Christ Church at Grove Farm

Today we worshiped at Christ Church at Grove Farm, 249 Duff Road, Sewickley, PA 15143, 412.741.4900, www.ccgf.org, Rev. Dr. Jared Ott, Rector/Senior Pastor.

Scripture –

1 Corinthians 12:12-20 –

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

Ephesians 4:3-6 –

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Hebrews 12:1-2 –

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Matthew 25:14-30 –

“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

“After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

“The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

“Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’

“His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. “ 

‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

1 Peter 4:10 –

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

Bob’s thoughts:

What a joy to come to worship and see a large wooden cross suspended over the platform.

We were welcomed by the greeters at the door and again when I went out for my earplugs although it seemed like I only needed them for the first song. I appreciated that the music didn’t drown out the prayer and prayers for the storm victims and military.

The church has good signage, making it easy to find my way.

I felt the church missed a great opportunity: with the carpets removed they should have given the children large quantities of sidewalk chalk and see what God would lead them to.

I enjoyed the story of a youth group whose members were given a penny and instructed to bring back what they could trade it for. I can only wonder what mine would have brought back.

A great thought: the church is a living organism. He talked about the Scripture and if we were just a body part, and I thought if we were all just a big ear, we still wouldn’t hear the Word.

Much of the message was about how we can serve God’s Church. I have filled many roles over the years and one of my favorites was helping babies become comfortable going to the nursery during church. Some were happy the first day whereas others took weeks. Once they were part of the nursery, I wasn’t needed any more, but it was a rewarding little ministry.

I learned today that a friend volunteered at this church as a greeter. He knows that members are always happy to be greeted; the real value is in greeting those you don’t know.

Early in my walk with Christ, I became a greeter. I always had trouble remembering names, but I carried a small notebook and would mark down things I learned about our visitors so even when I couldn’t remember their name, I could comment on something I had a note about. If you ask about their parents who were married in the church 50 years ago, there is no doubt in their minds that you remember them well. Our small church had 40 people join the year I did that. They commented that no one spoke to them at the other churches they visited.

Don’t waste the gifts God gave you…there is a place where your talents are needed.

I appreciated the harmony of the praise team and enjoyed the female solo.

A highlight was watching a toddler dancing in his mom’s arms and then hug her neck.

We appreciated the chance to speak with two of the pastors.

Jan’s thoughts:

It has only been just over a year since our last visit here, but we felt led, so we went.

There is some major remodeling going on in the reception area and it looked bare, including concrete floors, so we’ll have to visit again to see it finished.

We were welcomed by a few people, but at a church this size with three services per week, I don’t know how they could possibly keep track of visitors.

The music was excellent; it started out loud but did become softer. The excellent voices blended well. I appreciated the solo during the offering: a female vocalist accompanied only by a piano, and it was exceptional.

The message was part four of a five-part series called “Are You Connected?” Entitled “Connected in the Core,” it emphasized God’s call to use our individual gifts and talents for the good of others and of Christ’s Church. He reminded the congregation that God knew what He was doing when He created each person with a different set of talents, and that each person’s call is as individual as they are.

He told a personal story from when he first began in ministry and his journey of discernment to find his own preaching style. I have listened to sermons by Rev. Ott, but this was the first time I’ve heard him preach during worship, and I would say his style is relaxed, genuine, and knowledgeable.

He ended the message with a touching poem called “Searching For a Vessel”, which I will reprint since the author is unknown.

The Master was searching for a vessel to use;
On the shelf there were many—which one would He choose?
Take me, cried the gold one, I’m shiny and bright,
I’m of great value and I do things just right.
My beauty and luster will outshine the rest
And for someone like You, Master, gold would be the best!

Unheeding, the Master passed on to the brass,
It was wide mouthed and shallow, and polished like glass.
Here! Here! cried the vessel, I know I will do,
Place me on Your table for all men to view.

Look at me, called the goblet of crystal so clear,

My transparency shows my contents so dear,
Though fragile am I, I will serve You with pride,
And I’m sure I’ll be happy Your house to abide.

