The Presbyterian Church of Prospect

Today we worshiped at The Presbyterian Church of Prospect, 115 Church Street, Prospect, PA 16052, 724.865.2063, www.tpcp.net, Rev. Robert Allison, Pastor.


Bob’s thoughts:

We had a great idea to drive a little farther to church and enjoy the fall leaves; we might have missed the peak, but it was an enjoyable ride.

The church looks conventional from the outside but has some most unusual features. The pews are arranged in the center section at a 90° angle to the roof line and the floor slopes toward the chancel. The social area extends out from the Sanctuary which gives a very open feel even with the folding curtains. There is a pressed tin ceiling, a large brass cross, comfortable pews, and impressive stained glass. The architecture sort of grows on you; I was part way through the service when I felt like I was sitting side saddle. The piped music before the prelude sounded like country gospel.

We were welcomed by more than a few, offered coffee, and invited to stay for lunch.

The pastor was on vacation and the guest pastor was ill, so an elder stepped in. She delivered a message on perseverance in prayer from Luke 18:1-8.

The visitor packet contained a large selection of maps and local info and a folded insert on the church.

From the newsletter I learned they are moving towards being a missional church. This is a hard move from an internal focus, and I pray God carries them through. There is very minimal signage and some who wear too much perfume.

I pray we can return for a normal service.

Jan’s thoughts:

Today the pastor was on vacation and the pastor who had agreed to fill the pulpit was sick, so one of the elders led worship and preached.

The building and grounds are nicely kept and decorated. The only sign I saw was for restrooms, and it was unobtrusive (which is to say I missed it the first couple of times I looked for it). There was an obvious sign at the nearest highway exit which I did not miss.

The layout was unique – the fellowship hall was quite large and open with a kitchen in one corner, tables for people to sit together, and the walls contained bulletin boards and tables full in information. There was no wall separating fellowship hall and the Sanctuary, it was completely open. A large, beautiful stained glass window looked out from fellowship hall toward the parking lot.

The people were friendly, providing direction and conversation when we arrived and inviting us to stay after worship for food and fellowship.

The pews were interestingly arranged and comfortably padded. Strangely, the Sanctuary floor slopes toward the Chancel and the pew ends are shaped in such a way that how much of a slope to expect was unclear to my eye. The Sanctuary carpet and pew padding were light turquoise and the drape hanging on the rear wall of the Chancel was dark red, setting off the brass cross in front.

The organ and piano faced the same direction with one in front of the other, making it a simple procedure for the Organist to move between the two. The music was very traditional.

The bulletin was well done but had a lot of white space. I would have appreciated use of a larger font for things like the Confession of Sin which I had to read.

The “moment” for silent confession was just that – a moment. And during the Apostles’ Creed, I’m wondering whatever happened to “He descended into Hell…”?

The sermon was based on Luke 18:1-8 and was titled “Being Pushy.” Obviously the topic was the value of persistence in prayer.