Ellport Community Church

Today we worshiped at Ellport Community Church, 1141 Church Street, Ellwood City, PA 16117, 724.944.7130, lead by Tom and Barb Milnes.

 

Scripture – 2 Peter 1:1-13 NLT –

This letter is from Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ.

I am writing to you who share the same precious faith we have. This faith was given to you because of the justice and fairness of Jesus Christ, our God and Savior.

May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.

And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.

The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.

So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Therefore, I will always remind you about these things—even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught. And it is only right that I should keep on reminding you as long as I live.

 

Bob’s thoughts:

I had saved some items to donate to the Yellow Ribbon Girls who have been sending care packages to our troops for a long time. I read where they are hoping to turn this ministry over to some young blood. This church has a box to accept these donations, so it was a win for them and us.

We were warmly welcomed and a number of women introduced themselves. After climbing the stairs to the sanctuary, I didn’t have enough left in me to stand and sing. Even with the lights out up front I couldn’t read the words to sing anyhow. I’m not sure if anybody besides the praise team was singing.

They could use some signage downstairs for visitors.

There was a great pattern on the curtains where the sun shown through.

We were blessed to have a moment to lay hands on the pastor to pray for Christ’s healing.

 

Jan’s thoughts:

This church has a drop box for the Yellow Ribbon Girls, who collect supplies to send to troops who are deployed, so today we opted to drop off some things and worship here.

The area is beautifully rural, so we enjoyed a lovely drive.

We encountered friendly greetings at every turn, including some who stopped by our pew to introduce themselves.

The music was beautiful and the back wall behind the platform was simple and stunning. It’s amazing what can be done with some twinkle lights.

The pastor asked those present who had served in the military to raise their hands to be recognized and everyone present was invited to receive an American flag as a gift following worship.

The message was untitled as far as I could tell, but I found it encouraging. It was a reminder that each believer is given a measure of faith and we all suffer setbacks. The pastor had broken his shoulder not long ago and his arm was in a sling, so his very presence was a visual reminder that things can happen to anyone at any time.

However, he urged everyone not to quit and instead use the struggles in life to hold on tighter to God’s promises.

He said when we ask God for something, He answers in one of four ways. I was intrigued, as I’ve only ever heard about three: yes, no, and wait. The pastor added one more though: none of your business. I was surprised at first, but after thinking about it, it made perfect sense. Some things happen to us for which we can find no reason, and we may never know the reason, but those are the times it’s God’s business, not ours.

Further reminders included that we can trust Him to do justice and trust Him in our ‘whys’. Accept and lean on God’s mercy. Avoid rewinding a situation in your mind over and over and just forgive and let it go. Then you are free.

I admit I’m still working on this, but I’m not giving up. I’m grateful God led us here today…I needed these reminders.

 

Our prayer for this church:

Heavenly Father, we pray You continue to bless Your church and Pastor Tom. Help them to grow in You. Amen.

Bell Memorial Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at Bell Memorial Presbyterian Church, 610 Line Avenue, Ellwood City, PA 16117, 724.758.3458, www.bellmemorialpc.org, Rev. Ray Medina, Pastor.

Scripture – 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13 NKJV

Then Samuel went to Ramah, and Saul went up to his house at Gibeah of Saul. And Samuel went no more to see Saul until the day of his death. Nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul, and the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel.

Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.”

And Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.”

But the LORD said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’ Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; you shall anoint for Me the one I name to you.”

So Samuel did what the LORD said, and went to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, “Do you come peaceably?”

And he said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons, and invited them to the sacrifice.

So it was, when they came, that he looked at Eliab and said, “Surely the LORD’s anointed is before Him!”

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

So Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.” Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.” Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen these.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all the young men here?” Then he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.”

And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here.” So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the LORD said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!” Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah.

Bob’s thoughts:

We were welcomed by many from before we got out of my truck. After a brief look around we found our seats and were greeted there also.

The modified arch ceiling is paneled with lighter wood and offset by dark wood beams. The acoustics were better than I expected but there was a higher-pitched noise, maybe from the instruments, that made it hard to hear the singing.

