Grace Community Church

Today we worshiped at Grace Community Church, 56 Prestley Road, Bridgeville, PA 15017, 412.221.9000, www.gracechurchpgh.org, Bryan Thiessen, Lead Pastor.

Scripture – Acts 4:1-14 (ESV)

And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.

On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition.

Bob’s thoughts:

We had some early afternoon obligations so we opted for a 9:30 a.m. service. I was pleased when we got there early, but not so happy that they changed to an 8:30 start. With a little surfing on our phones we found a church nearby with a 9:30 service, but we had read it wrong and that was Sunday school time. We opted to wait for the service and I came to realize this church was one I had planned to visit.

We were engaged by almost everyone who walked by including a man who turned out to be the pastor.

I was pleased to find a large natural log cross on the chancel and others on the side walls of the sanctuary. The praise team sounded pleasing and the volume was right, although I did have trouble understanding the music leader when he spoke. There is a large projection screen above the chancel and impressive wood beams to the ceiling.

The pastor offered for those needing prayer to come forward, and again toward the end of the service for any who were accepting Christ to come forward.

I found no compromise in the sermon: there is one way to Heaven – Christ Jesus. I hate seeing this message distorted to avoid offense.

The pastor made an interesting point that those accepting Christ in Acts 4 were some of the same crowd that called to “crucify Him” and who a week earlier had called out “Hosanna!”

The congregation was encouraged to boldly speak Jesus Christ to all they meet.

I thought the sermon was longer than necessary, but maybe it was that he was preaching to the choir.

Jan’s thoughts:

This morning turned out very differently than I planned. The church we wanted to attend had moved their service one hour earlier than advertised on their website. This was treated with nonchalance by the members who told me, but after intending this visit for two weeks, I felt frustrated.

We were led not far away to Grace Community, which has been on our list to visit because of a newspaper article about the Bridgeville Community Outreach Center. I hope you will take a moment to check out this worthy effort at www.bridgevilleoutreach.org.

We were warmly greeted at the door and by numerous others before, during, and after worship. We were invited to help ourselves to coffee and join any of the Sunday school classes in session and to join the fellowship meal afterward. Unfortunately, my frustration kept me from being as appreciative as I should have been at these generous invitations. I apologized later and was shown grace immediately.

This morning was a lesson for me. Bob and I often mention how we were or were not greeted, and to us this is usually an indication of the friendliness (or lack thereof) of a congregation. Today, although the welcome was warm and genuine, it took some time for me to be receptive, and I suspect my lack of receptivity was apparent.

Today I learned that a welcoming attitude is a two-way street.

The message was entitled “The Exclusive Truth” and the pastor began by asking if there is more than one way to God and how we would know either way. He stated that Jesus and His resurrection were as radical, dangerous, and threatening then as it is now. The message of Jesus is offensive to many, but the truth is that God provided only one way for salvation, one way to be saved from everlasting separation from God, and Jesus is that one way. There are no exceptions and no alternatives.

Just for the record, some of the Scriptures used to back up this claim include John 14:6, Romans 3:21-25, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9, Ephesians 2:8-9.

Our prayer for this church:

Father, we pray this church is filled with the Holy Spirit and boldly preaches Jesus everywhere You send them. Amen.

Bethany Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 740 Washington Road, Bridgeville, PA 15017, 412.221.5132, www.bethanypresby.org, Rev. Dr. John G. Hamilton, Senior Pastor.

Scripture –

Psalm 67

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us— so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.

May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth. May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you.

The land yields its harvest; God, our God, blesses us. May God bless us still, so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.

Revelation 5:6-14

Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. And they sang a new song, saying:

“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.

You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying:

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”

The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Bob’s thoughts:

I appreciated this opportunity to visit Bethany with its well thought out, welcoming sanctuary and impressive cross. Maybe people thought we were only there for the baptism, which was enjoyable, however the only welcome we received was at the restrooms. I remember it being friendlier at past visits.

I understand little about music but I think the organ sounds different in a Presbyterian church.

The sermon was entitled “All People, Really?” The Bible teaches that all people who accept Christ as Savior and Lord will be welcomed to heaven. What about our church? They are different, will we welcome them? What would that be like? Heaven, perhaps?

Jan’s thoughts:

It has been about three years since we last visited this church, which this year is celebrating their 200^th anniversary. The building is as beautiful as I remembered but we saw none of the friends we have encountered here in past visits. I enjoyed a conversation with a woman I met in the ladies room, but no one else spoke to us.

A gifted tenor presented three solos and it was a joy to listen to his strong voice and perfect enunciation.

As visitors it is always a privilege to witness a baptism; seldom do we end up seeing the family and their guests at the restaurant where we randomly choose to have lunch afterward, as happened today.

