Calvin Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 415 E. Grandview Avenue, Zelienople, PA 16063, 724.452.7560, www.calvinchurchzelie.org, Pastor: Rev. Dr. N. Graham Standish.


Bob’s thoughts:

The two entrances we used had very good signage, as well as inside. There is evidence of some major renovation showing good craftsmanship; more importantly, showing good planning and forethought. A lot of areas were addressed with useful compromises. The main floor and Sanctuary are handicapped accessible; not sure if there was a provision for the lower level.

The Chancel featured a large wood cross centrally mounted over interesting woodwork, good screen placement and very nice stained glass. The efforts in maintenance and housekeeping show, the facility is clean and pleasant. A high art rail on the perimeter allowed for a simple banner hanger to be used anywhere.

We were greeted by the pastor and a number of others. One woman expressed relief in seeing us as she thought perhaps we had left during the Sunday school time.

From the start it was apparent that this was a praying church; the opening prayers set the tone for the service. The bulletin noted there would be someone to pray after the service, as well as an often neglected healing prayer ministry and other prayer ministries.

The choir, although with good harmony, got through even some upbeat praise worship without smiling until the closing response when there was some enthusiasm for “Amen Amen.” There was a delightful soloist whose smile was as superior as her voice. After the service we stopped at Wal-Mart. As I was waiting for my wife, a man approached me and commented on the joyous message of my Christian t-shirt and my lack of a joyous smile. It’s easy to forget that our countenance preaches for us even when we are silent.

The anecdotal stories supporting the sermon were a little long, but the congregation seemed to get the message of sacrifical love: is the gift worth anything without sacrifice? The offering was taken in response to the Word.

I really enjoyed reading through the visitor packet. Very impressive is that the Session had voted to format Session meetings after a worship service. Personally, I hope they include Communion. As a church this congregation is praying for discernment as to Christ’s mission for Calvin Church and God will surely bless such a prayer.

I was disappointed that there was little reference to mission, but feel God is moving this congregation to be more outward. To have the unity that is apparent after renovations speaks very well to discernment of Christ’s direction and goal for this church.

I admit to some concern about the 7 a.m. “Men’s Room” on the calendar…what about the rest of the week?

Jan’s thoughts:

This building was a bit confusing to me since I have no sense of direction, but it has a lot going for it. We learned that it underwent a major remodeling just a couple of years ago, and the thought and planning that went into it was evident. The outside was unusual, with a combination of red bricks and green painted ones that gave a visual indication of the entry locations. Once inside we found ourselves outside a fellowship hall where adult Sunday school was in session. A gentleman immediately came to greet us – it turned out he was the pastor – and invited us to join in the class or look around as we wished. We saw restrooms across the hall but went in search of others as we toured the building so as not to disturb the class. (The ladies room was clean with deeper than usual stalls that were easy to get into and didn’t force one to struggle to close the stall door.)

After our self-guided tour we found ourselves outside the main office where we came across a small table and a couple of sitting chairs. The table held two books, both authored by the pastor, one with a foreword by Rev. Stan Ott. The world gets smaller every day.

We encountered several staff members, and all recognized us as visitors and were open and welcoming. We were also greeted by some others nearby just prior to the service.

The bulletin consists of two 11” x 17” folded sheets and two 5 ½” x 8” inserts which I witnessed several people pick up after they slipped out. The bulletin itself is well laid out with blue and black print and large type, making it easy to read and follow.

One entire page is dedicated to prayer ministries, including a prayer list, an invitation to pray with elders following each service, a prayer room, prayer group, a prayer shawl committee, and the two most unusual items, a healing prayer ministry (members who will visit and pray for healing with you one a week) and a labyrinth.

The Sanctuary is pleasant to the eye, with good lighting and matching woodwork. I couldn’t help but notice that the colors in the stained glass could be found on the walls and trim elsewhere in the building. I know color coordination isn’t high on everyone’s list, but color is such an important part of my world that I find it enormously satisfying when the colors are given that much obvious significance. It speaks to me on a level almost as consequential as words.

Musically the service would be considered blended, with a combination of contemporary and traditional music. We were treated to an offertory solo by a young woman with an exquisite voice and an equally engaging smile.

The pastor energetically strayed from the pulpit to the front of the Sanctuary and back again several times, which in my opinion only served to underscore his enthusiasm. The message, entitled “Love Is a Sacrifice,” was based on I John 3:11-22, and included some lessons in history and a lot of teaching. My sense is that the pastor has the spiritual gift of teaching and uses it every Sunday as well as other opportunities. As we waited in line to leave the Sanctuary, one woman commented to me that “Every week he teaches.” That is quite apparent from everything we saw.