North Sewickley Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at North Sewickley Presbyterian Church, 106 Chapel Drive, Ellwood City, PA 16117, 724.752.1272, www.nspreschurch.org, Rev. Don Aull, Temporary Shepherd.


Bob’s thoughts:

I couldn’t help but think about how we are welcomed when we visit a church. Sometimes it feels like everybody in the church says hello, and at times only a few. The number has no bearing on how genuine the welcome feels. Today I felt welcome, from the woman who waited while we parked and got out of the truck to those who welcomed us inside. People asked about us instead of telling us about them. We were shown the restrooms and introduced to others.

I thought the signage was good and was particularly impressed with the clean, well laid-out restroom.

The Sanctuary is an A-frame with impressive beams, a large cross on the Chancel wall and another on the Communion table.

The Children’s Sermon was aimed at the children and was just long enough.

The sermon was on the faith of Rahab from the 2nd chapter of Joshua. With the reality of the danger Rahab faced in stepping out in faith, we should be less surprised that she is included in Matthew’s recounting of the genealogy of Christ. Her actions were referred to as the “early battle of Jericho.”

Some other choice phrases: referring to the Interim Pastor as the “Temporary Shepherd” and during the benediction the mention of “those no one loves.”

I felt Christ’s presence in this place. There are some good things going on and I look forward to seeing what God does next here. It was an unexpected joy to encounter some friends from the Presbytery office.

Jan’s thoughts:

Upon our arrival, as we were pulling into the parking lot, I had noticed a couple just exiting their car. As I opened my door I heard a female voice say hello – they had waited there to greet us! This was the first time we were greeted before we even got out of the truck! These kind folks walked in with us, guiding us toward the appropriate door, and once inside introduced us by name and pointed us toward the rest rooms. The other folks we met were as friendly…at least one person knew Bob from his visits to the Presbytery office, but others just stopped to introduce themselves and make us feel welcome. One woman (a member acting in the capacity of an unofficial greeter) gave us each a printed card with all the church’s contact information, and everyone we met invited us back. We felt genuinely and warmly welcomed here.

The Narthex contained a bulletin board and a world map with pins and photos of mission activities worldwide.

I don’t usually comment on the rest rooms, but these deserve to be noted. The ladies room was attractively decorated, very clean, with the small touches women appreciate such as a couple of small decorated corner tables with a basket of hand lotions on one and a box of Kleenex on another. It was neither too homey nor too antiseptic.

The Sanctuary is pretty with an A-line design, decorative pillars, and great color coordination. Also good directional signage…although we did not make it downstairs, we knew how to get there!

Air circulation has become an issue for us since Bob’s surgery. With the high ceilings found in churches, ceiling fans are not generally all that effective, and some low-level air movement might be more advantageous.

I heard an organ and a piano, but could not see either instrument. We were too busy talking with people after worship to go forward for a close-up look at the Chancel, so I’m guessing what I heard was an electronic keyboard. The traditional music sounded very good, and although contemporary music tends to sound awkward with only a keyboard, it was okay.

Strangely enough (some will say I’ve finally lost it with this), but while looking at this church’s website on Saturday evening, I found they had a .pdf of the bulletin available to view. I took a look at it and was excited to go there because of the bulletin. It was well laid-out, easy to read, and user-friendly. I also found myself eagerly anticipating the sermon entitled, “Moving Toward the Promise #10 – Rahab Fought the Battle of Jericho.” The title alone gave clear indication of where the pastor would be heading, and I couldn’t wait to hear what he had to say.

He described Rahab as a “Canaanite businesswoman” who made the “monumental announcement” that Jericho would be “under new management” by the time God’s plan for it was completed, and that, like Rahab, we should “live as though the Promised Land is already here” – living and acting in faith. He pointed out something new to me – that Rahab’s scarlet cord is reminiscent of the blood of the Passover. What a beautiful connection, and another reminder of what it means to act in faith.

This church is in the midst of a search for an installed pastor, and I will be joining them in prayer during this interim journey.