First Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at First Presbyterian Church, 252 College Avenue, Beaver, PA 15009, 724.774.6398, www.fpcbeaver.com, Jeff Arnold, Senior Pastor.

Scripture: John 7:37-44

On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

On hearing his words, some of the people said, “Surely this man is the Prophet.”

Others said, “He is the Messiah.”

Still others asked, “How can the Messiah come from Galilee? Does not Scripture say that the Messiah will come from David’s descendants and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?”

Thus the people were divided because of Jesus. Some wanted to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him.

Bob’s thoughts:

We were a little early for the service and were reminded again of the importance of signage. We found a door to the rear of the sanctuary and were about to enter when we realized it was the end of the earlier service, so we took the stair down to explore. We ended up in the choir area, through a storage space and kitchen and on to the newer-looking space that had signage. From the size of the facility some entry signage would have helped.

A woman next to Jan said hello and thanked me for my service. I thought no one spoke thinking we were from one of the other services, so I got us both visitor bags and we carried them around a bit, but nobody noticed.

With the sun shining in the window directly above us, a window shade would help the tech see the sound mix board.

There was mention that this was Memorial Day weekend and it was tied to the image of Biblical remembering the past for the present and future. The most powerful point from the message was that as Christ poured out the Living Water for you and me, we also pour out for those to whom we minister.

Jan’s thoughts:

As we approached the building I wondered, did we want door number 1, 2, 3, or 4? My first guess was not helpful (leading to a single door toward the front of the sanctuary). Door number 2 led to a similar spot but there were stairs, so we took a tour of the lower floor. In the course of conversation with a gentleman in the kitchen we learned that remodeling is scheduled to begin this this week in many areas of the building.

We appreciated the large maps that were posted in various locations showing the layout of all three floors. In a facility this size, it was very helpful.

The worship area was large, and by the time the service started there were few if any empty seats. The woman sitting next to me welcomed us and thanked Bob for his service.

The music was phenomenal, and sounded (to me, at least) good enough to be professional.

The sermon was called “Jesus: Seeing, Believing, Knowing God.” The pastor started out talking about the sacrificial leaf of the Mangrove plant and its obvious connection to Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf.

He then explained some of the details of the Feast of Tabernacles as it was celebrated in the Old Testament. If I have it right, on the 8^th day of the Feast the priest took a pitcher of pure gold (representing Jesus Christ) and, walking under a shroud of palm branches, walked from the temple to the Pool of Siloam, filled the pitcher from the pool, returned to the temple, and poured the water (symbolizing the Holy Spirit) over the altar. He did this seven times, signifying the totality of God’s provision for His people.

It was on this the greatest day of the Feast that Jesus issued His invitation for “anyone who is thirsty,” (i.e., anyone – ANYONE – who wants to know God) to come to Him. The pastor emphasized several vital points involved in this transaction including that Christ’s promise is that Living Water will flow FROM you, not INTO you. The progression is: first we thirst, we go to Him, He fills us with the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit causes Living Water to flow from us thus nourishing others and giving us a life of purpose and meaning.

Can I just say how much I loved this sermon? I have often read the story of Jesus’ invitation to come to Him and be filled with Living Water, but knowing the Old Testament background and symbolism deepens the meaning so much more.

He also pointed out that when we are thirsty the human response is usually to try to treat it with one (or more) of the countless remedies offered by the world, but the only real cure is to take it to Jesus. Only He can fill the voids in our lives…we never could, we never will…the only solution is to come to Him just as we are.

Our prayer for this church:
Lord, we pray You encourage this church to continue to seek Your Living Water. Guide their mission efforts and lead them as a church to where You wish them to serve. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

First Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at First Presbyterian Church, 252 College Avenue, Beaver, PA 15009, 724.774.6398, www.fpcbeaver.com., Rev. Jeff Arnold, Senior Pastor.


Bob’s thoughts:

This church has very good signage, including a “you are here” kind of site map at two of the entrances I used. It is a large enough facility that the map was appreciated.

We were welcomed by a number of people (at a 3-service church) and an extensive introduction by one man who didn’t give his name.

