Announcements
Beginning June 9th at 6:00 pm, there will be a New Members Class offered via Zoom and/or in person. The class will run every Monday through July 14th with new members being received on July 20th at both services.
Have you wondered about heaven and hell? Beginning Tuesday, June 17th, we will be reading C.S. Lewis’s book, The Great Divorce. Join us from 6:00–8:00 pm weekly as we engage this topic with lively and open conversation.
The Library Committee invites you to our annual church picnic where we break bread with our siblings from the AME Zion Church. We will provide the beef and veggie burgers and hotdogs. There will be one service on this date at 10:30 am.
Spanish Class is back in full swing on Sundays at 6:00 PM in the Simpson Room. All are welcome to come and enjoy; no experience is necessary! Any questions or concerns, please reach out.
The Home Goods Community Closet has had a steady flow of persons in need. We continue to accept items for it.
EUMA and All God’s Children Ministries are hosting their 13th Annual Shoe Drive to benefit their missions.
On May 25th at 1:00 pm, celebrate the coming summer break at our last youth group meeting of the year!
There will be a Congregational Meeting held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, May 18th, to discuss how we can support the growth of the kids in our church, and those not yet here, through the hiring of a Coordinator of Christian Education.
We hope that you can all join us in celebrating Wilma Hamilton and her 90th birthday on May 18th, following the 11:00 am service.
Our next Community Prayer Gathering will be on Tuesday, June 3rd, at 7:00 pm to celebrate our siblings in the LGBTQIA+ community.
The Pastor’s Peace
As I sat in the Five Stars Honduras Restaurant on Friday, April 25th, Jaime and I talked about the tragedy unfolding before us. Earlier that day, there were reports of I.C.E. activity in the Coraopolis neighborhood.
I would be willing to bet most of us have never heard a sermon on The Song of Solomon. In addition to this entire book, did you know there are 119 Bible verses that talk about sex? Yet, sex seems to be a topic that is off limits to discuss from the pulpit.
March, what good happens in March? In January, we have New Years Day and the excitement of a new year. In February, it is Black History Month and the celebration of love. April showers bring May flowers, which to me sings of hope, especially since it is often when we celebrate Easter. But what about March?
Sunset Prayers
A presidential election is approaching. But as I try to summon the energy and imagination to pray into it, my heart keeps taking me in another direction.
In thinking of Michael this week, I made an embarrassing realization. I never made an effort to see what Mike needed or if there was anything a Sunday school teacher could do to better engage with autistic children. I didn’t move to make myself more aware. Could I make my classroom more comfortable for him? Could I introduce activities that would serve his strengths and likes? Could I be more aware of his sensory triggers and the paths to restoring his peace?
August begins with our “Seekers in Sneakers” vacation Bible school and moves quickly toward the first days of school.