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 led back to Glenshaw today for the second service and this time we had the pleasure of experiencing the simple beauty of the Sanctuary. With little natural woodwork, the white and shades of blue work well. The soft shades of the stained glass work together to create a peaceful worship area. The large surrounding balcony has a solid rail with the face covered with split (original?) pickets. I couldn't help but wonder how they would have looked with contrasting color.

The bulletin carries what looks like a watermark of the church buildings and Sanctuary cross.

Handicapped needs have been attended to well, including a brand new ramp outside. I enjoyed the audio system...it was easy to hear and the speakers, though visible, were unobtrusive.

When we entered the building there was a loud blower noise but it did not carry to the Sanctuary. I understand there had been some problem with the A/C - perhaps the balcony seating might have been a better choice with a high velocity ceiling HVAC system.

This was the first church I have ever been in with straight back pews. There was a seat pad, but the backs would take some getting used to.

The children's message went well without being too long.

The sermon was part of a series on keeping the Sabbath. He explained how it changed from the Jewish Sabbath of Saturday to Saturday and Sunday, and with the Gentile influence to Sunday Sabbath. The best part was to begin with the end in mind...may we start every day, every week, every endeavor with this premise in mind. I also liked "A Christian is an eternal beginner."


Jan's thoughts:

We attended the contemporary service here in February of this year; however, the pastor was away that week. This week we opted for the traditional service in the Sanctuary, and the pastor had just returned from two weeks away. I claim no credit for it, but timing is everything!

Outside we found an impressive and, it turns out, recently completed wheelchair ramp. The signage both outside and inside was very helpful. The building is well kept and pleasantly decorated. The Sanctuary walls show three similar shades of blue with white trim, and I enjoyed the watercolor stained glass. There were interesting architectural nuances such as the use of white trim and cross on the blue wall of the Chancel, and several other items. It was all tied together well and made for a pleasing atmosphere.

I don't believe I've ever seen pews with totally straight backs...they were less comfortable than I would have expected.

The bulletin colors followed the pattern and colors of the Sanctuary - I've never seen this done before, but the effect is outstanding. The three pages are stapled and folded, and includes a page for sermon notes and guided-thought questions.

Following the Time with the Younger Church, the Pastor stood with the children, they all held hands, and the kids repeated his prayer. It was touching.

The message was part three of a series about keeping the Sabbath entitled "First Things First" and was founded on Exodus 20:8-11 and Matthew 28:1-10. The major point was that we celebrate Christ's resurrection every Sunday. I appreciated the observation that "the Sabbath is the hill of Light and Presence and the weekdays are valleys of care - we must put Christ first." Amen.