Allison Park Church

Today we worshiped at Allison Park Church, 2326 Duncan Avenue, Allison Park, PA 15101, 412.312.628, www.allisonparkchurch.com, Jeff Leake, Lead Pastor.


Scripture – NIV

Galatians 2:15-21 –

“We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.

“But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves also among the sinners, doesn’t that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! If I rebuild what I destroyed, then I really would be a lawbreaker.

“For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

Romans 8:11 –

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

Romans 8:14-17 –

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “ Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.


Bob’s thoughts:

It was nice to find an early service that was only a half hour drive.

We were greeted by one of the pastors and one young man who came by as well as the usher at the door with a handout.

While in the coffee area there was an incredibly loud presentation/rally with a great deal of echo. I think most people would not understand what is said at that volume and echo.

When we got to our seats in the large worship area, we were under a blue spotlight and not able to see much. We found seats under a regular light which was great till the service started. I’m not sure if I have aged badly or the format has changed that much but we had to seek a quieter venue without spotlights. Both of us have ear problems but I’m not sure the lights were not the bigger concern.

We relocated to the Lounge just inside the front doors where we’d noticed a sign that we could sit there and watch the service on the monitor at a reduced volume. We found someone to turn down the volume for us and the others in the room. I enjoyed the female singer once the volume was down.

Once I was on the verge of being judgmental about a loud service with smoke and spotlights when Christ put me in my place, reminding me that we are all hopeless sinners without Christ and if worship I’m not comfortable with brings people to God, who am I to complain. I’m not judging, but the Lounge was a blessing.

While there God led me to a great witness with a member, so it was time well spent. The highlight is always Jeff’s message and today’s did not disappoint. The message dealt with how the Jews believed they must fit the box (i.e., the law) to be worthy to come to God. The pastor mentioned getting measured and marked on the kitchen door frame, and I don’t know anyone who didn’t do this. But the concept of measuring up, it recently came to my attention that I have lost four inches in height from what I was most of my life. A little more and maybe I’ll miss the things I’ve always hit my head on.

An enjoyable side note: I witnessed a father with a young child run toward the automatic door to the delight of the child. It reminded me of when I commented to one of my grands that he must be the magic that made the doors open and he replied, “No, God did that.”

We were blessed to talk to a pastor after the service and be led to pray over her.


Jan’s thoughts:

We arrived extra early so we could wander around some, having forgotten the size of this campus. After some meandering, coffee sounded like a good idea.

At a church this size with three services, we did not expect to be noticed as visitors nor especially to be greeted, but while we enjoyed our coffee one of the pastors approached and welcomed us. We saw her again after worship and appreciated the time she took for extended conversation.

I was glad to be able to join this church in praying for the physical and spiritual healing of China and its citizens along with all those affected by the current health crisis.

The sermon series is called Break The Box. It was a reminder of the truth that every last one of us falls short of God’s perfection and He loves us anyway. Still, we find ourselves striving for God’s love, which we already have, but somehow thinking it’s up to us. We must choose to stop the spiritual calisthenics and give up trying to earn what is already ours. We cannot perform well enough to earn God’s love, we cannot impress God with our piety, and we may as well let go of the self-imposed pressure to perform because we cannot produce it no matter how hard we try.

We can’t perform our way into or out of heaven. Thank God.


Our prayer for this church:
Lord, we pray You continue to bless Your church as they reach people of all ages with Your Good News. Amen.

Allison Park Church

Yesterday we worshiped at Allison Park Church, Ohio River Campus, 239 Merchant Street, Ambridge, PA 15003, www.allisonparkchurch.com, Thomas Manning, Campus Pastor.


Scripture – Romans 1:13-16 NIV

I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.

I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.


Bob’s thoughts:

I had hoped we could return to welcome this church into their new home. The changes and improvements are fantastic. I met a number of people, some thanked me for my service, and I also met two other Marines.

The sanctuary now has a great wooden cross and new lighting. Most amazing to me is they secured an okay to park in the lot next door, an area that was taboo to other entities that had used this space.

I remember my first visit to this space. We were new to the area and had heard about a place called The Ladle, but the only directions I had was Ambridge. Exploring the general area, I stopped to help someone carry something from their car and thought to ask for directions. I got a strange look and he pointed to a church across the street. Since I was on a roll, I asked where Center for Hope was, and he told me, “Where the milk plant used to be.” I found someone who could tell me where that was and got to tour the school and church building.

