Sunday, March 18, 2007
Deep Run Mennonite Church East
Perkasie, PA
Grade: B
Deep Run Mennonite Church is a church with an interesting name and friendly people.
Do not confuse this church with an Amish Church. The church has a website, electricity, audio visual equipment. Picture a modern exterior and interior, mid-size brick church.
The members could blend into almost any other church congregation on Sunday, in terms of dress and appearance. Most folks were white, some version of middle class.
If awards are given out for well behaved congregations, this group would win one of the awards. When a baby cries, the parents and child leave the sanctuary without any prompting. Name a generation, and you have them in attendance, with a decent percentage, being young families.
I sat in the last pew, with several older guys, all well dressed and well groomed. If it were not for the fact that some of the men had wedding rings on, yours truly could have been sitting in “Bachelors Row”. The sanctuary was about four – fifths full.
The pastor wore a suit, as did some of the members. Black was not the predominate color, when it came to church attire. The unofficial dress code is business dress casual or dress jeans. Most of the cars in the parking lot were American made, with a few pick up trucks and mini vans, with imports as the exceptions.
Deep Run Mennonite Church is located on a country road, off Rte 611 in the Plumsteadville - Pipersvlle area, north of Doylestown Pa. Check the website for directions. The church is relatively easy to find, with plenty of parking.
8:58 – I entered the sanctuary, as several friendly people shook my hand and greeted me sincerely, like we were long lost friends. This was a nice way to start the service.
9:00 - Hymns are sung. We all stand. When it comes to sitting or standing, just follow the people around you. If you have health issues, stay seated. I do not think anyone will mind.
9:15 – A microphone is given to members who want to share a prayer request or remarks that are church related. This activity is called “Congregational Sharing”.
9:25 – Prayers are said by a lady with a very nice speaking voice.
9:30 – The collection basket is passed around. No large pleas for donations. The basket is only passed around once.
9:33 - Children are requested to come forward for a mini service. At the end of the service, the kids are given two Hershey Kisses. One kiss is for them, and one kiss is to be given to someone else. No, I did not get any candy at this service.
9:37 - A bible reading takes place from members of the congregation.
9:40 - Pastor Ken Burkholder begins preaching. The pastor is a thin, young man in a brown suit with a white shirt and tie. The message is positive – filled with hope. Pastor Ken Burkholder knows how to get and keep an audiences attention. It would not surprise me, if the pastor worked part time as a motivational speaker, he’s that good.
10 – A movie is shown on a big screen. The pastor asks us to think about God, as we watch the movie and listen to music. This is one of those nature scene movies with someone singing in the background.
10:05 – Pastor says another prayer – hymns are sung by the congregation. It was a joy to hear this congregation sing. If the congregation made a CD of hymns, I’d consider purchasing the CD.
10:10 - The service is over. Darrel, the man sitting next to me in the pew, introduces himself. Darrel is friendly – upbeat – positive. As I leave the sanctuary, Harvey Morris introduces himself. Harvey has the gift of hospitality.
If I had the time, it would have been nice to get to know the folks at this church. It appeared that most of the folks stayed after the service came to an end. I do not think you’re going to get lost in this congregation.
Consider going to a Mennonite Church. I’m glad I want to this church. The grade is a solid “B”. You may give it an “A”.
Please look at their website.