Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church     
 
"Mission: Possible and the Journey to the Cross"

Links:

 

Messages of Grace

(Past Recorded Sermons) 













 
This Sunday
July 12, 2015


Sermon Title:
"Kingdoms in Conflict"


Scripture:
Matthew
13:24-30,
36-43 




July 9, 2015

 

Dear MLEPC Members and Friends:

  

Once again, Pastor Tim has offered this wonderful communication channel to the Mission: POSSIBLE leadership team. As we all prepare to embark on another week of mission and service for His glory - we welcome Dave Conover, who has been a huge part of this week from the very beginning, to share some words with you. As a leader in the Home Repair Ministry, Dave has spent countless hours painting, climbing ladders, working in unbearably hot houses, fixing windows, doors, toilets, and much more including listening, praying, and just showing up!

 

From Dave...

 

My first memory was as a three year old in one of the children's rooms of this church, sitting at one of those toddler tables coloring with a big fat red crayon. What I remember more than anything was the feeling - that this was good and that it was right.

 

My parents stopped attending soon afterward, but growing up in Mt. Lebanon I was surrounded by church-going friends. Tim couldn't come out to play - he was going to evening mass. Jackie had to leave the pool early - she had a bar mitzvah to attend. And Pat, he was leaving for two weeks to Camp Ligonier.

 

College was competitive and demanding. We worked hard all week and partied harder on the weekends. In the midst of this chaos came John. He was unlike any of the other students. He was calm and he had a sense of well-being. We eventually got to know that he was a Christian, and that his faith was a large part of his life and of who we was.

 

When my daughter was born there was a huge outpouring of love. Where did that come from? She was a baby and did nothing to deserve it but boy was it strong!

 

My wife and I joined this church, one reason being my earliest memory and some friends we had here. The journey now took on an accelerated pace, and the road straighter. If I meandered off course, my brothers and sisters were there to get me back on the path.

 

Then it happened. We lost our 12-year-old son to cancer. I was lost in the woods, and the path was nowhere to be found. It was dark and cold. Now my brothers and sisters in Christ carried me, comforted me, and kept me on the path that I could no longer see.

 

I've come through that period of darkness, and am again on the journey. Not always straight, not always light, but with perseverance and fellowship I am making my way.

 

Wait - what does this have to do with Mission: Possible you are thinking! You see, MP is not just about fixing houses or serving coffee or singing or sewing or doing - it is about being the face of Christ to a small child. It is about showing the world that there is a faith realm. It is about being the calm in someone's stormy life. It is about showing love to those who have not deserved it. It is about comforting those who are hurting. It is about coming alongside.

 

It is not too late to be part of this - to be someone in another's journey to the Cross no matter where they are on that path! Even if you have not signed up, please consider joining us on Monday, July 13.

 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16  

 

In Christ,

 

The Mission:POSSIBLE Team 

 

++++

Having Trouble Viewing the Clip Art?

 

If you are having trouble viewing the clip art on this Pastoral E-Letter, please go to the top of the page and click where it reads "Click Here." If you have Outlook, please right click in the image block and "download pictures."