One of the goals that we have as a church is to give people hands-on opportunities to serve other people. On Thursday, January 14, we are offering the first such opportunity for the new year. Everyone is invited to gather at 6:30 p.m. to help make fleece blankets for the residents at a local personal care home. The material will be provided. If you have sharp scissors, please bring them.
If you have ideas about other projects that we could do, please let Tricia Sanders or me know. Our goal is to have at least four such projects during 2010, but we would certainly be excited about accomplishing even more!
Ed Bowen
Monday, January 4, 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Emmanuel
"An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, 'Jospeh, son of David, no not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.' All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 'Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,' which means 'God is with us.'" (Matthew 1:20-23)
As we enter a new year, we need to remember the great promise that we have been given: God is with us. At times that might be a difficult thing for us to believe. When terrorists attempt to blow up airplanes, when unemployment is so widespread, when wars rage on around the world - at times we might be led to wonder if God really is with us.
But the good news of this Christmas season - and the good news that we are able to carry with us throughout the year - is that God is truly with us, no matter what.
And so as we prepare to enter into a new year - and daily, as enter each new morning - let us remind ourselves that God is with us. And let us allow our words and actions to show forth that that is what we genuinely believe.
Ed Bowen
As we enter a new year, we need to remember the great promise that we have been given: God is with us. At times that might be a difficult thing for us to believe. When terrorists attempt to blow up airplanes, when unemployment is so widespread, when wars rage on around the world - at times we might be led to wonder if God really is with us.
But the good news of this Christmas season - and the good news that we are able to carry with us throughout the year - is that God is truly with us, no matter what.
And so as we prepare to enter into a new year - and daily, as enter each new morning - let us remind ourselves that God is with us. And let us allow our words and actions to show forth that that is what we genuinely believe.
Ed Bowen
Monday, November 16, 2009
It Is Good For Us To Be Here
One of today's lectionary readings from the Bible (Matthew 17:1-8)
1Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 6When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.
This passage is commonly referred to as the Transfiguration. In some miraculous, amazing way Jesus' appearance was changed, or transfigured, as three of his disciples looked on.
But notice that this special encounter with Jesus took place away from the crowds and the busy-ness of life. It took place on top of mountain.
Even today, Jesus wants us to encounter him in special ways. Our challenge is find times each week - or ideally, each day - to experience periods when we can be calm and quiet, and spend time in Jesus' presence. As we do that, we will grow in our relationship with Jesus, and we will grow in our ability to understand God's will for each of our lives.
When we find those period of calm and quiet, hopefully we will say what Peter said, "Lord, it is good for us to be here."
Ed Bowen
1Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 6When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.
This passage is commonly referred to as the Transfiguration. In some miraculous, amazing way Jesus' appearance was changed, or transfigured, as three of his disciples looked on.
But notice that this special encounter with Jesus took place away from the crowds and the busy-ness of life. It took place on top of mountain.
Even today, Jesus wants us to encounter him in special ways. Our challenge is find times each week - or ideally, each day - to experience periods when we can be calm and quiet, and spend time in Jesus' presence. As we do that, we will grow in our relationship with Jesus, and we will grow in our ability to understand God's will for each of our lives.
When we find those period of calm and quiet, hopefully we will say what Peter said, "Lord, it is good for us to be here."
Ed Bowen
Monday, September 7, 2009
Exciting Start to the Fall Season
This fall season got off to an exciting start as many of our youth programs started back up for the new school year. On Sunday, August 30, we had around 35 teens come for our PYC youth group for grades 6-12. The youth had a great time, and we're looking forward to some outstanding events this fall, including a sleepover in October and a retreat at Crestfield in November. My hope is that during this coming year we will see the group grow to about 100 young people, gathering on a regular basis for prayer, Bible study, service projects, and fellowship.
This past Wednesday was rather awesome as about 75 kids in kindergarten through grade 6 came for the first day of Youth Club. All the kids seemed to have a great time with the music, Bible story, games, dinner, and Celebration Time. Right now the kids are preparing a special song to sing in Sunday worship on September 20, which will be our first Youth Club Sunday of the school year.
Please pray for the children of our area - and their families. And please pray for our church as we seek to share the good news of Jesus through our youth ministries.
Ed Bowen
This past Wednesday was rather awesome as about 75 kids in kindergarten through grade 6 came for the first day of Youth Club. All the kids seemed to have a great time with the music, Bible story, games, dinner, and Celebration Time. Right now the kids are preparing a special song to sing in Sunday worship on September 20, which will be our first Youth Club Sunday of the school year.
Please pray for the children of our area - and their families. And please pray for our church as we seek to share the good news of Jesus through our youth ministries.
Ed Bowen
Friday, June 12, 2009
Baccalaureate
On June 9, I had the honor and privilege of being a part of the Baccalaureate service for the seniors at Carlynton High School. Many people might not realize it, but most school districts have abandoned having Baccalaureate services for their students, but Carlyton continues.
