Upcoming Special Dates
May 4 National Day of Prayer
May 11 Open Mic Coffee House (7:30 - 9:00 pm - suggested donation $5)
May 14 Mothers' Day
May 29 Memorial Day
June 8 Open Mic Coffee House (7:30 - 9:00 pm - suggested donation $5)
June 18 Father's Day
June 19 Juneteenth National Independence Day
June 21 First day of Summer
May 11 Open Mic Coffee House (7:30 - 9:00 pm - suggested donation $5)
May 14 Mothers' Day
May 29 Memorial Day
June 8 Open Mic Coffee House (7:30 - 9:00 pm - suggested donation $5)
June 18 Father's Day
June 19 Juneteenth National Independence Day
June 21 First day of Summer
A Message from Session Members
During the months of May and June there are a significant number of holidays that are observed
throughout the United States. These holidays consist of both federal holidays (Memorial Day and
Juneteenth National Independence Day) and days that are nationally observed for both large and small
groups of citizens (Mother's Day, Father's Day, National Nurses Day, National Day of Prayer, Armed
Forces Day, Shavuot 2023, Global Running Day, World Bicycle Day, National Egg Day, National
Cancer Survivor's Day, Donald Duck Day, World Blood Donor Day, Take Your Dog to Work Day,
National Kissing Day, etc. -- the list of observed holidays is extensive and more observed holidays can
be found on the internet by simply searching for US holidays and observances.
Memorial Day, which is May 29 this year, is a day to remember the fallen soldiers and civilians who
have given their lives in service and died for our country. In last year's May-June newsletter we quoted
scripture reading Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, which is a beautiful verse and began "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven"……and ended with "a time to love, and a time to
hate; a time for war, and a time for peace." We encourage you to meditate and read this verse on
Memorial Day to honor those who sacrificed their lives for our country. Another Bible verse to reflect
upon on Memorial Day: John 15:13 "No one has greater love than this; to lay down one's life for one's
friends."
Juneteenth became a federal holiday in June 2021. It is observed on June 19 each year commemorating
the emancipation of the enslaved African Americans back in 1865. How are some ways you can
celebrate Juneteenth? You can learn the history of Juneteenth as this holiday has been celebrated for
hundreds of years. You can watch a documentary about slavery; visit a museum (the August Wilson
African American Cultural Center in Pittsburgh might be a place to start), read books written by black
authors and poets, support black owned businesses, eat at black owned restaurants, etc. This holiday
is also celebrated with parades, music festivals, and barbeques. Juneteenth is a celebration of unity and
justice. Christians everywhere should celebrate victory over sin. Here are some Bible verses to reflect
upon during this holiday. Galatians 3:28 "There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer male and
female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus." Luke 4:18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because
he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free." Also, take time to read Romans12:9-
17.
Mother's Day and Father's Day are two very important holidays we observe and celebrate in various
ways. Deuteronomy 5:16: Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you,
so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is
giving you." And, celebrate the many other holidays observed during May and June by various folks
such as those listed above as well as Make Music Day, Make Life Beautiful Day, National Best Friends
Day, National Chocolate Ice Cream Day, National Donut Day, etc. Enjoy these celebrations and have
a great time.
We wish everyone a very beautiful spring and summer, full of much happiness.
Your Session and Current Ruling Elders:
Audrey Moore, Wayne Morrison, and Ronda Kopchak
throughout the United States. These holidays consist of both federal holidays (Memorial Day and
Juneteenth National Independence Day) and days that are nationally observed for both large and small
groups of citizens (Mother's Day, Father's Day, National Nurses Day, National Day of Prayer, Armed
Forces Day, Shavuot 2023, Global Running Day, World Bicycle Day, National Egg Day, National
Cancer Survivor's Day, Donald Duck Day, World Blood Donor Day, Take Your Dog to Work Day,
National Kissing Day, etc. -- the list of observed holidays is extensive and more observed holidays can
be found on the internet by simply searching for US holidays and observances.
Memorial Day, which is May 29 this year, is a day to remember the fallen soldiers and civilians who
have given their lives in service and died for our country. In last year's May-June newsletter we quoted
scripture reading Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, which is a beautiful verse and began "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven"……and ended with "a time to love, and a time to
hate; a time for war, and a time for peace." We encourage you to meditate and read this verse on
Memorial Day to honor those who sacrificed their lives for our country. Another Bible verse to reflect
upon on Memorial Day: John 15:13 "No one has greater love than this; to lay down one's life for one's
friends."
Juneteenth became a federal holiday in June 2021. It is observed on June 19 each year commemorating
the emancipation of the enslaved African Americans back in 1865. How are some ways you can
celebrate Juneteenth? You can learn the history of Juneteenth as this holiday has been celebrated for
hundreds of years. You can watch a documentary about slavery; visit a museum (the August Wilson
African American Cultural Center in Pittsburgh might be a place to start), read books written by black
authors and poets, support black owned businesses, eat at black owned restaurants, etc. This holiday
is also celebrated with parades, music festivals, and barbeques. Juneteenth is a celebration of unity and
justice. Christians everywhere should celebrate victory over sin. Here are some Bible verses to reflect
upon during this holiday. Galatians 3:28 "There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer male and
female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus." Luke 4:18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because
he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free." Also, take time to read Romans12:9-
17.
Mother's Day and Father's Day are two very important holidays we observe and celebrate in various
ways. Deuteronomy 5:16: Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you,
so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is
giving you." And, celebrate the many other holidays observed during May and June by various folks
such as those listed above as well as Make Music Day, Make Life Beautiful Day, National Best Friends
Day, National Chocolate Ice Cream Day, National Donut Day, etc. Enjoy these celebrations and have
a great time.
