Re-Wilding Our Faith: Giving Up the Tame to Find the True
Lent is marked by desert stories. Wilderness stories.
We see Jesus tested in the wilderness. Abram is called to leave his country and venture out into the wilderness. Moses strikes a rock and water flows forth to quench the thirst of God’s people as they journey through the wilderness.
“Wilderness” is rich with metaphor and symbolism in scripture, but Wilderness is also a legal term.
In U.S. law, a Wilderness Area is undeveloped federal land where "the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain" (the Wilderness Act of 1964).
Last year, I listened to the “How Wild” podcast by NPR, and I was amazed by the depth of scientific thinking surrounding the idea of Wilderness. The host, Marissa Ortega-Welch, troubles this legal definition, as indigenous people have been in North America for at least 23,000 years, and human-caused climate change has left no creature unimpacted.
Yet as more and more Wilderness areas are being used for human manufacturing and oil rigs, “Re-Wilding” has become a movement as small as your backyard and as big as the Amazon Rainforest.
As the World Wildlife Fund explains, “Rewilding can mean a lot of different things. It ranges from not mowing grass verges, to restoring rivers, through to the reintroduction of wild species. Rewilding generally involves letting nature take the lead. This is done by restoring natural processes and reducing human management.”
Wilderness is complicated, but there is so much it can teach us–if we let it.
I once heard Rev. Paula Stone Williams say, “Lost is a place too, and there is wisdom to be gained there.” This has stuck with me for years.
I think the Wilderness has a bad reputation, and like Lost, there is wisdom to be gained there. In fact, I wonder if Wilderness might just be the antidote many of us need for a faith that has been tamed by empire and modern life.
What might it mean to Re-Wild our lives, our faith, ourselves?
We may not know where we are going, but we need the Wilderness because it's a place of transformation.
I hope you will join us on Ash Wednesday (Feb 18, 7 PM) as we begin the journey of letting the Wild God lead.
See you in the Wilderness,
Pastor Jason
Lent is marked by desert stories. Wilderness stories.
We see Jesus tested in the wilderness. Abram is called to leave his country and venture out into the wilderness. Moses strikes a rock and water flows forth to quench the thirst of God’s people as they journey through the wilderness.
“Wilderness” is rich with metaphor and symbolism in scripture, but Wilderness is also a legal term.
In U.S. law, a Wilderness Area is undeveloped federal land where "the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain" (the Wilderness Act of 1964).
Last year, I listened to the “How Wild” podcast by NPR, and I was amazed by the depth of scientific thinking surrounding the idea of Wilderness. The host, Marissa Ortega-Welch, troubles this legal definition, as indigenous people have been in North America for at least 23,000 years, and human-caused climate change has left no creature unimpacted.
Yet as more and more Wilderness areas are being used for human manufacturing and oil rigs, “Re-Wilding” has become a movement as small as your backyard and as big as the Amazon Rainforest.
As the World Wildlife Fund explains, “Rewilding can mean a lot of different things. It ranges from not mowing grass verges, to restoring rivers, through to the reintroduction of wild species. Rewilding generally involves letting nature take the lead. This is done by restoring natural processes and reducing human management.”
Wilderness is complicated, but there is so much it can teach us–if we let it.
I once heard Rev. Paula Stone Williams say, “Lost is a place too, and there is wisdom to be gained there.” This has stuck with me for years.
I think the Wilderness has a bad reputation, and like Lost, there is wisdom to be gained there. In fact, I wonder if Wilderness might just be the antidote many of us need for a faith that has been tamed by empire and modern life.
What might it mean to Re-Wild our lives, our faith, ourselves?
We may not know where we are going, but we need the Wilderness because it's a place of transformation.
I hope you will join us on Ash Wednesday (Feb 18, 7 PM) as we begin the journey of letting the Wild God lead.
See you in the Wilderness,
Pastor Jason
FPCE is going to be building Blessing Bags following worship and Congregational Meeting on Feb 15th. In addition to everyone having the opportunity to distribute bags, we will be sharing bags with Operation Safety Net to pass out while helping those in need. Please feel free to purchase directly through our Amazon Wish List or purchase items and drop off at the church. We will also be accepting financial donations which will help fill in any gaps we may have with various items. Please limit donations to the following items: toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, comb, Chapstick, small packs of tissues, hand sanitizer (small), applesauce (squeeze packets), granola bars, crackers, chicken/tuna packets, jerky sticks, dried fruit, fruit snacks, bottled water, socks, plastic forks/spoons.
The Annual Congregational Meeting will take place on Sunday, February 15 immediately following worship. Ministry team and committee reports will be received and the final budget approved by Session will be reviewed by the congregation. All Committee/organizations’ narrative reports are due February 9 in order to include in the printed Annual Report. Submit to [email protected].
