Blog

“Thankfulness”  This Thursday, we are going to celebrate with family members and give thanks to God as we eat and fellowship with one another. The word for giving thanks is a Greek verb, from which we get the word, “eucharist,” which means to give thanks or thank… Read More

“The Joy of Thanksgiving”  Thanksgiving has a long history of celebration in the United States. Starting with the Pilgrims landing in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1622, to George Washington declaring a day of Thanksgiving to God for the blessings of becoming a new nation, to h… Read More

“High Octane Hope”  There was a fellow who one day decided to go on a cruise ship. No sooner did he leave port, when he was overcome by a terrible case of seasickness. He was leaning over the railing, doing you-know-what when you are 3 shades of green, when a crew membe… Read More

“Letting God Bless You”  The Beatitudes are a series of nine proclamations, nine blessings that Jesus delivers at the beginning of his Sermon on the Mount. And, I am sure that at times, these Beatitudes have inspired us. At other times they have confused us. And, t… Read More

“Most Blessed”        Believe it or not, some of the commercials on television contain secular versions of the beatitudes. Do you remember the Southwest airline commercial a few years ago that had the tagline, “Wanna Get Away?” … Read More

“No Reserve! No Retreat! No Regrets!”  Born in 1887, as an heir to the Borden dairy fortune, Bill Borden converted as a youth to Christianity and went on to graduate from Yale University and attend Princeton Seminary. While a student there, he came under the influe… Read More

“The Doctrine of Election” Since Election Day is tomorrow, I thought I would talk about election, -- but a very different kind of election. I am talking about the doctrine of election. It is about God choosing us before the foundations of the earth for His purpose and glor… Read More

“Humility and Leadership” On this weekend before the Presidential election, I want to talk politics, -- but only to the extent about our first president, -- George Washington, who the Men’s Monday morning Bible study were reading about a few weeks ago. George Washington w… Read More

Bible Study Join Pastor John Hartman and Pastor Bob Bronkema for a one hour show online as they discuss some of the contemporary issues in sports today and look at them through a theological lens. Each will bring their own perspectives on the perks and plagues in the sports world and dissect them… Read More

“Choosing Wisely” One of the things that I wonder is if the coronavirus is sparking a spiritual awakening in America. Hedging my bet, my answer is a definite… “maybe.” Some churches are still closed, some are open, and online platforms (like Zoom, Facebook… Read More

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83319649299 Meeting ID: 833 1964 9299 One tap mobile +13017158592,,83319649299# US (Germantown) +13126266799,,83319649299# US (Chicago) … Read More

“Mastering the Tune” I love the story of Mark Twain’s wife, Olivia, who was often pained and embarrassed by her famous husband’s habit of swearing. Mark Twain learned to cuss with the best of them, -- from the shipmen of the Mississippi steamboats, and all the way to … Read More

“Purity” In the December 2007 issue of The Journal of Environmental Health, researchers conducted a study of the lemons that typically garnish drinks at your average restaurants. What they found is that in almost 70% of the cases, these lemons were infected by a bonanza of differ… Read More

  Join Pastor John tonight for a Bible Study on the parables of Jesus via Zoom. See link below. Everyone is welcome to join us for this study and discussion! Click on the link below to join! Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83319649299 Meeting ID: … Read More

Join Pastor John Hartman and Pastor Bob Bronkema for a one hour show online as they discuss some of the contemporary issues in sports today and look at them through a theological lens. Each will bring their own perspectives on the perks and plagues in the sports world and dissect them through a Chri… Read More

“Focused Driving” Have you ever had a spiritual experience while driving? If you’ve ever had a teenager with a Learner’s Permit, then I am sure you have. On the other hand, have you ever been behind the wheel and had one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments where … Read More

From the Pastor “Tender Mercies!” In his book, “The Eight Blessings,” pastor and author, Shane Stanford, tells of a time he was coming out of a breakfast meeting and noticed a woman sitting in her car and crying intensely. He didn’t want to intrude. After … Read More

Join Pastor John tonight for a Bible Study on the parables of Jesus via Zoom. See link below. Everyone is welcome to join us for this study and discussion! Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83319649299 Meeting ID: 833 1964 9299 One tap mobile +13017158592,,83319649299# … Read More

