New Brighton United Methodist Church

Today we worshiped at New Brighton United Methodist Church, 1033 Sixth Avenue, New Brighton, PA 15046, 724.843.3774, www.nbumchurch.org, Rev. Scott Berkley, Pastor.

Scripture – NIV

Psalm 22:25-31 –

From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows. The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him— may your hearts live forever!

All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations.

All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him— those who cannot keep themselves alive. Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it!

John 21:15-19 –

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

Bob’s thoughts:

We were redirected from the church we were headed to this morning and surprised the worship start time was not what we expected.

We were welcomed warmly and given a tour of the basement kitchen and even into the boiler room.

This church is the outcome of three churches’ merging seemingly in harmony, unusual in church mergers.

The sanctuary has a large cross suspended, and I liked the ribbons over the wall sconces to resemble the Methodist flame emblem.

The woman who showed us the military honor wall, which I was pleased to see, told us her husband is a Marine and he came by later to talk.

I missed not seeing any children or young people for that matter, and I also found no signage.

There is a banner depicting Christ’s empty tomb but from where I was sitting I was sure it was an upside-down kitten. I wish I’d gotten a better look.

Most of the time I was lost during the hymns because I could not hear the choir.

The pastor referred to the governor who ran for mayor because at that level he could do something to help. I was reminded of when my brother was a state representative and wanted me to run for some office. I told him I was willing to be a Justice of the Peace or God, but I would want a job where I could help.

Jan’s thoughts:

A gentleman opened the door for us as we entered, greeted us, and then took the time to give us some history and a tour. This congregation resulted from the merger of three churches which, from all accounts, truly became one congregation.

When we returned to the sanctuary following our tour, I noticed a hospitable touch: small bottles of water in several locations in the rear of the worship area for anyone in need.

A number of people extended an invitation us to join them at the lunch following worship but we had to decline as we had other plans.

“Three Threes” was the sermon title, which referred to Jesus’ restoration of Peter by asking three times “Do you love Me?” With compassion, Christ “brought Peter through boasting and denial to discipleship.” The lesson was summed up in one statement: to love God, love the people God loves.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we pray You will breathe the Spirit anew on Your church. Encourage them and continue to grow their faith. Amen.

Castlewood Alliance Church

Today we worshiped at Castlewood Alliance Church, 660 Harmony Baptist Road, New Castle, PA 16101, 724.758.6750, www.castlewoodalliance.org, Pastor James R. O’Hara.

Scripture – NLT

1 Peter 2:4-5 –

You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor.

And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.

Hebrews 10:24-25 –

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Jeremiah 31:31-34 –

“The day is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and brought them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant, though I loved them as a husband loves his wife,” says the Lord.

“But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already,” says the Lord. “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”

2 Corinthians 3:16-18 –

But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

Romans 8:9-11 –

But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.

Philippians 2:12-13 –

Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

Bob’s thoughts:

God seems to lead us where He wants to meet with us in worship when we pull a direction sheet from the file without looking, and today was one of those.

Many people welcomed us when we came in and some after the service.

There is a larger back-lit cross on the wall and comfortable seating. The songs and Scripture were projected on a screen but sometimes the lack of contrast made it unreadable.

The pastor delivered a valuable, pointed message that was well-supported by Scripture and one I believe should be preached everywhere. We are always excited with the highs, but those times can be counterproductive when we reach the lows or even the lack of the highs, and feel God isn’t there. I read an excellent piece from Tensions by H.A. Williams in A Guide to Prayer which is published by The Upper Room: “And if apparently I am alone and he is not there that is because he will not separate his presence from my own. If he is not anything at all, if he is nothing, that is because he is no longer another. I must find him in what I am or not at all.” May we all be so blessed with this internal communion with God.

When you come together in worship, tell your story. He will use it to encourage others. Open your hearts and let Him come in. The best church I can imagine is one that is empty because the church is out doing Christ’s work.

Jan’s thoughts:

The sanctuary design is clean and simple with white walls and ceiling, muted carpet, and gray chairs. The dark brown of the molding, trim, and cross set it off nicely.

From the moment we walked in we were welcomed almost continuously.

The service began at precisely 10:30 with no apparent signal from anyone, which I found remarkable.

The lone voice leading the singing belonged to the pastor, and the organ, piano, and acoustic guitar sounded lovely.

The pastor stated that his untitled message was built on last week’s sermon about character transformation. In today’s message, he contrasted Moses’ visits with God on the Mount with the Holy Spirit living inside Christ believers. He stressed the differences between external experiences that provide a spiritual high but fade quickly and internal communion with the Spirit of God living inside Christians.

He emphasized the importance of regular prayer and Bible reading, spending time with God, growing in relationship with Him. Within that growing association there is hope for ever-increasing glory, where things get better and better within the relationship, and the best is yet to come.

