Concord Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at Concord Presbyterian Church, 2832 Conway-Wallrose Road, Baden, PA 15005, 724.869.9135, www.concordchurch.org, Rev. Dr. John Wiebe, Pastor.

Scripture: Joshua 1:1-11 –

After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them –to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates – all the Hittite country – to the Great Sea on the west. No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your supplies ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own.’”

Bob’s thoughts:

We have been to Concord a number of times and I thought there wasn’t much more on which I could comment, but today we were here for the baptism of two of our grandchildren. After the baptism I helped get some of the children down to the nursery, and my grandchildren and I stayed.

I thought I might write about some of the different opinions on baptism that we have encountered in the churches we have visited. However, after the service, when everyone came down for refreshments, was what I needed to write about.

At one point when my grandson Parker took off running, a church member interceded and stopped him from climbing the stairs and got him headed back to the social area. This is a very family church and I thought this was a good thing that they would look after someone else’s child.

It was cause for me to pay more attention to the children there. I guess it is the same at family gatherings, but most saw the little ones and said, “How cute,” but paid no more attention to them underfoot. I didn’t realize until too late how easily they were overlooked.

Parker reached up for a cup on the edge of the table and was scalded with hot coffee. He was treated at the hospital and will be okay. Sincere thanks to the numerous folks who helped provide first aid.

Jan’s thoughts:

We returned to Concord for the baptism of our 20-month-old grandtwins. The baptism was performed by the twins’ grandfather and former pastor of this church. It was a joy to witness this special event.

The message, entitled “Fishing In The Right Place,” spoke of the shalom of the Promised Land and God’s promise of abundant life.

Following worship everyone adjoined downstairs for a time of fellowship and refreshment. During the course of all this, my just-baptized grandson found a cup of hot coffee near the edge of a table and ended up spilling it down his front. He sustained a burn on his chin but the quick application of cool compresses on the rest of him prevented any further blisters and the ER doctor confirmed he had no burns in his mouth.

I know this congregation loves my grandchildren, and every parent knows how quickly these things can happen. We’ve seen young ones at most of the churches we visit, and Sunday morning is often a time of fun and visiting and especially at close-knit, family churches, all the adults sort of keep an eye on the little ones. And sometimes it’s hard for us grandparent-types to remember how curious they can be at this age.

I hope everyone who reads this will remember to be careful about hot drinks around little ones.

Our prayer for this church:
Dear Father, we pray this church and all churches are aware of the little folk and others that we just don’t see. Help us to minister to all. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Concord Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at Concord Presbyterian Church, 2832 Conway-Wallrose Road, Baden, PA 15005, 724.869.9135, www.concordchurch.org, Rev. Dr. John Wiebe, Pastor.

Scripture:

Isaiah 7:10-16 –
Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.”

But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.”

Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God also?

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

He will eat curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right. But before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste.

Matthew 1:18-25 –

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.

Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” – which means, “God with us.”

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Bob’s thoughts:

We were invited back to witness our daughter and son-in-law joining church. The festive spirit of Christmas causes me to reflect in a church where we don’t know too many people, how many think the church is always trimmed in greens and lights. We could be worshiping with people who are here every week or twice a year…it really doesn’t matter. Even where we are unknown we are bonded in corporate worship celebrating the birth of Christ. What a way to feel welcome.

I enjoyed the advent candle lighting and the anthem, “When Will Messiah Come?”

The sermon could have been titled “Emanuel, With Us Is God.” When we are in need we want God to show up. We serve and worship a God Who loves to show up in the lives of His people. When we are in need, we want to buy a miracle but are weak in faith to believe we will get one.

Jan’s thoughts:

Today we were back to Concord to witness our daughter and son-in-law re-join this congregation. We’ve been here often and know many of the folks.

Sitting in the very back pew, I appreciated the size and yellow color of the words on the screen. It can be frustrating to try to read small and/or white print displayed over graphics, but that was not the case today.

The cute skit for the Children’s Moment was well done, and I really enjoyed the spirit of the Senior Choir Anthem, “When Will Messiah Come?”

The Message, “A Night for Miracles,” began with a quote “from that pseudo-theologian, Woody Allen: ‘90% of life is showing up.’” He proceeded to make the point that God shows up even when we have lost hope and don’t expect Him to or believe He will, and usually when we least expect Him. God’s word has power to create and to bring healing into our lives, and His promises can be trusted because He is faithful.

