Today we worshiped at North Sewickley Presbyterian Church, 106 Chapel Drive, Ellwood City, PA 16117, 724.752.1272, www.nspreschurch.org, Rev. Don Aull, Temporary Shepherd.
Bob’s thoughts:
I couldn’t help but think about how we are welcomed when we visit a church. Sometimes it feels like everybody in the church says hello, and at times only a few. The number has no bearing on how genuine the welcome feels. Today I felt welcome, from the woman who waited while we parked and got out of the truck to those who welcomed us inside. People asked about us instead of telling us about them. We were shown the restrooms and introduced to others.
I thought the signage was good and was particularly impressed with the clean, well laid-out restroom.
The Sanctuary is an A-frame with impressive beams, a large cross on the Chancel wall and another on the Communion table.
The Children’s Sermon was aimed at the children and was just long enough.
The sermon was on the faith of Rahab from the 2nd chapter of Joshua. With the reality of the danger Rahab faced in stepping out in faith, we should be less surprised that she is included in Matthew’s recounting of the genealogy of Christ. Her actions were referred to as the “early battle of Jericho.”
Some other choice phrases: referring to the Interim Pastor as the “Temporary Shepherd” and during the benediction the mention of “those no one loves.”
I felt Christ’s presence in this place. There are some good things going on and I look forward to seeing what God does next here. It was an unexpected joy to encounter some friends from the Presbytery office.
Jan’s thoughts:
Upon our arrival, as we were pulling into the parking lot, I had noticed a couple just exiting their car. As I opened my door I heard a female voice say hello – they had waited there to greet us! This was the first time we were greeted before we even got out of the truck! These kind folks walked in with us, guiding us toward the appropriate door, and once inside introduced us by name and pointed us toward the rest rooms. The other folks we met were as friendly…at least one person knew Bob from his visits to the Presbytery office, but others just stopped to introduce themselves and make us feel welcome. One woman (a member acting in the capacity of an unofficial greeter) gave us each a printed card with all the church’s contact information, and everyone we met invited us back. We felt genuinely and warmly welcomed here.
The Narthex contained a bulletin board and a world map with pins and photos of mission activities worldwide.
I don’t usually comment on the rest rooms, but these deserve to be noted. The ladies room was attractively decorated, very clean, with the small touches women appreciate such as a couple of small decorated corner tables with a basket of hand lotions on one and a box of Kleenex on another. It was neither too homey nor too antiseptic.
The Sanctuary is pretty with an A-line design, decorative pillars, and great color coordination. Also good directional signage…although we did not make it downstairs, we knew how to get there!
Air circulation has become an issue for us since Bob’s surgery. With the high ceilings found in churches, ceiling fans are not generally all that effective, and some low-level air movement might be more advantageous.
I heard an organ and a piano, but could not see either instrument. We were too busy talking with people after worship to go forward for a close-up look at the Chancel, so I’m guessing what I heard was an electronic keyboard. The traditional music sounded very good, and although contemporary music tends to sound awkward with only a keyboard, it was okay.
Strangely enough (some will say I’ve finally lost it with this), but while looking at this church’s website on Saturday evening, I found they had a .pdf of the bulletin available to view. I took a look at it and was excited to go there because of the bulletin. It was well laid-out, easy to read, and user-friendly. I also found myself eagerly anticipating the sermon entitled, “Moving Toward the Promise #10 – Rahab Fought the Battle of Jericho.” The title alone gave clear indication of where the pastor would be heading, and I couldn’t wait to hear what he had to say.
He described Rahab as a “Canaanite businesswoman” who made the “monumental announcement” that Jericho would be “under new management” by the time God’s plan for it was completed, and that, like Rahab, we should “live as though the Promised Land is already here” – living and acting in faith. He pointed out something new to me – that Rahab’s scarlet cord is reminiscent of the blood of the Passover. What a beautiful connection, and another reminder of what it means to act in faith.
This church is in the midst of a search for an installed pastor, and I will be joining them in prayer during this interim journey.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Crestview Community Church
Today we worshiped at Crestview Community Church, 210 Kline Avenue, Callery, PA 16024, 724.538.8559, Rev. Tom Clyde, Interim Pastor.
