Sunday Worship Services Are At The Building at 11:00 A.M.
Covid safety protocols are in effect, including wearing a face mask, and keeping six feet physical distance. If you have any sickness symptoms, please do not attend in person.
We plan to continue to provide the call-in phone conference option for any who cannot attend worship service in the building. Call around 10:50 a.m. and just wait for someone to greet you. The conference phone number is (412)-307-7952. Conference line availability may vary, as different guest ministers are to lead the worship services each Sunday.
Upcoming Special Dates
July 4 Independence Day July 14 Open Mic Coffee House (7:30-9:00 pm -- suggested donation $5) August 11 No Open Mic Coffee House (vacation) August 21 Church Picnic (after worship service) August 28 No Worship Service (Vacation)
A Message from Session Members
Many of us celebrate July 4th by spending time with friends and family, going to picnics or attending other festive activities such as parades or concerts, and many of us often watch fireworks in the evening after the sun fades away. But this day, July 4th, or Independence Day, is also a day to celebrate all the freedoms we are given in the United States. Many of us place an American flag outside our homes on this federal holiday and patriotic celebration day. On this July 4th holiday we hope these words from the Bible will help with your spiritual celebration: Galatians 5:1 "For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." 1 Peter 2:16 "As servants of God, live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil." 2 Corinthians 3:17 "Now the Lord is the spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." Galatians 5:13 "For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another."
Summer is finally here! Whether you nap in a hammock, go whitewater rafting, attend a baseball game, do a random act of kindness, read a best seller book, watch the sunrise or the sunset, make S'mores, take a road trip, feed the ducks, walk on the beach, go camping, or whatever plans you may have or anything you do this summer, we pray you have fun, stay healthy, and are safe in the activities you undertake.
Your Session and Current Ruling Elders: Carol and Jack Ladebue, Wayne Morrison, and Ronda Kopchak
Guest Worship Leaders for July and August
July 3 William Branning (seminary grad) July 10 Rev. Barry Pintar July 17 Rev. Dr. Bill Gracey July 24 William Branning (seminary grad) July 31 Rev. Steven Bomely August 7 (pending) August 14 Rev. Ann Morris August 21 William Branning (seminary grad) August 28 No worship Service (vacation)
Status of Finding Our New Pastor
Our vacant part-time pastor position was posted on the Pittsburgh Presbytery website in early May! To date, no one has shown interest in applying for this job. We approached one guest worship leader about their possible interest in discussing the opening with us, but the individual had already made a commitment to another church and did not feel they could manage two part-time positions. We have also investigated the possibility of securing a certified lay pastor for a year, but the Presbytery has no contact list for this purpose. We will continue to make phone calls and explore other options and possibilities and we pray that we will have someone available to join us on a regular basis by the end of the year.
Please Keep in Your Prayers
Juanita Johnson recently moved into Carson Towers, located just a few blocks from our Church, but has been notified that she will be moving to another facility on the North Side in the near future. Please pray for her as she continues to struggle with the frustration of her housing situation.
Please also keep in your prayers Amanda and Aubriella Gordon, Lois Baxendell, Christine Zarnich, Charlotte Taylor, Janet Frisch, Charlotte Flamm, Adrianne Legas, Sharon A. Ives, and her sister Janet Ailliams, Edna Czlapinski, Michelle Alker, Liz Adams, and Dominic Ricciuti.
Property Issues
The water company (PWSA) notified us in mid-May that our water service would be terminated by May 22 if we did not have a Backflow Device Test Report sent to them which is now a required annual report for non-residential properties. This report must be submitted to them by a certified backflow tester (plumber). We did get a 30 day extension to comply with their request (they claimed this was the second notice they sent us). A Backflow Device had to be installed on our incoming water lines by the water meter which was completed in early June. This cost of the device installation (including purchase of device) and completion of the required Report by the plumber was $980. A plumber will have to be contacted annually to complete this required Report which will be an additional cost to us. Many, many thanks to Fred Winkler for the time he devoted to securing the plumber (3 plumbers had to work on this job due to meter location) and overseeing their work and the completion of the Report. We are deeply grateful for all of his hard work.
