Here’s what’s happening in worship this week.
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 Power. Past Patrice will preach.
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 Luke 13:10–17 and his sermon will be titled “You Are Set Loose.” The Essence of Joy choir from Penn State University will be with us.
Taizé | Wednesday, at 7 pm
An hour-long service including sung prayers; simple, beautiful music; a time of silence; spoken and silent prayers; and an opportunity for individual prayer and anointing. The Rev. Mary Lynn Callahan will lead this service of sung Taizé prayer. Stay afterward for Contemplative Prayer.
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
A Biblical and Practical Perspective on Forgiveness
Pete Murray will conclude a two-week discussion on forgiveness. We will use Dr. Kennneth Bailey’s most famous work (on the Prodigal Son parable), and the work of a contemporary local rabbi, Abraham Twerski.
Journey With Scripture | Second Floor Library
“In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us”—2 Corinthians 5:19. Come join us for March’s Lenten readings, culminating in Easter, to reflect on the unbounded forgiveness of God and to know our own forgiveness so we can forgive others. This is our core happiness, integrity, and daily prayer. Happy Easter!
This week, Jan Irvin will lead us. Our readings are Joshua 5:9–12; Psalm 32; 2 Corinthians 5:16–21; and Luke 15:1–3, 11b–32.
Seekers | Room 234
What Saves Us? part 2 of 3
As we approach the cross this Lenten season, Pastor Heather will lead us in a three-part series as we reflect on Christ’s saving work. How does Christ save us? What does Jesus save us from? What does He save us for? Some of the answers we have heard may unsettle us—glorifying violence and raising questions about God’s love and power.
Rita Nakashima Brock and Rebecca Parker—contemporary feminist theologians—address these questions in their book, Proverbs of Ashes. The authors use personal narrative and rich theology to explore the doctrine of the atonement. With sensitivity and candor, they address the problematic theology behind some traditional interpretations of the atonement and encourage readers to dig deeper into scripture and experience in their search for what saves us.
Soul Food | Third Floor Music Room
This week, Joe Hajdu, Shirley Fair, and Judy Roberts will lead us as we conclude our discussion of chapter 10 of An Altar in the World, by Barbara Brown Taylor.