“Bold Faith” Nine years ago, on October 5, 2011, Steve Jobs, the visionary co-founder of Apple, which revolutionized the computer, music and mobile communications industries with such devices as the Macintosh, I-Pod, I-Phone, and I-Pad, died at the age of 56, of complications from pan… Read More

From the Pastor “What Are You Hungry For?” Let me start off with a question, “How much do you want God and how badly do you really want to live for Him? Be careful before you answer, because there’s a lot at stake here. Pastor, author, and radio host John MacArt… Read More

Join Pastor John and his guest co-leader, Dr. Bill Slater, from Wake Forest Baptist Church each week as they co-lead a Bible Study on the parables of Jesus via Zoom. See link below. Everyone is welcome to join us for this study and discussion! Click on the link below to join! Join Zoom Me… Read More

“Burning Desire” A few years ago there was a story in the news about a former California teacher, who had taught for 17 years, despite the fact that he was completely unable to read, write or spell. John Corcoran tells of being labeled “dumb” or “disruptive,&r… Read More

“Industrial Strength Meekness” How many of you have seen The Lord of the Rings movies, or read the trilogy? Well, according to author James Howell, the hobbits in J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings are an excellent example of what “meekness” is all about. … Read More

Bible Study on the Parables of Jesus - The Sower September 23 - 7:00 P.M. via zoom. Mark 4:3-9 (14-20, Jesus’ explanation)   Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83319649299 Meeting ID: 833 1964 9299   … Read More

“True Grit” If you are like me, you are probably tired about a lot of things. You are tired of this whole coronavirus business. You are tired of masks, social distancing, the promise of a vaccine, and when it might all end and be back to normal. You are also probably … Read More

“The God of Comfort” One of the more tasteless jokes around is the old line, “Well apart from that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play?” There was no play to enjoy that night at Ford’s Theatre, as in one shattering moment, our nation’s President, Abr… Read More

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83319649299 Meeting ID: 833 1964 9299 One tap mobile +13017158592,,83319649299# US (Germantown) +13126266799,,83319649299# US (Chicago)… Read More

Bible Study "Sports Spirit" Join Pastor John Hartman and Pastor Bob Bronkema for a one hour show online as they discuss some of the contemporary issues in sports today and look at them through a theological lens. Each will bring their own perspectives on the perks and plagu… Read More

“Exit Interview” I don’t know what the ratings were for yesterday’s NFL games, or the game in prime time last night. I also have no idea how they will be for the Giants – Steelers game on Monday Night Football tonight. They will have at least one viewer, --… Read More

“9/11” Today is September 11. It is hard to believe that it has been 19 years since that beautiful Tuesday morning in 2001, when our lives were changed, and nothing has been the same since. As we relive that day in our minds and through the many pictures and images on televi… Read More

Join Pastor John and his guest co-leader, Dr. Bill Slater, from Wake Forest Baptist Church each week as they co-lead a Bible Study on the parables of Jesus via Zoom. See link below. Everyone is welcome to join us for this study and discussion! Click on the link below to join! Talent for S… Read More

“That’s a Wrap!” When the filming of the final scene of a movie is completed, the director will often yell, “Cut! Print it! That’s a wrap!” Today concludes my summer series on the Ten Commandments. I sure hope you have enjoyed listening to… Read More

“The Greener Grass Syndrome” As I continue my series of devotionals this week on the tenth commandment, to be clear, God forbids that we have a “covetous mindset.” Did you know that in the original draft of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson wrote tha… Read More

“No Coveting!”  I finished up with my sermon series on the Ten Commandments yesterday, preaching on the ninth commandment against lying, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” As I will be away for the Labor Day weekend next Sunday, I will no… Read More

“To Tell The Truth” A few months ago, I watched the movie, “Richard Jewell.” Richard Jewell was the security guard who discovered a bomb in Atlanta’s Centennial Park during the 1996 Summer Olympics. The bomb exploded killing a woman and injuring over… Read More

“Faith in the Fog”  It was great to be back outside for worship at 8:00 am yesterday. I was a little nervous making the early morning ride to church from Kirkwood, because it was so foggy and hard to see very far in front of me when I was driving. And even though it d… Read More

“Yours, Mine, & God’s” There’s a famous story that St. Augustine tells in his Confessions about a time he and his friends snuck into an orchard one evening and stole a bunch of pears. Later on as he reflected on it, Augustine admitted that he stole those pears sim… Read More