Bob’s thoughts:
Usually when we visit a church that is lacking signage it proves to be an inward-focused church, so with the lack of signage I was surprised at the mission involvement. There is a large wooden cross high in the Sanctuary and an interesting round stained glass window on the Chancel wall. The pews on either side are angled toward the center, making the worship more focused.
There was some constant chatter behind us through the first half of the service that did stop for the Sermon.
The Sermon, I think, was about how we should strive against contamination. I am not sure what Bible is common here but we were told that the Devil doesn’t tempt us, which is contrary to any version of the Bible that I’ve read.
I was pleased to take Communion, although it was served silently. The Deacons served the Bread and the Elders the Cup. I also appreciated the comment that it should be referred to as the “First Supper.”
Jan’s thoughts:
We arrived with more time to spare than we anticipated, as we understood this service was to begin at 9:45 but it turned out to be 10. Numerous members of the congregation also were confused about the start time. But it did give us some time to speak with the pastor and learn a little about the church.
The first thing I saw when we walked into the Sanctuary was a Malawian banner on the front wall. Apparently this church has formed a partnership with a church in Blantyre Synod but independent of the long-standing partnership between Pittsburgh Presbytery and the Synod of Blantyre. The sister church happens to be the home church of The Rev. Silas Ncozana, one of the co-founders of the Pittsburgh Presbytery/Blantyre Synod Partnership. There were numerous bulletin boards and photos and much information about this church. The world gets smaller every day.
This is a pretty little church with a roundabout route to the parking lot and lots of steps to climb back up once we parked. The people were genuinely friendly…many greeted us before, during, and after the service and seemed sincerely happy to see us.
The signage was prominent where necessary. The bulletin was user-friendly; it was helpful to have worship-related information on one different-colored insert.
There was a fair amount of stained glass, including a Star of David on the rear wall of the Chancel…an object not normally seen in a Christian church, but very nicely done with Scripture around the frame. Also a large wooden cross toward the front of the Chancel and attached to the ceiling.
The music was traditional, which is fine, but I was completely unfamiliar with five of the six hymns. Although I was willing to try, they were very difficult to sing and totally new to me so I just read and appreciated the words/poetry.
The Sermon was entitled “Godly Treasures for Godly People – Psalm 101: A Purifying Life-Style!” and was based on Psalm 101 wherein David expresses his desire for a pure life. I agreed with some of the pastor’s points, such as that God does not tempt us and that we humans use God’s good gifts in perverted ways. However I totally disagree with his statement that neither does the Devil tempt us and that humans are at fault for the evil in this world because it is an act of our will. Not only can I not find a single statement in Scripture to support this argument, I can find numerous ones that dispute it. Christ Himself experienced Satan’s temptation (Matthew 4). No doubt humankind bears a certain amount of responsibility for the evil in the world, but throughout Scripture we are taught that the Devil is responsible for bringing evil into the world initially and that he can and does tempt us.
We are constantly at war with unseen forces (Ephesians 6:12), but are helped (Isaiah 41:13, Hebrews 2:18), protected (Ps 32:7, John 17:15), and given victory (I John 4:4) by God Almighty.
Bob’s thoughts:
Usually when we visit a church that is lacking signage it proves to be an inward-focused church, so with the lack of signage I was surprised at the mission involvement. There is a large wooden cross high in the Sanctuary and an interesting round stained glass window on the Chancel wall. The pews on either side are angled toward the center, making the worship more focused.
There was some constant chatter behind us through the first half of the service that did stop for the Sermon.
The Sermon, I think, was about how we should strive against contamination. I am not sure what Bible is common here but we were told that the Devil doesn’t tempt us, which is contrary to any version of the Bible that I’ve read.
I was pleased to take Communion, although it was served silently. The Deacons served the Bread and the Elders the Cup. I also appreciated the comment that it should be referred to as the “First Supper.”
Found it very confusing as to what the normal time of worship might be: both the website and sign say 9:45, but today that meant 10 a.m.
Jan’s thoughts:
We arrived with more time to spare than we anticipated, as we understood this service was to begin at 9:45 but it turned out to be 10. Numerous members of the congregation also were confused about the start time. But it did give us some time to speak with the pastor and learn a little about the church.
