Local churches use outdoor signs to inspire, draw interest

“And the sign said, ‘Everybody welcome. Come in, kneel down and pray.'“But when they passed around the plate at the end of it all, I didn't have a penny to pay.“So I got me a pen and a paper, and I made up my own little sign. I said, ‘Thank you, Lord, for thinkin' ‘bout me. I'm alive and doin' fine.'”••“Signs”

The Five Man Electrical Band's hit song from 1971

Church signs inspire or bring chuckles to harried motorists.

The one described in the 1971 Five Man Electrical Band hit song did just what it was supposed to do: Welcome someone into a church.

“People know us as ‘the church with the sign,'” said Pastor Donald Simmons of Three Rivers Praise & Worship Center, 96 Grant Ave. in Etna.

“They see the sign and think of things happening in their lives or a decision they are going to make,” he said.

It's a small church, so Simmons, 51, of Ben Avon, has been in charge of the sign since his arrival from Michigan last year. Both sides of the signs are changed every two weeks.

He uses magazines, books, calendar quotes and quotations from famous people for inspiration. Members of the congregation suggest verses, as his mother-in-law did. Even conversations with kindergartners can spark the idea for the next sign change.

“I listen to interviews with coaches and players to hear what is said. They always find ways to motivate,” Simmons said.

“Little clichés are inspiring.”

At least one person in their church became a member because of the sign: A senior citizen read the sign from her bus-seat window and began to attend services.

Simmons stays away from controversy and instead tries to make people think.

An eager sign reader himself, he always is at the ready.

“I have a pen and piece of paper with me most of the time,” he said.

Ann Mohn and her husband, Kim, of Ross Township, have been in charge of the sign at Hiland Presbyterian Church, 845 Perry Highway in the township's Perrysville neighborhood, for the last six years.

Prompted by a note in the church bulletin, they volunteered. Today, the couple considers this task their ministry.

“I read and find the quotes,” Ann Mohn said, “but it's a team effort.”

The director of music gave her a church sign book, and there were books in the Northland Public Library in McCandless that she used. Hiland's sign also announces special church events.

Her husband assists her during their once-a-week visits to the sign on the grassy slope —even on the windy, rainy, snowy days.

“I think of people who might pass by the sign,” Ann Mohn said.

“If so-and-so goes by, that might give her a lift.”

One recent sign read, “Don't let your struggles become your identity.” Ann Mohn later heard a picture of the sign was posted on Facebook.

“I guess it answered someone's need,” she said.

Ron Curcio has gotten appreciation from a few motorists, one weeks ago when he was setting in the Olympics-related quote at Ascension Lutheran Church, 8225 Peebles Road in McCandless.

“A man drives by, then backs up and says how much he enjoys reading the signs,” the church member said, as traffic started to trail behind the car.

Curcio, 67, of New Sewickley, has been in charge of the sign for the past few years. He and his pastor sit down to discuss what might be next.

They use sayings from the Internet and sometimes make up something on their own. Their choices are recorded in a list they've kept for the past four or five years.

“We send a blessing out to the community. When they drive by, it may mean something to them,” he said. “We try to incorporate Jesus, not tell people what to do.”

As youth leader at Woodland Valley Church in Mars, Pa., Dave Speicher helps teens accept new responsibilities.

And in doing so, he has engaged his own teenagers – Christian, 15; Alyssa, 16; and Adam and Jordan, both 18, in keeping the sign at their church current.

Since he and his children arrive early Sunday evenings before youth-group meetings begin, the Speicher teens get to compose the quotes. The style of the quote changes depending on who takes on the task.

“Christian chooses the shortest ones; Alyssa, the chuckles; and Adam and Joseph pick inspiration,” said Speicher, 44, of Cranberry.

“We want the words to have an impact. We want to give them something to read as they drive between Mars and Evans City.”

This church sign ­“If you're looking for a sign from God, this is it” reminded him to call the reporter who was working on an article about church signs.

“I read every church sign I see,” Speicher said, “and I borrow from other churches.”

Sometimes, the quotes reflect the sermons. Often, he receives suggestions from other church members.The Woodland Valley staff has received calls about the signs and how the words “spoke” to drivers on the road. He has gotten notes saying how much the writer looks forward to reading the signs. Future suggestions came in that letter, too.

“This is an outreach to people we'll never see, who will never come through our doors,” he has told his children.

This is a part of ministry at Woodland, as it is at many other churches.

“I go by Old Union Church (also in Mars) and make it a point to read their sign,” Speicher said.

Dona S. Dreeland is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-772-6353 or ddreeland@tribweb.com.