He spent some time highlighting the necessity of real, authentic connection with God and with other people. He emphasized that every person is a work in progress and sometimes we fall. But believers are called to something more than pretending or being fake or phony…they are called to be real and authentic. He urged the congregation to find the courage to be honest and genuine and to encourage each other.

I was grateful God lead us here today.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we pray Your continued blessings on this, Your church. May they open their hearts and let You come in. Amen.

St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church

Today we worshiped at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 409 Sarver Road, Sarver, PA 16055, 724.753.2424, www.stpaulssarver.com, Rev. Shawn Smith, Pastor.

Scripture – NIV

Acts 3:11-21 –

While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

“Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.

Psalm 4 –

Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods, Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.

Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the Lord.

Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?” Let the light of your face shine on us. Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound.

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

John 21:1-14 –

Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus ), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”

“No,” they answered.

He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Bob’s thoughts:

A year or two ago, a woman who was a rep for some medical equipment I was trying to use mentioned the church she attended and today it popped up in our file. Too often I have seen God’s hand in leading us to worship to ever doubt His guidance, and today that was the case again.

We were greeted and welcomed from when we came in the door. The church has stepped out in faith and is replacing their sanctuary, so we worshiped in the pleasant social hall.

I appreciated the wooden cross on the wall and the 4 x 4 cross draped in white.

There is a distinct friendliness to the congregation. We were pleased to enjoy the hand bell choir and, for me, it was particularly special to hear a song I was familiar with.

Something happened here that has never happened before: a gentleman nearby noticed my pain in standing and offered that it would be fine to sit. I appreciated his compassion.

Some of the hymns displayed at the front were copied from the hymnal and tiny to read from where we sat.

The pastor put his heart into the children’s message of Christ feeding the disciples on the beach after His resurrection. He was reminded by one of the children that they didn’t have salmon. He was quick to recover and adapt, and the children got the message. The same with the sermon and with application in easy-to-follow format.

I think we do feel lost often and when we consider the mission God is calling us to, we feel called to an impossible task. When we step out in faith, Jesus continues to provide the resources we think we don’t have.

Communion was offered with wine or juice although we had to ask someone which was juice. It was special that there was a young girl with a bowl of treats for the children who came forward with their parents.

We appreciated the time after the service with the pastor and others, including some prior military, and I was pleased to have a copy of the prayer list.

Jan’s thoughts:

We did not realize this church was in the midst of a huge construction project, so worship was held in the social hall. This was a long-term project, though, so the comfort level was high.

Nearly everyone we saw or were near took the time to greet us, and though we routinely seek out a pastor after worship, today he kindly sought us out.

We were handed bulletins and informed Communion would be celebrated and both juice and wine would be available. We found seats at the back and met some of the folks sitting around us before worship began.

I was grateful the bulletin was the only reference during worship and the words to hymns were displayed at the front. This makes it much easier in a service containing a fair amount of liturgy.

I thought the Children’s Message reenactment of the focus Scripture passage was excellent…the children were engaged and enthusiastic participants.

The untitled sermon focused on God’s constant, abundant provision as told in the story of the Miraculous Catch of Fish in John 21. I found his point fascinating that the questions for the disciples between Christ’s resurrection and the first Pentecost are the same questions we face in the time between the first Pentecost and His Second Coming. Christ offers His Presence and provision in the midst of the confusion, just as He did for the disciples. And like the disciples, we need to obey, trusting Him in spite of our “disqualifications.”

We were able to take Communion and appreciated both wine and grape juice being available as well as the instructions of our friends sitting nearby as to which was which.

We stayed for an informational meeting of the congregation and learned more about the construction plans, then stayed longer to speak with some of the folks.

Our prayer for this church:

Thank You, God, for entrusting this congregation to build for Your church. We trust You to continue to provide abundantly for their every need. Amen.

Edgewood Baptist Church

Today we worshiped at Edgewood Baptist Church, 430 Edgewood Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010, 724.843.2889, www.edgewood-church.com, Pastor Michael Coleman.

Scripture – ESV

Hebrews 11:1 –

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Psalm 69:1-2 –

Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me.

Hebrews 11:8-12 –

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.

Genesis 12:1-4 –

Now the Lord said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.

Bob’s thoughts:

We were greeted by a number of people when we came in, including a woman, a trifecta: daughter, wife, and mother of a Marine. I wish we could have talked after worship.

There is a large cross painted on the wall that makes it look like it is recessed in the block. They also display a countdown on the screen till the service starts.

I was pleased to enjoy some of the best harmony ever from the four female praise team members.

We were delighted to witness the dedication of three babies. I have always taken to heart that Christ wanted the children to come to Him. They so recently left His presence that they still remember and sometimes can still see Christ and the angels. One of my favorite conversations was with a little girl in church talking about where the angels were sitting all around, she couldn’t believe that I couldn’t see them in the balcony…the balcony that was removed years before she was born.

