Religion – Oct. 16
Peters Creek Presbyterian Church, Venetia, will hold an autumn apple festival beginning at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 19. The menu will include Brunswick stew and apple goodies. There will be children’s lawn games and caramel apple dipping.
Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children and $8 for seniors. Dessert only is $5. Call 724-941-6210 or stop by the office located on Brookwood Road.
• Reformation Sunday – Celebrate the Scottish heritage with bag pipers before 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday services on Oct. 27. Traditional Scottish refreshments will follow the 11 a.m. service.
A Mass of Anointing will be held at 11 a.m. Oct. 26 at St. Patrick Parish, Canonsburg. The elderly, those suffering from chronic conditions and those who anticipate surgery in the near future should attend. Lunch will be served in the cafeteria after Mass. To register for lunch, call Barb Bender at 724-229-3004.
Center Presbyterian Church, McMurray, offers Sunday worship services at 8:30 and 11 a.m. and Sunday school for all ages at 9:45 a.m.
• Figures of Faith, 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Led by the Rev. Dr. Jack Aupperle, the final three weeks of the study will include: Pope Francis on Oct. 16, Elie Wiesel on Oct. 23 and the Dali Lama on Oct. 30. No charge.
For more information, call 724-941-9050.
St. Valentine Church, Bethel Park, will hold a polka Mass and Oktoberfest Oct. 19. A vigil Mass will take place at 4 p.m. with dinner and dancing to Ray Jay and the Carousels following 5-10 p.m. in Frawley Hall.
BYOB. Beer and soft drinks will be available.
Tickets are $15. Tables of 6, 7 or 8 must be reserved by Oct. 10. Reservations made after that date will be open seating. No tickets will be sold at the door. For reservations, call 412-835-4415.
Christ U.M. Church, Bethel Park, plans the following events:
• Methodism 101: Guide for New/Renewing Methodists, 11 a.m. Oct. 20, 27.
• Trunk or Treat, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 23. Dinner 5:30-6:30 p.m. Crafts and games for kids. Adults provide treats for church kids. RSVP to 412-835-6621.
• Bible Study: Poverty, 10 a.m. Thursdays, beginning Oct. 24.
South Hills Assembly, Bethel Park, offers the following fall classes:
• How to Avoid Falling for a Jerk(ette), a dating class, Oct. 17 and 24. Contact jessicabetlow@hotmail.com.
• Lunch Bunch for Senior Adults, noon Oct. 17 in the multi-purpose room. Cost is $6 for lunch and Bible study. Sign up at the adult ministry table.
• Foundations for Faith, led by Pastor Rick Kardell, 7 p.m. Wednesdays.
• Synoptic Gospels, led by Tom Kwiatkowski, 7 p.m. Wednesdays.
For information, call 412-835-8900.
The Bible Chapel, McMurray, will hold the following:
• International Ministry Week will be celebrated at each location and online during the 6 p.m. service Oct. 19, and during the 9 and 10:45 a.m. services Oct. 20. Explore the history of International Ministry at The Bible Chapel as well as the future vision. On Oct. 23, a dinner will be held in the Family Life Center, South Hills Campus, followed by a program in the Worship Center.
• Night of Worship, 7 p.m. Oct. 27. Extended time of worship through music and praise with Kirk and the band.
• Operation Christmas Child – Pack any standard-sized shoebox with school supplies, hygiene items, toys and hard candy/gum, and drop off any weekend, Oct. 26-Nov. 17 to be sent through Samaritan’s Purse to needy children around the world, along with a gospel booklet in their native language. A limited number of shoe boxes are available at The Bible Chapel, as well as box labels and brochures with packing instructions.
• Women’s Bible study, 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Study the book of Matthew.
• Dinner and programs, Wednesdays, with dinner at 5:30 p.m. ($6/each or $20/family) and programs at 6:30 including Revi Clubs for kids, Roots Student Ministry and Bible Institute for adults. For a list of classes, visit biblechapel.org
• The Bible Chapel will be a collection site for unwanted medication. Visit the website for dates and times.
