Bob’s thoughts:
When we arrive at a church with no signage we can usually find the restrooms, but today we had to ask. The only important signage was a large lit stained glass cross. The ceiling is dark wood and beams, featuring half-round stained glass dormer windows.
I thought the organ might be a little strong for maybe 20 worshipers, but it was actually quite good. The Special Music was presented by a blind couple whose music was an enjoyable addition to worship.
The sermon wove around past hardships and violence the Pastor and her family have faced and how God has used these experiences to shape them now, most importantly to fear only God.
I was excited to learn that the church has a neighborhood prayer ministry and is supportive of ministries in the Etna area.
From my time in prayer I sense that this church is changing to be about those to whom Christ is calling them to minister. As difficult as change can be for Presbyterians, I am proud that they are following Christ’s lead to be a beacon for their community, keep the lights on, and go out in faith.
Jan’s thoughts:
As we circled the building in search of a parking spot, the first thing I noticed was the wide open doors. Granted it was a beautiful day, but seeing every door wide open caused me to instantly view this as a welcoming church, an impression that turned out to be accurate once we were inside.
The building is older with lots of beautiful stained glass, including a large, unique stained glass cross on the rear wall of the Chancel. The pews and ceiling were dark wood, but the Chancel area must have been newer as it was a different shade. Signage was minimal, but almost unnecessary.
We arrived a bit on the early side, inadvertently interrupting an adult Sunday school class, but one of the women graciously came out to welcome us.
During the announcements a trip to Ohio was mentioned. The purpose of the outing must have been known to everyone else because it was not mentioned.
Prior to the Passing of the Peace it was declared from the pulpit that everyone greets everyone else, so that’s what we did. This was followed by some lovely Special Music, a tune called “I Need You More Today.” The couple who offered this contribution exhibited a beautiful harmony to their voices.
During the Doxology the liturgist stood facing the Chancel while holding the two offering plates up high, a physical reflection of the spiritual act of offering.
I appreciated the prayer prior to the reading of the New Testament Scripture for the day.
The message, “9/11 Revisited,” centered on Psalm 66:8-20 and 1 Peter 3:13-18. At first I wondered about the timing of the topic, but this was clarified when the Pastor spoke of having been on vacation the last two weeks. Her story, however, was personal and shocking.
She is a student pastor and has been a Pastor’s wife for 30 years. Her husband was serving a church in Littleton, CO at the time of the Columbine shootings, and due to some church conflict the family became the target of violence. It actually reached the point where they allowed their daughter to attend boarding school in New York, and on September 11, 2001, their daughter was at the school, 50 minutes from the World Trade Center. It seemed like this family could not escape tragedy.
She made excellent points about fearing only God, leaning into God in times of trial and persecution, sharing the truth of our hope, remembering that our strength comes from Who our God is, and going boldly, refusing to be intimidated.
I was reminded again that there is no substitute for personal experience.
No comments:
Post a Comment