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, at 8:45 am
An interactive, energetic service for those seeking a fresh encounter with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our theme this month is Distance. Pastor Heather will preach from Mark 1:14–20.
Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, at 11 am
Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. Pastor Randy will preach from Genesis 1:26–31, and his sermon will be titled “Christ & Caveman – part 2.”
Taizé Prayer Service | Wednesday, at 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. Click the links for adult class descriptions and children and youth offerings.
Contemporaries | Harambe Room
Racial Identification and Social Justice
Most of us are better at identifying people from our own ethnic and racial groups than those from unfamiliar groups. But in America, this takes on special significance in the criminal justice system, where many people, particularly African Americans, are convicted based on eyewitness testimony. How did Jesus expand the definition of who our brothers and sisters are?
Journey With Scripture | Second Floor Library
The Apostle Paul writes, “For the present form of this world is passing away” (1 Corinthians 7:31). Rather than creating fear, these words intend to encourage—to let go and yet hold on as life moves forward. History arcs, the rule of God emerges. January Epiphany readings call for a consciousness of detachment, yet also—paradoxically—to develop a deep attachment for place and neighbor.
Join us for this week’s readings: Jonah 3:1–5,10; Psalm 62:5–12; 1 Corinthians 7:29–31; and Mark 1:14–20.
Seekers | Chapel
The Politics of Jesus in the Gospels
Jesus’ world was no less politically fraught than ours, and his message of “the kingdom of God” has clear political overtones. How did he navigate some of the controversial questions of his day, and what, if anything, may we learn from these examples for our present context? Dr. Tucker Ferda, visiting assistant professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, will lead us.
Soul Food | Third Floor Music Room
The Book of Joy by Douglas Abrams
We will discuss The Book of Joy, with the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu, led by the Rev. Joe Hajdu, Pam Napier-Barnes, and Judy Roberts.