The blended service was in the fellowship hall which we found by accident while touring. The fellowship hall was an addition and some of the original stone wall and glass was incorporated. I noticed there was sprinkler protection, a real asset for a church.

Got a peek at the awesome Sanctuary – great wood work and stained glass. Also creative placement of crosses in both the Sanctuary and fellowship hall.

I thought the voices of the praise team blended very well. The screens were not used for this service, but this was explained by a note in the bulletin seeking someone to run a PowerPoint for the 9 a.m. service. We were told that the church has about 600 members. An impressive new members class was received and the service we attended was about at its limit.

The sermon, “What Does Recovery Look Like,” was delivered in two parts with a time of Confession of Sin in the middle. I pray the congregation felt the affect of “I Surrender All.” I thought it was very powerful.

Some of the sermon connected Matthew 5 and the 12-step program. The message was delivered well and I appreciated the obvious, heartfelt passion of the pastor. Too often I hear Christ’s message given with the passion of a rock. How can anyone believing Christ not be on fire in the Spirit to tell of Him?

I noted good evidence of extensive mission efforts and the offering was taken in response to the Word.

The Statement of Faith was spoken together as a benediction followed by the benediction by the pastor.

A highlight for me – a reminder was given of a prayer meeting for Haiti later in the day.

Jan’s thoughts:

With the stone exterior I expected an old church, and in some ways I was correct: this church is over 200 years old. However, they’ve certainly kept up with the times with a beautiful renovation inside including an addition, abundant signage inside and out, well-kept premises, a very informative website, and a move into the world of multi-site churches.

There may have been other parking, but the only parking we saw was on the front street where there were sandwich-boards indicating reserved parking for seniors. We walked past a ramped entrance where there was a sign indicating the direction of the main entrance. Once inside that door, however, we found ourselves in a small foyer adjoining the Sanctuary where, unfortunately, the early worship service was in progress. As we had just come in from the cold rain, we opted to head for the doors across the side of the Sanctuary as quietly and unobtrusively as possible, hopefully not distracting the worshipers in the process.

The Sanctuary, however, is quite beautiful with dark wood boasting intricate details on the ceiling, lovely stained-glass windows, and gorgeous chandeliers.

With three services (traditional at 8 and 11:15 and the one we attended, a blended service, at 9), we expected not to be recognized as visitors. Instead we were welcomed by several people who took a chance and asked if we were new there and who then extended an invitation to the adult Sunday school classes. Prior to worship, one gentleman took the time to tell us a little about the church’s missions and history along with the multi-site plans.

Worship was held in a large multi-purpose room and was crowded. The music was mostly contemporary, but extremely well done and with a beautiful sound by 4 or 5 women and 3 men. The bulletin is one 11 x 17 sheet folded in half and today included one insert with photos and a few words about each of the 25 new members who officially joined today.

The pastor was dynamic and passionate in his preaching. It took some effort for me to remain unbiased as he reminded me very much of a dear friend.

One of the new programs starting up next month is called “Celebrate Recovery.” It originated at Saddleback Church and is a Christ-centered version of the 12-step recovery program used at AA, NA, and probably numerous other organizations. It aims at seeking God’s healing to recover from habitual sins in our lives, and the sermon was about recovery based on the Beatitudes. The sermon outline gave specific steps based on Matthew 5 to aid in this quest for healing and recovery. Interestingly, he gave the first half of the message then stopped and we had the Confession, Assurance, and Response, then part two of the sermon. The sermon included some congregational participation, and the music, most of which was new to me, was powerful. I plan to keep the words to “I Will Change Your Name” just to read and reflect upon:

I Will Change Your Name
I will change your name, you shall no longer be called wounded, outcast, lonely or afraid.
I will change your name, your new name shall be confidence, joyfulness, overcoming one, faithfulness, friend of God, one who seeks my face.
Powerful words and a thought-provoking message that touched my heart.

Since this is part 3, I plan to access previous and subsequent sermons via the website in order to catch up. I’m pretty certain they’ll be worth the time.

First Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at First Presbyterian Church, 200 North Park Street, Rochester, PA, 15074, 724.728.7000, Rev. Lee Bittner.


