Ridgewood Church

Yesterday we worshiped at Ridgewood Church, 131 Ridgewood Avenue, West View, PA 15229, 412.931.1313, www.ridgewoodlife.org, Pastor Chris Hezlep.

Scripture – NIV

1 Peter 2:21

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

2 Corinthians 8:7

But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you —see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

Bob’s thoughts:

What a great welcome as we entered; even a Marine stopped to introduce himself. One woman who greeted us made a point to tell us she would be back at the door if we had any questions. My favorite was the woman who said hello apologetically, anxious that perhaps we normally attended the later service. I was so glad she overcame her reservations and introduced herself.

Strangely, the only cross I could find was in the ceiling light fixtures. I brought ear plugs, but the volume was fine. I wish I could have heard more of the female singer; she had passion in her singing and a smile on her face.

The sermon was Part 6 of a series, Love Revolution, and was a “Call to Generosity.” The message developed well with Scripture references. The point was made that the tithe was to go to the storehouse, i.e., back to the church. I was glad the pastor let his passion show for such an important message.

Of all the people with money trouble whom I told to tithe, no one has ever come back complaining. And it was a joy to use parts of this message in a conversation at a restaurant today.

Later in the service there was a fair amount of noise from the narthex, but it was overall a delightful worship experience.

Jan’s thoughts:

We seem to be on a roll visiting Allison Park Church plants, and yesterday we learned after arriving that we were visiting APC’s West View site. It is located in a mostly residential area and within walking distance for nearby residents.

We were greeted warmly as we stepped in the door as well as engaged in conversation by others throughout our visit. This church holds two Sunday services, and conversation with the pastor confirmed that intentional preparation went into helping members learn to greet people who may be visitors or may be from the “other” service. This is the point on which most churches with multiple services need work, but it was done well here.

With the help of a directional sign we were able to find our way around easily enough. We were invited to help ourselves to a cup of coffee and lids were provided so we could take into the sanctuary.

The music was led by one woman and one man with an acoustic guitar, so the volume level was great for us.

The pastor explained that this message, “Called to Generosity,” was the sixth in the series Love Revolution. He clarified the necessity of God’s calling us to generosity because generosity does not come naturally.

He outlined the attitudes exhibited by greed, selfishness, and generosity; then our potential responses: 1 – do what I should do (tithing); 2 – do what I could do (sacrifice); and 3 – do what I would do (use it all for God’s glory).

He challenged the congregation to choose between being like a bucket and hoarding a finite amount, or being like a funnel, through which blessings flow to others.

I found this message greatly encouraging and am deeply grateful God led us here to hear it.

Our prayer for this church:

Heavenly Father, we pray this congregation continues to experience the blessings Christ pours out upon them when they bring their tithe to the storehouse, and may the church be blessed to open that storehouse to Your people. Amen.

Frozen

Like many others we were frozen in, so this week we spent some time listening to a service on the radio. There was some considerable noise/static during part of it, and I wondered if churches get feedback on things like that. Do we sit at home and grump like the folks at the back of the churches used to do?

To sit in judgment is a place I never want to be; I hope we are never assessed as such. Worshipers can be such a great asset to a church, identifying areas where the church can do better and working to get it there.

There are some styles of worship that I’m not as comfortable with. Once as I was lamenting the “big show production” worship, God laid it on my heart that we all have one thing in common with all styles and types of worshipers: we are all hopeless sinners but for the saving grace of Christ. I humbly submit that any style of worship in the Presence of God brings Him glory.

Our prayer:

Lord, we pray You open our eyes that we might meet with You everywhere You are proclaimed. Amen.

East Main Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at East Main Presbyterian Church, 120 E. Main Street, Grove City, PA 16127, 724.458.8270, www.eastmainpc.org, Rev. Dr. Bill Hoffman, Senior Pastor.

Scripture – Mark 8:27-30 (NIV)

Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”

They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”

Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.

Bob’s thoughts:

I enjoyed worshiping at a church that looks like one: handsome cross, prominent stained glass, including the dome, and beautiful banners. Most places the signage was good, though it took some asking to find the restrooms so we were a little late to the service.

The music by the GCC Men’s Glee Club was a delight. These young men were very easy to listen to.

A strong point from the sermon was that “Jesus is the center of every sinner’s longing.” At one point the question was raised about witnessing to those who might be less than receptive, and my note said “Preach it anyhow, it’s the Good News.” I’ve been unsure of a lot of things in life, but Jesus Christ is the one I’m sure of.

There was an adorable baby in the pew in front of us who presented me with a challenge: she seemed more interested in Jan. It’s easy to feel connected to God when there is a baby to watch.

Since the service had started we had little opportunity to talk to many people before worship, but a number of people greeted us afterwards; this is surprising for a church with two services.

Jan’s thoughts:

This stately former PC(USA) church sits directly across the street from Grove City College and was just as I remembered it except with a lot more snow.

As we entered the building and moved into the hallway, I inadvertently stepped in front of an older woman navigating her way to the sanctuary. I apologized but she looked at me and said happily, “We’re all just going to church!” She then made sure I had a bulletin, for which I thanked her as she headed off just full of joy. I couldn’t help but think, I want to be like her when I’m that age. This encounter set the tone for our visit this morning.

The Young Adult Pastor recognized us as visitors and struck up a conversation after which we found seats and joined the service.

The sanctuary is stunning with intricate stained glass covering most of the left wall and a ceiling dome in stained glass. The colorful sparkly banners caught my eye, and it all worked perfectly against the pale-but-rich yellow walls.

What a treat to be there to hear the superb Grove City College Men’s Glee Club!

In the sermon, “The Heart of the Faith,” the pastor mentioned that Mark 8:27 (Jesus’ question “Who do you say that I am?”) is considered to be the center point of Mark’s gospel, and our response to that question is predicated on who we believe Him to be. His main points were:

1 – Jesus the Messiah is at the heart of God’s redeeming work in the world;

2 – Jesus is at the heart of every sinner’s longing for salvation;

3 – The unbelieving world around us knows what Christians are against. Do they know what we are for? (And do they see it as good news?)

Indeed that is the challenge for we who are called to be in the world but not of it: some people may only come to know Jesus by an encounter with a believer. Like Paul, I can only pray for more of Jesus and less of me.

Our prayer for this church:

Father, we pray You continue to bless this church and generously water the seeds they plant as they continue to witness to the young people passing through Grove City College. Amen.

Snow Snow Everywhere

Today we stayed home due to the treacherous condition of nearby roads and the increasing realization that a number of churches were cancelling services.

Hoping for fewer issues next week!