Tanoma Church

05/26/2026

05/02/2026

Election Day Bazaar
Creekside Methodist Church - 444 Indiana Rd. Creekside, PA 15732
Phone 724-463-0580
TUESDAY MAY 19
10 AM – 6 PM
Sloppy Joes, Ham Barbeque, Hot dogs and kraut, Baked Goods

04/26/2026

The Lord is My Shepherd Psalm 23:1-6

Psalm 23 is one of the most recognized and comforting chapters in the Bible. It was written by King David who was himself a shepherd who cared for his sheep. In the early years of his life in the hills of Judea, he recalls the days of his youth, then his palace experiences of war and betrayal and then restoration. (2 Samuel 15-19)

David opens the chapter with confidence: The Lord is MY Shepherd. I shall not want. David realized and we must also remember that the Lord takes care of all our needs; physical (roof over our heads, clothes to wear and food to eat) emotional (he calms us and gives us rest) and spiritual(he gives us guidance, renewal and a clear direction when we pray in his name) We pause by the quiet waters when we keep the sabbath with spiritual reflection.

During the valleys in our lives, Jesus gives us courage, so we keep our feet on the right path. Our cup overflows with blessings. Jesus gives us hope in a new tomorrow because Jesus is with us.

1. Jesus is the Good Shepherd
In John 10:14 Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-“
A Shepherd gives security to the sheep. He leads the sheep and the sheep follow; they trust the shepherd. The shepherd opens the gate, and the sheep recognize his voice; they trust him. The Shepherd calls each one by name. The sheep will not follow a stranger; they do not recognize his voice.

A shepherd of the sheep would serve as a door. He would sleep in the doorway to the sheepfold, to protect the sheep. Jesus the good shepherd lets the sheep in and protects them. Once, they go through that door or gate, Jesus the good shepherd protects them. Keeps them in, keeps enemies or predators out.

No one can get access to God unless they go through this door. This Good Shepherd, Jesus, is God’s son. Jesus answered, in
John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’

Some people say this door is too narrow. They cannot get through; the way is just too hard. Instead of saying, I cannot get through the door, we should say, thank you God for providing a sure way to get to you! Just like a sheepfold has one entrance, the door, the family of God and heaven has one way of entering. The Lord Jesus Christ is the only way of entering eternity with God. John 14:2 “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?”

God is active in the world today because Jesus is still saving souls and the enemy still wants to destroy God’s people.
John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” Jesus came that we would have life in abundance until it overflows.

2. Jesus is the door to salvation
Jesus sacrificed his life for his sheep, voluntarily; no one took his life from him.
Salvation can only be received through believing in Jesus. A person must receive Christ by faith. The invitation is open to anyone, no matter what you have done, no matter who you are or what anyone else says, the gift is there, open the gift, accept Jesus.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV)
Jesus is the perfect gift, a gift like no other. Jesus is life!

3. Jesus leads us through dark times.
God is always present. He leads us through life’s dark valleys and deep ravines. God protects us.

The rod mentioned in Psalm 23 is the Lord’s strength and protection and the staff stands for His guidance and love.
God is always present and leads us in all areas of our lives.
When we face the valley or shadow of death, we can say like David said, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. The Lord protects us, gives us strength, guides us, love us, keeps us close and out of danger.
God heals us physically, spiritually, emotionally.

The healing oil serves to remind us of the presence of the Holy Spirit within us.
Everything is under God’s control. God gives us overflowing cups of satisfaction, joy, peace, and contentment. We have peace that surpasses understanding.

Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,
Trust God more fully as your shepherd. He will take care of you. Find comfort in God’s presence and draw strength from his promises.

Through Psalm 23, the picture is one of Gods’ goodness and mercy for His sheep. This goodness and mercy will follow us throughout our entire lifetime on earth, all the days of our lives. God will never leave us or forsake us, no matter how dark the days become, he will see us through to eternity where we will live with him forever and ever. There is no greater comfort to be found anywhere.

Let us pray:
Lord, help us approach the gate of this sheepfold with confidence.
Let us walk through our fears and doubts to lands of hope and peace, trusting in the Shepherd who seeks us, guides us, and cares for us. In so many of our ways, we are stubborn; yet you gently call our names, reminding us of your eternal love.
Help us place our trust in you. Help us reach out to others in confidence because of your love for us. For we ask this in Christ’s name. AMEN.

04/19/2026

Luke 24:13-35 The Road to Emmaus

After the resurrection and before the ascension to heaven, Jesus appeared 10-12 times over a 40-day period. He appeared to prove he was alive and to instruct his followers. Remember Jesus encouraged and instructed. There are amazing things that happened on the road to Emmaus because Jesus showed up.

