Covenant Community Presbyterian Church in America

Today we worshiped at Covenant Community Presbyterian Church in America, 5157 Wexford Run Road, Wexford, PA 15090, 724.934.1234, www.covcommunity.org, Pastor Jon Price.

Scripture – 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5 ESV

But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.

Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.

Bob’s thoughts:

We arrived just as the service was starting so there was no greeting but a number of people came by during the welcome time early in the service.

It has been three years since we were led here but I was sure there was a cross in the sanctuary. The church has three large crosses viewable from Interstate 79, but I couldn’t find one inside.

In addition to the monitor in front there are two part way back, making it easy to see.

There were lots of young children, so I was happy.

There are a number of Latino people worshiping here, consequently the Order of Worship is in both English and Spanish, one song was sung entirely in Spanish, and personal translating devices for those desiring them. I don’t know if the announcements and such are translated elsewhere.

I heard talk from the rear of the sanctuary and admit it took a while to realize it stopped when the speaker did. The translator spoke softly and discretely but it caused me to reflect a bit. How comfortable would we be if the roles were reversed and we needed to have the service translated to English? Would we recognize the Christian love in this endeavor?

The worship music was upbeat but the congregation was less animated than I expected. I enjoyed the female lead voice and wish I could have heard a solo.

The sermon had a good Scriptural base and interesting assessment by Paul from Thessalonians: those whom you can’t imagine loving, because of the Gospel, Paul loved them. Do we have that same heart from Christ?

Another one I liked: “Act as if you love your neighbor and you will change.”

Jan’s thoughts:

There seem to be many changes in the three years since our last visit to this church. We arrived just as worship started but a number of people took the time to greet us nonetheless.

Immediately inside the door is a welcoming space with coffee and cookies.

Due to some flags decorating the ceiling, from where we sat I was unable to see the TV screens in front, so I was grateful for the screens halfway back which I could see perfectly. Also, it’s great when the words to the songs are displayed on the screens…it’s done nearly everywhere nowadays. But a pet peeve of mine is when the changes are late and part of the first line is lost to those who do not know the song. In this church though, the timing was absolutely perfect. I noticed that the change was made at the third from the last word, and no part of the song was missed. It’s amazing how something so seemingly insignificant can help one participate more fully even when the song is new to me.

It was a joy to look around at so many children.

One exciting change is that the worship service is bilingual. I think this is the first such service I’ve attended, and I believe this is a truly great thing.

The message, entitled “A Gospel Heart,” emphasized God’s gift of love for others in the hearts of believers. The bottom line is that sacrificial action is essential.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, open our hearts to people who are different and help us welcome all in Christ’s love. Amen.

Covenant Community Presbyterian Church in America

Today we worshiped at Covenant Community Presbyterian Church in America, 5157 Wexford Run Road, Wexford, PA 15090, 724.934.1234, www.covcommunity.org, Pastor Jon Price.

Scripture – Psalm 1 (ESV):

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the wicked will perish.”

Bob’s thoughts:

We were early for church on a beautiful day and got to walk around the spacious grounds, and on the corner of the property are the crosses that we have noticed when traveling Interstate 79. Had there been a place inside where we could have sat, we would have missed the crosses.

I was anticipating a large cross in the Sanctuary, but there was none.

The Sanctuary has a projection to one side that houses Sunday school and restrooms and probably nursery, but no signage.

A real blessing was the greeting we received from the children: it was clear and welcoming, and they not only offered a greeting, but waited for a response. Before the passing of Christ’s peace we were welcomed by one man in the pew in front of us.

Something else that I found unusual was when the music started the congregation took seats and only a few came in after. It has been the norm in every contemporary service we have attended that the congregants always straggle in.

The sermon was the first in a series on the Psalms, covering the types of Psalms. Today was “Finding Happiness.” The pastor used a personal story of large trees on a riverbank to present a mind picture of prospering and accomplishing what is intended. He led the congregation through defining happiness, to how to get there, to using this short Psalm as a prayer.

Communion was served in the pews silently and the pastor served himself.

Jan’s thoughts:

This building sits on a gorgeous piece of property and boasts a picnic shelter, a well-equipped play area for children, and lots of space. On this weather-perfect day, it made for a peaceful walkabout while we awaited the time we could enter the building without disrupting the Sunday school in the Sanctuary. Once inside, we toured briefly and perused the large bulletin board indicating a fair amount of global mission involvement.

I noticed no directional signage. We did locate the restrooms, but signs protruding into the hallway would have been helpful there.

It was a joy to see so many children in worship with their families.

The chairs were comfortable and spaced to provide adequate legroom.

Surprisingly, I only knew one of the songs, but they were led by a gifted praise band and I was grateful for the moderate volume.

Several people greeted us during the Passing the Peace, and one person spoke with us outside of that time.

I applaud a church’s efforts to be hospitable to visitors, but it always bothers me when it comes time for the offering and visitors are told that they are not expected to give. I don’t understand why our giving should be viewed differently because we are not members. Visitors have as much need to give as any member of any church. So I want to say “Thanks, but please allow us to give to God also.”

The message was the first in the pastor’s summer series entitled “A Summer of Psalms.” Today’s was Psalm 1 (see above) and the message entitled “Finding Happiness.” I agree with the pastor that the Psalms are generally considered devotional reading and I loved the statement that the Psalms “put in our mouths the kind of worship God wants.”

The pastor defined success as “accomplishing the intended purpose.” He stated that the person who knows God will succeed, and we must seek God’s will in all situations…meditate on God’s word by “active thinking” including talking to ourselves…and he suggested turning this Psalm into a prayer. Doing these things will not only allow us to find refreshment, but to give it as well.

Success…happiness…prosperity…sometimes seem like such elusive goals. But I am encouraged to hear him map out steps I can take such as keeping my mind and heart close to God and well-watered by His Word, and sinking my spiritual roots deep into the things of God. And I tend to forget that God’s definition of success is unlike that of the world because what is of the world is temporary and success in God’s eyes has eternal value.

I was blessed by receiving Communion.

Our prayer for this church:

Father, we pray that this church continues to examine themselves and assess how they present themselves to those that You lead to their doorstep. We lift up the children to You in gratitude for their unselfconscious welcome and pray that You will continue to guide and protect them. We pray that You would lead the church in how it might use the grounds to introduce You to the community. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.