St. Paul's United Church of Christ

Today we worshiped at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Constitution Avenue, P.O. Box 252, Connoquenessing, PA 16027, 412.635.9558, Mr. Norman Tutino, Pastor.

Scripture – John 14:23-29 NIV

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

“You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.”

Bob’s thoughts:

I had planned to visit here for a few years. Recently we tried and found we were too late; today we were more than a half hour early and waited. We were let in by the pastor and greeted by a number of people before the service, some of whom engaged us in conversation beyond just the normal welcome. This is a small country church.

The church had conventional pews, a flat ceiling, and some interesting tapestries on the walls.

It was nice not to have to hunt for a cross (on the Communion table) and to have an order of worship. I think knowing what to expect next goes a long way towards making a visitor feel part of worship.

The service was broken into sections…The Community: Gathers Before God, Hears and Proclaims God’s Word, Responds to the Word of God, and Departs for Ministry. I hope they worship by those guidelines.

The pastor’s message, “The Peace That Jesus Gives,” referred to our hospitality toward others. He referenced Christ’s questions to Peter, “Do you love Me? – Feed My sheep.” If we love Christ, we are called to act and do.

The Communion elements were offered verbally by the pastor but I missed an opportunity to serve because I forgot to ask if the pastor would be served.

It was encouraging to hear of an increased mission involvement for the church. I know God will bless their efforts.

Jan’s thoughts:

We found this little church last week in our drive around the area but remembered the start time incorrectly so ended up arriving extra early. The pastor let us in and then escorted us downstairs when we asked about the restrooms.

I noticed no signage but none was really necessary…it looked like everything except the sanctuary and the pastor’s office was downstairs.

Back upstairs, we found seats in the sanctuary and a number of people stopped to welcome us. The family atmosphere was apparent, and even more obvious during the announcements.

The unique banners all looked like various-sized tapestries, and the lights hanging from the ceiling had an intriguing geometric design.

The sermon was called “The Peace That Jesus Gives” and was summed up when he stated that we respond to God’s love by responding to the needs of the world. Even when it seems like a small gesture; little things make an impact for the Kingdom when they are done in the love of Christ.

Most of the congregation came forward in a circle for Communion as the pastor walked to the seats to serve those who remained seated. The elements were presented verbally and everyone partook together.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we rejoice with You that this church is heeding Your call to go forth in mission; guide them as they feed Your sheep. Amen.

The Church of God at Connoquenessing

Today we worshiped at The Church of God at Connoquenessing, 1247 Evans City Road, Connoquenessing, PA 16027, 724.789.0084, www.cogatconnoq.org, K.A. Karns, Pastor.

Scripture – KJV

Jude 1-3 –

Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

Romans 10:13-17 –

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

1 John 5:3-4 –

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

John 17:14-16 –

I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

Ephesians 3:17-21 –

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Bob’s thoughts:

We were redirected past a church we chose, one we couldn’t find, and one that had already started, and when we pulled in this service was about to start. As we approached the door we saw three small buses leaving with children, but it turned out there were lots of children inside. We learned later the church has a program to bring inner city children here who might not otherwise know a church.

We were welcomed by a number of people, including the man at the door who pointed out the restrooms and sanctuary.

The unusual shape of the church and resulting multi-angled ceiling may have been the cause of an echo that made the speaker hard to understand, although the pastor came through clearly. The choir was strong and easy to understand, and for a relatively small choir, they sounded excellent. I enjoyed the trio of women who came forward to sing; they were great together.

The pastor did a sports analogy titled “Contending for the Faith.” He refreshingly stated that he believed all of the Bible. Too often we hear excuses or parts that are de-emphasized, although this made me question even more why I couldn’t find a cross.

I questioned if I heard one remark correctly, that you wouldn’t want one sin to keep you out of Heaven.” Only Christ went there sinless.

Jan’s thoughts:

We were early so we had time to drive around Evans City for a bit. The second time we drove past this church, we pulled in enough to read the sign and found the service was due to start in five minutes, so we went in.

The building appears to be fairly new, decoration was tasteful and simple, and many greetings offered on an ongoing basis, including by a sweet young girl who surprised me by initiating a conversation. The gentleman who held the door introduced himself and pointed out the restrooms before we even asked.

The music was provided by two organs and 15 choir members, and the amazing harmony absolutely filled the sanctuary. This was some of the most enthusiastic singing I’ve ever heard by both choir and congregation.

With no bulletin, I was grateful the pastor announced the title of his sermon: Contending for the Faith, in which he emphatically reminded his listeners of both the importance and the value of fighting to maintain he gift of true faith in Jesus Christ.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we ask You to help this church contend against the complacency of the world and remain steady in their faith. Amen.