Deacons Fundraisers
In May the Deacons began a pepperoni roll fundraiser which ended June 27. This year's pepperoni fundraiser was the most successful to date thanks to Edna Czlapinski. Edna was determined to get 65 packages of various rolls sold. She exceeded her goal and was able to get 80 packages sold with a profit of $520 added to the Deacon's Fund. We thank everyone who purchased rolls or participated in some fashion to the success of this fundraiser.
The Deacons are still collecting toys/items for distribution in late November to the needy in our community. If you are interested in donating a new toy or stocking stuffer item, it is suggested that the gift cost no more than $10. You can drop off your item at the Church any Tuesday or Thursday from 2:3-4:30 pm. If you have any questions about this fundraiser, please call the Church office and leave a message. A member of the Deacons Board will return your call.
Church Potluck Picnic
On Sunday, August 21, the South Side Presbyterian Church will have an indoor picnic after worship service. The Church will provide the hot dogs and hamburgers (which will be grilled outside, weather permitting) plus the condiments, but you are asked, if you are able to do so, to bring a food item (preferably salads, desserts, or cans of soda or small bottled water). If you would rather not bring a food dish and are able to do so, you can donate perhaps $3-$5 toward the food and one of our helpers will either make an item or buy it. If you forget to bring something, please stay after service for the picnic, have a hot dog or hamburger, and socialize with members. It would be helpful if you would call the Church office (412-431-0118) and leave a message as to whether or not you will attend and what you plan to bring or donate. We hope to see you there and may have some games for you to play!
Kathy's Retirement Trip
As you may recall, Rev. Kathy Hamilton-Vargo was presented with gifts at her retirement that included a gift card to stay at Hershey Farms and attend the Sight and Sound Theatre in Lancaster, PA. The Bible came to life on stage when she attended the performance of "David." Kathy was finally able to make the trip in late April and has reported that she had a wonderful time and would highly recommend to anyone that they see "David" if the opportunity presents itself. If you are interested in seeing a performance of "David" you can call 800-377-1277 for information. Or, go to the Sight and Sound Theatre website for this information. The price for adult tickets ranges from $69-$89 depending on the day of the week you attend. Tickets for children are $39.
Kitchen Korner: Swiss Chicken Casserole
Ingredients: 6 large boneless skinless chicken breasts 6 slices good quality Swiss cheese 1 10-3/4 ounce can Cream of Chicken soup 1 cup chicken broth 1 1/2 cups boxed Herbed Stuffing Mix (Pepperidge Farm)
Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 F 2. Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray and place chicken at the bottom. Place one slice of cheese on each piece of chicken. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and the chicken broth until smooth. 4. Pour chicken broth mixture over the chicken. 5. Top with the dry stuffing mix. 6. Bake covered for 40 minutes. Remove cover and cook for another 20 minutes or until stuffing is toasted and chicken is cooked through. Chicken can be tricky so be sure to check doneness before eating. 7. Serve; spooning the extra broth/stuffing mix from the dish over the chicken. Enjoy!
Church Vacation
Please note that there will be no worship service on Sunday, August 28 in the Church building or on the phone. Church worship service will resume on September 4 at 11:00 am. In case of an emergency on August 28, call the office and leave a message. Someone will return your call.
Some Funny Christian Jokes
What did the classmate say when asked why they kept walking next to the same person at school? "I was told I'm supposed to walk by Faith!"
Which nursery song would Jesus have heard the most? "Mary Had a Little Lamb."
Why did Adam and Eve do math every day? They were told to be fruitful and multiply.
Why didn't anyone want to fight Goliath? It seemed like a giant ordeal.
When someone needed a boat made, what did the people in town say? "We Noah guy."
What did the lawyer ask when someone started talking about God's will? "Was it notarized?"
What size was the lumber that was made to build the ark? 2x2
What types of boats do believers want to go on? Discipleship and worship.
Where was Solomon's Temple located? On the side of his head.