Our next installment of first Wednesday Community Meals will be a celebration of the SOUPer Bowl - a variety of tasty homemade soups to share with our friends and neighbors. Join us on Wednesday, February 4 at 6pm downstairs in the Social Room. As always, these meals are free and open to the community and run until the soup pots are empty (typically 60-90 minutes). Warm up with your neighbors and celebrate the big game!
First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood is pleased to again offer a weekly yoga session at the church on Saturday mornings in the Gathering Place. Led by Heather Derby, Yoga will run for 9 consecutive Saturdays beginning on January 31 at 10am and ending on March 28, 2026.
Yoga at the Church is open to all and will operate on a "pay what makes you happy" donation model. Bring a mat (or borrow one!) and join us on Saturdays!
Why Yoga?
In recent years, the practice of yoga has found its way into various aspects of Western life, including discussions within Christian communities. For some, the Eastern origins of yoga raise questions about its compatibility with Christian faith. However, for many, including Christians practicing yoga, it offers a profound path to holistic well-being that can deepen their spiritual lives.
The question "Can Christians do yoga?" is often met with a resounding "Yes" from those who approach it with a deep sense of gratitude and respect for its ancient history. The intention is not to "Christianize" yoga, but rather to embrace practices that contribute to a holistic Christian spirituality. Yoga, at its core, is a discipline of mind, body, and spirit, fostering mindfulness, physical strength, and inner peace – all elements that can complement a life of faith.
One aspect of yoga that offers rich theological reflection for Christians is the greeting "Namaste." Often translated as "The divine in me bows to the divine in you," or "The light in me honors the light in you," Namaste resonates deeply with our understandings of Christ’s incarnation—fully God and fully human.
Considering the incarnation, Namaste speaks to the truth that God, in Jesus, took on human flesh. The "divine" fully entered and honored "the human." When we offer Namaste, we acknowledge the inherent dignity and the image of God present within each person, because God has come to dwell among us and embody humanity. It is a recognition of the sacredness infused into Creation through the very act of God becoming human. “Namaste” is an affirmation that every human being carries the imprint of a divine design, ultimately pointing to Christ, and it acknowledges the Spirit’s indwelling in each of us.
For Christians, practicing yoga and using greetings like "Namaste" can become a powerful embodied prayer, a way to honor God's presence in others, and a tangible expression of Christian love and respect for the sacredness of human life, rooted in the truths of our faith. It's an invitation to find common ground in shared humanity while deepening our understanding of Christian truths.
Namaste.
Yoga at the Church is open to all and will operate on a "pay what makes you happy" donation model. Bring a mat (or borrow one!) and join us on Saturdays!
Why Yoga?
In recent years, the practice of yoga has found its way into various aspects of Western life, including discussions within Christian communities. For some, the Eastern origins of yoga raise questions about its compatibility with Christian faith. However, for many, including Christians practicing yoga, it offers a profound path to holistic well-being that can deepen their spiritual lives.
The question "Can Christians do yoga?" is often met with a resounding "Yes" from those who approach it with a deep sense of gratitude and respect for its ancient history. The intention is not to "Christianize" yoga, but rather to embrace practices that contribute to a holistic Christian spirituality. Yoga, at its core, is a discipline of mind, body, and spirit, fostering mindfulness, physical strength, and inner peace – all elements that can complement a life of faith.
One aspect of yoga that offers rich theological reflection for Christians is the greeting "Namaste." Often translated as "The divine in me bows to the divine in you," or "The light in me honors the light in you," Namaste resonates deeply with our understandings of Christ’s incarnation—fully God and fully human.
Considering the incarnation, Namaste speaks to the truth that God, in Jesus, took on human flesh. The "divine" fully entered and honored "the human." When we offer Namaste, we acknowledge the inherent dignity and the image of God present within each person, because God has come to dwell among us and embody humanity. It is a recognition of the sacredness infused into Creation through the very act of God becoming human. “Namaste” is an affirmation that every human being carries the imprint of a divine design, ultimately pointing to Christ, and it acknowledges the Spirit’s indwelling in each of us.
For Christians, practicing yoga and using greetings like "Namaste" can become a powerful embodied prayer, a way to honor God's presence in others, and a tangible expression of Christian love and respect for the sacredness of human life, rooted in the truths of our faith. It's an invitation to find common ground in shared humanity while deepening our understanding of Christian truths.
Namaste.
Due to the snow storm over the weekend and cold temperatures, the church building is closed on Monday, January 26, 2026. The church office is closed, and the following groups will not meet in person at the church:
- Edgewood Daycare
- Scouts
- Vocal Confluence
- Steranka Flute Lessons
Join us at 8:00PM in the Sanctuary on Wednesday, December 24 for our annual Christmas Eve Communion & Candlelight worship service. Continuing with our Advent them "What do you fear?" from A Sanctified Art, the theme of the evening is "Good News is Louder Than Fear."
