Irwin theater to host Sunday church service

The stage at Irwin’s Lamp Theatre, silent during the past months of covid-19 pandemic restrictions, will awaken with a sermon and songs Sunday morning.

Grace Collective, a newly formed independent church, has rented the theater for its second large gathering of members, in a service set to begin at 10 a.m.

Lead pastor Rich Phipps, of Manor, said the gathering will be “safe, yet sensitive” in the 350-seat venue.

He said those attending will be able to choose how much social distancing they prefer.

The service also will be streamed live on Facebook for those who’d rather watch from home.

“We want to make sure everyone is comfortable,” Phipps said. “When people walk in they’re going to be able to self-identify their covid comfort level.”

While masks are required inside the theater and there will be multiple stations with sanitizer, Phipps said individuals and family groups will be able to select the type of seating they want, determined by colored wristbands.

Those who want to maintain the maximum distance from others will get a red wristband and will be offered balcony seating. Phipps said others who may want to stay about three seats away from fellow worshipers will get a yellow band while those who are comfortable with shaking hands and sitting closer to others will be given a green band.

Phipps couldn’t predict how many worshipers will show up. He was surprised when an initial meeting to plant the seeds for the congregation, in early July, drew more than 100 people inside and outside a local barn.

Phipps said Sunday’s service will be “casual, fun and authentic. That’s the kind of experience we’re going for.”

A Butler native, Phipps has been a pastor for three decades and holds advanced degrees from Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky. His wife, Marsha, will lead programs for children in the congregation.

He officiated at the recent wedding of Kyley Tusay, of North Huntingdon, and her husband, Michael, who will provide music for the service. A 2014 graduate of Norwin High School, Kyley Tusay serves as the church’s worship leader and creative director.

She’s no stranger to a stage, having performed in high school musicals, with community theater groups and in a production of “The Who’s Tommy” at the Pittsburgh Playhouse.

She discovered an affinity for religious music while studying musical theater at Point Park University and is now pursuing worship studies. She plays several instruments and sings duets with her husband.

“We like to take classical hymns and make them more contemporary” in style, she said, adding that her theatrical experience “allows for creative freedom, to bring relevance into the church world.”

According to Phipps, the intent of Grace Collective is to return to the original spirit of Christianity, before separate denominations of the faith were formed. In between larger gatherings, such as Sunday’s service, he said members will be encouraged to meet in smaller groups in home settings.

He said Grace Collective has sought the assistance of Ohio-based Stadia Church Planting to help grow the local church and also is networking with two other independent congregations — including New Life Christian Ministries in Saxonburg.

Lamp Theatre officials view Sunday’s service as a trial effort, to see if the concept will work for both the theater and the church. Phipps is hopeful ongoing services can be held there, on the first and third Sundays of each month.

“We’re thankful to the (theater) board for giving us a try,” he said, noting the services should help attract new visitors to Irwin. “We think it’s going to be a win-win-win for us, the theater and Irwin.”