Here’s what’s happening in worship this week. Click on “more” for details about this week’s Church School classes.
Worship Services
Journey Worship | Sunday, 8:45 am
An interactive, energetic service for those seeking a fresh encounter with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our theme this month is Rejoice Again. Pastor Randy will preach from Matthew 24:36–44.
Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, 11 am
Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. Pastor Heather will preach from Matthew 3:1–12, and her sermon will be titled “The Messiness of Getting Ready.”
If you’re out of town and/or unable to attend worship, join us in spirit. Subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on Facebook and stream our service.
Taizé Prayer Service | Wednesday, 7 pm
Led by the Rev. Mary Lynn Callahan, our hour-long Taizé service includes sung prayers; simple, beautiful music; a time of silence; spoken and silent prayers; and an opportunity for individual prayer and anointing. If you’re unable to participate in person, join our live stream on your computer or mobile device.
Christian Education Classes
We offer Christian Education classes for persons of all ages, from infancy through adulthood, on Sundays from 9:45–10:45 am. Read more about our adult class descriptions and children and youth offerings.
Children and Youth
- Infants–Age 2 | Nursery
- Pre-school/Ages 3–5 | Room 110 B
- Kindergarten–Grade 1 | Room 206
- Grades 2–3 | Room 205
- Grades 4–5 | Room 211
- Middle School (grades 6–8) | Room 207
- Senior High (grades 9–12) | Room 217
Contemporaries | McKelvy Room
You’ll Never Guess What’s in the Bible
The Bible is full of interesting stories. Come and learn about passages we do not often hear in worship. Taught by the Rev. Tony Richardson-Eckes.
Journey With Scripture | Highland Room
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.”—Romans 15:4
This Advent begins a new three-year cycle of lectionary readings that will eventually span the whole Bible (by 2022). Each week’s scriptures are selected from both Testaments: the Torah, Prophets, Writings, Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, Epistles, and Revelation. In December’s readings, the Hebrew prophet Isaiah and the Gospel of Matthew foretell the coming of one who initiates a new kind of world. The apostle Paul, in the Letter to the Romans, reflects on the coming of Christ: the deep joy, hope, peace, and grace made possible to all people. An abundant life oriented in love to neighbor and God.
Join us for this week’s readings: Isaiah 11:1–10; Psalm 72:1–7, 18–19; Romans 15:4–13; and Matthew 3:1–12.
Seekers | Garth Overlook Room
The Birth of Christ Then and Now | Part 1
We know the story of Jesus’ birth, but the incarnation is about more than just his birth. The Bible tells us that Christ was a presence even before his life on earth—and that he remains a presence now. Join us as we explore the Incarnation and what it means for the world, for us, and for daily life.
We will be led by the Rev. Dr. Graham Standish, executive director of Samaritan Counseling, Guidance, Consulting. He is the author of eight books on spirituality and congregational transformation, an adjunct professor at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, a spiritual director and clergy coach, and—for 22 years—was pastor of an congregation that pioneered a spiritual approach to church.
Soul Food | Good Samaritan Room
Inspired | Fish Stories
We will discuss Church Stories from our book, Inspired—Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, & Loving the Bible Again, by Rachel Held Evans. Class will be led by Steve Evrard, John Benedict, Michelle Yamada, and Joshua Bard. New participants are always welcome and books are available.