Media

God’s Word changes lives one person at a time. We are all unique and receive God’s Message is different ways. Our website Media area provides a wealth of materials that you may read, listen, or view and your leisure. Here you will find recent sermons, pastor messages, event photos and recent news concerning JMPC.

Weekly Announcements

Posted on Aug 28, 2021 in Announcements, This Week |

Announcements 9/5/2021

 

Kick off the new season at JMPC:  JMPC will kick off its new season of worship, Christian education, mission and fellowship on September 11 and 12, 2021 when we gather together for worship and Christian education. We will begin with an all-church picnic on Saturday the 11th at 1pm at Bethel Village Green Park. Then on Sunday at 10am, we will gather for worship in the sanctuary while our children will enjoy Children’s Church in our newly redecorated and designated Children’s Church Room. Adult Christian education will begin with the Adult Bible Class and Pastor Jeff’s book Reviews beginning on September 25. Kid’s Club and Youth Group will begin soon as will Brown Bag Bible Study and After Dinner Bible Study. Details for all of these can be found in the announcements or on the church website. We will be off to a great year, so come and join us!

 

Fall Sermon Series:  Beginning on Kick off Sunday, JMPC will begin a five-week sermon series entitled “Church on Purpose” that will explore why JMPC exists, how we can accomplish that purpose, what each of us can do to play a part, and the impact JMPC can have on us, our families, and our world. Join us. 

 

Week 1 – September 12

Why Are We Here?

Matthew 19: 16-26

Week 2 – September 19

To Know God

Matthew 25: 1-13

Week 3 – September 26

To Glorify God

Mathew 25: 14-30

Week 4 – October 3

To Serve God.

Matthew 25: 31-45

Week 5 – October 10

To Change Lives

Matthew 28: 16-20

 

Children’s Church News:   Children’s Church will be resuming in OUR NEW ROOM 16/18 for Kick off Sunday on Sunday, September 12th. We are so excited for our new program and so many fun activities! Please bring your children ages 3 to third grade to come learn and play with us. 

WE NEED TEACHERS AND ASSISTANTS!

If you are available to teach or assist any Sunday, please contact Emily Shubilla. “Training” will be provided so no teaching experience needed. We just need loving and energetic people who are willing to hang out with the children of our church for an hour. 

 

Nursery:  The church nursery will open back up on Kick Off Sunday (September 12th) for children under 3. The caregivers will be so excited to see the little ones again so please leave your little one with them and enjoy the church service. 

 

Church Picnic:  Saturday, September 11th @ 1pm at Bethel Village Green Park.  The Deacons will provide burgers, hot dogs, BBQ pork sandwiches, and drinks. We ask that families bring a side dish or dessert or a game to play, like corn hole. Please RSVP at:. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4cabaa2ca3f5c43-jmpc

Coffee Hour:  There will be a coffee hour after worship on Kick-Off Sunday September 12 outside as you leave worship (weather permitting). Join us for some food and fellowship. (If it rains it will be the following week.)

 

The ABC (Adult Bible Class): will start meeting again on Sunday mornings, September 12th.  The tentative time will be 9:00am and we will meet in Fellowship Hall.

We will be studying the book of Romans and topics for the first few weeks will be:

Romans 1:1-17 Good News from God

Romans 1:18-32 The Wrath of God

Romans 2 The Judgment of God

Romans 3:1-20 The Verdict

Romans 3:21-31 The Righteousness from God

Join us on Sunday mornings for informal Bible study, lively discussion and coffee. If you have questions, see Dan or Susan Zearley.

 

Pastor Jeff’s September Book Studies:  Over the last year, Pastor Jeff has received many questions on two matters. The first is “What is the future of the church?” The second is “What can I do about my aging parents? Pastor Jeff proposes to start to answer such question by offering a review of two books that address these topics. 

  • “Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande will be discussed on Sunday, September 26 at 11:30am here at the church. This book discusses “end of life” care and concerns from the perspective of a geriatric physician.  The discussion will seek to offer guidance and encouragement to those decision makers who are caring folks who are or are nearing the end of mortal life. 

 

  • “Christianity After Religion” by Diana Butler Bass will be discussed on Sunday, October 24 at 11:30am here at the church. This book discusses the possibility that we are in the midst of a new spiritual awakening and a wholly new kind of “postreligious” faith. The discussion will enlighten us on where we are and where we are heading as church that is part of “THE CHURCH”.

 

Brown Bag Bible Study returns:  Pastor Jeff will lead the Wednesday lunchtime Bible Study again beginning on September 22 and will meet every other week. We are planning to meet at the church at noon, so bring your lunch and your Bibles.

 

After Dinner Bible Study returns:  Pastor Jeff will lead the Tuesday evening Bible Study again beginning on October 12 and will meet every other week. We are planning to meet to meet at the church at 7pm, so bring your dessert and your Bibles.

 

The Women’s Breakfast Club:  The women will meet for breakfast on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 8:30am at Eat ‘N Park across from South Park Shops. Everyone is invited and can bring a friend! We have great fun and fellowship and look forward to seeing you.

