Welcome to the online version of Westminster's newsletter. Published ten times a year, the Spire shares congregational news and articles from the pastors as well as from other spiritual leaders, staff, and members. If you prefer a printable version, use the button below to download a printable PDF copy of any previous issue of the Spire.
My Friends, People are looking everywhere for help, support, and guidance for the challenges of life, especially in these days of darkness clouded by natural disasters, a global pandemic, social injustices, and partisan politics. So, what are people of good faith to do? For starters, we should not give in to the darkness; we should combat darkness with light. John begins his Gospel with that…
Seven year old Lily and her brother set up a blue canopy in their front yard inviting the neighbors to collect canned goods for SHIM, South Hills Interfaith Movement. A flier had come to our front door a few days earlier asking us to drop by to make a donation: “Anything you bring is enuff.” As the weekend rolled along, I watched them sitting expectantly, hour after hour, waiting for cars to pull up …
If all goes according to plan, by the time the October Spire lands in your inbox or mailbox, we will have had a few chances to worship together in person. If you’ve chosen to hang back for a little while longer, I’m so glad that we have the capability through video, livestream, and print to stay connected. If you decided that a Sunday morning in our sanctuary was just what the doctor ordered, the…
October 4, 11, 18, and 25 All One in Christ Jesus? Christian Unity in Complicated Times Rev. Liddy Barlow, Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania We say that we believe in “one” holy, catholic, and apostolic church – but arguments and schisms have left the church divided into thousands of quarreling factions. In these seminars, we’ll explore what Christian unity means, why it matters, and how we …
The Feast of St. Francis is celebrated on October 4. The below prayer is not written by St. Francis, but often attributed to him. Prayer of St. Francis Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy; O Divine…
October 4, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Westminster’s front portico and roadside area Masks and social distancing required Today’s news can give us whiplash…one story shows crowds of people, black and brown and white, young and old, filling the streets with artwork and singing and calls for racial justice. The next story shows looting and burning and tearing down and even shooting. We are torn apart by watch…
