Today we worshiped
at Dutilh Church, 1270 Dutilh Road, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066, 724.776.1094, www.dutilhumc.org, Pastor Tom Parkinson.
Scripture
– NIV
Proverbs
27:17 –
As
iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Ecclesiastes
4:7-12 –
Again
I saw something meaningless under the sun:
There
was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his
toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth.
“For
whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?”
This too is meaningless— a miserable business!
Two
are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either
of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and
has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep
warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can
defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Proverbs
18:24 –
One
who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks
closer than a brother.
1
Corinthians 15:33 –
Do
not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
Proverbs
27:19 –
As
water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.
Proverbs
27:6 –
Wounds
from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
Bob’s
thoughts:
We
were welcomed at the door, including by the assistant pastor. We enjoyed coffee
and conversation with a few people, and a few more said hello during the
welcome time.
The
modern stained glass at this church has been one of my favorites, and the large
draped wooden cross in front of the window made it perfect for me.
There
were a few young girls dancing in the aisle for one of the opening songs and
quite a few came forward for the children’s message.
The
message, Iron Sharpens Iron, was the eighth and final part of a series. It
brought back memories of all my friends who were about my age who abandoned me
when I came to Christ. Two older friends came looking for Christ and I was able
to share modern Bibles with them, but those who were my “friends” from boyhood
all left. Even then, God was walking with me and He has brought me to this
place and time.
We
were pleased to get a few moments with the Director of Student Ministries. I
knew him and his little brother when I was Santa many years ago. That was
around the time I read in a Guidepost magazine about Dutilh Church rebuilding after
a fire.
I’m always
pleased to see so many children as it’s a clear sign of a healthy church.
Jan’s
thoughts:
Years
ago, when our kids were young, our family attended church together. At the annual
Christmas party, Bob would slip away and change into his Santa Claus suit so Santa
could make his featured appearance at the party. These are some of our most
treasured memories.
It’s
hard to believe, but those little ones who sat on Santa’s lap and whispered
their secret wishes in Santa’s ear are now grown adults with children of their
own. So of course, when we heard one of those youngsters had joined the staff
at this church, we made a note to visit again.
Although
we arrived early in the hope of finding this young man, we did not know he would
be in the midst of an especially busy morning. Consequently, we had only a brief
visit, but we were grateful he took a moment to reunite and it was wonderful to
see him.
We
were warmly welcomed by a number of people and it was a joy to see the
sanctuary virtually filled with worshipers of all ages for this contemporary service.
Each
time we visit this church they seem to have more going on. Today we heard the
testimony of one member of a recent mission trip to Zimbabwe, and the bulletin
contained many announcements of various events. One exciting one will be next
week when this church celebrates its 175th anniversary.
I
noted a couple of interesting touches: the bulletin indicated the service would
be livestreamed and that faces in the congregation are sometimes visible,
adding that seating toward the back is not visible in the livestream.
During
the announcements it was mentioned that those worshiping online should use the “virtual
pew pad” to indicate their presence. I recognize some could have an objection,
but I think that’s a wonderful way to help those joining remotely to feel included.
The
music was outstanding for several reasons, beginning with the talent of those playing.
The first song was the Cheers theme song, Where Everybody Knows Your Name,
which I found unexpectedly appropriate. Then came a song called Wake Up, Oh
Sleeper, during which everyone nearby smiled as four young girls danced in
the aisle with great enthusiasm. As the offering was taken, they played Garth
Brooks’ Standing Outside the Fire, which fit perfectly. And the closing
song grabbed my heart: Church (Take Me Back). Today I was reminded of
just how meaningful music can be in worship.
The
sermon was This Is Us, Part 8: Iron Sharpens Iron in which the pastor
spoke of the importance of friendship, especially godly friends. He stated that
friendships are risky but they are worth the risk, and that a godly friend
makes us a better person and helps us become more like Jesus.
