Sunday April 15, 2007

Buxmont Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

Warrington, PA

Grade: B

If you are looking for a church that does not use traditional Christian vocabulary, this may be the place for you to worship.  The service has a new age feel to it.  In this service there was no real mention of Jesus Christ.

Who is, or is not a Christian, at this church or any other church is not for me to judge.

My reviews are written to let you know what I experienced.  God, along with my readers can do the judging.

The Church is right on Street Road, within walking distance of Rte 611, on the same side of the street as the drug store – gym.  Drive too fast and you will miss the entrance to the church, like I did. 

Once you enter the driveway, you will find plenty of parking, along with a nice – modern looking building in front of you.

Go in the front doors of the building.  The sanctuary is up the stairs to the left.

This sanctuary is modern in appearance.  Folks sit on folding and or stackable chairs.  The chairs are arranged in rows facing the front of the sanctuary.  Decorative tiles are used to adorn the sanctuary.  During the service you will see a small to moderate gas flame in front of the sanctuary.

Most of the people in attendance seemed to be white – some version of middle class, with plenty of families in attendance.  Dress was casual, with a few folks who dress a little less casual, and a few folks who dress a little more casual.  On a rainy Sunday, this room was close to completely full.

As I walked into the sanctuary, a friendly man by the name of Ed greeted me, gave me a program, along with a good seating suggestion.  Sit in a stackable chair.  The stackable chairs are more comfortable then the folding chairs.  All the folks I met at this service were very friendly – polite – kind – considerate.

10:15 – Services are postponed until 10:25 a.m., due in part to other social activities taking place.

10:25 – The pastor invites “New Comers” to stand so we can be greeted after the service.  Several folks stand.  The pastor tells us that all are welcome, no matter the age – sexual orientation.  Look at the church website, for more information.

10:28 – Choir sings.  The choir is very good.

10:30 - A mini service is given for the children in front of the sanctuary.

10:35 – Announcements are made about up coming events.

10:40 - “Joys – Sorrows” are given.  We are told to keep our remarks under a minute. 

10:48 - The offering basket is passed around.  One offering is given, without much fanfare.

10:50 - Pastor Daniel S Schatz, stands in front of the congregation, dressed in a dark suit, with a white shirt and tie.  The pastor is a thin – young family man.  The service starts with a poem.  The choir sings, and we all stand.

10:57 - We pray in silence.

11:02 - This pastor knows how to give a message that is entertaining – thought provoking.  Beauty was the theme this Sunday morning.

11:25 - One more hymn is sung for a few minutes and the service is over.  Folks are encouraged to socialize with one another.  Most of the cars in the parking lot were still in the parking lot, as I drove away.

“B” is the grade.  You be the judge.