The Christmas season can be filled with saccharine images of Mary, meek and mild, with a quiet, sleepy Jesus in her arms. But the host of angels shouts to the skies, “Glory to God in the highest!” What would it look like for us to proclaim the good news loudly, with overflowing joy? In a world that weaponizes fear, where algorithms decide what gets weight, what gets circulated, and what takes up space, let us be disruptive with our joy. Let us be loud and unruly, amplifying the good news like the shepherds running into the streets of Bethlehem. In a world where good news never feels loud enough to drown out fear, let us shout with the angels, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace!”
The Christmas season can be filled with saccharine images of Mary, meek and mild, with a quiet, sleepy Jesus in her arms. But the host of angels shouts to the skies, “Glory to God in the highest!” What would it look like for us to proclaim the good news loudly, with overflowing joy? In a world that weaponizes fear, where algorithms decide what gets weight, what gets circulated, and what takes up space, let us be disruptive with our joy. Let us be loud and unruly, amplifying the good news like the shepherds running into the streets of Bethlehem. In a world where good news never feels loud enough to drown out fear, let us shout with the angels, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace!”
Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the worship at FPCE will still take place from the warmth of our homes. We have made the decision to move from in-person worship to a Zoom prayer service. The North Hills Singers visit has been canceled, and the congregational meeting will be rescheduled for a later date as determined by Session.
To view the adapted bulletin for today's worship, click the following link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/18O26o_mi23uU-MhGI3b-Znnfcn8yPZnV5894pGud3Yw/edit?usp=sharing
To view the adapted bulletin for today's worship, click the following link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/18O26o_mi23uU-MhGI3b-Znnfcn8yPZnV5894pGud3Yw/edit?usp=sharing
Nothing beats A VC Holiday! Join Vocal Confluence for its annual holiday show, "A VC Holiday - A Cappella Sounds of the Season." Featuring our all-voice barbershop chorus as well as many talented small groups, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
Shows are Saturday, December 13 at 7:30PM and Sunday, December 14 at 3:00PM in the FPCE Sanctuary. In the spirit of the holiday season, we will once again be offering the Pay What You Can ticketing model. Donations are greatly appreciated at the door, but no advanced tickets will be sold. Seating will be first-come, first-served. Don't forget to follow us on all social media platforms for all updates on this incredible holiday tradition!
Shows are Saturday, December 13 at 7:30PM and Sunday, December 14 at 3:00PM in the FPCE Sanctuary. In the spirit of the holiday season, we will once again be offering the Pay What You Can ticketing model. Donations are greatly appreciated at the door, but no advanced tickets will be sold. Seating will be first-come, first-served. Don't forget to follow us on all social media platforms for all updates on this incredible holiday tradition!
The Edgewood Symphony Orchestra’s annual holiday concert will take place here at First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood on Saturday night, December 6 at 7:30PM. Always a favorite among residents, magical surprises await you in this joyful concert featuring the ESO debut of soprano Chantal Braziel. And, of course, no holiday celebration would be complete without a visit from dear old Santa! More information and a link to tickets for this concert, and all of this season’s concerts, are at www.edgewoodsymphony.org.
Join us Wednesday, December 3rd at 6pm for a warm and wonderful evening of fellowship and festive cheer at Soup & Songs with Saint Nick!
Savor a comforting variety of delicious soups, including vegetarian and vegan options. We'll lift our voices together to sing beloved Christmas carols and share in the inspiring story of Saint Nicholas.
We will also be accepting donations of non-perishable goods to support the food ministries of FPCE.
This is a perfect event for the whole family to kick off the holiday season!
Savor a comforting variety of delicious soups, including vegetarian and vegan options. We'll lift our voices together to sing beloved Christmas carols and share in the inspiring story of Saint Nicholas.
We will also be accepting donations of non-perishable goods to support the food ministries of FPCE.
This is a perfect event for the whole family to kick off the holiday season!
 | Join in a special celebration to honor our beloved pianist, Sunny Sakai! On Sunday, Nov. 23, at 1:00PM in the Sanctuary, Sunny will perform a farewell concert, followed by reception in the Gathering Place. All are welcome. Please invite friends and past community members to share in this special tribute. Note that Sunny's last service as pianist at FPCE will be Christmas Eve. To make the worship even more special, daughter and violinist Inori will join as well. |
| VETERANS DAY COMMUNITY OBSERVANCE – The Edgewood Veterans will be holding a Veterans Day ceremony in Edgewood Memorial Park on Sunday, November 9. The ceremony will begin at 1:00PM, followed by a luncheon in the church Social Room. All are encouraged to participate in honoring our veterans. |  |
FREE PASTA DINNER, Wednesday, November 5, 6:00PM…All are invited to a free Community Dinner hosted by our Deacons in the Social Room. As we enter fall, we will enjoy a comforting classic: spaghetti with meatballs. Desserts are needed to share. Everyone is welcome to join; please bring your family, friends, and neighbors.
