Unionville United Methodist Church

Today we worshiped at Unionville United Methodist Church, 1297 Route 68, Rochester, PA 15074, 724.843.0862, www.unionvilleumc.org, Rev. Douglas B. Myers, Jr., Pastor.

Scripture – Jude 1:17-25 NIV

But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Bob’s thoughts:

I sensed an unusual attraction as I drove past this church last week, strong enough that I doubled back to get the name and worship time. During worship it became clear God had me there so we could pray for the pastor. Not sure what all the illness involved but I am as positive about this as anything, that was the reason God sent us.

We were standing in the hall outside the sanctuary looking over the mission bulletin board when a woman passing by asked if she could help us. It always makes me smile when members catch sight of visitors and take the time to talk.

It is a pleasant sanctuary with wood paneled ceiling, there was more than one cross, and good pew spacing. The projection screens are up high and easy to see.

The visiting pastor gave the children’s message and the children stole the show. It was a worthy message for all and enjoyable.

I thought the sermon developed well. We doubtfully open the gift of Christ, sure that we must buy our way into the Presence of God. The Jewish law teaches you that you need to be saved, and Christ cleanses you to where you might come into God’s Presence. Thought he brought a fine message tied well to the children’s sermon.

I enjoyed the duo on the piano during the offering time. Beyond the opportunity to pray for the pastor, the highlight included the smiles from the children, especially the little guy who gave me a great wave while on his way out with mom. I always feel welcomed by the children.

After reading a couple of articles on the merger of a church with City Reach Church, it was a joy to hear Rev. Bobby Wilson speak of a City Reach Church set to start up in Baden. I look forward to visiting them.

Jan’s thoughts:

Bob unexpectedly found this church during the week, so we visited today. As we pulled into the parking lot I immediately loved the sign on the marquee: “There is a stone for every Goliath.”

We only looked around briefly but the building is well kept. The bulletin boards were visually interesting and a woman offered to help us find something as we were examining the one containing mission information.

The sanctuary was lovely padded pews were spaced to provide excellent legroom and the bright colors of the stained glass windows made striking accents for the matching wood throughout.

Many young ones went forward for the Children’s Time, and once it was underway I wished we had sat further forward. His message for the kids was a lesson in stepping forward in faith to accept an offer without knowing exactly what they would receive. He encouraged them to “come and get it” and finally one girl in a pretty purple dress did so. It was the best kind of children’s message: one that spoke loud and clear to adults also.

Rev. Bobby Wilson spoke during the Mission Moment about a new City Reach Church which will open in Baden. The City Reach Network has planted churches and started compassionate ministries from Maine to Ohio, and according to their website (cityreachnetwork.com) the vision is to plant 50 churches in the next 10 years. This organization is also responsible for the Convoy of Hope, which I recall hearing about last year. There is a great deal more information on their website, and if you are moved to contribute financially, there are links on the site. Prayer was requested most passionately, and I hope you will join us in prayer for the success of this church plant.

The message, entitled “Good Enough,” was presented by the visiting Rev. Bertram Domineck. He began with a story of a woman who was serving in the mission field and who, at Christmastime, gave the women of her Bible study a beautifully wrapped handmade gift. Months later she visited the home of one of the women and noticed the still-wrapped gift displayed prominently on a shelf. She asked her friend why she had not opened the gift and received the response that the woman thought the wrapped item was the gift…she did not realize there was more to it than what she could see.

I couldn’t help but wonder how often God might have given me a gift that I placed unopened on a shelf, perhaps because it seemed “too good to be true” or I just didn’t realize there was more to it.

The final exhortation summed it up: “No one is good enough, so come and get it.” After the children’s message, I hope to be like the girl in the purple dress and have the courage to step forward and take hold of the gift.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we were glad to hear how this church has opened itself to feed the hungry. As bodies are fed, we pray their hearts are open to share Your love. Amen.