Wexford Community Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at Wexford Community Presbyterian Church, 10645 Perry Highway, Wexford, PA 15090, www.wexfordpc.org.
Bob’s thoughts:

We were warmly greeted upon entering, and offered direction to the Sanctuary and restroom locations, which was a good thing since directional signage was minimal at best. Consequently I was grateful the general area of the restrooms had been pointed out. The building is modern with comfortable seating. It has the feel of a warm and friendly church as several people greeted us after the service.

The modern stained glass at the rear wall of the chancel was very impressive with the sun behind it. There is also a large wooden cross, but I found myself drawn to a small metal cross on top of the baptismal font. The Malawian items were also of great interest.

The offering was taken not only before the Word was preached but with the congregation standing and singing.

The message, “The Eyes of Faith,” was what I felt missing from a recent sermon at Mosaic about Moses not seeing the Promised Land. The great accomplishments of Moses were because of the faith of his parents who gave him to God in faith. When we “see” in faith we have no fear. I’d be encouraged to see this congregation go forward with eyes of faith.

While the congregation was attentive to the Word, I saw some passion in those leading the contemporary music, but almost none among the congregation. Perhaps it’s new at this church.Jan’s thoughts:

This was our first visit to Wexford Community P.C., although in 2003 I travelled to Malawi with the pastor, Rev. Bruce Schlenke, who I was astonished to learn has served this church for 27 years!

Signage was good: there were signs on the entry doors (“If it’s windy, use the left door” which I thought was nifty). Immediately upon entering we were greeted by two very friendly women who pointed the way to the restrooms, where to hang our coats if we wished, and the direction to the back of the Sanctuary for a bulletin. Since the restroom doors are around a corner from the hallway, I’d suggest a sign where someone walking down the hallway could see which room was which without having to look so far around a corner to see.

Something that surprised me was that when the ladies introduced themselves, they gave their first and last names. Most times only first names are given, I think because at that point last names seem unnecessary. This wouldn’t have been so remarkable except, upon hearing their last names I automatically gave our last names also, which I don’t normally do.

We were early enough that we could look around some and found plenty of Malawi photos, paintings, even a Chief’s chair and a gallimoto on display. The vitality of the partnership between Wexford and Mchiru was evident and encouraging.

We attended the contemporary service, and the congregation straggled in during the early music as seems to be the case at all contemporary services. There was a good crowd, although the back probably 10 pews on both sides were roped off so everyone would sit forward. (It is, after all, a Presbyterian church.)

For this service, the bulletin was one folded 11 x 17 sheet containing plenty of information as well as two double-sided inserts, one of which was the order of worship.

The music was very well done, but I think would’ve benefitted from a bit more enthusiasm, or at least some smiles.

The sermon was delivered in a more casual attitude befitting a contemporary service, but was deeply theological nonetheless. Bruce’s sermon, titled “The Eyes of Faith,” was based on Hebrews 11:23-29. He touched on most, if not all, the theological points I wished I’d heard from Saleem Ghubril a few weeks ago, then took it a step farther and pointed out that the faith exhibited by the children of Israel as they crossed the Red Sea was built on the faith of Moses, whose faith was built on the faith shown by his parents when they placed him in God’s hands in the Nile. The point was that we WILL not see the good that God brings from our faith because the faith of future generations will have been built on the faith we display. A truly encouraging thought that gives me great hope for the meaning of my own life, as well as a smack-upside-the-head reminder to not be afraid – a reminder I personally need on a very regular basis.