Today we worshiped at The Presbyterian Church of Prospect, 115 Church Street, Prospect, PA 16052, 724.865.2063, www.tpcp.net, Rev. Robert Allison, Pastor.
Bob’s thoughts:
We had a great idea to drive a little farther to church and enjoy the fall leaves; we might have missed the peak, but it was an enjoyable ride.
The church looks conventional from the outside but has some most unusual features. The pews are arranged in the center section at a 90° angle to the roof line and the floor slopes toward the chancel. The social area extends out from the Sanctuary which gives a very open feel even with the folding curtains. There is a pressed tin ceiling, a large brass cross, comfortable pews, and impressive stained glass. The architecture sort of grows on you; I was part way through the service when I felt like I was sitting side saddle. The piped music before the prelude sounded like country gospel.
We were welcomed by more than a few, offered coffee, and invited to stay for lunch.
The pastor was on vacation and the guest pastor was ill, so an elder stepped in. She delivered a message on perseverance in prayer from Luke 18:1-8.
The visitor packet contained a large selection of maps and local info and a folded insert on the church.
From the newsletter I learned they are moving towards being a missional church. This is a hard move from an internal focus, and I pray God carries them through. There is very minimal signage and some who wear too much perfume.
I pray we can return for a normal service.
Jan’s thoughts:
Today the pastor was on vacation and the pastor who had agreed to fill the pulpit was sick, so one of the elders led worship and preached.
The building and grounds are nicely kept and decorated. The only sign I saw was for restrooms, and it was unobtrusive (which is to say I missed it the first couple of times I looked for it). There was an obvious sign at the nearest highway exit which I did not miss.
The layout was unique – the fellowship hall was quite large and open with a kitchen in one corner, tables for people to sit together, and the walls contained bulletin boards and tables full in information. There was no wall separating fellowship hall and the Sanctuary, it was completely open. A large, beautiful stained glass window looked out from fellowship hall toward the parking lot.
The people were friendly, providing direction and conversation when we arrived and inviting us to stay after worship for food and fellowship.
The pews were interestingly arranged and comfortably padded. Strangely, the Sanctuary floor slopes toward the Chancel and the pew ends are shaped in such a way that how much of a slope to expect was unclear to my eye. The Sanctuary carpet and pew padding were light turquoise and the drape hanging on the rear wall of the Chancel was dark red, setting off the brass cross in front.
The organ and piano faced the same direction with one in front of the other, making it a simple procedure for the Organist to move between the two. The music was very traditional.
The bulletin was well done but had a lot of white space. I would have appreciated use of a larger font for things like the Confession of Sin which I had to read.
The “moment” for silent confession was just that – a moment. And during the Apostles’ Creed, I’m wondering whatever happened to “He descended into Hell…”?
The sermon was based on Luke 18:1-8 and was titled “Being Pushy.” Obviously the topic was the value of persistence in prayer.
Showing posts with label Prospect PA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prospect PA. Show all posts
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Mt. Nebo Presbyterian Church
Today we worshiped at Mt. Nebo Presbyterian Church, 1236 Prospect Road, Prospect, PA 16052, 724.865.2063, Rev. Robert Allison, Pastor.
Bob’s thoughts:
After a little confusion we found the church we had planned to visit today, as well as another to visit in the future.
I am usually disappointed when there is a visiting preacher, but today was an exception. We heard a very good message delivered well. It is always impressive when a visiting pastor can adapt: there was only one young person present so with the comment that “we’re all God’s children,” he allowed him to stay in his seat and gave the children’s message to everyone present.
Before we sang “Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty,” he talked about what it will be like in Heaven to say that repeatedly. I have waited for a long time to hear someone raise that question and I thought he answered it well.
The theme of the sermon was “consider Abraham.” As Abraham we should not be afraid to ask God and put our faith in God and not in our feeble works. The passion comes again when we are overwhelmed anew with Who God is.
Maybe it was a bad day, but I have never seen such sour expressions on a choir praising God.
The church has great backlit cross, and the offering was taken in response to the Word. It could use some signage.
Jan’s thoughts:
This is a lovely, well kept, very rural church; also very friendly – warm and welcoming.