Associate Pastor Rev. Robbie Ytterberg’s sermon, “All Peoples, Really?”, almost felt more like a passionate conversation. He spoke of people-watching and noted how different people can be. In listing a broad array of diversities, some cultural and others simple personal preferences, he reminded us of the biblical promise that ALL will be at God’s throne…those we love and those of whom we are not so fond, those who are like us and those with whom we are uncomfortable. Christ purchased every single one and all will be represented in the Kingdom.

His question “Do we pray for blessings for ourselves or so that we can bless others?” is a good question to ask when we pray. I believe it is acceptable to pray for ourselves, but I also believe God blesses us so we can be a blessing to others. That is one of the ways His living water flows through us. If we are not using our blessings to bless others, if we are hoarding our blessings, we are imitating the Dead Sea. This message has me thinking about how I have or have not used my blessings.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we pray we can all open our hearts and doors to Your children who are different from us. May we embrace them in Your name. Amen.

Bethany Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 740 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017, 412.221.5132, www.bethanypresby.org, Rev. Dr. John G. Hamilton, Senior Pastor.


Bob’s thoughts:

After nearly an hour’s drive, the church we planned to visit had a sign on the locked doors: “Worship and Picnic in the Park.” So we let God lead us and ended up at Bethany.

I did not notice anything on the directional signage indicating where restrooms might be found, but we were familiar with the building so it was not an issue. The Sanctuary is a complementary mix of brick and woodwork, with a large cross suspended above the Chancel.

We were greeted by the usher and some others during the Passing of the Peace. While the soloist did a fine rendition of “Word of God, Speak,” the Pastor provided the accompaniment since the organist was on vacation.

The Sermon, “Our Sin is Condemned, We are Not!” was an important message for me in an area with which I struggle. The message was a series of stories with little need for anything else.

I was glad we were there to witness some youth being commissioned for a mission trip as similar trips had a large impact on my family. I was pleased that mission is important to Bethany.

Jan’s thoughts:

Today was another adventure. We drove to the church I thought we were to attend, but there was no one home as they were having a church picnic. We would likely have gone had the sign on the door indicated which park, but since it didn’t we had to assume we were being divinely re-directed and drove until we concluded where we were to go. One of the blessings at Bethany was the opportunity to worship with a good friend whom we seldom see.

The Sanctuary started out on the empty side but filled up quickly. The bulletin is user-friendly and contains LOTS of information.

This is a very mission-oriented church: the Senior Pastor is away with some members on one mission trip, another group was commissioned today for a different trip, and someone from this congregation is taking part in the current trip to Malawi. Youth who just returned from yet another trip acted as liturgists today. All this on top of local and other mission efforts. It’s a lot, especially for the summer.

The Sermon was titled “Our Sin is Condemned, We are Not!” and was based on Psalm 119:105-112 and Romans 8:1-88. He began with a story, really about the house next to the building the story was about. The house was condemned, and he spoke of “living in a house of fear” of condemnation. His final question to the congregation was: “What if we lived in the joyous reality that we are not condemned but that the sin that drives us nuts IS condemned?”

Indeed, the very question I’ve been asking myself in my devotional time the last several days: “What if I believed God for His promises?” How would that change my attitude, my mindset, my life? If I take God at His word that because of Christ’s Atonement my sins are, even now, as far as the east is from the west, then I no longer need live my life in the shadow of my guilt. If I open my heart and allow the reality of His forgiveness to penetrate my hard, human heart and change my thoughts, maybe then I will believe God’s other promises too, and I may just find my life transformed. At the very least I would no longer be living in the sin of unbelief. I continue to make progress in this direction, and I continue to learn more of God's glorious promises.

Bethany Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 740 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017, 412.221.5132, www.bethanypresby.org, Dr. David Antonson, Interim Pastor.


Bob’s thoughts:

Back to Bethany to hear Hetz Marsh preach. So much thought and planning went into the extensive remodel of Bethany that it is always a pleasure to visit. I was especially glad since the website start time was not updated and we were an hour early.

Can’t remember any service that had more extras added in. One that I enjoyed was a report on Vietnam ministry which included a story I hadn’t heard before, that to be a minister in Vietnam requires two things: a call from God to serve and that you have been imprisoned for your faith. Sort of weeds out the less committed candidate.

There was a presentation by the Evangelism Committee – some very nice door hangers were made up. I do hope they also plan to knock on the door.

I would have enjoyed the chili tasting after the service, but due to a prior engagement I couldn’t try to sneak in a taste of chili…besides it’s no longer on my diet.

Hetz delivered an impassioned message; it is always so much easier to believe when the speaker lets his/her passion show.

I was disappointed that the offering was taken before the Word was preached, but very pleased with the mission involvement evidenced by the bulletin board postings. There was also some good literature available, though some needs updated.

Jan’s thoughts:

It’s been a while since we visited Bethany, and since a friend was filling the pulpit today it seemed like a good time to return.

The facility has been very well kept, clean, with great signage. From the moment we walked in the door there were signs pointing the direction toward every possible destination. Right outside the Sanctuary is a welcoming area with café seating and a well-supplied coffee bar.

