“From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Ephesians 4:16 (NIV) People sometimes ask me what is my “favorite passage in the Bible.” I actually have many favorites. My favorite passage concerning the church is Ephesians 4:16, printed above. The Apostle Paul uses the image of a body because it’s impossible to miss the point: a body only thrives when its parts are connected and functioning. A hand can’t flourish apart from the arm. A heart can’t beat without the support of the lungs. And a church can’t grow in Christ if its members are disconnected or passive. Christ is the source — “from Him the whole body…” But we are the structure — “joined and held together by every supporting ligament.” And we are also the builders — the body “builds itself up in love.” That’s the beautiful tension of Christian community: Christ empowers, but we participate. Every Part Matters Paul doesn’t say some parts. He doesn’t say the gifted parts or the visible parts. He says each part does its work. That means: · The quiet encourager matters. · The behind‑the‑scenes servant matters. · The prayer warrior matters. · The new believer matters. · The tired parent matters. · The elder saint matters. In Christ’s design, there is no such thing as an unnecessary Christian. If you’re part of the body, you’re essential to its health. Love Is the Atmosphere of Growth Paul could have said the body grows through strategy, programs, or leadership structures. Instead, he says it grows in love. · Love is what makes the church more than an organization. · Love is what keeps us connected when personalities clash. · Love is what motivates service when no one notices. · Love is what turns a group of people into a family. Without love, the body becomes rigid and lifeless. With love, it becomes flexible, strong, and fruitful. A Call for Our Church Today Ephesians 4:16 invites us to ask: What part has Christ given me to play in this body? Not out of guilt, but out of gratitude. Not out of pressure, but out of purpose. · Maybe your part is prayer. · Maybe it’s hospitality. · Maybe it’s teaching, giving, listening, encouraging, or simply showing up faithfully. · Whatever it is, the body needs it. Christ designed it that way. When each of us brings our part — however small it may seem — Christ knits it all together into something far greater than the sum of its pieces. Closing Thought A church doesn’t grow because a few people do a lot. A church grows because everyone does their part in love. Paul’s message in Ephesians 4:16 is simple and demanding at the same time: the church only becomes what Christ intends when every person contributes their God‑given part. Growth isn’t accidental. It’s relational, intentional, and rooted in love. May we be a body that is connected, committed, and continually built up in the love of Christ! Pastor Tom Strandburg
Our final Lenten Community Fish Fry, held on April 3rd (Good Friday), was a tremendous success. Approximately eight hundred meals were served via eat-in, take-out, and limited delivery. Meal recipients included Church members as well as those from our larger church “family” (including groups that use our building, ministry and outreach partners, and neighbors from our surrounding communities). Seeing folks break bread (AND EAT FISH) together was truly a remarkable sight! For those who could not join us, the menu consisted of fried and baked fish, chicken nuggets, assorted side items, and a variety of desserts (particularly for those eating in – they had their own dessert table). Those eating in also had the opportunity to take Communion and share prayer with Pastor Tom. Many compliments were received, not only on the food but more importantly on the hospitality that went with it. Monetary donations were plentiful and helped ensure that those unable to donate were still able to get a great meal at no cost. We served approximately 2,100 meals during our 3 Lenten Fish Fries. They were truly fellowship-makers. Hockey fans know 3 goals in a game (an amazing feat) as a “hat trick.” Consider us as having scored a Fish Fry “hat trick!” And thanks again to all who helped to make it happen! Rob Spicher, Missions and Outreach Committee Ch air
DEVON AND KATIE BABCOCK Devon has lived in Pittsburgh since high school and is a senior property manager at The Buncher Company. Katie is originally from Alabama and has lived in Pittsburgh for 9 years and currently works as the director of development for Pittsburgh Area Community Schools. They have a 19-year-old son named Lucas who is currently pursuing the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics and a 1-year-old son named James whose mission in life is to point out every light and make silly noises with his mouth. Devon and Katie love doing outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, riding bikes on the Pittsburgh trails, and walking their two dogs, Loki the German Shepherd and Kiah the Australian Shepherd. BILL AND ELLEN CARPENTER Bill and Ellen come to Mt. Lebanon UMC from the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C., where they were members of Mount Olivet UMC for over 15 years. Bill, now retired from the National Archives and Records Administration, was born in Mt. Lebanon and was baptized and confirmed at Mt. Lebanon UMC before his family moved away in the 1980s. Ellen grew up in Virginia and worked at the Department of the Interior, National Science Foundation, and Department of Housing and Urban Development before their move to Pittsburgh in 2025. She now enjoys working part-time at a local yoga and wellness studio. They have been married for nearly 28 years and are happy to be here among such a welcoming community. KIRBY DILWORTH I was born, raised and educated in the western suburbs of Detroit. Baptised at 13, I became a member of the Norwayne American Baptist Church and was very active in the Chancel Choir and as a vocal soloist. I hold degrees in music and library/information science from the University of Michigan, and performed in European concert tours and opera festivals with the Men's Glee Club & Chamber Choir. Following grad school, I joined Michigan's School of Music staff before moving to Pittsburgh in 1978. I've sung in the choirs of Eastminster U.P., Congregation Rodef Shalom, and Mt. Lebanon U.P. before joining the Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church music program in 1988. I retired in 2021 after 43 years as a reference librarian at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in Oakland. I first met my domestic partner of nearly 46 years, the late John Middleton, when we were performing J. S. Bach's Magnificat. John played double bass in the Civic Orchestra, and I sang (of course) in the choir. A decade later, I bought the charming red brick duplex where we lived until his passing on June 12, 2025, frequently debating the issues of taste that often consume classical musicians! All who remember John (the bearded fellow who always sat in the middle pew of the balcony) are welcome to attend his memorial service at 11 am June 12, 2026. CHRIS AND SHANA SLAYBAUGH Chris and Shana both grew up in the church, met at Messiah University, and married shortly after graduation. Shana finished grad school to become a librarian and Chris started his career as an actuary while we attended Chris' hometown church of Zion UMC in East Prospect, a little borough on the outskirts of York County. While there, we both led youth group, sang in choir, served on committees, and Chris played in the handbell choir and taught an adult Sunday school class. In 2013, we officially adopted our son Josiah after a year and a half of fostering, and Chris' job moved us to Pittsburgh, where we settled in Mt. Lebanon. Until we started attending MLUMC last summer, we were members of a local non-denominational congregation where we continued serving and leading in various ministries. We are excited to now be coming back "home" to the United Methodist Church and are looking forward to getting to know and serve with you all.
