Yesterday we worshiped
at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 236 Laurel Street, Richmond, VA 23220,
804.648.7980, www.standrewsoregonhill.org,
Rev. Andrew Moore, Presider and Preacher.
Scripture
– NRSV
Revelation
21:10, 21:22-22:5 –
And
in the spirit he carried me away to a great, high mountain and showed me the
holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God.
I
saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the
Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of
God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light,
and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. Its gates will never
be shut by day—and there will be no night there. People will bring into it the
glory and the honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will enter it, nor
anyone who practices abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written
in the Lamb's book of life.
Then
the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing
from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the
city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of
fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the
healing of the nations. Nothing accursed will be found there any more. But the
throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him;
they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And there will
be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be
their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
Psalm
67 –
May
God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us,
Selah
that
your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations. Let the
peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.
Let
the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and
guide the nations upon earth.
Selah
Let
the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.
The
earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, has blessed us. May God continue
to bless us; let all the ends of the earth revere him.
John
5:1-9 –
After
this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
Now
in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha,
which has five porticoes. In these lay many invalids—blind, lame, and
paralyzed. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When
Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said
to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have
no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; and while I am
making my way, someone else steps down ahead of me.” Jesus said to him, “Stand
up, take your mat and walk.” At once the man was made well, and he took up his
mat and began to walk.
Now
that day was a sabbath.
Bob’s
thoughts:
We
went for the early service so we could get on the road back to Pittsburgh. It turned
out to be an intimate service in a side room with a dozen seats. When we walked
into the empty sanctuary, I assumed we were the first ones there and went on an
excursion to find the restroom. I eventually found it and then found the area
where the service was being held.
The pastor
related how FDR went to soak in Warm Springs and I think anyone who has relaxed
in a hot tub of water can relate. I was remembering when we were first overseas,
before the showers were built, how great it was to go clean up in the rain. The
rejuvenation was similar to being washed in the Blood of the Lamb.
He referred
to those who were healed when they were able to get into the water while it was
roiled, and I think we are healed by helping them into the pool. God has used
me as a way to bring His healing touch to those in need, and when it happens,
it also washed over me.
I hope
when we are back in the area we will be able to worship at the later service.
Jan’s
thoughts:
We
were visiting with family in Richmond and were able to stay and worship with
them at their church. In the interest of time, we opted for an 8:30 a.m.
service. Our hosts explained it would be small, and that was the case.
The
building appears to have been built in 1901, and the church is even older than
that. As we walked through the sanctuary, we appreciated the intricate, brightly-colored
stained glass, the lovely marble, and extensive woodwork. The service was held
in the chapel off to the side of the sanctuary, and we arrived just as it got
underway.
It
was a blessing to sit next to my sister-in-law, as she was able to guide us
through the somewhat unfamiliar liturgy. I appreciated that the congregation
was asked to stand during the reading of the Gospel.
According
to the website, the sermon title was Every
Child of God. He began by comparing the pool at Bethsaida with Warm
Springs, Georgia, where President Franklin Roosevelt went for treatments of his
chronic polio pain. He then pointed out the importance of water throughout
Scripture: Jacob wrestled with God near the water, the Israelites passed
through the Red Sea, Moses was rescued from the currents of the Nile, and Jesus
was baptized in the Jordan River. Water is known for healing, nourishing, and
giving life.
He
asked how many in the Church today, like the paralyzed man Jesus healed, are in
pain and wondering if anyone cares enough to help. He stated that the Church is
a human institution (I’m sure he meant populated by humans, not created by
them), and it is our job to make sure everyone has access to the healing, life-giving
water of God’s love.
We
participated in Communion, which appears to be celebrated weekly, and appreciated
the opportunity to meet and speak with the priest and members following worship.
Our
prayer for this church:
Heavenly
Father, we pray Your servants in Your Church always take to heart the cries of
those in pain. Amen.
Today we worshiped
at New Hope Wesleyan Church, 2300 Pulaski Road, New Castle, PA 16105, 724.658.3019,
www.newhopewesleyan.org, Rev. Gary
DeWitt, Senior Pastor.
Scripture
– Isaiah 40:27-31 NKJV
Why
do you say, O Jacob, And speak, O Israel: “My way is hidden from the LORD, And
my just claim is passed over by my God”?
Have
you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator
of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is
unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He
increases strength.
Even
the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But
those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with
wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not
faint.”
Bob’s
thoughts:
I felt
oddly drawn to this church today. The drive was longer but pleasant and the
interstate was almost empty. I drove a little faster than normal so we arrived
early and had time to look around and talk to some folks. A woman on her way to
teach Sunday school pointed out where the various classes were held and offered
a bulletin. There was minimal signage but we were able to find our way.
In the
sanctuary there was a beautiful large decorated cross to one side, a smaller
one on the Communion table, and a larger cross behind the projection screen. There
is air conditioning and the seating is comfortable.
