Directions: From North or South: Take I79 to Crafton or Rt. 60 exit, turn towards Crafton, pass King’s on the left, cross Thornburg Bridge, bear left to Ingram Ave, pass the Busway station on the right. The church is between
7-Eleven and the Ingram Borough Building.
The Reverend John C. Free was ordained in the Presbyterian Church USA in 1968. He is a graduate of Davis & Elkins College and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. During the last 44 years, Rev. Free has served six churches as pastor and three as interim pastor. He has served on community boards and agencies, as well as on various Presbytery committees. He and his wife, Suzanne, have three grown children and seven grandchildren.
We are a congregation of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. with a 119-year history of commitment to Christ and service to our community. We are small enough to enjoy a family-like atmosphere when we join together for worship or fellowship. As one new member recently said, "You are the warmest and most welcoming congregation we visited."
We are also a generous group, contributing liberally to the Crafton/Ingram Food Bank, donating clothes to Goodwill Industries, and helping needy families and individuals during Thanksgiving and Christmas and when the situation arises. Our outstanding Vacation Bible School is one of our greatest gifts to the community, drawing scores of children to a week of learning, crafts, games, food, and growing together in love and faith.
There's much more to say, so accept our invitation to come and worship, experience, and explore for yourself. May God bless and keep you now and always.
Rev. Free's Letter to Our Church in April's Issue of Our Newsletter, The Good Word
To All the Saints,
A homiletics professor once offered a fine piece of wisdom for all preachers: "The grander the occasion, the shorter the sermon." When it comes to Easter, he was surely right. No preacher can adequately explain the resurrection of Jesus -- nor should he try. He or she can only proclaim it and lead the congregation in rejoicing in the mireacle of a divine love so strong, so enduring, so eternal, that even death cannot destroy it.
Our longing for the miracle of Easter is well-presented in a beautiful sixth-century Latin hymn. The Gospel, and our soul's deepest needs and hopes, are included in its words:
O Sun of justice, fill our hearts,
Where sinfulness has brought decay;
Dispel the darkness of our souls,
As now the night gives place to day.
Make this a fitting time for us,
A time to change and turn to You;
Please hear our prayer, most patient Lord,
Repentence in our hearts renew.
As spring awakes the frozen earth,
So Easter blooms from Lent's restraints.
Rejoice! For Christ will conquer death
And bring his grace to make us saints.
O everlasting Trinity,
We soon shall see that day of days
When all creation, born again,
Will sing the Easter song of praise.
A blessed Easter to All,
John