“God’s Plans”  “Well, it was inevitable.” “It had to happen sometime.” “It couldn’t go on forever.” “Don’t forget, this is Pennsylvania!” These were just some of the thoughts and comments that I… Read More

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“Love for a Lifetime”  A minister decided to try something a little different one Sunday morning at church. He said to the congregation, “Today I’m going to say a single word and you’re going help me preach. Whatever word I say, I want you to sing the … Read More

“X-Raying Your Faith”  As I shared over the weekend, I suffered a fall last week while exercising, and wound up cracking 2 ribs. Unfortunately, there is not much the doctors can do, as ribs can’t be splinted or put into a cast. It is going to take the normal heali… Read More

“Summer Faith” The alarm goes off. You leap out of bed and grab a quick shower. You shovel in a bowl of cornflakes and hurry out to the car, giving your spouse a peck on the cheek and reminding them not to forget that tonight is “Pizza Night.” On your way … Read More

“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 import… Read More

From 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… Read More

“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… Read More

Sunday, 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 Alter… Read More

“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 th… Read More

From the Pastor I used to enjoy watching the tv show, “Home Improvement.” Tim Allen starred 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 ele… Read More

“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… Read More

Sunday, 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 (eith… Read More

“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 anyon… Read More

“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 ar… Read More

“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 Apostl… Read More

“Peace” Several years ago, a young, 11 year old girl named Marie, share what life was like living in the Middle East, specifically, the country of Lebanon. Her whole life has basically been living in that war-torn land. She explains her difficult situation by writing, &ldquo… Read More

“Aged to Perfection”     Yesterday was another great day of worship at Chestnut Level. At 8:00 A.M. the weather was beautiful outside, the music upbeat, and the preacher not half bad. It was a joy to welcome Connor Musser, Olivia Musser and Luke Smith as … Read More

“Faithfulness”  Tony Campolo tells about a friend of his who was traveling on a train just outside London. He was sharing a compartment with two other men. About twenty minutes out of the station, one of the men fell to the floor with an apparent epileptic seizure. … Read More

“Telehandler Encouragement”  A couple of weeks ago I was working at the church, when Chestnut Level’s own Tom Henry called me. He said he needed to see me right away. So, I went there quickly, thinking it was a pastoral emergency. Instead, Tom beamed with pri… Read More

Join Pastor John and his guest co-leader, Rev. Dr. Michael Wilson, who will be leading a Bible Study tonight on Matthew 24:32-35, The Parable of the Fig Tree. Everyone welcome to join us for this study and discussion! Michael Wilson is the Stated Clerk/Facilitator for Developing Leaders for Doneg… Read More

Join Pastor John and his guest co-leader, Rev. Dr. Michael Wilson, who will be leading a Bible Study tonight on Matthew 24:32-35, The Parable of the Fig Tree. Everyone welcome to join us for this study and discussion! Michael Wilson is the Stated Clerk/Facilitator for Developing Leaders for Doneg… Read More

     “Not Perfect”  Ken Medema is a Christian musician who was born blind. His parents taught him to play games, ride a bike, and even water-ski. It isn’t that they were callous to his condition of not being able to see, it’s just th… Read More

“No Need to Fear” One of the joys of being a child growing up in the 1960’s, was the abundance of classic cartoons on TV. You know they are “classics,” because they had stood the test of time and are still watched by children today. When I talk about classi… Read More

“What ‘This’ Is”  In the movie, “City Slickers,” Billy Crystal plays a New York advertising agent who has a terminal case of the mid-life blues. He is bored with his job, bored with his marriage, bored with his life. On his thirty-ninth birthda… Read More

“Inner Space”   I came across the most charming video on YouTube. It’s about a dad who sent his son’s little toy train into space. This dad took his little boy’s favorite toy, – A Thomas The Tank Engine train, hooked it up to a weathe… Read More

“Cherish”           I just love the word “cherish.” Some of you may remember a love song back in the 1960’s by The Association called simply, “Cherish.” Part of the song goes, “Cherish is the word I u… Read More

    Join Pastor John and his guest co-leader, John Minihan, will be leading a Bible Study tonight on Matthew 20, the parable of the workers in the vineyard. Everyone welcome to join us for this study and discussion! Our guest leader, Rev. Dr. John Minih… Read More