The first thing I saw when we walked into the Sanctuary was a Malawian banner on the front wall. Apparently this church has formed a partnership with a church in Blantyre Synod but independent of the long-standing partnership between Pittsburgh Presbytery and the Synod of Blantyre. The sister church happens to be the home church of The Rev. Silas Ncozana, one of the co-founders of the Pittsburgh Presbytery/Blantyre Synod Partnership. There were numerous bulletin boards and photos and much information about this church. The world gets smaller every day.
This is a pretty little church with a roundabout route to the parking lot and lots of steps to climb back up once we parked. The people were genuinely friendly…many greeted us before, during, and after the service and seemed sincerely happy to see us.
The signage was prominent where necessary. The bulletin was user-friendly; it was helpful to have worship-related information on one different-colored insert.
There was a fair amount of stained glass, including a Star of David on the rear wall of the Chancel…an object not normally seen in a Christian church, but very nicely done with Scripture around the frame. Also a large wooden cross toward the front of the Chancel and attached to the ceiling.
The music was traditional, which is fine, but I was completely unfamiliar with five of the six hymns. Although I was willing to try, they were very difficult to sing and totally new to me so I just read and appreciated the words/poetry.
The Sermon was entitled “Godly Treasures for Godly People – Psalm 101: A Purifying Life-Style!” and was based on Psalm 101 wherein David expresses his desire for a pure life. I agreed with some of the pastor’s points, such as that God does not tempt us and that we humans use God’s good gifts in perverted ways. However I totally disagree with his statement that neither does the Devil tempt us and that humans are at fault for the evil in this world because it is an act of our will. Not only can I not find a single statement in Scripture to support this argument, I can find numerous ones that dispute it. Christ Himself experienced Satan’s temptation (Matthew 4). No doubt humankind bears a certain amount of responsibility for the evil in the world, but throughout Scripture we are taught that the Devil is responsible for bringing evil into the world initially and that he can and does tempt us.
We are constantly at war with unseen forces (Ephesians 6:12), but are helped (Isaiah 41:13, Hebrews 2:18), protected (Ps 32:7, John 17:15), and given victory (I John 4:4) by God Almighty.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Providence Presbyterian Church
Today we worshiped at Providence Presbyterian Church, 9019 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, VA 22031, 703.978.3934, www.providencechurch.org, Rev. Mary E. Rodgers, Associate Pastor.
Bob’s thoughts:
I’m sure the church has changed little since our last visit six months ago for Emma’s older sister’s baptism, but it seemed so different to me. I had a sense of how the Christmas/Easter worshiper must feel when I remembered that at the time of our last visit there was a considerable snowfall and Christmas decorations were displayed. We were able to worship with some family members whom we hadn’t seen in a while. The space was cooled, which helped me greatly.
The sermon was about the conflict between Martha and Mary, and I appreciated the presentation. I also enjoyed the praise team’s worship music and was looking forward to taking Communion.
Earlier in the day I had my first bona fide nosebleed, and it chose this point in the service to return. As I tended to this situation, a few of the men who came into the men’s room offered to get me help; this thoughtful consideration of someone in need speaks volumes for this church.
On our way home at a rest stop on the Turnpike a man collapsed in the rest room and was resuscitated with a defibrillator. He was tended to by many till the rescue crew arrived.
The caring compassion of strangers shown to God’s children.
Jan’s thoughts:
This was our second visit to Providence for the baptism of another granddaughter – God’s blessings abound!
The Narthex is circular with a huge skylight that allows the daylight to fall gracefully into the greeting area. This is a beautiful facility, well appointed with welcoming touches such as rocking chairs placed in various corners so folks can sit briefly (which we did, as we were early), and a visitor’s table just inside with a selection of information about the church (there must have been a number of visitors at the early service, as the supply was depleted this day).
The bulletin is one of the largest I’ve seen, containing the Order of Worship for both services, music, welcome information, announcements, calendar, and prayer list. So many churches struggle when they have two (or more) services with not becoming two (or more) congregations, and this seems a superb way to remind attendees at both services that the church of which they are a part is larger than the congregation with which they worship.
Last week was Vacation Bible Camp week so there was LOTS of evidence of the week’s activities, including a terrific photo of the children and volunteers gracing the cover of the bulletin and the children’s’ participation during worship.
The music sounded professional, although I’m sure they’re not. I was glad we happened to be there for Communion Sunday and could celebrate both sacraments.
