Calvin Presbyterian Church

Yesterday we worshiped at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 415 E. Grandview Avenue, Zelienople, PA 16063, 724.452.7560 www.calvinchurchzelie.org, Rev. Doug Gebhard, Interim Senior Pastor.

Scripture – 1 Kings 19:4-8 NKJV

But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”

Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.” Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank, and lay down again. And the angel of the LORD came back the second time, and touched him, and said, “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.” So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God.

Bob’s thoughts:

We heard about the service in Fred Rogers’ honor and came to visit. It has been a good while since we last worshiped here and I forgot about their large carved cross. We were warmly welcomed by the Associate Pastor.

I don’t know if a bass is usually part of the praise band, but it sure was a highlight for a Fred Rogers service.

I worked for a while in the motion picture industry, and Fred’s film was one that we processed. He walked in one day when I was in the hallway, dirty and stained from the chemicals I was working around. Fred stopped to chat about what I did there, and surprisingly, said hello when he was on the way out with the owner of the company.

The pastor talked about being Christ-like to our neighbors, and how we don’t always see the angels that help and guide us.

At our old family church, when Christ first called me, I talked to the young children (my favorite people) about angels. They said sure, and pointed to where the angels sat in the balcony, the one that had been removed 40 years before.

A highlight phrase: “Let some word that is heard be Yours.”

Communion was passed silently in the pews, but the pastors were served. I noticed a great innovation: the juice tray was labeled as to juice or wine.

We stayed for coffee after but everyone was busy talking to each other…maybe because there are two services.

Jan’s thoughts:

We knew it had been some time since we visited here (I learned it was five years ago), so when Bob came across an announcement that this service would be a tribute to Mr. Rogers, we decided to join them in worship.

This congregation is in the midst of an interim period, which they appear to be excited about and using to full advantage, which I find refreshing. Some of that may have to do with the stability provided by the continued presence of the Associate Pastor, Connie Frierson.

We were welcomed by several people sitting nearby, and the first time a song was sung from the hymnal, the gentleman next to us handed me the hymnal with the correct page bookmarked.

I expected traditional music, so was pleasantly surprised by the enthusiasm of the contemporary musicians. The musical selections included pieces by Loudon Wainwright III (“Hank and Fred”), Fred Rogers (“It’s You I Like”, “It’s Such a Good Feeling”, and “I Like You As You Are”) and Bob Dylan (Man Gave Names To All The Animals”), so the advance notice that this service would be “different” was spot on.

The sermon was offered by the Interim Senior Pastor and entitled “Helpers”, in reference to the quote from Fred Rogers: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ ”

He began by telling a bit about his personal friendship with Mr. Rogers, also a Presbyterian minister. He spoke of “helping” angels in Scripture, particularly the ones that helped Elijah. And when he pointed out that the angel ministered to Elijah not once, but twice, he emphasized that sometimes we humans need to hear a message more than once for it to “get through.” I can definitely identify.

He closed with the clip of Fred Rogers’ acceptance speech when he received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997. It’s pure Fred Rogers, and if you’ve not seen it, it’s worth watching on YouTube.

In his closing prayer, he included a phrase he learned from Fred: “Let some word that is heard be Yours.” In my opinion, that should always be the prayer of a preacher—indeed, anyone seeking to influence others, whatever the venue.

I was pleased we could participate in Communion as well as stay for coffee afterward.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, please bless this congregation’s efforts to grow Your church and encourage them to be “angels” in Your name. Amen.

Calvin Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 415 E. Grandview Avenue, Zelienople, PA 16063, 724.452.7560, www.calvinchurchzelie.org, Rev. Dr. N. Graham Standish, Senior Pastor.

Scripture – Jeremiah 2:4-13

Hear the word of the Lord, you descendants of Jacob, all you clans of Israel.

This is what the Lord says:

“What fault did your ancestors find in me, that they strayed so far from me? They followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves. They did not ask ‘Where is the Lord, who brought us up out of Egypt and led us through the barren wilderness, through a land of deserts and ravines, a land of drought and utter darkness, a land where no one travels and no one lives?’

I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and rich produce. But you came and defiled my land and made my inheritance detestable. The priests did not ask, ‘Where is the Lord?’ Those who deal with the law did not know me; the leaders rebelled against me. The prophets prophesied by Baal, following worthless idols.

