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 Spotlight. The Rev. Shanea Leonard will preach.
The Rev. Shanea D. Leonard, B.A., M.Div., is a pastor, teacher, consultant, community activist, and justice warrior. A native of Philadelphia, she received her B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh and M.Div. from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. She currently carries out her justice mandate as the National Associate for Gender & Racial Justice for the Presbyterian Church (USA) in Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries for the Presbyterian Mission Agency. Pastor Leonard has done extensive work within urban areas to eradicate systemic oppression in the areas of race, gender, sexual orientation, and socio-economic despair.
Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, 11 am
Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. The Rev. Shanea Leonard will preach from John 1:43–46, and her sermon will be titled “Sankofa.”
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
Invitations From Jesus
Jesus did not introduce himself to his disciples with a handshake, but rather issued an invitation to them saying, “Come and follow me.” Instantly, lives were changed. The Gospels are filled with invitations from Jesus that changed hearts, minds, and lives to those who heard his call. These invitations have the power to transform our worldview, beliefs, and actions even today. During this five-week series, we will highlight a few of Jesus’ invitations and explore together what it would look like for us to say “yes” to these invitations within the context of our daily lives.
Charlie Nordquist will lead this week’s lesson, titled Ask, and It Will Be Given You; Search, and You Will Find; Knock, and the Door Will Be Opened for You. With this invitation, Jesus Christ is connecting with what is important to us individually. God created humans to be in partnership with God; God’s work is not directing robots. As followers of Christ, we are to figure out what is important to us and go for it, to bang on the door because what is behind it was put there for us!
Journey With Scripture | Highland Room
“It is you who light my lamp; the Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.”—Psalm 18:28
February’s readings display many ways the presence and grace of God can break into, even overturn, the kinds of human resistance, distrust, and fixed mindsets that diminish life and full relationships. Through such means as visions, trances, prayers, physical touch, and suffering, the once closed future becomes open. We’ll read stories about the prophet Daniel with the king of Persia (now Iran), and radical transformations of the apostles Peter and Paul. February concludes with the martyrdom of Steven as a sober reminder of Lent’s beginning. Join us as we reflect on these texts:
Join us for this week’s readings: Zechariah 7:8–8:8; Psalm 50:7–21, 23; Romans 14:13–23; and Acts 10:1–33.
Parenting Circle | Harambe Room
Anyone involved in parenting (singles, couples, adoptive parents, step-parents, grandparents, guardians, mentors, etc.) are welcome to join us for our NEW Parenting Circle. Gathering time starts at 9:45 am, but our formal discussion won’t start until 10 am, so that families have time to drop off their children at their classes. We share experiences, resources, prayer, and scripture as we explore how our faith builds and nourishes our family lives, as well as nurtures our parent/child relationships. Join us as we learn from one another ways to foster closer family relationships in the context of creating active faith communities.
Seekers | Garth Overlook Room
Pittsburgh’s Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses for slaves who were escaping into free states. Sarah Martin will show a 20-minute film she created showing sites of the Underground Railroad in Pittsburgh, and lead a discussion.
Soul Food | Good Samaritan Room
Just This
We will discuss our current book, Just This, by Richard Rohr, led by the Rev. Joe Hajdu, Josh Bard, Kristin Cummings, and Steve Evrard.