 

Men’s Breakfast Returns:  The men of the church will begin gathering for breakfast once a month beginning on September 27, 2021. We will meet at Eat ‘N Park on Rt. 88 across the street from the South Park Shops at 9am. While there is no longer any buffet (much to Pastor Jeff’s disappointment) we can still eat our fill and chew the fat. Hope to see you there.

Book Club:  JMPC book club meets on the fourth Monday of each month @ 7:00.  We begin our new season in September.  Anyone is welcome to join us.  Please email Pam Dobos @ dob914@aol.com if interested in joining. 

The Vanishing Half  by Brit Bennett – September 27th

The Spy and The Traitor  by Ben MacIntyre (nonfiction) – October 25 

The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel – November 22

 

Christmas Affair Craft Show—November 6, 2021:   We’re back! After a long-hard year of closures, we have made the decision to get back in the festive spirit and host our annual craft show. If you are interested in leading a committee or volunteering please contact Samantha Pauley at samantharpauley@gmail.com or Leslie at jmpc@johnmcmillanpc.org If you are interested in being a crafter or know someone who is, please contact Darlene Pauley at darsamjake@gmail.com or Leslie to get an application. *Please note some changes will be made to prioritize the health and safety of our volunteers and crafters due to Covid-19. 

 

The Church Officer Nominating Committee is back in action!
We are looking for spirited and dedicated individuals interested in serving our church as Elders and Deacons. This is a great way to be an integral part of church decision making and helping carry out JMPC’s vision and missions.
Please contact Emily Shubilla if you are interested or have a person to recommend. E.shubilla714@gmail.com or 724 984 8202.

 

SHIM Garden:  Thanks be to God!  The SHIM Garden is pumping out fresh, organic produce for our neighbors in need at SHIM.  Our gardeners have been busy picking beans, tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, beans, squash, kale, lettuce, chard and, did I mention, beans.  We have harvested over 100 pounds of beans.

Come on back and visit the garden or, better yet, join us on Monday evenings at 6:30 as we tend the garden.  You don’t need any gardening experience to join us.  We will teach you what you need to know.  We harvested 150 pounds of vegetables last week. 

 

Parking Lot Radio Broadcast:  We have a radio broadcast that reaches into the parking lot. Simply drive to John McMillan and tune your radios to 89.7 FM. You can remain in your car and stay warm, while joining in worship with everyone else at the church. We will also continue to stream the services on Facebook Live.

 

UPDATED Worship and Building Use Guidelines: As we gather to worship in the sanctuary and for activities in the church building, JMPC requests that we follow these guidelines based on the CDC recommendations.  The Session approved these guidelines at the August 17, 2021, meeting.

  • Masks are requested inside the church building, regardless of vaccination status, for as long as Allegheny and Washington Counties are in the “substantial transmission risk” category (the current category for both) or higher.
  • Masks can be removed during worship to take communion and the choir or other featured vocalists may remove their masks while singing.  Liturgists and the pastors may remove their masks when speaking.

The purpose of this policy is to support the vulnerable among us – those who are immunocompromised and those who have continuing contact with unvaccinated or immunocompromised people. These guidelines will be updated and modified as necessary and appropriate.

CHOIR Practice:  The Chancel Choir will practice on Thursdays, at 7:00 PM.  We would love to welcome some new members, especially men.  All who love to sing are welcome.

 

An important message from the Church Office: The Church Office is now open. The hours are Monday through Thursday, 9am to 3pm and Friday 9am – Noon.


04
Apr '21

Lenten Bible Study – Day 40

Posted on Apr 4, 2021 in Announcements |

04
Apr '21
Sunday, April 4, 20121- Day 40
 
Matthew 25: 31-46
 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, 33 and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. 34 Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 35 for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38 And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? 39 And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ 40 And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family,[g] you did it to me.’ 41 Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; 42 for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
 
He has Risen! He has risen Indeed! What a great parable to be heard this Easter morning. Though to be honest, I don’t think I have ever read this passage on April Fool’s Day. What I love about this parable is that it is a message that Jesus continues to give his followers. Love God and love each other! By loving each other, you are loving God!
 
I once heard a speaker say that he could tell a person’s relationship with God by the relationship that person had with other people. I think there is a lot of wisdom in his words, and it reflects our parable today. When we love and care for the least in this world we are loving and caring God. We do not get to disconnect our theology from our actions. How you treat the homeless, orphans, neighbors, jerks, and your family is how you treat God. So, let’s go out and love and care for everyone we meet, let’s go love God.
 
Prayer:
Jesus, we thank you for having your grace and love. Guide us to care for and love everyone in this world. Amen.

