First Presbyterian Church of Gibsonia

Today we worshiped at First Presbyterian Church of Gibsonia, 4003 Gibsonia Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044, 724.443.2092, Rev. Darcy E. Hawk, Pastor.


Bob’s thoughts:

I noticed no signage, but perhaps what we saw was all there was. We did find restrooms downstairs.

The Chancel fits nicely in an alcove and there was a lot of stained glass including the Presbyterian Church emblem behind the cross. With about 35 worshipers I didn’t expect a choir, but they accomplished a lot with few voices.

The pastor seemed to have a good rapport with the children – though for a moment I thought they were off and running without him – and the attention span required of them seemed appropriate.

During the Passing of the Peace we were greeted by most of the congregation, including a woman who had also lost a Marine son. We were privileged to be able to pray with her later.

This was the first time I have seen all the Scripture from the lectionary used, but they were tied well to the message. The correlation was drawn between Jesus at His transfiguration removing His earthly trappings to reveal the Christ and us bringing ourselves to God unadorned and honestly.

I was especially touched by the anecdote of the little girl asking her Dad if her dress made her look pretty and his response that she made the dress look pretty. I hope my babies understand that is how I always feel about them.

The usher took the offering with humility and grace, purposely looking down and away from the plate.

We stayed through the Congregational Meeting in order to talk with the woman who was grieving. I was not surprised by the dismal forecast from the budget sheet, but disappointed that God was left out of the possible answers. I did notice only a token amount to possible mission, which may be the real issue for this church.


Jan’s thoughts:

As we walked in the front door, my first thought was that the small Narthex had been nicely remodeled. However I saw no signage anywhere except the front doors of the restrooms.

I always appreciate pretty stained glass, and this was no exception. The Chancel was lined all around with square wooden panels and in the center was a back-lit glass PC(USA) emblem.

Several people greeted us before and after the service, and many during the Passing of the Peace.

The Order of Worship was in large type and easy to read. The choir was proportionately sized to the congregation and the harmony was sweet. The Prayer for Illumination was where it belonged, i.e., prior to the reading of Scripture.

All four Lectionary references were read, but, since this is Transfiguration Sunday, the sermon centered on the Matthew 17:1-9 passage.

When the pastor began by declaring, “Without Liberace, the world would have been a duller place,” I wasn’t sure what to expect. However what he went on to say made me see some things in a different light. He pointed out that when Jesus ascended the mountain and was transfigured, He did not ‘put on’ something to make Himself shine as He did. Rather than adding something, He actually subtracted something – He "put off the distracting diversions of His physical life and showed His true self.”

I can’t help but wonder if that’s what we’re to do in order to “let our light so shine before men” (Matthew 5:16) – if we’re to put off the distracting diversions of the cares of this world – the things over which we have no control – thus allowing our true selves to show through and to shine. An illuminating notion, I think!