Out of the Mouths of Babes

With a daughter in town from North Carolina and a reunion picnic on Sunday, we missed the opportunity to worship in church.

At one point, one granddaughter commented that she hasn’t been going to church because the youth minister “always talks about his son instead of God’s Son.” Her statement got me to thinking about some of the churches we’ve visited.

I think we all tend to indulge in preconceived views of churches by their name or denomination, i.e., Church of God, Christ Fellowship, Church of Christ, and many others. We tend to think they must teach rightly if Christ or God is part of their name, but is Christ IN the church? Sadly, some we have been to are focused more on their building or the minister. But do they preach God’s Word or their own interpretation?

There is only one true Church, and it is not a building. Are we discerning about where we worship? We should pay attention and test the spirits (1 John 4:1). Go to God in prayer. Meet with Him where He wants you to be.

Blessed Memorial Day.

The Galilean Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at The Galilean Presbyterian Church, 201 Madison Street, PO Box 247, New Galilee, PA 16141, 724.336.5660, www.thepresbyterianchurchofnewgalilee.org, Rev. C.F. Hoffman, Pastor.

Scripture – NIV

Acts 2:1-21 –

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

“ ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

Philippians 4:4-7 –

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Bob’s thoughts:

We set out to visit a nearby church this morning, but we got there early and were ignored. We were hoping to celebrate Pentecost, so after a drive to a coffee shop, God led us to a Presbyterian church that was observing the occasion. Several people greeted us there.

There was a beautiful cross that looked like it had reflective red tape on the edges but when we went forward after the service we could see the internal red lights. It was most striking with the red drape. The sanctuary was decorated with red and orange, and I particularly liked the flower arrangement in the rear. My favorite, though, was the red ribbon streamers on the windows that blew in, quite appropriately.

In the message the pastor mentioned that God waits patiently for us and I thought back to when He claimed me. In my childhood I attended a church that became Methodist and have the Sunday School ribbon bars to prove I was there. I thought I was a Christian but lived a rough life for the first 50 years. When God claimed me, the change was overwhelming. My wife started calling me her second husband and our pastor started using me in his sermons (which he still does). I was ordained a deacon and an elder, became a lay pastor and the visitor greeter, and anything else that came my way.

I went from smoking six packs a day and drinking accordingly to being His servant. I believe He waited on me for those 50 years because I was so stubborn and so I would have those experiences as part of my witness. He has guided me to use what I was to witness for Him. The question was raised “Where is the joy?” Now I know that joy.

I enjoyed watching the children, as always. Communion was served, albeit silently, and I think the pastor served himself. I enjoyed talking to the pastor and some others after the service.

Jan’s thoughts:

It was an unusual morning. We arrived far too early at the church where we intended to worship. Since the sun was shining and the flowers smelled lovely, we decided to walk around this quiet neighborhood. Down the street we happened upon this PC(USA) church, then walked back to the one we planned to attend. When we went in, there was nowhere to go except the sanctuary where people were engrossed in a game and ignored us. After sitting there for 10 or 15 minutes, noting nothing to indicate Pentecost would be observed, no signage to indicate the location of a restroom, and no one who seemed at all interested in conversation, we left and went down the street to this church.

We encountered restrooms immediately upon entering the building, and the women in the kitchen welcomed us as we found our way. The ladies pointed the way toward the sanctuary, and others greeted us as we went.

I couldn’t help but admire the red, orange, and yellow decorations in observance of Pentecost, and most of the congregation sported red.

In addition to worship, the service included Communion, a new member, recognition of the Communicant’s class, and a Minute for Mission.

Most of the songs were contemporary and led only by a pianist.

The sermon was entitled “The Lord is Near” and I like the pastor was speaking directly to me. He assured that God has His ways of making His Presence known, that He waits patiently for us to understand. He gives us space to figure things out and to grow without forcing Himself on us. He prepares us, and at the right time, He gives us the opportunity to respond by stepping out in faith. The pastor acknowledged it often happens that we only see these things clearly when we do take that step in faith but encouraged me to rest assured that God is the God of creation and He is always creating something new.

We were kindly invited to attend the celebration luncheon following but had to decline.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, Your church is nestled in a community that needs You. We pray they might shine brightly in Your name. Amen.

Crossroads Church - Cranberry

Today we worshiped at Crossroads Church, 8533 Peters Road, Cranberry Township, PA 16066, 412.494.9999, www.crossroadsumc.org, Pastor Mike Arnold.

Scripture – NIV

Ephesians 1:15-21 –

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

Colossians 1:27 –

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

1 Peter 1:13 –

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.

Bob’s thoughts:

We figured we could see some of our family by visiting here on Mother’s Day. I usually spend the service captivated by my youngest granddaughter but today she was in her class so I only saw her before and after the service.

The message, as usual, was well-planned and with supporting Scriptures. They use a sermon outline page to help remind of key points. The pastor related how he might look in the fridge for something and not see it, like looking for the cheese, which I was sure would be followed by “Who moved my cheese?”

