Ambassadors Visit Temple, Havertown, Pa.
Redeemer Ambassadors at Temple, Havertown, October 9, 2011
Our 31st congregational visit took us to the suburb of Havertown, a beautiful residential neighborhood off of Route 1, (City Line to us Philadelphians). Temple Lutheran is on the corner of Brookline and Earlington.
Havertown is between pastors as their pastor of seven years, Rev. Matt Staniz, resigned, leaving only three weeks ago. We encountered former Bishop Michael Merkel, who is serving as the congregation’s interim pastor. We are still astounded at how many churches we visit have interim ministries.
Chancel Mural, Temple, Havertown, Pa.
We were struck by the chancel art, a depiction of the violent scene in the Garden of Gethsemane, a reminder that the Christian path is not always lined with roses — even in a garden.
We attended the second service — the contemporary service at`10:45. A more traditional liturgy is used at the 8:30 service. From the statistics published in the bulletin, attendance at both is about equal and very similar to a typical Sunday at Redeemer. We enjoyed the “praise band” which included two guitars, keyboard, a drum, and two leading singing. They used many hymns, mostly newer hymns.
We didn’t get to talk to many people, but the church seemed friendly enough. They seemed to be engaged in a number of community projects. Their confirmands were looking for sponsors for a CROP walk, and other projects included putting together school kits, college care packages, and senior activities. Their bulletin advertised events at other churches as well.
We certainly wish them well as they look for new leadership!