First Baptist Church of New Castle

Today we worshiped at First Baptist Church of New Castle, 984 W. Maitland Lane, New Castle, PA 16105, 724.658.2507, www.fbcnc.org, Mike Willmer, Lead Pastor.

 

Scripture – Matthew 28:16-20 NIV

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

 

Bob’s thoughts:

It took most of an hour to find the church we set out to visit and after discovering a conflicting name and GPS directions, we arrived at a church that was closed. Later we found it wasn’t the one we were looking for, or at least it wasn’t any more. Sometimes trusting church websites and GPS can make for interesting road trips.

During our search, we had passed this church and noticed cars in the parking lot. The service was outside with seating or in your car drive-in style; since we didn’t bring chairs, we opted to sit in the car. As it was, I got to talk to a delightful woman in the next car who answered my questions about the church, not the least of which was the name of the church to put on our check.

The church service was broadcast on FM, but we found we could hear well without it.

The outreach pastor gave the announcements, including an OK to use the restrooms in the main building and asked everyone to wear masks if we did.

I found some ushers in the parking lot where I could get bulletins and directions where to put our tithe.

The outreach pastor explained that they were completing their involvement in the Philippines and turning that mission over to City Church. Their new evangelical effort will be in Scotland; from what I have read a country where faith has all but disappeared.

The message today was from Matthew, Christ telling the disciples and others to go and make disciples of all mankind. You may not be called to a developing country to witness, but could be a nearby town, your street, the person sitting next to you in church. Evangelism is simply telling your story. Pray about it of course, but no need to rehearse a dialog beforehand. Tell your story…God will fill in the blanks.

I noticed the people trying to hold on to their Bibles and notebooks in the wind, but they were still focused on the message.

I was glad to be able to spend a few minutes with the pastor after the service.

My wife recently replaced her car and we are not as familiar with the range of this one. We ran out of gas somewhere on the turnpike, but with prayer we drove on to Cranberry to fill the tank with more than it’s supposed to hold. God has done things like this too many times for me to be surprised, just grateful.

 

Jan’s thoughts:

God still is in the business of redirecting us. Today we headed north for a church for which we later learned we had an incorrect address. However, we’d noticed this church in our driving around, and the timing was perfect, so we stayed.

This was our first parking lot worship service where we stayed in our car and tuned the radio to listen and it worked just fine. Many people sat in chairs closer to the front platform. The sound was excellent and the weather perfect.

Bob enjoyed a conversation with the woman in the car next to us who was there with her granddaughter, and a young man who was also visiting spoke with us briefly after the service.

Announcements included changes in plans for outreach, and one focuses on 20 Schemes, a Gospel church planting initiative taking place in Scotland where only 2.5% of the population is Christian. It’s an interesting project, and you can learn more by going to 20schemes.com.

Today’s message completed a 60-week series on the Book of Matthew and included the Great Commission. The pastor pointed out that this passage emphasizes three “all’s”: Jesus said ALL authority was given to Him, the apostles (and we) were commanded to go to ALL nations, and that He would be with us ALWAYS in going, baptizing, and teaching.

He addressed a current practice by many churches: events-based evangelism. This is where a church sponsors an event, invites the community, and provides an opportunity to talk about Jesus. He stated this method is not sinful, just misguided, because it lets the members “off the hook” and puts the pressure on the “professionals” to do all the talking. It counts on people coming to the church when Jesus’ command was to go to the people.

Baptizing and teaching are vital parts of the equation and to be included as well. He urged everyone to make disciples, do the necessary follow-up to help new disciples grow in their faith, and remember that Jesus promised to be with His people ALWAYS, even when we’re afraid we are.

 

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we thank You for being faithful even when we are not. We pray strength for Your church that they may eagerly go forth in the promise of Your Presence. Amen.

First Alliance Church

Today we worshiped at First Alliance Church, 111 Mission Meade Drive, New Castle, PA 16105, 724.654.4512, www.firstalliancenc.org, Rev. John McCready, Pastor.