• Save the date: Men’s Thanksgiving Breakfast, Nov. 23; Christmas Cantata, 7 p.m. Dec. 6 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8.
For more information, visit www.biblechapel.org.
Ruthfred Lutheran Church, Bethel Park, offers a woman’s Bible study on the Book of John 9:15-11:20 a.m. Wednesdays. Included each week will be prayer and singing, a lecture and small group study.
A nursery and children’s ministry for infants through kindergarten will be provided, offering crafts, music and Bible stories.
For more information, call 412-831-6398.
The Nurture Committee at Wright’s United Methodist Church, Venetia, will sell Enjoy coupon books through the end of the year, with proceeds benefitting the Youth Summer Camp program.
To purchase a book at $30 each, call 724-348-5718.
An Oct. 23 deadline has been set to sign up and pay for a day trip on Dec. 5 to Amish Country, sponsored by Prime Time Ministries at Central Assembly of God, Houston. Call 724-746-4900 for details or to register.
Chabad of the South Hills, Mt. Lebanon, will offer “Life in the Balance: Jewish Perspectives on Everyday Medical Dilemmas,” a new course by the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute. The course will cover BRCA gene and genetic testing, end of life dilemmas, autopsy and anatomical dissection, aborting one life to save another, should the sale of organs be legal, and womb transplants.
• Option 1: 7:30-9 p.m. six Wednesdays, beginning Oct. 30 at the Crowne Plaza South, Bethel Park.
• Option 2: 10:15-11:30 a.m. six Sundays, beginning Nov. 10 at Chabad of the South Hills.
Fee is $95 per person, textbook included, or $170 per couple.
• In addition to its regular Hebrew School, held 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sundays, Chabad offers a new program from 4:30-6 p.m. Wednesdays at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Bethel Park. Three separate, seven-week sessions are designed to give ages 4-13 basic Jewish skills and love and knowledge of his/her heritage.
Choose any combination of programs. No affiliation required. Scholarships available. For more information, call 412-344-2424, visit www.chabadsh.com or email rabbi@chabadsh.com.
Bethel Presbyterian Church offers the following classes:
• Trunk or Treat, 5-6:30 p.m. Oct. 26 in the church parking lot at 2999 Bethel Church Road. This free, family-friendly event features a costume contest and best decorated trunk contest.
• Memorial service, 7 p.m. Nov. 1, hosted by the Stephen Ministries. Those wishing to remember a friend or loved one are asked to pick up a form at the church office. Include the deceased person’s name and return by Oct. 25.
• Sundays: Little Tykes, led by Lisa Wilfong and Cass Tabler for pre-K through second grade, 9:15-9:45 a.m.; Concord, led by Art Brandenburg for grades three-six, 9:15-9:45 a.m.; Youth, grades seven-12, 9-9:30 a.m.; and Adult, on Genisis, led by Pastor Tom, 9-9:45 a.m.
• Wednesdays: Women’s Bible study led by Kathy Fry at 7 p.m.
St. Thomas More Church, Bethel Park, will hold its 2013 Adult Formation Series with Deacon William G. Batz. Topics include: Teach Us How to Pray on Oct. 21 and Holy Darkness on Oct. 28. Programs begin at 7 p.m.
First Bethel United Methodist will hold Trunk or Treat 6-7 p.m. Oct. 27. The event will include costume contests, trunk decoration contests, crafts, games, treats and more. Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to South Hills Interfaith Ministries (SHIM).
RSVP to the King Schools Kids office at 412-835-6141. The church is located on Library Road, Bethel Park.
The Baldwin United Presbyterian Church will hold an Octoberfest dinner at 5 p.m. Nov. 2. Dinner will include mashed potatoes, applesauce, desserts and refreshments.
Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12 and free to children under age 5.
Call the church office at 412-653-1400 to make a reservation.
DivorceCare Ministries at South Hills Church of the Nazarene, Bethel Park, will offer a seminar titled “Surviving the Holidays” from 7-9 p.m. Nov. 9 at the church on Library Road.
