Glenshaw Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at Glenshaw Presbyterian Church, 300 Glenn Avenue, Glenshaw, PA 15116, 412.486.8400, www.glenshawchurch.org, Rev. Dr. Michael Hoyt, Pastor.


Bob’s thoughts:

We were impressed with the signage we found outside and the entry we chose had rest rooms immediately inside. I thought everything was well marked with superior directional signage.

We worshiped at an early informal service, and were disappointed that the pastor was on retreat.

A woman who welcomed us took the time to explain some of the service. We were welcomed by a number of people including a Marine who was sitting behind us. (My guess is that they didn’t need two Marines, but we were well behaved.)

The person on the piano leading music and the service has a passion for worship.

I enjoyed the large wooden cross on the wall.

The weekly Communion was offered aloud and followed by anointing by the pastor (if desired) and lighting of votive candles (also if desired). Communion was by intinction, but this was the first time I’ve had the bread pulled off and handed to me. This is something some people have trouble doing.

The sermon was on women of the Bible and focused on Abigail. I was struck by the statement that the time frame of Abigail’s husband’s shearing of sheep would have been harvest time, a celebration and giving of gifts.

I have always felt Abigail was one of those special women who could act on her husband’s behalf or cause him to act and believe what he was doing was his idea.

We were pleasantly surprised to encounter the parents of a friend worshiping there. We look forward to returning when the pastor is there. There was a lot of literature to peruse, but I was disappointed in the mission numbers and involvement. I think they are burdened by rather large endowment funds.


Jan’s thoughts:

I did some Presbytery work with the pastor of this church, and was looking forward to saying hello this morning. However we’ll have to come back, as he was on Study Leave today.

There are a number of special things about this church. First, it’s much larger than I anticipated, and well equipped to accommodate persons with handicaps. The signage was impressive. The early (informal) service is in the parlor, which was comfortable and beautifully decorated.

We were warmly welcomed by several people, especially a member of the Hospitality Committee who explained what to expect during Communion and the flow and process of it. She was extremely helpful and inviting, and all churches should have someone like her to greet visitors and provide direction with enthusiasm.

The Sacrament of Communion is celebrated by intinction weekly at this early service. The last Sunday of the month includes an opportunity for anointing with oil and then light a candle afterward. The servers made Communion personal by calling me by name and saying “The Body of Christ, broken for you,” and “The Blood of Christ, shed for you.” It was a much-appreciated reminder that although I currently hold no membership in a local church, I am still part of The Church.

The bulletin is five sheets of 8 ½ x 11 paper, folded in half and stapled in the center. It’s packed full of information and incredibly well done. The use of just a bit of color adds so much.

There seem to be educational opportunities for every age group.

A piano is the only instrument that was part of this service, and the musical leadership was excellent. Also, the acoustics were perfect.

The pulpit was supplied today by The Rev. Carolyn J. Jones. The sermon, entitled, “Dear Abby,” was based on selected verses from 1 Samuel 25 and Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16. Today was the day to celebrate “Beautiful Women Doing Beautiful Things,” and Abigail certainly falls into that category. I have always admired Abigail for her initiative and resourcefulness in behalf of a husband by whom she was undervalued and treated poorly, to say the least. She still displayed loyalty to him and to their household, which is another reason for my admiration of her: she did not allow him to drag her down to his level. She is one of the many strong women of the Bible for whose example I am grateful.