Baden United Methodist Church

Today we attended worship at Baden United Methodist Church, 420 Dippold Avenue, Baden, PA 15005, 724.869.2720, www.badenumc.org, Rev. D. Edward Bailey, Pastor.


Bob’s thoughts:

We needed a church that was close by that our daughter and family could attend that would allow them to meet up with friends. Shortly after arriving, two of my grandchildren got a little loud and Jan and my daughter took them to a nursery area.

At most churches we have felt very welcomed with children. Even though we sat toward the back I noticed a number of frowns around us. The front of the Sanctuary had more children being children, so I guess we sat in the wrong section. Oddly, when I reunited with my family I noticed that the nursery wasn’t staffed.

My youngest granddaughter fell asleep in my arms (while teething) and I honestly was so enraptured that the service faded as I thanked God for this little blessing.

God used the time to renew us all. Jan and our daughter needed time together and I needed to look at a sleeping baby to see God. I pray He guides this church to be a welcoming presence and blesses them as He blessed us.


Jan’s thoughts:

With children aged 4, 2, and almost 5 months, it’s a struggle for our daughter and son-in-law to attend church, although at home they manage to do so regularly. We attended this church because it was nearby and we recalled their friendliness from our prior visit. Shortly after we sat down the pastor invited the children to come forward, so I took the 4- and 2-year-olds up and sat with them on the Chancel. Of the three of us, I was the only one who noticed that the pastor never looked at them, which made me feel sad at their seeming to be excluded.

Soon afterward we felt they were too loud, so we left the Sanctuary. An usher escorted us to the nursery and showed us where the toys were kept, and my daughter and I were able to sit and talk without worrying about the kids’ volume while they played.

I was grateful for the opportunity to spend some quality mother/daughter time with our daughter, and through His presence I believe it was another of God’s gifts to us. He is such a generous God!