I thought the pastor had a genuine passion for this message, but a reluctance to speak it forcefully. Hearing and reading some of the struggles of the Anglican Church is experiencing makes it understandable.

The Deacon invited us to come and take Communion when she saw that we had not come forward.

The organ was a little too strong for the closing hymn, it drowned out the other instruments and vocals; I imagine “Amazing Grace” would be hard to play softly on an organ.

I was impressed with some little notes, like the one in the restroom indicating the location of additional supplies, light switches, etc.

Jan’s thoughts:

I was unfamiliar with the Anglican Church, so I found today’s visit extremely educational.

We were greeted immediately, warmly, and constantly by most everyone present. The family atmosphere was comfortable.

The Sanctuary was attractively decorated and color was used well. The handmade banners and paraments were works of art. Although the only sign I saw was for the restroom, no others were really necessary.

The contemporary music was a pleasant surprise, and the volume was excellent. Unfortunately, since we sat in the back of the Sanctuary, I was unable to read the words projected on the screen up front. Oh well.

The bulletin consisted of one sheet containing the vital information, including the offering of personal prayer following worship. The liturgy was unfamiliar, but similar to some other churches we’ve visited.

Today’s untitled message was the first in an 8-part series on the Book of Ephesians. The pastor reminded that God chose believers to receive His generous gift of salvation. We did nothing – indeed, could do nothing – to earn God’s lavish gift; He died for us so we could be holy and blameless in His sight.

The only way for this to happen is for the love of Christ to enter our hearts and change us from the inside.

We all need occasional reminders of God’s generosity as well as reminders of our part: to believe, receive, and trust.

Communion was offered but we chose not to partake; however the Deacon came back to make sure we knew we were welcome, and I deeply appreciated this gesture of hospitality.

Following the service we joined the congregation in their social area for refreshments and enlightening conversation. It was a blessed morning.

Our prayer for this church:
Holy Lord, the Devil has placed a stranglehold on this congregation that only You can break. We pray they sense Your care and compassion as they struggle to remain faithful to Your Word. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.