bington Presbyterian Church,
a congregation of 1,200 members, is part of the
Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.). We are a theologically diverse
congregation, taking seriously this declaration of the Presbyterian church
drawn up more than two hundred years ago and now part of its constitution:
God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left
it free from the doctrines and commandments of men... Therefore we
consider the rights of private judgment, in all matters that respect
religion, as universal and unalienable.1
All who seek
meaning for their lives or who seek to serve others in this bewildering
and suffering world are invited to be part of our worship services and
activities.
Our Vision: To be Christ in our time...
As Christ was embodied in Jesus of Nazareth for thirty-three
years of earthly ministry, He is now embodied in His Church in every place and
time. Thus we, the members of Abington Presbyterian Church, are called by God
to be the heart, hands and voice of Christ.
More about the Vision.
Worship
Worship is at the heart
of the church's life. All that the church is and does is rooted in
its worship.2
Abington Presbyterian Church follows the
reformed tradition. “As Christians we gather in public worship to affirm our
belief in God, to pray, and think together about what it means to live in
God's world as God's children.”3 Our worship strives to be thought
provoking with a message based on scripture and enhanced by our musical
talents. The sermon is central to our worship as it challenges us to reflect
God's word in our daily lives. Participation in worship encourages us to
“give generously of our lives and resources to support the work we believe God
wants done in the world.” 3
Christian Education
Abington
Presbyterian
offers
educational opportunities for all
ages. Preschoolers learn about their faith through storytelling and song.
Elementary
(left) and Middle School students rotate through
different
workshops on successive Sundays in a program that reinforces Bible stories and
allows for a broad range of learning styles. The program of the Senior High Church School
(right)
includes Bible study and discussion on how the scripture relates to
their lives. Students entering ninth grade may participate in Confirmation
classes. Junior and Senior Highs also meet on Sunday evenings for
programs focusing on recreation, service, Bible study and discussion.
A Vacation Bible
School for preschoolers to adults is conducted in the summer.
There is a broad variety of opportunities for
adult education.
The Adult
Forum and the Adult Bible Study meet at 9am on Sunday mornings. During the
rest of the week, there are a variety of mini-courses, Bible studies, and
discussion groups meeting at the church and in people’s homes. A new Small
Group Ministry is taking shape and scheduled to begin in the spring of 2007.
Fellowship
A wide variety
of fellowship opportunities are available,
supporting a sense of community and
family. Sunday morning coffee hour, family
socials and other recreational activities occur throughout the year. Small
groups form to fulfill various interests, such as the
Mothers’ Discussion
Group
and the
Men's Work Crew.
Larger groups exist to fulfill the special interests of the congregation,
including the
Youth and Teen Fellowship (grades 6-12), Summer youth trips
(right),
Presbyterian Women, Men's Christian Fellowship, Adult Fellowship, Come Double
Club (senior couples, left), Naomi's Group (widows and single women),
Wednesday Afternoon Group
Music
Music is an integral part of our worship and community at Abington Church.
Vocal and bell choir opportunities exist for everyone from kindergartners to adults:
 |
Chime choir (grades K-2,
left)
Crusader choir (grades 3-6)
Chapel choir (grades 7-12,
left)
Chancel choir (adults)
Crusader Bells (grades 5-6)
Festive
Ringers (Grades 7-12)
Jubilee Ringers (Adults)
Celebration Ringers (advanced) |
Music at
Abington
hosts a series of concerts for the church and community, featuring the
Abington Symphony Orchestra and the Oratorio Choir.
Mission
Living our faith challenges us to reach out to
others in need in the local community and the world. Our congregation
raised the funds and participated in the building of a Habitat for Humanity house in
Germantown (left). We joined with seven other houses of
worship to dedicate the site (right) and construct a second house.
More about
Habitat Other local
projects include supporting Presbyterian Children’s Village and responding to
needs in our community such as homelessness and hunger. World
mission support includes contributions for peacemaking, disaster relief,
hunger and medical benevolence. Our personal commitment to mission includes
financial contributions, gifts of our time and talents, and hands-on mission
work.
History
Founded in 1714, sixty-two years before the
signing of the Declaration of Independence, Abington Presbyterian Church is
the third oldest Presbyterian church in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In
fact, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams had not even been
born when seventy hearty pioneers banded together in a primitive settlement to
unite in the worship of God.
More information.
The
programs and ministries of the
Church and in the community
make "Old Abington Church" as much a force
today as it was in its
early years.
1 The Constitution of the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Part II, Book of Order, G-1.0301
2
Book of Common Worship, The
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), preface, p.1
3
Buchanan, John M., Being Church, Becoming Community,
1996, John Knox Press, p. 88