Today we
worshiped at Covenant Community Presbyterian Church in America, 5157 Wexford
Run Road, Wexford, PA 15090, 724.934.1234, www.covcommunity.org,
Pastor Jon Price.
Scripture
– 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5 ESV
But
since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in
heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to
face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan
hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord
Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.
Therefore
when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens
alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of
Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by
these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. For
when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer
affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. For this reason,
when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that
somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.
Bob’s
thoughts:
We
arrived just as the service was starting so there was no greeting but a number
of people came by during the welcome time early in the service.
It
has been three years since we were led here but I was sure there was a cross in
the sanctuary. The church has three large crosses viewable from Interstate 79,
but I couldn’t find one inside.
In
addition to the monitor in front there are two part way back, making it easy to
see.
There
were lots of young children, so I was happy.
There
are a number of Latino people worshiping here, consequently the Order of Worship
is in both English and Spanish, one song was sung entirely in Spanish, and
personal translating devices for those desiring them. I don’t know if the
announcements and such are translated elsewhere.
I
heard talk from the rear of the sanctuary and admit it took a while to realize
it stopped when the speaker did. The translator spoke softly and discretely but
it caused me to reflect a bit. How comfortable would we be if the roles were reversed
and we needed to have the service translated to English? Would we recognize the
Christian love in this endeavor?
The
worship music was upbeat but the congregation was less animated than I expected.
I enjoyed the female lead voice and wish I could have heard a solo.
The
sermon had a good Scriptural base and interesting assessment by Paul from
Thessalonians: those whom you can’t imagine loving, because of the Gospel, Paul
loved them. Do we have that same heart from Christ?
Another
one I liked: “Act as if you love your neighbor and you will change.”
Jan’s
thoughts:
There
seem to be many changes in the three years since our last visit to this church.
We arrived just as worship started but a number of people took the time to
greet us nonetheless.
Immediately
inside the door is a welcoming space with coffee and cookies.
Due
to some flags decorating the ceiling, from where we sat I was unable to see the
TV screens in front, so I was grateful for the screens halfway back which I could
see perfectly. Also, it’s great when the words to the songs are displayed on
the screens…it’s done nearly everywhere nowadays. But a pet peeve of mine is
when the changes are late and part of the first line is lost to those who do
not know the song. In this church though, the timing was absolutely perfect. I
noticed that the change was made at the third from the last word, and no part
of the song was missed. It’s amazing how something so seemingly insignificant
can help one participate more fully even when the song is new to me.
It
was a joy to look around at so many children.
One
exciting change is that the worship service is bilingual. I think this is the
first such service I’ve attended, and I believe this is a truly great thing.
The
message, entitled “A Gospel Heart,” emphasized God’s gift of love for others in
the hearts of believers. The bottom line is that sacrificial action is essential.
Our
prayer for this church:
Lord,
open our hearts to people who are different and help us welcome all in Christ’s
love. Amen.
1 comment:
I find this to be a troubling post, and one that offers no value other than to entertain the misguided appetite on the part of the writers. The Church, while universally bound in Jesus Christ, is composed of a multitude of local communities that could no more be assessed, judged or critiqued on one visit every three years than a marriage could from across the street. It also reveals a less-than-sincere presence in worship on the part of the people making the observations, and betrays their unwillingness to live in the day-to-day, and week-to-week mutual subjection of community in their own local setting. Some of the most beautiful expressions of the local church are the messiest. They are local. They are different from week to week. They have bad days and good days, and no one Sunday or two Sundays can ever capture what they are. So I find this to be tantamount to a violation from the inside rather than the honest attempt of someone who is looking for the very thing that your blog misses by spotlighting 'missing greeters' and 'crosses' - a place where the wildly imperfect can safely find Jesus.
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