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 15:21–27, and her sermon will focus on the Children’s Sabbath and the theme “Faith and Fear.”
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 Psalm 71; Luke 2:41–52 and his sermon will be titled “Listening to Who’s Talking.” This week, we also will celebrate the National Observance of Children’s Sabbaths, Children of Promise: Closing Opportunity Gaps, as we strive to close opportunity gaps that exist as a result of poverty, and lack of access to high-quality early childhood development and a high-quality education so that every child can reach their God-given potential. As people of faith, we stand tall an push our nation to keep our promises of love, justice, equality, and dignity for all—especially for our children.
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.
Contemporaries and Seekers | Room 234
Paul Tillich: The Pittsburgh Dialogues
Dr. Paul Tillich, the first Protestant professor dismissed by Adolf Hitler, became the greatest theologian of 20th century America. In the 1950s, WQED created four 30-minute dialogues with Tillich and professors from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (PTS). The late Dr. Robert Johnson, professor of Theology and former Dean of Yale Divinity School, moderated each session.
Each week, we will watch one of the videos, and professor Ron Stone, who knew all the participants, will lead a discussion. The series is a very personal biography of Tillich, as well as an introductory course to his theology.
The Seekers class will host our lesson, Philosophy of Life, in Room 234. The second video also features Paul Tillich with Dr. Walter Wiest.
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 Jeremiah 29:1, 4–7; Psalm 66:1–12; 2 Timothy 2:8–15; and Luke 17:11–19.
Soul Food | Third Floor Music Room
This week, we will conclude our discussion of chapter two of The Gift of Being Yourself, led by Joe Hajdu, Linda Harrington, and Vivienne Selia.
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, Jesus Jesus the Prophet, based on Mark 8:1–10:52.