There
was no Scripture in the bulletin, but we later learned a visiting pastor would
deliver the message. We were pleased to be there for a baby dedication and it
was a joy to watch the grandparents when the baby was fussy later in the service.
Visiting
Dr. Phil asked about being successful by our standards and then by God’s, which
led to why God brought me here. I have been a physical man doing what the
Marine Corps taught me, always doing more than I was able. After surgery and a
few parts still ailing, how can I do what Christ wanted me to do? Through the
message I think I came to a little understanding what “God’s power in weakness”
was about.
Since
being less physical, I have found a great many people to pray with and witness
to. I learned again it’s not what I thought was God’s plan, but what His plan
for me actually is. I am not handicapped in His plan.
I enjoyed
hearing songs I knew and relished the solo of “Just a Closer Walk With Thee.”
Jan’s
thoughts:
We
arrived early and, although no one was in sight, someone greeted us almost
right away. She welcomed us and made sure we had bulletins, then returned to teach
her Sunday school class. At her invitation, we took a self-guided tour of the
building and returned to sit near the entrance and as people arrived, they
stopped to greet us and chat.
When
the adult Sunday school ended and the attendees left the sanctuary, we entered
along with everyone else who was waiting. We were greeted by more people as we
waited for the service to begin.
It
was a privilege to witness the Sunday school Awana awards and the dedication of
a baby during the service.
The
message was presented by Dr. Philip Speas, the long-time president of Kentucky
Mountain Bible College. Apparently, he is well known to this congregation, as
he was introduced by his first name and there was some friendly banter between
him and the pastor.
The
message, “The Secret of Success,” began by defining the term which hinges on Doing
versus Being. The world says success is what we can do whereas God says success
begins with waiting on the Lord. The world says in order to succeed we must do
the right things, but God says first we must be the right person.
He
stated that although we hate to wait, spiritual success rises and falls upon
our time with God. We must maintain our connection with God if we hope to do
the supernatural things we are created to do in God’s strength. In order to
live out the promise in this Scripture, we must rest in Him until we are
changed.
This
message did not just speak to me, it shouted. I was glad we were here.
Our
prayer for this church:
Father,
we pray that we all take time to learn Your plan for us and not just jump into
the one we imagine. Amen.
Yesterday we worshiped
at Salem United Methodist Church, 350 Manor Road, Wexford, PA 15090,
724.935.1627, www.salem-umc.org,
Rev. Beth L. Nelson, Pastor.
Scripture
– NRSV
Acts
9:36-43 –
Now
in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas.
She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. At that time she became ill
and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. Since Lydda
was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to
him with the request, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter got up and
went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All
the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that
Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter put all of them outside, and
then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get
up.” Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. He gave her his
hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be
alive. This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.
Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.
John
10:22-30 –
At
that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was
winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the
Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense?
If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I have told you, and
you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me; but
you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my
voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will
never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given
me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father's hand.
The Father and I are one.”
Bob’s
thoughts:
We
arrived early and had time to chat. We were warmly greeted by a number of
members including the pastor and two delightful young girls. We had time to
peek upstairs at the old sanctuary with the original stained glass. Worship is
now on the ground floor, which allows for handicapped access and easy access
for social gathering.
The
ground floor windows have modern overlay stained glass that gives an upbeat tone
to the worship area. There is a larger wooden cross on the Communion table which
guides the eye to the large cross above, over the chrome organ pipes.
I was
impressed when the acolyte came to light the candles, she bowed to the cross
before and after lighting.
There
was a young woman who processed with the choir wearing a roller shoe that lit
up; it brought some levity to the setting. And she did a great job playing the
handbells later.
A
woman was reporting from the pre-school or Sunday school about their butterfly
release which was followed by the request to “put them back.” It reminded me of
our late son who would just hold out his hand and butterflies would land on
him. He was shocked that the others couldn’t do this.
The
children were asked to distribute a Mother’s Day gift and all the daughters
were asked to stand to receive the gift. I remember in years past how awkward
it was for the wives who were not mothers, so, well done.
The poor
contrast on the screen made it harder to sing along.
The
pastor told of agreeing to pick up a friend’s child after school, which went
well till a host of girls came out all wearing the same pink coats and looking
identical. Finally, one girl came up to her saying “I knew you would find me,”
much like Christ and us.
I
wish I could share my thoughts on today’s message but what I heard was a
continuation of yesterday. I get this message (thankfully) from time to time, I
call it my “oh” message. It is a delightful reassurance that Christ is in
control and there is no reason for my concern.
Like
all of us, if I’m not careful, I can let concerns for what’s next take over, questions
over what I should be doing about a host of issues? When my “oh” message comes,
it is not so much specific answers to problems as it is an assurance that
Christ has this. I don’t know what will change in our situation, only that God
does.
I
have often told people I believe that will be the first word we utter when we
get to heaven: “Oh!” We will understand all the things that troubled us and it
will all make sense. May you be blessed with “Oh.”
Jan’s
thoughts:
We
arrived with plenty of time to take ourselves on a tour of the building and
talk with some of the many people who greeted us. After a cup of coffee, we
found seats in the sanctuary.
