Southminster Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 799 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228, www.spchurch.org.

Jan's thoughts:

We've worshiped at Southminster on a semi-regular basis since Dan Merry began his ministry there, and it's always a joy to be there. The people are warm and friendly, the music has always been excellent, and Dan's sermons are thought-provoking and always worth hearing.

Because we arrived immediately before the service began, for a change we sat toward the back of the very large (and mostly full) sanctuary. Due to my ear condition, I was unsure how well I'd be able to hear the service from there, but the sound system worked very well and I was able to hear everything just fine.

Today we had the privilege of witnessing a baptism. I don't know how old little Samuel Jeffrey is, but he was alertly paying attention to the entire event, and seemed quite happy about it.

The church has also begun a prayer shawl ministry, and a number of the shawls were hung over the back of the pews throughout the sanctuary. During the Time With the Children the congregation laid hands on the shawls while a prayer of consecration was prayed. It was touching (literally and figuratively!). Dan said he would take one of the shawls to his mother when he visits her following her surgery tomorrow.

The Women's Handbell Team then performed "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God." This hymn is a favorite of mine, mostly because the words are so powerful, and it was the words that were going through my mind while listening to this excellent rendition. Strangely enough, the piece seemed to lose some of its power in hearing it performed by such a light-sounding "instrument." Please don't construe this as a criticism of the handbells (which I played for a time and loved) or of the Women's Handbell Team - they were excellent. It's purely a personal preference and observation.

Dan's sermon (regarding stewardship - 'tis the season after all) was right on, and the delivery was superb. Dan is such a gifted preacher, and I'd say that even if he wasn't my friend.

Another Southminster friend whose gifts I admire is Dan's assistant, Mary Cullison. When Mary publishes a bulletin, I know it will be beautifully spaced and designed. Like the rest of us, Mary has probably allowed a typo or two in her time, but I've never found one. She's a gifted professional.

For a church with such a long history, Southminster exudes friendliness and a genuine passion to proclaim and serve Christ. No wonder we keep coming back.

Bob's thoughts:

It's interesting to visit then write about a church that we've been to before. I found myself not looking for signage, etc., but maybe looking closer at the heart.

We were greeted immediately inside the main doors by a very pleasant woman with a genuine smile. That shouldn't be odd, but it is, and we felt very welcome.

We were warmly greeted by Associate Pastor Ken White and Senior Pastor Dan Merry. Dan even took our coffee cups to the trash for us...talk about servant ministry!

Southminster has an "old" Presbyterian look and feel. Awesome stained glass and woodwork, true cathedral ceiling with side balconies. A church that should be brimming with "old" Presbyterian dignity and old-school Presbyterians. I have no doubt they have more than their share, but there is something alive at Southminster. It's not just the inward programs, but the outward mission. There is an energy growing in worship. I believe it is an awareness of Christ at work. Southminster has ministers who believe,and I'm excited for them.

We were blessed to be there for a baptism and consecration of the prayer shawls. I got a little lost in the long story of the inception of this ministry, but the passion is obvious. Pray that they are encouraged.

Dan preached a radical sermon on stewardship. I pray the congregation found something to buy into in this excellent message.

Personally, I believe stewardship starts after His 10%. Don't just give Christ the bacon, but the whole ham, tenderloins and all. Give from the best.