Education
Hello Church Family,
I want to share something important and invite you into it. Every Sunday, something meaningful is happening in Sunday School, the nursery, FOTC, and youth group. It may not always be loud or visible to everyone, but it matters deeply. It’s in those spaces that our children and youth are beginning to feel what church is all about—feeling welcomed, safe, loved, and accepted.
Sometimes it looks like a Bible story or a simple craft… and sometimes it just looks like rocking a baby, helping a toddler feel comfortable… and sometimes it looks like playing Mario Kart or sitting quietly beside a youth who needs a little extra reassurance. But all of it matters. All of it is ministry.
Right now, we could really use some extra hands and extra hearts. We’re looking for volunteers to support Children’s Church, the nursery, Youth Group, and Fellowship of the Cross. We want to keep growing our team in a healthy, sustainable way. You don’t have to be an expert. You just need to be willing. Even helping occasionally can make a big difference. It allows our current volunteers to rest, it keeps things running smoothly, and it helps create a welcoming space for families who are trusting us with their children.
This is one of the simplest and most meaningful ways we can serve as a church—by caring for our young members and supporting the families around them. If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe I could help,” I want to gently encourage you: Listen to that nudge. Come talk to me, Mr. Bill, Miss Felicity, Miss Grace, or catch Miss Rachel in the nursery on a Sunday.
Thank you for being a community that shows up for one another. It truly makes a difference.
Mandy Williams
Coordinator of Christian Education
educationcoordinator@sewickleyumc.org
Neurodiversity Support Ministry
The Neurodiversity Support Ministry continues to grow as we seek to make our church a place where every person is included. This year we’ve been grateful to launch our sanctuary calming corner, provide inclusion support during VBS, and expand our ministry through a dedicated presence on the church website, with help from Jack!
As we plan our goals for the remainder of 2026 and beyond, we would love to hear from you! While we have a vision for where God is leading us, we also want to listen to the experiences and needs of our congregation. Have you noticed opportunities where we could better support neurodiverse children, adults, or families? Are there resources or ideas you would like us to consider?
Your feedback will help shape the future of this ministry. If you have suggestions or would like to learn more, please reach out to the Neurodiversity Support Ministry Director, Amanda Pelphrey, at neurodiversity@sewickleyumc.org or 412–841–9116. Together, we can continue creating a church where everyone belongs, feels comfortable, and is loved.
SUMC Music Ministries
As summer begins to wind down, SUMC Music Ministries is looking ahead to another season of worship, music, and community. We invite you to share your gifts through one of our musical ensembles this fall.
Whether you’ve been singing or ringing for years—or you’re ready to try something new—there’s a place for you! Wesleyan Voices, our choir, and Clocktower Ringers, our handbell ensemble, welcome new members of all experience levels. Both groups rehearse on Thursday evenings and typically participate in one worship service each month, along with other special opportunities throughout the year.
More than anything, our music ministry is about people. Together, we grow in faith, build lasting friendships, and share the love of Christ through music, offering hope, encouragement, and praise to our congregation and community.
Rehearsals begin Thursday, September 3. Contact Erik, Director of Music Ministries, to sign up and receive all the exciting details. The Clocktower Ringers meet in the Sanctuary at 6:15 pm, followed by the Wesleyan Voices at 7:30 pm in the music room. We’d love to welcome you!
Charles Wesley Music Foundation
The Charles Wesley Music Foundation is excited to welcome the community to a full season of music this fall. Along with another outstanding BROADcast Concert Series, the Foundation is proud to support additional concerts and musical experiences that enrich our church and community through the power of music.
This fall’s BROADcast Concert Series features two exceptional performances:
Monday, September 28 at 7:30 pm
Academy String Quartet returns for an evening of inspiring chamber music featuring works by Haydn, Hindemith, Bacewicz, Lyatoshinsky, and others.
Friday, November 13 at 7:30 pm
Tom Roberts returns with The Church of Charlie Chaplin, performing his original score live alongside a collection of Charlie Chaplin’s beloved silent films.
All BROADcast concerts are free and open to the public. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or joining us for the first time, we invite you to experience inspiring performances, connect with your neighbors, and celebrate the gift of music together.
To learn more about the BROADcast Concert Series and other upcoming musical events this fall, visit www.cwmfdn.org. We look forward to welcoming you!