September Devotions from Pastor

151 years is an amazing span of time to envision and grasp.  In that time Mt. Pisgah witnessed or participated in a Civil War, the Great Depression and two World Wars and the horiffic tragedy of 9/11 2001.  Through the ups and downs of history around us and within our church history, God has always been faithful and present.

So, ponder with me for a moment all the history made in those three buildings which were called Mt. Pisgah, and more importantly with the people of Mt. Pisgah.  The thousands of gatherings to celebrate Word and Sacrament and the countless covered dish fellowship times—second to none!  In my brief snapshot of time within this history of Mt. Pisgah, I think of many things, but primarily that this is a place of grace and warmth.

To walk into the sancturary is to see the shape of a wooden boat—reminding us of God

• who saves from the flood;
• who calms the rough seas with an outstretched arm; and
• who left the crowd on the shores to proclaim a word of grace.

To walk into the sancturary is to see wood carvings of mountain top journeys.  It is on the mountain tops that God has always showed up to His people in a big way.  To all who come here it is easy to see that the God of yesterday and today has “shown up” in amazing ways.

He has revealed Himself in the past faithful planting of a church by Abraham Boliek and in the present by God's faithful people building an addition in respone to Patriarch Abraham's call that we are “Blessed to be a Blessing.” (Genesis 12)

It is impossible in this Grace-place called Mt. Pisgah, not to be inspired by the gifts shared by all seen in: wood working, furniture, stained glass, mosaic, memorials and landscaping.  The people here have left their mark and most importantly realize that they are gifted in order to share their gifts.

So how, in quick summary, would you share what it means to be part of this special church?

Would it be …..

•  the sense of generosity in outreach?
•  the sense of pride in our facility?
•  the sense of gracious warmth in fellowship?
•  the sense of expectancy in our worship?

It is hard to say what one would highlight and treasure the most.  But there is not doubt that we are the sum total today of all that has preceded us in the past.  The faithful pioneers of yesterday have given us a legacy of hope to move forward into the unknown frontier of the future.  What motivated and inspired them is identical to what gives us encouragement today.  That is, finally, that we are of all things most grateful to the One that we can always count on, whose changeless grace and love is truly the same yesterday, today and forever.

Soli Deo Gloria

To Him be the glory,

Pastor Mike