That’s what I want…a God Who shows up before I know I need Him and does what I don’t stand a chance of doing. A God to Whom I matter, and Whom I can trust to do the best thing even when I disagree with Him about what the best thing is. A God Who doesn’t give up on me even when I’ve long since given up on myself, and a God Who can and does heal my deepest hurts and sorrows. I am so grateful that is the God we worship.

Our prayer for this church:
Father, We pray this congregation will see Emanuel, “With Us Is God,” and they remember that You want to show up in their lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Concord Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at Concord Presbyterian Church, 2832 Conway-Wallrose Road, Baden, PA 15005, 724.869.9135, www.concordchurch.org, Rev. Dr. John Wiebe, Pastor.

Scripture – 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Bob’s thoughts:

This special weekend with all of our family in town, including all 8 grandchildren, our plans need to be flexible and fluid.

We worshiped at Concord Presbyterian to hear their new minister. The church has a good age mix with lots of children. We were welcomed warmly, although we know many of the people.

A favorite aspect of this church is the cross, obscured by the screen for the first part of the service, and the joy when the screen is raised.

The sermon explained some of the meaning of the Lord’s Supper. We were reminded that Christ’s sacrifice involved more than the crucifixion: His whole life was sacrificial. A powerful point for me was that when we commune with Christ, we are also sharing with the saints. We partake of the elements in Christ’s Presence and our late son is there. It causes my eyes to sweat.

The pastor told a story of an unwelcome girl who attended a Presbyterian church and sat in the back by herself. At this point I knew the pastor’s background was not Presbyterian as they all sit in the back.

I appreciated the prayers during Communion, and though the elements were offered silently, it was with dignity.

We got to talk a bit with the pastor after the service and could see God’s leading him to this church. I pray that the congregation embraces his ideas to lead them outward.

Jan’s thoughts:

We have worshiped at this church numerous times in the past. This time we were accompanying family who were visiting for the weekend.

This is a lovely small church in a rural setting, full of people who really are very much like family. The more we see them, the more we have come to appreciate this congregation.

The pastor is brand new here, and seems to have enough experience under his belt to handle unexpected situations with grace and I appreciated the time he took afterward to speak with us.

The sermon on this World Communion Sunday was entitled “The Meaning of the Lord’s Supper,” in which he pointed out that Communion is one of the major differences between Christianity and other faiths. It was instituted by Christ Himself and is full of symbolism. The touching thing to me was the reminder that when we celebrate the Sacrament of Communion, we commune with Christ and with all the saints, past and present.

That last thought takes on special significance when I consider that it includes our son. What an amazing hope we are offered through our faith in Christ! Wherever would we be without it?

Our prayer for this church:
Holy Lord, we pray Your blessing on this commencement at Concord Church. We ask that You inspire them through their new leader to go out in Your Name. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Concord Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at Concord Presbyterian Church, 2832 Conway-Wallrose Road, Baden, PA 15005, 724.869.9135, www.concordchurch.org, Rev. Jean E. Smith, Interim Pastor.

Bob’s thoughts:

We have some friends at Concord, so the warm welcome was not a surprise.

The large screen in front seems to be used a lot more than I remembered. It is impressive when it is raised and the large suspended brass cross is revealed.

The choir did a great job with the anthem, “So Much God.” A good message.

I believe the bulletin should list it as a Prayer FOR Illumination.

The sermon was the second part of a 2-part message on prayer. I thought the pastor did a capable job of explaining some of the conditions of answered prayer and I appreciated her pointing out that it is a matter of the stewardship of God’s blessings. To me, the main point was how blessed we are when we share how God has answered prayer in our lives.

During part of the sermon I was in prayer for the pastor and church and had a strong sense that there is some resistance to something to which Christ is calling them.

Jan’s thoughts:

This church has meant much to us over the last 3½ years, so we were greeted warmly by many friends. Today’s visit was full of joy.

I appreciated the choir’s enthusiastic rendition of a clever song called “So Much God.” (“He was so much man that He slept in a boat, He was so much God that the wind ceased when He spoke; He was so much man that He wept when Lazarus died, He was so much God Lazarus came forth when He cried; He was so much man that He thirsted at the well, He was so much God that He saved her soul from hell; He was so much man that He died upon a tree, He was so much God that He rose in victory.)

