Dutilh United Methodist Church

Today we worshiped at Dutilh United Methodist Church, 1270 Dutilh Road, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066, 724.776.1094, www.dutilhumc.org, Rev. Dwayne Burfield, Senior Pastor.


Bob’s thoughts:

This church boasts probably the best directional and specific interest signage we have seen anywhere. The building has an unusual ceiling that is repeated in the fellowship hall and narthex: it is a shallow arch crossed by wooden beams.

The building is very well laid out, evidence that much thought went into the design. This church was literally raised up from the ashes of the original and designed with space for God to fill. I think it would worth a visit just to see the stained glass and woodwork. With all the matching woodwork, however, it seemed odd that the lectern was so different.

We were worshiping at a contemporary service. Frequently there is no order of worship provided, but it would be good for a visitor to know when to expect the offering to be taken. Especially with contemporary services, there is little sit-down time to write a check when the offering is taken before the Word.

This church has three services so it was not unusual not to be welcomed. The greetings we received before the service were very informal, which may not be such a bad thing.

The sermon started with a story about a man repeatedly testing each key of a piano, to the point of annoying the pastor sitting nearby, before he began playing beautiful music. Relating that difference to our beautiful music to God: to give, to pray, and to fast. The sermon delved into the true meaning and purpose of fasting. There were many Scripture references throughout the sermon.

We were directed to bring our prayers to God for relief of physical ailments when we came forward for Communion and asked to leave silently after partaking. The servers identified the elements aloud as they were presented.

I found it interesting that the ushers distributed the attendance pads. I feel sure they receve a better response this way.

We did get to talk with a few people after the service and I was pleased to find that this was the church I read about in Guideposts magazine which, after the fire, rebuilt on faith. I have used that story many times to encourage other churches to take the same leap of faith.

Jan’s thoughts:

We arrived with plenty of time to look around, so we conducted a self-guided tour and observed many inventive ideas put to use.

The building is fairly new, creatively designed, and well maintained. The stained glass is remarkable – mostly frosted glass with bits of the design in various colors. The ceiling design is maintained from the Sanctuary, through the large narthex, and finally through the fellowship hall. We visited the education wing where the Sunday morning nursery is held and pre-school is located during the week.

The signage is impressive, comprised of words printed on an arrow-shaped sign, plenty large enough to see and easy to follow.

We attended the second of three services (8:00 traditional, 9:30 contemporary, and 11:00 blended), so there were people coming and going the whole time we were there. And as you might guess, with that many services and approximately 1,000 members, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. Prior to the service one gentleman introduced himself and we had a good chat with the woman attending to the Information Center, and afterward an informative conversation with a woman who observed that she didn’t know us and so introduced herself, then a discussion with one of the Associate Pastors, but that was all. The people were not unfriendly; they just assumed we usually attended another service.

We were given bulletins, but they contained only announcements, no order of worship. The emphasis is quite varied: much about youth of all ages, small group opportunities, an upcoming ministry fair, and mission volunteer opportunities. In the coat room was a cupboard which is to be filled with food donations to be given to the poor. Another shelf contained four cloth bins each with a sign indicating what was being collected, the name of a contact person, and details of how the donations are used.

The contemporary service music, we learned, is mostly led by youth of the church, but is a multigenerational effort. It was good but is obviously still evolving. Still, I enjoyed singing some familiar contemporary songs.

The sermon centered on fasting, as the church will soon begin a 21-day corporate “Daniel Fast” and numerous recipes can be found on the church website for this fast. The pastor explained the purpose of fasting is to redirect the appetite to the things of God for the purpose of deepening one’s relationship with God. He specifically requested the congregation pray for guidance for the leadership and pastors of the church and regarding the possible merger with Mars United Methodist Church. Apparently this church has carried out corporate fasts in the past, so none of this is new to them.

I pray that they receive the guidance they seek from God in this endeavor and are able to move forward into the New Year confident they are following Him in His will for them individually and corporately.