03
Apr '21

Lenten Bible Study – Day 39

Posted on Apr 3, 2021 in Announcements |

03
Apr '21
Saturday, April 3, 2021- Day 39
 
Matthew 25: 14-30
14 ‘For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.16The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. 17In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. 18But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, “Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.”21His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” 22And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, “Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.” 23His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” 24Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, “Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed;25so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” 26But his master replied, “You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? 27Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. 28So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. 29For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 30As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
 
Some years back I started seeing T-shirts that say something like this: I [something they did] and all I got was this lousy t-shirt! Is that what that event meant to them? All they got out of it was a lousy t-shirt? Doesn’t seem like a very good use of time and money. I started to wonder if folks think about life generally that way. Just about every morning I take my dogs to a cemetery and let them run off leash. As I walk I look at the headstones. I read the names. I look at the dates. I try to think what their lives might have been like. Did they go to meet their maker thinking “I lived a life and all I got was a lousy headstone? “I hope not. That would not have been much of a life. I choose to think that those folks did something that gave their lives value. Something worth the time and effort. I think all people want to live a life that has value. Abraham Lincoln was one of those. As a young man, his greatest fear was that he would live a life that had no impact on the world. That he would not do anything worth remembering. In her book Team of Rivals, Doris Kearns Goodwin writes this about Lincoln’s ambition.
 
“Every man is said to have his peculiar ambition,” the twenty-three-year-old Abraham Lincoln had written in his open letter to the people of Sangamon County during his first bid for public office in the Illinois state legislature. “Whether it is true or not, I can say for one that I have no other [ambition] so great as that of being truly esteemed of my fellow men, by rendering myself worthy if their esteem. How far I shall succeed in gratifying this ambition, is yet to be developed.”
 
Well, he certainly pulled it off. I think we all have that same ambition to some extent. We want to leave a legacy. Not many of us will achieve the status of Abraham Lincoln. No one is going to write a book about us. But we can do better than a name on a headstone. Even if no one knows who we were. If you have ever been to a national cemetery, you know what I mean. The headstones have names, but they also testify to the sacrifice those folks made or were willing to make for their country. There is a community story there. A legacy. A life of value. Which brings us to today’s parable. God has given us gifts and resources. God has invested in us. We are called to use these investments in a manner that gives God a great return on his investment. We want to be a good investment for God. Are we? If we live the Jesus way, and are his disciples, we are a good investment, and so will get the reward Jesus describes in the parable. What will be on your headstone?
 
Prayer:
Dear God, we want to be a good investment for you. We want to return many-fold to you all the blessings you have bestowed on us. Help us to choose well how we will use the gifts and resources you have provided so that we can be good and faithful servants. Amen

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Mask Updates

Posted on Aug 18, 2021 in Sunshine |


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Listen: Weekly Sermon

PLEASE NOTE:
Until Further Notice Weekly Sermons Will Be Available Only In Video Format on JMPC’s Facebook Page or JMPC’s YouTube Channel.

See: Links to JMPC Resources


Mar 15, 2020
Let It Go – Expectations
By: Jeff Tindall
Series: Let It Go
"Let It Go - Expectations" - 3.15.2020 - Jeff Tindall
WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
  • Mar 15, 2020Let It Go – Expectations
    Mar 15, 2020
    Let It Go – Expectations
    By: Jeff Tindall
    Series: Let It Go
    "Let It Go - Expectations" - 3.15.2020 - Jeff Tindall
  • Mar 8, 2020Let It Go – Fear
    Mar 8, 2020
    Let It Go – Fear
    By: Jeff Tindall
    Series: Let It Go
     
  • Mar 1, 2020Let It Go – Tradition
    Mar 1, 2020
    Let It Go – Tradition
    By: Jeff Tindall
    Series: Let It Go
    "Let It Go - Tradition" - 3.1.2020 - Jeff Tindall
  • Feb 27, 2020What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality and Gay Marriage? Part 1
    Feb 27, 2020
    What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality and Gay Marriage? Part 1
    By: Jeff Tindall
    Series: What Does the Bible Say About...
    "What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality and Gay Marriage? Part 1" - 2.23.2020 - Jeff Tindall
  • Feb 16, 2020What Does the Bible Say About Guns?
    Feb 16, 2020
    What Does the Bible Say About Guns?
    By: Jeff Tindall
    Series: What Does the Bible Say About...
     
  • Feb 9, 2020What Does the Bible Say about Military Service
    Feb 9, 2020
    What Does the Bible Say about Military Service
    By: Matt Fricker
    Series: What Does the Bible Say About...
    "What Does the Bible Say about Military Service" - 2.9.2020 - Matt Fricker
  • Feb 2, 2020What Does the Bible Say About Salvation
    Feb 2, 2020
    What Does the Bible Say About Salvation
    By: Jeff Tindall
    Series: What Does the Bible Say About...
  • Jan 26, 2020Who do you love
    Jan 26, 2020
    Who do you love
    By: Jeff Tindall
    "Who do you love" - 1.26.2020 r7 - Jeff Tindall
  • Jan 19, 2020Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that
    Jan 19, 2020
    Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that
    By: Matt Fricker
    "Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that" 1.19.2020 - Matt Fricker
  • Jan 12, 2020Touched by the Water
    Jan 12, 2020
    Touched by the Water
    By: Jeff Tindall
    "Touched by the Water" - 1.12.2020 - Jeff Tindall
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