Neelsville Presbyterian Church

Yesterday we worshiped at Neelsville Presbyterian Church, 20701 Frederick Road, Germantown, MD 20876, 301.972.3916, www.neelsville.org, Rev. Dr. Peter Della Santina, Senior Pastor.

Scripture – Romans 12:14-16

"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited."

Bob’s thoughts:

We were headed home after a fast-paced and very meaningful weekend in Virginia, driving along 70/270 and searching for a church where we could worship. Most times the search would show a church we had just passed, but after a few false starts we found this one. We arrived just as the service was starting and following some confusion as to where we should park and which door to enter, we were led to a seat. If there was any welcoming, it was before we arrived.

The church ceiling rises to a sharp peak with a tall cross suspended in front, and we enjoyed the decorative light fixtures suspended from the ceiling.

The pastor talked about the recent meeting of the elders and the attempt to discern God’s direction for the church. It is a Presbyterian church so acceptance of any change will likely be resisted by some.

The message offered some clarity to the Scripture, Romans 12:14-16, and broke it out to five main points.

When the pastor started the sermon I sensed the onset of spiritual warfare, and silently offered prayer for the pastor and congregation to be armored by God. I am sure He will comfort and sustain them through the coming onslaught.

With the great diversity of the congregation, I expected some passion in the singing; however I could only hear a few voices.

We did get to speak with one member who sported a great t-shirt, and had a moment with the pastor.

Jan’s thoughts:

We spent this past weekend visiting our family and attending a special ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It was a gorgeous weekend for travel and a meaningful time.

On our way home we sought a church in the area and found ourselves at Neelsville in Germantown, MD. The building was recently renovated, so I’m guessing that signage is on the list yet, although the restrooms were easy to find as the signs protruded into the hallway…always most helpful. The design of the sanctuary is breathtaking, with lots of stone and wood work, and just the right touches of stained glass.

We arrived a bit late but several folks greeted us on our way in, a smiling usher made sure we had bulletins and another helped us locate seats in the large, crowded sanctuary. We were able to talk with several other folks following the service.

The sermon had the feel of a family meeting, with the pastor filling in the congregation on the results of what sounded like long-term discernment on the future direction of the church. These results included continuing to grow the youth ministry, holding to their convictions, caring for each other, and reaching out in mission.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we pray You bless this church with discernment, that they may know the direction of Your call for them. Amen.