The pastor talked about changing the world one life at a time, just like making disciples one at a time. He told of what a zealot he was for Christ and had to offer an apology for badgering people. When Christ claimed me, it was overwhelming, and I witnessed powerfully until my wife told me I could not bring people to Christ by force (it did work sometimes). A lot of what got me through the loss of our son was telling people, sometimes maybe forcibly, about him and how his life mattered.

The campus pastor talked about he and his wife being together for about 14 years before they experienced a meltdown. God got through to them that He was what was missing in their lives, and their journey began. Christ waited till I was 50 and then turned my life upside right.

The lead pastor posed three thoughts:

1 – What am I sharing?

2 – Who am I sharing with?

3 – How do I start sharing?

I think we find those we love are the hardest to share the good news with. The best advice was to start by listening. The easiest opening I’ve found is, “Can I pray for you?” I look for the people who seem miserable and my offer of prayer has never been turned down. The best any of us can do is tell our story.

We were given a ticket for a free item from the barbeque truck or the cookie truck parked in front of the church. We opted for the “Humble Cookie Stand” because Jan had just met the owner. They gave out warm, fresh, delicious chocolate chip cookies.


Jan’s thoughts:

I heard from a friend that this church would launch their new location yesterday, so we decided to take them up on an earlier invitation and join the festivities.

Bob was familiar with the building in previous years. The large parking lot accommodated the many attendees as the sanctuary was nearly full. Signage and other finishing touches are obviously in the works, and even now it has a comfortable feel. Coffee/tea/hot chocolate were offered on one side of the lobby area and the Welcome Center is on the other side.

We were met with many warm greetings and there was a great sense of celebration. The members were genuinely overjoyed to be there. After several conversations, we found seats in the back with our coffee.

The praise music was full of enthusiasm with volume that was, thankfully, not overwhelming.

The pastor told part of the inspiring story of the building and God’s purpose and plan for its use by the church. A local economic development consulting firm, Paramount Co-Op, was instrumental in assisting the church and executives from this organization were present to help celebrate.

As the campus pastor launched into the message entitled Best News Ever, he gave some personal history about how he and his wife came to Allison Park Church. Through the magic of technology, APC’s Senior Pastor Jeff Leake picked up the message from his church location. He began with a story about a dessert he enjoyed, lollipop brownies, at a restaurant, likening his desire to share this with his wife to our wish to share the Good News. Pastor Jeff shared what he considered to be the most important questions when it comes to sharing the Gospel:

1 – What am I sharing?

2 – Who am I sharing it with?

3 – How will I start to share it?

In speaking to the second question, he mentioned the difference between sharing in random moments and in regular relationships. He recounted how leadership guru John Maxwell, who began his career as an ordained pastor, has been known to present to his corporate clients on “The Five Secrets to Success.” When he starts, he explains to his audience there are indeed five points, but he is only permitted to share four. However, he will stay afterward and speak about the fifth to anyone who wants to listen and most stay. What he then explains is the fifth and most vital secret to success is faith in God, closing with an opportunity for anyone who wishes to give their lives to Christ.

Pastor Jeff’s main point was that speaking about your love for Jesus and how He has changed your life makes it much easier to have a Gospel conversation with others. No serious, heavy-handedness is necessary, just plain, genuine joy.


Our prayer for this church:
Thank You, Lord, for moving Your church to this new space. We pray for Your special guidance on their efforts to be an even brighter beacon for the neighborhood. Amen.

Allison Park Church

Today we worshiped at Allison Park Church, 424 Duss Avenue, Ambridge, PA 15003, 412.487.7220, www.allisonparkchurch.com, Thomas Manning, Campus Pastor.


Scripture – NIV

Luke 12:13-34 –

Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”

Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’

“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ’

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”


Bob’s thoughts:

I was lamenting the lack of a cross but then I found it off to the side, a black cross against a black wall in the dim lights. Somehow it was special that it didn’t jump out at me.

I liked the harmony of the worship leaders, but one voice had almost too much power for the small venue. I hope to hear them after they move to their new building.