“Heavenly Citizenship”   The late theologian and author, R.C. Sproul tells of a time he was invited to do a series of lectures in Eastern Europe, culminating with a trip to Romania. Now he and his group were warned that the border guards in Romania could be quite hostil… Read More

“MacGyver Ministry”  Do you remember the TV show, “MacGyver,” starring Richard Dean Anderson? It ran from 1985-1992, which is an eternity in network television. It was a pretty successful show, and had its own cult following. In fact, it was so successf… Read More

“A Hallelujah from Head to Toe”         Yesterday, we returned to in-person worship for the first time since March 15. It was wonderful to once again be together after all this time apart. We began with our 8:00 am outdoor service. The weath… Read More

“Traveling Anxieties”               The summer conjures up images of picnics, the beach, the mountains, or just day trips in the car. After being homebound for 3 months, people are ready to move and groove, and b… Read More

Join Pastor John and his friend, John Winings, as they lead a Bible Study on the book of John, Chapter 4, The Woman at the Well.   Thursday, June 11, 2020 11:00 A.M. https://us04web.zoom.us/j/805070626    One tap mobile - 805070626# US Toll… Read More

Join Pastor John and his guest co-leader John Winings, will be leading a Bible Study tonight on John 4; Jesus and the woman at the well. Everyone welcome to join us for this study and discussion! We are happy to have John Winings co-teach the Adult Zoom Study this evening. John is a g… Read More

“Be Like Jesus”            As I watched the Michael Jordan documentary on ESPN, I had forgotten what a global icon he became, and how his successes on the basketball court led to many business opportunities off the court. MJ earned rou… Read More

“Thanks for the Thorns” Last month, I finished up my Adult Zoom study on the Book of James. I offer my thanks to those who tuned in, and for those friends of mine who helped me lead it. We finished up with James 5 (13-16), and specifically, the subject of prayer and sufferin… Read More

Sunday, June 7, 2020 Communion Sunday 10:00 A.M. https://zoom.us/j/275111180… Read More

“Not The Way It’s Supposed to Be”            In the movie, “Grand Canyon,” an immigration lawyer played by Kevin Kline finds himself stuck in Los Angeles traffic after a Lakers’ basketball game. Rather than waiting it out, he … Read More

 “The Impossible Dream” A couple of weeks ago, I was watching a video on YouTube of the TV show, “Britain’s Got Talent.” In this show, two brothers come out on stage and sing beautifully the song, “The Impossible Dream,” -- leaving the audience … Read More

“Spirit of the Living God”             Yesterday was Pentecost Sunday, and as we come into Monday, some of you might be wondering, “Now what?” In other words, what are we supposed to do as this empowered church, wi… Read More

Sunday, May 31, 2020 Pentecost Sunday 10:00 A.M. https://zoom.us/j/275111180 Join Pastor John Hartman on the link above for live streaming service today,   "A Karaoke Church"… Read More

Join Pastor John and a guest co-leader each week for a virtual Bible Study on the Book of James.   This week’s guest co-leader will be Rev. David Drain. Pastor Drain and his wife, Marion, are residents at Willow Valley Retirement Community, They came from Lakeland, Flori… Read More

“The Fruit of Kindness”              I find myself being overwhelmed with all the information that is being thrown at me on a daily basis. It seems to be coming at me from different places, and some of it is even a bit contradictory. W… Read More

          Join Pastor John and a guest co-leader each week for a virtual Bible Study on the Book of James.             This week’s guest co-leader will be Rev. David Drain. Pastor Drain and his wife, Marion, are residents… Read More

“You Preach First”              In Acts 1:6, the disciples asked Jesus, “Lord are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” And Jesus answers, No! You will!” One pastor was j… Read More

Join us tonight for “Let’s Gather the Flock” at 6:30 pm. EVERYONE is invited to join us as we spend some time connecting with our church family. Pastor John will kick off our discussion as he possess life questions from, "The Book Of Questions" https://us04web.zoom.us… Read More

“PhD Faith”           Does it really matter to you if Christianity is true? Or, what really matters is that you believe in “something” that brings out the best in you, -- your daily horoscope, your innate ability to problem-solve, or your own … Read More

“Being the Church”          Several years ago, there was a church conference that basically was trying to answer the question, “How does the Church reach the postmodern generation?” Now, space does not permit me to fully explain what &ldq… Read More