I was delighted to see a cross on the chancel wall and to be greeted by a Marine brother along with others who thanked me for my service.

I noted that the Prayer of Illumination was offered before the Word was read. We were tripped up again by “It is Well With My Soul” …it still brings difficult memories.

The message Dare Mighty Things “Hope” pointed out how much better we are at looking back with our blessed hindsight to see how God worked. How can we lack so much heart in the moment? With 22 suicides per day in the Veteran community, we need to take up our call to be messengers of hope. To me, the best line in that regard is: “If we can’t do that, we should close our doors.”

I was reminded of a funeral home visit where I never spoke a word, don’t even think I said hello. I held the widow’s hand, got her tissues and water, and later overheard her say that what I said meant the most to her that day. Bring your message of hope; speak if you need to.

I was glad to meet the speaker’s family; his children won my heart early on. I wish we could have talked more of Malawi mission trips.

My breathing has gotten to the point where I will have to look for air-conditioned sanctuaries, it’s too hard to breathe without it.

So glad the church is in the process of examining itself, getting clarity about “who do we say we are/who are we?”

Jan’s thoughts:

Numerous people stopped to welcome us with warm handshakes and introductions.

For some reason it was difficult to understand those who spoke toward the beginning, although by the time we got to the sermon, the issues seemed to have been fixed.

The well-populated praise band led mostly contemporary songs, which I enjoyed hearing.

The sermon was presented by Ed Sutter of The Soul Shop and Westminster Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh’s South Hills. The summer series begun by the installed pastor is called Dare Mighty Things, and the topic of the day was hope.

According to their website, www.soulshopmovement.org, the mission of The Soul Shop is:

To train leaders to equip congregations and communities to minister to persons impacted by suicidal desperation:

A.   Persons who have experienced loss

B.   Persons concerned for family/friends

C.   Persons engaged in suicidal thinking

D.  Second Day people (people who have walked through the dark night of suicidal desperation and survived to see a Second Day)

He spoke of small moments ordained by God that we often miss, when we are called to preach good news and hope to someone desperately in need of them. We are divinely appointed to preach light to those sitting in darkness and be messengers of hope with our presence, our conversation, and encouragement.

We often shun the idea that God could use us in such a big way, but God uses the small moments, the ones we do not even think about. He orchestrates these very times and uses them to accomplish His good plans. Ed pointed out that our words need not be perfect, they only need to be after God’s heart.

I encourage you to check out the link above. You never know how God may use you.

Our prayer for this church:

Father, we pray You will be with this congregation through their exam (it’s an open book test and the book is right in the pew). Bless them to know how to be Your church. Amen.

First United Methodist Church of Ellwood City

Today we worshiped at First United Methodist Church of Ellwood City, 416 Crescent Avenue, Ellwood City, PA 16117, 724.758.6278, www.firstumcec.org, Rev. Angelique Bradford, Senior Pastor.

Scripture –

Isaiah 40:27-31 MSG –

Why would you ever complain, O Jacob, or, whine, Israel, saying, “GOD has lost track of me. He doesn’t care what happens to me”? Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening? GOD doesn’t come and go. God lasts. He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out. He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon GOD get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind.

Acts 20:1-12 NLT –

When the uproar was over, Paul sent for the believers and encouraged them. Then he said good-bye and left for Macedonia. While there, he encouraged the believers in all the towns he passed through. Then he traveled down to Greece, where he stayed for three months. He was preparing to sail back to Syria when he discovered a plot by some Jews against his life, so he decided to return through Macedonia.

Several men were traveling with him. They were Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea; Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica; Gaius from Derbe; Timothy; and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. They went on ahead and waited for us at Troas. After the Passover ended, we boarded a ship at Philippi in Macedonia and five days later joined them in Troas, where we stayed a week.

On the first day of the week, we gathered with the local believers to share in the Lord’s Supper. Paul was preaching to them, and since he was leaving the next day, he kept talking until midnight. The upstairs room where we met was lighted with many flickering lamps. As Paul spoke on and on, a young man named Eutychus, sitting on the windowsill, became very drowsy. Finally, he fell sound asleep and dropped three stories to his death below. Paul went down, bent over him, and took him into his arms. “Don’t worry,” he said, “he’s alive!” Then they all went back upstairs, shared in the Lord’s Supper, and ate together. Paul continued talking to them until dawn, and then he left. Meanwhile, the young man was taken home alive and well, and everyone was greatly relieved.