The Master came next to a vessel of wood,

Polished and carved, it solidly stood.
You may use me, dear Master, the wooden bowl said,
But I’d rather You used me for fruit, not for bread!

Then the Master looked down and saw a vessel of clay.

Empty and broken it helplessly lay.
No hope had the vessel that the Master might choose,
To cleanse and make whole, to fill and to use.

Ah! This is the vessel I’ve been hoping to find,

I will mend and use it and make it all Mine.

I need not the vessel with pride of itself;

Nor the one who is narrow to sit on the shelf;
Nor the one who is big-mouthed and shallow and loud;
Nor one who displays his contents so proud;
Not the one who thinks he can do all things just right;
But this plain earthy vessel filled with My power and might.

Then gently He lifted the vessel of clay.

Mended and cleansed it and filled it that day.
Spoke to it kindly. “There’s work you must do,
Just pour out to others as I pour into you.”—Author Unknown

Our prayer for this church:
Lord, we pray You will open the eyes of Your Church to the opportunities to serve and glorify You. Amen.

Christ Church at Grove Farm

Today we worshiped at Christ Church at Grove Farm, 249 Duff Road, Sewickley, PA 15143, 412.741.4900, www.cgf.org, Rev. Dr. Jared Ott, Rector/Senior Pastor.

Scripture – Psalm 33:8-22 NIV

Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.

The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance. From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth— he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.

No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.

We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.

Bob’s thoughts:

We usually feel that a holiday weekend provides an inaccurate picture of a church we have not been to before. The patriotic music from the traditional service caught my attention and might have negated that theory as it looked full of robust worshipers.

We were greeted at the door and during the formal greeting time but invisible the rest of the time, the downfall of multiple services. Someone did stop to shake my hand as he was entering the traditional service.

I enjoyed the large cross suspended above the stage and the stained glass window frame-type panels on the stage with different colors projected from behind. I also appreciated the presentation of a Johnny Cash song and the pastor’s patriotic stole.

There were some blue spotlights on the stage that kept hitting me in the eye when the parishioners that were blocking them moved….they made it hard to enjoy the familiar praise music. Maybe those “blockers” were also trying to shield themselves from the light.

The pastor spoke of needing to purchase sunglasses when the ones he had were hiding elsewhere. After trying on a few for fit, he found a pair that allowed the high definition he was seeking and he was able to see the undistorted scenery “like God sees it.” I pray we all have more opportunities to sit back and enjoy what He has created “as He sees it.”

The message dealt with the facts of the birth of our country and the undeniable guidance of Christ on the Founding Fathers. We have had the propaganda pushed upon us that the desire was a separation of church and state but statements made by our founders prove, and I firmly believe, just the opposite was true. They knew a country without Christ would fail. God had blessed their efforts to acquire freedom and made it to become a great nation.

We have been so caught up with the devil’s guile we push toward our own demise. This country cannot be great again until we plead for God’s forgiveness and prayerfully invite Him back. I think we all need to pray for a high definition view of what is happening to America.

It was a joy to be served Communion verbally with a time of confession that allowed a true personal communion.

Jan’s thoughts:

Not a lot seems to have changed in the almost two years since our last visit. Being a holiday weekend, the café was closed to give those volunteers a holiday as well; however I was glad to see coffee and donuts available. After enjoying these, we found seats in the contemporary service.

As is often the case with a contemporary service, when the music began the room was sparsely occupied, and by the time the music ended it was nearly full. This never ceases to amaze me.

While the offering was being taken the praise team presented a Johnny Cash song called “God’s Gonna Cut You Down.” The words were a somber reassurance of the impossibility of escaping God’s judgment.

The Rev. Dr. John Guest, in his distinctive British accent, presented the message entitled “A God Blessed Nation.”

Before getting too far into the sermon, John stated that the Billy Graham Evangelical Association plans to hold an outdoor prayer meeting in Harrisburg on September 15, and this church hopes to send a number of people to participate.