Only a few people spoke to us, but the ones who did were very friendly and helpful, giving us plenty of new member information.

The service was jam-packed with the usual substance of worship as well as the Logos staff commissioning, a Moment for Mission, and a report from a seminary student who had participated in a mission trip to Vietnam.

A couple of comments about the bulletin (can’t help it…I’m a former church secretary): It contains color, which is a marvelous thing, it’s well laid out, easy to read, and contains much more information than it’s possible to digest in that brief amount of time. However, it was cumbersome. Early on, after finding an empty spot to make a note to myself, it took some time to figure out what was what again. I'd suggest keeping the Order of Worship on the one folded page and including the rest in the form of unfolded inserts. That way when the bulletin is folded for use during worship it's possible to insert everything inside that's not worship-related and still follow the service. Just a thought, for what it's worth.

The message, entitled “If You Are Happy and You Know It…”, was given by Hetz Marsh. I had not heard him preach before, but found his style animated and engaging. As the title suggests, the topic was happiness, and for once a sermon on that subject did not wander into the issue of “happiness vs. joy,” instead focusing on happiness as blessedness based on the Beatitudes, and concluding with what, in the end, makes for a truly happy life is that it is a life committed to God’s ideals. As I seek to learn God’s intention for my life I’ll be pondering that idea as a starting place.

Bethany Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at Bethany Presbyterian Church 740 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017,www.bethanypresby.org

Jan's thoughts:

We've attended a few Partnership events at Bethany as well as Jim Mead's farewell dinner, so we were not total strangers at this church. We also have some friends who attend there, but only saw one today.

The building is very new (2005, I believe), and a lot of thought obviously went into the planning. Even if we hadn't known where the sanctuary was, we wouldn't have had to ask because the signs were everywhere. The same for the restrooms.

One unique physical feature at Bethany is the Welcome Center in the Narthex which boasts round tables that seat probably 6 or 8, a refreshment bar (coffee, tea, cookies), and space for people to stand (or sit) around and chat. A very welcoming atmosphere and many people took the opportunity it presented. The stained glass is beautiful and the whole building is thoughtfully laid out. It has an open, accessible feel to it.

However, aside from the one friend I mentioned earlier, only the greeters, one usher, and one gentleman sitting nearby spoke to us.

We were privileged to be present for the reception of new members, including one who was baptized, as well as the first Sunday for the Rev. David Antonson as Bethany's Interim Pastor and Barb Crawford as the Interim Christian Education Director.

The bulletin is a work of art containing numerous small but informative touches. Instead of the traditional photo or drawing of the church, the cover carries a pretty banner and the founding date (Oct. 18, 1814), notes indicating joy at our presence, direction to quiet our hearts before God and listen to the music, information about child care, and their mission statement. In the responsive Call to Worship, the congregation's parts are in red print and all caps, making it nearly impossible to become lost. The Scripture readings are printed in the bulletin, the identities of the greeters and ushers, the flower donor, the new members, the children's church teachers, and the Welcome Center sponsors. Financial information, this year's per capita apportionment, and attendance figures are also included, along with church staff and contact information. There's lots more, so anything you might want to know about Bethany you can probably find in the bulletin.

The Nursery uses a paging system, where parents picked up a pager after they dropped off their child(ren), and the staff could then reach the parent quickly and discretely. A great idea which I've only seen once before.

The choir was quite strong, and I thought the organist was excellent. We were treated to the Bethany Ringers who rang "When Peace Like a River," which I know as "It is Well With My Soul." A beautiful rendering of a piece that means a lot to me, as we heard it at church the day after our son's death. That was also when I learned the story of how the song came to be written, and I took that as a promise that it would also come to be well with my soul. I think I'm getting there...

This is getting longer and longer, so I'll just finish by saying that we left after speaking with the one usher who spoke to us earlier, and that was it. I'm sure that had we seen our other friends they would've introduced us to some people, but that didn't happen.


Bob's thoughts:

Bethany has effected a great redesign, very comfortable worship and fellowship areas. Accessibility has been well-addressed. Also good signage, acoustics, and very comfortable pews.

I have a concern that the tool of the church building may be too good, causing a tendancy to be inward-focused. I expected more mention of mission outside the church, but there are lots of good things going on inside.

There is a lot of information in the bulletin, which is printed on good stock paper.

I've always understood that the offering was in response to the Word, so I was not happy with the order of worship, as the offering was accepted before the sermon.

No one greeted us except the usher I engaged and a worshiper who complimented my Christian shirt.

Great group of children for the children's message. If the quantity of youth is indicative of the health of the group, Bethany has good potential.

Great ringers and the organ was not too loud.

Good message subject (the Great Commission), but I felt it trailed off when it came to direction for action. It's not fair to assess an interim's first message, though; he and the church need time to get to know each other. It's an interesting adjustment with an Associate Pastor in place.