Bob’s thoughts:
After a little confusion we found the church we had planned to visit today, as well as another to visit in the future.
I am usually disappointed when there is a visiting preacher, but today was an exception. We heard a very good message delivered well. It is always impressive when a visiting pastor can adapt: there was only one young person present so with the comment that “we’re all God’s children,” he allowed him to stay in his seat and gave the children’s message to everyone present.
Before we sang “Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty,” he talked about what it will be like in Heaven to say that repeatedly. I have waited for a long time to hear someone raise that question and I thought he answered it well.
The theme of the sermon was “consider Abraham.” As Abraham we should not be afraid to ask God and put our faith in God and not in our feeble works. The passion comes again when we are overwhelmed anew with Who God is.
Maybe it was a bad day, but I have never seen such sour expressions on a choir praising God.
The church has great backlit cross, and the offering was taken in response to the Word. It could use some signage.
Again I thought the preacher handled some minor miscues on the prayer, etc. very well. A great use of Scripture throughout the sermon.
Jan’s thoughts:
This is a lovely, well kept, very rural church; also very friendly – warm and welcoming.
This is one of only a few churches I’ve seen with absolutely no stained glass that I could see. The Sanctuary was attractive, with a large backlit cross with gold-colored drapes hanging on either side of the cross. The pews were comfortably padded in a similar gold color.
The bulletin provided plenty of information, and my only issue would be type size – I thought it would have been helpful if the liturgy was easier to read. (This comment sounds familiar as I have often been wishing for larger print lately.)
Interestingly, the Ten Commandments were part of this morning’s liturgy. I don’t know if that’s a weekly exercise, but it’s certainly an excellent idea.
The pastor is presumably on vacation as it was announced that he and his wife had a baby last night.
The preacher this morning was Rev. John McElwain, who serves with the Coalition for Christian Outreach as a trainer for the 183 staff members. He was associate pastor at Sampson’s Mills from 1976-1988 and pastor of Harmony Presbyterian Church in Harrisville from 1988-2006.
The sermon, entitled “Honest Faith for Life,” is part one, with part two slated for next week. It was based on Genesis 15:1-21 and Galatians 3:1-9, and revolved around being honest with God and humbly asking Him our sincere questions. He asked the question, “If we truly want to have faith like Abraham, how can we not ask our questions and deal openly and honestly with God and then BELIEVE HIM, as Abraham did?”
The “believing Him” is the part I seem to stumble over. Apparently God thought I needed another reminder today so He sent us to this church to hear one. The effect is to make me want to become more familiar with His promises so I know what He has said that I should be believing.
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