The Associate Pastor led worship and explained that the Prayer of Confession is included each week whether or not Communion is celebrated, because we all sin throughout every week and we need to confess whether or not we are preparing for Communion. I really appreciated the wisdom in that line of thought.
Sitting with a granddaughter during the service meant I was somewhat distracted, which perfectly played into the sermon topic. The message was based on Luke 10:38-42, the well-known Mary and Martha story, and how we are all worried and distracted about many things, just as Martha was. We need to remind ourselves that there is one thing that is necessary, and then choose it. I sometimes need a reminder of that.
Bob’s thoughts:
I’m sure the church has changed little since our last visit six months ago for Emma’s older sister’s baptism, but it seemed so different to me. I had a sense of how the Christmas/Easter worshiper must feel when I remembered that at the time of our last visit there was a considerable snowfall and Christmas decorations were displayed. We were able to worship with some family members whom we hadn’t seen in a while. The space was cooled, which helped me greatly.
The sermon was about the conflict between Martha and Mary, and I appreciated the presentation. I also enjoyed the praise team’s worship music and was looking forward to taking Communion.
Earlier in the day I had my first bona fide nosebleed, and it chose this point in the service to return. As I tended to this situation, a few of the men who came into the men’s room offered to get me help; this thoughtful consideration of someone in need speaks volumes for this church.
On our way home at a rest stop on the Turnpike a man collapsed in the rest room and was resuscitated with a defibrillator. He was tended to by many till the rescue crew arrived.
The caring compassion of strangers shown to God’s children.
Jan’s thoughts:
This was our second visit to Providence for the baptism of another granddaughter – God’s blessings abound!
The Narthex is circular with a huge skylight that allows the daylight to fall gracefully into the greeting area. This is a beautiful facility, well appointed with welcoming touches such as rocking chairs placed in various corners so folks can sit briefly (which we did, as we were early), and a visitor’s table just inside with a selection of information about the church (there must have been a number of visitors at the early service, as the supply was depleted this day).
The bulletin is one of the largest I’ve seen, containing the Order of Worship for both services, music, welcome information, announcements, calendar, and prayer list. So many churches struggle when they have two (or more) services with not becoming two (or more) congregations, and this seems a superb way to remind attendees at both services that the church of which they are a part is larger than the congregation with which they worship.
Last week was Vacation Bible Camp week so there was LOTS of evidence of the week’s activities, including a terrific photo of the children and volunteers gracing the cover of the bulletin and the children’s’ participation during worship.
The music sounded professional, although I’m sure they’re not. I was glad we happened to be there for Communion Sunday and could celebrate both sacraments.
The Associate Pastor led worship and explained that the Prayer of Confession is included each week whether or not Communion is celebrated, because we all sin throughout every week and we need to confess whether or not we are preparing for Communion. I really appreciated the wisdom in that line of thought.
Sitting with a granddaughter during the service meant I was somewhat distracted, which perfectly played into the sermon topic. The message was based on Luke 10:38-42, the well-known Mary and Martha story, and how we are all worried and distracted about many things, just as Martha was. We need to remind ourselves that there is one thing that is necessary, and then choose it. I sometimes need a reminder of that.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Highland Presbyterian Church
Today we worshiped at Highland Presbyterian Church, 310 Franklin Street, Slippery Rock, PA 16057, 724.794.8410, www.srhighlandchurch.com, Rev. Albert Rhodes “Rusty” Stuart, Pastor.
Bob’s thoughts:
Sometimes when I tell people that our drive for worship was like today’s 80 mile trip, they sort of glaze over. Mentally we are stuck in the memory of the neighborhood church that we could walk to.
We arrived extra early, but did not feel comfortable exploring downstairs with a Sunday School class in progress. We sat and read undisturbed for almost an hour. More than one person commented later that there were a number of visitors today. We were greeted in the Passing of the Peace of Christ and after the service.
I saw no signage, even to identify the restroom. The Sanctuary has a dropped ceiling and fans and there was a box fan in the rear that helped make it bearable. Since my heart surgery I do not handle high humidity well, so I was grateful for any breeze.
I thought it convenient that the responsive readings and hymns were projected on the large screen. The “God is good all the time” and then the reverse has become such a trite and automatic response it’s hard to believe anyone is paying attention to what they are saying. I appreciated the time allotted for Silent Confession.
The sermon spoke of testing the spirits, discerning which spirit’s leading we should follow, and to love each other not just with words.