Using DivorceCare material, this seminar will help those who are separated or divorced get through the holidays and discover new ways to enjoy them again.
There is a minimal charge for seminar materials, but scholarships are available. For more information, call 412-831-6333.
Youth Groups at John McMillan Presbyterian Church, Bethel Park, include Kids’ Klub (grades 3-6) and Trailblazers (grades 7-8).
The youth groups meet 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays and enjoys learning time, recreation and dinner. Cost of dinner is $2.50.
Call Pastor Louise or Judy Lipp with questions at 412-833-4704.
First United Methodist Church of Bridgeville will hold a spaghetti dinner 4-7 p.m. Oct. 19.
Dinner will include spaghetti with meat sauce, salad, bread, dessert and beverage. Tickets are $7 for adults, $4 for children ages 2-12, and free to children under age 2.
Take-out will be available. Proceeds benefit First UMC. Call 412-221-5577 for more information.
Beth Israel Congregation, Washington, is offering a free one-year membership (no dues or fees for 12 months) to any new Jewish member.
Regular Shabbat services are held at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 9:30 a.m. Saturdays. For more information, call 724-225-7080, 412-519-9499 or 724-225-1873.
Canonsburg U. P. Church offers a GriefShare program at 6:30 p.m. through Nov. 20 in Fellowship Hall. For details, call 724-745-0800.
Hamilton Presbyterian Church, Bethel Park, offers a new seven-week Bible study for women Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evenings.
Call 412-884-2722 to make a reservation. The church is on the corner of Baptist and Hamilton roads. A weekly contemporary service is held at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays. For more information, call 412-884-2722.
The fall session of the DivorceCare support group is held 7-9 p.m. Thursdays, through Dec. 12 at the South Hills Church of the Nazarene, Bethel Park. A weekly video prior to discussion with nationally recognized experts on divorce and recovery topics. Sessions include “Facing My Anger,” “Facing My Loneliness,” “Depression,” “New Relationships,” “KidCare” and “Forgiveness.”
Cost of $20 includes a workbook. Limited scholarships are available. Babysitting will not be available.
For more information, call 412-831-6333.
Fall schedule
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Carnegie, has returned to its regular schedule. A contemporary service of Holy Communion is held at 6 p.m. Saturdays, traditional Holy Communion liturgies at 8:15 and 11 a.m. Sundays, and Sunday school is held at 9:45 a.m.
Community Bible study holds its fall nondenominational study from 7-8:40 p.m. Mondays at Southminster Presbyterian Church, Mt. Lebanon.
This year’s study will be the Book of Romans and its relevance to our daily lives. Topics include: Who is righteous in God’s eyes? Is God for us or against us? How do we love one another? Should we respect our governing authorities?
CBS offers nondenominational study and is open to all. For more information, contact John Schrott at 412-600-8756 or jschrott@ikminc.com, or Jan Andrews at 412-736-9913.
Peters Creek Presbyterian Church, Venetia, has begun its fall worship schedule with services at 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday school classes for adults and children begin at 9:45 a.m.
For more information, call 724-941-6210.
My New Life
Bethany Presbyterian Church, Bridgeville, presents My New Life conducted by Dr. John Mazzola at 6 p.m. Sundays. The focus will be on marriage, relationships and personal needs. To register, call 412-600-05618.
Legacy Baptist
Legacy Baptist Church, located in Accelerando Music Conservatory, offers Sunday services at 11 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Choir practice is held at 10:10 a.m., and Sunday school at 10:30. Bible study takes place at 7 p.m. Thursdays.
Visit www.legacybaptistchurch.us or call 724-621-6785 for more information.
Beth Israel Congregation, Washington, is offering a free one-year membership (no dues or fees for 12 months) to any new Jewish member.
Regular Shabbat services are held at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 9:30 a.m. Saturdays. For information, call 724-225-7080.
