First Presbyterian Church of Castle Shannon

Today we worshiped at First Presbyterian Church of Castle Shannon, 3636 Poplar Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15234, www.fpccs.com.


Bob’s thoughts:

This is a beautiful little church nestled in Castle Shannon. The Sanctuary is very comfortable, well color-coordinated with nice stained glass and a cross on Communion table. A large screen was used for announcements, so it wasn’t till it was raised for the sermon that I saw it had concealed some wooden slats over the organ pipes. They looked like maybe a Boy Scout project and didn’t fit with the rest of the Sanctuary. Some nice banners and very comfortable pews. No signage from Sanctuary. Pew card noted “Pew Mail – Usher Delivery.”

The offering was taken before the Word was preached.

Children outnumbered adults almost 2 to 1 which made me think perhaps God might be calling this church to a youth ministry. It would be a good way to fill some of the empty seats.

I had the opportunity to page through the Annual Report and noticed a wide spread of mission support. I believe it would help to prioritize mission giving by supporting missions in which the congregation is active and for which they have a passion. The numbers presented in the Annual Report reflect the church returning God’s basic tithe. I’d think mission dollars would be well spent on local youth programs at the church. I would hope that the upcoming movie night has been promoted to neighborhood.

There was mention in the Annual Report of a mailing to new neighbors instead of visiting to welcome them to the neighborhood. Taking a loaf of bread and some welcome information is much more effective, in my opinion.

This church could be a vibrant part of this small community with a strong, passionate preaching of the Word.

Most of the few worshipers greeted us after the service.

I believe God is calling this church to go and do and I don’t think they will have to go very far. This community needs them…they just don’t know that Christ is the answer.

Jan’s thoughts:

The walks and parking lot were clear in spite of a fair amount of fresh-fallen snow. Unfortunately we were a few minutes late arriving, but still the ushers greeted us very warmly. We sat in the very last pew, but there was plenty of choice seating available.

I wasn’t able to see much of the outside of the building due to the snow, but the inside was quite tastefully decorated. The aesthetics were pleasing and the colors very well coordinated. The pews were well padded and very comfortable, and the pew backs and seats were upholstered identically. The wood was dark, accented by white pew ends. It was really quite pretty and looked to be well-maintained.

The liturgist’s name wasn’t in the bulletin, but he could’ve used an injection of enthusiasm. After hearing the pastor, though, I knew who the liturgist was patterning his speech after.

The elderly violinist provided a pleasant musical addition. Immediately following the Children’s Lesson, praise songs were sung and the children were invited to stay and join in. They were a joy to hear (and to watch) – especially the little one in his mother’s arms and holding the microphone zealously singing the “la la la la la la-s.”

Anyone desiring prayer was invited forward following the service for personal prayer. In this very small congregation it’s highly likely that most everyone knows everyone else.

A number of people greeted us after worship and were warm and sincere.

The bulletin could benefit from some creative touches.

The sermon was approximately 20 minutes long.