Faith Community Christian Church

Today we worshiped at Faith Community Christian Church, Blueberry Hill Park, 1604 Blaines Way, Sewickley, PA 15143, 412.459.0033, www.faithc3.org, Tom Bracken, Jr., Senior Pastor.

Scripture – Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV)

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Bob’s thoughts:

Again we worshiped at a church that meets in a park, but this time our directions were clear and we correctly assumed there would be no directional signage.

We were warmly welcomed by most of the congregation and invited to coffee and snacks. I enjoyed the cross on the Communion table and projected on the screen. The volume was terrific and I did not need ear plugs.

The time for prayers was impressive. Prayers were offered by people scattered around the room holding signs designating particular issues. I was fascinated with how many were willing to offer prayer, but also that most of the congregation got up to seek someone to pray for them.

The sermon was well-developed and reinforced by Scripture throughout. We were encouraged to break ourselves from our discontent.

I genuinely enjoyed worshiping and was grateful for the pastor’s prayers.

Jan’s thoughts:

For the second straight week we worshiped at a church that met in the community center of a park.

It was a joy to arrive early enough to have time to talk with some people. One gentleman greeted us in the parking lot, and once inside most of the rest of the congregation stopped by with a quick “Hi!” or “Welcome!” Most introduced themselves, many joked with us in this very warm, casual, welcoming atmosphere.

I was struck again by the amount of effort it takes, week after week, to set up, tear down, and clean the space in which worship is held, which is why I was not surprised to find this church, too, had bought a building of their own and will be moving there in two weeks.

During the announcements the pastor spoke of a course called “Grief Beyond Ministry” which he will conduct starting next month.

This church has a fascinating prayer ministry that takes place during worship. About 10 trained elders called Prayer Partners each hold a sign with a one-word need, such as Healing, Salvation, Peace of Mind, and others. They station themselves around the room and anyone present with such needs is welcome to approach the elder for prayer. During this time the Praise Team sang just loudly enough to prevent overhearing the conversations, keeping them private. The conversations and prayers continued for about 15 minutes, then everyone retook their seats. It was quite powerful.

The message was part of a series called “Defeating Your Giants” and this week’s “giant” was discontentment. The pastor told the story of a man on a plane who tried to engage his seatmate in conversation only to be ignored. Finally the man complained to the flight attendant that he was just not happy with his seat and requested his seat be moved. The flight attendant informed the man that the plane was full and that was his assigned seat, so he would have to sit there for the duration of the flight. Of course, many of us have asked God for the same thing: to have our seats changed, but God often gives the same answer: that is your assigned seat so sit there.

He referred to a complaint from which many of us suffer: Contentment Deficit Disorder. This disease has been known to cause all sorts of issues in lives because it changes how we see life. It causes us to be convinced that “If I can just have (whatever), I will be happy.” He pointed out that Paul did not say he “fell into” happiness, but that he “learned” to be happy.

Then the pastor outlined the path to happiness.

1 – Accept the seat assigned to you by God…where you are is not a mistake.

2 – Learn to get along with the troublemaker(s) in your life. Follow Jesus’ example and run toward those who make us want to run the other way…loving them is a much better choice. Besides, if we run away, we’ll always be running away. Love them instead.

3 – Changing seats does not solve the problem. Happiness is never external, it’s always inside.

4 – Play the cards you’re dealt. Life is not fair, but every Christian gets a winning hand in the end. Just keep playing and quit whining.

5 – Choose to be happy. Make the decision to be happy where you are.

This morning I walked through the doors of this place with a sense of restlessness, full of questions about my life and whether I’m doing what God would have me do. Consciously “just not happy,” but realized I was regretting the past and fretting about the future. God put me in that chair this morning because I needed to hear that message, and I am so very grateful He did.

We shared encouraging conversations with more than a few who took time to talk following worship and sincerely appreciated the pastor’s laying on hands and praying for Bob’s shoulder surgery this Tuesday.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we pray Your blessing upon this church as they move to their own building. We ask You to help them remember that they are Your church and their new building is just that. Amen.