Scripture – NLT

John 10:16 –
I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.

Acts 1:8 –
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

2 Corinthians 10:14-16 –
We are not reaching beyond these boundaries when we claim authority over you, as if we had never visited you. For we were the first to travel all the way to Corinth with the Good News of Christ.

Nor do we boast and claim credit for the work someone else has done. Instead, we hope that your faith will grow so that the boundaries of our work among you will be extended. Then we will be able to go and preach the Good News in other places far beyond you, where no one else is working. Then there will be no question of our boasting about work done in someone else’s territory.


Bob’s thoughts:

We missed a turn and arrived later than we planned so it is hard to guess if others would have greeted us. I was greeted by a Marine, which made my day.

The silhouettes on the side walls of the sanctuary were an interesting feature though I am not sure what they all represented.

There were three points to the message about a church in Portugal but I only caught the first one – serving communities. I think too many churches strive to grow bigger and forget this step; it’s the best way to grow a church.

There was a story of a man with a hole in his lung that was not given a positive prognosis. After prayer and healing his wife and daughter also came to Christ.

Having just gotten through a scary forecast myself, I bought “forever” stamps yesterday. I decided I am sure about God’s timing in my life.


Jan’s thoughts:

I was thankful for another beautiful day for a drive as we gratefully parked in a visitor spot.

We arrived with not much time to spare, so there was no opportunity to wander around. From what we saw, indoor signage was good (which means I could find the restroom without asking someone where it was).

A number of people welcomed us when we entered as well as before and after worship.

The music was led by a gentleman with an impressive voice that carried all the way to the back of the sanctuary along with a woman who provided lovely harmony.

The Order of Worship indicated the pastor will be installed Tuesday, October 8, and he confirmed that today was indeed his very first Sunday with this congregation.

As one might expect at a Christian Missionary Alliance church, the focus was on mission. The speaker, Mike Davis, and his wife (who was unable to be there today), are international mission workers in Portugal through the CMA Church.

He provided a great deal of detailed information about how their CMA Church is integrating into the community and bringing Jesus Christ to the people there. Their three goals are: serving communities, developing people, and multiplying church networks, and he detailed their efforts and successes in each area.

He closed with the encouraging reminder that “When you pray, you touch the country and the nations.”

It was a pleasure to speak with both Mike Davis and the new pastor following worship.


Our prayer for this church:
Lord, we pray You will encourage the new pastor of Your church. We pray You will bless the time he and his family are here. Amen.

First United Methodist Church

Yesterday we worshiped at First United Methodist Church, 135 Decker Drive, New Castle, PA 16105, 724.658.5577, www.firstumcnc.org, Rev. Maryann Long, Pastor.


Scripture – Luke 8:26-39 CEB

Jesus and his disciples sailed to the Gerasenes’ land, which is across the lake from Galilee. As soon as Jesus got out of the boat, a certain man met him. The man was from the city and was possessed by demons. For a long time, he had lived among the tombs, naked and homeless. When he saw Jesus, he shrieked and fell down before him. Then he shouted, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!" He said this because Jesus had already commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had taken possession of him, so he would be bound with leg irons and chains and placed under guard. But he would break his restraints, and the demon would force him into the wilderness.

Jesus asked him, "What is your name?"

"Legion," he replied, because many demons had entered him. They pleaded with him not to order them to go back into the abyss. A large herd of pigs was feeding on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs. Jesus gave them permission, and the demons left the man and entered the pigs. The herd rushed down the cliff into the lake and drowned.

When those who tended the pigs saw what happened, they ran away and told the story in the city and in the countryside. People came to see what had happened. They came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone. He was sitting at Jesus’ feet, fully dressed and completely sane. They were filled with awe. Those people who had actually seen what had happened told them how the demon-possessed man had been delivered. Then everyone gathered from the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave their area because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and returned across the lake. The man from whom the demons had gone begged to come along with Jesus as one of his disciples. Jesus sent him away, saying, "Return home and tell the story of what God has done for you." So he went throughout the city proclaiming what Jesus had done for him.


