Youth Mission Trip 2023!! New Orleans! The first day of the Youth Mission Trip began with a bang, while we had a couple issues we persevered and remained positive. Leaving the church at 4:00 this morning to start the day, on our way to the Baltimore airport our first turmoil came with the Conowingo Dam not working and a detour being taken. Finally reaching the airport we discovered the news that the plane was delayed forty-five minutes, leaving us to discover and explore the airport. After the wait we finally and safely boarded the plane, flying out and reaching New Orleans with a congratulations from the Southwest crew on our mission courtesy of Alexa Musser chatting with the attendant....
“We Are Gathered By God” There is a woman who is sitting home alone reading her Bible. There is another woman who is at the church sitting around a table surrounded by styrofoam cups, as she serves on a committee trying to plan next summer’s Vacation Bible School and mission experience for the children. The question I want to ask you is, “Which of these two women is more deeply involved in the kingdom of God?” ...
"Beach Banter" I arrived at Atlantic Beach in North Carolina last night, and I am looking forward to some sun and sand, as I take some time this week for a vacation at the beach.To be with friends and family is truly a gift.It did get me to thinking about the most important conversation on the beach that is in the Bible. Jesus takes some of the fish the disciples...
Keep ReadingFrom the Pastor "Balanced Life" I don't know about you, but when I am watching a football game, my eyes tend to be drawn to the quarterback, running backs and wide receivers, often ignoring the subtleties, but more important aspects of the game.Who is winning the war in the trenches?Both the offensive and defensive lines anchor a team, and if things aren't going well...
Keep Reading"Yes and No Faces" One time, on a trip along the U.S. border, Thomas Jefferson and his traveling companions encountered a river that had overflowed during a thunderstorm.The storm was so severe that it had washed out the only bridge going across the river.Jefferson and his friends knew the only way to get to the other side was to ford the river on horseback.One by one t...
Keep ReadingSunday, July 19, 2020 10:00 A.M. https://zoom.us/j/275111180 (Click the Zoom link here, or below, to join the service!) Message A Perfect 10 "Keeping Your Lips from the Slips" Rev. John P. Hartman Alternative opportunities for worship: Live Streaming at https://zoom.us/j/757594635 Chestnut Level ...
Keep Reading"Honoring or Idolizing?" Yesterday was another beautiful day for worship at Chestnut Level, both at our 8:00 and 10:00 A.M. services.It is so good to see folks gathering as the people of God in prayer and in song (and via Zoom).It still feels a bit awkward and different than it did a few months ago before all of the Covid-19 restrictions.I don't profess to always get it...
Keep ReadingFrom the Pastor I used to enjoy watching the tv show,"Home Improvement."Tim Allenstarred as Tim "The Tool-Man" Taylor, who also had his own tv show, "Tool Time."In one episode, Tim's wife, Jill, is going to be honored at a very elegant black tie affair banquet.It's a big deal for Jill.And so, she gives Tim the task of delivering a lovely 8x10 glossy of herself to the ph...
Keep Reading"No Fear" It was great to worship with everyone yesterday on July 5.Once again, God blessed us with wonderful weather as we were able to hold our 8:00 am service outside.A special thanks to Jillian Pontz and Olivia Musser for leading our music songs, and to Rick Rineer for his patriotic medley on the accordion.A special thanks Kim Roberts, Janet Braightmeyer, our deacon...
Keep ReadingSunday, July 5, 2020 10:00 A.M. https://zoom.us/j/275111180 (Click the Zoom link here, or below, to join the service!) Updated Worship Information 8:00 A.M. outdoor service(either stay in your car, and listen on the radio - FM 102.1.), or bring a lawn chair ...
Keep Reading"What America Means to Me" Recent events in our country has caused us to look at things in a much different way, and even to use a different vocabulary.Now I am not so naive to think that our country doesn't have problems, and that we aren't helping anyone to just sweep things under the rug and pretend that everything is okay.The reality is, they are not.There is plenty...
Keep Reading"The Kneeling King" On this Thursday, I thought I would take you back to Maundy Thursday, the night of the Last Supper, and the night that Jesus washed the disciples' feet.On that night, Jesus and the disciples are sitting around a candle lit meal. There is a sense of familiarity, something they have done before, -- but there is also an air of tension in the room. Somet...
Keep Reading"Comfort" The first sentence in Scott Peck's famous bestseller, "The Road Less Traveled" has some of life's most profound insights.And all in just three words:"Life is difficult."The Apostle Paul writes,"We have a God of comfort who comforts us, -- so that we might help others in their comfort, -- from the comfort we have already received."There seems to be a word that ...
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