John spoke of the “current climate around our country and the disturbing emptiness and despair resulting from removing God, His Ten Commandments, and prayer from our culture.” He pointed to the signers of the Declaration of Independence, “the extraordinary price they paid,” the historical fact of their strong Christian faith and utter reliance upon God as stated over and over in numerous and varied documents…a heritage many would deny with the cry of the myth of separation of church and state.

He stated “the answer to our problems, be they national, cultural, or even personal, will only be found in Jesus Christ” and referred to 1 Corinthians 1 in which we learn “God is committed to foiling plans that are not His.”

John seemed pleased to refer to himself as an ex-Englishman and to state his calling as that of a “missionary to the United States.” On that basis he said he prays intensely for the conversion of Barack Obama, for the upcoming election, and for a moral and spiritual awakening in this country. He urged those in attendance to “get on their knees and plead to God on behalf of our country.’

I appreciated being able to partake of Communion and found it meaningful to receive the elements with the verbal reminder that Christ’s gift was for me.

We appreciated the time one of the pastors took to speak with us and pray for us following the service.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, with a recent eye injury, I can readily appreciate “open our eyes that we may see.” Give us all the high definition look we are missing. “Come, Lord Jesus, come” be the center of our lives. Amen.

Christ Church at Grove Farm

Today we worshiped at Christ Church at Grove Farm, 249 Duff Road, Sewickley, PA 15143, 412.741.4900, www.ccgf.org, Rev. Dr. John Guest, Interim Senior Pastor.

Scripture – John 15:1-8

"“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."

Bob’s thoughts:

Whenever we have questioned if God still wants us to visit churches, we have always gotten an answer. Today we were unsure of where to go. I was praying for God to lead us to a church that would be celebrating Pentecost, but quickly revised my prayer to wherever God wanted us to worship, and Christ Church at Grove Farm came immediately to mind.

We were welcomed and engaged in conversation by a number of people.

Both the sanctuary and the hall where contemporary worship was held have a prominent cross.

I thought the signage was excellent but would appreciate exit arrows from the parking lot.

We sat in the back to distance ourselves from the speakers and got by without ear plugs.

We sat across the aisle from a familiar face and I thought about how difficult it must be for someone so well known to be able to just enjoy worship.

We were blessed to be able to pray for founding pastor John Guest as he had concerns for his voice after an ailment. Christ not only used him to deliver a message for us, but let his voice be clear throughout.

The message was well put together and delivered, interspersed with supporting Scripture and personal stories. When Christ referred to Himself as I Am in the presence of the Jews, He was speaking as if He is God because He is. As God is using us, He is calling us to be productive for Him.

The Scripture made me smile as it reminded me of when I painted ivy on the walls of our bathroom in Crafton and included some of these verses before we moved. I often wonder how God used it.

I was glad we got to hear the female praise leader sing as she had a delightful voice.

Jan’s thoughts:

We have visited this church twice before but at this visit I was struck by the signage: everywhere I looked, I knew where the hallway led or what was behind the door. And the signs jutted out from the wall, so I could see them from a distance. Truly some of the best signage I’ve seen at a church.

We saw a few of the people we know who now belong to this church, and several others introduced themselves and struck up conversations.

I have not heard John Guest preach before, but was grateful God sent us here today. The message was the last of the series “The I AM’s” about Jesus’ “I Am” statements, and centered on His statement, “I Am the true vine.”

The pastor pointed out that the Jews were well aware of the significance of the words “I Am,” that He was speaking as if He was God, which we know is because He is God. When He said He is the vine, He meant He is the TRUE vine, the one authentic source of life, and Jesus is so life-changing, that when He works through us, we are life-changing too.

We have a deep desire to be significant, and God is looking for us to be productive for Him. He wants us to do something so He prunes us, removing things from our lives that are interfering with our ability to be productive for Him. However the fruit we produce must be the result of His work through us, so we need to abandon to Him, surrender and let Him do what He will in and through us. It’s all about Jesus, not us.

In closing the pastor led a prayer in which he asked the congregation to softly repeat after him. He led this prayer using words from the traditional wedding ceremony, allowing the congregation to feel the weight and importance of our relationship with Christ. It was interesting and quite effective, I thought.

