The Redeemer visited Tabernacle on 58th and Spruce in West Philadelphia for a spirited two-hour worship.

Rev. Carlton Rodgers led worship punctuated by music from many genres, with a fine seven-member choir, which the congregation often joined in song. Pastor Rodgers has been serving Tabernacle for nine years.

The pianist, Peter Charalambidis, was excellent and moved effortlessly from liturgy to gospel song to praise hymn to mainstream hymn. A deacon, Samuel Barham, led much of the service and singing with a resonating voice.

The pastor referenced hardship with no specifics. One member told us they had recovered from two fires. We saw on their website that one had occurred in 1969 and destroyed their large stone structure. Redeemer had also recovered from a devastating fire so we know something about recovery. We rebuilt our sanctuary without any outside help and went on to build an education building a few decades later, also with no synodical help.

Tabernacle is a “transformation” church which means they are receiving some special attention in reviving their neighborhood ministry. Our congregation had undergone a transformation that synod refused to recognize, probably because it was largely lay led, but we had begun to attract many new members with dedicated work of our membership.

The people of Tabernacle made a special effort to greet us. The passing of the peace was not part of the service but we were passed the Peace of the Lord by almost everyone we passed as we left the sanctuary.

Attendance was about 30 although we made no effort to count. There were about five children and youth.

The congregation led prayer with a number of people leading lengthy and heartfelt prayer requests. A book we are about to review, Scattering Seeds, points to the ability of lay members to lead unscripted prayer as a sign of congregational vitality. Tabernacle has that.

The congregation seemed to enjoy each other’s company and many plans for congregational events were discussed.