He
described a godly friend as one who is:
1
– reliably present
2
– unconditionally loving
3
– reflectively revealing
4
– completely honest
5
– intentionally encouraging
He
said that godly friends lead us to Jesus, and since only Jesus can be all these
things to anyone, our friendship with Him is the foundation that strengthens us
to take the risks of friendship with others. If we refuse to take risks, we’re
not really living.
For
all these reasons, I was overjoyed to be here today.
Our
prayer for this church:
Lord,
we pray You continue to bless and guide Your church and that Your Presence is always
known as it was today. Amen.
Today we worshiped
at New Brighton Free Methodist Church, 925 11th Street, New
Brighton, PA 15066, 724.843.2777, www.newbrightonfmc.org,
Pastor Steve Forsythe.
Scripture
–
Psalm
62:5-8 NLT –
Let
all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my
rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and
honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is
our refuge. Interlude
1
Samuel 13:16-23 NIV –
Saul
and his son Jonathan and the men with them were staying in Gibeah in Benjamin,
while the Philistines camped at Mikmash. Raiding parties went out from the
Philistine camp in three detachments. One turned toward Ophrah in the vicinity
of Shual, another toward Beth Horon, and the third toward the borderland
overlooking the Valley of Zeboyim facing the wilderness.
Not
a blacksmith could be found in the whole land of Israel, because the
Philistines had said, “Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears!” So
all Israel went down to the Philistines to have their plow points, mattocks,
axes and sickles sharpened. The price was two-thirds of a shekel for sharpening
plow points and mattocks, and a third of a shekel for sharpening forks and axes
and for repointing goads.
So
on the day of the battle not a soldier with Saul and Jonathan had a sword or
spear in his hand; only Saul and his son Jonathan had them.
Now
a detachment of Philistines had gone out to the pass at Mikmash.
Bob’s
thoughts:
We
were warmly welcomed and offered coffee and cake.
There
was a boy in a wheelchair suffering from a broken leg. We found out after the
service that he was the son of the man who invited us back to hear the new pastor.
God is amazing.
I welcomed
the sight of the great wooden cross on the chancel and appreciated the uplifting
praise songs, Redemption Song, a favorite, was especially well done.
The
sermon was part of a series called Breakthrough. Although the first part
was called Action, the second was titled Prepare. Today’s
preparations affect tomorrow’s breakthrough. The message dealt with the
limitations the devil tries to put on us and how easily we fall for his schemes.
I
notice more and more churches have replaced the pulpit and lectern with an iPad
stand. Churches that are alive keep changing. It was nice to hear occasional
amens to the message.
Jan’s
thoughts:
We
ran into a friend from this church soon after our last visit and he invited us
back to hear their new pastor, so this church has been on our list since even
though it’s only been a year.
Many
people welcomed us warmly, offered coffee and snacks, and took the time for introductions
and conversations.
The
sanctuary windows are large blocks of frosted pink and white and cast a cheerful
glow inside.
I
was unfamiliar with all but one of the songs, but the musical leadership had strong
voices and beautiful harmony, so I just let the words sink in.
The
message was part two of a series called Breakthrough, and I really wish I could
hear parts one and three. Today’s focus began with preparation and a Key
Thought: Today’s preparation will determine tomorrow’s breakthrough. After
that, he transitioned to an amazing teaching on spiritual warfare in which he
outlined three of Satan’s strategies to discourage God’s people. They are:
1
– The Battle of Limitation. He stated that if you live with this lie that there
is not enough, it will not be long before you start to believe an even bigger
lie – I am not enough.
2
– The Battle of Intimidation. He said intimidation compromises determination
and occurs when things are dark and we are scared.
3
– The Battle of Exaggeration. Often the Enemy tries to convince us “You are the
only one” which leaves us feeling alone and without support.
He
was vulnerable and open about his own battles with these lies and advised the
best way to overcome them was to Climb Over The Lie (1 Samuel 14:13).
A
superb reminder: The same God who did not fail us in the past will not fail us
in the future. I needed to hear that.
He
closed with two questions: To whose voice will you listen? and Who will you
believe?
