Sunday, September 2, 2018

New Brighton Free Methodist Church

Today we worshiped at New Brighton Free Methodist Church, 925 11th Street, New Brighton, PA 15066, 724.843.2777, www.nbfm.org, Rev. Joshua A. Mackenstein, Pastor.


Scripture –

Romans 12:11 ESV –

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.


Bob’s thoughts:

We were warmly welcomed, it was about Sunday School time and we were invited to join one of the adult classes. We were not told what they were studying, only who was leading the class so we thought it best to wait in the air-conditioned sanctuary for the service to start.

We were greeted by the substitute pastor who shared a little about the Free Methodists.

There is an exquisite relief carving and picturesque banner on the front wall along with a wooden cross hung so it is angled out from the wall.

A number of members offered friendly, welcoming gestures such as which areas might be cooler and making sure we had bulletins. I was glad to get a prayer list.

I appreciated seeing the worship team meet for prayer before the service started. As always, I enjoyed watching the children, especially the two (obviously) sisters a few rows in front of us.

The trombone was a nice addition to the praise music.

The message dealt with our slothful approach compared to the zeal we should have for God. It made me remember when Christ claimed me. I was probably obnoxiously on fire for Christ. (This is true. ~Jan)

But longer-term Christians waited for that zeal to taper off. I still have trouble with that thinking. I found ways to be zealous without being so obnoxious and most importantly, to be all about Him, not me. I guess a goal would help new Christians not to settle to the level of the church.

I may be the only one who heard this part, but I heard a reference to getting back in sync with Christ as like a refreshing drink. It reminded me of something I read this morning about Marines just off the lines at Belleau Wood being called to fight at Soissons. They were marching to get to this new fight with little rest, no food or water, when they came to a muddy pool on the side of the road. They pulled out the sticks and leaves and had that refreshing drink that they still remembered long after the war as their best drink. Christ is like that. When we obey, He washes over us.


Jan’s thoughts:

We arrived especially early and several members greeted us cordially. We opted to look around a bit then wait in the air-conditioned sanctuary.

The pastor we met was filling the pulpit this morning and kindly took time for welcoming conversation along with some education about the denomination. The Free Methodists are much older than I realized, dating back to the Civil War era. A number of other folks also stopped on their way into the sanctuary to greet us.

After we found seats, someone thoughtfully stopped to let us know that coffee and pastries had been set out in the outer area.

The music was led by a trio including a trombone. When I saw it, I thought it might drown out the two leaders’ voices and the acoustic guitar, but he played softly and it was a delightful touch that blended perfectly.

In the message, called Awaken Your Spirit Within to Conquer Evil, Pastor Jim Miller spoke to anyone who has felt lethargic and in a slump: he asked “What will you do about it?” He reminded the congregation that we are not helpless and must take responsibility for our spiritual condition.

He pointed out that self-pity “is a dragon we need to slay NOW” and if we find ourselves in a slump and lacking fire in our spirit, we should call on God to restore our spirit instead of trumpeting the call that “I got this!” We don’t have the answers, but they can be found if we will open God’s Word because the answer IS in there. He said we have no business living like life is a duty and choosing to live hopelessly…that attitude is the equivalent of spitting on Jesus. We must come to the Cross as we are and ask God to restore our soul because we cannot restore our own souls any more than we can save ourselves.

I was pleased to partake in Communion and, following worship, to visit with some friends we did not know attended here.


Our prayer for this church:
Father, we pray You are with Your church as they struggle to carry on during their pastor’s illness. We ask that You touch the pastor and restore his health completely. Amen.

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