Hampton Presbyterian Church

Yesterday we worshiped at Hampton Presbyterian Church, 942 East Hardies Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044, 724.443.3201, www.hamptonpresbyterian.net, Rev. Dr. Ted Martin, Senior Pastor.


Scripture – NIV

Isaiah 42:1-9 –

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.

In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”

This is what God the Lord says— the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it:

“I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

“I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols. See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.”

Ephesians 2:11-22 –

Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

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. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.


Bob’s thoughts:

I recently ran into a friend who sang with the praise team here at one time, and it reminded me that we haven’t visited for quite a while.

The first smile came from seeing a large wooden cross right inside the door. We were greeted and engaged in conversation and someone offered to bring us a cup of coffee. I was delighted to see the praise team gathered for prayer before the service.

Projected signage for restrooms would be helpful.

I didn’t realize the first song wasn’t one to sing along and didn’t recognize the lyrics; the rest were on the screen but we sat off to one side and it was hard to read at times. The pastor spoke with a mic but was easier to understand when he turned toward us.

For the children’s message, the pastor read to them “The Little Blue Truck” which even now I could probably still recite. It was a great message that the children grasped and finished well in good time.

There was a prayer of illumination before the Scripture, as it should be. The message dealt with social justice with compassion and care. We have somehow gotten to the point where everyone who doesn’t agree with us is a (fill in the blank). There seems to be no room for understanding.

I remember this service to be a lot darker and the music somewhat harsh so I was surprised to hear older praise music in a much brighter area.


Jan’s thoughts:

As we entered the building, the music floating down the hallway led us to the worship area.

It has been eight years since we visited this church and the Turning Point (contemporary) service has changed dramatically from what I recall the first time we were here. The room is filled with light and plenty of seating, including several large round tables, at which we chose to sit.

We were welcomed warmly by several folks who had also arrived early. They took the time to introduce themselves, told us about the church, and made sure we got a cup of coffee. Several people greeted us after worship as well. This degree of visitor hospitality is remarkable for a church with three services.

The praise team had a harmonious sound but I had trouble understanding the words both sung and spoken. We sat on the outskirts of the seating area because the speakers were not aimed in that direction, so perhaps that had something to do with it. Or maybe the very high ceiling, I don’t know.

This service was blessed to have the Children’s Message, and this day it was a reading of the children’s book The Little Blue Truck and a corresponding lesson about cooperation and being helpful.

The new Music Director was introduced to the congregation and she was welcomed with enthusiasm.

I was pleased the Prayer For Illumination was given before the reading of Scripture.

The message, entitled Belhar: Ministry of Reconciliation, was presented and explained in detail by the Associate Pastor, Rev. Ryan Pixton. He taught that the Belhar Confession was written in 1986 and added to the Book of Confessions in 2016. Crafted by the Dutch Reformed Mission Church in response to the ugliness of apartheid, it focused on unity, reconciliation, and justice. Their stated intent was that it not be heard as a theological debate, but as a cry from the heart; that there was no hidden agenda, just a recognized need for confession and redemption through Christ and a prayer for God to bring good from the situation.

It was enlightening and educational and I was glad we were led here.


Our prayer for this church:
Lord, we pray for Your constant enlightenment upon Your church May they continue to follow Your plans and direction. Amen.

Elfinwild Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at Elfinwild Presbyterian Church, 3200 Mt. Royal Boulevard, Glenshaw, PA 15116, 412.486.5400, www.elfinwildchurch.org, Rev. Dr. Dirk Lesnett, Pastor.


Scripture – Ephesians 6:10-20 NIV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.


Bob’s thoughts:

We were blessed being led here for worship today to witness two baptisms…always a joy. We got to greet a former coworker of Jan’s before the service and another good friend after worship.

I think we arrived too close to start time for anyone but the usher to greet us.

I had forgotten how much I liked the cross high on the chancel wall.

In the sermon, he mentioned that in difficult or troubled times, put your trust in God. I would offer, when you are there, nothing else will get you through but trust in God. When you have been knocked down so unbelievably and then manage somehow to stand, that’s God. No matter what, Christ will see you through.

We were thankful to have a few minutes of the pastor’s time after the service and I was glad to get a copy of the prayer list.


Jan’s thoughts:

Only after God called us to visit Elfinwild today did we realize it has been a little more than seven years since were here last.

There seemed to be a great deal of excitement in the air, and after looking at the bulletin, we realized it was because this was a special day: two little ones were being baptized!

Several people greeted us before and during the service, and I had the joy of seeing several friends from the past including a former coworker and his wife.

The contemporary music was a surprise, along with the praise team. They were delightful though, the volume was perfect, and I enjoyed it very much.

