Greetings everyone!
I shared worship time with the congregation of Bethlehem Presbyterian Church in Mechanicsville, Virginia, this week. Thanks to the good folks of Bethlehem for a great visit!
Bethlehem Presbyterian Church is near Camp Hanover, which means over the years I have probably driven past them but just did not notice. Which is odd, because it was so easy getting there this time! As is my usual practice, I got there a bit early so I could take a few photos. While taking a pic or two, a member of the congregation invited me in for some coffee and also to worship. I would accept that invite, but after a few more pictures.
The church sits on a left-hand curve, and as I was taking a picture of the sanctuary (or what I thought was the sanctuary), I noticed a steeple jutting up behind it! I wondered to myself, “who builds a church right next to another one?” As I continued to walk and take pictures, I got beyond the “sanctuary” and found “the sanctuary!” The physical plant at Bethlehem stretches for quite some distance, I have discovered.
Their sanctuary is quite open and bright. The service itself involved eight individuals who could be seen and an unknown number of behind-the-scenes volunteers. This is a good indicator for me of the health of a congregation—that many of its members work together to bring meaningful worship to their congregation.
The service itself included seven places for singing, including four short, musical responsive songs. In the rest of the bulletin were two Scripture readings, the passing of the peace, the offering, and four wonderful places for prayer. And both a children’s sermon and one for us adults! Good job, pastor!
My point is that this service flowed quite well, was purposefully built to be inclusive, lifted up the life of this congregation, and was inviting to me, a first-time visitor.
These folks were also quite friendly and paid attention to details, such as greeting a visitor! Arriving early, I had to be sure to introduce myself as their presbyter, which meant I had several folks wanting to show me around the whole campus.
I would like to lift up a few things that are going on at Bethlehem such as fully supporting a food pantry as well as an outreach meal to local veterans. A church member has begun a children’s outreach (Godly Play, I believe) to bring the Gospel message to youngsters in the surrounding community. They have begun summer events and have a fall program ready, doing all they can to reach out to their neighbors!
Additionally, I met a soon-to-be student—a second-career pastor just like me—who will be studying at Union Presbyterian Seminary this fall (just as I had done!). It is good to see folks traveling the same pathway you had!
This was a good Sunday for me, again. Being out and about with our congregations, meeting them in their building has always been a blessing to me. I am thankful for the sustaining work of the Spirit in our congregations, the work they do, and their care of their portion of God’s Creation.
Till my next trip,
Kerry
