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 Thanks. The Rev. Terri Pennybaker will preach.
Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, 11 am
Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. Pastor Randy will preach from Ephesians 1:15–23, and his sermon will be titled “Gifts and Inheritances.” Communion will be celebrated.
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
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
“Pray for us…” is the cry of persecuted Christians around the world. Today across the Earth, more than 100 million of our siblings in Christ are suffering for their faith in Jesus Christ. We will welcome the Rev. Bala Khyllep of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary as our guest. The Rev. Khyllep, a Presbyterian pastor and native of India, will share about the state of Christianity in India. We also will watch a brief video and receive a prayer card to guide us in our praying.
Journey With Scripture | Highland Room
“I stand in awe, O LORD, of your work. In our own time revive it; in our own time make it known.”—Habakkuk 3:2.
November marks the end of the three-year lectionary cycle. It includes readings from the books of the Hebrew prophets Habakkuk and Haggai, a New Testament letter to the Thessalonians, and the Gospel of Luke. Each raise questions on how God is to be known and recognized by succeeding generations. Throughout the readings the Babylonian, Persian, and Roman empires dominate, often through violence. They radically affect or initiate the events depicted and the prophetic responses to them. The last gospel reading of the church calendar is Luke’s account of the crucifixion of Jesus. Strangely, whether recognized or not, God initiates the end of empires to allow a new life and world to emerge.
Join us for this week’s readings: Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1–4; Psalm 119:137–144; 2 Thessalonians 1:1–4, 11–12; and Luke 19:1–10.
Seekers | Garth Overlook Room
Zoroastrianism
Historians say that Zoroastrianism is the world’s oldest monotheistic religion. Veera Siganporia will explain the basic premise of her religion, which revolves around “Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good deeds.” The religion is said to have influenced some of the basic aspects of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
Soul Food | Good Samaritan Room
Inspired | Wisdom, Resistance, & Gospel Stories
Together with our Young Adult Ministry, we will discuss the chapter on Wisdom Stories from Inspired—Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, & Loving the Bible Again, by Rachel Held Evans. Class will be led by the Rev. Joe Hajdu, Suzanne Wolfe, Mike Chang, and Beth Urbaitis. New participants are always welcome and books are available.