“Therefore I bring charges against you again,” declares the Lord. “And I will bring charges against your children’s children. Cross over to the coasts of Cyprus and look, send to Kedar and observe closely; see if there has ever been anything like this:

Has a nation ever changed its gods? (Yet they are not gods at all.) But my people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols.

Be appalled at this, you heavens, and shudder with great horror,” declares the Lord. “My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.”

Bob’s thoughts:

We were roadblocked a number of times before we realized that this was where God was leading us today.

I liked the large wooden cross and was impressed with the screen placement, off to one side but visible to all. These were two things that impressed me when we last visited here 4+ years ago.

Something that surprised me when I re-read the blog of our visit in 2009 was that we were warmly greeted by numerous people and today only the pastors said hello.

I was glad to read that the prayer ministry continues. I remember also wearing a stole to identify myself for prayers; it was a most rewarding ministry.

This is an aesthetically pleasing facility, conducive to worship. The music included drums and piano by accomplished musicians.

We were blessed to be present for an elder ordination with the symbolic laying on of hands from the pews.

The Associate Pastor delivered the message on God’s lament from Jeremiah. She talked about our “yeah, buts”…wherever God is calling us to obey we always have “yeah, buts” and with this selfish need for control we are jilting God. She spoke of creating a thankfulness montage and I thought of so many ways that God has blessed me, cared for me, and rescued me. We can rely on God’s well of living water or the world’s cracked cistern that just doesn’t hold water.

I met three Marines or family members of Marines and had a chance to speak to the pastors after the service. I notice there are two worship times listed and perhaps we were not greeted thinking we were from the other service.

Jan’s thoughts:

We arrived 15 minutes early at the church we planned to attend today and found the building closed up and absolutely no one around; we figured out right away that God wanted us elsewhere. After investigating several other churches in the area, we decided to drive until it was time to stop, and this was where it was time to stop.

As we entered we recalled our previous visit here (May 2009), but it was long enough ago that I, at least, recalled no details from that visit.

We found seats in the sanctuary; both pastors stopped by to welcome the two new faces, but no one else recognized us as visitors among this multi-service congregation.

I had to laugh when an announcement came on the screen about the Adult Education class for September called “Learn How to Listen to God.” After this morning I thought perhaps we should consider attending…

The bulletin was wonderfully user-friendly: one folded 11x17 sheet with all announcements on two 8½ x11 inserts.

The passion from the Director of Music on the piano and one man on drums set the tone for the music in the service. I could hear the enthusiasm in his voice as he encouraged the congregation to sing and then led with a strong but not overpowering voice.

There seem to be numerous small group and mission volunteer opportunities, and the prayer ministers, identifiable by their white stoles, are available to offer prayer.

The message, “God’s Well or Our Well?” was presented by the Associate Pastor of Program, Rev. Connie Frierson. She referred to the passage of Scripture as God’s lament, the voice of a lover asking, “What went wrong in our relationship?” and asking, “Do you remember?” She declared that we have jilted God by pushing Him out of our lives, preferring to find our own way instead of depending on Him and being open to His gracious plans for us.

She reminded the congregation of her love for movies, and mentioned the significance of a montage, that it is designed to communicate a character’s thoughts and feelings. She stated that we all have montages that revolve around our relationship with God. These montages consist of memories that remind us of times when we felt especially close to God or particularly blessed. She suggested that we develop “thankfulness montages” to help us recall those blessed times and renew our relationship with God.

She asserted that we all create cisterns where we develop our own plans for life and push God away. But God wants something better for us; He wants us to let go of our cisterns and move forward in His Living Water.

I found this message refreshing because she used examples from her own life experiences. And I love the idea of a “thankfulness montage” to remind me of God’s generous, amazing blessings in my life. I’m working on mine and I hope you have many memories to put in yours.

One more note, regarding the offertory…I would bet this is the first time “Playing Right Field” was presented in this context. The pastor mentioned that this church enjoys worship, and I do believe that is what we witnessed.

Our prayer for this church:
Lord, we pray that as this church is a praying and worshiping congregation, that they are also welcoming and outgoing to their community. We pray You continue to guide and bless their efforts. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Calvin Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 415 E. Grandview Avenue, Zelienople, PA 16063, 724.452.7560, www.calvinchurchzelie.org, Pastor: Rev. Dr. N. Graham Standish.


