Camp Run Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at Camp Run Presbyterian Church, PO Box 27, 489 Church Road, Fombell, PA 16123, 724.368.8446, Rev. Andy Shaffer, Pastor.


Bob’s thoughts:

Our directions to the church were good but when we realized how few road signs exist we realized we should have brought the GPS. As it was, we turned onto a road that had a Presbyterian Church marker and it turned out to be our original destination.

It is a little country church in a very “country” setting. The trees around the church in bright fall colors made a very welcoming appearance. We took a few minutes to tour the lower level and find the restrooms. It was not hard to find our way, but could benefit from some signage perhaps for the occasional visitor.

We were welcomed from when we reached the Sanctuary. There is a large central oak cross that matches the pews. It has the appearance of being massive and thick.

The time of welcome involved the whole church. I was disappointed that the offering was taken before the Word was preached. The pastor is receptive to change but I’m not too sure the congregation will be too willing. I sense they may be on the edge of making some decisions.

The message centered on our being rectified to God once by Christ’s sacrifice for us as our High Priest.

Jan’s thoughts:

We thought we were lost but then were found…

We thought we’d made a wrong turn, but then saw a sign pointing the way. The importance of signs down the street or a mile away can’t be overstated, whether the church is rural or urban. Today we were living proof that you never know when that one sign will be the only thing that gets a visitor to the door.

Fall is at its peak, and this quaint church was sitting there surrounded by God’s gorgeous handiwork.

The building itself is small – when we entered the Narthex and looked for a restroom it was quickly obvious we’d have to go downstairs as we could see most of the floor we were on. We went down the only stairs we could find and located the restrooms then looked around a bit. There were signs on the men’s and ladies room doors, but all other signs were of the handwritten “Please keep this door closed” variety. The building looked to be in good repair and well cared for. It has a definite “family” feel; it is obvious that everyone knows everyone else.

The pastor and several members greeted us prior to the service, and during the greeting time the rest of the congregation greeted us. We were thoroughly welcomed before, during, and after the service. Greeting time began first thing, even before the announcements, and took however long it took for everyone to greet everyone else.

The bulletin is well laid out and easy to read, with impressive use of varying fonts, typestyles, and white space. Also interesting to me was the liturgy written in the bulletin. The Call to Worship, Prayer of Confession, and Assurance of Pardon were almost childlike in their simple honesty. It was refreshing to hear a congregation confess “We talk about serving you, but we do not want the rank of servant. We have lots of ideas about what you might do to help the world and little commitment to what we might do in your name.” Thought-provoking words.

It also contained the most comprehensive and detailed sermon notes insert I’ve seen. Instead of “fill-in-the-blanks” it includes questions and Scripture references to locate the correct response so it can be used as a study guide throughout the week.

I was surprised when the pastor sat on a stool in front of a music stand, adjusted the microphone, and took off his wrist watch prior to beginning the message, but at this church it seemed more like a fireside chat. The message was called “Where is Our Place?” and he spoke of Jesus’ role as our high priest, as one to whom we can go when we feel discouraged and in need of strength and support.
Upon leaving we walked out to see the beautiful colors on the trees heightened by the sunshine. It truly ministered to my soul.