Grace Community Church of Bridgeville, formerly Journey Church, will sponsor its annual Community Fall Festival 2-4 p.m. Oct. 19 in the church parking lot on Prestley Road.
The free event includes “Trunk-or-Treat,” carnival games, inflatables and food.
Covenant Community Church, Green Tree, will host a barbecue chicken dinner 6-8 p.m. Oct. 19. Music will be provided by Val. Cost is $8/adults, $5/ages 6-12, $25/family. For reservations, call 412-343-4411.
Calvary Full Gospel Church, Bridgeville, holds prayer service in the chapel every second and fourth Monday.
• Sunday school is held weekly. Refreshments will be served at 8:45 a.m. followed by class at 9.
• Special service, 7 p.m. Oct. 16 in the sanctuary, “America Godly Heritage” on DVD.
• House of Hope, a rescue home in El Salvador for teenage girls and children, has opened. For information or to contribute, call the church.
• Pastor Bob Pilardi continues his Sunday series, Win Your Battle.
• Beth Moore’s “Breaking Free” series on DVD for ladies only, 7-8:15 p.m. Wednesdays in the chapel. Workbooks available, but not required.
• Men’s study, Wednesdays in the prayer room. Study a six-part DVD series by John Bevere titled “The Holy Spirit.” Workbooks available, but not required.
• Winter Baseball Hitting Clinic, a 10-week program beginning Nov. 3 for boys and girls ages 7-18. Email deut0818@comcast.net by Oct. 18 for details or to sign up.
The church is located on Hickory Grade Road. Call 412-257-1707 for more information.
The Pet Ministry at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Upper St. Clair, will offer the following:
• Pet Therapy Training Classes, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays, through Oct. 28. Owners of certified therapy dogs can take the dogs to visit shut-ins, residents in nursing homes or assisted living communities.
• The Truth behind Pet Food Myths, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 30. Dr. Brad Carmichael of Pleasant Valley Veterinary Clinic will discuss nutritional facts and secrets behind the pet food industry.
Visit www.westminster-church.org for more information.
Christian Crafters at Fawcett U.M. Church, Bridgeville, are collecting items for its Christmas shoe box ministry for Native American children. Fleece blankets for infant to preteen children are also being made. Needed are two yards of fleece material, slippers, socks, mittens, gloves and hats as well as small toys and books.
Drop items off at the church 6:30-8 p.m. Thursdays, through Oct. 17.
The church is located on Fawcett Road. For more information, call Barbara at 724-941-1103.
Our Lady of Grace Church, Scott Township, offers the following studies:
• Catholic scripture study on the Gospel of John, 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays.
• Bible study, 9:45-11 a.m. Tuesdays, through Nov. 19, focusing on the readings from Sunday Mass. There is a $5 fee for the study binder.
To register, call 412-279-7070 or visit www.olgscott.org.
Unitarian Universalist Church, Mt. Lebanon, will present a Jesus seminar Nov. 15-16. Session times are 7:30 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Authors Hal Taussig, PhD, and Arthur J. Dewey, Th.D. will be presenters. Texts to be discussed include: Gospel of Mary (Magdalene), Thunder, Perfect Mind, Gospel of Thomas and Letter of Peter to Philip. For fee information, call 412-561-6277.
Blanket Night will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 8 at St. Margaret’s Church in Green Tree. Make a polar fleece tie blanket to donate to charity.
Bring 1 1/2 yards print polar fleece and 1 1/2 yards coordinating solid polar fleece and scissors. Instructors and refreshments provided. For details, call 412-921-5570.
Grace Community Church, Bridgeville, formerly known as Journey Church, holds worship services at 10:45 a.m. Sundays. Pastor Bryan Thiessen will continue to preside over the congregation at its original location, 56 Prestley Road.
Our Lady of Grace Church, Scott Township, will host Dr. Lawrence Sutton 7:30-9 p.m. Oct. 17 in Keffer Hall.
Dr. Sutton will discuss his book “How to Welcome, Include and Catechize Children with Developmental Disabilities.”
For more information, call 412-279-7070.