Acts 2:42-47:
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Romans 12:1-2:
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.
God led us from the parking lot of the church we chose to where we were to meet Him in worship.
This church has undergone a major renovation since our last visit, with some areas so changed that it is hard to imagine how it looked before.
Prior to the service we had a few moments to catch up with the pastor and meet a few people. We were invited to come back and have our picture taken when they do an update of the church directory. It amazed me that the couple organizing the photo appointments are new members.
The sanctuary has great woodwork that helped to draw my attention to the wooden cross on the wall. The restrooms are identified but could use directional signage.
This is a Presbyterian church that will be celebrating 100 years soon, but they don’t act their age, nor do they behave like old stuffy Presbyterians. This church is alive and well and is about the call to “glorify and enjoy God together.”
The sermon was from Acts and Romans about our call to be the church in and for the world. Those who don’t know God may not have much of a picture of how we are in church, but they see us where we live. How much of Christ can they see in you when you are at work? The message also touched on something dear to me: the current penchant to re-imagine everything, which puts us above God. Sharing what God said, we will be the church.
God is glorified here and the pastor truly enjoys being used by Christ. I was also encouraged by some great mission numbers I found in the newsletter. This was an easy church to pray for.
It has been 3½ years since our last visit here and in that time this church has been transformed – literally – with an addition between the two buildings. I was glad we were early enough to wander around and look at the area. It looks spacious and accommodating, and visitors and members alike will appreciate the directional signage that I’m sure is planned to complete the project.
In the course of our tour we happened upon a wall full of mission information, displaying a map of the Pittsburgh area, one of the United States, and one of the world, each bearing signs indicating mission support/activity in that area. According to the newsletter, Elfinwild Church is a strong supporter of mission needs, so it’s no surprise that God has blessed them so richly. Time and again I see a connection between tithing and blessings, in personal lives as well as the life of a church. Obedience matters to God and He stands behind his offer to prove it. (Malachi 3:10: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”) This church is blessed indeed.
A co-worker/friend and his wife who belong here were not present today, but we had an unbelievably uplifting conversation with a couple who were coordinating photo times for the new photo directory. They even offered to include us, as they are extending an opportunity to participate to the community at large.
The bulletin contained a ton of information and plenty of inserts, so I was grateful that it was user-friendly. And numbering the items on the list of announcements was a stroke of brilliance, in my opinion!
It was a treat to hear the anthem presented by the Chancel Choir.
The Sermon, “Being the Church In and For the World,” was based on Acts 2:42-47 and Romans 12:1-2 (please see above). Some of his points included that prayer is about acknowledging God in submission and humility; breaking bread is indicative of Communion…it is good to remember the cost Christ paid for us; fellowship reminds us that faith in Christ is what we have in common; and teaching is a reminder that we need to ask “What has God said?” and then seek the answer in Scripture.
He said, “The best thing we can do for the world is to be the church and the people of Christ, then people will hunger to know God more. Worship is how we live.”
I went to church today with many deep questions in my heart, and I must admit that when I saw the sermon topic I thought we must have misunderstood God’s direction. I did not think this sermon would have much to say to me about the issues that were weighing on my mind, but I could not have been more mistaken. God put me precisely where I needed to be to find the answers I needed. I am sincerely grateful to Him for His gracious guidance and reassurance, and especially for His presence.
Awesome Lord, we pray for Your continued guidance for this church, thanking You for the blessings You have poured out. Please encourage them and grow their faith, let the joy of serving You increase. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment