This week’s message comes from John 4:7-26
Like the Old Testament, the New Testament contains many references to mountains. There is The Sermon on the Mount. Jesus often went into the hills or mountains to pray. We have Golgotha and the Mount of Transfiguration. The Gospel of John, chapter 6, sets the feeding of the 5,000 on a mountain, as does Matthew, chapter 15, with the feeding of the 4,000.
These feedings pair well with last week’s passage on Elijah’s victory on Mount Carmel for at least three major reasons. First, the crowds around Elijah hoped for rain so that food would grow. Second, Elijah sacrificed a bull after asking God to make Himself known, whereas Jesus gave thanks and broke bread. Third, God demonstrated His power to Elijah and others through the dangerous natural processes their pagan neighbors expected, whereas Jesus demonstrated power through Himself.
For this summer settings series, we look at a passage that is only recorded in John’s gospel and a story we might not initially associate with mountains. Yet it can relate to our world’s common attitudes toward worship and God. Most pastors have heard the “I find God in nature/the mountains/the seashore/the lake, the journey/etc.” from strangers or perhaps even from one of you. I know many of you go on vacation each year to locations where you can find rest and peace with nature.
So, what is so special about mountains? We go to the mountains for their beauty, the weather, to escape the heat, recreation, or an invigorating experience. We may go to get away or because we feel a spiritual connection there. As the preacher in Ecclesiastes would say, “there is nothing new under the sun” about that. There are many reasons to go to the mountains, even for worship, but what comes from the mountains? tune into this week’s sermon to learn more.
Sunday School: 9:00 am
Worship Service: 10:30 am
Summer Settings
Week 2 – The Mountain of Spirit and Truth
July 19, 2026
Pastor Gary Rebok
For over two centuries The Presbyterian Church Shippensburg has been serving Jesus Christ in both the social and spiritual needs of the community of Shippensburg, PA. We are a congregation within the Presbyterian denomination of ECO: A Covenant Order of Presbyterians, whose purpose is to witness in love the truth that Jesus Christ is Lord and the one true redeeming and healing presence in the world today. Through the presence of the Holy Spirit, Presbyterian Church Shippensburg is a loving and committed church family where God’s Word is preached, faith is grown, relationships are built, and Christ’s work continues.
Upcoming Events
Healing Service
July 19, 2026
10:30am