NOV. 4 POLLING SITE & BAKE SALE…FPCE will serve as a voting location again this year. Voting will take place in the Gathering Place. The Mission Committee is also planning to run a bake sale from 8AM-5PM. Donations of baked goods will be accepted days before and day of. Proceeds benefit the Mission of FPCE. Questions: contact Marcia Haley or Rhonda Apessos.
NOV. 2 - ALL SAINTS SUNDAY All Saints’ Day was established as an opportunity to honor all the saints, remembered and forgotten, known and unknown. It has been celebrated on or around November 1 since the ninth century. In the Reformed tradition, the emphasis of this festival is on the ongoing sanctification of the whole people of God. While we may give thanks for the lives of particular luminaries of ages past, we also give glory to God for the ordinary, holy lives of believers in this and every age. At FPCE, we give thanks for members of the community of faith who have died in the past year and pray that we may be counted among the company of the faithful in God’s eternal realm. Please email the church office ([email protected]) the names of those who have passed on during the last year whom you would like to remember at this service.
| Church Accompanist (Pianist/Organist) First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood 120 E Swissvale Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15218 www.fpcedgewood.org Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Benefits
Interested individuals should send their resume and video of performance to [email protected] FPCE is an Equal Opportunity Employer |  |
Pittsburgh East CROP Hunger Walk
Sunday, October 12
The Pittsburgh East community will celebrate its 48th year of walking to end hunger one step at a time. The oldest walk in the country, is sponsored by Church World Service (www.churchworldservice.org). 25% of what we raise is returned as grants to East End Cooperative Ministries and Wilkinsburg Community Ministry. FPCE will participate in this event with walkers from our congregation. If anyone else would like to join our small group of walkers, let the Church Office know. There are multiple length walks ranging from 1 to 4 miles around Waverly Church, Frick Park, etc. You can participate by either walking or sponsoring FPCE walkers by going to Pittsburgh East CROP Hunger Walk, scroll down to bottom of page, type in First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood to contribute online and support our effort to reduce hunger in our area!
Sunday, October 12
The Pittsburgh East community will celebrate its 48th year of walking to end hunger one step at a time. The oldest walk in the country, is sponsored by Church World Service (www.churchworldservice.org). 25% of what we raise is returned as grants to East End Cooperative Ministries and Wilkinsburg Community Ministry. FPCE will participate in this event with walkers from our congregation. If anyone else would like to join our small group of walkers, let the Church Office know. There are multiple length walks ranging from 1 to 4 miles around Waverly Church, Frick Park, etc. You can participate by either walking or sponsoring FPCE walkers by going to Pittsburgh East CROP Hunger Walk, scroll down to bottom of page, type in First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood to contribute online and support our effort to reduce hunger in our area!
DAVE THE DATE: APPLE FESTIVAL - Saturday, October 11, 11AM-2PM
After the rousing success of our new and improved Strawberry Festival we will be hosting another fundraiser showcasing apples! Come indulge in delicious treats like caramel apples, apple crumble, apple cider and more! We hope to have local band Milepost 6 providing live music again. Join us for an afternoon of fun, flavor and community. We're also looking for volunteers and bakers to help with this exciting event. If you have an apple-themed recipe or want to lend a hand, please reach out to Tyler McGuigan ([email protected]).
After the rousing success of our new and improved Strawberry Festival we will be hosting another fundraiser showcasing apples! Come indulge in delicious treats like caramel apples, apple crumble, apple cider and more! We hope to have local band Milepost 6 providing live music again. Join us for an afternoon of fun, flavor and community. We're also looking for volunteers and bakers to help with this exciting event. If you have an apple-themed recipe or want to lend a hand, please reach out to Tyler McGuigan ([email protected]).
 | Walking in the way of St. Francis, a visionary lover of all creation, we will hold a service of the Blessing the Animals. We will be on the side lawn (weather permitting) Saturday, October 4 at 11AM. All creatures great and small – and their guardians – are welcome. The service will open with a brief liturgy and prayer, then each pet will be blessed individually. Please invite your friends, families, and neighbors to this blessing ceremony. |
As the school buses fill the streets again, pools close for the season, and summer vacations come to an end, we resume our regular weekly programming at FPCE on Sunday, September 7. Our Sanctuary Choir begins rehearsals in the Choir Room at 9:30AM, Worship moves back to the 11 o’clock hour in the sanctuary, and coffee hour pushes back an hour to noon, when committee meetings will also take place in various locations. Sunday School will continue in the Nursery during worship, except on the first Sunday of the month, when we will encourage all to be part of our service together.
  | Our next evening book group discussion will focus on Beyond Welcome: Centering Immigrants in Our Christian Response to Immigration (2022) by Karen González. We will gather on Thursday August 14 at Amy Moore’s home (579 Briarcliff Rd). Dinner will be 6:00-6:30PM with discussion of Beyond Welcome: Centering immigrants in our Christian response to immigration by Karen Gonzalez (6:30-8:00PM). Feel free to bring a side to share. You don't need to have read the book to join in conversation and fellowship. The book is available for free through Hoopla (access with your library card). The audiobook is 5.5 hours long. When you arrive, you will receive TWO post-it notes. On each post-it, write ONE of the following to help guide the conversation:
|
Our next community meal will be August 6 at 6 PM.
