News from Pittsburgh Presbytery

What difference does it make to follow Jesus? Our world is currently more politically polarized than at any time in recent history. This enmity is manifest in many nations, but it is especially virulent among Americans. What difference does following Jesus make for how we engage those with whom we differ economically, socially, racially, and politically, at such a time as this?

In this week’s meditation, The Difference Jesus Makes in a Polarized World, Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge explores this questions and more.

On Palm Sunday 2019, the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus sponsored a Unity service at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. It was requested that the Palm Sunday Unity Service would become an annual event. However, because of the COVID-19 virus we were unable to do so on Palm Sunday 2020. After much prayer, and feeling the need to call our churches and communities to a time of unity, we thought it appropriate to sponsor a virtual Worldwide Communion Unity Service on Sunday October 4, 2020, at 4 PM. Click “read more”for details and links.

Over the last nine months, the Pastoral Vitality subcommittee of the Commission on Ministry (COM) identified that we had several people who were serving in “temporary” positions that were in no way operating as temporary. To address this concern, COM has adopted a new position type: Covenant Pastor. Find out what that might mean for you or your pastor moving forward.

The Next Generation Ministry Team is updating their contact list! If you or anyone from your congregation, whether they are staff or volunteers, are involved Children, Youth, Christian Education, College, Young Adult, Emerging Adults, Campus, Camp/Conference, etc., please submit a new contact form. That way you can connect with others in the presbytery who are working in similar ministries and stay updated with Next Gen announcements and events!

The past few months have presented new needs, new missional opportunities and new relationships. Have you been challenged in new ways to partner with other denominations to live out the love of Christ in your community? Has a local ministry need emerged or been pondered during these COVID impacted times? There may be grant support available to you to carry out this important work. The Ecumenical Grant is a one-time grant of up to $2,000 and the application deadline is Nov. 1.