Southminster Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 799 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228, 412.343.8900, www.spchurch.org, Rev. Dr. Daniel B. Merry, Senior Pastor.

Scripture: Luke 24:1-11 (NKJV) –

Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’”

And they remembered His words. Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them. But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened.

Bob’s thoughts:

We wanted a church where we could celebrate the resurrected Christ and knew Southminster would be a good choice. We knew we would hear the Word of God spoken and a sermon that was Bible-based and scriptural, and we did.

The church was filled. I particularly enjoyed the children in their Easter outfits. The hymns were sung loudly with enthusiasm…a great feeling to be worshiping God in song. The sermon, “Missing Person or Risen Lord?” was what people needed to hear: it was well-developed and posed the question “who is Christ to you?” Dan’s willingness to let Christ use him came through in his passionate message. This would normally be the strong point of worship, but these two grabbed my attention also.

I found myself praying for a girl playing the handbells who had a sullen expression when facing the congregation but a beautiful smile toward the conductor. I pray that it was only my imagination that she was in some distress. There were some things I had never heard before from a bell choir.

Toward the end of the service I noticed a young girl in the balcony dancing ballet-style to the offertory.

These two simple incidents spoke volumes to me about what is right at Southminster and helped draw me closer to Christ. What joy to worship on Easter morning where people glorify and enjoy God together.

Jan’s thoughts:

Once again I was grateful to return to Southminster, where we have worshiped a number of times before and have enjoyed returning for Easter especially.

Today we were blessed to worship with several people we know, to hear The Southminster Ringers (a first-rate bell choir) as well as a meaningful message.

The message “Missing Person or Risen Lord?” was a reminder that “there are no proofs of God’s existence, there are only witnesses.” Our personal testimony is the most powerful vehicle we have to escort others into the presence of the One Who gives us new life – resurrection life.

One special joy today was a young girl in a pink dress in the balcony opposite us. Throughout the offertory she performed what could have been an interpretive dance, utterly unaware of the growth of her audience. It felt special to be among those witnesses.

Happy Resurrection Day!

Our prayer for this church:
Dear Father, We pray You continue to bless this church. Encourage them to go out and share their faith with the passion with which they worship You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.