Set-up at 4:30 PM.
If you are able to volunteer for any of these asks, reach out to Jim Segedy or sign up on Sunday!
We are in need of "not-hot" dishes (e.g., salads) as well as desserts!
Volunteers:
Set-up at 4:30 PM.
If you are able to volunteer for any of these asks, reach out to Jim Segedy or sign up on Sunday!
We are in need of "not-hot" dishes (e.g., salads) as well as desserts!
Volunteers:
- There is a cart loaded with paper products and Community Dinners supplies. The cart can be wheeled out, and at the end of the night, stocked back up for next month!
- John and Rick are our primary point-people for set-up and clean-up. If you have a question, ask them!
The Community Dinners are back!
June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3
Save the Dates: The First Wednesdays of June, July, August, and September at 6:00PM we’ll be firing up the grill on the side lawn (weather permitting – social room if inclement weather). And, as usual, they’re FREE! So bring your family, friends and neighbors for good food and fellowship!!! We start serving at 6:00 and go until the food runs out or the crowd dies down, whichever happens first!
Help is always needed with set-up, side dishes, desserts, serving, and tear-down. Contact Jim Segedy at [email protected] to let him know how you can help us make these important community outreach events happen successfully!
June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3
Save the Dates: The First Wednesdays of June, July, August, and September at 6:00PM we’ll be firing up the grill on the side lawn (weather permitting – social room if inclement weather). And, as usual, they’re FREE! So bring your family, friends and neighbors for good food and fellowship!!! We start serving at 6:00 and go until the food runs out or the crowd dies down, whichever happens first!
Help is always needed with set-up, side dishes, desserts, serving, and tear-down. Contact Jim Segedy at [email protected] to let him know how you can help us make these important community outreach events happen successfully!
 | FPCE is pleased to once again host the Summer Singers choral ensemble. This marks the fourth time the group has performed at Edgewood since 2019. Summer Singers is an outreach effort sponsored by the chamber choir Voces Solis, which minister of music Shaun Cloonan has been singing with since 2016 and serves on their board as publicity chair. The concert will take place on Saturday evening, July 26 at 7:00PM in the Sanctuary. Voces Solis presents the 15th annual Summer Singers, featuring an ensemble of nearly 120 performing a varied selection of choral repertoire under the direction of artistic director Dr. Ryan Keeling. 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. |
First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood is pleased to offer a weekly summer yoga session at the church in the sanctuary (location has been updated from the lawn due to weather this summer). Led by Heather Derby, Yoga on the Lawn will run for 6 consecutive Thursdays beginning at 6:30PM on June 26 and ending July 31, 2025.
Yoga at the Church is open to all and will operate on a "pay what makes you happy" donation model. Bring a mat (or borrow one!) and join us on Thursday, June 26!
Yoga at the Church is open to all and will operate on a "pay what makes you happy" donation model. Bring a mat (or borrow one!) and join us on Thursday, June 26!
Why Yoga?
In recent years, the practice of yoga has found its way into various aspects of Western life, including discussions within Christian communities. For some, the Eastern origins of yoga raise questions about its compatibility with Christian faith. However, for many, including Christians practicing yoga, it offers a profound path to holistic well-being that can deepen their spiritual lives.
The question "Can Christians do yoga?" is often met with a resounding "Yes" from those who approach it with a deep sense of gratitude and respect for its ancient history. The intention is not to "Christianize" yoga, but rather to embrace practices that contribute to a holistic Christian spirituality. Yoga, at its core, is a discipline of mind, body, and spirit, fostering mindfulness, physical strength, and inner peace – all elements that can complement a life of faith.
One aspect of yoga that offers rich theological reflection for Christians is the greeting "Namaste." Often translated as "The divine in me bows to the divine in you," or "The light in me honors the light in you," Namaste resonates deeply with our understandings of Christ’s incarnation—fully God and fully human.
Considering the incarnation, Namaste speaks to the truth that God, in Jesus, took on human flesh. The "divine" fully entered and honored "the human." When we offer Namaste, we acknowledge the inherent dignity and the image of God present within each person, because God has come to dwell among us and embody humanity. It is a recognition of the sacredness infused into Creation through the very act of God becoming human. “Namaste” is an affirmation that every human being carries the imprint of a divine design, ultimately pointing to Christ, and it acknowledges the Spirit’s indwelling in each of us.
For Christians, practicing yoga and using greetings like "Namaste" can become a powerful embodied prayer, a way to honor God's presence in others, and a tangible expression of Christian love and respect for the sacredness of human life, rooted in the truths of our faith. It's an invitation to find common ground in shared humanity while deepening our understanding of Christian truths.