The first thing to happen is the disciples were talking, in deep conversation, with each other. They were in despair over Christ’s death. From the scripture reading, I’m sure you noticed grief and confusion from the previous week.

We know the one disciple’s name is Cleopas, the other is unnamed. We can identify with that unnamed person and put ourselves in their place walking on the road to Emmaus. Just imagine, you are walking with your friend, a fellow disciple in Christ, sharing with each other what had happened about the crucifixion and death of their beloved Jesus. The disciples were in deep thought, thinking and talking.

The second amazing thing in this story that happens is suddenly another man(Jesus) there listening to them talk about what happened. The disciples did not recognize Jesus, they were in doubt, their eyes were spiritually closed, This was intentional. Jesus wanted their faith to be based on the Word, not just sight. Their eyes would be opened at the right time.

They were talking to him, they could see a man, but not Jesus. Then, Jesus asks them, “what are you talking about?” The disciples said. “Are you the only one who doesn’t know about the things that have happened?”

This could be compared to you and your friend talking about 9-11 and someone walks up and says. What are you talking about? You would say, where have you been?
It is hard to believe 9-11 happened 25 years ago. Dateline had a 2-hour special episode going back speaking with many of the EMT’s, first responders, police that were first on the scene. They could not believe what had happened. It was a huge tragedy.

To many involved, the death of Jesus was a huge tragedy. All their hopes and dreams of a Messiah coming to redeem Israel were gone. They felt all hope was lost, even though they were told many time, Jesus had to suffer.

Jesus knew what the two disciples were talking about, what had happened. He wanted them to talk about it, he gives them space, he listens. You know Jesus is a great listener. He also asks questions, he gives us room, room to think on our own, figure it out, look at our mistakes, explore, and learn. In order to find the truth, we must seek the truth. Seek and you shall find.

Most of all, Jesus gives us mercy. That is a big word there, mercy.
Next, they told Jesus all about it. They were so disappointed. They were looking for the Messiah. Jesus was the one who was supposed to redeem Israel and now he was gone, and his body was gone. Where was his body, what was going on? We all have disappointments in life. There is an old saying, you may have heard it, Everything is good until it isn’t right?

We are concerned about the war in the Middle East, the economy, government, and gas went up thirty cents a gallon this past week. The world is not perfect. This life is not perfect. However, this life is not all there is. We must rely on God, not on ourselves. God has taken care of us our whole lives, he is not going to stop now.

These men were looking for Jesus, and he was right there, right there beside them and they didn’t even know it, Right now, Jesus is right beside us, do we know it? Are we saying where is God in the war, when is he going to stop this? God is right here, right here among us and He has control over everything happening. But remember, people have free choice. He is in control, but only if we let him by. We must give our will over to God. Before we plan, pray according to God’s Will. Lord’s prayer, every Sunday. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done!!

Next, I really like this part, the scriptures were opened to them, Jesus opened the scripture and started talking and reminding them what the scripture said: “Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” Jesus was teaching them again like he always did, that they would believe. He wanted them to seek instruction and belief. He wants us to do the same thing. Seek instruction and believe. Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you". God gives wisdom and understanding to those who ask.

Next, the disciples then offered Jesus a place to stay, this stranger with them, they said stay with us, have a meal, they no do doubt wanted to hear more of what this man had to say. Hospitality, they openly cared for a stranger, had a meal, he stayed, and visited.

Then the best part of this passage of scripture. EXCITING
When they broke bread together, then and only then, they realized it was Jesus, their eyes were opened. His physical body left; however, he was still with them in their sacred meal. They broke the bread, had a meal together, a sacred meal, (spiritually) a common meal in memory of Jesus. The despair over Christ’s death, turned to faith in His resurrection.

Jesus’ true identity was revealed while breaking bread. These two men struggled to understand what just happened. The crucifixion was God’s plan all along!!
The crucifixion was not a chaotic disaster, JESUS IS ALIVE!!
Just like the Last Supper was spent with his disciples before Jesus was crucified. This was the Emmaus First Supper in remembrance of Jesus. This was the presence of Jesus in the First Supper. The significance on the Emmaus Road is outstanding. And led to the First Supper with Jesus. The Eucharist, Holy Communion and we have been celebrating Communion ever since.

The First time they broke bread during the Last Supper, the Passover Meal, there was the gloom of death, hanging over their heads. The second time they broke bread with Jesus, was the glory of the resurrection.

Embrace the resurrection and let the reality of the risen Christ change your life and fill you with hope. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we should seek Jesus in our daily lives, especially through Scripture and communion.
Go out and tell others about the resurrection. We are called to share the Gospel.

