Reverend T.J. Demarco, Pastor
Worship Style - Traditional Presbyterian
This was our first visit to a Presbyterian church, and we selected a local one. The service was much more traditional and full of familiar hymns. They have two different choirs, and this Sunday, the Gloryland choir, consisting of 4 women singing a cappella, provided a beautiful musical offering.
Pastor Demarco had completed a pastoral residency in Providence RI prior to coming to this church. So we had a Rhode Island connection. Pastor Demarco had been doing a series on discipleship. Today's sermon was entitled, "What it means to follow Christ?" He offered the story of Peter and his interaction with Cornelius in Acts 10. Peter was confused as to why he was being called to go to the home of a Gentile. "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile." However, Peter is a great model for faith as he said, "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right." Basically, Peter was saying, "I don't understand, but this is the way God is doing it, so I accept it." Pastor Demarco challenged us with this question, "How are people going to hear the gospel if we don't bring it to them?" We must believe that God is always at work in people's lives. So, we must have the faith to step out and share the gospel with everyone knowing that God is calling them to Him.
Pastor Demarco introduced a hymn to the congregation entitled, "I Surrender All". We were surprised that this was unfamiliar to most of the congregation. It was very fitting as a follow-up to the sermon.
Worship Style - Traditional Presbyterian
This was our first visit to a Presbyterian church, and we selected a local one. The service was much more traditional and full of familiar hymns. They have two different choirs, and this Sunday, the Gloryland choir, consisting of 4 women singing a cappella, provided a beautiful musical offering.
Pastor Demarco had completed a pastoral residency in Providence RI prior to coming to this church. So we had a Rhode Island connection. Pastor Demarco had been doing a series on discipleship. Today's sermon was entitled, "What it means to follow Christ?" He offered the story of Peter and his interaction with Cornelius in Acts 10. Peter was confused as to why he was being called to go to the home of a Gentile. "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile." However, Peter is a great model for faith as he said, "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right." Basically, Peter was saying, "I don't understand, but this is the way God is doing it, so I accept it." Pastor Demarco challenged us with this question, "How are people going to hear the gospel if we don't bring it to them?" We must believe that God is always at work in people's lives. So, we must have the faith to step out and share the gospel with everyone knowing that God is calling them to Him.
Pastor Demarco introduced a hymn to the congregation entitled, "I Surrender All". We were surprised that this was unfamiliar to most of the congregation. It was very fitting as a follow-up to the sermon.