Namaste.
In recent years, the practice of yoga has found its way into various aspects of Western life, including discussions within Christian communities. For some, the Eastern origins of yoga raise questions about its compatibility with Christian faith. However, for many, including Christians practicing yoga, it offers a profound path to holistic well-being that can deepen their spiritual lives.
The question "Can Christians do yoga?" is often met with a resounding "Yes" from those who approach it with a deep sense of gratitude and respect for its ancient history. The intention is not to "Christianize" yoga, but rather to embrace practices that contribute to a holistic Christian spirituality. Yoga, at its core, is a discipline of mind, body, and spirit, fostering mindfulness, physical strength, and inner peace – all elements that can complement a life of faith.
One aspect of yoga that offers rich theological reflection for Christians is the greeting "Namaste." Often translated as "The divine in me bows to the divine in you," or "The light in me honors the light in you," Namaste resonates deeply with our understandings of Christ’s incarnation—fully God and fully human.
Considering the incarnation, Namaste speaks to the truth that God, in Jesus, took on human flesh. The "divine" fully entered and honored "the human." When we offer Namaste, we acknowledge the inherent dignity and the image of God present within each person, because God has come to dwell among us and embody humanity. It is a recognition of the sacredness infused into Creation through the very act of God becoming human. “Namaste” is an affirmation that every human being carries the imprint of a divine design, ultimately pointing to Christ, and it acknowledges the Spirit’s indwelling in each of us.
For Christians, practicing yoga and using greetings like "Namaste" can become a powerful embodied prayer, a way to honor God's presence in others, and a tangible expression of Christian love and respect for the sacredness of human life, rooted in the truths of our faith. It's an invitation to find common ground in shared humanity while deepening our understanding of Christian truths.
Namaste.
Duquesne Light has a planned outage scheduled on Wednesday, June 18 for several streets in Edgewood from 8am-2pm. Anyone who may need to cool down or charge devices is welcome to come to the Lounge at the church from 9am-2pm.
 | Join us on Sunday, June 22nd at 6:00PM for "A BIG GAY BENEFIT RECITAL!" Local musicians Brian Gilling, Will Teegarden, and Sarah Steranka will play a recital of works by LGBTQ+ composers Yoshi Weinberg, Dame Ethel Smyth, Anthony Green, Liz Gre, and others. Attendance is free but donations will be collected for the Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation and TransYOUniting. Come one and all, and give what you can! TransYOUniting is a mutual aid non-profit providing resources to Pittsburgh's Transgender, LGBTQIA+, and HIV+ Community. Established in 2015, TransYOUniting creates an environment where black transgender women and other transgender individuals can thrive. Our comprehensive approach includes initiatives such as housing, workforce development, advocacy, and mutual aid. Dedicated services, led by our community, are crucial because:
Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation was founded in 2017 to improve the health of the LGBTQ+ and HIV communities. We offer a variety of services and resources to our communities, as well as expert training for organizations to improve their capacity to serve LGBTQ+ clients and staff. Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation is named in memory of Hugh “Huey” Lane. Huey lived in a time where being out and openly talking about HIV were highly stigmatized. Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation strives to address both LGBTQ+ and HIV bias across the many intersections of our communities to create spaces and opportunities for individuals to be their authentic, courageous selves. |
| SATURDAY, JUNE 21 (11AM - 2PM). Get ready for a berry delightful time! Our annual FPCE Strawberry Festival Fundraiser returns with more strawberry goodness than ever. Of course, our traditional strawberry shortcake will be present, but that's just the start. Indulge in homemade strawberry jam, refreshing strawberry lemonade, chocolate-drizzled strawberries, and a delightful array of yard games and other strawberry-themed surprises. Local band Milepost6 will perform live music as well! Join us for an afternoon of fun, flavor, and community. Pets are welcome, and costumes are encouraged for animals and humans alike. But be careful: You might turn into a strawberry by the end of the day! |  |
Worship moves to 10:00AM in the Gathering Place beginning June 1. Summer worship continues through June, July, and August before returning the the Sanctuary at the 11 o'clock hour.
