Glade Run United Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at Glade Run United Presbyterian Church, 1091 Pittsburgh Road, Valencia, PA 16059, 724.898.3503, www.gladerunchurch.org, Rev. Greg Wiest, Pastor.


Bob’s thoughts:

We visited Glade Run for their traditional service. The Sanctuary is very nicely tied together: a larger cross is framed with a rounded archway in wood paneling. Over all, the wood trim and ceiling treatment draw attention to the impressive stained glass. It has the feel of a country church.

There are matching banners in front: very colorful, but I’m not sure of the significance. I was disappointed that the offering was not taken in response to the Word.

I’ve never attempted to ring handbells, and maybe there is a concentration required that demands seriousness, but I had hoped for a smile when their exceptional worship was done.

The message was part of a series on Christianity and other religions. I am not sure what is gained by the comparisons but do believe it will help in our witness to other faiths. I am always amazed at how parts of a faith are made up at will, but am reminded of all the ‘extras’ the Jews added in and the host of things added by some denominations within the Christian church.

If we encourage other faiths to talk about their beliefs, we are able to explain our personal relationship with Christ. I agree our strong witness are our prayers for them and the witness of how we live our lives for Christ.

Something seemed to be missing in worship however. Worship. The elements were there, but there was no noticeable passion or joy. Other than the children and some young mothers, I only saw one smile during the service. There is something very Presbyterian in this. Maybe we are affected by the Reformed Presbyterian, that we feel we can’t be happy in worship.

The only reason I note this is for what came after the worship service. We were looking at a bulletin board of missionary activities during the coffee fellowship time, and I commented to Jan how I thought we stood out and was surprised that no one greeted us. As if on cue, people came by and introduced themselves and invited us to join them. That fellowship time was characterized by joy and laughter, a time of sharing and breaking bread together (well, cake, which I enjoyed in spite of my doctors’ directives).

I don’t know if you try to redirect some of that joy to worship or bring worship to the coffee hour. The worship time was marred by some folks sitting nearby who not only talked throughout the service but spent their time complaining.

The benediction reflected a personal belief about how we readily accept Christ as Savior but have trouble acknowledging Him as Lord.

I really enjoyed talking to the pastor and others. Also was impressed with the mission involvement. We hope to make it back for the contemporary service.

Jan’s thoughts:

This building was much larger than I expected; very well kept and tastefully decorated with much attention to detail. Plenty of parking space.

The signage was part of the décor, so it was unobtrusive. We asked the location of the restrooms when we entered and they turned out to be through the Sanctuary and down the hall a ways. It was a good thing we asked as we would never have encountered them just looking for them.

The pews were comfortably padded and set in a curved arrangement. The Chancel boasted lots of wood, including a huge Celtic cross against the rear wall. I never tire of seeing the beautiful stained glass, and the colors on these particular windows were unusual and quite stunning.

The bulletin was well-done, with the worship service information on the outside sheet and all the inserts foldable inside so as not to get in the way during worship. It worked well.

We attended the 8:45 a.m. traditional service but will likely return for the 11 a.m. contemporary service at some point.

Bob will probably write something about this, but I’ll say it too: I sensed almost no passion or joy from anyone during this service with the exception of the pastor. However the people were like another congregation after the service, which I’ll address in a moment.

The sermon was part of a series contrasting faith in Christ with other faiths, and today’s message was “Jesus and Hinduism.” He pointed out that yoga is one of the philosophical schools of Hinduism, a fact which seems to be lost on many of its numerous practitioners. He outlined some great steps to take should you be seeking to evangelize someone of the Hindu faith, and actually I thought they were great points to keep in mind in any evangelization effort aimed at someone of another faith or someone with no faith. They originated with Indian-born Christian apologist and author Ravi Zacharius. I wrote as fast as I could and I think I got them all:
1. Begin by creating a relationship. Show respect for their beliefs without compromising your faith.
2. Listen more than you talk (good advice in general).
3. Respond to their needs.
4. Emphasize the personal relationship with Christ (something lacking in every other faith).
5. Pray for them.
6. Don’t overwhelm them – take your time. Studies show that younger people especially are open to hearing the Good News.
7. Our call is to present the truth of Christ. People can only be loved into the Kingdom, not coerced or dragged.

Following worship we sought out the restrooms again and as we were looking at the bulletin board full of information and communications from missionaries, several people approached us and introduced themselves. They were extremely friendly, showing us where to find coffee and inviting us to try some of the many cakes, etc. We each spent some time with several members who took the time to share some of the church’s history as well as personal conversation. The obviously friendly teasing, chatting, and general fellowshipping going on seemed so different from the stoic (Presbyterian) worship. We may just visit again for the 11:00 contemporary service after all. We were very glad we stayed for the fellowship time.