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| 2385: Faith
Presbyterian, Sun City, Arizona, USA |
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Mystery
Worshipper: Amanda B. Reckondwythe.
The church:
Faith Presbyterian,
Sun City, Arizona, USA.
Denomination:
Presbyterian
Church (USA).
The building: An attractive modern structure with detached bell tower. The inside resembles a theatre, with a stage at one end of a large room. On stage is a wooden altar in which is embedded a carving of the Last Supper. Choir seating is behind the altar, and on the rear wall is a large cross.
The church: They support a number of ministries, including Presbyterian Women, a care ministry, Going Green, Habitat for Humanity, etc. Special mention goes to Just Coffee, which channels the proceeds from Sunday after-service coffee sales to a mission in Mexico.
The neighborhood:
Sun City was developed as a middle-class retirement community
by one Delbert Eugene Webb, a highly successful real estate
entrepreneur. Webb was also responsible for an internment camp
in Arizona where Japanese-American citizens were detained during
World War II, plus several casinos and hotels in Las Vegas,
including the Flamingo, which he built for mobster Bugsy Siegel.
The Arizona desert is known for extended periods of 100 degree
plus temperatures (Fahrenheit) during the summer, and comedienne
Bette Midler once quipped that Sun City was the only place in
the country where, in order to live there, your age had to match
the temperature. The church is located on Del Webb Boulevard
just south of Bell Road, in a neighborhood of single family
houses, golf courses, and a few other churches.
The cast:
The Revd David L. Van Arsdale, pastor, led the service and preached.
The Revd Gloria S. Sannermark, assistant pastor, helped with
the communion service. Dale McCurdy, pastoral associate, and
Sandy Foell also participated. Music was provided by Sally Siekmann,
pianist, and Chris Granger, organist.
The date & time: Pentecost Sunday, May 27, 2012, 10.00am.
What was the name of the service?
Worship Service.
How full was the building?
It is a large church; I counted room for about 800. I’d say it was about two-thirds full.
Did anyone welcome you personally?
Greeters at the door said "Good morning," as did a
lady handing out service sheets. The pastor was visiting from
pew to pew, and we chatted a bit when he stopped at my pew.
Was your pew comfortable?
Yes.
How would you describe the pre-service
atmosphere?
Lots of visiting, but not overly boisterous. The pastor was working the room, as mentioned above. The pianist was playing a medley of hymns. The choir took their places just before the service started.
What were the exact opening words of the
service?
"Good morning, all. Good to see you today."
What books did the congregation use during the
service?
The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version; The
Presbyterian Hymnal; service sheet. An older hymnal, The
Hymnbook, was also in the pews but we didn’t use it.
What musical instruments were played?
Grand piano and a large electronic organ. There was also a choir of 23 voices.
Did anything distract you?
For once I can honestly say no, nothing did. No cell phones, no crying babies, no going to and fro. The majority of people wore red in keeping with Pentecost, and I suppose that was somewhat distracting.
Was the worship stiff-upper-lip, happy clappy, or
what?
Standard Presbyterian communion service, with call to worship,
confession and assurance of pardon, scripture readings, sermon,
affirmation of faith, eucharist and dismissal. The clergy were
each vested in white Geneva gown and red stole; all others wore
street clothes. The hymns were traditional and well-chosen,
featuring several spirituals. Communion was done pew-style –
the clergy broke a loaf of bread but we received individual
crouton-like cubes and wee cuppies while the broken loaf remained
untouched. I’m not sure what Jesus’ Jewish mother would have
to say about good food going to waste.
Exactly how long was the sermon?
15 minutes.
On a scale of 1-10, how good was the preacher?
8 – A well prepared message, well delivered.
In a nutshell, what was the sermon
about?
The pastor mentioned the film Field of Dreams as a
metaphor for optimism and hope. Pentecost is a day to remember
where the Church came from and where it is going. No matter
how "out of shape" the modern Church may have become,
it is still God’s Church and will always enjoy the continuing
assurance of God’s presence. The Church is always changing under
the guiding hand of God. Without change, it would become a museum.
The love of Christ draws us always toward closer and more caring
fellowship with each other. The way is challenging, but Christ
is always walking with his Church.
Which part of the service was like being in
heaven?
The music was top-rate. Both the pianist and organist played
with competence, and the choir sang beautifully and with great
professionalism. At communion, the pianist played a meditation
on "Were you there when they crucified my Lord", which
was very touching.
And which part was like being in... er... the other place?
At the doxology we didn’t praise "Father, Son and Holy
Ghost," but rather "Triune God, whom we adore."
I hate it when perfectly good prayers are ruined by an attempt
at all-inclusiveness.
What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost?
I had noticed that the lady sitting next to me was taking pictures
during the service also. As the organist struck up the recessional,
she asked me if my photos had turned out. "Call me old-fashioned,"
I said, "but I never check my photos while they are still
in the camera – I always wait until I copy them to the computer."
She also said that I needn’t have bothered taking notes, as
recordings of all services are available for a small fee. She
also reminded me to be sure to stop by for coffee. As I was
walking out, the pastor shook my hand and said it was nice that
I had come.
How would you describe the after-service
coffee?
Strong, hot coffee, just the way I like it, served in styrofoam
cups. There was also an assortment of cookies and cakes. People
sat at tables visiting, but no one seemed to notice me. Finally,
as I was walking out, a lady said, "You’re a visitor, aren’t
you?" and we chatted a bit.
How would you feel about making this church your regular (where 10 = ecstatic, 0 = terminal)?
8 – I liked the preaching, the music, and their approach to liturgy, and these are the things I look for in a church. I’ll be back another time.
Did the service make you feel glad to be a
Christian?
Yes.
What one thing will you remember about all this in seven days' time?
The pianist’s meditation on "Were you there." |
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| The Mystery Pilgrim |
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| One of our most seasoned reporters makes the Camino pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Read here. |
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