Bob’s thoughts:

We arrived just before the service started so it’s hard to guess if we would have been welcomed by anyone in addition to the greeter.

The only crosses I could find were in the stained-glass panels. The walls are white with dark paneling and beams for the ceiling, which created a beautiful contrast.

I had trouble understanding most of the singing…I couldn’t hear what part they were singing over the organ.

The woman who presented the graduates was easy to hear and understand.

I am always interested to see how the Scripture readings match up to whatever version is up on my phone.

I thought the main point of the message was to be willing to change, an abhorrent thought to most old mainline churches. The pastor raised the point to not only break out of the box, but to break the box.

The old churches want the world to change to what the church was. The churches that are thriving and blessed by God have kept the biblical truths but became welcoming to the young people of today. Crawl out of the box and live for Christ.

One of the most impressive things to me has been each time I read my Bible, it changes. What I find is what God wants me to know right then.

Jan’s thoughts:

This is a good-sized building with traditional décor (including stained glass), some traditional songs, and organ-led music.

Since it was graduate recognition Sunday, we were two among many visitors.

We were pleased to be there for recognition of the church’s graduates, including two adults. As it was a special day for so many families, we were only two among a number of visitors.

I appreciated hearing the Scripture readings read with inflection and emotion.

It was convenient to have the words to each song printed in the bulletin.

The Message of Hope (sermon), referring to thinking inside versus outside the box, was entitled “Break the Box”. The pastor spoke of the call to change, growth, and moving forward.

Communion was expressed verbally and served by intinction, an enjoyable change.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we pray You will bless Your church with understanding, that they may know how to serve You now. Amen.

Ellwood City Free Methodist Church

Today we worshiped at Ellwood City Free Methodist Church, 412 Glen Avenue, Ellwood City, PA 16117, 724.758.9494, www.churchontheisland.org, Rev. Raymond Start, Pastor.

Scripture – NIV

Ephesians 2:19-20 –

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

Matthew 6:33 –

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Matthew 6:24 –

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Joshua 24:15 –

“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Bob’s thoughts:

We were welcomed by many, including a Marine and some other veterans.

I appreciated the handsome backlit cross on the back wall of the chancel.

With minimal signage, we found the restrooms downstairs.

Early on, the pastor mentioned the church would get together to pray for God’s direction for His church…the best thing any church can do.

One of the best current applications of the Bible in the Children’s moment: giving one piece of candy to sister, then giving two to brother. Well explained and almost acceptable to sister (she did get a second piece of candy). My favorite: she was given a small stuffed toy that she gave to her little sister in the pew on the way out. Little sister was a Shirley Temple that charmed my heart from the moment she walked in.

I had a lot of trouble hearing/understanding the speaker and somewhat with the pastor also. I am looking forward to a hearing aid to see if it’s all me.

The sermon dealt with our rights and responsibilities in our dual citizenship on earth and Heaven. The concept of putting what Christ wants for us first has been firmly seated and I am seldom disappointed. When I am, it usually becomes clear later, and I’m happy to leave it all to God.

We were living in a house where we raised our children and found out it was being sold. I was out of work and money was gone, but Christ had recently claimed me. A cousin in New Mexico called and offered to rent us his late father’s house and he would pay some of the utilities. After my wife’s prayer that if God really wanted us to move in the opposite direction from the church we belonged to and a church that I did some work for, that He should find a way for them to give us the house. The following Sunday while changing clothes from church (I was still wearing a three-piece suit to contemporary worship), my cousin called and said, “I don’t know why but I would like to give you the house.” God has blessed us so many times that I can never doubt Him.

Spend the time in prayer to discern His purpose for His Church, then boldly step out in faith. It is most important to spend that time in prayer, but also don’t second guess and go back to prayer. When He gives you direction, act.