The
pastor offered this powerful message with an intensity that made it clear he
has fought these battles, the same ones most of us fight. I am deeply grateful
to have heard this message, as it clarified and validated some personal recent
experiences. Praise God, He always sends us to hear what we most need.
Our
prayer for this church:
Lord,
we pray You will encourage Your church to invite others to worship. Lead them
and show them what a simple thing it is to do. Amen.
Today we worshiped
at Crossroads Church, 8533 Peters Road, Cranberry Township, PA 16066,
412.3494.9999, www.xr.church, Mike Arnold,
Campus Pastor.
Scripture
– NIV
2
Chronicles 7:1-2 –
When
Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt
offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. The
priests could not enter the temple of the Lord because the glory of the Lord
filled it.
Jonah
3:5 –
The
Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the
greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.
Acts
2 –
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.’
“Fellow
Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to
you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you
yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and
foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by
nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from
the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on
him. David said about him:
“ ‘I
saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be
shaken.
Therefore
my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope, because
you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy
one see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me
with joy in your presence.’
“Fellow
Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was
buried, and his tomb is here to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that
God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his
throne. Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah,
that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay.
God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. Exalted to
the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit
and has poured out what you now see and hear. For David did not ascend to
heaven, and yet he said, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” ’
“Therefore
let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified,
both Lord and Messiah.”
When
the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the
other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
Peter
replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ
for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy
Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far
off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
With
many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves
from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized,
and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
They
devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking
of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and
signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had
everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who
had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They
broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to
their number daily those who were being saved.
Isaiah
55:1 –
“Come,
all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come,
buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.”
John
6:35 –
Then
Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go
hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
Psalm
34:8 –
Taste
and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
2
Chronicles 7:3, 14 –
When
all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the Lord above the
temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they
worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, “He is good; his love endures
forever.
if
my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek
my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I
will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Bob’s
thoughts:
Sometimes
I wonder, if God calls us to join a church, would we miss the differences we
experience now. We worship here often, mostly because of family.
But each
church has something that makes it unique. This one has a window wall behind
their platform. For some time, the windows were concealed behind dark drapes. Today
I thought how it could liven the message to have a mini-skit outside: Santa
checking his list or kneeling at the cross, the Easter Bunny leaving a basket,
even something stationary like a jack o’ lantern. It could be something
depicting a point from the message or Scripture.
I was
remembering a church where occasionally a group performed a brief skit at the
chancel dealing with the message for that day. Funny or straight from the
Bible, people walked away remembering the message.
The
pastor here frequently does something similar with a short clip or photos on
the screen. Mostly it makes it personal and people take that home.
There
is a lot of talk of an upcoming revival at the church and I pray that it is so…it’s
something we all need.
Jan’s
thoughts:
With
two grandchildren with us for the weekend, we again visited the church to which
they are accustomed, with the added blessing of seeing the rest of our family
who attend here.
The
outdoor work continues, and it was announced the project is running on time,
which is good news since the season of excitement is here for this church. They
have their 3-evening Awakening Conference beginning tonight, November 3 they
will hold their Chili Cook-Off, and November 9 is the annual Kidzgiving where
they fill shoeboxes with gifts for kids around the world in partnership with
Operation Christmas Child. Then, of course, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and before
we can blink an eye, it will be 2020.
The
current sermon series is Ready for Revival and today’s message, Hungry,
was presented by Student Ministry Director Julie Moran. This was the first time
I’ve heard Julie preach, though my grandson was pleased to inform me she has
preached before.
She
spoke about the idea of being present for once-in-a-lifetime events, such as
the Immaculate Reception, Woodstock, or a specific, very memorable Tractor Day
at Riverside School. Then there are events described in the Bible such as the
Dedication of Solomon’s Temple, the conversion of Nineveh, or the Day of
Pentecost. Events that changed many people and would certainly have changed any
of us had we been present.
After
defining revival as “when hearts are changed for Christ” Julie spoke about some
large-scale revivals around the world over the last several hundred or more
years. There is no question but that God was and still is pursuing the hearts
of people everywhere. She stated that revival comes when we are hungry for God
and when we are humble, which she defined as knowing who you are in the
Presence of God.