Bob’s thoughts:

I was impressed on the way in when I found signage at the entrance walk from the parking lot but I wish there had been a sign as to which doors to use. It’s embarrassing to try the set that’s still locked but not marked. Jan could be seen through the other doors and a pleasant woman came and let us in.

The great crosses outside were an added treat. The original building is ranch-style and the design of the newer sanctuary is impressive.

There is good signage and a sizeable kitchen and social area in the older part of the building. We were a little early getting in for the service which gave a number of people opportunity to welcome us.

This one of the most interestingly designed worship spaces I have seen. The blend of materials, odd angles, mix of new and ancient stained glass is truly wonderful; I should have taken a video to share. There is a great cross suspended which cast a shadow I liked as much as the cross. God’s house is ready to welcome His people.

We were talking on the hour drive from Economy about churches we have visited and people we have met. The pastor filling in at this service will serve some of these yoked churches at his next appointment.

From the message: sometimes the transforming power of Christ is overwhelming and sometimes, like me, it takes a while. I thought I was a Christian, albeit not a very good one, but after 50-some years, Christ claimed me (probably out of sympathy to my family’s prayers). But when it happened, I was completely overwhelmed.



When someone is transformed by Christ, we need to stay close and encourage and teach them. The pastor offered my favorite evangelism plan: “Tell your story.” One-on-one witnessing works; it is a personal invite to Christ.

I have wondered for some time, thinking back to when Christ claimed me, whether we mentor new Christians or discourage them. We come to Christ with zeal and as Christians we try to dampen that. Shouldn’t the exuberance of Palm Sunday or Pentecost still be part of us?

It was unfortunate the piano drowned out most of the prayer.


Jan’s thoughts:

We arrived with a bit of time to spare and were greeted by several people almost immediately and then by others after we sat. One of the ladies who greeted us also let us know the pastor was on vacation.

This building was larger than I expected, and beautifully designed. The sanctuary especially was an expert mixture of various designs tied in with contemporary rectangular blocks of stained glass and featuring a huge traditional-style genuine Tiffany stained glass window. It was all truly striking.

The signage was plentiful and I noticed many decorative touches.

The message was presented by Rev. Brandon Moore who was pleased to announce that as of July 1 he would be the pastor for three yoked congregations, Shannopin, Glenwillard, and Little Hill. He pointed out three questions coming from the story about the demon-possessed man in Luke 8:26-39:

1 – Jesus granted a request from a legion of demons;

2 – He also granted a request from a town full of unbelievers;

3 – He did not grant a request from the healed man who then believed.

The reasons, the preacher stated, were:

1 – Jesus permitted the demons to enter the pigs because it was not yet time for them to be sent into the abyss;

2 – Christ left the town at the request of the people because His mission was to the Jews;

3 – He told the man to stay in the town and witness about what Jesus had done for the man because He knew some in that town would come to believe in Him as a result.

Like the man who had been possessed, if we have been transformed, we are given the mission of proclaiming God’s mercy to not-yet-believers.

An even more arresting point he made was, “Human solutions to spiritual problems will ultimately fail.” He gave a couple of examples of conditions it seemed God meant to grow someone that were “fixed” without the spiritual application allowing complete and permanent success. I have thought long and hard about this and was surprised to identify several cases of this in my life. This concept has changed my perspective on some of the struggles and afflictions in this world.

We appreciated the time and conversation of those members who gave us some of the history behind the Tiffany-made stained-glass window.


Our prayer for this church:
Father, we pray You will continue to bless and guide this church and its leaders. Please equip and inspire this congregation to take Your message to their neighbors and the world. Encourage them to tell their story. Amen.

