Concord Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at Concord Presbyterian Church, 2832 Conway-Wallrose Road, Baden, PA 15005, www.concordchurch.org, Rev. J. Harper Brady.


Bob’s thoughts:

Our two daughters were in town for daughter Amber’s wedding shower and Amber wanted to introduce them to the congregation at Concord, and thus our choice was made as to where we would worship today. We worship occasionally at Concord. Knowing our way around the church somewhat, I was surprised to realize today there is almost no signage. There is a unisex restroom on the Sanctuary level and one below off the fellowship hall, but I forgot another set near the kitchen. I doubt a visitor would have a hard time (it is not a large facility) but it is comforting to know the location of the restrooms, nursery, etc.

The Sanctuary features a large central cross and some great banners, and the offering is taken in response to the Word.

I had the joy of holding my granddaughter who was tired enough to be fussy, so I missed some of the service and sermon. I don’t know if there are speakers outside of the Sanctuary, but none were on.

I was glad I didn’t have to follow the Children’s Choir as they had a wonderful presentation which they sang out with enthusiasm.

The hymns at Concord are frequently ones I find difficult to sing, so I was sorry we were a little late and missed the Praise Band.

From what I was able to hear of the sermon, we live in a world of choices but the reality of the only choice of consequence is to accept Christ’s gift. I thought it was a good perspective that gets lost in our busyness.

Communion was served with the standard words of institution and provided silently by the elders.


Jan’s thoughts:

I’ll be as objective as possible today, but I must mention right off that this church has a special place in my heart. Our daughter is engaged to the pastor’s son and just yesterday we held her bridal shower in the fellowship hall here. That same daughter is on the staff as director of the youth group. Nevertheless, I still remember what it was like to walk in as strangers just over a year ago, and what I recall most is the genuine friendliness of the people. They reached out and welcomed us, embracing us with open arms, literally and figuratively.

The building is well-kept and fairly newly remodeled, including an entrance ramp and some handicapped accessibility. The Sanctuary is just the right size for the number of worshippers, with beautiful stained glass on either side along with two sparkly, gorgeous wall hangings. The choir sits to the left facing the organ on the opposite side, but they are easy to hear.

The bulletin is one 8 ½ x 11” ivory sheet folded in half with the announcements on a half-sheet insert, making it easy to handle during worship. Most churches now will list the pastor by name and the members of the church as the ministers, but above those Concord lists Jesus Christ as Head of the Church. They also feature a weekly, monthly, and year-to-date financial report that indicates very little discrepancy between need and actual giving.

Today we were treated to an enthusiastic rendition by the Junior Choir of “Leaning (on the Everlasting Arms), and a gusty performance of “Mighty Wind” by the Senior Choir.

When Communion is served it is usually done in silence; however at Concord the pastor reads Scripture as the elders serve Communion.

The sermon, entitled “The Life or Death Choice” was based on Deuteronomy 30:11-20 where God (through Moses) sets forth the blessings and curses and charges the Israelites to choose which path they will follow: worshiping God (life) or worshiping idols (death). His point was that the choice is straightforward, clear cut, and really very simple. And yet for all these thousands of years we humans forget and choose the latter. But the choice is still before us, every day, and if we do not consciously choose God’s path, the “default option” is death – separation from God. It was a good reminder to think of God’s promises and choose His way every day, every time. The more reminders I have of this, the better.