Pastor Jeff’s video message was a look at You In Five Years. It made me think of a column titled New Year Challenge by Harlon Cohen from Chicago. Instead of figuring out your resolutions, pretend it is January 2020 and write as if you have lived 2019 already…goals, fears, milestones? “Pick a date beyond the fear and look back with a sense of calm.” What do you want to accomplish this year? What can you do for Christ? I have had times where I wasn’t sure what God wanted me to do, but when I started, He moved me to what He wanted for me. Reflect on how can I make my life worth something for Christ, and start doing it.


Jan’s thoughts:

We arrived with only a little time to spare. Several people welcomed us, and we found seats quickly.

The worship space is black and the wall behind the platform boasts an attention-grabbing pattern of circles with lights that change colors to coordinate with the colors on the screen.

Music was led by a vocalist, a keyboardist, and a guitarist, whose voices blended and supported each other beautifully.

The opening Scripture was Isaiah 43:18-19 and was followed with a reminder that God is doing a new thing. Just the encouragement my heart needed today.

A number of events are planned here, including the Pasta Invitational (great name!), Vision Sunday, and next month they are moving to a newer, updated facility very nearby. An eventful time for this church!

Through the wonders of technology, the message was given by Jeff Leake, Allison Park Church’s Lead Pastor, from the Hampton location. (This multi-campus church’s sixth location will open in March.)

The current series is called You In Five Years and is an effort to encourage people to view their lives from a long-term perspective as well as from the perspective of eternity. The three issues:

1 – Are you saved?

2 – Are you purposely storing up treasure in heaven by investing in the lives of others?

3 – What will matter most in eternity are the souls we work to bring with us.

He took this opportunity to introduce/remind his listeners of local and international outreach and teaching efforts, including offering the Alpha course. After watching a video from the series, I’m sure those who participate will be enthusiastic.

We appreciated the time given by the pastor for conversation following worship.


Our prayer for this church:
Lord, we pray Your continued blessings on Your church. Please guide them as they move to their new building and bring many not-yet-believers to their door to learn about Jesus. Amen.

Allison Park Church

Today we worshiped at Allison Park Church, 424 Duss Avenue, Ambridge, PA 15003, 412.487.722, www.allisonparkchurch.com, Campus Pastor John Holt.

Scripture – NLT

Luke 5:1-11 –

“One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”

“Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.

When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.

Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.”

2 Corinthians 3:2-3 –

The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts.

Bob’s thoughts:

It has been a while since we last visited but I don’t remember needing earplugs then or if there was a cross. I do think I would have remembered if there was music louder than the prayers. I noticed some members writing during the message…I hope they were taking notes.

I missed some of the early greeting, but people were friendly.

Some points from the message: “We see problems, Christ sees possibilities.” A good question for the congregation: “Who needs the Good News in your sphere of influence?” Another I liked: “Obedience is a turning point.”

The pastor told a story of a parishioner who stopped to invite a couple to church; after many invitations, they came, and soon family came with them.

There was a woman who came to worship at my first long-term church. Every Sunday I tried to engage her in conversation and got nowhere…I had all but given up. One Sunday the pastor asked me if I had said hello and when I relayed her lack of past response, he urged me again. This time I was met with a joyous greeting. The pastor hadn’t mentioned that she had accepted Christ that Saturday in his office and he knew how frustrated I was from trying over the months to engage her in conversation.

Of late God has given me a joyous ministry of prayer with salespeople: I’ve gotten to seek those who seem less than cheerful. I would like to say it brings joy to their face, but more often it is tears. A simple touch or prayer is overwhelming to them, and me too. When you minister to someone, it is never only one way.

Jan’s thoughts:

Two new pastors have come on staff here since our last visit just over two years ago. It’s encouraging to see the excitement and energy here.

We arrived a couple of minutes into the service, so it was already dark. We were greeted at the door and welcomed with handshakes and hugs. We found our seats in the far back and were invited to help ourselves to coffee.

The music was well done, led by a drummer and two women vocalists, one of whom also played the keyboard. Once we were in the room, the volume was good.

I loved the wall decorations behind the platform: I only got to see them from a distance but they looked like metal tubs on the wall and each tub was lined with lights that changed color to coordinate with the background color on the screens. It sounds plain, but they were striking!