New Hope Wesleyan Church

Today we worshiped at New Hope Wesleyan Church, 2300 Pulaski Road, New Castle, PA 16105, 724.658.3019, www.newhopewesleyan.org, Rev. Gary DeWitt, Senior Pastor.


Scripture – Isaiah 40:27-31 NKJV

Why do you say, O Jacob, And speak, O Israel: “My way is hidden from the LORD, And my just claim is passed over by my God”?

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”


Bob’s thoughts:

I felt oddly drawn to this church today. The drive was longer but pleasant and the interstate was almost empty. I drove a little faster than normal so we arrived early and had time to look around and talk to some folks. A woman on her way to teach Sunday school pointed out where the various classes were held and offered a bulletin. There was minimal signage but we were able to find our way.

In the sanctuary there was a beautiful large decorated cross to one side, a smaller one on the Communion table, and a larger cross behind the projection screen. There is air conditioning and the seating is comfortable.

There was no Scripture in the bulletin, but we later learned a visiting pastor would deliver the message. We were pleased to be there for a baby dedication and it was a joy to watch the grandparents when the baby was fussy later in the service.

Visiting Dr. Phil asked about being successful by our standards and then by God’s, which led to why God brought me here. I have been a physical man doing what the Marine Corps taught me, always doing more than I was able. After surgery and a few parts still ailing, how can I do what Christ wanted me to do? Through the message I think I came to a little understanding what “God’s power in weakness” was about.

Since being less physical, I have found a great many people to pray with and witness to. I learned again it’s not what I thought was God’s plan, but what His plan for me actually is. I am not handicapped in His plan.

I enjoyed hearing songs I knew and relished the solo of “Just a Closer Walk With Thee.”


Jan’s thoughts:

We arrived early and, although no one was in sight, someone greeted us almost right away. She welcomed us and made sure we had bulletins, then returned to teach her Sunday school class. At her invitation, we took a self-guided tour of the building and returned to sit near the entrance and as people arrived, they stopped to greet us and chat.

When the adult Sunday school ended and the attendees left the sanctuary, we entered along with everyone else who was waiting. We were greeted by more people as we waited for the service to begin.

It was a privilege to witness the Sunday school Awana awards and the dedication of a baby during the service.

The message was presented by Dr. Philip Speas, the long-time president of Kentucky Mountain Bible College. Apparently, he is well known to this congregation, as he was introduced by his first name and there was some friendly banter between him and the pastor.

The message, “The Secret of Success,” began by defining the term which hinges on Doing versus Being. The world says success is what we can do whereas God says success begins with waiting on the Lord. The world says in order to succeed we must do the right things, but God says first we must be the right person.

He stated that although we hate to wait, spiritual success rises and falls upon our time with God. We must maintain our connection with God if we hope to do the supernatural things we are created to do in God’s strength. In order to live out the promise in this Scripture, we must rest in Him until we are changed.

This message did not just speak to me, it shouted. I was glad we were here.


Our prayer for this church:
Father, we pray that we all take time to learn Your plan for us and not just jump into the one we imagine. Amen.

Wayside Emmanuel Church

Today we worshiped at Wayside Emmanuel Church, 4437 Mitchell Road, New Castle, PA 16105, 724.652.6439, www.waysideemmanuelchurch.com, Pastor Bryan Warner.

Scripture – NIV

1 Samuel 20 –

Then David fled from Naioth at Ramah and went to Jonathan and asked, “What have I done? What is my crime? How have I wronged your father, that he is trying to kill me?”

“Never!” Jonathan replied. “You are not going to die! Look, my father doesn’t do anything, great or small, without letting me know. Why would he hide this from me? It isn’t so!”

But David took an oath and said, “Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said to himself, ‘Jonathan must not know this or he will be grieved.’ Yet as surely as the Lord lives and as you live, there is only a step between me and death.”

Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do for you.”

