Sunday, February 25, 2007

Family of God Lutheran Church

Buckingham, PA

Grade: B

Kids are welcome – young families are welcome – everyone is welcome, or so it seems, at this church.  Friendly and nice would be the best way to describe the folks in attendance.

The Family of God Lutheran Church is within walking distance of the Episcopal Church, in Buckingham, that I reviewed earlier in the morning.

When you’re at the intersection of Rte 413 & 202, look for the WaWa.  The church is on the same side of the road as the WaWa, within a few hundred feet of Rte 413 on Rte 202.  You will see a wooden sign in front of a driveway that slopes upward into a nice large parking lot.

As you enter the main entrance to the building, the sanctuary is to the left.  The interior sanctuary wall that separates it from the lobby is made of a clear material.  This gives the sanctuary a modern look, along with a chance for you to see what’s going on in the sanctuary, from the lobby.  Rest rooms, coat room, meeting rooms are to the right of the lobby.

The exterior seems much larger than the interior.  There is one center aisle, with two long rows of pews.  The décor is a combination of modern and traditional.

When I entered the building nature was calling me.  My only real thought was finding a rest room, before “Puddles” became my new nickname.  This goal was accomplished within seconds.

Pick up a church program in the lobby, near the front doors.  Reading the church program before the service starts is a good idea.  It can make participating in the service much more enjoyable.  This is good advice, whenever you go to a church.

The majority of the folks attending this service consisted of white – middle class families, on the younger side of the age scale, with a few exceptions.  I’d be willing to guess that anyone of any age, color or status would be welcome.  Versions of business dress seemed to be the normal attire for most of the members in attendance.

9:30 – Music starts, folks are still milling around.  The Pastor stands in front of the congregation and everyone finds their seats.  Approximately three-quarters of the seats were taken.  Hymns are sung, with the guidance of the Pastor.  When it comes to sitting down, or standing up, just follow the hand signals of the Pastor, and or do what the people around you do.

9:35 - Announcements are made by the Pastor and by church members.

9:45 – Hymns are sung.

9:50 –   A small mini sermon is given for the toddlers, as they sit on the floor in front of the sanctuary.  The kids are polite – well behaved.  Children – adults of all ages could relate to the sermon.

9:53 - Young people sing, accompanied by a piano.

9:55 - A reading from a lay person.

10:00 – Interim Pastor William Shafer starts his sermon.  The Pastor is a tall, older man, who makes eye contact with everyone in the room.

The sermon was well constructed and positive.  The sign of a good sermon may be one that stays with you long after the Sunday service, and this one did.  Some of the best messages are given in 20 minutes are less.  The sermon was about 20 minutes.

10:20 - The collection plate was passed around once.  No demands for money.

A few minutes after the collection took place, four young ladies in white flowing ballerina type outfits dance from the back of the sanctuary to the front of the alter.  A modern dance is given, to pre-recorded music.  When the dance was over the congregation gave them a large round of well deserved applause. 

10:25 - Prayers are given by a lay person.  Within ten minutes the service is over.  You exit the sanctuary, behind the last pews.  Pastor Bill Shafer shook hands and greeted folks as they left the room.

The Pastor asked my name, as I shook his hand. I told him my first name.  The Pastor wanted to know my first and last name, so I told him.

The Pastor told me that I looked familiar, and he wanted to know if we had met somewhere.  My mind went blank, so I said, “No”.  As I drove home, I remembered where I had met the Pastor.  I was entering the rest rooms as he was leaving the rest rooms.

One can only imagine if I had told him in a greeting line that the first time we met was in a rest room.  I’m sure this is how rumors start.

The service as well as the building is a combination of modern and traditional.  If I were looking for a family friendly church, I’d consider another visit.

My church experiences may be different than yours.  Whenever I visit a church, I’m a guest, first time visitor.  All churches need members who can support the church with time and or money. 

Before you go to this church or any church, look at their website.  If you do decide to go, call in advance.  Make sure you ask for the time that the service starts.  Times, can, do and will change.  You may also consider asking for directions, along with the dress code.  John Kerr is now the interim Pastor.

B was the grade for this church.  It would not surprise me, if you gave it an “A” grade.