Allison Park Church and its satellites (including this one) are arranging to collect donations to help victims of Hurricane Harvey, of course. We were also treated to a preview of Senior Pastor Jeff Leake’s upcoming sermon series which will be tied in to their Life Group meetings as well.

The message was presented by Campus Pastor John Holt and was called “Let’s Go Fishing!” As he outlined the Scripture detailing Jesus’ encounter with Peter and the other fishermen, he emphasized Jesus’ ability to see the possibilities instead of their failure and His encouragement of His soon-to-be followers.

My two favorite parts: the statement that obedience is a turning point in our life story and obeying brings blessing, and that catching fish, you make them die…catching people, you make them live.

At this point, they outlined some of their innovative plans for community outreach over the next month or two, reminding the worshipers that Jesus knows where the fish are.

We appreciated the time both pastors took following worship for conversation.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we pray this, Your church, will be empty, that they be the church out in the neighborhood winning souls for You. Amen.

Allison Park Church

Today we worshiped at Allison Park Church, 424 Duss Avenue, Ambridge, PA 15003, 412.487.7220, www.allisonparkchurch.com, Eddie Galindo, Pastor.

Scripture – Ephesians 4:26-27

In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

Bob’s thoughts:

After attempts to worship where we chose, God redirected us to where He would meet with us in worship.

I meant to ask what this building was; they have adapted well to church service. I like the large wooden cross off to the side in the shadows. At first I thought it might be better with a small spotlight but after some reflection I think it is just right as it is…a reminder that Christ is always there in the Spirit.

We were warmly welcomed and a number of folks remembered us from our previous visit last November.

We were honored to be able to include our prayers for a stroke victim from the church.

The sermon was about anger, how anger itself is not wrong but unresolved anger is the problem. A great line: “If you don’t let go of anger, it won’t let go of you.” The pastor detailed a plan for dealing with anger and offered an altar call at the end of the service, giving an opportunity for those who were struggling with releasing their anger to come forward for prayer.

I could not think of any unresolved anger in my life now. I had my share when I was younger, but somewhere along the way God convinced me to leave the retribution in His hands. It was hard to accept, but once I obeyed I was overwhelmed.

Jan’s thoughts:

Every time I think WE decide where we’ll attend church, I hear the sermon/message and leave knowing God meant for us to be there.

This church is one of the newer branches of Allison Park Church. About five people greeted us before we found seats, and several spoke with us before and after the service.

Music leadership consisted of the pastor’s wife on keyboard and singing lead, a second vocalist whose voice blended quite well, a guitar, and drums. The sound and the volume were excellent.

The message was presented on the very large screen by Pastor Jeff Leake from APC campus in Hampton. In part 4 of his series How to Survive in a Dysfunctional Family, the topic was overcoming anger.

He began with the observation that dysfunction within a family is normal, which I found comforting. The problem is when anger is unresolved, gains a foothold, and consumes a person. This is one of Satan’s tools: he will mess with our relational world until it feels like everything is messed up and nothing is right.

He pointed out that if you don’t let go of your anger, your anger won’t let go of you, then stated that anger results from a blocked goal…something we think we should have but do not…and listed five steps for resolving anger.

1 – Identify what it is you lack, why you don’t have it, and who is to blame, who it is you are angry with (James 4:1-2).

2 – Grieve it. Talk to God about it and make a willful choice to give Him the pain.

3 – Release it. Forgive the offender and let it go. “Pain is cholesterol to spiritual veins.”

4 – Process it. Talk to the offender using “I” statements. Not talking to them about it puts up an unspoken wall.

5 – Plan it. Plan for how to deal with the pain if/when the situation arises again. Engage the help of a coach if necessary, but fight the feeling of powerlessness because that is the origin of the pain.

I found this message incredibly helpful and I plan to use these strategies in some relationships where I have felt stymied. This gives me hope, and I’m so grateful.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we pray this church will remember to release their anger quickly and live in the light of Your grace. Amen.

Allison Park Church

Yesterday we worshiped at Allison Park Church, 2326 Duncan Avenue, Allison Park, PA 15101, 412.747.7220, www.allisonparkchurch.com, Pastor Jeff Leake.

Scripture – 1 Peter 2:21-24

For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.

He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered.

He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right.

By his wounds you are healed.