So David said, “Look, tomorrow is the New Moon feast, and I am supposed to dine with the king; but let me go and hide in the field until the evening of the day after tomorrow. If your father misses me at all, tell him, ‘David earnestly asked my permission to hurry to Bethlehem, his hometown, because an annual sacrifice is being made there for his whole clan.’ If he says, ‘Very well,’ then your servant is safe. But if he loses his temper, you can be sure that he is determined to harm me. As for you, show kindness to your servant, for you have brought him into a covenant with you before the Lord. If I am guilty, then kill me yourself! Why hand me over to your father?”

“Never!” Jonathan said. “If I had the least inkling that my father was determined to harm you, wouldn’t I tell you?”

David asked, “Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly?”

“Come,” Jonathan said, “let’s go out into the field.” So they went there together.

Then Jonathan said to David, “I swear by the Lord, the God of Israel, that I will surely sound out my father by this time the day after tomorrow! If he is favorably disposed toward you, will I not send you word and let you know? But if my father intends to harm you, may the Lord deal with Jonathan, be it ever so severely, if I do not let you know and send you away in peace. May the Lord be with you as he has been with my father. But show me unfailing kindness like the Lord’s kindness as long as I live, so that I may not be killed, and do not ever cut off your kindness from my family—not even when the Lord has cut off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.”

So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the Lord call David’s enemies to account.” And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself.

Then Jonathan said to David, “Tomorrow is the New Moon feast. You will be missed, because your seat will be empty. The day after tomorrow, toward evening, go to the place where you hid when this trouble began, and wait by the stone Ezel. I will shoot three arrows to the side of it, as though I were shooting at a target. Then I will send a boy and say, ‘Go, find the arrows.’ If I say to him, ‘Look, the arrows are on this side of you; bring them here,’ then come, because, as surely as the Lord lives, you are safe; there is no danger. But if I say to the boy, ‘Look, the arrows are beyond you,’ then you must go, because the Lord has sent you away. And about the matter you and I discussed—remember, the Lord is witness between you and me forever.”

So David hid in the field, and when the New Moon feast came, the king sat down to eat. He sat in his customary place by the wall, opposite Jonathan, and Abner sat next to Saul, but David’s place was empty. Saul said nothing that day, for he thought, “Something must have happened to David to make him ceremonially unclean—surely he is unclean.” But the next day, the second day of the month, David’s place was empty again. Then Saul said to his son Jonathan, “Why hasn’t the son of Jesse come to the meal, either yesterday or today?”

Jonathan answered, “David earnestly asked me for permission to go to Bethlehem. He said, ‘Let me go, because our family is observing a sacrifice in the town and my brother has ordered me to be there. If I have found favor in your eyes, let me get away to see my brothers.’ That is why he has not come to the king’s table.”

Saul’s anger flared up at Jonathan and he said to him, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Don’t I know that you have sided with the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of the mother who bore you? As long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Now send someone to bring him to me, for he must die!”

“Why should he be put to death? What has he done?” Jonathan asked his father. But Saul hurled his spear at him to kill him. Then Jonathan knew that his father intended to kill David.

Jonathan got up from the table in fierce anger; on that second day of the feast he did not eat, because he was grieved at his father’s shameful treatment of David.

In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for his meeting with David. He had a small boy with him, and he said to the boy, “Run and find the arrows I shoot.” As the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. When the boy came to the place where Jonathan’s arrow had fallen, Jonathan called out after him, “Isn’t the arrow beyond you?” Then he shouted, “Hurry! Go quickly! Don’t stop!” The boy picked up the arrow and returned to his master. (The boy knew nothing about all this; only Jonathan and David knew.) Then Jonathan gave his weapons to the boy and said, “Go, carry them back to town.”

After the boy had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together—but David wept the most.

Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’ ” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town.

Bob’s thoughts:

It is always special to be greeted by a Marine at the door to the church.

Seeing the three crosses on the outside wall prepared me for the great wooden cross inside flanked by two smaller ones. We were warmly welcomed, including by another Marine, and a number who thanked me for my service.