My prayer to add would be to thank God for the adversity He lets come into our lives and the wonderful lessons it brings. He is always faithful and you are right where you are to be at this moment…be ready to step out in faith when He calls.

I was glad we had a few minutes to talk after the service and thankful to get a copy of the church’s prayer requests.

Jan’s thoughts:

We arrived very early and the three people in the sanctuary welcomed us and introduced themselves. We saw no signage, so confirmed with them our guess that the restrooms were downstairs. This also gave us an opportunity to tour that space. Someone (or more) put a great deal of effort into painting the walls in the hallway and each room with bright colors and Bible stories.

We found seats in the sanctuary and many people stopped to greet us on their way past.

I was excited to hear about the mission trip to Kenya and will pray for traveling mercies and God’s providence and guidance for all those who participate.

There were two children for the exceptional Children’s Moment, which was perfect. The pastor illustrated the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. He told the children he would give them one piece of candy, and after giving the first child one piece, he gave the other child two pieces. When the first child asked about that, the pastor explained that he had promised them one piece and had given them one, and if he gave one of them two, that was his choice. It was a terrific way of explaining it. What I really enjoyed was, of course, he ended up giving the second child a second piece of candy, but before it ended, someone else gave each child a small gift for another reason, and on her way past her family and out of the sanctuary, the girl gave the gift to her younger sister. Such a sweet moment.

The untitled sermon focused on the rights and responsibilities of our citizenship, both of our country and of the Kingdom of Heaven. He referred to our “dual citizenship” advising that when it came to which should take precedence, we should put God above our rights and His teachings should take precedence. I appreciated his advice to “find joy in God’s joy.”

He ended with a reminder from Joshua 24:15: “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we pray You bless Your church with faith. May they hear Your voice when You call, and may they step out in faith in You. Amen.

Wurtemburg United Methodist Church

Today we worshiped at Wurtemburg United Methodist Church, 1244 Portersville Road, Ellwood City, PA 16117, 724.758.9685, Chad J. Bogdewic, Pastor.

Scripture – Jeremiah 31:31-34

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord.

“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord.

“I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

Bob’s thoughts:

We were warmly welcomed when we came in and after. There was an interesting cross made from a small tree, which we learned later is a wandering cross transferred weekly to other churches in the area.

We sat in the side alcove, which brought to mind that most Methodist churches have this architecture and the few places I’ve seen in other denominations were former Methodist buildings. Unfortunately, all the cute babies were in the main part of the sanctuary.

I enjoyed the sound from the dozen or so choir members and the lovely children’s choir. The solo and as a group were understandable, pleasant, and cute.

Sometimes I am surprised how a sermon relates to Scripture I have read recently, and today’s was on “cutting” a new/additional covenant: passing between the sacrificed animal split in two with the unspoken consequence of “if you don’t uphold your part of the covenant, may you be split like this animal.”

I was thankful we could talk with some members after the service and blessed to have the opportunity to pray for a woman who had also lost a son. I wish we could have spent some time with the pastor.

Jan’s thoughts:

We opted for a pew in the wing area off the sanctuary even while I wondered how well we’d be able to see. As it turned out, we could see just fine.

We were greeted often, beginning when we exited the truck, again when we entered the building, by the folks we sat near, and others before, during, and after the service.

I noticed the very large cross crafted from rough branches and thought it was appropriate that the prelude was “The Old Rugged Cross.” It was only after the service that we learned this cross is in a different church in the area each week during Lent, and there is actually a second one just like it because so many churches wanted to participate. What a magnificent display of unity among denominations.

The choir sounded terrific together, and the children’s choir was enthusiastic with their singing and hand motions.

The sermon, “A New Covenant,” spoke of eschatology – the end times – and supersessionism – a theological view that holds that the New Covenant has replaced or superseded the Mosaic covenant. I was unsure where the pastor stood on the issue, but his final statement was one with which I do agree: The End Times began with the Resurrection of Christ.

We enjoyed our conversation with several members after worship.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we pray Your church is listening for Your call and ready to step out in faith. Amen.