Another preference for talking with children is always total honesty. You might not like what you hear, but you will learn the truth.

There was a short video that talked about the burden of stuff, which I learned first-hand when one of my brothers died and not too much later, my father-in-law. I received all kinds of tools and for a while thought how blessed I was, but soon realized what a burden it was to have so much stuff. When I followed God’s instruction to clean out, His peace washed over me when I obeyed.

This church has the blessed hindsight of when they needed something, the funds to accomplish it were there. It’s easy to think we need newer, bigger, better, but it becomes harder to seek God’s direction as to what He wants for His church. Seek His direction first and watch the miracles.

God was pursuing me for the first 50 years, others around me knew it, and one day it just happened. He won’t stop.

I had some trouble understanding everything in the pastor’s message due to volume or echo, I’m not sure.

Jan’s thoughts:

Churches are often full of surprises, and locations and denominational labels can be misleading.

We were greeted often at this church, before and after worship, and I witnessed members enthusiastically greeting each other, hugging, and praying together. The staff consists of numerous pastors, it seems, and several introduced themselves and welcomed us. One touch of hospitality was a small box of Kleenex under the chair in front of us; sometimes it’s the little things. I also witnessed an act of kindness when a woman gave up her seat for an older woman with a walker.

Someone mentioned in passing they were going to fill up their coffee cup, so I asked where the coffee was. It turned out to be in a small room where three gentlemen were having a study, but they freely offered to share, which I appreciated.

I could clearly hear the praise team rehearsing before the doors to the sanctuary were opened and I wondered how the volume would be from inside once the service was underway. It was not a problem, and I was thrilled to be able to stay for the music because it was outstanding. The praise team sounded amazing, and although the songs were mostly new to me, I found them deeply touching.

What a joy to be present for a triple baby dedication! The sanctuary was about filled to capacity, including many little ones.

The message series is called In Over My Head and the pastor summed it up quite simply: we are all learning to trust God. Mostly he spoke of Abraham’s obedience, how when God called him to go, Abraham obeyed without knowing where or anything else. All he knew was what God said and that was enough.

The pastor urged his listeners that when they hear from God, to just follow, that faith requires risk or it’s not faith. It is when we obey that we learn God is true and faithful. It does not matter what other people think if we have heard from God.

One of the most encouraging things I heard in this message is that God will not stop pursuing. I’m so grateful for that truth.

The pastor asked two thought-provoking questions: “What are you holding on to that God says to let go of?” and “What are you believing God for?” There were probably as many answers to those questions as there were people in the room. I know I’ll be thinking about them this week.

Our prayer for this church:

Awesome Lord, we pray for Your continued guidance for this church, thanking You for the blessings You have poured out. Please encourage them and grow their faith. Amen.

Crossroads Church - Cranberry

Today we worshiped at Crossroads Church Cranberry, 533 Peters Road, Cranberry Township, PA 16066, 412.494.9999, www.crossroadsumc.org, Mike Arnold, Campus Pastor.

Scripture – Matthew 28:1-10 NIV

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Bob’s thoughts:

We were blessed to be able to worship on Good Friday and Easter with some of our family and I’m always surprised how they have grown in many ways. A lot of thought and planning goes into the worship service and we were glad to be part of it.

The pastor relayed a personal story about accidentally being locked out as young married couple. The closest I could come up with was when the door I went out locked behind me and I had to walk around to another one. When I was starting my business, I had a lot of different people who might need to get something from my house. It seemed silly to give them all keys, so I hung one on a short chain next to the lock. I still remember my mother asking if I had locked the basement door, to which I always replied in the affirmative.

When God redeemed me after 50 years, I wondered why He waited so long, patiently waiting for me to come to Him. It finally became clear that He knew I would not ask directions. The prompts from my wife and children made sense way too late, but when He claimed me I was totally and completely overwhelmed. Thank God, it has been a rich and satisfying life. Many times I didn’t know where I would get the money for some need, but we never were without. A former minister and dear friend regularly uses me in his message as the most phenomenal change in a person coming to Christ. Proof that He can and will use you.

Jan’s thoughts:

It was a joy to worship with local family members today. We arrived early enough that I could visit with the grandkids and help style my granddaughters’ hair.

As always, the music was enthusiastic and the volume was perfect.

I appreciated the video of a recent mission trip to Florida. How can your eyes stay dry when you see barriers broken down in love and an eternal difference made? I was so happy for all involved.

This message was part one of a new series, Overcomer, and was geared toward hearts and minds that may be here only a couple of times per year. It told The Story, instructed on first steps toward a relationship with God, and urged a confidential response by each person as to the status of that relationship.

Resurrection Day blessings to all!

Our prayer for this church:

Father, we pray Your call is heard and welcomed and Your children find the rich and satisfying life You have promised. Amen.