Church Mouse - Shadyside Presbyterian Church

The
VOLUME 46, Number 2
Church Mouse
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Newsletter
March 2015
www.shadysidepres.org
Worship & Music
Missions
Installation of Dr. Sharps
What in the World Is
God Doing?
Sunday, March 22, at 11:00 a.m.
The installation of the Reverend Dr. Conrad C. Sharps as Senior
Pastor of Shadyside Presbyterian Church will be celebrated during
the morning service of worship on Sunday, March 22.
The presbytery in which a newly-called minister serves conducts
the installation. The Moderator of the Pittsburgh Presbytery,
Ms. Lenore Williams, Elder, East Liberty Presbyterian Church,
will preside on March 22. In addition to the Moderator, Dr. Sharps
has asked the following individuals to serve as the administrative
commission for his installation:
•
•
•
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The Reverend Carolyn Cranston, Director of Alumnae/i
and Church Relations, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
Ms. Katrina Dunderdale, Elder,
Hebron United Presbyterian Church
The Reverend Dr. John E. Mehl,
Shadyside Presbyterian Church
Mr. Terrence H. Murphy, Elder,
Shadyside Presbyterian Church
•
The Reverend Dr. Douglas E. Portz, Senior Associate Minister
to Pittsburgh Presbytery
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The Reverend Heather Schoenewolf, Associate Pastor for
Educational Ministries, East Liberty Presbyterian Church
The Reverend Dr. Daniel O. Aleshire, Executive Director of the
Association of Theological Schools, will preach the sermon.
Mission Dinner Series
The mission efforts of SPC are
less about what we are doing, and
more about what God is doing in
our world. Our mission strategy
is to prayerfully discern how
God is creatively moving in our
community and throughout
the world, then join in God’s
kingdom-building efforts.
This vision has led us to some
incredible communities where
God is surely at work. Most
recently, members of SPC have
traveled and witnessed Christ’s
presence in Malawi, China, and
Mexico City. The Mission and
Urban Ministry Team believes
you will be inspired by the
experiences witnessed by those
who have traveled as you learn
more about the far reaches of
SPC mission efforts.
Parish Life
Please consider attending our
new Mission Dinner Series.
Dinner will occur from 6:00 to
7:00 p.m. in the Hulme Room on
the dates listed below. Although
there is no charge for the
dinner, a freewill offering will
be received to offset the dinner
costs. RSVP by contacting the
church office or by signing up
in the Sharp Atrium.
The Seventh Annual Sweet and Savory Pie Party
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March 4: Malawi
Presenter: Elder Don Coffelt
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April 8: China
Presenter: Elder Ed Wood
•
May 6: Mexico
Presenters: Katherine Ey
and Rebecca Verley
Sunday, March 22, will be an important day in the life of our
congregation, and it is altogether fitting that the observance of
this auspicious occasion take place during our normal celebration
of the Lord’s Day. An offering for the Oldman Fund, a scholarship
for inquirers and candidates for ministry under the care of the
Pittsburgh Presbytery, will be collected during worship. A special
reception is planned following the service.
The Parish Life Ministry will again host a pie party during the Time
of Fellowship on Sunday, March 8. We will serve a variety of pies,
ranging from sweet to savory, and we are looking for some terrific
pie bakers. Sign up in the Sharp Atrium to bring a pie, or call the
church office. If you can’t bake pies, come and taste them! We hope
you can join us in fellowship.
Message from the pastor
A Journey Worth the Time
My wife Lauren and I were blessed this past month to take a cruise to the
Caribbean in celebration of our thirtieth anniversary. While docked in
St. Thomas, I was reminded of an opportunity to learn something about life
and faith many years ago in the same tropical location.
It was Wednesday, and we had disembarked to explore the island. While
my wife hunted for the perfect treasures in the market, I found myself
investigating a nearby bookstore. As I perused the stacks of books and
magazines, a man wearing a clerical collar came into the store carrying a
Bible, what appeared to be a hymnal, and several copies of bulletins.
I recognized the look on this pastor’s face immediately and identified with the spring in his step. He
was in a hurry — probably late! I would not have even spoken to him, except that as he scurried to find
a particular person (later discovered to be his church organist), he was told that she was upstairs and
would be down as soon as possible. As he waited, I introduced myself and asked about the bulletins.
They were for the Wednesday noon Lenten service, and he was there to deliver one to his organist.
I could not help but glance at my watch: 11:45 a.m. The lateness of the hour explained the spring in his step.
This delightful, welcoming pastor invited me to the service, and then, observing me glancing at my
watch, added with a smile, “We might not start until 12:15 or so.”