| Ask the animals, and they will teach you, Or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; Or speak to the Earth, and it will inform you... In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all humankind. Job 12: 7-10 This is an open invitation to all congregants of FPCE to attend the first organizational meeting of the FPCE Pet Ministry on Sunday, June 8 after church at 11:00 AM. The role of a Pet Ministry is to share the awareness of the sacred nature of all living creatures and to advocate for their care and wellbeing with special appreciation for God’s presence in the lives of our animal companions. Please join us for coffee, cookies, and spiritual discussion as we are guided by the Holy Spirit to determine our name, logo, and mission. You don’t have to have a pet to attend; just bring your curiosity, compassion, and creativity! Jan and Barb will guide the process with a brief power point presentation followed by open discussion. |  |
| Join FPCE as we honor our Veterans at our annual Memorial Day Service. On Sunday, May 25 you are invited to attend the Edgewood Memorial Day Ceremony. The ceremony will be held at Edgewood Memorial Park starting at 1:00PM. A luncheon will be held after the ceremony in the Social Room of the church, provided by Edgewood Veterans. |  |
FPCE will be a warming center during our regular office hours this week. Come and warm up in our Gathering Place and Lounge this week from 9am-2pm Tuesday through Friday, January 21-24, 2025 (office closed Monday for the MLK holiday). Stay safe, neighbors! #deepfreeze #warmingcenter #edgewoodpa #loveourneighbors
We are kicking off 2025 with a second book group. Our first gathering will be in the evening on February 19th at the Lehrian household, discussing the book Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor by Caleb E. Campbell (2024).
Click HERE to access the free audiobook on Hoopla (login with your library card). Click HERE to purchase a copy and support local book stores.
What's on the back cover?:
"Pastor Caleb Campbell has watched as Christian nationalism has taken over large swaths of the United States. And he's suffered the relational fallout of standing against it, both in his community and his church. While it's possible to be both a Christian and hold Christian nationalist ideas, Christian nationalism itself is an un-Christian worldview, rooted in ideas about power, race, and property that are irreconcilable with Christian faith. Campbell has come to see himself as a missionary to Christian nationalists, reaching out to them with the love and freedom of Jesus Christ.
"In Disarming Leviathan, Campbell equips Christians to minister to their Christian nationalist neighbors. He introduces the basics of Christian nationalism and explores the reasons so many people are attracted to it. He also addresses a variety of American Christian nationalist talking points and offers questions and responses that humbly subvert these claims and cultivate deeper, heart-level conversations."
Click HERE to access the free audiobook on Hoopla (login with your library card). Click HERE to purchase a copy and support local book stores.
What's on the back cover?:
"Pastor Caleb Campbell has watched as Christian nationalism has taken over large swaths of the United States. And he's suffered the relational fallout of standing against it, both in his community and his church. While it's possible to be both a Christian and hold Christian nationalist ideas, Christian nationalism itself is an un-Christian worldview, rooted in ideas about power, race, and property that are irreconcilable with Christian faith. Campbell has come to see himself as a missionary to Christian nationalists, reaching out to them with the love and freedom of Jesus Christ.
"In Disarming Leviathan, Campbell equips Christians to minister to their Christian nationalist neighbors. He introduces the basics of Christian nationalism and explores the reasons so many people are attracted to it. He also addresses a variety of American Christian nationalist talking points and offers questions and responses that humbly subvert these claims and cultivate deeper, heart-level conversations."
Due to bank reporting, our congregational meeting and potluck is being rescheduled for Feb. 2nd after worship in the Gathering Place. Thank you for your flexibility and understanding!
All active members of the First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood are asked to attend our annual congregational meeting immediately following worship on Sunday, February 2. At this meeting, the final 2025 budget approved by Session will be received, annual reports and the pastor’s annual terms of call will be voted upon. A potluck luncheon will take place after the meeting in the Gathering Place. Please contact Judy in the church office ([email protected]) to let us know what side, entrée, or dessert item you will bring for the meal.
All active members of the First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood are asked to attend our annual congregational meeting immediately following worship on Sunday, February 2. At this meeting, the final 2025 budget approved by Session will be received, annual reports and the pastor’s annual terms of call will be voted upon. A potluck luncheon will take place after the meeting in the Gathering Place. Please contact Judy in the church office ([email protected]) to let us know what side, entrée, or dessert item you will bring for the meal.
FPCE is going to be building Blessing Bags on February 9 (change from originally published date) following the church service and our congregational meeting. These bags will be available for anyone to take and pass out to those in need. If you would like to make a financial donation please do so by February 2 or consider dropping off requested items (see list below) before February 7. Our goal is to fill a minimum of 200 bags with each of the items listed below. If you have any questions please email Tyler McGuigan at [email protected]
Please limit donations to the following items.
Please limit donations to the following items.
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- mouthwash
- comb
- chapstick
- small packs of tissues
- hand sanitizer (small bottles)
- applesauce (squeeze packets)
- granola bars
- crackers
- tuna/chicken packets (squeeze, not canned)
- jerky sticks
- dried fruit
- fruit snacks
- bottled water
- socks
- plastic forks/spoons
Sunday, December 22 at 11:00 AM
Fourth Sunday of Advent – Hope is Worth the Risk
A Family Worship Service with a puppet show led by our Worship & Arts Team!
Tuesday, December 24:
Christmas Eve Service at 8:00 PM
Nativity of the Lord – Love Knows Your Name
We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper together at our annual candlelight service.
*An ASL interpreter will be on site during this worship for those attending who may be deaf and in need of sign language assistance.
