This was shown in the Gathering Place during the reception after worship on September 10, 2023, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the merger between First Presbyterian Church of Wilkinsburg and Edgewood Presbyterian Church to become the First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood on September 11, 1983.
The world is changing. The climate is changing. We are changing. Those of us in the East End and East Suburbs of Pittsburgh know well the effects of climate change as checking the air quality along with the weather has become routine. Our neighbors in the Mon Valley suffer from higher concentrations of asthma, cancer, and other health conditions caused by air pollution. Prophet Amos cries out: “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5: 24) and so we are called to join the river of justice and peace, to take up climate and ecological justice, and to speak out, with, and for communities most impacted by climate injustice and the loss of biodiversity. In 1989, September 1st was proclaimed as a Day of Prayer for Creation for the Eastern Orthodox Church by Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios I. From there, it was embraced by other major Christian European churches in 2001, and by Pope Francis for the Roman Catholic Church in 2015. Now, many churches celebrate the “Season of Creation” (or Creation Time) between Sept. 1 and Oct. 4, the Feast of St. Francis. This new addition to our church calendar unites the Christian family worldwide in celebration of prayer and action to protect our common home. As people who seek to follow Christ, we share a common call to care for Creation and each other. “Our wellbeing is interwoven with the wellbeing of the Earth.” – Season of Creation Ecumenical Steering Committee This year, we will dip our toes into the river and start celebrating Creation Time as a faith community in a few ways. At Sunday Worship, will draw upon various elements from Creation, drawing us closer to God, God’s Creation, and God’s call upon our lives to be faithful stewards of Creation. Our next Community Dinner is on Sept. 6th on the Side Lawn. We will gather for two Spiritual Hikes (6:30 PM on Thursday, September 14th and 10 AM on Saturday, September 30th. On these, we will participate in earth-based spiritual practices and meditations. Kid-friendly! Both will be at the Frick Park Environmental Center. We will end the Season of Creation with the Blessing of the Animals on Oct. 4 at 6 PM. We invite all those in our community who have a pet to join us on the side lawn for prayer. We’ve dubbed this event “Dogs and Dogs,” as we will have hot dogs for folks to munch on! As we step outdoors, remember that we are not distinct from God’s Creation. We are God’s Creation. In creation time, we return to where we belong and remember God’s mandate to steward the earth together. In Peace, Pastor Jason Join us at our next free community cookout on Wednesday, September 6 from 6:00-8:00PM on the church side lawn. This month's menu returns to our standard burgers and dogs along with side dishes and desserts provided by congregation members. Come sit at table with your neighbors and be in community with one another!
Please join us on September 10, 2023 as FPCE celebrates the 40 year anniversary of the merger of Edgewood Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Wilkinsburg. This is also Rally Day where we traditionally launch our fall programs, return to the Sanctuary and the full choir returns. Please join us for this special worship service at 11:00AM. A potluck luncheon will immediately follow worship, including fried chicken and a smorgasbord of desserts plus whatever you bring.
Mark your calendars for Edgewood Community Day, happening Saturday, August 26 at Koenig Field! Start your day with the Community Day Yard Sale from 8am-2pm (details below). Then head to the field for the main festivities, including food, market vendors, entertainment, games, pony rides and more, starting at 2pm. This year will include some familiar favorites and some new surprises, like a mini golf course in the tennis courts! Per tradition, the day ends with music from the Edgewood Symphony Orchestra and a fantastic fireworks display!
Our Mission and Public Witness Committee is organizing a craft table for this event. If you are interested in participating by setting up, running the table for a shift, or cleaning up, contact Stephanie McGuigan or Rhonda Apessos. Voces Solis presents the 13th annual Summer Singers, featuring an ensemble of nearly 120 performing a varied selection of choral repertoire under the skilled direction of artistic director Dr. Ryan Keeling. The concert takes place at 7:00PM in the FPCE Sanctuary on Saturday, August 12. Founded in 2011, Summer Singers is committed to bringing together musicians, teachers, and lovers of choral music to share in the art and fellowship of choral singing. Our goal is to elevate our own standards of musicianship while rekindling our love for music making, enabling us to pass this fire on to our students and fellow musicians. Concerts are free and open to the public. Donations will gladly be accepted to continue the work of Voces Solis in providing the highest quality choral music to the Pittsburgh and surrounding regions. RSVP to the Facebook event here: fb.me/e/12vridKBg PARKING INFORMATION Parking options are shown on this map for the Edgewood concert. There are spaces in the lot at the next door Western PA School for the Deaf, as well as on-street parking on East Swissvale Ave. Those with mobility issues can use the spaces right next to the church and enter using the side ramp door. Vocal Confluence's summer show is on the books for July 1st and 2nd in the FPCE Sanctuary. From classic barbershop arrangements to vocal jazz, there will be something for everyone. We are thrilled to also feature BHS International Quartet Finalists, Gimme Four! You don't want to miss this!
RSVP to our Saturday show: https://fb.me/e/4eNGtJRy2 RSVP to our Sunday show: https://fb.me/e/ZiRvplcx Save the date - Wilkinsburg Community Ministry will be participating in #OneDay on August 1st, hosted by The Pittsburgh Foundation
On Tuesday, Aug. 1, from 8 AM to 11:59 PM, The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County will host a Critical Needs Alert online giving event to support basic needs and the safety net of essential human services in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. These essential services are facing new challenges brought on by the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. #ONEDAY benefits nonprofits that provide direct service in five areas that will strengthen the safety net of essential human services:
The Sunday morning worship service will shift to 10:30AM beginning June 11, 2023. We will also move to the Gathering Place for the summer. Mark your calendars and set your alarms so that you attend worship at the correct time and place! We will have a sign on the East Swissvale Avenue door and the sandwich board sign pointing to the Gathering Place will also be out on the street corner Sunday mornings directing folks.
We’re Back!!!!!! Hey strawberry lovers we are welcoming you to our Strawberry Festival Wednesday, June 14 from 6-8PM on the side lawn. $5 for a strawberry dessert, $1 for hot dogs. Lemonade will also be served. Proceeds to benefit Deacon projects.
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