Sunday, May 24, 2020 10:00 A.M. https://zoom.us/j/275111180 "Do All Things Really Work for Good?" Rev. John Hartman… Read More

The Hidden Purpose of God   There is a story told by the Chinese philosopher, Lin Yu Tang, about an old man who lived with his son. One day the old man’s only horse wandered off and was lost. The man’s neighbors told him how sorry they were about his misfortune. The… Read More

“Ascension of the Lord”   One cold, wintery day, some children put a top hat on a snowman, and in a spell of Christmas magic, he came to life. Frosty the Snowman showed those children the time of their lives. With Frosty, their sleds slid further than they ever had… Read More

Join Pastor John and guest co-leader, Rev. John W. Johnson, for a virtual Bible Study on the Book of James. Wednesday, May 20 at 6:30 P.M. https://us04web.zoom.us/j/593320391  One tap mobile - 593320391# US Toll… Read More

“A Coat of Kindness”    Ever wonder, why do we visit the sick and give food to the hungry? As Presbyterians, steeped in reformed theology, it is not because we are saved by our works. It is not to get on the “good side” of God. It is because J… Read More

“Calm Assurance”   I don’t know about you, but his whole Covid-19, coronavirus, quarantined, stay-at-home-order stuff has gotten really frustrating, tiresome, -- and the end is still not in sight for those of us living in Lancaster County.… Read More

“Luck or Grace?”    Have you ever stopped to think about the “near misses” in your life? What I mean is those narrow, knee-knocking escapes that could have killed you, -- but you’re still here and still alive. The author, Scott Peck, writes: … Read More

From the Pastor “Grace of Giving”    For many of us, giving goes against our grain. It is our nature to give as little as possible while attempting to get as much as possible back. We are a lot like the elderly rich man who was about to die. He called in hi… Read More

Join Pastor John and guest, Rev. Charlie Gross, former CLPC member and retired Pastor of Westgrove Presbyterian Church, this morning, May 14, at 11:00 A.M. on Zoom. There will be time for questions and answers at the end of the study.   … Read More

“The Need for a Savior” Ravi Zacharias, the international evangelist, tells a story about going to see a play with a friend when he was preaching in Vietnam, back in 1974. In the play, a prince had stolen the wife of a peasant who was newly married. The prince refused to giv… Read More

Join Pastor John and special guest, Rev. Charlie Gross, a former CLPC member and retired pastor of the Westgrove Presbyterian Church. They will lead a joint study on the Book of James this Wednesday night at 6:30 P.M. and Thursday morning at 11:00 A.M. on Zoom. There will be time for questio… Read More

“Answer The Call”  I love the story of when Dr. Tony Campolo, a well-known Christian author and speaker was at a mission rally and was asked to lead in prayer for a missionary doctor that the group supported. The missionary doctor needed $5,000 for the clinic he ran. … Read More

Join us tonight for “Let’s Gather the Flock” at 6:30 pm. EVERYONE is invited to join us as we spend some time connecting with our church family. Zoom In and Gather with us! Laugh with us! Share with us! Show off your incredible brain power! TONIGHT - 6:30 P.M. htt… Read More

“Two Words”    “The Blind Side” was a book and a movie about a young man named Michael Oher. Big Mike, as he was known, was born into poverty in a drug-riddled ghetto in Memphis. Sadly, he never knew his father, and worse, his mother was a drug a… Read More

“The Face of Jesus”   I heard the story of a young mother who died of cancer, leaving behind her husband and their little boy. The man and the little boy came home from the funeral at the cemetery. And in the grief of his pain, this young father could think of noth… Read More

“Honoring Mothers”   Several years ago, I was in New Jersey for my grandmother’s 98th birthday party, and it was a Karaoke extravaganza, where my Dad brought his musical troupe to sing 27 – yes that’s right, 27 songs! And so there I sat markin… Read More

“The National Day of Prayer”   After a lot of controversy, a nightclub was getting ready to open its doors for business on the main street of a small Pennsylvania town. The town’s only church called for an all-night prayer meeting. And at the prayer meeting, … Read More

“North vs. South”  I was born in the north (New Jersey), but lived in the south for 25 years. And now, I am back in the north, in the great state of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Have you ever wondered what’s the difference between northerners and southern… Read More