Our prayer for this church:

Dear Lord, please continue to grow faith so that You would always be worshiped with absolute and complete trust as Lord. Prune us all that we might grow in You. Amen.

Christ Church at Grove Farm

Today we worshiped at Christ Church at Grove Farm, 249 Duff Road, Sewickley, PA 15143, 412.741.4900, www.ccgf.org, Pastor Jon Panner, Rector/Senior Pastor.

Scripture – 2 Timothy 2:1-7

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs – he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.”

Bob’s thoughts:

Today we worshiped in the contemporary service. There is a great wooden cross suspended above the stage which would normally put me in tune for a good worship service. When the praise music started, for me it was loud enough to overpower my earplugs and brought on a headache. It caused me to wonder what the people who worshiped with the music felt when they were in a traditional service with the old hymns. My ears can no longer handle loud music, and there is a lot of repetition in contemporary songs. We may never enjoy each style of music equally, but we must never doubt that God can use any style of music to His glory.

The sermon was part of a series and dealt with Paul’s direction to Timothy, telling Timothy to be strong in grace, to proclaim Christ, and that things will get tough.

When Jesus claimed me I lost all my former friends. Most disowned me as our lifestyles conflicted. Two died, but both let me talk about Christ and the changes in my life and both professed faith in Jesus before they died. I have witnessed to other friends and relatives who accepted Christ before death and it has been a humbling privilege.

We were invited to a Christian Education class where we were presented the opportunity to share with a woman who suffered a tragic loss. I hope that our words helped in some way and am sorry, with my poor hearing, that I didn’t realize enough of the situation to take the occasion to pray with her.

From the class, a great line for us all from a missionary: “I can’t, but He can,” and on His gift of grace: “a gift that was irresistibly given.” When Christ took me, I never had a conscious thought about accepting Him…just a wonderful, overwhelming, irresistible movement to Jesus.

Jan’s thoughts:

We returned to visit the contemporary service, and although we know several people here, we were greeted by several whom we did not know.

The music was well done and although we sat near the back, for me the volume still required earplugs.

Following the music we were treated to a video about a woman who shared Christ with a friend who shared Him with a co-worker, who became a public speaker and shared Him with many groups of people, and on and on, a clear reminder that others have had a hand in our being saved and of the strong likelihood that we have helped others whom we have never met come to know Christ.

The message was the first in a series entitled “Who’s Got Next?” It contained several good reminders:

1 – Advice comes through the strength of relationship…without a strong relationship, our advice falls on deaf ears.

2 – Grace is found in the Person of Christ, not in ritual.

3 – God’s message works because God is in it.

4 – Hardship is the plan of the Gospel…those who have spread God’s Word have always encountered rejection.

5 – People watch us when we struggle to see if our faith is real.

Following worship we stayed for an adult Sunday school class. I enjoyed it, but I appreciated the conversation afterward even more.

As we headed for the exit we encountered one of our friends who enthusiastically told us about his new job and about learning that for a believer one’s primary vocation is that of minister. Whatever we are employed to do is in addition to spreading the Gospel by our words, actions, and attitudes, and God places us where He wants us for this purpose. This declaration was an answer to prayer for me and literally brought tears to my eyes.

Our prayer for this church:
Our Father, we pray all are drawn to You and encouraged by whatever style music they hear. We pray that this church will be strong in grace and boldly proclaim the Gospel to all, knowing that when the troubles come You will meet them there to give them strength and encourage their witness. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Christ Church at Grove Farm

Today we worshiped at Christ Church at Grove Farm, 249 Duff Road, Sewickley, PA 15143, 412.741.4900, www.ccgf.org, Rev. Jon Panner, Senior Pastor/Rector.

Scripture – Habakkuk 1:2-5; 3:2 & 17-19

Habakkuk’s Complaint

^1:2-5      How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save?

Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds.

Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.

The Lord’s Answer

“Look at the nations and watch – and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.”

Habakkuk’s Prayer

^3:2        Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.

^3:17-19   Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.

