Sunday Worship Services Are At The Building At 11 A.M.
We plan to continue to provide the call-in phone conference option for any who cannot attend worship service in the building. Call around 10:55 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 3 World Day of Prayer March 12 Daylight Savings Time Begins (clocks need to be turned forward one hour before going to bed the evening of March 11) April 2 Palm Sunday Holy Week Begins April 6 Maundy Thursday April 7 Good Friday April 9 Easter Sunday One Great Hour of Sharing Offering April 20 First Day of Spring April 22 Earth Day
A Message From Session Members
Palm Sunday, April 2, is the celebration of Jesus' entrance into the Holy City of Jerusalem, in fulfillment of Old Testament prophesies such as Zechariah 9:9 : "Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." The people cheered "Hosanna!"; and waved palms as he arrived in the City. Palm Sunday reminds us of that very important day in history when Jesus began his journey towards the cross. We celebrate Palm Sunday as a reminder of God's faithfulness. God's plan was forgiveness for His people, and Jesus came to earth as a sacrifice on our account. We are forever forgiven and saved eternally when we come to God through Christ. We celebrate who Jesus is .. both then as He rode into the City, and now as he sits on the right hand of God.
How can we celebrate Palm Sunday? We can read the various Old and New Testament verses pertaining to Palm Sunday or read a story about Palm Sunday as a way to draw close to God and celebrate. We can pray and fast to help us draw close to God. And, we can go to Church on Palm Sunday.
April 7 is Good Friday. It is the most solemn day of the year for Christians. It is the day when we remember Christ's death on the cross for us and the suffering he endured for our sake. You can make this day a time of spiritual growth. Here are a few things you can do on this day: If there is anyone in your life that you need to offer forgiveness to, forgive them today. Memorize John 3:16:"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." Avoid shopping or other errands that will distract you from the meaning of the day. Remain silent from noon to 3:00 pm, the hours in which Christ suffered on the cross. Fast. Celebrate with prayer and silence.
Easter Sunday, April 9, is the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter marks the completion of Lent (a period of prayer, penance and fasting). The last week of Lent, which is the week before Easter, is often referred to as Holy Week. We observe Palm Sunday, which marks Jesus' return to Jerusalem; Holy Thursday, which is when Jesus held his last supper with his disciples; and Good Friday, which is when Jesus was crucified. On Easter Sunday we attend a traditional worship service and decorate our worship service spaces with Easter lilies and other flowers. We may celebrate Holy Communion on that day. We may participate in traditional Easter customs such as decorating Easter eggs, enjoy chocolate Easter bunnies and candy left by the Easter Bunny, or celebrate Easter with a traditional Easter Sunday dinner with family and friends. Easter is a season of joy and hope, but it is also a reminder of God's love. In between the fun activities noted above, spend time reflecting on the sacrifice Jesus made. "He is risen" is a simple way to capture Easter joy! John 11:25-26: "Jesus said… I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
We wish everyone a very joyful and spiritual Easter season.
Your Session and Current Ruling Elders: Audrey Moore, Wayne Morrison, and Ronda Kopchak
Guest Worship Leaders For March and April
March 5 Rev. Dr. Tami Hooker March 12 Rev. Steven Bomely March 19 Rev. Ronald Church March 26 Rev. Ronald Church April 2 Rev. Dr. Tami Hooker April 9 Rev. Dr. Tami Hooker April 16 Becka Abbott - Seminary Student April 23 Becka Abbott - Seminary Student April 30 Rev. Dr. Daniel Merry
Property Issues
Here are some property issues that need to be resolved:
1. Graffiti on the Sarah Street side of the Church building needs to be removed within the next few weeks or the City of Pittsburgh will fine us a daily amount until it is removed.
2. There was an unnoticed slow water leak in the toilet tank in the ladies restroom on the first floor and our monthly water bill went from $100+ to $300+ in one month. Until the problem in the tank is fixed the water has been turned off and that restroom cannot be used.
3. A pipe under the kitchen sink is leaking and needs repaired.
4. A door on one of the stalls in the basement women's restroom has fallen off and needs repaired. If you, or if you know of someone who can assist with these property problems, please call the Church office and leave a message.
Please Keep In Your Prayers
Both Christine Zarnich and Charolotte Flamm were recently admitted into a hospital with different health problems. Both are now at home. Please pray for their speedy recovery.
Please continue to keep in your prayers Amanda Gordon, Lois Baxendell, Juanita Johnson, Charlotte Taylor, Janet Frisch, Sharon A. Ives and her sister Janet Williams, Edna Czlapinski, Michelle Alker, and Jim Rockot.
Status of Finding Our New Pastor
We recently had one individual express interest in the position and that person also requested more information about our Church, the congregation, activities, etc. which we provided. We should hear back from that person within the next month if they are still interested. We hope to have this job posted soon on the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary website to attract some upcoming graduates.
Kitchen Korner
Steak Pie
1 round steak (cut into bite size pieces) 4 medium potatoes (peeled and sliced thinly) 1 medium onion (sliced thinly) 2 1/2 cups College Inn beef broth 2T flour 1 Pillsbury pie crust dough (1 box, 2 round pieces) Salt and pepper to taste
Heat oven to 350 degrees. In 9x13 pan or casserole dish, layer steak, potatoes and onions. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix beef broth and flour together. Pour broth and flour mixture over the steak, potatoes and onions. Place pie dough on top of all ingredients, and cut overlapping pieces to place on each side of dish if needed. Flute edges. With fork or knife pierce pie dough. Bake for two hours until golden brown.
Open Mic Coffee House For March and April
After a two month break, the Open Mic Coffee House will reopen on Thursday, March 9, 2023, from 7:30-9:00 pm. New entertainment is on the way! The April Open Mic will take place on Thursday, April 13, beginning at 7:30 pm. Refreshment will still be available at the Open Mic and there will be time for fellowship. The suggested donation is still $5. If you would like to share your talent with others when the Coffee House reopens in March, or if you know of someone who might want to share their talent with others in March or at some future Coffee House, please call Mike at 412-327-5498 or email him at [email protected].
Funny Christian Jokes
What did Adam say when he was asked his favorite holiday? "It's Christmas, Eve."
Who in the Bible knew the most people? Abraham knew a Lot.
How did Joseph make his coffee? Hebrewed it.
What size was the lumber that was made to build the ark? 2x2
How do pastors like their orange juice? With pulpit.
What did Adam say to Eve when handing her something to wear? "Take it or leaf it."