Lillyville Church of God

Today we worshiped at Lillyville Church of God, 408 Hickernell Road, Ellwood City, PA 16117, 724.758.8258, www.lillyvillechurch.com, Pastor Dennis Arndt.

Scripture – 1 John 2:18-23 NLT

Dear children, the last hour is here. You have heard that the Antichrist is coming, and already many such antichrists have appeared. From this we know that the last hour has come. These people left our churches, but they never really belonged with us; otherwise they would have stayed with us. When they left, it proved that they did not belong with us.

But you are not like that, for the Holy One has given you his Spirit, and all of you know the truth. So I am writing to you not because you don’t know the truth but because you know the difference between truth and lies. And who is a liar? Anyone who says that Jesus is not the Christ.

Anyone who denies the Father and the Son is an antichrist. Anyone who denies the Son doesn’t have the Father, either. But anyone who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

Bob’s thoughts:

Although we were early, we didn’t tour much. I did find good signage and we were welcomed by the pastor and many of the members. Also, I didn’t have to hunt for a cross.

The chancel is a deep alcove with a round stained glass window positioned high on the rear wall. The low arched tile ceiling provided fine acoustics and the volume was good. I was pleased to spot the all-male praise team in prayer before the service.

We watched the pastor greeting folks and attending to many small issues, hope he normally has help with some of this.

It was interesting to witness the pastor present a children’s sermon to one cute little girl.

A clipboard was passed around to write a note of encouragement for a prison chaplain. At one church we visited, I lamented that jail ministry would be hard to do, and the next day I got a call from a woman I had been trying to minister to saying she was in jail. I think I heard God laugh in the background. I’m glad we could be a part of His recognition.

I believe the pastor is right that most of the problems in America today can be traced back to 1962 when the Bible was removed from schools. We need to continue to pray for a turnaround. The antichrist has been busy; it’s time for America to return to being a Christian nation.

Members were invited to come to the rail for prayer at the end of the service.

Jan’s thoughts:

A friend and coworker invited us to attend her church and today we were finally able to connect.

Arriving early provided an opportunity to wander around the premises. The first thing that caught my eye as we entered was a collection of items for members in the military. I was surprised to note there are 12 active members of the military listed by name on the prayer list…a surprising number for what I supposed was a fairly small congregation.

The pastor welcomed us and continued to greet each new arrival by name. Most of those we saw smiled a welcome, which is normal for a church with multiple services.

The lovely sanctuary has just one odd feature – a very deep chancel. My friend informed me the reason it is designed that way is to accommodate a baptistry in the far corner.

The sermon, “Fellowship with God,” was obviously a continuation of a series based on 1 John. Today’s message had to do with identifying false teaching in the Church and the characteristics of an antichrist.

Everyone was invited to attend a soup luncheon after the later service and my friend showed us where it would be. From what I could see from an upper floor, it looked like a terrific space for such events.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we thank You that You guide Your people back to You. I pray Your children are effective servants. Amen.

First Church of God

Yesterday we worshiped at First Church of God, 1862 Mercer Road, Ellwood City, PA 16117, 724.758.7970, www.ecfcog.org, Pastor Phil Conklin.

Scripture – 2 Timothy 2:1-14a NASB

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.

It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

Remind them of these things.

Bob’s thoughts:

We had extra travel time yesterday and God led us here. We were both praying for clarity as to continuing in this ministry and believe He orchestrated our visit here to answer our prayers.

We were welcomed by two greeters who offered information and a tour but for me the most welcoming gesture was a smile from a little girl who passed in the hall…that welcome was instant.

I appreciated the announcement that the church would be open on Saturday nights for those who wanted to come for prayer; it was always uplifting to be able to just sit and pray.

The sanctuary was a ziggurat-type: peaked in wood paneling to the underside of the steeple where there was a blue/green material that was probably insulation but I was hoping was backlit. I enjoyed the wooden cross.

The message was about our resolutions, and more importantly finishing well, raising the question “What have you done for Christ?” What have you endured?

Each time I question what we are doing, He quickly reassures that we are on track for His purpose for right now. It might change at any time, but for now we are to continue, and how He uses the blog is up to Him. I pray we finish well; may you also finish well.

