Today we worshiped
at Church at the Heights, 500 Salem Lane, Gibsonia, PA 15044, 724.935.1329, www.churchattheheights.org, Pastors
Ralph and Cindy Vogel.
Scripture
– NLT
2
Samuel 11:1 –
In
the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and
the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and
laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem.
1
Samuel 17:47 –
And
everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not
with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!
2
Corinthians 11:24-27 –
Five
different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I
was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I
spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long
journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger
from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger
in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from
men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long,
enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often
gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep
me warm.
John
16:33 –
I
have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will
have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the
world.
Hebrews
4:12 –
For
the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest
two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It
exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Bob’s
thoughts:
I
think this may have been the warmest welcome ever. Many people stopped to say
hello and introduce themselves, we were offered coffee and donuts and directed
to the restrooms and sanctuary. The only disappointment was the lack of a cross
in the sanctuary. There were a lot of children to keep me entertained,
especially the young family in front of us.
I was
thanked for my service and greeted by a Marine. Some told of service people in
their family.
I was
impressed with how many got up to lay hands and pray over those in need during
a prayer time and after the service. I was so surprised I didn’t even remember
to ask the pastor if we could pray over him.
The
message was that God wants us to be victorious in the spiritual warfare we
face. A high point: You can never experience victory if you never face
adversity or if you refuse to use your weapons of warfare. We are all warriors
for Christ.
Jan’s
thoughts:
A
number of Bob’s emails were lost recently, and in the course of going through
what has been retrieved, he found something about this church. Somehow, this
morning, this was the church we felt drawn to because of the worship time, so
here we were. It never ceases to amaze me the many ways God uses to get us
where He wants us any given Sunday.
We
first visited this church almost four years ago, and they were as warm and
friendly today as they were then. We were welcomed as soon as we entered the
building as well as, really, the whole time we were there – before, during, and
after worship.
We
were invited to enjoy a cup of coffee and donut and several folks stopped for conversation.
The
worship area is not large but distinctively and dramatically decorated. When I
looked at the church website yesterday, I remembered it immediately from the
photo on the landing page. When the service began the room was almost empty,
and by the time the music was over, I could probably count on one hand the
number of empty seats. This is the almost universal pattern for contemporary worship
services.
There
were numerous announcements as this church seems to have a great deal going on
and involvement in ministries inside and outside the congregation. They have
three prayer meetings throughout the week: Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday, which
is amazing.
Just
before the message, those present were invited to lay hands on and pray for
others present.
The
message appeared to be part two of a series about victory. The pastor’s points
were:
1
– You cannot experience victory if you never go out to battle. There is no
victory for the one who won’t go, and if you give up, you forfeit your victory.
2
– You cannot experience victory if you never face adversity. Adversity means
you have an adversary, which we certainly do – Satan. But if we avoid facing adversity,
we avoid our victory as well.
3
– You cannot experience victory if you refuse to use your weapons of warfare. We
must humbly submit to the Holy Spirit, without attitude and on His terms, pray
for discernment, knowledge, and wisdom. Then we must be still so we can hear
from the Spirit, and then follow Him.
It
sounds simple, but I know no one who finds it easy. It’s a day-by-day battle
and we are all works in progress. Praise God for His patience and unfailing
love.
Our
prayer for this church:
Lord,
bless the efforts of Your church as they seek Your guidance for the future. We
pray for victory over any adversity they encounter. Amen.
Today we worshiped
at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 107 Staley Avenue, Butler, PA 16001, 724.287.7464,
www.trinitybutler.org, Carmen R.
Shullo, Pastor.
Scripture
– 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 NIV –
Paul,
called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother
Sosthenes,
To
the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to
be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of
our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:
Grace
and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I
always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For
in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with
all knowledge— God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you.
Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord
Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you
will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has
called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Bob’s
thoughts:
Recently
we were headed to this church and got here after the service started so we
opted for another church that shares the building. We have been redirected so many
times that I don’t doubt God’s hand in where we go. Today I learned why He
wanted us here: we were able to go forward and lay hands to pray over the
Deacons and Elders being ordained. It always makes me smile when He leads us to
pray over the people He has chosen to do His will. The ordination brought us
back to our Presbyterian roots and we were glad He led us here to participate.
