Sewickley Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at Sewickley Presbyterian Church, 414 Grant Street, Sewickley, PA 15143, 412.741.4550, www.sewickleypresby.org, Rev. Kevin Long, Senior Pastor.

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11 –

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“’He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Bob’s thoughts:

We were invited back to this church and had been looking forward to the visit. Although we missed the person who extended the invitation, we got to meet some other interesting people after the service.

The church will be celebrating their 175^th anniversary, and I could sense the anticipation. The building is typical of older Presbyterian churches, stone and woodwork and exceptional stained glass. I was happy to see the larger brass cross and some good Communion banners, along with good signage.

We were greeted going in by the senior pastor and a Marine, so I felt at home. The prelude included a verse in an African tongue, which we found welcoming. I appreciated the enthusiasm and smiles from the praise team.

The sermon was the conclusion of a series on the temptations of Christ and made me wish I had heard some of the earlier messages. The devil tried to encourage Christ to skip the parts that many believers struggle with: the cross, beating, and blood. “You can have your kingdom now, just fudge a little bit.”

Our temptations are similar: just give a little and next time a little more. A great line: “You become like the God that you worship.” It was interesting that last week’s message was similar. (God might be trying to get my/our attention.)

It was explained that liturgy came from words meaning “public works,” that our worship is the end not the means, not “what did I get out of that,” but “for others - public works.”

Jan’s thoughts:

We returned to this church and were surprised at the difference. I recall as we left our previous visit here being certain God would not call us to return because no one knew we were here. But God knew, and I guess that was enough.

This time we attended the 9:00 contemporary service, which is more relaxed. We arrived with little time to spare so the unmistakable directions to the restrooms were helpful. As we entered the sanctuary we were greeted by the pastor and another gentleman who, along with numerous others we met, wore nametags. This may seem like a small thing, but from this visitor’s perspective, it’s an incredibly hospitable gesture.

It was next to impossible for me to sit still once the African music began, and it was a treat! Likely not everyone’s spirit is moved by it, but one of the wonderful things about music is how it can transport you right back to another continent.

One of the local recipients of this church’s mission efforts is the Center for Hope, to which we have grown close in the time we’ve been in this area.

The Minute for Mission provided an opportunity for three confirmands to talk about how they chose to invest $100 they were given to help others, aka the TTT (time, talent, and treasure) Projects. One spoke of organizing a dance to raise money for Parkinson’s research, a second to raise money for a clean water project, and a third involved building a new house for a family of Haitians. With a total of 16 members of the Confirmation Class, it seems a lot of mission is being accomplished.

The sermon, “Selling Your Soul,” concluded a series on temptation. He pointed out how Satan’s final enticement of Christ included “a shortcut to accomplishing His very mission – Christ’s ownership of all the kingdoms of the world…the crown without the cross.”

After a reminder that “you become like the God you worship,” came the question: what is our god? His suggestions included “our country, our dreams, our security, our children…ourselves.” He concluded with a passionate reminder that “liturgy is the work of the people, and worship is what we’re here for.” We need to resist dealing with the devil lest it become “all about us.”

I’d say he preached with a relaxed passion, if there is such a thing, and his friendly style seems to have been contagious.

Following the service several people greeted us and introduced themselves as they walked past, and we chatted about African music, Malawi, and experiences surrounding the Partnership between the Synod of Blantyre and Pittsburgh Presbytery. I had forgotten that Aubrey Briggs is a member of this church. Although I’m sure he would not remember me, I would enjoy greeting him all the same.

Our prayer for this church:
Lord, we pray You continue to encourage this church that they may continue to grow in service to others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.