We were pleased to have a few moments to chat with the pastor and his wife, thankful for their comments and that they are willing to let Christ use them.

Jan’s thoughts:

In spite of a detour, we arrived early enough to wander around a facility that was larger than expected. A gentleman greeted us when we entered the building and upon learning we were visitors he offered directions to the sanctuary and restrooms.

In wandering around we saw Sunday School classes in progress, so we found seats in the sanctuary. I loved looking at the seasonal decorations though I’m sure this sanctuary would be pleasing to the eye any time of the year.

Several folks took a moment to introduce themselves and welcome us and make sure we received a welcome package.

A gentleman played bagpipes prior to the service and again during the offering. He said one piece was in memory of the 27 members who joined the Church Triumphant during 2017.

The pastor preached from the floor rather than the chancel. He began talking about the usual New Year’s practice of evaluating the past year and looking forward to the promise of the next, but pointed out the real challenge is to finish well. What counts is what we’ve actually done, not what we intend to do.

In the Scripture reading, Paul advised Timothy regarding suffering and enduring for the Gospel. The pastor spoke of the New Year’s-type excitement he had experienced – as do we all – when he fell in love with his wife, when they learned they would become parents, when he started a new job, and at the beginning of his faith journey. But when each of these life adventures began, the thought of suffering or endurance never entered his mind. And although they have been some of the best experiences of his life, and ones he would never trade, there have been periods of suffering and endurance.

As an example of suffering and endurance, he spoke of his father, who had been a Prisoner of War in Germany for 1½ years.

His statement that “Starting is good but finishing well is better” spoke to me, along with the rest of the message. Sometimes in this life even the best experiences require some degree of suffering and endurance. The hope behind many New Year’s resolutions is that life will be easier, so this is a good day to remember these biblical truths.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we pray for endurance for Your church that You will be glorified. May they serve You well in the mission opportunities You provide. Amen.

Word Alive Church

Today we worshiped at Word Alive Church, 124 Scenic Hill Blvd., Ellwood City, PA 16117, 724.752.9575, www.wordalivechurch.info, Senior Pastor Cliff Reynolds.

Scripture – KJV

Psalm 34:11 –

Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

Proverbs 19:23 –

The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

Bob’s thoughts:

After a pleasant drive through an area I haven’t been to in a few years, we arrived in good time for worship. I thought I noticed frustration from one of the parking guides whom I didn’t see till we had already pulled into a spot. With such a large area, a visitor would have to see the attendant to know where to park.

Once inside, we were greeted and the restrooms and coffee were pointed out. I did not encounter any other Marines but I was thanked for my service.

I enjoyed the praise worship, especially one woman who sang a solo intro…I liked her voice and the fact that she smiled. I found it impossible to sing along as the words on the screen were seldom what was being sung at the time.

The message was laid out in three sentences on a handout and the pastor quoted many Scripture verses to support this summary. A descriptive line I liked: “Fear is a wholesome dread of displeasing God.” And another, used in addressing a demonic presence, “The Blood of Jesus is against you.”

We appreciated the opportunity to visit with the pastor and a few others after the service.

Jan’s thoughts:

We had the pleasure of worshiping with our son today and we were greeted almost continually from the time we stepped through the door until the time we left. One of the first ladies to greet us gave us a welcome packet and pointed out the coffee which we drank standing at the tables.

The building looks fairly new and is attractively laid out and decorated. Entering the sanctuary revealed a striking lit glass cross centered above the platform and flanked by matching pillars.

The bulletin presented numerous opportunities for worship and fellowship and an announcement indicated an active youth program.

The songs were new to me, but I enjoyed listening and the volume was perfect.

In the message, entitled “Reverence Brings Power,” the pastor taught that 1 – we must reverence God and His Word; 2 – Our nation needs to return to the fear of God; 3 – Reverence for God must include reverence for the Blood of Jesus. In other words, we are to honor God, His Word, and His Blood.

He advised that when we find ourselves in the midst of spiritual warfare, we should shout, “Satan, the Blood of Jesus is against you!”

