Dear Members and Friends, What is happening in our country at present makes me grateful for the Scripture for the second Sunday in Lent. Genesis 15 and Luke 13 bring us a God who is willing to give God’s very self for us. A God who is willing to walk with us when we are frightened or inadequate or broke or simply wrong. A powerful God who is aware of just how much need there is in this world for his empathy. Paul urges the Philippians to recognize a greater Lord than Caesar. They may be citizens of an empire, but they are also citizens of the commonwealth to which they belong as people of Almighty God. Paul writes that for too many of them, “their god is the belly and their glory is their shame.” Making a god of one’s belly doesn’t need to refer to eating habits, although it helps to remember that we don’t “live by bread alone.” The image reminds us of where our gut desires come from, our self-centeredness. What is the primary focus of our attention, on what do we depend? How self-enclosed are our lives, both materially and spiritually? Glorying in our self-interest only brings shame upon us. When one’s own gut becomes king, there will be no room for empathy. When there is capitulation to Caesar’s power, there will not be the energy to confront the force and coercion on which Caesar’s power thinks it rests. This is a time to consider the cross, to spend some time living in an awareness of Christ’s disappointment in us as well as his sufferings for us. This is a time to inspire others to do what is right even amidst difficulties or when a general passivity is tempting. In a world with values based on greed, scarcity, and competition, Lent is a time to speak truth to power. It is a time to discover who God can be in our lives and the life of our communities, even if that process requires our active seeking and then an active waiting. Lent is a time to bring the empathy of our Almighty God into “the land of the living”-- into this land. With grace to us all, Pastor Dora
A reminder that we are gathering at Thomas Gmiter Funeral Home, 24th and Carson, from 5 to 7 to honor our beloved and long-time member Dorothy Perrucci. A memorial service will be offered at 6:30, led by Pastor Dora and SSPC’s former pastor Kathy Hamilton-Vargo. All are welcome.
Remember that all are welcome to Worship on Sunday morning at 11:30. Our Open Mic for poets and musicians—and those who enjoy hanging out with them-- will be this Thursday at 7:30 pm. We need your presence to thrive and grow into a church that is mutually supporting and that supports our community.
About Our Church
Our church has been part of the South Side community since 1833. The building was begun before the civil War with the main section completed in 1869. Our gym was the first gym for public use in the neighborhood. We have space for all kinds of community projects. A vital current ministry is our Open Mic, held the third Thursday of every month for poets and musicians, experienced and just starting out. There is a $5 cover, but we provide refreshments as well as a safe and nurturing space with terrific acoustics.
We worship every Sunday morning at 11:30. You can also join us via telephone conference call by calling (412)-307-7952 ten minutes before services start & hold on until we greet you. You can contact the church at 412 431-0118 or on our email, [email protected].
At South Side Presbyterian Church, we take Christ’s Social Justice seriously. We serve this community and the poets and actors who are drawn to it. We invite your presence and your contributions. Join us!