Here’s what’s happening in worship this week. Click the “more” link for our Church School programming.
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 Following. Pastor Patrice will preach from Matthew 4:1–11.
Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, at 11 am
Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. Pastor Heather will preach from Ephesians 2:11–22, and her sermon will be titled “Unfaithful Phrases: I Got Here First.”
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. Stay afterward for Contemplative Prayer. 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 | Second Floor Parlor
Seeing Jesus in John’s Gospel: Good Shepherd
Caitlin Cleaver will lead us. In John 10:1–18, Jesus tells a parable contrasting the shepherd of the sheep with thieves and bandits. Jesus identifies as the gate of the sheepfold and the shepherd of the sheep.
Journey With Scripture | Second Floor Library
Lent’s scripture readings include stories about people called or sent across social, political, and geographical boundaries. There is fear and alienation but also God’s abiding presence and grace. Transformations and homecomings are promised and experienced. Love is deepened. Join us as we continue on these paths for our own Lenten and life journeys.
This week, our readings are Genesis 12:1–4a; Psalm 121; Romans 4:1–5,13–17; and John 3:1–17.
Seekers | Room 234
The Problem of Suffering and Evil in the Christian Tradition
The attempt to reconcile suffering and evil with the existence of a good God has captured the imaginations of believers and skeptics for centuries. Why does evil exist? How have Christians defined suffering? How have Christians responded? We’ll look together at a brief history of Christian insight about suffering and evil, and then ask, “So what?”
Dr. Heather Vacek, of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, will lead us to consider whether our call as Christians is to explore the intricacies of philosophical arguments about the nature of evil, or whether our call as Christians is to form and live in and nurture communities that enable us to survive amidst suffering and evil in the world. How might evil and suffering be resisted, absorbed, or even transformed by Christian communities?
Soul Food | Third Floor Music Room
Bobby Egelston, Pam Napier-Barnes, and Yamuna Morgenstern will lead us as we conclude our discussion of Week 3 of Open the Door, by Joyce Rupp.
Young Adults | Pastor’s Conference Room
Discussion and Prayer Series
On Sundays during Lent, we will engage in a discussion series based on topics selected by our group. We also will explore different styles of prayer each week.
See Wil if you want to lead a discussion, lead prayer time, and/or provide breakfast.