The part about not leaving for lunch by noon is true but I was always full when it was time to leave. I miss this church deeply.
I must say my experience of this church was for many years the exact opposite of what the two star review relates. I joined here a number of years ago and left Pittsburgh for work-related purposes a few years after that. While it is possible to catch the church on an off day perhaps when a visiting pastor is in the pulpit or the choir is trying something new, the experience of always being welcome regardless of age, race, sex, gender, or sexual orientation and being able to enter a worship service that for those who attend simply works characterized most, if not all, Sundays for me. In Methodist fashion, communion always had a literal component to it--it's the rare church that embraces silence in its liturgy and prayers and First Church gets it right on all accounts.
They're probably pretty good people - interested in feeding the hungry, missions work, that sort of stuff. So don't take this review too seriously. The service was like one of those really boring services you see in movies, where everyone is there just to be able to pat themselves on the back for being such a good person for going to church. The lyrics to the choir's song - I kid you not - consisted of one word: "Alleluia" repeated a bazillion times. The sermon sounded like a bunch of inspiring words strung together by a screenwriter instead of an actual Christian. It reminded me of the kinds of "prayers" they pray in Congress - totally devoid of any actual relationship with God. And don't plan on leaving for lunch by noon.
I've been attending First Church for almost five years now, and I have to say that this is a wonderful church. I was looking for a place that practices what they preach - love everyone, period. "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors" is more than just a cute motto. Everyone is truly welcome.
The pastor is a truly gifted speaker, and the the ministry leaders are a group of very warm and caring people. They make the Church (not just the building, but the organization as a whole) a place where you'd like to stay. I've also found that many of the congregation members are just as welcoming and caring - a theme that seems to work its way through everything going on at the church.
This church, its clergy, and members literally changed my life for the better. Come and see!
If you are looking for a place to find some peace, or looking for a church to call home, I wholeheartedly suggest coming in for a few weeks to check it out. The beautiful music alone will make it worth your while!
First United Methodist Church is a US Church based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. First United Methodist Church is located at 5401 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA.
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