PNews – 10/8/20
News from Pittsburgh Presbytery
In this week’s meditation, Seven Months In – The Church’s Response Today to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge collaborates with Rev. Carol Divens Roth and Elder Mark Roth to reflect on what the church’s response to the pandemic should be at this moment, especially in light of a resolution they crafted that was adopted by the 224th General Assembly. In this reflection, they share a charge to the churches, a new plan for Reformation Sunday, and more!
Now that got your attention…Colin Kaepernick in 2016 knelt during the national anthem at the start of NFL games in protest of police brutality and racial inequality in the United States. Since that time many have expressed outrage and support of Kaepernick’s actions. Recently the NHL, NBA, WNBA, NFL and MLB players have knelt during the National Anthem in support of racial equality in this country. How do we respond as Christians to this seemingly divisive act of protest? Join Ralph Lowe and Brian Wallace as they discuss the difficult topic of how we may faithfully navigate the intersection of Patriotism and Christianity in Episode 6 of Awareness & Transformation.
Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, we’ve periodically made sermons from the Presbytery staff available for download and inclusion in online worship. There is a new sermon available this week entitled “Be Careful What You Ask For” Based on the mother of James and John’s bold request that her sons sit at Jesus’ right and left hand in the kingdom, this sermon explores the idea of servant leadership as a model for all who follow Jesus. Servant leadership in some ways sounds like an oxymoron – how can one lead a people, and yet be their servant? The answer lies, this sermon suggests, not necessarily in authority, but in the attitude and priorities of the leader being either “me-focused” or “others-focused” (in line with the Way of Jesus). You can find it on our Downloadable Worship Resources post.
We are gathering via zoom on November 12, 2020! Our theme for 2020 is Talking Politics in Church, how Christians can practice reconciliation in a politically divided world, first within the church and then beyond. In the aftermath of Election Day we will consider how we can practice what we preach about graceful speech, acknowledge all the emotions that arise when there are political winners and losers, and more. Pre-registration is required for this event so that we may send you the meeting information prior to the gathering.
The new lectionary year will be here before you know it and you can be ahead of the game with the latest volume in the commentary series for preachers who use the Revised Common Lectionary. Those who’ve used Connections love the unique approach of connecting their congregations to both Scripture and the world. They’ve also found an ease of use, reading the essays in the first few days of the week and feeling prepared to write their sermon no matter the readings for Sunday.
Catch up on what happened at the most recent meeting! Read the Presbytery Digest, a summary of the actions and information from the meeting of Pittsburgh Presbytery.
Events at Affiliated Organizations
To subscribe or unsubscribe to the PNEWS, or if you to want make a request for the criteria to include an announcement, please email PNews@pghpresbytery.org.
This entry was posted in Weekly Newsletter and tagged newsletter, October 2020, PNews. Bookmark the permalink.