Glenwillard United Methodist Church

Today we worshiped at Glenwillard United Methodist Church, 1328 Main Street, Crescent Township, PA 15046, 724.457.6325, www.glenwillardumc.org, Rev. Thomas W. Fodor, Pastor.

Scripture – NIV

Psalm 23 –

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Galatians 2:1-20 –

Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain. Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.

As for those who were held in high esteem—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—they added nothing to my message. On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised. For God, who was at work in Peter as an apostle to the circumcised, was also at work in me as an apostle to the Gentiles. James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised. All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along.

When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.

When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?

“We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.

“But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves also among the sinners, doesn’t that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! If I rebuild what I destroyed, then I really would be a lawbreaker.

“For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

John 1:16 –

Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.

2 Corinthians 13:14 –

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Bob’s thoughts:

Today marks 12 years since my younger son was killed. He was on his way home from North Carolina when he was killed on the highway. Mourning my son and Marine brother, I thought it would be reassuring to be amongst brothers in worship. This church had a Marine pastor plus a few Marines in the congregation. We were surprised to learn the pastor had taken a job in Nashville and I was no longer sure which members were brothers. We were welcomed by a number of people and some who remembered us from previous visits.

Part of the children’s message wove around a lost earring which brought back memories of a lost tiny necklace and God’s divine orchestration to have the right people to find the right parts.

The pastor talked of things that we consider amazing and a couple recent ones came to mind. I have some mocking birds this year, and to hear so many different bird songs from the same bird. And there have been a number of videos lately of people seeing color for the first time or a baby hearing mom’s voice for the first time. We miss so many of God’s blessings because we just don’t take notice.

In closing he mentioned being referred to as a Holy Roller. My claim to fame was being called a “Jesus Jerk” and later in life leading them both to Christ.

Jan’s thoughts:

It’s been a challenging week leading up to today, the 12^th anniversary of the death of our son, so we wanted to go where we knew there would be members of our Marine family. The pastor who had been serving this church was also a Marine, but we discovered he has moved on since our last visit. We were happy to see our other friends, of course, Marine or not.

The church building is just as I recall and the people just as caring toward each other before, during, and after worship. Many greeted us warmly.

The basis of the message, “Amazing Grace,” was that Jesus paid the price for all sins, we are all justified by faith alone, that salvation cannot be earned, and we need to trust God and be patient. All spot-on.

Our prayer for this church:

Father, we pray for Your Presence with Your church as they move into the future with You. Amen.

Glenwillard United Methodist Church

Today we worshiped at Glenwillard United Methodist Church, 1328 Main Street, Crescent Township, PA 15046, 724.457.6325, www.glenwillardumc.org, Rev. Dennis L. Bouch, Pastor.

Scripture – John 10:1-10 NIV

“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.

Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Bob’s thoughts:

We received the Marine welcome I expected right inside the door and a moment of prayer with the pastor when we shared good news about a family member.

We were warmly greeted by most of the congregation; there is a real feeling of being with family here.

There are enough crosses to satisfy even me, and it was great to see smiles from the four-member choir.

The smiles that made me melt were from the children sitting in the pew in front of us…they were joy to watch throughout the service. The mutual hug from the little one with her acolyte brother was especially sweet.

Another that warmed my heart was when a young lady waved to the pastor and he waved back, then I watched her exchange a reciprocal fist bump with an usher as she went forward for Communion. These small things speak volumes and make a huge difference.

The message was on Christ calling us by name, something I’ve never gotten over…the idea that of the billions of people on Earth, Christ called me, a worthless sinner, by name. The simple analogy of the shepherd and his sheep was not lost on those he was calling but was beneath the reasoning of the religious elite. Sadly, I think that still applies today: His call is unheard unless we are willing to listen. He calls us where we are, not where we might someday be. He offers Himself to the hopeless sinners we are, filthy foul-smelling sheep, to come and be cleansed.

We were pleased to partake of Communion and to be able to serve the elements to the pastor. We enjoyed an uplifting time of worship.