Bob’s thoughts:

God led us to church today. Most Sundays we feel God’s leading in deciding where we are to go, but today we knew where we were going and printed a Yahoo map so we knew how to get there. We were early, and so did some shopping before church, and upon leaving the store, waiting for the light to change, we looked up and saw a similarly-named church. I didn’t notice till I checked the bulletin to write a check for the offering. We saved the directions for another Sunday.

This is an average-sized church with great wood beams and panels, really beautiful stained glass, and a cathedral ceiling. A small brass cross on the paneled rear wall of the chancel looks larger because of the bare panels and the spotlight on it. Some amazing stained glass above the cross had been covered over at some point, so when the Chancel was redone it had been a special surprise.

Signage at the main entrance was good – directional arrows. I didn’t see any outside or elsewhere inside.

We were welcomed by a number of people whose interest seemed genuine.

Their music person, Mike Neely, played and sang some contemporary music before the service and is a real asset to worship.

The offering was taken prior to the Word preached, but I understand this is not always the case.

While we were blessed to take Communion, it was served silently. The invitation was well put, that it is open to all, weak and strong, hungry and sated, etc.

The sermon was “God’s Abundant Table”; in prayer we ask God to “give us our daily bread” without a thought of how much more we are asking for and without a thought of how much more our Father provides. My favorite was “Don’t question the Cook.” Being the cook in the family, I was of a kindred spirit. That our God provides the bread that sustains us, not the pastries of the world that don’t last.

Most of the church that we saw seems to be in good repair. The kitchen is open to the social area with accordion doors to close it off when desired. Do not know how handicapped-accessible the social area is, but it could be a real asset.

There is very limited parking, so the main appeal should be to locals. The most important change for this church would be in attitude. They don’t seem to be a particularly inward church, only a defeated one. What I got from those I spoke with is we are a dying church; not a good place from which to start.

I would recommend this church prayerfully consider stepping out in faith. Clean the stained glass and let Jesus shine out into the community. Offer free dinner to the local residents. Give them God’s daily bread. If you are doing God’s will in the neighborhood, people will want to worship with you. Just being Presbyterian is not a good enough reason to keep doing it like we always have. A stagnant church is a sign of death. You can be Satan’s friend and do nothing or God’s servant, but you can’t serve Christ and be still.

I spent a good portion of the day in prayer, wondering why God sent us to this church. I believe He does not want you idle in His Church. As a Marine, we have a simple creed: improvise, adapt, and overcome. Step out in faith and God will bless your efforts.

Much as we find our prayer for daily bread already answered, you are already blessed with much. Will you use it to God’s glory?


Jan’s thoughts:

Today was another one of those mornings when God put us into a church other than the one we planned to attend. That’s always so awesome!

Parking is sparse but we were able to locate a spot on the street. The building is very old and as we took our self-guided tour I saw handwritten notes and reminders that made me feel like we were in someone’s home.

The only signage I saw was in the narthex and consisted of a list of locations followed by directional arrows.

The stained glass is very intricate and striking, and looks like jewels, and if they were cleaner they’d be incredible.

The people were friendly, and we ended up talking for some time with one particular woman who had belonged there most of her life and so was able to convey much of the history of that church. As with so many churches (Presbyterian and otherwise), the time has passed when the pews were packed every Sunday and those in attendance heard powerful sermons from a pastor they had known all their lives. Today there were about 30 in attendance, and the woman with whom we spoke was clearly mourning the losses – human and otherwise.

The bulletin is one folded 8 ½ x 11 sheet containing the Order of Worship, the calendar, greeters’ names, prayer concerns, and church staff, with room left over.

Usually the seating options in a Sanctuary are either chairs or pews, but today we experienced something different: actual padded auditorium seats. Unfortunately the rows were situated uncomfortably close together, leaving me feeling squished.

The sermon was entitled “God’s Abundant Table” and tied in with the service of Communion. He spoke of all the abundance of food in our culture and how we pray for our daily bread “only to find our prayer already answered.” He also reminded his listeners that some days we are given a plate full of dessert and other days a plate full of broccoli, but they’re both given by a loving, all-knowing Provider who knows and gives us what we need each day. It was a good tie-in, as well as a good reminder.