Southminster Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 799 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228, 412.343.8900, www.spchurch.org, Rev. Dr. Daniel B. Merry, Senior Pastor.

Scripture – Numbers 10:33-36 NIV

So they set out from the mountain of the Lord and traveled for three days. The ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them during those three days to find them a place to rest. The cloud of the Lord was over them by day when they set out from the camp.

Whenever the ark set out, Moses said, “Rise up, Lord! May your enemies be scattered; may your foes flee before you.”

Whenever it came to rest, he said, “Return, Lord, to the countless thousands of Israel.”

Bob’s thoughts:

We needed to be in the South Hills this morning and had narrowed our choices to three churches, but when we were ready to leave early we opted for this 8 a.m. service we’ve been wanting to visit. This early service is in the chapel and we were blessed to be there. Something as simple as the passing of Christ’s Peace was so different here, and most of the worshipers greeted us during this time.

As we entered and were admonished by the usher to smile, t made me think how often our faith is evaluated by our demeanor. I remembered being chastised while in a mall wearing a Christian shirt. I was having a bad day and it showed. In honest self-appraisal afterward the concept of being glad in Christ in all circumstances was clear to me, and I have tried to live my life that way.

We were blessed to be here for an adult baptism which seemed much more powerful in this smaller venue.

The message wove around Moses trying to lead his people through the desert, and maybe more so, God trying to lead His people.

We are good at wandering but not so inclined to listening. Moses was shepherding about 1.5 million people for two years to get them to the Promised Land. When their needs surfaced, God provided every time, but they were still unwilling to trust God.

We judge them in retrospect on their lack of faith. Saturday, when I discovered my newer roof was leaking, I complained without thanking God that I owned a house that could have a leaky roof. Since coming to Christ there has never been a time that we weren’t taken care of and He will show us how to overcome this too.

I enjoyed the duet of “Lamb of God” during the offering. The Communion elements were offered verbally, which was an uplifting change.

I would be hard-pressed to decide which I found more delightful, the baby boy peeking over mom’s shoulder or big sister dancing in the aisle during the last song.

I was overjoyed to welcome the newest baptized member of the Church.

Jan’s thoughts:

As many times as we have worshiped here, we were strangers to the 8 a.m. service. Today seemed a good day to remedy that oversight.

The friendliness of this congregation always amazes me. In the past we have observed that members of a congregation with multiple services often do not recognize visitors, but with three services each Sunday, people at this church are consistently welcoming.

This early service is held in the Chapel and had a cozy feel to it. We were privileged to be present for both Sacraments, Baptism and Communion, as well we the Time of Remembering of all the saints from this congregation who joined the Church Triumphant over this past year, an obviously a meaningful time for those present.

All education efforts seem to focus on The Story, as adult and children’s Sunday school classes, Bible study, and worship messages are immersed in this book. Today’s message, “Wandering and Listening,” was presented by Rev. Sharon Stewart. She spoke of the desert wanderings of the Israelites and how God provided for their every need in spite of the people whining, complaining, listening to their fear, and wayward disobedience. God brought life to His people in this landless, desert time. He is a transformer of situations Who feeds, nourishes and provides in desert circumstances. Just as the Israelites had to learn to trust God in their journey, so do we. God’s Holy Spirit lives in us…we need not fear.

This message was a timely reminder, two days before a contentious election. I was grateful we were present to hear this.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we felt Your blessing on this small group and thank You for Your Presence there. We pray for Your continued rich blessings on this congregation as they continue to serve You. Amen.