He also quoted Billy Graham has having said that if you make much of the Blood, the Blood will make much of you.

This message will continue to be food for thought for me.

Our prayer for this church:

Father, we pray this congregation grows in their reverence for You, a healthy fear of God, and reverence for the Blood of Christ. Amen.

Lillyville Church of God

Today we worshiped at Lillyville Church of God, 408 Hickernell Road, Ellwood City, PA 16117, 724.758.8258, www.lillyville.cggc.org, Pastor Dennis Arndt.

Scripture – NIV

This is the word the Lord spoke through Jeremiah the prophet concerning Babylon and the land of the Babylonians:

“Announce and proclaim among the nations, lift up a banner and proclaim it; keep nothing back, but say, ‘Babylon will be captured; Bel will be put to shame, Marduk filled with terror. Her images will be put to shame and her idols filled with terror.’ A nation from the north will attack her and lay waste her land. No one will live in it; both people and animals will flee away.

“In those days, at that time,” declares the Lord, “the people of Israel and the people of Judah together will go in tears to seek the Lord their God.

They will ask the way to Zion and turn their faces toward it. They will come and bind themselves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant that will not be forgotten.

“My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray and caused them to roam on the mountains. They wandered over mountain and hill and forgot their own resting place. Whoever found them devoured them; their enemies said, ‘We are not guilty, for they sinned against the Lord, their verdant pasture, the Lord, the hope of their ancestors.’

“Flee out of Babylon; leave the land of the Babylonians, and be like the goats that lead the flock. For I will stir up and bring against Babylon an alliance of great nations from the land of the north. They will take up their positions against her, and from the north she will be captured. Their arrows will be like skilled warriors who do not return empty-handed. So Babylonia will be plundered; all who plunder her will have their fill,” declares the Lord.

“Because you rejoice and are glad, you who pillage my inheritance, because you frolic like a heifer threshing grain and neigh like stallions, your mother will be greatly ashamed; she who gave you birth will be disgraced. She will be the least of the nations— a wilderness, a dry land, a desert.

Bob’s thoughts:

This church is located in a scenic locale with a larger campus than I expected, but the sanctuary was more quaint and country-sized. I appreciated the suspended wooden cross and round stained glass window in the chancel alcove and the interesting banner shouting “Come Holy Spirit.”

We were warmly welcomed by quite a few people.

The message, “The Lord Destroys Wicked Nations,” is a good one to take to heart as we seem determined as a nation to go downhill.

Babylon was surprised that they were not invincible: they were attacked and overwhelmed almost overnight, the attack undetected until too late. From a military standpoint I have often admired Biblical battle plans and how human smugness in not needing God always leads to downfall. I pray our nation soon reaches the point of asking “What were we thinking?”

I was very grateful to have the pastor anoint me and, along with others, lay hands and pray for me.

Jan’s thoughts:

We appreciated the large signs at the main road…they were hugely helpful.

The warm greetings began in the parking lot and after we were inside they just kept coming. Numerous people welcomed us genuinely and openly.

The building is larger than expected, well cared-for, and aesthetically pleasing with a chancel that would have been surprisingly deep at half what it was; but the paint and the large ornate banner were perfect complements. I also appreciated the unique multi-colored paraments.

The message, “The Lord Destroys Wicked Nations,” was based on Jeremiah 50:1-12. He interspersed much of Daniel 4 and 5 in explaining the overnight fall of Babylon, and reminding that God was at work in the midst of the chaos.

To a large degree our country, indeed our world, seems to be immersed in chaos that is much the same. And I am convinced that God’s purpose is the same now as it was then: to bring people to faith in Christ.

For more than 50 years our country has been testing the waters of self-sufficiency in the hope that the god of science or self or some other entity could somehow figure out how to make things right. I pray the Voice of Truth will soon make itself heard above the din of idolatry before God’s patience is exhausted and we fall as Babylon did. And the fault will lie with us alone.

It has been a while since I was present for anointing with oil and laying on of hands and prayers for healing, and I was deeply touched that a congregation to whom we were strangers only a few hours earlier would do this for Bob.