Bob’s thoughts:

I was pleasantly surprised that in a larger church with loud music and flashing lights, there was a great cross, something missing from similar churches. The cross was such a welcome focus that none of the rest mattered. You don’t need a cross to worship Jesus, but the lack of one makes it seem like you are trying to forget that part.

I saw nothing about missional activity of the church but remembered that there was a good amount of mission going on. Mission can be lost when a church focuses on its members and their growth; I was pleased to learn that’s not the case here.

The congregation was asked to fill out an attendance questionnaire and the lights were immediately turned way down; it’s a good thing cell phones have lights.

The sermon was part four of a series. “Jesus Suffering and My Suffering” started with the premise that nothing connects us more quickly than shared pain. We lose sight of the fact that God understands our pain because Christ experienced pain here on earth.

When I was scheduled for heart bypass surgery, I knew that the power of Christ to heal me was there for me, but He didn’t want me to use it. The whole process was like watching a play, and I had completely entrusted my health to Christ. Was quite some time later I realized they stopped my heart to perform this surgery and the potential that I might not survive was real. A few months later God led me to witness to a friend who was having a heart valve replaced. My surgeon and medical staff were confident and capable, but my trust was foremost in Christ Jesus.

Following the service we got to watch some of the well organized and imaginative Easter egg hunt.

Jan’s thoughts:

It has been five years to the week since our last visit to this church, and we returned this week at the invitation of a different friend.

This is a huge, modern facility and I was pleased it had the signage necessary to figure out where we were headed.

On our way in we were greeted by several people with an enthusiastic handshake and by additional folks as we found our way to the worship area. As we made our way through the concourse we couldn’t help but notice it was set up for the largest Easter Egg Hunt in Pittsburgh, which obviously took much organization and effort to bring to fruition.

The music was passionately performed, the volume was fine for me, and the words on the screens were easy to read.

I’m sure Bob will comment on the cross, but I, too, appreciated its beauty: it was large and backlit, which made it stand out all the more in the dark worship area.

The message was kicked off with a video about Owen, a 7-year-old from the UK, who lives with a very rare disease, and how he came to be friends with a 3-legged Great Dane named Haatchi. It’s a heartwarming story of how two souls found each other and help each other get through life despite their individual strengths and limitations. CLICK HERE to watch the 9-minute video.

The message, “Jesus’ Suffering and My Suffering,” was part four of a series with the major point “Nothing connects us as quickly as shared pain.” Whenever we encounter someone who has struggled as we have/are, there is an instant rapport, but for some reason we still wonder if God cares about our pain. Reminders included:

1 – When I look at Jesus, I know that God understands.

2 – When I look at Jesus, I see an example as to how to respond in the midst of my pain.

3 – When I look at Jesus, I see healing for my soul.

Displayed on the screens were the Scriptures detailing Jesus’ response to His treatment and how we can choose to behave based on His example:

1 – Refuse selfishness

2 – Refuse manipulation

3 – Refuse resentment

4 – Refuse revenge

5 – Entrust our lives to God

He equated entrusting our lives to God with entrusting our well-being to the surgeon when we go under the knife. Having done exactly that recently, the words that come to mind include dependence, relaxed confidence, and faith.

What I couldn’t help but think had to do with the title: “Jesus’ Suffering and My Suffering.” If indeed “nothing connects us as quickly as shared pain,” what does that say about Jesus’ suffering and His reasons for allowing our suffering? We may suffer silently for a time, but sooner or later we often voice our displeasure about whatever it is we are going through, and often we ask “Why?” as if we might actually understand if God were to condescend to answer our question.

In fact, we are asked to suffer in many of the same ways Christ suffered: betrayal, loss, mistreatment, and Scripture assures us that He is glorified in our trusting Him in the midst of our suffering.

If we can grasp the bond between a child and a dog and their mutual understanding of each other’s impairment and suffering, is it really so difficult to believe that in some mysterious way our suffering brings us closer to Christ?

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we pray this church will continue to put all its faith in You. Amen.

Allison Park Church

Today we worshiped at Allison Park Church, 2326 Duncan Avenue, Allison Park, PA 15101, www.allisonparkchurch.com.


