From May 3 through June 28, our staff preaches a sermon series called “Becoming a Beacon” based on the NT book of 1 Thessalonians; likely the first book written in the NT. Paul called this congregation his “model” church. 1 Thessalonians reveals the power of Jesus’ love to help disciples not only survive, but become one of the greatest testimonies to God’s grace in church history. We’ll discover more about the life of discipleship through this five-chapter letter to ordinary disciples.
 
Sermon Series Verse: For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. (1 Thessalonians 1: 8) NRSV ​

In an abundance of caution and to practice social distancing due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, on March 15, 2020 we began to hold one service at 9:30 am and a Thursday evening service. The worship services were broadcast online only.

Regular Worship Times
Traditional 8:30 am
Contemporary 11:00 am
Education Hour 9:45 am
 
 
 

Always. Never. No Matter.

Sunday, June 28, 2020
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5: 12 – 28
Rev. Stuart Spencer preaching
 
​Paul ends this letter with practical advice for every disciple. With three short, back-to-back imperatives, he sets followers of Jesus on their regular, daily course of joy, prayer, and thanksgiving. Worship themes: Prayer, thanksgiving, God’s sure promise or benediction (see 1 Thess 5: 23 – 24). God will make this happen!
 

 
 
 

The Father of a Blended Family

Sunday, June 21, 2020
Genesis 21: 8-14 ​
Rev. Marsha Harris preaching
Father’s Day
 
Join us to hear Rev. Marsha Harris preach! She served as our Missions Coordinator from March 16, 2015 to March 15, 2017. Marsha now leads the mission ministry at her church and nine other churches within Burlington County.​
 

 
 
 

Awake or Asleep

Sunday, June 14, 2020
1 Thessalonian 5: 1 – 11
Kelly LePenske preaching
 
The death and resurrection of Jesus marks the dawn of a new age. The power of the old age ruled by the forces of evil, is now broken by the Lord Jesus; disciples live with clarity, focus and joy. God clothes disciples with armor (1 Thess 5:8) God pours His saving grace into us so that we find all we need to for the life of faith. Worship themes: the return of Jesus, God’s salvation.​

 
 
 

Easter People

Sunday, June 7, 2020
1 Thessalonian 4: 13 – 18
Rev. Stuart Spencer preaching​
 
Easter is a preview of our coming attractions. As Jesus was raised from the dead, so God will raise His people from the dead (1 Thessalonians​ 4: 14) We await the return of Jesus as we await liberation from the sin, sickness, and death of human existence. These promises encourage us towards deeper faith, stronger love and greater service.​
 

 
 
 

Wholly, Holy Living

Sunday, May 31, 2020
1 Thessalonian 4: 1 – 11
Rev. Stuart Spencer preaching
Pentecost/5th Sunday
Communion
 
Our bodies belong entirely to Jesus when He is Lord. We live now to please God and not ourselves. We reject and surrender all strong desires, like lust and we pursue a life of love. So wholly did the Thessalonian disciples live a life of love, Paul calls them an example to all believers in Macedonia (1 Thess 4: 10) The process of moving from a self-centered to an other-centered life is at the center of becoming a beacon church. Worship themes: The Holy Spirit is given to believers, God’s call and claim upon us.
 

 
 
 

Forever Standing

Sunday, May 24, 2020
1 Thessalonian 2: 17 – 3: 13
Rev. Stuart Spencer preaching
 
Following Jesus fully and faithfully as a disciple is no easy task. Suffering is the scenery of this journey. Paul freely and honestly shares his own struggles while acknowledges the pressure his friends are facing in Thessalonica. Disciples create a culture of honesty and openness where we live and talk about life as it is. The final word in this passage speaks of God’s sure promises to uphold and strengthen us. He’ll see us through to the end. Worship themes: God’s sure promises, God’s great power and grace, thanksgiving for what God does in our lives.​

 
 
 

You Got It

Sunday, May 17, 2020
1 Thessalonian 2: 13 – 16
Kelly LePenske Preaching
 
A few verses earlier, Paul discards any use of flattery to win the hearts of the Thessalonians. In verse 13, he offers genuine thanks based on the evidence he saw of spiritual vitality within them. The gospel works in our lives—not after 30 years of study but from the start. The faith Paul sees is strong and unbreakable, even in the face of persecution and suffering. Worship themes: The strength of our faith, the gift and power of the Word of God, patience and endurance.

 
 
 

More People on the Stage

Sunday, May 10, 2020
1 Thessalonians 2: 1 – 12 
Rev. Stuart Spencer preaching
Mother’s Day
 
The disciples in the Thessalonian church were experiencing trouble and even the first hints of persecution because of their allegiance to Jesus Christ as Lord. Paul wasn’t a “power player” and he never used any form of coercion or manipulation to control people. Paul and his associate came with Christ-filled love. “We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives too.” (1 Thess 2: 8) Worship Themes: God’s love, love and love within families.​
 

 
 
 

I Can’t Stop Thanking God

Sunday, May 3, 2020
1 Thessalonians 1: 1 – 10
Rev. Stuart. Spencer
Communion
 
These verses are the earliest words of the NT. They are words of gratitude and love. This congregation came to be a model of love. Ed Gross writes, “The Thessalonians knew they were loved by God as they were loved by this extraordinary man . . . To love is to cherish another person. To really want to be with him or her.” Worship themes: Easter, God’s love, the love we have for one another.​
 

 
 
 

Prelude: A Three-Week Storm

Sunday, April 26, 2020
Acts 17: 1 – 10
Rev. Stuart Spencer Preaching
The Thessalonian church began in a storm of controversy and conflict. Paul boldly preached that Jesus is Lord. The powers that were in the Thessalonica were disturbed and troubled by this message. The allegiance of disciples is to their Lord and Savior, Jesus. Worship themes: Easter, Jesus is Lord and Christ the King​.