Bob’s thoughts:

The two entrances we used had very good signage, as well as inside. There is evidence of some major renovation showing good craftsmanship; more importantly, showing good planning and forethought. A lot of areas were addressed with useful compromises. The main floor and Sanctuary are handicapped accessible; not sure if there was a provision for the lower level.

The Chancel featured a large wood cross centrally mounted over interesting woodwork, good screen placement and very nice stained glass. The efforts in maintenance and housekeeping show, the facility is clean and pleasant. A high art rail on the perimeter allowed for a simple banner hanger to be used anywhere.

We were greeted by the pastor and a number of others. One woman expressed relief in seeing us as she thought perhaps we had left during the Sunday school time.

From the start it was apparent that this was a praying church; the opening prayers set the tone for the service. The bulletin noted there would be someone to pray after the service, as well as an often neglected healing prayer ministry and other prayer ministries.

The choir, although with good harmony, got through even some upbeat praise worship without smiling until the closing response when there was some enthusiasm for “Amen Amen.” There was a delightful soloist whose smile was as superior as her voice. After the service we stopped at Wal-Mart. As I was waiting for my wife, a man approached me and commented on the joyous message of my Christian t-shirt and my lack of a joyous smile. It’s easy to forget that our countenance preaches for us even when we are silent.

The anecdotal stories supporting the sermon were a little long, but the congregation seemed to get the message of sacrifical love: is the gift worth anything without sacrifice? The offering was taken in response to the Word.

I really enjoyed reading through the visitor packet. Very impressive is that the Session had voted to format Session meetings after a worship service. Personally, I hope they include Communion. As a church this congregation is praying for discernment as to Christ’s mission for Calvin Church and God will surely bless such a prayer.

I was disappointed that there was little reference to mission, but feel God is moving this congregation to be more outward. To have the unity that is apparent after renovations speaks very well to discernment of Christ’s direction and goal for this church.

I admit to some concern about the 7 a.m. “Men’s Room” on the calendar…what about the rest of the week?

Jan’s thoughts:

This building was a bit confusing to me since I have no sense of direction, but it has a lot going for it. We learned that it underwent a major remodeling just a couple of years ago, and the thought and planning that went into it was evident. The outside was unusual, with a combination of red bricks and green painted ones that gave a visual indication of the entry locations. Once inside we found ourselves outside a fellowship hall where adult Sunday school was in session. A gentleman immediately came to greet us – it turned out he was the pastor – and invited us to join in the class or look around as we wished. We saw restrooms across the hall but went in search of others as we toured the building so as not to disturb the class. (The ladies room was clean with deeper than usual stalls that were easy to get into and didn’t force one to struggle to close the stall door.)

After our self-guided tour we found ourselves outside the main office where we came across a small table and a couple of sitting chairs. The table held two books, both authored by the pastor, one with a foreword by Rev. Stan Ott. The world gets smaller every day.

We encountered several staff members, and all recognized us as visitors and were open and welcoming. We were also greeted by some others nearby just prior to the service.

The bulletin consists of two 11” x 17” folded sheets and two 5 ½” x 8” inserts which I witnessed several people pick up after they slipped out. The bulletin itself is well laid out with blue and black print and large type, making it easy to read and follow.

One entire page is dedicated to prayer ministries, including a prayer list, an invitation to pray with elders following each service, a prayer room, prayer group, a prayer shawl committee, and the two most unusual items, a healing prayer ministry (members who will visit and pray for healing with you one a week) and a labyrinth.

The Sanctuary is pleasant to the eye, with good lighting and matching woodwork. I couldn’t help but notice that the colors in the stained glass could be found on the walls and trim elsewhere in the building. I know color coordination isn’t high on everyone’s list, but color is such an important part of my world that I find it enormously satisfying when the colors are given that much obvious significance. It speaks to me on a level almost as consequential as words.

Musically the service would be considered blended, with a combination of contemporary and traditional music. We were treated to an offertory solo by a young woman with an exquisite voice and an equally engaging smile.

The pastor energetically strayed from the pulpit to the front of the Sanctuary and back again several times, which in my opinion only served to underscore his enthusiasm. The message, entitled “Love Is a Sacrifice,” was based on I John 3:11-22, and included some lessons in history and a lot of teaching. My sense is that the pastor has the spiritual gift of teaching and uses it every Sunday as well as other opportunities. As we waited in line to leave the Sanctuary, one woman commented to me that “Every week he teaches.” That is quite apparent from everything we saw.