The
extended time of greeting and passing Christ’s peace was brought to a close
with the male worship leader playing guitar and singing as he walked up the
aisle sort of herding God’s sheep back into the pews.
We
were greeted at the door and found signage directing to the restrooms.
There
is a great large cross over an unusual stained glass panel at the front of the
comfortable and pleasant sanctuary. I especially liked the stained glass and
candles that were projected on the wall.
The
man and woman leading the singing have incredible harmony; it was most
enjoyable to hear them leading. The words were projected with good contrast.
There
were a number of young children and we all enjoyed some of their answers during
the children’s message. I thought it was a great segue to Presbyterian
evangelism – go fishing for seekers, take a Bible and sandwich, feed them and
they will come. God calls who He will and uses you where you are needed. We
need only answer His call.
We
were thankful to have a few minutes with the pastor after worship. God is doing
amazing things here.
Jan’s
thoughts:
We
headed for this church in December but due to a timing mix-up that week we
ended up at a different church that meets in this building. Today we gave it
another try, and I was glad we did.
We
were greeted as we entered the building and immediately handed a welcome bag and
bulletin. Several people welcomed us with smiles as we made our way to the restrooms
downstairs thanks to well-placed signage.
The
sanctuary was striking with a floor-to-ceiling vertical stained-glass window and
a cross most of the size of that window in front of it. The modern design of
the building, the sleek style of the pews, and the fresh style of the artwork
on the walls made the contemporary music feel just right. The music was led by
a marvelous mother-son duo whose voices blended superbly.
A
true joy of this morning was to participate in a service of ordination and
installation of officers, something we have not taken part in for a long time.
I was grateful to be able to go forward to lay hands and pray for this group of
servants and was intrigued by the pastor’s remarks as he pointed out the
baptismal font front and center, connecting baptism with church leadership.
I
appreciated the Children’s Chat as the speaker took the children through the physical
motions of fishing then related it to fishing for people.
The
Meditation was Called, Confirmed, Collected – Signed, Sealed, Delivered and
focused on Paul’s call and authority in the subject text. He emphasized
trusting that our conversion, our gifts, our call, are from God and are not
mistakes or accidents. God has already defined us and what He says to and about
us is trustworthy.
We
appreciated our conversation with the pastor following worship.
Our
prayer for this church:
Father,
we lift Your church to You and pray for Your continued blessings as You grow their
faith and knowledge of You. Amen.
Today we worshiped
at Crossroads Church, 8533 Peters Road, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066, 412.494.9999,
xr.church, Mike Arnold, Campus Pastor.
Scripture
– Philippians 4:1-13 NIV –
Therefore,
my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand
firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
I
plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.
Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have
contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the
rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
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.
Finally,
brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is
excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or
received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of
peace will be with you.
I
rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.
Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not
saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the
circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have
plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all
this through him who gives me strength.
Bob’s
thoughts:
I
will never complain about not being able to follow the service because I’m
sitting with a grandchild, but being with a few at the same time left little
attention for the message.
Today,
with two of my granddaughters whom I don’t get to see as often wanting to share my
seat with me, left me thinking that this is the love we should be feeling for
Christ. There is nothing more important than being in His Presence basking in
His love for us. I want to love God like the love these girls show for me.
I need
to share a special God moment from this week when He answered my prayers and
led me to my lost wedding ring. Last Tuesday I realized my ring was gone. One
of the many places I looked was a bag of store bags in my garage, and I went
through the bag twice. Yesterday, while I was cleaning my truck, I felt God
sending me to look in the bag. When I did, there was the ring, right on the top
of the pile.
God
is never late…always right on time.
Jan’s
thoughts:
Again
today we were blessed to worship with our kids and grandkids. I sat next to our
14-year-old grandson who puts his arm around me when we stand to sing, and Bob
had one (sometimes two) of our granddaughters on his lap. How can we call
ourselves anything but blessed?
Sometimes
when we visit here, we have no real conversation with anyone outside our
family, but today I got to talk with a couple of people I’d not met before. No
visit is perfectly smooth even when it’s a church we’ve visited as often as we
have this one, but when a connection is made, I leave feeling enriched.