I had hoped that we could offer to lay hands and pray over a woman who seemed to be in some distress during the service, but couldn’t locate her afterwards.

A recent sermon elsewhere dealt with friends from whom we should distance ourselves; today’s included some of the aspects of being a good friend. The odd part was both times I heard Christ’s message for me before the pastor spoke.

When Christ claimed me, all those I had thought of as friends left me, so that message was a little late for me. But I realized I was burdened just the same with too much stuff. Today it was clear that some of my friends about whom I have been judgmental are maybe those to whom I haven’t been enough of a friend.

We have a Friend to emulate in Christ, and I pray we are up to the challenge.

A member I spoke with was lamenting the lack of tithers. I would offer that there has never been anyone who was having financial troubles to whom I recommended tithing who came back to complain. You can’t out-give God.

Jan’s thoughts:

A Marine greeted us warmly at the door and others welcomed us as well as we made our way to the restrooms and then to the sanctuary.

The fellowship time was winding down as we found our way downstairs, and had we arrived earlier we would have enjoyed the coffee and donuts. It looked like a generous spread.

In addition to the three crosses we noticed on the outside of the building, there were three at the front of the sanctuary as well.

This traditional church and blended service included somewhat contemporary songs led by an organist and several women who exhibited a pleasant harmony.

The pastor referenced last week’s message about Ruth and Naomi and stated the takeaways: loyal love is important; we must be the reflection of Jesus; we must be an encourager; and friendships matter to God. Today’s message was Friends to be Thankful For: #3 Jonathan and David.

He pointed out that Jonathan was the eldest son of the king while David was the youngest son in his family and a shepherd. They could not have been more opposite, and their relationship of mutual respect and care could only have been orchestrated by God.

This message reminded me that I need to nurture the friendships with which God has blessed me.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we pray You will continue to comfort and guide Your church to new life in You. Amen.

New Creation Free Methodist Church

Today we worshiped at New Creation Free Methodist Church, 767 Arlington Avenue, New Castle, PA 16101 724.654.7952, www.newcreationfmc.com, Lead Pastor Chuck Jewell.

Scripture – 1 Thessalonians 5:12-27 NIV

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

Brothers and sisters, pray for us. Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.

Bob’s thoughts:

We were warmly greeted by those near us and during the welcome time, and some thanked me for my service.

There is a large cross outside in front of the church and a wooden cross over diagonal paneling on the wall.

It was a real treat for me to be able to clearly and easily hear and understand the pastor.

There are two projection screens, making it easy to see the words as we sang. I enjoyed hearing the pastor get an amen when he spoke.

Was pleased to note in the bulletin that Wednesday is reserved as the Pastor’s Sabbath. Another thing that made me smile from the bulletin was See You at the Pole. When our late son was a high school junior, we got a call from the principal: “Your son is standing out by the flagpole by himself and won’t come in.” Senior year, different school, same call. We were proud he was never embarrassed by his faith.

There was an extended prayer time with various stations set up around the sanctuary. While I didn’t go to the stations, it did give me time to pray for the church and its leaders.

Enjoyed the female voice at solo at the end of the service…her voice was too big for the sanctuary. We were also privileged to witness a baptism afterward.

The church has been looking to acquire property and recently God led them to adjacent land and buildings with even a parking area. They hope to develop the green space for community involvement. God is leading them to exciting times.

Jan’s thoughts:

We were welcomed warmly by several people before we even found seats, and by others after we sat.

The sanctuary has plenty of comfortable seating and acoustics that enabled us to hear well. The male voices leading the music blended well today, and with only a keyboard and two acoustic guitars for back-up, provided a pleasant sound.

There were numerous announcements, including participation in a Samaritan’s Purse mission trip to flooded areas. This congregation seems to be very busy outside their own walls. They have recently purchased some property adjacent to their own which they plan to use to move out into the surrounding community in the hope of reaching unchurched neighbors.