The Scripture, John 14:1-14, was read responsively, and the sermon was entitled “Conditions for Answered Prayer (Part 2).” Numbers 1 and 2 were included in last week’s “Part 1,” but all the conditions are:

1. An honest relationship with God (Have we confessed our sins, made His principles the basis of our life, and do we WANT to know God’s will?)
2. A forgiving attitude (Or do we hold grudges?)
3. A willingness to share the blessing that results from God’s answer to our prayer (Is our asking motivated by a desire to share or to hoard the blessings?)
4. Believe God will answer the prayer (Or do we view it like playing the lottery and figure if we win we got lucky?)
5. Pray in Jesus’ name (i.e., based on His ‘nod of approval,’ not because we are worthy, but because Jesus is worthy.)

The point is, “Why should God be willing to answer our prayers if we are unwilling to share the blessings that result from those answers?”

This is an excellent question, and I’ve begun asking God just how He might want me to share the blessings that have resulted from His answers to my prayers. I can’t wait to hear His answer to that prayer!

Concord Presbyterian Church

On Easter Sunday we worshiped at Concord Presbyterian Church, 2832 Conway Wallrose Road, Baden, PA 15005, 724.869.9135, www.concordchurch.org, Rev. J. Harper Brady, Pastor.


Bob’s thoughts:

When we say we chose to worship somewhere, I believe it is a lot less of our choosing but truly our being guided by the Holy Spirit. Today He led us to Concord for a Spirit-filled Easter worship.

The chancel was decorated with only white lilies with pots wrapped in white paper. The Gospel reading was from Matthew, but it brought to mind, I believe, from John’s account “that when it was still dark” they went to the tomb, that when we are in our darkest time we can still come to Christ.

The Prayer of Confession was read in the closest to complete unity that I have ever heard. It gave the impression of a greater unity than I sensed was there.

The sermon was on the importance of the resurrection over all else: If Christ is raised, nothing else matters. If Christ is not raised, nothing matters. But for us it has a special meaning: Jesus lives so our son lives. I believe with all my heart and soul, I know Jesus lives.

The Elders served Communion silently, but they did serve the pastor, an act missing in many churches.

The service closed with a wonderful rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus.

Concord Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at Concord Presbyterian Church, 2832 Conway-Wallrose Road, Baden, PA 15005, 724.869.9135, www.concordchurch.org, Rev. J. Harper Brady.


Bob’s thoughts:

We made a visit to Concord so that I could thank them for the cards and prayers and to witness that those prayers worked. I also asked for continued prayers for my wife as I am going to be around for a while.

Concord has some of the most caring and loving people of all the churches I have known, and it is always uplifting to be around them.

Jan’s thoughts:

The members of Concord were so very supportive before, during, and after Amber & Dan’s wedding then throughout Bob’s surgery and recovery with their prayers and cards, we wanted to be with them to express our gratitude and provide living proof of God’s answers to their prayers (and those of numerous others!). It was good to be in worship again with this warm and welcoming congregation. I think by now we’re considered friends of Concord, which is a fine.

Many folks greeted us and were glad to see Bob upright(!), and everyone is becoming accustomed to calling our daughter by her new last name.

I did want to comment on the music, specifically the Senior Choir Anthem which today was “In Christ Alone.” Today I was able to understand the words…so powerful, and very well done in spite of being short several voices (I understand). It brought me to tears.

Mostly it was just good to be among friends and family.

Concord Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at Concord Presbyterian Church, 2832 Conway-Wallrose Road, Baden, PA 15005, 724.869.9135, www.concordchurch.org.


Bob’s thoughts:

We had the joy today to revisit Concord Presbyterian Church for a report/service by the mission team. As usual for me, I came away with a lot more from a heartfelt, maybe less orchestrated, service. The passion of the mission team is very apparent with the relaxed service. Even the adults let their enthusiasm show.

There are some very special youth at this church. Their skits and reporting were very well done. With a hard act to follow, the pastor, Harper, led from a core message on the Good Samaritan (the mission focus) to pose an interesting observation about our reluctance to share within the Church. While at the work area, a larger, long-term mission team was also present which was granted overall control of the projects, which led him to ask if we with “ownership” within the Church do the same? How welcoming are we to others? I go one step further in asking, “How welcoming are we to new Christians?” We have something almost too good to mention; are we willing to share Christ?

It was an exceptionally uplifting Sunday. My thanks to the mission team for sharing.

Jan’s thoughts:

Our daughter, Amber, returned yesterday from a one-week mission trip to Philippi, WV, so we attended the service, led by the members of this trip, in order to hear the details of the past week as well as to be available to assist Amber since she returned on crutches. (I’m glad to report that her fiancé, Dan, did most of the assisting, but Dad & Mom felt better being there, and Amber will be just fine in time for the wedding.)