Jesus walks as a friend with us on our journey, our road in life. He listens to us and he spends quality time with us as he heals us. Always remember, have faith that Jesus is always with us. Matthew 28:20 “ And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Let us pray
Even though you have not seen Jesus, we have assurance of his presence and his love with us. The promises of God are always true. God is with us, in the resurrection of Jesus, in our journeys, in our lives. Praise be to God. AMEN.

04/12/2026

John 20:19-31 See it to Believe it”

We can be thankful for the example of Doubting Thomas. We are familiar and maybe even said time to time, “Don’t be a doubting Thomas. “We all have doubts one time or another. This example of Thomas gives instructions and encouragement.

Here are our instructions: Have faith!
After the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus appeared alive and glorified to his disciples. He comforted them and proclaimed the Good News of victory over death. Vss. 19-23
However one of the original disciples, the twelve, Thomas was not there at the time. He was told later and he did not believe it. He is like many people who doubt the truth of salvation through the life death and resurrection of Jesus. Thomas was told the truth of the resurrection and personal visit from Jesus. Thomas had doubt. He wanted to see physical proof to believe. Jesus knew Thomas was human with weak faith.

Jesus did not have to prove anything to anyone. He was not obligated to do or say thing. He spent three years with his disciples. They witnessed miracles, heard prophecies of his death. Thomas heard testimony by the other ten disciples, which should have been enough. But he still had doubts. Jesus knew Thomas’s weaknesses. He knows our weaknesses as well.

Doubt comes from the heartbreak from the loss of a loved one. He lost his beloved Jesus. He was not in a very good frame of mind. Sometimes, we have the same heartbreak and despair. But Jesus has sympathy

Hebrews 4:15 tells us – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”
Jesus said: “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side;
The Doubt left Thomas once he saw Jesus he said, “My Lord, and my God” (vs. 28)
He had faith by sight.

Now the Encouragement
“Blessed are they who did not see and yet believed.” (vs 29)
That is us, WE believe!
Once Jesus ascended to heaven he would send the Holy Spirit, the helper to live within believers.
We have to see it to believe it. Really?

Now with the emergence of AI (Artificial intelligence) we cannot just see it to believe it. Because AI is causing deep fakes, lack of privacy, loss of skills, loss of jobs and many other problems. Like anything else, knowledge can be good. But people may use it wrong.

Though you don’t see, you love.
1 Peter 1:8-9 “and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.”
WE have the Holy Spirit indwelling in us.
We know the difference between the truth and a lie.

But even if we doubt, it does not affect our eternal standing with God. True saving faith perseveres to the end, just like Thomas. Remember Peter denied knowing Christ three times. Matthew 26:75. “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.” Jesus forgave him and made him the pillar of the early church in Jerusalem.

Hebrews 12:2”fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

How do we keep from doubt?
1. Go to God in prayer. When in doubt, go to God in prayer, depend on God. we grow in Him with Sanctifying grace. Times of doubt can change into times of great faith.
2. Second way we keep from doubt is to remember we are in a spiritual battle. So every day, we need to gear up for battle with the armed word of God.

Fight doubt. The full Armor of God is found in Ephesians 6:10-19
Sometimes we are lulled in our spiritual battle, all is quiet. All is well, until it isn’t.

That is the time we polish our armor. Be ready for the next battle.
There will be less times of doubt if we take advantage of the good times to feed our faith….with the word of God…Raise the Shield and do battle with the enemy of our souls. The flaming darts of doubt will not hit the target.

Doubting Christians have two things Thomas did not have.
1. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit and
2. The written New Testament.
There is power in both the Spirit and the Word of God. Overcome doubt like Thomas did. Be prepared to follow our Lord and Savior and give all to him, even our lives.

We were created but did not truly live physically until God breathed the Breath of life into us. We truly don’t live spiritually until Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit into us.
Remember what Jesus Said, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those that have not seen and yet come to believe.”

Let us pray
Holy God, we do believe, we have seen a risen Savior. We see Him in our everyday life, we see Him in the face of a newborn baby. We see Him in the love we share with God and each other. May the Holy Spirit open our eyes wider so that we may see more of Jesus and His work in the world. In Jesus name we pray, Amen

04/05/2026

Come and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus!
He is Risen! He is Risen indeed!!
Easter Service is at 11:00 a.m.

04/03/2026

Join us for the Good Friday Service at 7:00 p.m. Creekside Methodist Church 444 Indiana Rd. Creekside, PA to remember the crucifixion of Jesus and what it means to us today.

04/02/2026

Join us for Maundy Thursday Service this evening at 7:00 p.m. to share in the Lord's Supper and remember what Maundy Thursday is all about.

03/29/2026

Palm Sunday, Surviving Devastating Times Isaiah 50:4-9

On Palm Sunday we remember Jesus’ riding into Jerusalem, people lining the road waving Palm branches and shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Matthew 21:9). Hosanna is a word used in some songs of praise. Hosanna similar to hallelujah, it is also a plea for salvation. The Pharisees were trying to get the people quieted down when they shouted “hosanna.” They did not want the people praising Jesus at all. But the people loved Jesus.