Many churches have a greeting time, but this congregation greeted each other during one of the songs; it worked well.

The pastor kindly provided instructions for the planned Prayer Stations which were set up around the sanctuary. There was a kneeling rail, a prayer room, paper and a paper shredder signifying confession and repentance, stones and a bowl of water representing confession to the Lord, a Sign of Hope poster board where everyone was invited to share messages or prayers of hope, and a prayer request bowl where the prayers submitted will be prayed over at prayer gatherings.

This church does this every fourth Sunday. Obviously, prayer is a vital part of this congregation’s spiritual life.

The message focused on the Scripture passage and verse by verse the pastor pointed out the necessity of prayer in order to accomplish each Biblical command.

Following the message, everyone stepped outside for the baptism of an 11-year-old. I appreciated her testimony beforehand where she recounted accepting Christ in third grade. Praise God is all I can say.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we pray You will continue to bless Your church. Guide them in the use of this area You have given them and encourage them as they endeavor to spread Your Good News. Amen.

Castlewood Alliance Church

Today we worshiped at Castlewood Alliance Church, 660 Harmony Baptist Road, New Castle, PA 16101, 724.758.6750, www.castlewoodalliance.org, Pastor James R. O’Hara.

Scripture – NLT

1 Peter 2:4-5 –

You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor.

And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.

Hebrews 10:24-25 –

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Jeremiah 31:31-34 –

“The day is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and brought them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant, though I loved them as a husband loves his wife,” says the Lord.

“But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already,” says the Lord. “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”

2 Corinthians 3:16-18 –

But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

Romans 8:9-11 –

But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.

Philippians 2:12-13 –

Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

Bob’s thoughts:

God seems to lead us where He wants to meet with us in worship when we pull a direction sheet from the file without looking, and today was one of those.

Many people welcomed us when we came in and some after the service.

There is a larger back-lit cross on the wall and comfortable seating. The songs and Scripture were projected on a screen but sometimes the lack of contrast made it unreadable.

The pastor delivered a valuable, pointed message that was well-supported by Scripture and one I believe should be preached everywhere. We are always excited with the highs, but those times can be counterproductive when we reach the lows or even the lack of the highs, and feel God isn’t there. I read an excellent piece from Tensions by H.A. Williams in A Guide to Prayer which is published by The Upper Room: “And if apparently I am alone and he is not there that is because he will not separate his presence from my own. If he is not anything at all, if he is nothing, that is because he is no longer another. I must find him in what I am or not at all.” May we all be so blessed with this internal communion with God.

When you come together in worship, tell your story. He will use it to encourage others. Open your hearts and let Him come in. The best church I can imagine is one that is empty because the church is out doing Christ’s work.

Jan’s thoughts:

The sanctuary design is clean and simple with white walls and ceiling, muted carpet, and gray chairs. The dark brown of the molding, trim, and cross set it off nicely.

From the moment we walked in we were welcomed almost continuously.

The service began at precisely 10:30 with no apparent signal from anyone, which I found remarkable.

The lone voice leading the singing belonged to the pastor, and the organ, piano, and acoustic guitar sounded lovely.

The pastor stated that his untitled message was built on last week’s sermon about character transformation. In today’s message, he contrasted Moses’ visits with God on the Mount with the Holy Spirit living inside Christ believers. He stressed the differences between external experiences that provide a spiritual high but fade quickly and internal communion with the Spirit of God living inside Christians.

He emphasized the importance of regular prayer and Bible reading, spending time with God, growing in relationship with Him. Within that growing association there is hope for ever-increasing glory, where things get better and better within the relationship, and the best is yet to come.

He spent some time highlighting the necessity of real, authentic connection with God and with other people. He emphasized that every person is a work in progress and sometimes we fall. But believers are called to something more than pretending or being fake or phony…they are called to be real and authentic. He urged the congregation to find the courage to be honest and genuine and to encourage each other.

