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. Terri Pennybaker will preach from Acts 2:42–47.
Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, 11 am
Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. The Rev. Heather Schoenewolf will preach from Matthew 17:1–9, and her sermon will be titled “Do You See What I See?”
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.
Ash Wednesday Service | Wednesday, 12 pm
Lent is a special season in the Christian calendar—a time of intentionally looking at our own faith and lives. Join us in the Chapel as our journey begins. Pastor Patrice will lead our Ash Wednesday service, featuring the imposition of ashes.
Following our service, join us in the Fellowship Room for lunch and a discussion on the intersectionality of worship and theodicy, led by the Rev. Dr. Angela Hancock..
Taizé Prayer Service | Wednesday, 7 pm
All are welcome to attend a special Taizé prayer service led by the Rev. Mary Lynn Callahan, as we mark the beginning of Lent together. The service will offer sung and spoken prayer, scripture reading and silence, an opportunity for individual prayer, anointing, and the imposition of ashes. If you’re unable to participate in person, join our livestream 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.
Pastor Heather will lead this week’s lesson, titled If Any Want To Become My Followers, Let Them Deny Themselves and Take Up Their Cross Daily and Follow Me. As we get ready for Lent, what does it mean to join Jesus in denying ourselves and taking up a cross?
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: Deuteronomy 6:1–9, 20–25; Psalm 18:25–30; 2 Peter 3:1–9,15b–18; and Acts 7:1–58.
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
The Muslim Women’s Association of Pittsburgh and Their Guest House for Recent Refugees
Sarah Martin is executive director of the Muslim Women’s Association of Pittsburgh. She sees traditional Islamic values as empowering to women. The Center assists women in developing small businesses and financial skills, and houses a temporary shelter for recent refugees and other needy women and families. Their storefront sells homemade items to help finance the Center. Sarah will bring some of these items for purchase if you would like to support the Center
Soul Food | Good Samaritan Room
Spiritual Pathways
We will have an opening session for our Lenten series, Spiritual Pathways, led by the Rev. Joe Hajdu, Michelle Yamada, Steve Evrard, and Mike Change.