We wish everyone a very beautiful spring and summer, full of much happiness.
Your Session and Current Ruling Elders:
Audrey Moore, Wayne Morrison, and Ronda Kopchak
Guest Worship Leaders for May and June
May 7 Rev. John C. Free
May 14 Pastor H. Tyrone Fink
May 21 Rev. Dr. Trent Hancock
May 28 Rev. Dr. Trent Hancock
June 4 Rev. John C. Free
June 11 Pastor Bruce Ford
June 18 Rev. Ann Morris
June 25 Rev. Ronald Church
May 14 Pastor H. Tyrone Fink
May 21 Rev. Dr. Trent Hancock
May 28 Rev. Dr. Trent Hancock
June 4 Rev. John C. Free
June 11 Pastor Bruce Ford
June 18 Rev. Ann Morris
June 25 Rev. Ronald Church
Property Issues
Here are some property issue updates and some
new ones:
1. Graffiti on the Sarah Street side of the Church building has been removed by the appropriate City of Pittsburgh department so we will not be fined.
2. All plumbing problems have been repaired which includes the leak under the kitchen sink and the two toilet tanks in the restrooms.
3. The door on one of the stalls in the basement women's restroom has fallen off and still needs to be repaired.
4. There is a water leakage on the ceiling/wall behind the stage in the Social Hall. This is a continuing
problem that we thought was resolved but the water leakage continues to do damage to the paint, ceiling and wall. If you know of anyone knowledgeable about this kind of problem and can volunteer and work on this repair, please call the Church office and leave a
message.
new ones:
1. Graffiti on the Sarah Street side of the Church building has been removed by the appropriate City of Pittsburgh department so we will not be fined.
2. All plumbing problems have been repaired which includes the leak under the kitchen sink and the two toilet tanks in the restrooms.
3. The door on one of the stalls in the basement women's restroom has fallen off and still needs to be repaired.
4. There is a water leakage on the ceiling/wall behind the stage in the Social Hall. This is a continuing
problem that we thought was resolved but the water leakage continues to do damage to the paint, ceiling and wall. If you know of anyone knowledgeable about this kind of problem and can volunteer and work on this repair, please call the Church office and leave a
message.
Please Keep In Your Prayers
Dorothy Perrucci fell and broke her hip in several places and had to undergo surgery. She is still in the hospital and will need physical therapy before returning home. Lois Baxendell had a heart attack and then a stroke and is slowly recovering. She may be returning home shortly but will need 24 hour assistance.
Please pray for their speedy recovery. Please continue to keep in your prayers Christine Zarnich, Charolette Flamm, Janet and Jerry Bauer, Amanda Gordon, Juanita Johnson, Charlotte Taylor, Janet Frisch, Sharon A. Ives and her sister Janet Williams, Edna Czlapinski, and Michelle Alker.
Please pray for their speedy recovery. Please continue to keep in your prayers Christine Zarnich, Charolette Flamm, Janet and Jerry Bauer, Amanda Gordon, Juanita Johnson, Charlotte Taylor, Janet Frisch, Sharon A. Ives and her sister Janet Williams, Edna Czlapinski, and Michelle Alker.
Status of Finding Our New Pastor
On Sunday, May 14, Pastor Harry Tyrone Fink will be our guest worship leader. He has expressed interest in our part-time pastor position and is interested in meeting members of our congregation and in getting to know more about us. Please make every effort to attend service on that day and judge for yourself if you think he would be a good fit for us. Your feedback to Session members would be appreciated.
Kitchen Korner
Pineapple Cake
1 box yellow cake mix
2 small (3.4 oz.) boxes instant vanilla pudding
4 eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup water
1 cup milk
1 20 oz. can crushed pineapple in juice/heavy
syrup
1 8 oz. tub of Cool Whip
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together with
mixer: 1 box of pudding, eggs, oil, and water.
Place mix into 9x13 pan and bake at 350
degrees for 30 minutes or until cake is done.
Cool cake completely.
After cake is cool, poke top of cake with fork.
Pour crushed pineapple, including the juice,
over the top of the cake. Spread pineapple
pieces evenly over top of cake.
In a separate bowl combine 1 box of instant
vanilla pudding and 1 cup of milk and whisk for
2 minutes. Fold in tub of Cool Whip. Spread
mixture over top of cake. Let sit overnight.
Keep refrigerated,
1 box yellow cake mix
2 small (3.4 oz.) boxes instant vanilla pudding
4 eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup water
1 cup milk
1 20 oz. can crushed pineapple in juice/heavy
syrup
1 8 oz. tub of Cool Whip
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together with
mixer: 1 box of pudding, eggs, oil, and water.
Place mix into 9x13 pan and bake at 350
degrees for 30 minutes or until cake is done.
Cool cake completely.
After cake is cool, poke top of cake with fork.
Pour crushed pineapple, including the juice,
over the top of the cake. Spread pineapple
pieces evenly over top of cake.
In a separate bowl combine 1 box of instant
vanilla pudding and 1 cup of milk and whisk for
2 minutes. Fold in tub of Cool Whip. Spread
mixture over top of cake. Let sit overnight.
Keep refrigerated,
Open Mic Coffee House for May and June
The Open Mic Coffee House will have live entertainment on Thursday, May 11, 2023, and June 8, 2023 from 7:30-9:00 pm. Refreshments 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 at the May or June Open Mic, or if you know of someone who might want to share their talent with others in May or June or at some future Coffee House, please call Mike at 412-327-5498 or email him at mikevargo@aol.com.