Perhaps it was his gracious invitation or his gentle smile, but this pastor communicated something of
the love of God to me in this brief encounter. Haven’t we all been there — running late, behind schedule,
scurrying about looking for the very person we cannot find? We do not generally use that time to
entertain inquisitive strangers. This man, however, not only took the time, he invited me to the Lord’s
house for a time of prayer and worship.
I don’t know about you, but my life becomes so hectic sometimes I forget that I am on a journey: a
spiritual journey. This journey is what Lent is all about. Lent is a time that we spend in reflection and
prayer, affirming what is essential and repenting from all that leads us away from God. Lent can be a
time of spiritual transformation. We need not be stuck in self-destructive and negative patterns of sin,
for by the mercy of God made known in Jesus Christ, we can change. We can be transformed through
repentance to a new life: a life of the Spirit.
Where are you on your spiritual journey? Perhaps today you can stop at the crossroads of life, take a
break from your frantic pace, and even put away your watch for a time of fellowship, rest, and renewal
with others in the worship of God.
This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the
good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16
Conrad C. Sharps, Senior Pastor
Missions
A Message of Thanks from the Community Partnerships MAC
On behalf of the members of the Community Partnerships Mission Action Community (MAC), I
would like to thank every member of Shadyside Presbyterian Church for supporting our local mission
partners when a request for help has been raised. You have volunteered your time during the Sojourner
House Women’s Retreat. Because of you, Christmas gifts of pajamas and slippers were provided to
women at Pennsylvania Organization of Women in Early Recovery (POWER) and Sojourner House.
Kitchen, bed, and bath items were donated to Sojourner House’s Adopt-an-Apartment program, and
church members decorated our sponsored apartments. Our confirmation class and their parents
purchased presents for a teenage girl who otherwise would not have received anything for Christmas.
You have visited inmates in the Allegheny County Jail who are participating in the Foundation of
HOPE prison ministry program, and you have rallied with bedding for Off the Floor Pittsburgh.
Our mission partners have told me how grateful they are for the ongoing support they receive from
Shadyside Presbyterian Church. Your kindness has made a difference in the lives of men, women, and
children in our community. May God richly bless you.
Eileen Flaherty
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Missions
Why Egypt?
The mission trip to Egypt last November was an eye-opening
experience for all of the group from SPC: Dr. Rich McGough, Krissy
Moehling, Michael Schwerin, and myself. We visited with four new
churches and met their pastors and members. We also were able to
see churches in various phases of planning and construction. We
participated in the 151st Anniversary of the Evangelical Theological
Seminary in Cairo — a celebration delayed by one year due to unrest
in Egypt during 2013. We also spent one day seeing the ancient
pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Cairo Museum.
But going to Egypt was really about meeting the people. Being a
Christian in Egypt is about being a very, very small minority, and
being an Evangelical Christian is an even smaller fraction of that
minority. However, the people we met carry God’s love to their
neighbors with a joy and purpose that is overwhelming. We spent Above: Gretchen Gockley, Rich McGough,
Michael Schwerin, and Krissy Moehling in
much of our time with a pastor whose church and home were burned Egypt during their November mission trip.
by the Muslim Brotherhood. Yet his faith leads him to help other
pastors start new churches all over Egypt to continue to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ and His
love to all people. Perhaps what was most impressive was that these pastors seem to believe that they
are part of the future for their country. In a country that seems in constant turmoil, where danger
comes from so many places, these Christians are striving to participate in forming a better future — one
that includes churches that are a glowing example of Christ’s plan. Often as a way to gain an acceptable
presence in a country not overly receptive to Christians, these churches, pastors, and members provide
education and medical services that will help others to understand the good works they offer to all.
So why Egypt? Perhaps because SPC could help not just change the lives of these pastors and their
congregations, but because, by helping them, we are helping a part of the world crying out for stability
and confidence in what comes next.
Gretchen Gockley
Missions
March Food Collection for East End Cooperative Ministry Food Pantry
The Hunger and Homelessness Mission Action Community (MAC) invites members and friends to
donate non-perishable food items for our March Food Collection. The East End Cooperative Ministry’s
food pantry is experiencing an increase in food requests, and your donations will help to assure
adequate supplies of food for the pantry. Bags will be distributed after worship on March 8. A list of
suggested donation items will be attached to the bags, which will be collected on Sunday, March 15.
If you are unable to attend the service, you are welcome to participate by dropping off your bag at the
church during the week of March 8. Additional questions may be directed to Rev. Todd Leach or to any
member of the Hunger and Homelessness MAC.