As it is now back-to-school season for college students, the pastor asked those who will leave for college to come forward for prayer. It was a warm send-off during which he reminded parents that their “children” were actually leaving home, and when they returned, it would be for the purpose of a visit. In my experience, that’s absolutely true and almost impossible to comprehend until it happens. It’s also very hard.

The pastor explained the basis of this summer’s message series is the meaning and interpretation of the supporting Scripture of the intricate stained-glass designs adorning the windows in the sanctuary. Today the design was the Shield of Faith based on the Scripture above.

He reminded everyone that we are involved in a spiritual battle, whether or not we like it, and the Shield of Faith is given by God as a guard for our lives and hearts against the fiery arrows Satan means to destroy God’s people. Arrows such as the death of a loved one are large fiery arrows, but there are other arrows too, such as the loss of a friendship, a job, or a dream.

He made the point that it matters greatly in what we put our faith…better yet, in Whom: our faith must be in Jesus Christ and not in our own strength. Jesus preserves our spiritual life with God and His strength is a sure thing.

We appreciated our conversations with the pastor and with our other friends following worship.


Our prayer for this church:
Lord, we thank You for breathing life into Your church and ask that You guide and use them as You will. Amen.

One Church

Today we worshiped at One Church, 2030 Swallow Hill Road, (Chartiers Valley Intermediate School), Pittsburgh, PA 15220, 412.552.3140, www.onechurchpgh.com, Brandon Stephenson, Lead Pastor.


Scripture – James 5 NIV

Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.


Bob’s thoughts:

This church was recommended by one of the worship leaders and we were looking forward to visiting; unfortunately, he was out of town today.

The church meets in the auditorium of a school, which required a drive around the building to locate the entrance. We wished for some additional signs to let us know to keep driving.

We were warmly greeted in the lobby, including by a young woman who had gone to school with some of our daughters.

The praise team sounded pleasant and the volume was just right. My only disappointment was in not finding a cross.

The sermon seemed to be titled Final Advice based on Scripture from James 5. The first point I could easily relate to: not focusing on stuff. When one of my brothers and my father-in-law died, both collectors of tools and stuff, a lot of what they had came to me. Many would consider this a blessing but it was soon revealed to me as a burden. It was quite a job to release it all but a blessing to send to organizations who could use it.

We have proven that you can’t out-give God; we have been overwhelmingly blessed.

We were grateful for the talk with the pastor and members. This is one of the few churches to recognize that having a building of your own does not a church make, as soon the building consumes your faith. I think this would be a good church to grow with.


Jan’s thoughts:

A former neighbor who is on staff here invited us to worship, but since he was away this weekend, we’ll have to come back to worship with him.

This church is only about 1½ years old, and they have been working with focus and intention to reach the surrounding community.

We walked in the door and were immediately greeted by a friendly woman with whom we struck up a conversation. She pointed out the restrooms, worship area, and coffee and refreshments, and the pleasant conversation just continued. We were joined by one of the teachers and then by an eagle-eyed woman who went to high school with two of our daughters. I was floored when she stopped to talk after recognizing us!

The contemporary music was led by two guitarists and a drummer. It was well presented and the volume was perfect.

The message series was called Dear Church – James, and today was the final installment. The pastor pointed out that James, in his blunt wisdom, instructed his readers in how to live their lives by telling them to love God and love people.

James told the wealthy they were missing their calling from Christ by focusing too much on their wealth, that they should use their wealth to bless others. The pastor stated wealth is not a blessing when it distracts us from our relationship with God and how we use our wealth can give evidence against our hearts.

James advised the oppressed and poor to be patient together and stay faithful to God. He assured them they would be blessed because of their perseverance.

The bottom line is: love God and love people. That’s all that matters.

This is one of very few churches we have visited that celebrate Communion weekly and I’m certain God will bless them for it. I was glad Bob had a sharp object to open the bread portion of the prepackaged elements.

We appreciated the time the pastor took to speak with us after worship and the warm welcome when we arrived.


Our prayer for this church:
Lord, thank You for leading us to Your church. We pray for Your continued guidance as they grow in Your love and grace. Amen.

From The Mouths of Babes

We spent last weekend helping our daughter in North Carolina move to a new apartment.

Monday morning, we packed up and headed north. That afternoon, a tractor trailer crashed into the median on northbound I-79 and we were stopped in our tracks near the Fairmont exit. After sitting for what seemed like hours, we found ourselves in a position to turn onto 79 southbound and trekked through some winding back roads thanks to GPS. We got back on 79 just north of the accident site where emergency vehicle lights were still visible.

Jan suggested to our 8-year-old grandtwins traveling with us that we should pray for the wellbeing of those involved in the accident. Parker said he already was. Later when we learned that the only person involved (the driver) was okay, Kenzie replied, “Of course, we prayed for him.”

May we all be blessed with the faith of a child.