Sunday Worship Services Are At The Building at 11 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 anyone 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
March 2nd Ash Wednesday March 4th World Day of Prayer March 6th 1st Sunday of Lent March 13th Daylight Savings Time Begins (clocks need to be turned forward one hour before going to bed the evening of March 12th) March 20th First Day of Spring April 10th Palm Sunday/ Communion/ One Great Hour of Sharing Offering April 14th Maundy Thursday (no dinner or worship service) April 15th Good Friday (no worship service) April 17th Easter Sunday April 21st Open Mic Coffee House (7:30 - 9:00 pm -- suggested donation $5 -- for more info, click here) April 22nd Earth Day
A Message From Session Members
The Sunday before Easter is Palm Sunday and that begins Holy Week. Palm Sunday is the day we remember and celebrate as it is the day Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey and a large crowd gathered and gave him royal treatment by laying palm branches and their cloaks on the road shouting "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" --- John 12:13. People asked "Who is this?" The crowds answered "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee." --- Matthew 21:10-11.
During the week before Easter Sunday, Jesus taught many lessons before being persecuted and killed. He drove the money-changers from the Temple, the Last Supper was held, and Juda's kiss of betrayal took place. These events occurred the last few days of Jesus's life, a few days before Good Friday. We celebrate Good Friday because Christ's death was a sacrifice so that we could receive the gift of eternal life. John 3: 16-16 -- "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
What does Easter mean to you? Do you celebrate by decorating eggs, have an Easter basket full of Easter Candy, prepare special meals and gather with family, attend an Easter Sunday worship service, or perhaps you have an Easter egg hunt for children in your family and include kids in the neighborhood? Remember also that Easter is a holiday that celebrates the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. If we believe in him we will not perish but have eternal life. Romans 14:9 "For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living."
Have a Blessed Easter Season and may the Easter Bunny bring you much Joy.
Your Session and current ruling Elders: Carol and Jack Ladebue, Wayne Morrison, and Ronda Kopchak
Guest Worship Leaders for March and April
March 6th Rev. Jane Duffield March 13th Rev. Jane Duffield March 20th William Branning (seminary grad) March 27th Rev. Jane Duffield April 3rd William Branning (seminary grad) April 10th Rev. Jane Duffield (Palm Sunday) April 17th Rev. Jane Duffield (Easter Sunday) April 24th (pending)
Status of Finding Our New Pastor
Ralph Lowe who is Director of Justice Ministries at the Pittsburgh Presbytery attended the February 27 Session meeting to discuss the Ministry Information Form which we submitted in October. He asked several questions and then requested that we electronically send this document to him so that the position can be posted on the Presbytery website.
In the meantime, Session will meet to discuss all hiring possibilities such as securing an interim pastor, a part-time more permanent pastor, or temporarily hiring a seminary graduate or some other eligible individual based on the resources the Church has available. Once we gather all information, we will hold a special meeting with the congregation to obtain further input from members in this hiring process.
Please be patient with us as we work through this hiring process. It may take a few months before we resolve all issues, but we knew from the beginning this would be a lengthy process.
Please Keep In Your Prayers
In mid-January, after her December hernia surgery, Pastor Kathy fractured her T8 vertebra and is currently wearing a spine brace. She is gradually improving, but the recovery period for this fracture is weeks away. She is still having considerable pain. Please pray daily for her speedy recovery.
Sharon Ives has requested prayers for her friend Daria who recently had two toes amputated. Please also keep in your prayers Amanda and Aubriella Gordon, Lois Baxendell, Jerry Bauer, Jaunita Johnson, Christine Zarnich, Charolette Taylor, Carol and Jack Ladebue, Jean Long, Janet Frisch, Charolette Flamm, Adrianne Legas, Sharon A. Ives and her sister Janet Williams, Edna Czlapinski, Michelle Alker and Mike Vargo.
Property Issues
The two gas meters in the Church building were inspected (done annually) by Peoples Gas and passed inspection. The waterproofing of the wall in the women's restroom has been completed, and the painting will be done within the next few weeks. The plastic on the gym windows has been lowed to prevent more cold air from entering. All lights in the Social Hall are now working. We thought the furnace under the gym was repaired and the furnace company will have to be called again. The fascia that fell off the side of the building facing the yard has not been repaired due to cost. The issue will eventually be resolved. With the help of Fred Winkler, we will again review and prioritize the property projects that need to be completed.
Toy Drive
The Deacons Board has decided to begin a 2022 Toy Drive from now to mid-November to have Christmas gifts available for distribution in late November to the needy in our community. In 2021, they were able to provide over 20 gifts to the families who made requests.
The Board suggests that the gift cost no more than $10 and could be for any age group (perhaps a puzzle, board game, craft making item, etc.) and should be an item that would not be harmful to the child or to others. A stocking stuffer item would also be appropriate (coloring book, crayons, etc.).
If you are interested in participating, you can drop off your donated new toy at the Church office on any Tuesday or Thursday from 2:30-4:30. Please call the office before you come to the Church to be certain that someone is there to accept the item. Or, you can bring your donation to Church on any Sunday shortly before or after worship service time and give it to one of the Deacons.
In addition, if you would like to make a momentary contribution for this purpose, you may mail a check to the Church to the attention of Sharon Ives.
Prayer Team
The Deacons have made a change on how people on the Prayer Team will be notified when a prayer request is made. Sharon Ives has volunteered to be the Team leader and will call every member on the Prayer Team list and let them know who needs prayer. If you are interested in being added to the Team and want to be notified when someone needs prayer, please call Sharon at 412-431-2792. Also call Sharon if you need to make a request for prayer.
Kitchen Korner
Haluski
2 small heads of green cabbage 16 oz. bag of very wide egg noodles, uncooked 1 large sweent onion (chopped) 2 sticks of butter 2 tsp. black pepper 1 sp. salt (or more if desired)
Chop the cabbage into small pieces (remove core) and add to stock pot. Add chopped onion and one stick of butter and sauté with lid on, stirring occasionally until the cabbage and onion are very soft.
In another pot boil water and add vegetable or olive oil so noodles won't stick. Add egg noodles and boil according to package directions. When done, drain in cold water and then drain again.
Add cooked noodles to pot of sautéed cabbage and onions and add the other stick of butter. Add pepper and salt and cook on low heat stirring occasionally until the butter is melted and it is all mixed well together and hot. If you want, you can also add cubed up ham or kielbasa. Both taste very good in the Haluski.
Per Capita
It is that time of year when we are reminded to pay a voluntary Per Capita amount (#34.79 per member) to the Presbytery. Of this amount, $8.98 goes to General Assembly, $2.40 goes to Synod and $23.41 remains with the Presbytery. An envelope for this purpose was provided to members in the box of offering envelopes for 2022. The total amount collected by our Church will be sent to the Pittsburgh Presbytery for distribution. The funds collected cover a number of expenses for regional and national work.
You can read information about the Per Capita payment on the Pittsburgh Presbytery website. If you do not have access to the internet and want this information, please call the Church office and request a copy.
Open Mic Coffee House For April
The Open Mic Coffee House will return on Thursday, April 21! The first Open Mic for 2022 will take place on the third Thursday of the month rather than the second Thursday. The May and future Open Mic Coffee House gatherings will be held the second Thursday of each month. Entertainment for the first month's event is currently being scheduled and will be very surprising. You will not know how surprising unless you attend! Refreshments will still be available and there will be time for fellowship. The suggested donation is still $5.
If you would like to share your talent with others or know of someone who might want to share their talent, please call Mike at (412)-327-5498 or email him at [email protected].