Even though the Penguins were playing Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals that night, the senior class was very well represented, along with many of their family members and friends.
I was particularly impressed by the speeches that four of the students gave, in which they shared how their faith has played a role in the school life. One student told about how she organized a "Meet You At The Pole" event, as part of a nationwide event that encourages students and school personnel to gather at the school flag pole on a particular day in the fall to pray for the school and the community. She told about how the event was very small when she first organized it, but how it has now grown into something significant for the school community.
A member of the football team shared about how many members of the team pray before games and meals, praying for their safety, praying for the other team, and praying for each other.
Another student spoke about she was part of a group of students who regularly met to pray and read the Bible.
And another student told about how many of those who participated in the musical regularly got together and formed a prayer group.
I found it to be very inspiring that the Christian faith is playing such a significant role in the lives of many of our area young people.
Ed Bowen
Even though the Penguins were playing Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals that night, the senior class was very well represented, along with many of their family members and friends.
I was particularly impressed by the speeches that four of the students gave, in which they shared how their faith has played a role in the school life. One student told about how she organized a "Meet You At The Pole" event, as part of a nationwide event that encourages students and school personnel to gather at the school flag pole on a particular day in the fall to pray for the school and the community. She told about how the event was very small when she first organized it, but how it has now grown into something significant for the school community.
A member of the football team shared about how many members of the team pray before games and meals, praying for their safety, praying for the other team, and praying for each other.
Another student spoke about she was part of a group of students who regularly met to pray and read the Bible.
And another student told about how many of those who participated in the musical regularly got together and formed a prayer group.
I found it to be very inspiring that the Christian faith is playing such a significant role in the lives of many of our area young people.
Ed Bowen
Friday, May 8, 2009
Summer Camp
Over the years researchers have interviewed adult Christians and asked them to identify what was the most important thing that influenced them to become excited about the Christian faith. Time and again the responses are the same: summer camp. Even though things like Sunday school, youth groups, worship, and other church activities are certainly important, church summer camp has had a profound impact on the lives of many people over the years.
Our church, as part of Pittsburgh Presbytery, is blessed to have Crestfield as our camp and conference center. Located just outside Slippery Rock, in the summertime young people from across the area flock to Crestfield's 224 acres to enjoy canoeing, hiking, Bible study, crafts, swimming, swamp ball, hayrides, camp outs, and so much more. And in the midst of those fun and engaging activities, many young people discover the wonderful love that God has for them.
If you know a young person (in grade 3 or older) who would like to spend a week at Crestfield at summer, let me know. We are organizing a group to go together from July 26-31. Or if you would like to help provide scholarships for a youth to attend camp (a week at camp costs $325), please mark "Summer Camp Scholarship" on your check or envelope.
My hope is that we'll be helping at 20 young people in the area to attend Crestfield this summer. And let it be our prayer that during that week at camp, those young people will come back enthused and excited to continue their journey of faith as part of our church community.
Ed Bowen
Our church, as part of Pittsburgh Presbytery, is blessed to have Crestfield as our camp and conference center. Located just outside Slippery Rock, in the summertime young people from across the area flock to Crestfield's 224 acres to enjoy canoeing, hiking, Bible study, crafts, swimming, swamp ball, hayrides, camp outs, and so much more. And in the midst of those fun and engaging activities, many young people discover the wonderful love that God has for them.
If you know a young person (in grade 3 or older) who would like to spend a week at Crestfield at summer, let me know. We are organizing a group to go together from July 26-31. Or if you would like to help provide scholarships for a youth to attend camp (a week at camp costs $325), please mark "Summer Camp Scholarship" on your check or envelope.
My hope is that we'll be helping at 20 young people in the area to attend Crestfield this summer. And let it be our prayer that during that week at camp, those young people will come back enthused and excited to continue their journey of faith as part of our church community.
Ed Bowen
Monday, April 20, 2009
Legal Help - A New Ministry
In May another exciting new ministry will begin in our church. One of our members, who is an attorney, has offered to be available to meet with people from the church or community who might need help with various legal matters. For instance, she will be available to assist people with preparing wills, living wills, and powers of attorney, as well as other legal questions or issues that people might have.
This member has decided to engage in this ministry, in part, as a result of a recent sermon in which I invited people to seriously consider how we can use the talents and resources that God has given each of us to serve other people.
We will start this ministry on Wednesday, May 27, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. If you would like to schedule an appointment to meet with the attorney, please call the church office at 412-921-2293 to set up a time. Our plan is to offer this service one evening each month.
We celebrate the beginning of this important new ministry!
Ed Bowen
This member has decided to engage in this ministry, in part, as a result of a recent sermon in which I invited people to seriously consider how we can use the talents and resources that God has given each of us to serve other people.
We will start this ministry on Wednesday, May 27, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. If you would like to schedule an appointment to meet with the attorney, please call the church office at 412-921-2293 to set up a time. Our plan is to offer this service one evening each month.
We celebrate the beginning of this important new ministry!
Ed Bowen
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