Bob’s thoughts:

It’s easy for me to get a feeling of “mega-church” when we worship someplace new. Today was a larger facility with lots of parking. Very open greeting area, good signage, large welcome area with coffee and doughnuts. We were welcomed by the greeter at the entrance as well as a number of others. The Sanctuary boasts two large projection screens in front and one on the rear wall, which I’ve always thought was an excellent idea.

Most of the music was louder than I thought it should be, but there was a definite passion in the congregation’s singing. It was worship.

A paging system is utilized for the nursery. A large cross is mounted off to the left of the stage almost like an afterthought. This church obviously employs a good business administrator (efficient layout, anticipation of visitors’ needs, etc.). There was an informality to the worship and those who were identified as pastors wore jeans. Still, the sense of family closeness was unexpected.

The offering was taken after the sermon, but my impression was that that was out of the ordinary as he made it a point to announce it would be done that way today. The church was focusing on single parents, a ministry close to my heart. The sermon related well to some of the problems faced by single parents but also to the rest of us. We all, like Paul, ask God to remove the thorn from our side and don’t want to hear its purpose. I thought Pastor Jeff delivered the message effectively with fine illustrations.

The church is probably still too loud and busy for my worship needs, but the Word of God is preached there and done well.

Jan’s thoughts:

Having been invited to Allison Park (Assembly of God) Church by a co-worker, for a change we knew by Tuesday of last week where we’d be attending church today. Still, it never ceases to amaze me all the various ways God uses to get us where He wants us each week.

The building is quite large, and I must admit I’ve never before seen a church with its own parking garage. Greeters stood immediately inside the front doors of the sizeable Concourse. The signage was large and abundant, so it was unnecessary to ask for the location of restrooms or anything else. To the right of the entrance was a good-sized room with tables, chairs, and refreshments in the form of coffee, tea, and donuts.

Further in was a staffed information desk offering “new member” literature. Opposite it was a coat room with restrooms on either side. I can’t speak for the men’s room, but the ladies’ was spacious, well-maintained, and generously stocked with necessary items.

I was greeted by someone whom my co-worker had informed of our visit, but she was probably the only person there who knew for certain that we were visitors. In a congregation large enough to require one Saturday evening service and two Sunday morning services, identifying visitors is seldom possible, so I was surprised and impressed.

There is a well-equipped nursery-type room off the Concourse for little ones, and we enjoyed watching them through the windows.

The general atmosphere is welcoming with an emphasis on serving members and an open desire to get people “plugged in” to a group. A welcome brochure, nicely done on good, tri-folded 8 ½ x14 paper lists the church’s vision, pastoral staff (of 11!), summary of ministries by age groups, the weekly schedule, a welcome from the senior pastor, and an outline of how the church can help one to reach one’s full potential in Christ. We were also given a small book written by Andy Stanley, “Since Nobody’s Perfect…How Good is Good Enough?” which I plan to read.

The Sanctuary was similar to other churches this size: large with a huge screen on each side of the stage and comfortable padded chairs. I counted 12 musicians, and they sounded wonderful – but also loud. Maybe it’s me, but I’m beginning to wonder if I’m the only one for whom the decibel level is an issue at larger, non-traditional churches. Perhaps it’s the acoustics, or maybe I’m having more trouble with my ears than in the past. In any event I was glad we sat toward the back but wished I’d felt comfortable enough to move even further back.

The congregation was enthusiastic and animated with many worshipers waving their hands in the air and/or jumping or bouncing around. I knew I was not in a PC(USA) church.

The message was part of a series entitled “When the Fasten the Seatbelt Sign Comes On” (a great title, I thought!) subtitled “Part 3 – Relational Confusion.” It was based on 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 where Paul refers to his thorn in the flesh, specifically verse 9 when he states, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” (I’m with the pastor in his love for this verse!)

I first heard this verse when I was much younger and unable to comprehend the meaning at all; however over the years and the intervening events in my life, I believed I had grasped it. However this message took my understanding of this verse one step further. At one point the pastor had everyone verbalize a sentence with him, a statement that convicted me deeply:

“Stop trying to get an exit strategy for something God is trying to lead you through.”
What I heard from this message is: accept my life for what it is and let God do with me and my life what He will; God’s grace IS sufficient.

The church is unlike Presbyterian churches in many ways, but I believe the theology was right on. And I think I’ll tape that sentence to my mirror and several other places where I’ll see it regularly.