Jan’s thoughts:

As we entered the building we immediately encountered the pastor, who has become a friend. He asked about a family situation and after we updated him he prayed with us.

The church held a flea market yesterday and things were still set up. Since we arrived plenty early, we wandered around some then went back upstairs. We were greeted by all the Marines in the congregation and by nearly everyone else.

I enjoyed watching the pastor greet each person who came in as well as the members as they greeted each other. Clearly my sense of the closeness within this congregation was on target.

The traditional music was led by a well-played organ and four strong voices.

The message, entitled “The Good Shepherd,” emphasized that Jesus knows the name of every one of His sheep and He calls each in a distinct and personal way. However, we must choose to listen.

One night, years ago, as I faced the possibility of a frightening medical diagnosis, I tried to sleep but my mind churned with the possibilities the future held. However, I only saw the negative options, so peace eluded me. Bob was asleep, and as I lay there, I heard a voice call my name as clear as day. I stopped thinking and waited, listening for more, but there was only quiet. As I pondered what might be going on, I realized I felt calm in my spirit. I was no longer afraid and I knew all would be well, which it was.

Indeed, God knows our names and He knows how to communicate with us, whether we are running from Him or thrashing about in fear. He knows and He cares.

We were blessed to partake in Communion and even more so in the opportunity to offer the elements to the pastor.

Our prayer for this church:
Lord, we pray You continue to bless Your little family church and may they continue to respond to the sound of Your voice. Amen.

Glenwillard United Methodist Church

Sunday past, Bob worshiped at Glenwillard United Methodist Church, 1328 Main Street, Crescent Township, PA 15046, 724.457.6325, www.glenwillardumc.org, Dennis L. Bouch, Pastor.

Scripture – Philemon 1:1-25 – NLT

This letter is from Paul, a prisoner for preaching the Good News about Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy.

I am writing to Philemon, our beloved co-worker, and to our sister Apphia, and to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church that meets in your house.

May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.

That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do. But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you. Consider this as a request from me—Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus.

I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart.

I wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf. But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent. I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced. It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.

So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, PAUL, WRITE THIS WITH MY OWN HAND: I WILL REPAY IT. AND I WON’T MENTION THAT YOU OWE ME YOUR VERY SOUL!

Yes, my brother, please do me this favor for the Lord’s sake. Give me this encouragement in Christ.

I am confident as I write this letter that you will do what I ask and even more! One more thing—please prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that God will answer your prayers and let me return to you soon.

Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. So do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

Bob’s thoughts:

I pulled out papers from the file on two churches this morning, but He had already made the choice and I obeyed without question. The other was new, fancy-looking, and probably large, but today I needed to be in a small family church.

I was sitting in my truck when the pastor pulled in, and when I explained some of the trials my family has recently encountered, he prayed for us then and there. He knew that God had sent me, and I needed to be with brothers and believers.

I was greeted and engaged in conversation, especially by a Marine who was serving as usher. A woman came in with three children and sat behind me, which increased my sense of family. The seven souls in the choir sounded like many more and I liked their smiles. There were numerous crosses, including one with a dove perched atop.

The sermon, “My Own Heart,” was based on Philemon 1:1-21 but read all the verses, which I liked. Paul’s discourse not only asked for the welcoming of a slave back as a brother in Christ, but that any debt that might be owed be transferred to him (Paul). Verse 22 urges, “Prepare a place for me in faith, that I may come.”

The pastor talked of Christians forgiving as the Spirit of love comes in, and on cue a train came in near the building. I took it as a sign of God’s love coming into the congregation.

The invitation to Communion was extended, welcoming all to the Table. The pastor apologized for running late but would not speed through Communion. This contrasted in my mind with one church that announced the Communion elements were set up in the back, just go help yourself when you are ready.

I was blessed to be able to offer the elements to the pastor and he asked me to remain up front. I was asked to kneel at the rail while the congregation came and laid hands and prayed over me for my family. Long ago I learned to leave retribution to the Lord, but with this prayer, God’s peace settled over me and, I hope, my family.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we pray Your continued blessings on this, Your church. Guide them, use them, and grow them to Your will. Amen.

