Rehoboth Evangelical Lutheran Church

Today we worshiped at Rehoboth Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2800 Conway Wallrose Road, Baden, PA 15005, 724.869.2806, www.rehobothlutheran.com, Rev. Susan Irons, Interim Pastor.

Scripture – Mark 9:30-37 (ESV)

They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.

And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”

Bob’s thoughts:

I have looked forward to visiting here for some time as there is a striking arrangement of three crosses on the chancel wall. One of the lesser crosses touches the Christ cross which, to me, symbolizes the thief who repented at Calvary.

Worship today was held downstairs and followed their outdoor worship format. I didn’t get to see the outdoor worship shelter as it was still wooded the last time I stopped here. However there was a cross banner in the fellowship hall so I still had a focal point.

I worshiped here at an ecumenical Thanksgiving service once, but what I remember most about this church was picking up a neighbor girl from pre-school. Shortly after we moved to the area a neighbor mom was in need of someone to pick up her daughter from pre-school at this church as the timing was bad for her. Knowing little else about me but that I was a Christian, she entrusted me with this precious passenger, so today’s visit brought back pleasant memories.

The pastor who presented the message today is the Executive Minister of Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania. I got to read some literature she brought that included an article about a proposed upcoming interfaith cooperation class which I could pass along to a friend who is attempting a similar venture.

I sensed this is a strong family church and we were welcomed to the table we chose, fortunately one with children. This church is optimistic about the future and is on their way to becoming stronger.

The sermon started with a question posed: “If there was a fire, who would you rescue first, your child, your spouse, or your parents?” In the 1400s, Thomas Aquinas answered in the reverse of how we would answer now as children were considered less valuable. This adds tremendous weight to Christ’s taking up a child as an example of what we need to become.

The pastor did an excellent job of recovering a misplaced chalice during Communion and I was pleased to see the pastor served by the elder.

Jan’s thoughts:

We last visited this church for a community service a good while ago, so it was almost completely new to us. We parked in one of the visitor’s spots, and as we approached the building two people were sitting outside the door to let worshipers know that, although this service had been slated to be held outdoors, it would be held downstairs instead.

The interim pastor and many women of the church were away at the women’s retreat, so the structure of the service was contemporary. Three gentlemen on acoustic guitars led the music and harmony was provided by members of the congregation.

We were greeted by a number of folks before and after the service.

We took a peek in the sanctuary, which looked lovely, especially the positioning of the three crosses in the front.

The room downstairs was set up with tables, which worked out well.

The guest preacher was Rev. Liddy Gerchman Barlow, who serves as Executive Minister of Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania. Her untitled message centered on the disciples’ argument about who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven and Jesus’ clear indication of the value of children and childlike faith. Her conclusion was that everyone can be great because everyone can serve and it is genuine unselfish love that makes the difference.

I appreciated the opportunity to participate in Communion as well as the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Following worship we enjoyed a conversation with one of the women who welcomed us and who sat nearby.

Our prayer for this church:

God, we pray You continue to strengthen this congregation. Guide them that they might grow in Your service. Amen.