This is one of only a few churches I’ve seen with absolutely no stained glass that I could see. The Sanctuary was attractive, with a large backlit cross with gold-colored drapes hanging on either side of the cross. The pews were comfortably padded in a similar gold color.
The bulletin provided plenty of information, and my only issue would be type size – I thought it would have been helpful if the liturgy was easier to read. (This comment sounds familiar as I have often been wishing for larger print lately.)
Interestingly, the Ten Commandments were part of this morning’s liturgy. I don’t know if that’s a weekly exercise, but it’s certainly an excellent idea.
The pastor is presumably on vacation as it was announced that he and his wife had a baby last night.
The preacher this morning was Rev. John McElwain, who serves with the Coalition for Christian Outreach as a trainer for the 183 staff members. He was associate pastor at Sampson’s Mills from 1976-1988 and pastor of Harmony Presbyterian Church in Harrisville from 1988-2006.
The sermon, entitled “Honest Faith for Life,” is part one, with part two slated for next week. It was based on Genesis 15:1-21 and Galatians 3:1-9, and revolved around being honest with God and humbly asking Him our sincere questions. He asked the question, “If we truly want to have faith like Abraham, how can we not ask our questions and deal openly and honestly with God and then BELIEVE HIM, as Abraham did?”
The “believing Him” is the part I seem to stumble over. Apparently God thought I needed another reminder today so He sent us to this church to hear one. The effect is to make me want to become more familiar with His promises so I know what He has said that I should be believing.
Bob’s thoughts:
After a little confusion we found the church we had planned to visit today, as well as another to visit in the future.
I am usually disappointed when there is a visiting preacher, but today was an exception. We heard a very good message delivered well. It is always impressive when a visiting pastor can adapt: there was only one young person present so with the comment that “we’re all God’s children,” he allowed him to stay in his seat and gave the children’s message to everyone present.
Before we sang “Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty,” he talked about what it will be like in Heaven to say that repeatedly. I have waited for a long time to hear someone raise that question and I thought he answered it well.
The theme of the sermon was “consider Abraham.” As Abraham we should not be afraid to ask God and put our faith in God and not in our feeble works. The passion comes again when we are overwhelmed anew with Who God is.
Maybe it was a bad day, but I have never seen such sour expressions on a choir praising God.
The church has great backlit cross, and the offering was taken in response to the Word. It could use some signage.
Again I thought the preacher handled some minor miscues on the prayer, etc. very well. A great use of Scripture throughout the sermon.
Jan’s thoughts:
This is a lovely, well kept, very rural church; also very friendly – warm and welcoming.
This is one of only a few churches I’ve seen with absolutely no stained glass that I could see. The Sanctuary was attractive, with a large backlit cross with gold-colored drapes hanging on either side of the cross. The pews were comfortably padded in a similar gold color.
The bulletin provided plenty of information, and my only issue would be type size – I thought it would have been helpful if the liturgy was easier to read. (This comment sounds familiar as I have often been wishing for larger print lately.)
Interestingly, the Ten Commandments were part of this morning’s liturgy. I don’t know if that’s a weekly exercise, but it’s certainly an excellent idea.
The pastor is presumably on vacation as it was announced that he and his wife had a baby last night.
The preacher this morning was Rev. John McElwain, who serves with the Coalition for Christian Outreach as a trainer for the 183 staff members. He was associate pastor at Sampson’s Mills from 1976-1988 and pastor of Harmony Presbyterian Church in Harrisville from 1988-2006.
The sermon, entitled “Honest Faith for Life,” is part one, with part two slated for next week. It was based on Genesis 15:1-21 and Galatians 3:1-9, and revolved around being honest with God and humbly asking Him our sincere questions. He asked the question, “If we truly want to have faith like Abraham, how can we not ask our questions and deal openly and honestly with God and then BELIEVE HIM, as Abraham did?”
The “believing Him” is the part I seem to stumble over. Apparently God thought I needed another reminder today so He sent us to this church to hear one. The effect is to make me want to become more familiar with His promises so I know what He has said that I should be believing.
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