Sunday, April 20, 2008

Ivyland New Church

Ivyland, PA

Grade: B

One of the goals of thelastpew.com is to show you what folks do in different houses of worship. This is also true within the same denomination.

Last week I went to the Bryn Athyn Cathedral, in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania. The building looks like a beautiful castle. The folks were friendly, polite, and the service was somber.

This week I attended another church of the same denomination. While the church may not be the same size, it does get the same grade.

Imagine having a service in someone’s home. The sanctuary may remind of you of a large family room, with plenty of windows. You will not be a stranger at the New Church. Everyone was very friendly and polite at this church. The tone of the service was upbeat, compared to the service that took place in the Cathedral.

The sanctuary is well lit with a modern interior. As you walk in you will see a donation basket on a table. The chairs are padded, arranged in a semicircle. Almost everyone wore business dress casual or their Sunday Best.

The sanctuary was about four fifths full. Most of the folks in attendance were white, with a few exceptions. This church, is geared a little more towards younger families.

10:00 a.m. – We stand as traditional hymns are sung in an upbeat tempo.

10:10 a.m. - The offering from the back of the sanctuary is taken to the front of the sanctuary by the usher. No one made any requests for money during the service. Please pick up a church bulletin; it’s filled with useful information.

The Children of the congregation are encouraged to come forward. Reverend Rose talks to the children and congregation, using stories and examples that everyone in the sanctuary can relate to in a positive way.

10:20 a.m. - The children leave the sanctuary. We stand and sing hymns.

10:27 a.m. – Reverend Tom Rose reads from the bible.

10:30 a.m. - Reverend Tom Rose starts his conversation in a conversational way. The message is positive, uplifting, and personal. Do not let the size of the sanctuary fool you. You can get a great message in a small room. The Reverend is an experienced public speaker; he knows just what to say, and when to say it.

10:48 a.m. - The sermon is over and we kneel as the Reverend leads us in prayer, and then we stand and sing hymns. The Reverend leaves the sanctuary.

10:50 a.m. - Reverend Rose comes back into the sanctuary without his vestments, and begins to answer questions from the congregation. The question and answer session was very informative. Reverend Rose does not argue with anyone, his answers are filled with wisdom and insights. The Reverend is a very wise, humble man.

10:55 a.m. - A small child and an usher put out the candles on the altar as music plays. We are told that refreshments will be served in the community room.

11:00 a.m. - The service is over, almost everyone stays after the service. Kids play on the swing sets outside.

If you want to become part of a church family, the New Church may be the church for you. Feel free to look at the New Church website; it’s filled with useful information, along with a church locator, and history of the church.

Until New Sunday, save the LastPew, for me.