Non-denominational church, The Journey, open in Nemacolin
A new non-denominational church has opened in Nemacolin called The Journey. The Rev. Mark and Mary Lynn Gaydos recently explained the meaning behind the name.
“It signifies movement and growth,’ said Mary Lynn Gaydos.
A flyer the church uses also noted, “We’re all in this thing together – the journey of life – and sometimes we’ve either wandered off the path or we are searching for purpose and acceptance in our daily routine. There is hope. Together at The Journey we can worship – no matter what our background or past – and find real people, in a real world, serving a real God.’
The Journey opened its doors on Feb. 10 at 804 Pershing Blvd. in Nemacolin, located in a building that once served as a Presbyterian church and was later converted into a Head Start facility.
But the congregation began meeting earlier, starting in a restaurant in Waynesburg and then moving to the Gaydos’ farmhouse, called Peaceful Springs, located in Cumberland Township. The couple found their current building after their bluegrass gospel band, Glorybound, played at Morning Star Baptist Church in Newell and was told about its availability.
“God made a way for us to get that church,’ said Mark Gaydos. “It was a miracle. Less than a month later, we closed.’
He noted, “The first service, we had close to 40 people. We were full. There were no empty seats’
Pleased, the congregation worked to open up the sanctuary, which had been remodeled when it no longer was used as a church.
The Journey continues to attract about 40 each Sunday with people coming from Nemacolin, Mather, Car-michaels, Waynesburg, Rices Landing, Masontown and the South Hills of Pittsburgh.
“A lot of people heard about it from the radio station,’ said Mary Lynn Gaydos, referring to the radio ministry that’s affiliated with the church and Glorybound called “Sunday Mornin’ Gospelgrass.’ It is heard on WANB in Waynesburg from 6 to 7:30 a.m. Sundays.
The mission statement of The Journey is “to know the love of God; grow in faith, love and service; and go share the love of God.’
No membership is required to attend The Journey.
“We’re not confined,’ said Mark Gaydos. “…We encourage people to preach and visit other churches. Go see what God’s doing in our area.’
But people enjoy coming to The Journey.
Mary Lynn Gaydos said, “When the service is over, nobody wants to leave.’
She said that people experience freedom to worship and acceptance there.
The Journey does not offer Sunday school. Instead, people gather at 10 a.m. Sundays for refreshments and fellowship before the service starts at 10:30 a.m.
“By the time church starts, they forget about all that junk and are ready to worship,’ Mark Gaydos said.
The Journey offers song and prayer as well as children’s church.
Glorybound, which also includes Ray Riggleman, also known as “Deacon Ray,’ plays at the church with acoustic instruments, such as the guitar and mandolin. They perform contemporary praise and worship as well as hymns and songs written by Mary Lynn Gaydos. Mark Gaydos preaches, but he noted that others will step in if he is asked to preach elsewhere.
“We all have spiritual gifts,’ Mark Gaydos said. “We encourage people to use their gifts – not just Sunday but Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday…’
The Journey also is preparing to offer a community outreach from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at Nemacolin Park called Party in the Park. The event, which is free, includes music by Intent, and appearances by Giggles the clown and illusionist Faron as well as food. Those attending are asked to bring their own lawn chairs.
“Everyone is welcome, even if you go to a different church,’ said Mary Lynn Gaydos.
“We’re trying to be part of the community,’ Mark Gaydos said, explaining the reason for Party in the Park.
The couple believes strongly that The Journey is here to offer support to people.
“Love conquers all,’ said Mark Gaydos. ” … the love of Christ that lives in us.’
For more information about The Journey, call 724-966-5001 or e-mail thejourney@windstream.net.