Jan’s thoughts:
We arrived about 45 minutes early, giving us time to look around before anyone was aware of our presence. We checked out the literature in the entry way then made our way toward what turned out to a sort of Narthex in the back of the Sanctuary with almost no wall between the two spaces. The carpet and pew cushions are the same mauve shade and the water color stained glass windows contained a surprising pattern of jewel-colored inserts.
Conveniently, a rest room is situated right outside the Sanctuary and straight in from the one entry door.
In spite of the adult Sunday School class in session downstairs we thought we might look around some without disturbing anyone. Unfortunately, when we got down the steps there was nowhere to go except into the room occupied room, so we headed back upstairs. About halfway up, however, a woman came to the bottom of the steps asking if she could help us. We thanked her and explained we were just looking around, at which point she smiled, said okay, and returned to her class without engaging us in conversation.
We sat in two very comfortable chairs in the Narthex and read a copy of the newsletter and some other literature. A few people said hello from a distance but no introductions were made until after the service at which point several people greeted us, shook our hands, and extended a welcome.
The service was very traditional except that, in addition to the printed bulletin, the Order of Worship was also displayed on the screen. The music was traditional and well done. The Time of Silent Reflection was a good length of time.
The Sermon, “Testing the Spirit: Is There Such a Thing as Truth?” was based on I John 4:1-6. It was brief and to the point: truth does exist…do not fear, but stand firm in the truth…God continues to redeem His creation. I especially appreciated the reminder to test the spirits. That thought gets lost in the day-to-dayness at times, which can only aid Satan in his schemes.
Bob’s thoughts:
Sometimes when I tell people that our drive for worship was like today’s 80 mile trip, they sort of glaze over. Mentally we are stuck in the memory of the neighborhood church that we could walk to.
We arrived extra early, but did not feel comfortable exploring downstairs with a Sunday School class in progress. We sat and read undisturbed for almost an hour. More than one person commented later that there were a number of visitors today. We were greeted in the Passing of the Peace of Christ and after the service.
I saw no signage, even to identify the restroom. The Sanctuary has a dropped ceiling and fans and there was a box fan in the rear that helped make it bearable. Since my heart surgery I do not handle high humidity well, so I was grateful for any breeze.
I thought it convenient that the responsive readings and hymns were projected on the large screen. The “God is good all the time” and then the reverse has become such a trite and automatic response it’s hard to believe anyone is paying attention to what they are saying. I appreciated the time allotted for Silent Confession.
The sermon spoke of testing the spirits, discerning which spirit’s leading we should follow, and to love each other not just with words.
It was the most unusual Order of Worship, not just that the offering was taken before the Word but that so much of the service came between the Scripture Lesson and the Sermon. It’s just an observation.
Jan’s thoughts:
We arrived about 45 minutes early, giving us time to look around before anyone was aware of our presence. We checked out the literature in the entry way then made our way toward what turned out to a sort of Narthex in the back of the Sanctuary with almost no wall between the two spaces. The carpet and pew cushions are the same mauve shade and the water color stained glass windows contained a surprising pattern of jewel-colored inserts.
Conveniently, a rest room is situated right outside the Sanctuary and straight in from the one entry door.
In spite of the adult Sunday School class in session downstairs we thought we might look around some without disturbing anyone. Unfortunately, when we got down the steps there was nowhere to go except into the room occupied room, so we headed back upstairs. About halfway up, however, a woman came to the bottom of the steps asking if she could help us. We thanked her and explained we were just looking around, at which point she smiled, said okay, and returned to her class without engaging us in conversation.
We sat in two very comfortable chairs in the Narthex and read a copy of the newsletter and some other literature. A few people said hello from a distance but no introductions were made until after the service at which point several people greeted us, shook our hands, and extended a welcome.
The service was very traditional except that, in addition to the printed bulletin, the Order of Worship was also displayed on the screen. The music was traditional and well done. The Time of Silent Reflection was a good length of time.
The Sermon, “Testing the Spirit: Is There Such a Thing as Truth?” was based on I John 4:1-6. It was brief and to the point: truth does exist…do not fear, but stand firm in the truth…God continues to redeem His creation. I especially appreciated the reminder to test the spirits. That thought gets lost in the day-to-dayness at times, which can only aid Satan in his schemes.
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