The new worship service, called “The Journey,” is a non-traditional Presbyterian service that meets every Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. for approximately one hour prior to the traditional morning service.

“The Journey service energizes you through the praise and worship music. It is a welcoming environment that helps draw you closer to God,” said Damon Bethea, a member of the church and the service’s planning committee chair. “When people need a spiritual uplift, it is the right place to be so that they can receive all that God has for them. The service is diverse with its music, the program and with those who attend the service.”

The Journey worship service is informal. It meets in one of our other rooms of the church and gives people the opportunity to sit face-to-face. There is music, prayer and testimonies. It is unorganized and has a go-with-the-flow type of service.

A JOYFUL NOISE—Participants of the Journey Worship Service give praise to God through song.

“The 11 a.m. service is very traditional. We sing hymns and do the traditional Presbyterian service where the pastor is in front of the congregation. But the Journey service has a different atmosphere. It is much more inclusive and intimate,” said Barbara DeWitt, a member of the church and a participant in the Journey service.

Bethea said that the service discusses a new topic every month with a biblical focus on various aspects of one’s journey. Topics include having too much baggage for one’s journey; taking detours along your journey; and having the correct items for one’s journey.

Reverend Randall K. Bush, pastor of East Liberty Presbyterian, said. “We want to reach out to the neighbors of the community and want to reach a younger, more diverse audience and the Journey service is a way to do that. It offers something for all.”

With the church in a predominately-Black neighborhood, according to Bush, African-Americans members of the congregation are more than 30 percent; that is not a very high number given the location. But the church has been trying to change that and make all feel welcome, regardless of race. The service is just one way to do that. However, East Liberty Presbyterian Church has done many things to reach out to people—the church hosts the Black and White Reunion, which is an annual event that promotes racial equality.

One of Bush’s concerns is that some people may find it intimidating. He said that once people take the time to come inside, one will find a friendly church home that is focused on mission, witness and a place that is grounded in prayer and scripture.

“The service came about when Rev. Bush was approached about the idea. Then several members were pulled together to discuss the service and its components,” said Rev. Patrice L. Fowler-Searcy, director of Mission Ministries. “Services were held in the spring and summer, as a trial, and will now be held regularly. There are several members who have began attending on a regular basis.”

“The Journey service is getting a lot of participation, it is constantly increasing. We took a break for the summer, but now we are back,” DeWitt said. “I definitely think it is something they’ll continue to have.”