My Friends,
Mark tells the story in his gospel about the brothers James and John asking Jesus for special seats when Jesus comes into his glory. They each want to sit beside Jesus, one on his left and the other on the right (Mark 10:35-45). Matthew tells the same story, but in his telling it is their mother who makes the request (Matthew 20:20-28). That family dynamic is intriguing, but we leave it for another time and another study!
I thought of that story because of our own seating arrangements, both for in person worship and for worship through live streaming. For one thing, seating in the sanctuary is designated to certain pews and a limited number of people. So, you might want to be in your special pew, but it might not be available! And if you’re live streaming, it’s your sofa or on your deck and maybe very comfortable, but it’s just not the same as sitting among others in the pews.
But what’s important about this story, I think, is how it ends. Of course, the other disciples get angry when they hear of the brothers’ special request. Jesus, however, tells them all to sit up and pay attention; it’s not where they sit, but how they serve: “For the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve…” (Mark 10:45)
How wonderful it is that no matter where we are sitting, we worship together and offer our lives to Jesus Christ as he calls us to serve faith, hope, and love to our hurting world.
Grace and peace,
Bruce
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Sunday, September 27
Join us for in person or livestream worship services from our sanctuary on Sunday mornings.
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9:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
Here I Am
Bruce Lancaster
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In Person Worship
Reserve your seats for this Sunday's in person worship services by clicking the Worship Reservations button. For assistance, please call Peg Kinsey at the church office at 412-835-6630.
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Livestream Worship
We will continue to live stream our services so that we all may worship, that no matter where we are, we are united as the one body of Christ. Click the Watch Live Services button to access our livestream services.
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Giving of Tithes and Offerings |
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Giving of tithes and offerings is an important act of worship. Whether you are worshiping with us in person or through our livestream option, we thank you for your gifts which help us to continue the work of the church. Read about the different ways to give to Westminster.
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Last Week's Worship Services
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The Spire Online
If you prefer a printable version, all previous issues of the Spire are available.on our website.
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Westminster Seminars Online
Sunday, September 27
10:00 - 10:45 a.m.
Zoom
Consider the Lilies: The Path of Christian Meditation
Roger Owens, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
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Peace & Global Witness Special Offering
Throughout the month of October, as we participate in the Peace & Global Witness Offering, our church is extending Christ’s peace throughout our community, our region, and around the world. Read more.
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World Communion Sunday
Sunday, October 4
Extending the peace of Christ is part of an active, engaged faith – a witness to what it means for us to be building the household of God. On World Communion Sunday, we celebrate that Christ’s peace extends throughout all creation. We celebrate that we are all together at the table, whether in God’s house or virtually. Read more.
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Blessing of the Pets
Sunday, October 4
2:00 p.m.
North Parking Lot
All people-friendly pets and their owners are invited to a designated celebration that both acknowledges and pays tribute to the loyal animal companions that love us unconditionally. Read more.
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Faith Witness Against Racism
Sunday, October 4
4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Westminster’s front portico and roadside area
Many of us are pained by the racial injustice we see underlying the current focus on racism. Our faith has much to say about this. Join in a Faith Witness to end racism. Read more.
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Upcoming Events
Jesus Christ and the “Dividing Wall”: Race and God’s Mission, Begins Wednesday, October 7 - Read more.
Treasures for Troops Donation Drive, Sunday, October 11 - Read more.
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Volunteers Needed
Closet Inventory and Organization Project
Help is needed to inventory the closets and storage areas in the church. With the guidance of those who “have ownership” of these areas, we will donate or discard things no longer useful.
The schedule is completely flexible and based on the time and availability of the volunteer. You can help one time or more. We will work in pairs, socially distanced and wearing masks. Read more or contact Jan Baumann.
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Contact Us
Westminster Presbyterian Church
2040 Washington Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15241
412-835-6630
Interim Senior Pastor, Head of Staff
Associate Pastor for Congregational Care
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