Northmont United Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at Northmont United Presbyterian Church, 8169 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15237, www.northmontchurch.org.


Bob’s thoughts:

We entered and left via what turned out to be the Education wing and were impressed with the signs that projected out into the hall as well as the number of children in the rooms. Although the interior signage was sufficient, hopefully there was some signage outside the other entrances.

More than a few greeted us, and several offered us coffee. We were early and had more time than usual to look through the facility and speak with the pastor. In our travels around the building we found a very well-done welcome packet: well laid out, multicolored pages, including a lot of information that is usually missing. Also got to see a very new and well-organized kitchen. There is notable evidence of good involvement in various missions.

The Sanctuary is impressive, a good mix of woodwork and painted surfaces. There is a large cross suspended from the ceiling which somehow seems out of place, I think because from the pews it interferes with some ornate woodwork in the back of the chancel.

There were a few pleasant surprises: my friend Andrew (5 years old) was there to worship with his parents; we were blessed to hear David Hughey’s rich baritone solos; and were able to go forward to lay hands to ordain a Deacon, during which there is always a powerful Christ presence. There are numerous Stephen Ministers; one was identified for hospital visits that week and others available for prayer after the service.

A Parish Associate delivered the sermon, “The Spark That Ignites a Fire,” and touched some good points. I agree completely that coming in humility to Christ for healing is prerequisite, but I’m not sure of the context in which he meant obedience is required. I would contend that we are never ready for Christ to intercede in our livesand we’ll never be worthy of Christ’s grace. I think the point of the sermon came across better during the benediction.

I was pleased that the offering was taken in response to the Word.

I always wonder about the things we can’t assess at one visit, but today, at least, other than the children, the Church lacked spirit. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit, but the congregation seemed tired and lifeless.

This is a good facility with great potential. While their search for pastoral leadership advances, I hope they pray to discern Christ’s direction for Northmont and find a vibrant pastor to take them forward.

Jan’s thoughts:

This was our first visit to Northmont, where Rev. Dr. Don Ewing is the Interim Pastor and Rev. Alick Kennedy is a Parish Associate. This day Rev. Kennedy preached.

The building is older, well-kept, with very good signage, including many signs indicating the location of an AED. The kitchen contained many stainless appliances, and obvious pride and care was taken in this area. Overall the building had a very “homey” feel which made me believe the congregation was very much like a family. (True or not, I don’t know, that’s just how it felt.)

The Sanctuary was appealing: red carpet in the center aisle and chancel area, white walls, very dark wood beams with more white on the ceiling, and matching wooden cross-type decoration on the rear wall of the chancel. Beautiful stained glass in the Sanctuary also.

The people were friendly, with some initiating and maintaining longer conversations, but some were quite reserved. We encountered some people we knew from another church, so we sat with friends.

It was an honor to unexpectedly find ourselves able to participate in the ordination and installation of a young lady to the office of Deacon.

The bulletin was well assembled with two 8 ½ x 14 sheets arranged with the Order of Worship on the one sheet and announcements on the other and no papers to worry about keeping track of.

There were plenty of announcements and information in the bulletin including Stephen Ministers, dinners, Youth Group activities, a military list, food banks, book clubs, Presbytery events, and formation of a Designated Pastor Nominating Committee.

The guest soloist, David Hughey, was a joy to hear with his rich baritone.

I found myself in some disagreement with the sermon (which was recapped in the benediction) in which he indicated that healing is a result of our obedience and approaching God in humility. I believe both are vital, but my conflict arises from the idea that we must obey God before He will heal us. I believe God’s grace supersedes our obedience (or lack of it) just as His salvation, more often than not, supersedes our knowledge of its necessity. It’s just possible that God might use the healing to bring us to obedience. Of course it’s always better to do it God’s way and obey humbly, but I don’t know too many people who aren’t saved (or healed) in spite of themselves.