Missions
Worship & Music
Prayers for Mexico: March 7–14
Visiting Choir
Our team of fourteen college students and young adults is headed
to Mexico City this month to serve alongside SPC’s mission partner,
Conexión Mosaico. While there, the team will be aiding in the
construction of a retreat center which will provide support for local
pastors, missionaries, volunteers, and future mission teams. Please
join us in praying for safe travels, open hearts, willing hands, and
perseverance while the team is away. If you do not receive a prayer
card after our commissioning service on March 1 and would like
to pray for specific students and their requests, prayer cards are
available in the church office.
Sun., March 22, 10:45 a.m.
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On Sunday, March 22, the
Seton Hill Una Voce Choir will
present an extended choral
prelude from 10:45 to 11:00 a.m.
before worship. Plan on arriving
early for worship to hear these
talented young singers under
the direction of conductor
Dr. Mark A. Boyle, who is also a
member of our Chancel Choir.
Session
Highlights from Session
On Wednesday evening, January 21, 2015, the Session convened for its regularly scheduled meeting.
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Customary and anticipated draw requests from the Holland Fund made by the Mission and Urban
Ministry Team to support a mission trip to Nepal for Rebecca DePoe and to support a March 7–14
mission trip to Mexico City were approved.
•
Session approved four fundraising activities which will support East End Cooperative Ministry,
a youth summer mission trip, water filtration systems for Haiti, and the March 7–14 Mexico City
mission trip.
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The Financial Oversight Committee (FOC) provided a financial report detailing 2014 revenues
and expenses which balanced at year-end. The report was approved by Session.
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The FOC announced receipt of a gift made to the general endowment fund which was acknowledged
and received by Session.
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A motion to hold the Annual Meeting of the Congregation on Sunday, May 17, 2015, was approved.
B. James Shafer, Clerk of Session
Care & Support
It’s OK to Be Human
An important theme of the Lenten season is the humanity of Christ. In Jesus, God became human
and fully experienced the wide range of emotions we all encounter in life. Jesus experienced times
of loneliness, sadness, hurt, anger, disappointment, grief, and abandonment. That is part of being
human. Another part of being human is needing help from each other. God never intended us to be
completely self-sufficient. Part of God’s plan is for each of us to turn to others for help when we need it.
So when you are experiencing difficult times, don’t struggle alone. Our Stephen Ministers will walk
with you, listen to you, encourage you, pray with you, and provide confidential one-to-one care to help
you through tough times. Stephen Ministers can bring the love of Jesus back into your life. To learn
more about Stephen Ministry, please speak with Reverend Lynn Portz, or Janet Rohrer, Stephen Leader.
Our Stephen Ministers are ready to care for you!
Janet Rohrer, Stephen Leader
Care & Support
Divorce Support Group
Tuesdays, March 3 through April 28, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Most people will tell you that separation and divorce are the most painful and stressful experiences
they have ever faced. It is a confusing time when you feel isolated and have lots of questions about issues
you have never faced before. Divorce Support is a faith-based program designed to help participants
move toward healing and new life. Facilitated by Rev. Lynn Portz, Deacon Eileen Flaherty, and Elder
Nat Hunter, group meetings include videos with experts sharing experience and wisdom, and a focused
discussion time. Topics include: Coping with Loss; Facing Anger; Facing Depression; Facing Loneliness;
New Relationships; Financial Survival; Forgiveness; and Moving Closer to God. We will meet Tuesdays,
from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., March 3 through April 28. To register, please contact the church office.
Children’s Ministry
Parish Life
Appreciation for Soup Sunday
···· Save the Date ····
Our annual winter Soup Sunday was full of delicious aromas and
great conversation. The Parish Life Ministry Team would like to
thank those who so generously prepared soup and baked desserts,
and all who joined us in fellowship. We are truly blessed to have so
many generous and talented cooks and bakers among our church
family.
With grateful hearts,
Tricia McGough, Parish Life Ministry Team
Vacation Bible School
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Monday – Friday,
June 22–26
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $40/child; $60/family.
Contact Ellen Allston through
the church office for details.
Music in a Great Space
PYSO Returns to SPC to Present Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony
Sunday, March 8, at 4:00 p.m.
The Symphony No. 3 in C minor, op. 78, was
completed by Camille Saint-Saëns in 1886 at
what was probably the artistic zenith of his
career. Saint-Saëns inscribed it as: Symphonie
No. 3 “avec orgue” (with organ). The Pittsburgh
Youth Symphony Orchestra returns to
Shadyside Presbyterian Church to perform this
piece, along with Death and Transfiguration,
by Richard Strauss, under the direction of
conductor Lawrence Loh and accompanied by
organist Mark A. Anderson.