“Good Spell” Someone has described the five types of problems we battle in our lives. They are: Loneliness, despair, aimlessness, fear and emptiness. It doesn’t matter if we received our stimulus check from the government or not. Or, how tired we are of z… Read More

“He Knows My Name” There is a praise song that our wonderful Chestnut Level Praise Team sings that is titled, “He Knows My Name.” The chorus of the song goes, “He knows my name. He knows my every thought. He sees each tear that falls, and hears me… Read More

Live Streaming Worship Service - Sunday, May 3 at 10:00 A.M. Rev. John Hartman - "Cardio Christianity" Please join us by clicking on the link below: https://zoom.us/j/275111180 Meeting ID: 275 111 180… Read More

“Forgiven and Forgotten”               I love the story of the bishop who was a confessor for a nun. One day the nun told him that Jesus Christ had revealed himself to her, -- in person! Well, the bishop understandably had doubts about … Read More

Join Pastor John and Rev. Bob Bronkema, First Presbyterian Church Strasburg, as they lead a Bible study together this morning, April 30, at 11:00 A.M,. on the Book of James via Zoom. There will be time for questions and answers at the end of the study. Thursday, April 30 at 11:00 A.M. h… Read More

“Heart of Good”   David Breashears is an American mountaineer, filmmaker, author, and motivational speaker. In 1985, he reached the summit of Mount Everest a second time, becoming the first American to reach the summit of Mount Everest more than once. He was on Mou… Read More

“No Guilty Dollars”     Larry the Sad Boy, one of the inhabitants of Garrison Keillor’s “Lake Wobegon” was saved 12 times in the Lutheran church, an all-time record. Keillor describes the scene this way. “Between 1953 and 1961, he threw … Read More

“Super Committed” In tuning into sports talk radio as I drive back and forth to church during the week, it’s fascinating to listen to what various professional leagues and colleges are going to do in moving forward. To play or not play the games? And if they do, s… Read More

“Aging Gracefully”  Even at the age of 92, Jack LaLanne, the “Godfather of Fitness,” continued to work out every morning for two hours, one and half hours in the weight room and a half hour in the pool. He told Katie Couric, “I can’t afford to die… Read More

“Green-Shaded Glasses”  According to my Presbyterian calendar, today is “Earth Day.” Well, growing up in New Jersey, I used to hear a lot of jokes about air pollution, being so close to the metropolitan area. We used to say, “We wake up to the soun… Read More

“Walk the Line”  The appeal of Johnny Cash was wide ranging. He was a singer, songwriter, musician, actor, and author. He crossed over into a variety of musical genres including country, rock and roll, blues, folk, and gospel. He is arguably one of the best-selli… Read More

“We Imitate Whom We Adore” St. Augustine once said, “We imitate whom we adore.” Why did the Nike brand grow so much that every young person in the world, in every far corner of this planet, wanted to wear Nike sneakers? Because of one person: Michael Jordan.&nb… Read More

“The Transforming Moment”   One of my professors at Princeton Theological Seminary was Dr. James Loder. He was a professor of the Philosophy of Christian Education and a Presbyterian minister. Years ago he was headed with his wife and two daughters to Quebec, Canada for … Read More

“In Christ Alone”  Last week, during a Bible study, someone mentioned Chuck Colson. Chuck Colson was involved in the Watergate scandal, and actually went to prison. While in prison, he became a Christian, and later he founded Prison Fellowship Ministries. He tells … Read More

Thursday, April 16, 2020 11:00 A.M. https://us04web.zoom.us/j/805070626 (Click the Zoom link here, or below, to join the service!) Join Pastor John for a virtual Bible Study on the Book of James, Th… Read More

Join Pastor John for a virtual Bible Study on the Book of James, Wednesday, April 15 at 6:30 pm, or, Thursday, April 16 at 11:00 A.M.  The study will be the same each week, just available at different times to view and join in.  If you would like to participate, please cl… Read More

“Investment Day”  Today is April 15, which means it is Tax Day. And even though the government has extended the filing deadline to July 15, April 15 has been the deadline for filing your income tax returns since 1955. It got me to thinking, not so much about taxe… Read More

“Chestnut Level Flock”  As a country, we used to be more of a nation of joiners. I have seen that most often when reading the obituaries of an older adult who has died. I am always impressed with the long list of clubs and organizations that these people belonged to. Fo… Read More