The
uncluttered, spacious worship area had almost no decoration aside from three
modern-looking stained-glass windows. The huge organ pipes were up front and
the lighting was lovely.
The
music was led by the organist and a choir and there was a processional and a
liturgist. I only noticed these things because it’s been a while since we
attended a traditional service of any denomination.
One
unusual and hospitable touch was the copy of a congregational photo directory
in the pew rack.
The
sermon was entitled A Call to New Life!
The pastor began with a story about picking up a friend’s child from school during
an upper-Midwest winter. She knew this girl would be wearing a pink snowsuit,
but when the children exited the school, almost every other girl was also
wearing a pink snowsuit. She finally located the child by process of
elimination, and when the girl saw her, the girl blurted out, “I knew you would
find me!”
A
parent always can find their child because they know them, and the same is true
for our Heavenly Father: He knows us better than anyone (including ourselves),
and He calls us by name.
I
know this from personal experience. Years ago, I found myself facing a
potentially serious health issue. As I lay in bed fretting about what the
future held if this issue became a reality, God called my name. It was ever so
gentle, and instantly I knew in my heart everything would be fine, and it was.
God
knows your name, too, and He loves you more than you know.
Our
prayer for this church:
Heavenly
Father, we ask that You bless Your church and guide them into the future You
have planned for them. Amen.
Yesterday we worshiped
at Crossroads Church – Cranberry, 8533 Peters Road, Cranberry Township, PA 16066, 412.494.9999, www.xr.church, Mike Arnold, Campus Pastor.
Scripture
– NIV
Romans
7:14-25 –
We
know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I
do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate
I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it
is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know
that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have
the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the
good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now
if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin
living in me that does it.
So
I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with
me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work
in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the
law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from
this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through
Jesus Christ our Lord!
So
then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a
slave to the law of sin.
Romans
8:1-2 –
Therefore,
there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through
Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law
of sin and death.
Bob’s
thoughts:
With
the chance to see some of our grandchildren that we miss, church was an easy
choice for us, I thought. I didn’t realize how God was orchestrating our visit.
The
curtain was open behind the praise team again and some flowers had been added
outside, which helped make for a pleasant reunion and great worship.
This
was the third part of a series on freedom. Last week was freedom from hurts,
something I could use now. Yesterday was freedom from habits. It is not that
our habits are sinful, but if they are impeding our interaction with Christ.
I get
so caught up in what was that I have trouble letting go even though it isn’t
where my desires or needs are now. I have been struggling to repair some
equipment that I only use for things that I no longer do. Where I could be
working on things related to what God is calling me to, I’m wasting my time on
what will not be.
God
prunes us to get us to grow how He wants. I have been removed from employment, homes,
from more tools and equipment than most people have ever seen. I have lost
people that I thought were my closest friends. With each loss I came to know
the incredible gain of coming closer to Christ, and yet with the current
purging I still lament the loss of what I didn’t need. But our Father continues
to patiently prune the waste from my life.
Yesterday
morning, I woke up refreshed, not knowing all the answers but knowing my life
is comfortably in God’s hands and on track with His timetable. I pray that you
are also blessed.
Jan’s
thoughts:
We
were back with our grandtwins this weekend, and I was deeply grateful to be there.
The
scenery out the window behind the platform was even more lush and colorful than
on Easter. There’s nothing like bringing the beauty of springtime right into
the sanctuary.
As
usual, we were greeted by some friends and got to sit with our family, and that
was delightful.
The
message was called Habits and was
part 3 of the current series Freedom.
The pastor spoke of how we all get trapped by habits and sins and outlined the
necessary steps to become free from those:
1
– Admit the reality that we are powerless against the forces holding us
hostage;
2
– Admit the reality of our needs that are being met in unhealthy ways; and
3
– Admit the reality of the price we are paying, because there is always a
price.
He
then summarized the ways our thinking must change in order to be freed from
these habits and sins:
1
– Embrace God’s love and really believe He loves you no matter what;
2
– Believe you can be free and mentally decide on a new routine, a new way of
responding when that trigger is activated;
3
– Lock arms with others for support.
This
message spoke loud and clear to me. It made me realize that some of my
relational responses that frustrate me the most, where I always walk away saying
“I can’t believe I reacted that way AGAIN,” are nothing more than habits. This
is a revelation to me. Somehow, I believed they were requirements, but if they
are habits, I have the power to change them. That realization alone brings
great freedom.
Pastor
Mike told about a friend of his who fought a battle to be free. When it was
over, the friend told Mike, “What I thought was getting me through were the
things that were holding me back.” That’s how I feel. All my coping mechanisms
were doing was holding me back and keeping me captive. I can’t begin to express
my gratitude for the revelations from this message.
I
was blessed to partake in Communion as well. What a wonderful day!
Our
prayer for this church:
Father,
we pray that You continue to bless and guide Your church. Guide us all and show
us Your way. Amen.
