Element Church

Yesterday we worshiped at Element Church, 205 North Avenue, Millvale, PA 15209, 412.449.9006, www.elementlife.com, Erik Germesin, Lead Pastor.


Scripture – NIV

John 19:17-18, 28-30 –

Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.

Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Luke 9:23-26 –

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.


Bob’s thoughts:

There was a time when I was in Millvale often, but it has been a number of years ago. Then twice in the last week because of traffic backups we ended up going past Element Church. We both took it to be God getting our attention as to where to worship today.

We were greeted when we walked in and offered coffee and doughnuts. A number of people stopped to say hello, including some of the pastors. I was thanked for my service and met two other Marines.

In front there is a larger wooden cross with white painted slats angled to accent the cross.

The words on the screen were in sync with the songs till the closing song.

David Ebert spoke of his mission in Africa with Overland Missions. An interesting interaction with African chiefs, divinely orchestrated, I’m sure.

The pastor made reference to the cross: “They are everywhere,” but alas, many supposed Christian churches do not have a cross.

Communion was offered albeit silently, and not in unison.

The church is working to be oriented to the neighborhood and bring Christ’s love to the area.

We were thankful that a number of those we met took the time to talk after the service.


Jan’s thoughts:

I have been nowhere near Millvale since our last visit to Element Church in March 2012, and this past week I drove past their new location twice, both times unplanned. We took this as God’s direction and went there for worship.

We arrived quite early and had plenty of time to enjoy coffee and donuts along with friendly conversations and a chance to look around. The building had been a bank previously; the vault is still intact and is now used as an office. The church feels casual, functional, uncluttered, and focused on their mission to “Know God, Grow in God, and Show God to Others” with a solid outreach plan covering the entire year.

The service began with musical worship led by a single guitarist who also led the vocals with a strong, expressive voice.

The pastor introduced Pastor David Ebert, a missionary supported by this church. Pastor David serves in Zambia with Overland Missions, an apostolic organization that is “working to establish the Kingdom of God in a kingdom of darkness.” He told of the progress being made in this country and surrounding areas and the amazing doors opening in their efforts to begin a tribal chaplaincy program there. He credited Overland’s faithfulness to the Word of God for the increase of their influence and asked for prayers for wisdom, tact, and insight.

The message was the second part of the series, The End of the Beginning: Crucified. The pastor emphasized the importance of recognizing the brutality of Christ’s crucifixion and death, and since this congregation will not have a Good Friday service this year, he felt it important to speak to it today.

The pastor spoke concurrently about Christ on the Cross and His directive to His followers to take up their cross daily and follow Him. He stated that Jesus was never weak when He was on the cross.

The Message Notes (found on the church website) provided the main points.

What Happens When We Pick Up Our Cross?

1 – Picking up our cross looks like death, but it is actually the only way to find real life.

2 – This real life is intimately connected with walking step-by-step with Jesus.

3 – Picking up our cross changes our perspective from the here and now to the eternal.

He ended with a powerful reminder: When you think it is the end, God has a new beginning for you.

I was grateful Communion was served following this emotional message and also for the time given by several pastors and members for conversation after the service.


Our prayer for this church:
+Father in Heaven, we pray for Your continued presence and guidance among this church. Please help them as they work to serve this neighborhood where You have planted them. Amen.