They were so excited that he was there and then a short time later, they completely turned their back on him. They betrayed him.
How was he able to go through the suffering and humiliation that He did?

Today’s scripture in Isaiah gives us some insight as to how Jesus survived the ordeal and conquered death, hell, and the grave. Isaiah prophesied about his own ministry in 740 B. C. as well as pointing out things that would happen at the time of the crucifixion. Today we can draw encouragement from these same scriptures that will sustain us in the “devastating times” of our own life.

There are three things I want you to remember to help yourself during times of trouble.

1. HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE SCRIPTURES: Isaiah says in verse 4, The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word.”
Isaiah knew the scriptures and how to APPLY them to his own life as well as to offer a word of encouragement to those people he came into contact with. Many of the people he met every day were people who were very discouraged. He knew words of comfort and encouragement to give them. That is exactly what we can do for others.

We gradually learn as we read and study. Reading and studying the Bible is one of our Spiritual disciplines.
2 Timothy 2:15, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

We study to learn the truth. We put the Word into our hearts, and the Holy Spirit helps us to use it effectively when it is needed.
We know that it was “Jesus’ custom to go to the synagogue on the sabbath day and he stood up to read the scripture.” Luke 4:16. Jesus was genuine--he spoke with authority, he knew what he was talking about, and it showed up in his authority when he spoke.

2. BE CONSISTENT In many places in the New Testament Jesus would say, “the things that I say to you I have heard from my Father.”

Our strength comes from building up our inner resources--day by day-- “morning by morning”. You will have what you need when you need it. “Morning by morning” speaks of God’s unfolding will in your life through being a teachable, and consistent person.

Being open to the truth is important throughout our lifetime. When we are young, we may be more teachable. But what happens when the years roll by?

Many times people become busy with their careers or their families or grandchildren and begin to slack off in their consistency toward the things of God--church attendance starts to fall by the wayside--don’t pay much, don’t have much contact with people who can help encourage and build me up, slack off on Bible reading that will sustain during the crisis times...

When we maintain our consistence to learn and grow--morning by morning--day by day to receive what we need from God, we will always have a continual fresh supply. Luke 21:38 speaks of Jesus going to the temple “and all the people came EARLY IN THE MORNING to hear him at the temple.”

Consistently getting our instruction from the Lord and then putting what we learn into action, morning by morning will help us when we come to crises in our lives.

3. DON’T SHRINK BACK--Isaiah gives us another clue about surviving devastating times. He said that he did not shrink back from what God had shown him to do. He said, “I was not rebellious. I was willing to go ahead.” Isaiah did not have an easy ministry to the people of his day. Jesus did not either and Jesus was willing to go ahead with his mission even though he saw a great deal of difficulty and discouragement. He “made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men...he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Phil. 2:7, 8

Sometimes we shrink back from things because of fear--things that we could do without too great of difficulty. Jesus underwent all of the suffering for us to convince us of his willingness to save us.

4. BE DEPENDENT UPON GOD: The scripture shows us another thing that helped Jesus to survive devastating times--his total dependency on God. Isaiah says, “The Lord God will help me therefore I will not be confounded or disgraced. He says, “I have set my face as a flint.” Sometimes we think we have to do it all.

Discipleship is not up to us alone. He is telling us in verse 9, “It is the Lord God who helps me: If you trust in God for help when you are discouraged, you will not be disappointed. When you try to go it alone --doing your own thing, you will end up being disappointed.

How do we survive the devastating times that come to our lives? I would like you to think about these four things this week, Holy Week. They worked for the prophet Isaiah; they brought Jesus through to when He said It is Finished! They will help us to be an overcoming Christian as well today.

1. Know the Word of God and be always learning and growing
2. Be Consistent and Teachable
3. Don’t Shrink Back when the going gets rough
4. Be dependent on God at all times

Let us pray,
Our Father in Heaven,
as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a humble donkey, we welcome Him into our hearts today. We praise Him as our King, not in worldly power, but in love, humility, and sacrifice. May we honor His presence in our lives, reflecting His grace and mercy in all we do. Help us to walk faithfully in His path, rejoicing in the hope and salvation He brings, and to share His love with others. In His name we pray, Amen.

03/26/2026

Holy Week at Creekside and Tanoma Churches
April 2 - Maundy Thursday Combined Service at Tanoma 7:00 p.m.
April 3 - Good Friday Combined Service at Creekside 7:00 p.m.
April 5 - Easter Sunday Service Creekside 9:00 a.m. Tanoma 11:00 a.m.