First Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown

Today we worshiped at First Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown, P.O. Box 127, 58 Heckert Road, Bakerstown, PA 15007, 724.443.1555, www.fpcb.org, Rev. Dan Muttart, Senior Pastor.

Scripture – John 6:1-15

"Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick. Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. The Jewish Passover Festival was near.

When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.

Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”

Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”

Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.

When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself."

Bob’s thoughts:

We were welcomed at the door and engaged in conversation then graciously given a tour that included details about building usage, but oddly during the passing of the peace we were mostly ignored. I thought those with large nametags would be quicker to extend greetings.

The sanctuary boasts a large cross and some truly outstanding banners on the walls.

When we entered the sanctuary we were told the front pews were roped off for the families present for baptism. It was surprising and contrary for a Presbyterian church…you can never get people to sit down front.

The choir’s anthem was enjoyable and the four women who presented the offertory were fantastic.

We were blessed to be there for baptisms, Mother’s Day salute, and a commissioning of a young woman leaving on a mission trip to a national park in Alaska.

The sermon, “Making Sense of Miracles,” was appropriate for Mother’s Day. The core was Christ feeding 5,000 with a few fish and loaves. Realizing the total to be fed was more likely twice that or more counting the women and children, what came to mind was the oft told story of mothers who, when they realized there was little to eat, decided they weren’t hungry after all. But Christ fed them all…God always blesses abundantly.

The pastor pointed out that God provides for our real spiritual rescue and the provisions are real.

My one exception to the message is, God will answer your prayer. It may not be the answer you want or understand, but He answers our prayers.

Recently I was laid up for more than a week with considerable pain around my left knee. I’ve been wounded in the knees and done a lot of dumb things over the years, so pain is a close companion. The pain got bad enough to remind me to pray for myself, and I woke up four days ago totally pain free. God has let me bring His healing to others, but I needed a reminder to pray for myself.

Jan’s thoughts:

It has been some time since we visited this beautiful church. Upon entering we were warmly greeted and handed bulletins then engaged in friendly conversation and an elder was kind enough to take time to show us around and convey some of the history.

The gorgeous hand-made banners decorating the sanctuary were stunning.

All the music was excellent and the choir was particularly enchanting. Beginning worship with two consecutive hymns is unusual for what would be considered a traditional service, but it was well done. I especially appreciated the descant in Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! I think it adds so much. And the women’s ensemble that presented the offertory anthem was inspiring.

It was a busy service that included commissioning a young woman for a summer mission trip and three baptisms, one a believer’s baptism, the father of one of the infants. How exciting and special! It brought back wonderful memories of when Bob joined church along with one of our daughters.

In the sermon, “Making Sense of Miracles,” the pastor asked if our loving God might have a higher purpose when He does not perform a miracle.

In the Scripture, Christ had just performed the miracle of feeding the five thousand when He rejected the desire of the people to make Him king because He had something better than the miracles to give. Instead of a miracle, God will rescue us, He will provide perfectly, and He will provide an over-abundance so that “it bubbles over and touches the lives of others.”

I have noticed that when God has blessed me, those blessings involve others as well. Not that He would be unwilling to bless me only, but when His best comes, it blesses others too, which in turn re-blesses me.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, may this church be encouraged to come to You in prayer expecting Your abundant blessings. Amen.