Sunday, December 29 at 11:00 AM
A Cozy Sunday of Lessons and Laughter
Wear your favorite Christmas sweater or pajamas to worship as we laugh, play, and worship
Fourth Sunday of Advent – Hope is Worth the Risk
A Family Worship Service with a puppet show led by our Worship & Arts Team!
Tuesday, December 24:
Christmas Eve Service at 8:00 PM
Nativity of the Lord – Love Knows Your Name
We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper together at our annual candlelight service.
*An ASL interpreter will be on site during this worship for those attending who may be deaf and in need of sign language assistance.
Sunday, December 29 at 11:00 AM
A Cozy Sunday of Lessons and Laughter
Wear your favorite Christmas sweater or pajamas to worship as we laugh, play, and worship
There are many moments in our lives when we need comfort. There are tough times when we yearn for consolation. The suffering people who looked for the long-awaited Messiah were given a hope-filled image of God in the writings of Isaiah. It expresses the belief that no matter what happens to us, God will be there to comfort and support us. Christmas can be a time for many when we are in need of that reassurance and comfort.
Perhaps we are grieving over the loss of a loved one, struggling with illness, or have experienced the loss of a job. We wonder how we will get through the holidays. To supplement our Advent series, Words for the Beginning, A Sanctified Art offers a simple worship liturgy for The Longest Night as a way to make space for difficult emotions during the holiday season, particularly grief around endings and anxiety around new beginnings. Our gifted associate music director and pianist, Sunny Sakai, will provide meditative piano music to accompany the service.
Those looking for comfort, hope, wholeness, and renewal are invited to join us for a time of quiet reflection and meaningful words and music on Saturday, December 21 at 1:00pm in the Sanctuary.
Perhaps we are grieving over the loss of a loved one, struggling with illness, or have experienced the loss of a job. We wonder how we will get through the holidays. To supplement our Advent series, Words for the Beginning, A Sanctified Art offers a simple worship liturgy for The Longest Night as a way to make space for difficult emotions during the holiday season, particularly grief around endings and anxiety around new beginnings. Our gifted associate music director and pianist, Sunny Sakai, will provide meditative piano music to accompany the service.
Those looking for comfort, hope, wholeness, and renewal are invited to join us for a time of quiet reflection and meaningful words and music on Saturday, December 21 at 1:00pm in the Sanctuary.
Students from the North Hills High School choral program, where Minister of Music Shaun Cloonan is director, will join FPCE for worship and a mini concert on Sunday, December 15. The North Hills Singers will combine with the FPCE Sanctuary Choir on an anthem during worship, present about 25 minutes of music from their holiday set after the service, and then share in a meal provided by our FPCE choir before returning home.
Join Vocal Confluence for a cappella sounds of the season this December! Enjoy classics such as “Deck the Halls,” “White Christmas,” and “Let it Snow,” to new favorites like “Warm in December,” “When Christmas Comes Around,” and more! These arrangements will vary in style from traditional barbershop singing to vocal jazz styles. There will surely be something for everyone!
Saturday, December 7 at 7:30PM is the annual Edgewood Symphony Orchestra kick-off to the holiday season. Bring the family and share your holiday season with mezzo-soprano soloist Amanda Russo Stante and trumpet soloist Catherine Getchell. We invite you to experience this festive concert of seasonal favorites, sparkling surprises and the ever-popular Holiday Sing-Along, guaranteed to put you and your family in the holiday spirit. Tickets at edgewoodsymphony.org
December 7 - Edgewood Light Up Night Caroling. We will meet at 6:15 at the church steps. We will hand out song books, but you will probably already know the songs we are singing. The Edgewood Foundation will be lighting the tree at Memorial Park (across from the church) promptly at 6:30, that is the point we will begin caroling. We will then take a short walk up two blocks of Maple Avenue and back down, caroling all the way. *Please note that Maple Avenue will be closed to cars for the event. **We will finish caroling in plenty of time to attend the Edgewood Symphony performance that begins at 7:30 that evening.
In addition, FPCE is once again requesting donations of new toys for children whose families aren’t able to shop for gifts for their little ones. This Christmas we are partnering with the Edgewood Foundation to ask for toys from members of the local community and from our church community. If you would like to give a gift for these families in need, please leave your unwrapped toys/gifts at the church or in the donation box by Santa’s Tent on Light Up Night. The Mission Committee will distribute these toys to local families through neighboring children's’ programs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call Marcia Haley or the church.
In addition, FPCE is once again requesting donations of new toys for children whose families aren’t able to shop for gifts for their little ones. This Christmas we are partnering with the Edgewood Foundation to ask for toys from members of the local community and from our church community. If you would like to give a gift for these families in need, please leave your unwrapped toys/gifts at the church or in the donation box by Santa’s Tent on Light Up Night. The Mission Committee will distribute these toys to local families through neighboring children's’ programs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call Marcia Haley or the church.
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