Today’s
message was part two of a series called Habits. Last week’s topic was
putting God first and today, in Monitor Your Mind, the pastor spoke on
the importance of one’s mindset. He stated that:
1
– monitoring my mind leads to peace,
2
– positive thinking about people leads to positive relationships,
3
– positive thinking about our future leads to opportunity, and
4
– believing God’s view of us allows faith to grow.
In
order to build the habit of healthy thinking, he advised us to select our input
and use positive words.
He
said that a positive, optimistic mindset is likely to bring success whereas a
negative mindset will most certainly bring fear, frustration, shrink our world,
and increase stress. We choose our thoughts and we have the power to filter
them.
Faith
= risk and in faith, God calls us to step into the unknown.
Our
prayer for this church:
Lord,
we pray Your church is mindful of the endless blessings You pour out upon them.
Amen.
Today we worshiped
at New Beginnings Church of the Nazarene, 899 Jackson Avenue, Monaca, PA 15061,
724.494.8452, www.churchofnb.com, Rev.
Adam Johnson, Pastor.
Scripture
– 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 NIV –
So
from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once
regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in
Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this
is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the
ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in
Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the
message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God
were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be
reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him
we might become the righteousness of God.
Bob’s
thoughts:
We
miscalculated travel time to church and arrived early, which allowed some time
with the pastor and his wife.
I
believe most who came in stopped to greet us. I met a man who served in the
Navy and had two sons who became Marines.
The
aisle spacing is generous and there is a delightful rough-cut cross with a high
gloss finish. There were some red and blue mini lights above the chancel, that
though pretty, were bright enough to give me a headache, and we were in the last
row. I don’t get headaches anymore, so it took a while to realize that I had a
problem and retrieve my tinted driving glasses. The dual screens displayed good
contrast for easy reading. The music drowned out some of prayer for a while;
this is a tricky balance to find.
The
pastor introduced one of the best things he could do for the congregation,
offering them areas to serve in the church. When members serve in any capacity,
it becomes “your church.” Ownership is an important piece of a healthy church.
My favorite example was a woman who was leaving the church; I asked if she
would check to see if the pew pencil holders had pencils. In a few weeks she
blossomed and was checking other aspects of the pews in “her church.”
In
the first church that I joined when Christ claimed me, I was asked to be the
visitor greeter. Some long-time members had been assigned to this, but they only
greeted people they knew. Since I knew next to nobody, the job was easy: treat
everybody as a visitor. I got to meet a lot of members and we ended up with
40-some new members that year. They said no one spoke to them in the other
churches they had visited in the area.
A
card ministry is another rewarding task; in this modern age everything is quick
and tidy…a card has become something special.
I am
still the example in many sermons of how God can make over anyone to His desires.
A
special joy was that the pastor let us lay hands and pray over him with a member
of the congregation. I don’t know if I included what God told me, to pray for
ease of pain and increased mobility as a sign that God is watching over and
using Pastor Adam and his wife Amber.
Jan’s
thoughts:
It
was a good thing we fired up the GPS this morning as it turned out we were each
thinking we were heading for a different Nazarene church. Due to this
confusion, we arrived extra early.
The
pastor and his wife were there, greeted us warmly, and offered us coffee. Since
there was plenty of time, we explored downstairs.
We
found seats in the sanctuary and as others began to arrive, almost everyone
greeted us.
I’m
sure Bob will mention the cross, but it was beautifully rugged. The dual screens
were mounted plenty high enough and the graphics were well done.
The
pastor spoke about service opportunities at the church, encouraging the members
to pray about taking ownership of various areas. I interpreted his encouragement
in prayer as a clear indication of dependence on God’s guidance and provision.
He
announced the possibility of some summer services in a nearby park as a form of
community outreach.
The
sermon was called Fix It: A Renovated Life and focused on the search we undertake
when we make New Year’s resolutions. He stated that the only complete change
that lasts is when Jesus Christ enters our hearts and lives. He produces actual
change by making a new creation out of us.
The
pastor asked, “What story will God write in your life this year?”
Our
prayer for this church:
Lord,
we pray Your continued blessings on Your church. May Your people sense Your Presence
and follow as You lead. Amen.
