A choir from numerous congregations, under the direction of Chele DiCioccio, sang several choral anthems including ‘Let the Church say Amen’ during a gathering of churches in Beaver-Butler Presbytery on Oct. 4.
by David Oyler
Pastor, First Presbyterian Church in Beaver Falls and New Brighton
In January 2026, a seed was planted which came to full flower in October.
On a wintry day at a Beaver-Butler Presbytery meeting in January, a ruling elder – Lauren Cesnales – planted a seed. In a time of anxiety and change and stress, she had a vision of a worship service that would celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation as well as bridge geographic distance and theological differences that can so easily divide rather than unify Christians. And so, from that initial idea a gathering of Presbyterian Christians began to take shape. The service quickly took the title “Now Thank We All Our God” and the familiar words from that hymn:
“All praise and thanks to God, who reigns in highest heaven,
To Father and to Son and Spirit now be given.
The one eternal God, whom heaven and earth adore,
The God who was, and is, and shall be evermore.”
Woven into those words was an image of how God has guided the Presbyterian Christians in southwestern Pennsylvania and continues to do so into the future. Volunteers stepped forward to guide the planning, representing several congregations. Ruling elder Bob Jarsulic (Concord Church, Baden) and Lauren Cesnales (First Church, New Brighton) along with pastors Jamie Fowler (Concord Church, Baden) and Todd Allen (Park Church, Beaver) were key leaders in drawing together churches from across the region. A choir director and pianist stepped forward from one church and said ‘Sure, we would love to co-ordinate a choir’ which ended up with more than 25 singers. Other brass and percussion musicians stepped forward with their skills on trumpet, trombone and drums to enhance the celebratory spirit even more. And, of course, such a gathering could not be complete unless a bagpiper graced the service as well.
In addition to the triumphant music, the service included special guest appearances. Not only did Executive Presbyter Tom Harmon welcome people but we also heard voices from the past. Presbyterian pastor John Witherspoon (1723-1794) spoke of his profound commitment to Jesus Christ along with his fervent belief that God was at work in these new colonies and the movement toward democracy. Lo and behold, Witherspoon was followed by Abigail Adams (1744-1818) and John Adams (1735-1826) who spoke of the events unfolding across the colonies while also dealing with the practical day-to-day work on the family farm in Braintree, Massachusetts which Abigail managed. Sometimes philosophical, sometimes theological, sometimes humorous, the two of them, via their letters to each other, brought those days to life. And Bob Jarsulic spoke of those sturdy Scotch-Irish Presbyterians who were beginning to fill the hills and valleys of Beaver-Butler Presbytery while the Revolutionary War was fought on the other side of the mountains.
Local historian and Ruling Elder Bob Jarsulic provided detailed insight about some of the first Presbyterian settlers in Beaver County as the United States was being established during a gathering of churches in Beaver-Butler Presbytery on Oct. 4.
The service ended with a Litany of Hope and Commitment, seeking to draw people together around a common love of country and a common faith in God. Included in the Litany were these words:
Will you choose this day, as American citizens, to stay faithful to the One who is faithful to us?
Count us in.
Will you choose this day, as American citizens, to place your whole trust in the One who is trustworthy?
Count us in.
Will you choose this day, as American citizens, to commit your talents and your resources to the One who first endowed them?
Count us in.
Will you choose this day to love the One who loved you first?
Count us in.
The service began with the classic hymn of thankfulness, ‘We Gather Together.’ It ended with those classic words quoted above from ‘Now Thank We All Our God.’ As the organ and brass instruments set the tone, those gathered sang for the depths of their souls. It was a reminder of our foundation in Christ and high esteem people hold for the United States of America.
Following the service there were numerous comments over refreshments provided by the host church, thanking God for the service. Appreciation was expressed for the gathering of folk from a dozen churches or more. Connections were made between people who had not seen each other for decades. More than one person expressed gratitude for singing in a larger choir, even as many church choirs have become diminished in size.
The seed planted in January came to full blossom in October, a celebration of both Christian faith and of the 250th anniversary year for our nation. Indeed, “Now Thank We All Our God.”