Bob’s thoughts:
We sometimes refer to a country church as small in size or number. Including us today brought the total worshiping together to seven humans.
This is a church that is small enough that it wouldn’t benefit from additional signage.
The triple-hung windows have a band of color at the edge. A large wooden cross hangs on the rear wall of the Chancel, and the wooden pews were much more comfortable than they looked.
A couple of things here I thought were special: When the offering was dedicated, the minister stepped down from the Chancel and faced the cross; the pastor spoke with the congregation and discussed by name some members who weren’t present.
This church is all but in the shadow of the cooling towers of the power plant; they are literally surrounded by this massive power generating station at Shippingport. What came to me while I prayed for this church and pastor was that the real “Power” was in this little church and that Christ is calling this church to a prayer ministry for those who work for the power company. I believe they should let the employees know they are doing this and solicit prayer requests. They may not experience great growth in members, but great growth in the Kingdom.
I sometimes hesitate to share what comes to me in prayer but was encouraged by the pastor’s sermon to share, to see, and to speak up now. The pastor also shared how God sometimes has to throw a brick at us to get our attention, and I have often said it sometimes takes a third brick before I get the message. I look forward to hearing exciting news from this church.
Jan’s thoughts:
This facility is older and well kept, much like a treasured family heirloom. The pastor pointed out two wooden beams in the basement ceiling, both of which were salvaged following a fire that demolished the original building.
As we entered literally everyone with whom we worshiped today introduced themselves and greeted us. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, and this church seems to personify the term “church family.”
The arched windows were textured and were outlined with a light pink row of glass.
The only signage was an indication which restroom was which.
During the service, the pastor’s wife was preparing to read the Scripture readings and asked the pastor if he wanted one story or another, and he replied, “Both.” I deeply appreciated this because, it is sad to say, but so often an attempt is made to limit Scripture reading. The pastor followed his instructions with the comment that it is good to read Scripture. I couldn’t agree more.
The sermon was untitled and based on Psalm 91 and (mostly) Luke 16:1-13 about the rich man and Lazarus. The points he made were:
Once life is over you cannot salvage things – share them now.
Once life is over you cannot seize opportunities – seek God now.
Once life is over you cannot save others – speak up now.
“Now is the time” seems like the message. Amen.
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