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 Faith, Not Fear. Pastor Heather will preach from Matthew 14:22–33 and Communion will be celebrated.
Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, at 11 am
Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. This week, we will celebrate World Communion Sunday. Our guest, the Rev. Paul Roberts, will preach from Luke 17:5–10 and deliver a sermon titled “On the Loose.” In addition, Ysaÿe Barnwell, Hope Academy’s Teen Theater Company, and our Chancel Choir will join together to provide special music. The Peace and Global Witness Offering will be received and Communion will be celebrated.
Taizé Prayer Service | Wednesday, at 7 pm
Our hour-long service includes 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. If you’re unable to participate in person, join our live stream on your computer or mobile device. 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.
Combined Adult Class | Chapel
The Rev. Paul Roberts, president of Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary, Atlanta, will lead a combined adult Church School class, sharing a bit about the unique opportunities and challenges associated with the Presbyterian Church’s only historically African American seminary. He also will offer reflections on the state of our denomination and the marks of a healthy, diverse, and growing Presbyterian church today.
The Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary dates back to 1867, when it was founded as Freedman’s College of N.C. to educate newly freed slaves. In 1923, Mrs. Jane Berry Smith, of Pittsburgh, endowed and built several buildings on the campus in honor of her late husband, Johnson C. Smith, for whom the institution is now named.
Journey With Scripture | Second Floor Library
How could we sing the LORD’s song in a foreign land?—Psalm 137:4. The psalmist laments the Jewish exile in Babylon—a radical physical displacement of suffering and deep questioning. Join us in October as we reflect upon similar readings and the myriad ways God provides sustenance to move to enduring freedom.
This week, our readings are Lamentations 1:1–6; Psalm 137:1–9; 2 Timothy 1:1–14; and Luke 17:5–10.
Young Adult Ministry | Pastor’s Conference Room
The Gospel of Mark
Spend time with other young adults thoughtfully and completely studying through the Gospel of Mark over this five-week series, led by a host of special Bible study leaders. See Wil for your study guide booklet, which will enhance your experience but is not necessary to enjoy this series.
This week, our lesson will be titled, Intro and the Beginning of the Gospel, based on Mark 1:1–3:35.