Our prayer for this church:

Father, we pray this congregation will continue to make You known, and that they all will enjoy You together. Amen.

North Sewickley Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at North Sewickley Presbyterian Church, 106 Chapel Drive, Ellwood City, PA 16117, 724.752.1272, www.nspreschurch.org, Rev. Don Aull, Temporary Shepherd.


Bob’s thoughts:

I couldn’t help but think about how we are welcomed when we visit a church. Sometimes it feels like everybody in the church says hello, and at times only a few. The number has no bearing on how genuine the welcome feels. Today I felt welcome, from the woman who waited while we parked and got out of the truck to those who welcomed us inside. People asked about us instead of telling us about them. We were shown the restrooms and introduced to others.

I thought the signage was good and was particularly impressed with the clean, well laid-out restroom.

The Sanctuary is an A-frame with impressive beams, a large cross on the Chancel wall and another on the Communion table.

The Children’s Sermon was aimed at the children and was just long enough.

The sermon was on the faith of Rahab from the 2nd chapter of Joshua. With the reality of the danger Rahab faced in stepping out in faith, we should be less surprised that she is included in Matthew’s recounting of the genealogy of Christ. Her actions were referred to as the “early battle of Jericho.”

Some other choice phrases: referring to the Interim Pastor as the “Temporary Shepherd” and during the benediction the mention of “those no one loves.”

I felt Christ’s presence in this place. There are some good things going on and I look forward to seeing what God does next here. It was an unexpected joy to encounter some friends from the Presbytery office.

Jan’s thoughts:

Upon our arrival, as we were pulling into the parking lot, I had noticed a couple just exiting their car. As I opened my door I heard a female voice say hello – they had waited there to greet us! This was the first time we were greeted before we even got out of the truck! These kind folks walked in with us, guiding us toward the appropriate door, and once inside introduced us by name and pointed us toward the rest rooms. The other folks we met were as friendly…at least one person knew Bob from his visits to the Presbytery office, but others just stopped to introduce themselves and make us feel welcome. One woman (a member acting in the capacity of an unofficial greeter) gave us each a printed card with all the church’s contact information, and everyone we met invited us back. We felt genuinely and warmly welcomed here.

The Narthex contained a bulletin board and a world map with pins and photos of mission activities worldwide.

I don’t usually comment on the rest rooms, but these deserve to be noted. The ladies room was attractively decorated, very clean, with the small touches women appreciate such as a couple of small decorated corner tables with a basket of hand lotions on one and a box of Kleenex on another. It was neither too homey nor too antiseptic.

The Sanctuary is pretty with an A-line design, decorative pillars, and great color coordination. Also good directional signage…although we did not make it downstairs, we knew how to get there!

Air circulation has become an issue for us since Bob’s surgery. With the high ceilings found in churches, ceiling fans are not generally all that effective, and some low-level air movement might be more advantageous.

I heard an organ and a piano, but could not see either instrument. We were too busy talking with people after worship to go forward for a close-up look at the Chancel, so I’m guessing what I heard was an electronic keyboard. The traditional music sounded very good, and although contemporary music tends to sound awkward with only a keyboard, it was okay.

Strangely enough (some will say I’ve finally lost it with this), but while looking at this church’s website on Saturday evening, I found they had a .pdf of the bulletin available to view. I took a look at it and was excited to go there because of the bulletin. It was well laid-out, easy to read, and user-friendly. I also found myself eagerly anticipating the sermon entitled, “Moving Toward the Promise #10 – Rahab Fought the Battle of Jericho.” The title alone gave clear indication of where the pastor would be heading, and I couldn’t wait to hear what he had to say.

He described Rahab as a “Canaanite businesswoman” who made the “monumental announcement” that Jericho would be “under new management” by the time God’s plan for it was completed, and that, like Rahab, we should “live as though the Promised Land is already here” – living and acting in faith. He pointed out something new to me – that Rahab’s scarlet cord is reminiscent of the blood of the Passover. What a beautiful connection, and another reminder of what it means to act in faith.

This church is in the midst of a search for an installed pastor, and I will be joining them in prayer during this interim journey.