“After Easter”  Back in 1970, I remember a CBS TV show called, “Can You Top This?”  It wasn’t on very long, only 8 months. As you might guess, that notorious game show host, Wink Martindale, with his pearly white teeth, was the host.&n… Read More

“God’s Friday”   Today is Good Friday, and while we are not having a worship service this evening, it is important to understand a bit better its meaning and why it is important. Good Friday is a critical day for Christians, because it celebrates what we believe to … Read More

“The Table of Reconciliation” It’s late at night, and Jesus is in the hands of the Roman authorities, and he’s being bounced back and forth in a kangaroo court trial. Peter is in the courtyard, warming himself next to a fire, and standing next to him is a teenage gi… Read More

“See Jesus”    A young new pastor was invited to lead Sunday evening worship at senior adult retirement community. She gladly accepted the invitation and began pouring herself in to her sermon preparation. She didn’t want to deliver just a good sermon, but a … Read More

“The Secret of Success”   Toward the end of Jesus’ life, he had a conversation with his disciples. James and John had seen all of it coming together and figured, “It’s now or never.” They needed to nail down their cabinet posit… Read More

"The Calm Before The Storm"  James Bonham, a fiery young lawyer from South Carolina, had been in Texas for only three months, but his yearning for freedom left him no choice but to march alongside these Texans in their battle for liberty. He volunteered for service at the Alamo, a small m… Read More

“Riding Into Our Lives”   This Sunday, April 5, is Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week. Jerusalem was a holy, sanctified city where the leaders were again preparing for the Passover according to the ancient script handed down by their ancestors. Suddenl… Read More

“Endless Hope”   As we come into this new month, I am reminded of the phrase, “April showers bring May flowers.” The cold winds and grey skies of March are behind us, and we are eager for Spring to begin. Unfortunately… Read More

“Storm Warning”  Today is April 1st, which means it is April Fool’s Day. Of course, you and I both know that what is going on in our lives and around us is no laughing matter. Today’s scripture reading is a parable that Jesus tells from Matthew 24:… Read More

“The Breath of the Lion”   When the month of March comes to an end, we tend to look at the weather and then determine if March is going out like a lamb or a lion. Weather aside, it seems like March is going out like a lion, as the coronavirus roars over our nation and… Read More

"... we have the mind of Christ” I Corinthians 2:16   For the second year in a row, I was planning to give up specific things for Lent. Basically, I was going to give up “sweets.” Like last year, I was going to refrain from partaking of what I called the … Read More

From the Pastor With just about all of sports being cancelled these days, or at least delayed for a little while, the event I am missing the most is the NCAA tournament, also known as “March Madness.” And while I never participated in a college basketball tournament, I do have a … Read More

Hupomone!  Romans 5:3 – “. . . we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance.”  Doesn’t it seem as if the Apostle Paul went a little crazy with this verse? How can he say, “Suffering produces perseverance?”&nb… Read More

“Remembering the Fundamentals”   Scripture Reading:  I Corinthians 2:1-5            “When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or… Read More

 “Make Each Day Count”                  I received a letter in the mail last week from the United States Census Bureau, giving me instructions about filling out my 2020 Census questionnaire online.… Read More

    Join Pastor John for a Daily Devotional March 23, 2020 "For Such A Time As This" “You w… Read More

“The Green-Eyed Monster”  This Sunday, I am concluding my sermon series on the Seven Deadly Sins, as I will will be talking to you (digitally) about the sin of envy. Similar to what people have to do at AA, we have to be willing to acknowledge envy in our souls. The s… Read More

Friends,  I hope and pray that God is giving you his strength and grace in these unprecedented times. I am 57 years old, and I can’t remember anything like this happening in my lifetime. Some of you may remember Pearl Harbor, and see comparisons there. Others of you may … Read More

Join Pastor John for a Daily Devotional "For Such A Time As This"    Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church Members and Friends,   Hope this finds you well on this Wednesday, March 18.    Things continue to happen in the… Read More

From the Pastor Note: At this time, we are planning to hold all worship services as normally scheduled. Please watch for e-mails, Facebook page or check the church telephone worship schedule for any updates to this information. I remember the old TV commercial, “How many licks does… Read More