The topic was the second in a series of predicting the future. At one time, I was not only sure of what was next but wanted to know what God had after that. One day He brought me to the realization that He is good at letting me know about right now, and not much to say to me about later. I start the day with what I feel He is calling me to do and when I get it wrong, I’m corrected and redirected. For me it’s a perfect plan as long as I stay out of the leading part.

God has used me, and I like to say re-used me when I go astray. When I’m sensitive to His call, I am presented with amazing people to witness to and pray for. God empowers us to do His work…how cool is that?

I sense God is growing this ministry in His Church for where they will be next.

Jan’s thoughts:

It is always a joy to worship with our family, and Mother’s Day seemed like an excellent day to do so. We’ve been here often enough that we exchange greetings like old friends with a few of the folks.

I was pleased we were there to pray for the commissioning of a group leaving for a mission trip to Mozambique.

The current sermon series is called Mysteries Revealed and today was part two, What the Future Looks Like. In this encouraging message, the pastor issued a reminder that in Christ, our future is secure and bright and that because of that, we can persist in hope, look forward to our inheritance, and access God’s great power.

He emphasized that we must look through spiritual eyes, stating that hope is not a wish or a guess, but is based on God’s rock-solid promises. He concluded with strong encouragement to never give up.

Our prayer for this church:

Father, we pray this congregation continues to be alert to Your leading and open to following You. Amen.

Ellwood City Free Methodist Church

Today we worshiped at Ellwood City Free Methodist Church, 412 Glen Avenue, Ellwood City, PA 16117, 724.758.9494, www.churchontheisland.org, Rev. Raymond Start, Pastor.

Scripture – NIV

Ephesians 2:19-20 –

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

Matthew 6:33 –

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Matthew 6:24 –

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Joshua 24:15 –

“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Bob’s thoughts:

We were welcomed by many, including a Marine and some other veterans.

I appreciated the handsome backlit cross on the back wall of the chancel.

With minimal signage, we found the restrooms downstairs.

Early on, the pastor mentioned the church would get together to pray for God’s direction for His church…the best thing any church can do.

One of the best current applications of the Bible in the Children’s moment: giving one piece of candy to sister, then giving two to brother. Well explained and almost acceptable to sister (she did get a second piece of candy). My favorite: she was given a small stuffed toy that she gave to her little sister in the pew on the way out. Little sister was a Shirley Temple that charmed my heart from the moment she walked in.

I had a lot of trouble hearing/understanding the speaker and somewhat with the pastor also. I am looking forward to a hearing aid to see if it’s all me.

The sermon dealt with our rights and responsibilities in our dual citizenship on earth and Heaven. The concept of putting what Christ wants for us first has been firmly seated and I am seldom disappointed. When I am, it usually becomes clear later, and I’m happy to leave it all to God.

We were living in a house where we raised our children and found out it was being sold. I was out of work and money was gone, but Christ had recently claimed me. A cousin in New Mexico called and offered to rent us his late father’s house and he would pay some of the utilities. After my wife’s prayer that if God really wanted us to move in the opposite direction from the church we belonged to and a church that I did some work for, that He should find a way for them to give us the house. The following Sunday while changing clothes from church (I was still wearing a three-piece suit to contemporary worship), my cousin called and said, “I don’t know why but I would like to give you the house.” God has blessed us so many times that I can never doubt Him.

Spend the time in prayer to discern His purpose for His Church, then boldly step out in faith. It is most important to spend that time in prayer, but also don’t second guess and go back to prayer. When He gives you direction, act.

My prayer to add would be to thank God for the adversity He lets come into our lives and the wonderful lessons it brings. He is always faithful and you are right where you are to be at this moment…be ready to step out in faith when He calls.

I was glad we had a few minutes to talk after the service and thankful to get a copy of the church’s prayer requests.

Jan’s thoughts:

We arrived very early and the three people in the sanctuary welcomed us and introduced themselves. We saw no signage, so confirmed with them our guess that the restrooms were downstairs. This also gave us an opportunity to tour that space. Someone (or more) put a great deal of effort into painting the walls in the hallway and each room with bright colors and Bible stories.

We found seats in the sanctuary and many people stopped to greet us on their way past.

I was excited to hear about the mission trip to Kenya and will pray for traveling mercies and God’s providence and guidance for all those who participate.

There were two children for the exceptional Children’s Moment, which was perfect. The pastor illustrated the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. He told the children he would give them one piece of candy, and after giving the first child one piece, he gave the other child two pieces. When the first child asked about that, the pastor explained that he had promised them one piece and had given them one, and if he gave one of them two, that was his choice. It was a terrific way of explaining it. What I really enjoyed was, of course, he ended up giving the second child a second piece of candy, but before it ended, someone else gave each child a small gift for another reason, and on her way past her family and out of the sanctuary, the girl gave the gift to her younger sister. Such a sweet moment.

The untitled sermon focused on the rights and responsibilities of our citizenship, both of our country and of the Kingdom of Heaven. He referred to our “dual citizenship” advising that when it came to which should take precedence, we should put God above our rights and His teachings should take precedence. I appreciated his advice to “find joy in God’s joy.”

He ended with a reminder from Joshua 24:15: “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we pray You bless Your church with faith. May they hear Your voice when You call, and may they step out in faith in You. Amen.