Canonsburg UP Church 

“The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand.” - Revelation 8:4 Dear Friends, This coming Sunday is Pentecost - literally, forty days after Easter. It was Easter that God turned the tables on death, taking on our sin and shame and showing us not only where it leads - but what God is going to do about it! Over the next forty days, as the community of believers heard this good news and encountered the risen Je

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives” - Colossians 1:9b Dear Friends, It’s been a bit of a tough week, hasn’t it? Official word has come, in what seems rapid succession, that the July 4th Parade, Town Park Pool, Pine Springs Summer Camp and other beloved summer events will not be happening this year. I’ll fully admit that tears have been shed in my home and my office. Some of these

“[Jesus] replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”” - Luke 21:8-9 Dear Friends, We’re two weeks into our Sunday morning series - What Time Is It? - taking a closer look at Revelation, and we still haven’t gotten into the images and issues that most

“…the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God …On each side of the river stood the tree of life… the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” - Revelation 22:1-2 Dear Friends, Happy Earth Day! Back in Ohio, the church I served at had a fairly large campus, out in the country. It took a lot of effort to maintain the landscape and after several years of just “maintenance” we had someone suggest an idea. What if we coordi

“You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day” - Psalm 91:5 Dear Friends, When you misplace important tax documents, right before you’re set to file your taxes, it’s understandable to get anxious. When the stock market drops so far, so fast, that they close trading for a time, it’s understandable to get anxious. When you discover your neighbor has been diagnosed with a serious disease, and the World Health Organization declares a Pandemic, it’s under

“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” - Jeremiah 29:12-13 Dear Friends, Sunday’s sermon focused on that famous promise from the prophet Jeremiah, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” If you weren’t with us, I encourage you to jump on the website for the sermon or Face

“Oh, thank GOD - he’s so good! His love never runs out.” - Psalm 107:1 (MSG) Dear Friends, Happy Thanksgiving! Just last week, I had the pleasure of gathering together with the oldest 3 classes from our UP with Kids daycare. Each month, we meet up in the sanctuary for a “chapel” time - essentially a slightly extended Children’s Moment from Sunday morning. It’s either lead by myself or Cathy Stewart, our Director of Family Ministry. We teach the kids about Jesus - sharing a

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” - Colossians 3:17 Dear Friends, No one wants to sit on the bench. One of the most difficult aspects of being a coach, is having to pull kids out so that others can get in. Nearly every kid that comes off the field is begging to get back in the game the moment they’re out. No one wants to sit on the bench. When I played football, I was willing

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.” - Psalm 91:14 Dear Friends, I had the chance to drop Bria off at school this morning. It might have something to do with missing the bus, but that’s not important. As is usually the case, K-Love (98.3 FM) was on the radio, and as we drove, a song from Lauren Daigle came on called Rescue. It’s a beautiful song about the lengths that God will go to be with us, regardle

“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.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:12 Dear Friends, This past Sunday, we took a few moments out of our worship service, to recognize our church staff, who diligently work on behalf of Christ and you in administrative, pastoral, family and worship roles. We are all deeply indebted to their service in this place. I do hope that as you see them - in the of