Above: The Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra with conductor
Lawrence Loh (center)
Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling 412-682-4300 or at the door. Details and a full schedule
of concerts are available at www.shadysidepres.org/migs.
Missions
A Glimpse into Our Future: SPC Mission Retreat
The mission outreach efforts of Shadyside Presbyterian Church range from educating community
youth and feeding the homeless, to international efforts of caring for orphans and promoting health
care. Currently, we partner with over twenty organizations who invite us to experience Christ’s presence
in our community and in communities far and near.
But what will SPC’s future mission efforts look like? How will our recent mission growth propel us to
greater relevance in our community and in communities throughout the world? Can we, as a church,
enable our vision to grow more fully toward Christ’s vision for us? And, how can we as individual
members grow toward that same vision?
Rev. Todd E. Leach will lead our annual mission retreat, which will occur on Saturday, March 14, from
9:00 a.m. until noon. All members are invited to attend. The retreat will be held at the Neighborhood
Academy and will include a student-led tour of the Academy’s new facilities. To receive additional
information, please contact the church office.
New Members
worship & music
An Invitation to
Membership
Second Sunday of Lent, March 1, at 11:00 a.m. with Communion
Sunday Worship
The Reverend Dr. Conrad C. Sharps preaching
A two-week orientation class
for new members occurs
Third Sunday of Lent, March 8, at 11:00 a.m.
Sundays, March 8 and 15,
Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 15, at 11:00 a.m.
from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m., and
will include an overview
of
Presbyterian
beliefs
and history, as well as an
opportunity to learn about
the various ministries of SPC.
Infant care and children’s
Sunday school run concurrently.
New members will be received
on Sunday, March 15, and
recognized in worship that day.
If you would like to register for
the class, please contact Ruth
Garrett in the church office.
The Reverend John F. Magnuson preaching
The Reverend Dr. Conrad C. Sharps preaching
Fifth Sunday of Lent, March 22, at 11:00 a.m.
Choral Prelude at 9:45 a.m. • Installation of Dr. Sharps
The Reverend Dr. Daniel O. Aleshire preaching
Palm Sunday, March 29, at 11:00 a.m.
The Reverend Dr. Conrad C. Sharps preaching
Lenten Vespers
Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18, and 25, at 7:00 p.m.
These 45-minute candlelight communion services include music
offered by the Shadyside Strings, Chatham Baroque, and
the Choirs of the Pittsburgh School for the Choral Arts.
Childcare is available.
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Address Service Requested
5121 Westminster Place • Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Church Office Telephone: 412-682-4300
www.shadysidepres.org
www.facebook.com/ShadysidePresbyterian
Parish Life
Deacons
Midweek Luncheon and Light Bite Night
Easter Lilies
The Parish Life Ministry Team invites church family and friends
to the following events. Please make your reservation by signing up
in the Sharp Atrium or by contacting the church office.
Midweek Fellowship Luncheon on Wednesday, March 11
From noon to 1:15 p.m., join us for great food and fellowship. Our
guest speaker will be Peter Freymark, who will share with us his
faith journey in international business. Potato leek soup, salad,
rolls, and cheesecake will be served. The cost is $5. Please RSVP by
Monday, March 9.
Light Bite Night on Wednesday, March 18
Join us any time between 6:00 and 6:45 p.m. in the Parish Hall for
a wonderful time to connect with one another over supper before
vespers at 7:00 p.m. The menu will include meatball submarines
with toppings and dessert. Cost: $6. Children 10 and under:
goodwill offering. Please RSVP by Monday, March 16.
The Board of Deacons is again
providing the opportunity for
the placement of lilies in the
sanctuary during the worship
services on Easter morning.
Orders may be placed in
memory of loved ones at a cost
of $8 per lily. Order forms are
available in the narthex and
the church office and must be
received by Sun., March 15.
Sustainability
Communications
Paper Recycling Program Introduced
Deadlines for the Mouse are the
first business day of each month.
The Sustainability Committee is thrilled to announce that the
church has begun recycling paper. We are able to recycle all types
of paper (white, construction, corrugated, stapled, etc.) in any of the
blue bins located throughout the building. You are also welcome
to bring any paper or cardboard from home that you would like to
recycle and place it in the bin labeled “Paper Retriever,” conveniently
located in the parking lot behind the church. Thank you for your
support and participation in this exciting new program.
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Monday, March 2
April issue
Wednesday, April 1
May issue
Please submit Mouse articles
to the editor, Peter Bodnar, at
[email protected].
Comments are welcome.