I
appreciated her stories about spiritual hunger and how, without much thought, we
automatically scroll through our phones or binge watch TV in an attempt to satisfy
an emptiness that only Jesus can fill. She called it “filling up with spiritual
junk food.” How appropriate. I will absolutely remember that.
Our
prayer for this church:
Lord,
we pray You will bless this time of revival in Your church. Fill us all anew
with Your Spirit. Amen.
Today we worshiped
at Cross Creek United Presbyterian Church, Cross Creek Road, Burgettstown,
PA 15021, 724.947.9548, Rev. Bill Roemer, Pastor.
Scripture
– NIV
1
John 4:19 –
We
love because he first loved us.
Matthew
22:34-40 –
Hearing
that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them,
an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the
greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus
replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul
and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the
second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the
Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Bob’s
thoughts:
We
were about half an hour early getting to the sanctuary, but greetings were
minimal. I think the whole church greeted us in the Passing of Christ’s Peace
and we were asked to fill in a visitor card.
There
was signage downstairs directing to the sanctuary and I saw a chair lift. The restroom
was marked but I didn’t see nursery or other signage. Someone explained about a
song sheet and when to return it.
The grandma
in front of us introduced herself and the children we were exchanging smiles
with. Children always make me feel welcome.
Originally,
we were sitting on the side and thought a woman was coming to greet us but she
only told us we had to sit in the center section because that’s how Communion
would be served; I wasn’t sure she was happy with this.
I had
to look a bit for a cross before I found one on the Communion table.
There
were only two children but they were enough for the children’s message, and
enjoyable. I was genuinely surprised to see a few sour faces directed to one
girl; I was delighted with them. They gave me a smile as soon as they came in.
I was
glad to see a Trunk or Treat sign as community involvement is probably difficult
in this rural area.
I enjoyed
the preludes but had trouble singing along with the rest of the music. I couldn’t
keep the pace and when I lost my place, I couldn’t tell where everyone was in
the lyrics.
The
message explained the basics of Christian love. My favorite is speak the truth
where you are. I’ve never had anyone refuse prayer. There are many people
seeking Jesus who just don’t know it. Never hide your faith; tell your story.
Communion
was served in the pews, albeit silently. The Communion bread was excellent, and
didn’t see if the pastor was served.
Jan’s
thoughts:
We
arrived early and later regretted the missed opportunity to look around
downstairs.
I
appreciated the signage, especially the indication of the restroom immediately
inside. Another sign pointed the way to the sanctuary upstairs so we went up
and looked at some of the items on display then found seats in one of the side
sections. After a minute, a woman approached us to request that we move to the
center section explaining it assists those serving the Communion elements. She
explained that they celebrate the sacrament weekly, which I was happy to hear
as I believe God blesses that regular remembrance of Christ.
Several
people smiled and said hello but only a couple introduced themselves. During
the Passing of the Peace it seemed everyone gathered in one aisle and worked
their way through the line until everyone was greeted by everyone else.
One
of the great things about a traditional service is that we sing older hymns.
Today we sang one of my favorites which I hardly ever get to sing: Be Still,
My Soul. I find the words to this hymn a deeply comforting reminder of God’s
power and love.
In
the sermon, entitled L.O.V.E., the pastor stated that every time Scripture
refers to God’s love for His people it uses the word agape, which is the self-emptying
love that seeks the good of the beloved. He stated we are commanded by God to
love Him and to love others as we love ourselves, and then God empowers us to
fulfill that command. I appreciated the reminder that I don’t have to meet God’s
expectations in my own strength.
The
pastor urged the congregation to follow God’s command to love people by telling
others about who Jesus is, what He has done for them, and to participate in
spreading the Gospel by generously supporting missionaries in the work God has
given them.
I
was glad we were in a church that observed World Communion Sunday and blessed
to participate in the sacrament today.
Our
prayer for this church:
Father,
we pray this congregation will open their hearts and Your church to everyone they
know so they can share the Good News. Amen.