Bob’s thoughts:

We were welcomed as we entered, and many people greeted us.

The sanctuary in which we worshiped had an arched exposed steel ceiling, the seating was comfortable and some friends sat with us. There was what seemed like a small orchestra onstage, giving the traditional worship a contemporary feel. The highlight for me was the large cross: with the lighting there was a halo effect on the wall behind it.

I really appreciated the Scripture reading. I seldom hear verses read with feeling and inflection and it added a lot to worship. I wish I could have heard more of the female’s voice during an enjoyable duet as the offering was taken. It was encouraging how much prayer was offered. I was impressed that prayer was given for a youth leader who had resigned.

The sermon, “How Could a Good God Allow Suffering,” was a personal message for us. I appreciated the comment that there are “no intellectual answers”…so many were offered when our son was killed.

We are called to study God’s Word to know Him better, but with a little knowledge we too often feel we are able to understand God, and then we question whether He knows what He is doing. As we study we come to view our strengths as our god.

As we seek justice God calls us to wait for it, and He is never late.

Worshipers were offered an opportunity to come forward after the service for individual prayers.

I always look for signage and what I saw was good until we went to leave…we got to tour the whole campus looking for the exit.

I found an interesting flier on suggestions to support your Church Shepherd and I hope this includes the pastors.

Jan’s thoughts:

This is another of the churches I have driven past for a good while and today was the day we were called to worship here.

Parking space is ample for the large facility and indoor signage was plentiful, so we had no problem finding anything.

It was a joy to encounter several friends from the past who invited us to sit with them, and after worship we all chatted at a table in the Atrium. It was indeed a happy reunion! I can see where the café is a convenient place for members to pick up lunch and support a mission endeavor in the process.

Following intercessory prayer in the chapel at 8:30, there is a choice of the traditional or contemporary service at 9 and after the 10:15 Sunday School another traditional or contemporary service at 11:15. We attended the 9 a.m. traditional service and stepped in for part of a song at the 11:15 contemporary service. We learned that the pastors took turns preaching at the various services, and used the same Scripture and topic but wrote their own message.

I thought the music in the service we attended could more accurately be called “blended,” although it almost sounded like an orchestra leading from onstage. It was pleasant and professional-sounding.

The sanctuary was spacious and comfortable. I’m sure Bob will talk about the cross, but I appreciated it also.

The current sermon series is called “Tough Questions – Hot Potatoes and Disputable Matters” and today’s entry was “How Could a Good God Allow Suffering.”

What was going through my mind was, here’s a tough question for you: why would God lead us to hear a sermon with this title one week before the anniversary of our son’s going Home? I could think of only one answer for that question: He wanted us to hear it.

The pastor offered an excellent message based on Habakkuk’s “humble but bold” questions to God in his attempt to make sense of the chaos of his time, and I was surprised to find many of these questions were the same ones I have asked of Him: What kind of God is He? Is He incompetent? Does He not love me? Why did He not intervene? Where was He? Did He forget to watch over my son? How can I make sense of anything? What does this “failure” say about Him? How can I trust Him now? As the pastor put it, “Can we believe when things don’t work out?”

Then the pastor stated the truths Habakkuk learned and that have saved my life: “things crumble but God remains; if we lose our focus on God we lose our faith; God is in control and has never failed us; the Christian’s comfort zone is in Christ alone; look at the long plan and wait patiently.” It takes work, but “fear does turn to faith,” and eventually we learn “the reality that we can only trust God.”

I am grateful God led us here today. He was right, I did need to hear this sermon. I found it unexpectedly comforting and encouraging to hear a reminder of God’s sovereignty this week.

Sometimes I ask Him questions He does not answer, and sometimes He answers questions I do not ask.

Before we left we toured the building some, and it is an impressive facility. We encountered one of the pastors and enjoyed an uplifting conversation.

Our prayer for this church:

Father, we pray that Christ would continue to bless and guide this church and its leaders. Jesus, please equip and inspire this congregation to take Your message to their neighbors and the world. Encourage them to tell their story. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.