I was grateful God lead us here today.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we pray Your continued blessings on this, Your church. May they open their hearts and let You come in. Amen.

Harmony Baptist Church

Today we worshiped at Harmony Baptist Church, 4103 Ellwood Road, New Castle, PA 16101, 724.924.9300, www.myharmonybaptistchurch.org, Pastor Jeff MacKay.

Scripture – NKJV

Romans 8:28-29 –

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Mark 6:7-13 –

Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits.

These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”

They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.

Bob’s thoughts:

We were warmly welcomed by the usher at the door, the pastor, and many others. The pastor pointed out the sanctuary and rest room locations, though I didn’t see signage for either. Many people stopped by our pew to welcome us while I got to admire the great wooden cross with a wide drape. The ceiling is a moderate arch with engineered beams over knotty pine; the acoustics were good.

The pastor had just returned from a family trip south and spoke about the churches where they worshiped while there; somewhat of a taste of what we do. He referred to a question raised there, “Do you know more about Christ than you did last year?” A good question about our growth.

I realized today that the paper outline of the message probably helps with the congregation’s retention of the sermon.

The highlight of the message for me was the pastor relating his encounter and witness to their gas repair man. We often get that whisper from God to witness, to tell our story. You are never wrong to speak up.

A major change came for me when one of our sons was killed. My therapy was to talk about it and tell people about him. My ministry improved so much because of my passion. My healing came from this witness. I joke that at times it was by force and there may be some truth to that, but I talked to Christians and those of other faiths, and some who held no beliefs.

Years ago, I was lamenting how little reaction I noticed when I would wear one of my Christian T-shirts into a secular setting like Kennywood Park. Then I realized I may never know how God used that witness; it may not have been the person who saw my Christian message but one they told or who they asked about it. Never hesitate to tell your story…Christ may have you there for just that opportunity.

The gas repair man may not have gotten the message, maybe he didn’t need it, and maybe somebody will be saved when the story is relayed down the road. Let Christ use you, it feels great.

I missed a time of confession before Communion and the elements were shared silently; from where we sat it didn’t look like the pastor was served.

Jan’s thoughts:

We visit many rural churches and each is as individual as the people who comprise it. This one was lovely with obvious attention paid to details. One such detail was the cross in the front draped in purple and featuring a crown of thorns. As if that were not enough, a small matching cross, including drape and crown, sat on each small window sill.

At first, I thought the Scripture verses on the walls were done with paint, but up close I could see they were cut out of black paper, obviously a labor of love.

When we arrived, as we stood inside I noticed the signage and the people not just milling about, but talking excitedly, greeting each other, and hugging. More of the same went on inside the sanctuary before worship, during the greeting time, and afterward. Many people stopped to introduce themselves and welcome us, and the pastor took time to greet and talk with us and provide directions on his way into the sanctuary.

The fair-sized sanctuary was nearly full, including the overflow space in a sort of balcony with its own entrance.

The bulletin included a flyer for a movie slated to open this coming Friday, March 16, called I Can Only Imagine…it is the story behind the MercyMe song of that title. I’m not sure I’ll be able to watch it, as this is one of the songs sung at our son’s memorial service. I’m sure it will be excellent and well worth watching.

The message was entitled Ministry Principles for “Sent Ones” and focused on “The Teaching Model of Jesus/The Pattern for Jesus’ Followers” – Follow Me, Be with Me, and Go as Me.” As the pastor put it: the call from Christ is a call to conversion (seeing Him for who He is), intimacy (spending time with Him), and mission (going out with Him).

He closed with the reminder that there is a reason we are where we are. I have been reminded of this regularly of late, so I felt like he was speaking to me. I guess I needed yet one more reminder, so I am passing it along.

I greatly appreciated that the service concluded with the Sacrament of Communion.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we pray You will encourage Your church to tell their story. May they boldly witness for You. Amen.