Valencia United Methodist Church

Today we worshiped at Valencia United Methodist Church, 66 Almira Street, Valencia, PA 16059, 724.625.2330, www.valenciaumc.org, Pastor Robert Martin.

Scripture – Jeremiah 17:5-10, 14-18 NIV

This is what the LORD says:

“Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the LORD. That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives.

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

“I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”

Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. They keep saying to me, “Where is the word of the LORD? Let it now be fulfilled!”

I have not run away from being your shepherd; you know I have not desired the day of despair. What passes my lips is open before you. Do not be a terror to me; you are my refuge in the day of disaster. Let my persecutors be put to shame, but keep me from shame; let them be terrified, but keep me from terror. Bring on them the day of disaster; destroy them with double destruction.

Bob’s thoughts:

After a late night with family, we were looking for a later service time and God led us here. Outside there is a new building we thought was for worship, but we were told it will be a fellowship area.

We were welcomed by a number of people including a woman who thanked me for my service.

I appreciated the wood paneled arched ceiling and the wooden cross in this small church sanctuary. I noticed no signage but easily found the restroom downstairs.

The message, “God’s Blessings,” talked about our required simple obedience and our reluctance to wait for God.

When we moved to our current home, directed by God, I kept enlarging my main garden until it was something over 100’ x 200’. I grew a lot of produce that I could give away and a little that we used ourselves. I was so sure this was what God was calling me to do, but I was killing myself trying to keep up. When I finally realized this was my idea of what God wanted me to be doing, I gave it up and peace washed over me. There was no doubt that I was finally obeying. I’m not sure what all He has for me next, but I’m ready.

The pastor commented about going to Walmart, avoiding parishioners and not preaching there, but I respectfully disagree. That has been one of my most fertile mission fields. I love praying for people in Walmart or Giant Eagle parking lots, and cashiers and customer service employees seem to really appreciate prayer.

I was sorry I didn’t realize the organist would come back to finish her offertory medley with the Marine’s Hymn, I would have stood at attention.

There were a few children who were entertaining, always a joy for me, as well as a small dog that joined us for worship.

Jan’s thoughts:

This is a traditional church with a long-time-family atmosphere: the pastor is beginning his 11^th year with this congregation and there were several multi-generational families, including the family sitting in front of us.

We were warmly welcomed by numerous people from the time we walked in and engaged in a touching conversation with a woman who was married to a Vietnam veteran during his deployment.

The message was called “God’s Blessings.” The pastor relayed the story of Naaman from 2 Kings 5. He held that when things do not work out in our lives, sometimes it’s because we moved ahead in our own plans without waiting to hear from God. We can be disconnected from Him because of a lack of relationship.

The pastor urged the congregation to pay attention to their relationship with God above everyone and everything else. He stated that the best blessings are found in simple obedience, and trust is born from relationship.

I was pleased to be able to participate in the Sacrament of Communion.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we pray Your church hears Your direction for them and they experience the blessings of obedience to You. Amen.