Bright Hope Community Church

Today we worshiped at Bright Hope Community Church, 4101 Highland Avenue, Butler, PA 16001, 724.614.7611, www.brighthopechurch.com, Paul Hoover, Lead Pastor.

Scripture – Acts 17:22-30 NIV –

Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’

“Therefore since we are Godʼs offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.”

Bob’s thoughts –

We received an exceptionally warm welcome from the moment we walked in the door; people engaged us in conversation and made a point of getting our names. I felt at home even before I got to see the large wooden cross on the wall or notice all the children.

There is a healthy age mix with lots of young people and children and enough babies to keep me smiling. I find it interesting how new moms sort of bop to the music with their baby and experienced moms/grandmas have that signature sway even when they are not holding babies.

A short video, “Choice,” was a segue to the message on the sanctity of life. The pastor’s passion was apparent in his delivery. I thought it impressive that the secular logic was presented first with simple proof followed by the scientific proof. Without the absolute proof of the Bible the sanctity of life is clear, yet we continue to place ourselves above God.

I enjoyed the time we got to spend with the pastor and a number of members after the service and appreciated the conversation with the church secretary.

We were blessed to worship with this church and appreciated the welcome.

Jan’s thoughts –

A gentleman opened the door for us as we entered, and numerous people welcomed and engaged us in conversation.

I was astounded at the number of children God has entrusted to this church and I was pleased to see they have a Child Protection Program in place.

The sanctuary is not huge but was easily 95% full, which is why plans are underway to enlarge the facility.

The music was contemporary and the volume was perfect, in other words, easily heard from the far back and also easy on my ears. And the harmony was excellent.

Since today was Sanctity of Life Sunday, the message was entitled “Giver of Life.” The topic was abortion and the pastor spoke passionately on the topic.

The message began with a video clip from a documentary called “180.” (If you would like to check it out, it’s at www.180movie.com.) The clip was spoken word poetry about choice, and one line that caught my attention referred to choice as an idol. I agree that choice has become an idol and not only regarding abortion.

The pastor stated emphatically that no matter what, God is a forgiving God, full of grace, mercy, compassion, and long-suffering. He presented undisputed scientific deduction that personhood begins at conception. He affirmed that all human life is valuable and every person God ever put on earth has dignity because they are created in God’s image.

It was a powerful message that I felt privileged to hear.

Our prayer for this church –

Lord, we were excited to worship You at this church You are growing. We pray they continue to walk closely with You throughout this period of growth. Amen.