Church held in theater

The words “Under the Tuscan Sun” ran on the screen over the entrance of Theater 10, but the… The words “Under the Tuscan Sun” ran on the screen over the entrance of Theater 10, but the entertainment seen last Sunday morning was not made in Hollywood.

Loews Cineplex Theater at the Waterfront was providing religion in the form of a non-denominational Christian service – on the big screen.

The Waterfront Christian Community has rented space from the cinema for the last six weeks. In return, the group gets surround sound, seats that accommodate the parishioners’ morning coffee, and, of course, the “big picture,” with words to and from God.

Across the screen in bold letters read, “Open the eyes of my heart, Lord,” while footage of sunsets, cloudy skies and American flags was shown in the background.

There are no texts to read from at the Waterfront church. Instead, one must watch the screen for instruction, just as any good moviegoer would.

“We are trying to make things more contemporary,” said Gray Drent, the church’s pastor. He added that having his congregation meet at the Waterfront, near Homestead, made things easy for everyone.

“They can come, go to church, go to a movie, go shopping,” he said, adding that the site of his service makes it a “destination church.”

Aynsley Diemert, a spokeswoman for the church, said that its use of more modern ideas was a “learning experience.” Diemert said many people have needed some time to get used to the contemporary music that the church uses in place of traditional hymns.

In the congregation of about 40 people, ranging from those with pacifiers to those with walkers, few sang along. The music conductor, a woman with a microphone, moved and sang energetically, but often, it was a one-woman performance.

The day’s sermon also contributed to the contemporary atmosphere. Drent used props to illustrate the idea of being a real Christian, versus maintaining the appearance of one. He covered a hot dog with chocolate syrup – from a bottle that read “ketchup.”

From his church in a theater, Drent also discussed in his sermon the disappointment that can result when things aren’t what they seem.

Drent’s congregation, which has grown from a dozen people meeting in homes to about 60 people who come to his Waterfront services, is not the only church located in an entertainment atmosphere. In Butler, Pennsylvania, a congregation meets in a Carmike Cinemas facility.

Drent commented on this new trend with the enthusiasm of a pastor.

“I’d like to have people just as happy at church as Kennywood,” he said.

With a philosophy of causal dress and sermons that incorporate ketchup and make comparisons between God and power tools, Drent is approaching a more accessible idea of church – not just in terms of accessibility for those who use public transportation, but for those who seek shows instead of lectures.

Diemert, who works at Pitt, said the church leaders hope to eventually move the church from its 300-seat theater to one that seats 500. Until then, she said, they will need to do advertising.

Naturally, they’ll advertise on the big screen. According to Diemert, the church will be somewhere between popcorn ads and previews, as soon as they have enough money.

Waterfront Christian Community welcomes new followers; services are every Sunday at 10 a.m.