From the Pastor Pride. Is there any other sin which causes more wars, more estrangement from family and friends, -- and a greater separation from God? Pride is the sin which stands behind Hitler’s Holocaust, gang wars in Los Angeles, and violence in the Middle East. Pride cause… Read More

From the Pastor Someone has said that Satan is like a burglar running down the hallway of a hotel, trying all the doors to see which are unlocked. The seven deadly sins are those doors we most often leave unlocked. I sometimes think that we not only leave the door unlocked, but we also … Read More

Someone has said that half the sins we commit are out of fear of being bored. If you read in between the lines of the story of the prodigal son, you sense what drove him into the far country may have been a terminal case of the blahs. He may have been thinking, “I can’t stand g… Read More

From the Pastor Having Valentine’s Day occur this week, I thought I would share a story that I heard. One day a little boy named Chad told his mother, “Mom, I want to make a valentine for every member of my class at school.” Chad’s mom was crestfallen b… Read More

From the Pastor What would you do for $10,000,000? If you knew that dangling at the end would be 10 million dollars, how far would you go? That very question was the premise for a book that came out a few years ago, “The Day America Told the Truth!” For example, you may… Read More

From the Pastor “With A Little Help from My Friends” In the old TV show, “The Wonder Years,” the theme song begins with Joe Cocker singing, “What would you think if I sang out of tune? Would you stand up and walk out on me? Lend me your ears… Read More

From the Pastor In that wonderful movie, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” Jack Nicholson stars as Randall P. McMurphy, the ringleader of a bunch of trouble-makers in an insane asylum. In one scene, he springs them out, and they all go down to the pier and are abou… Read More

From the Pastor In an old Peanuts cartoons, Lucy observes, “Charlie Brown, life is like a deck chair.” “Like a what?” “Haven’t you ever been on a cruise ship, Charlie Brown? Passengers open up these canvas deck chairs so they can sit in the sun. So… Read More

From the Pastor                As we end 2019, one question we find ourselves asking others is, “How was your year?” Now some of us might reply: “It was a tough year.” “I lost my … Read More

From the Pastor Today, is Christmas Eve. I sure hope you will join us tonight for one of our three services at 5:00 pm, 7:30 pm or 11:00 pm. The reality is that people are going to come into the buildings tonight to “play with fire.” In our hugest numbers of the year, we … Read More

From the Pastor There is a magic of music. How else do you explain the spell that music casts over us? In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul mentions music in the same breath that he talks about wine, – “intoxicating” music, - “intoxicating” wine. For exam… Read More

From the Pastor There are certain mysteries in life that make us stop and wonder, “Why?” Why is it that you can tell someone there are four hundred billion stars in the sky and they will believe you, but if the same person sees a “Wet Paint” sign on a park bench, and … Read More

From the Pastor Ever notice the pattern in the way we recite the Apostles’ Creed" We start out like a house afire: “I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ his only son our Lord.” And we continue: “I belie… Read More

From the Pastor In his book, “What’s So Amazing About Grace,” author Philip Yancey tells of a weekend in which he was invited to participate in an encounter group led by the noted author and psychiatrist M. Scott Peck. The group was made up of 10 Jew… Read More

From the Pastor In his book, “The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath,” author and Pastor Mark Buchanan begins with the obvious question: “How does one define Sabbath?” Answers usually gravitate toward our calendar. … Read More

From the Pastor There was a little girl at a carnival who was carrying a huge swirl of cotton candy. Someone asked her, “Do you really think you can eat all of that?” With little pink smudges on her nose, cheeks and lips, she answered, “Oh yes, I’m much bigger on… Read More

From the Pastor In one of C.S. Lewis’ classic Narnia Tales, the fate of the kingdom of Narnia rests on the tiny shoulders of an English school girl named Jill. The wicked queen of the underworld has captured Prince Rillian, the rightful heir to the throne, and put him under the… Read More

From the Pastor John Ortberg tells of a woman who looked out her window and saw her German shepherd shaking the life out of a neighbor's rabbit. Her family did not get along well with these neighbors, so she knew this was going to be a disaster. She grabbed a broom and pummeled the dog un… Read More

From The Pastor: The Christian writer, Donald Miller tells the story of a friend who volunteered at a church only a mile from his house. It was a large mega-church, with a very successful television ministry. The friend said his job was to usher people to their seats, which he enjoyed d… Read More