The music was entirely contemporary, the congregation was as friendly as always (that is, very friendly), and the atmosphere was relaxed and supportive. The service lasted about an hour and a half, and it was time well spent. Mostly the service consisted of four youth performing the series of skits they acted out for Vacation Bible School during their week of mission. During the necessary breaks, photos from the week were shown on the screen and accompanied by commentary of team members about the work they performed. The group put in extra effort on some home improvements for two families, in the process displaying their servant hearts and glorifying God.

As you might imagine, it was great to hear details about the week from the point of view of the participants, but witnessing the skits was a special treat. I was astounded at the obvious talent of the youth: Josh, Emily, Miranda, and Ashley. They appeared totally comfortable in their roles and had every nuance of their parts down pat. They really were extraordinary. I thoroughly enjoyed the transformation of the two youth as they started out a week of adventure camp totally self-absorbed and oblivious to God and by the end of the week had had their eyes opened to His presence, power, and beauty. On their last day they found themselves overjoyed to learn they didn’t have to leave God behind when they returned to city life. It was a great reminder that we don’t have to go anywhere to find God; we only have to look where we are. Kudos to the youth and to Concord.

Concord Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at Concord Presbyterian Church, 2832 Conway-Wallrose Road, Baden, PA 15005, www.concordchurch.org, Rev. J. Harper Brady.


Bob’s thoughts:

Our two daughters were in town for daughter Amber’s wedding shower and Amber wanted to introduce them to the congregation at Concord, and thus our choice was made as to where we would worship today. We worship occasionally at Concord. Knowing our way around the church somewhat, I was surprised to realize today there is almost no signage. There is a unisex restroom on the Sanctuary level and one below off the fellowship hall, but I forgot another set near the kitchen. I doubt a visitor would have a hard time (it is not a large facility) but it is comforting to know the location of the restrooms, nursery, etc.

The Sanctuary features a large central cross and some great banners, and the offering is taken in response to the Word.

I had the joy of holding my granddaughter who was tired enough to be fussy, so I missed some of the service and sermon. I don’t know if there are speakers outside of the Sanctuary, but none were on.

I was glad I didn’t have to follow the Children’s Choir as they had a wonderful presentation which they sang out with enthusiasm.

The hymns at Concord are frequently ones I find difficult to sing, so I was sorry we were a little late and missed the Praise Band.

From what I was able to hear of the sermon, we live in a world of choices but the reality of the only choice of consequence is to accept Christ’s gift. I thought it was a good perspective that gets lost in our busyness.

Communion was served with the standard words of institution and provided silently by the elders.


Jan’s thoughts:

I’ll be as objective as possible today, but I must mention right off that this church has a special place in my heart. Our daughter is engaged to the pastor’s son and just yesterday we held her bridal shower in the fellowship hall here. That same daughter is on the staff as director of the youth group. Nevertheless, I still remember what it was like to walk in as strangers just over a year ago, and what I recall most is the genuine friendliness of the people. They reached out and welcomed us, embracing us with open arms, literally and figuratively.

The building is well-kept and fairly newly remodeled, including an entrance ramp and some handicapped accessibility. The Sanctuary is just the right size for the number of worshippers, with beautiful stained glass on either side along with two sparkly, gorgeous wall hangings. The choir sits to the left facing the organ on the opposite side, but they are easy to hear.

The bulletin is one 8 ½ x 11” ivory sheet folded in half with the announcements on a half-sheet insert, making it easy to handle during worship. Most churches now will list the pastor by name and the members of the church as the ministers, but above those Concord lists Jesus Christ as Head of the Church. They also feature a weekly, monthly, and year-to-date financial report that indicates very little discrepancy between need and actual giving.

Today we were treated to an enthusiastic rendition by the Junior Choir of “Leaning (on the Everlasting Arms), and a gusty performance of “Mighty Wind” by the Senior Choir.

When Communion is served it is usually done in silence; however at Concord the pastor reads Scripture as the elders serve Communion.

The sermon, entitled “The Life or Death Choice” was based on Deuteronomy 30:11-20 where God (through Moses) sets forth the blessings and curses and charges the Israelites to choose which path they will follow: worshiping God (life) or worshiping idols (death). His point was that the choice is straightforward, clear cut, and really very simple. And yet for all these thousands of years we humans forget and choose the latter. But the choice is still before us, every day, and if we do not consciously choose God’s path, the “default option” is death – separation from God. It was a good reminder to think of God’s promises and choose His way every day, every time. The more reminders I have of this, the better.