This Week in Worship: March 13–19, 2020

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 Giving Up. We will welcome guest preacher Elder Ralph B. Lowe, Jr., Pittsburgh Presbytery Director of Justice Ministries. He will preach from John 4:5–15.

Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, 11 am

Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. We will welcome guest preacher Elder Ralph B. Lowe, Jr., Pittsburgh Presbytery Director of Justice Ministries. He will preach from John 4:5–15.

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

Being a Church that Recognizes and Comforts People in Deep Pain
As we joyfully acknowledge church friends and newcomers, is there a space for the individuals among us who are silently suffering emotionally, physically, and spiritually? What can we as a church do to embrace and support those who are suffering among us?

Journey With Scripture | Highland Room

“Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands at a distance; for truth stumbles in the public square, and uprightness cannot enter.”—Isaiah 59:14

The prophet Isaiah laments that truth gets tripped up or excluded in community and national life. Mark’s Gospel recognizes this reality as Jesus consciously moves toward his public execution. He warns of power-striving political and spiritual leaders. In the book of Revelation, churches are called to account for being lukewarm, even dead. Yet amidst such distress and chaos, God abundantly provides. Does God create such light and darkness, weal and woe? Join us as we reflect on these Lenten texts:

Join us for this week’s readings: Isaiah 45:5–7, 18–25; Psalm 39; Revelation 3:1–6; and Mark 9:9–13.

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 Rev. Dr. Graham Standish, executive director of Samaritan Counseling, Guidance, and Consulting, will be with us to begin a three-week series on Christian mysticism. He is the author of numerous books, as well as an adjunct professor at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, a spiritual director, and a clergy coach. He also served as a pastor for 22 years.

This week, we’ll be introduced to the foundational insights of Christian mysticism; concepts such as faith, humility, surrender, living in the present moment, seeking divine union, prayer, and discernment; and much more.

Soul Food | Good Samaritan Room

For the safety of our class members, and because our discussion format does not lend itself well to protect each other from the spread of airborne diseases and illnesses, the Soul Food class will not meet this Sunday.