First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood
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  • Home
  • About
    • Leadership
    • Church History
    • Community Resource
    • Facility Use & Rental
    • Want to Join?
  • NEWS
    • ONLINE WORSHIP
    • NEWS & UPDATES
    • Newsletter
    • Renovation
    • Photos
  • Ministries
    • Worship Services
    • Christian Education
    • Music Ministry
    • Mission
    • Deacons
    • Presbyterian Women
    • FROGS Program
    • Community Meals
    • Stewardship
  • Calendar
  • Directions
  • Contact
  • DONATE

ONLINE WORSHIP

Feb. 22 - First Sunday in Lent

2/20/2015

 
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Dear members and friends of First Presbyterian,

            First of all, thank you brave souls who weathered minus degree wind chills last Sunday – we had a blessed and beautiful time.  Also a big thanks to those who joined us on a night-so-warm Ash Wednesday.  Again – a meaningful and joyful time together.

            So…what will Sunday morning bring?  I do hope it brings you to church.  We are going to sing some Taize music, good old traditional hymns – and a new one.  One of the more beautiful pieces from last week will get a second hearing.  I will be talking about one of the more difficult, interesting, disturbing, adventurous stories in the Old Testament.  The story of God starting over.  See Genesis 9: 8-17. 

See you Sunday!

Pastor Michael


Ash Wednesday Service - Feb. 18

2/16/2015

 
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7:00PM in the Lounge
We invite all of you—and urge you to bring your neighbors and friends—to an evening of reflective worship as we enter the season of Lent. We will pray, sing, hear the transforming word of scripture read and applied to our lives today. The service will conclude with the Imposition of Ashes.

Correct Pastor's Report for 2014 Annual Report

2/3/2015

 
During the January 25th congregational meeting, it was discovered that the previous year's entry was mistakenly put in the 2014 annual report under the Pastor's Report section.  Here is the correct and updated report by Pastor Michael that should have been included in the 2014 report:

Dear Members and Friends of FPCE, 
I knew there was something different about this place. I felt it back in the summer of 2012. I still remember that sunny, warm, July morning. The Pastoral Nominating Committee searching waited for me in the Pastor’s study. I was right on time. A good-looking, perpetually tanned, athletic Brad Masten answered the door, gave me a warm, welcoming smile, a firm handshake and we plunged into the interview. Ninety minutes later, I left the building but already carried this congregation in my heart. I had experienced something new for me as a pastor. As I spoke with the committed, articulate, energetic people on the PNC, I felt at home. I feel the same way today. I am profoundly blessed to serve as your Pastor. A few thoughts I’d like to share with you as we move into our 29th month together: 

I AM THANKFUL 
My how this church has grown! This congregation endured some difficult years. The issues you confronted were important, the years of conflict seemed to drag on forever. But in the end you - the dedicated members of this fellowship - emerged humbled, more disciplined, more mature and deeply committed to becoming “A Community Church.” I am grateful for your inquisitive minds, your thirst for spiritual development, your quest for effective mission and service and the compassion you show toward one another—and me and my family. After a painful parting from my previous call, I now rejoice, just as the Psalmist declared: “My mouth is filled with laughter, my tongue with shouts of joy.” (Ps. 126:2) 

I AM HOPEFUL 
As I look out at those who gather for Sunday morning worship, I am encouraged by what I see. Four generations are represented, from Florence Pickels to Sophia Grace. People from different levels of income and different racial backgrounds sit together in mutual love and support. The new members and frequent visitors all agree: this congregation accepts them at they are. There is no “FPCE member template.” I am hopeful that we will embrace future visitors in that same Christ-like spirit; where “there is no longer (division) between Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female; for all of you are one in Christ.” (Galatians 3:28) 

I AM ENERGIZED 
No doubt, the Lord is testing the main-line Protestant churches. In many ways, we mainliners have become side-liners. I’m sure we all grieve that reality. Since the late ‘90’s, the mainline churches have sometimes tried to incorporate, even imitate, the ever-growing, contemporary, mega-church model. I believe we are moving out of that stage, and I am encouraged. We need to be more creative and disciplined in nearly everything we do, but, trust me, a myriad of ministry models are working their way into the imaginations of mainline church leaders Instead of ruing our lessened impact on society, ministry and mission that grows out of the natural strengths of congregations such as FPCE are multiplying every year. I thumb through the books piled on my desk, at least four recent purchases speak directly to our situation. And I have yet to plumb the depths of on-line resources. I’m 61. I’ve been a pastor for 31 years. In many ways I believe my ministry is just getting started. Your readiness to try new things only encourages me even more. “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, (is) what God has prepared for those who love him.” (I Corinthians 2:9) 

I AM PRAYERFUL. 
I invite, no, I strongly encourage all of you to pray that the leadership of FPCE is able take us to the next step of our journey. Pray that, as one united congregation, we discern, persevere, patiently await and boldly follow where God leads. May we never forget: “with God, all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26) 

In Christ’s service, 
Michael P. Rucker, Pastor

Renovation Blog Page Created

2/3/2015

 
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As discussions continue around the possible upgrading of interior space with HVAC, restrooms, handicap accessibility, and functional use of common areas, a new blog page on this site has been created to keep the congregation informed and involved.  Click the "renovations" tab under "NEWS" to see the latest discussions and developments.

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First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood   |   The Community Church   |   120 East Swissvale Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15218   |   412-241-4613