PNews – 8/27/20

Posted on August 27, 2020

News From Pittsburgh Presbytery

Last year our presbytery voted to enroll as a “Matthew 25 Presbytery,” joining in our denomination’s national Matthew 25 Initiative, encouraging and equipping congregations to: 1. Strengthen congregational vitality, 2. Dismantle structural racism, and 3. Eradicate systemic poverty. Most congregations are already working hard to strengthen one or more of these ministry areas. So why bother signing up for something we’re already doing? In this week’s meditation, The Power of Testimony, Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge answers this question and more.
In a conversation that has been long in coming, Ralph and Brian tackle difficult topics including the biblical concept of social justice as it relates to the Black Lives Matter movement, educating our children, and investing in our communities. This conversation may stretch the limits of your emotional stamina (because it sure stretched theirs!). Episode Five’s conversation is a glimpse into how being a disciple of Jesus Christ can push us headfirst into the most challenging subjects of today.
In 2020, the Coleman-Patrick Scholarship was awarded to four students. The awards were funded by the congregations of Pittsburgh Presbytery through the Christmas Joy Offering in addition to the fundraising programs of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus, Pittsburgh Chapter (NBPC). The students were awarded a sum totaling more than $4,900.
Due to the travel restrictions and impacts of Covid-19 the 2020 conference will now be a virtual event. It will run for three consecutive Tuesdays: September 22, September 29, and October 6 at 11:30 a.m. Each week they will discuss theological, practical, and actionable perspectives. Be sure check their site for the list of speakers, schedule, to register, and more.
Get a head start on your Advent planning and save up to 50% on more than 25 books! Discover which of these new and best-selling books for devotion, group study, and worship preparation are right for you. These great deals end Tuesday, September 1, 2020.
As part of our on-going effort to provide support for our pastors and congregations, a new sermon, entitled What’s Feeding You?, as well as a complete worship service have been prepared by Rev. Brian Wallace. It is available through the Presbytery’s Downloadable Worship Resources page on the website. You can access the service as a whole, including licensed music, or individual items that you can intersperse with your own elements.
Many people are inquiring about how to celebrate the sacrament of baptism and services of ordination/installation in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Office of the General Assembly and the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Office of Theology and Worship have prepared statements and they are now posted on the Presbyery’s website for your reference.

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