Glenwillard United Methodist Church

Today we worshiped at Glenwillard United Methodist Church, 1328 Main Street, Crescent Township, PA 15046, 724.457.62325, www.glenwillardumc.org, Dennis L. Bouch, Pastor.

Scripture – Luke 3:1-6

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene— during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation.’’

Bob’s thoughts:

Today God led us to worship at a sister church of one we had visited recently.

The rear chancel wall has two larger crosses on the wing walls made with holes drilled in the knotty pine panels. When I first looked, they blended with the paneling. After the service we went forward to look more closely at an excellent nativity scene and got a close up glimpse at the crosses. I thought maybe there was a light behind the holes, but a member told us her relative had drilled the holes for ventilation when the wall was paneled.

I had been looking forward to visiting this church because we were told a number of Marines worshiped there, and they were quick to welcome me/us. The pastor is also a Marine and I love his welcome to the worshipers: “Good morning, sinners.”

He told us of his week deer hunting, how when it rained on Wednesday it was very clear but each time the rain quit, everything was obscured by fog. We think of the sun coming out and burning off the fog, but for him the clarity came with the rain.

Hunting is a lot of sitting still and he put that time to good use praying for his congregations.

They got a lot of anthem out of a small choir. I like when the pastor offered prayer over the ushers when they brought the offering forward.

A highlight for me was a young blond boy who crawled under the pews and made multiple trips to the chancel, especially chasing up the aisle after a cute young girl who was also traveling. This brought such pleasant memories of our late son in church, and pointedly the following after a cute girl.

In the message the pastor explained that John the Baptist’s call in Luke 3:1-6 would have been a common call of preparation for kings, with John’s clarification to Christ added.

We tend to think of Caesar as being a named person, not a title, like Christ. Like Easter, we should be preparing for Christmas by repenting.

What spoke to me the clearest was, “don’t look at what you don’t have but thank God for answered prayers.”

This week we were blessed to be able to visit Treasure House Fashions, a women’s clothing ministry on McKnight Road. Much like the Center for Hope in Ambridge, I look forward to visiting to see how God has blessed them. They tell me of needs and plans, hopes and expectations, and I get to rejoice how God continues to bless them beyond any needs or requests.

Communion was offered verbally by the pastor and we had the joy of presenting the elements to him. This was something God knows was special to me and I really miss, and I thank God for that opportunity today.

This is a family of worshipers, much like the Marines, a strong brotherhood in Christ.

Jan’s thoughts:

This church is yoked with Shannopin Methodist Church nearby, and when we visited Shannopin, we were invited to visit Glenwillard.

We entered on the lower level and did not even need to look for signage to locate the rest room as we walked right past it on our way toward the steps. The usher greeted us warmly as we reached the sanctuary at the top of the steps. We had been sitting for less than a minute when the several Marine members came by to greet Bob with a hearty “Semper Fi, Brother!”

The pastor entered from the rear of the sanctuary and as he made his way to the front he greeted and shook the hand of everyone present. Then as the service got underway, he opened with, “Good morning, sinners.” I found that so touching.

The atmosphere in this church is relaxed, sincere, and very much like a family that enjoys being together and truly knows and cares for each other.

The joys and concerns took some time, but everyone who had something to say was given time to speak and individual affirmation was generously given to many by pastor and members alike.

The message, entitled “Thanks be to God,” was summed up by the one question: when will we quit whining and start saying thank You? We are so richly blessed and we take much for granted. We should be expressing overflowing gratitude to God instead of complaining.

I have been working on remembering to thank God for the challenges in life and not just the blessings. It’s not always easy to remember, but it surely gives me a different perspective when I do.

Communion was served by intinction, and I was delighted to participate. When Bob asked the usher nearby if someone serves the pastor and was told no, we arranged to be last in the line and after the pastor served us, we were humbled to serve him. Years ago I served Communion almost weekly but I cannot recall the last time I did, so this was incredibly meaningful for me.

Our prayer for this church:

Father, we pray for Your continued strength and guidance for this congregation as they prepare to welcome the King. Amen.