Recently, I have especially profited from books and sermons by Presbyterian pastors such as Michael Horton and Bryan Chapell. So it was with quite a bit of excitement when providentially, I found myself attending the Presbyterian Church of Coventry (in Connecticut) last month. I was attending a meeting in connection with my work in the University of Connecticut and was searching for a nearby Reformed Baptist church. When I couldn’t find one, I tried a Presbyterian church and there was one in nearby Coventry.

I arrived in the church quite unsure of what to expect, normal in such new surroundings. Trying not to be late, I actually arrived half an hour before the service. There was hardly anyone in the worship hall (a choir was practicing somewhere). But there was an old lady who warmly welcomed me and showed me around. As people trickled in, a couple approached me and shared their experience in adopting a Filipino baby years ago (the baby arrived with them from Manila in the middle of winter!). Later, one of the men working in the university chatted with me a bit.

Finally when the worship service started, I was a bit apprehensive on how it will go. Will I experience the same blessedness in my own church tradition? Will I find some of their practices strange? However, as the service proceeded, all these fears were laid to rest. It was almost like being in my home church in terms of the solemnness, the hymns, and the pure preaching of the Word. There were certain practices that add even more solemnity, as when they kneeled to pray.

I left quietly as a congregational meeting followed immediately afterwards, not being able to talk to anyone. But I am thankful to them for welcoming me warmly. I praise God for allowing me to share that Sunday with them. I now appreciate better the unity of genuine believers of various denominations.