Religion – Oct. 23
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.
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.
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 ages 5-12 and free to children under age 5.
Call 412-653-1400 to make a reservation.
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.
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.
The church is located on Fawcett Road. For more information, call 724-941-1103.
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.
• 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 are available.
• 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.
The church is located on Hickory Grade Road. Call 412-257-1707 for more information.
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.
The risk of carrying a BRCA gene mutation that causes breast and ovarian cancer is ten times greater among women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent than among the general population. As a result, Chabad of the South Hills, Mt. Lebanon, will offer a community awareness workshop through the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) titled “An Ounce of Prevention: BRCA, Genetic Testing, and Preventive Measures” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 and again at 10:15 a.m. Nov. 10.
The class will explore the biblical requirement to safeguard one’s health, whether it obligates Jews of Ashkenazi descent to test for BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 gene mutations, and whether Jewish law recommends women to undergo radical mastectomies or oophorectomies in case they do test positive, in order to save their lives.
It is the first class of a new six-week course, titled Life in the Balance, about the Jewishperspective on everyday medical dilemmas. The course is accredited for Continuing Medical and Legal Education.
Call 412-512-3046 or visit www.myJLI.com for registration and other course-related information. [JLI courses are presented by Chabad of the South Hills.
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.
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?
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.
Christ U.M. Church, Bethel Park, plans the following events:
• 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.
• The Five People You Meet in Heaven, based on the book by Mitch Alborn at 7 p.m. Wednesdays Oct. 30-Nov. 20
• Methodism 101: Guide for New/Renewing Methodists, 11 a.m. Oct. 27.
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.
• The youth group will host Center Church Christian Preschool families and the congregation for a costume party, 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 27. Costumes are optional. Family-friendly food and beverages will be served. RSVP to 724-941-9050 or centerpres@comcast.net.
• The Presbyterian Women are collecting gently worn designer and top name clothing for a unique boutique sale set for 9 a.m.-noon Nov. 10. Call the church office at 724-941-9050 for donation pick-up.
• Figures of Faith, 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Led by the Rev. Dr. Jack Aupperle, the final two weeks of the study will include Elie Wiesel on Oct. 23 and the Dali Lama on Oct. 30.
No charge. For more information, call 724-941-9050.
South Hills Assembly, Bethel Park, offers the following fall classes:
• How to Avoid Falling for a Jerk(ette), a dating class, Oct. 24. Contact jessicabetlow@hotmail.com.
• CommuniTEA Women’s Bible Study fellowship hosted by Pastor Sue Willis, 9:30 a.m. Nov. 1.
• Foundations for Faith, led by Pastor Rick Kardell, 7 p.m. Wednesdays.
• MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers, 9 a.m. Nov. 5 and 12.
For information, call 412-835-8900.
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.
Bethel Presbyterian Church offers the following classes:
• Trunk or Treat, 5-6:30 p.m. Oct. 26 in the church parking lot on 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.
Hamilton Presbyterian Church, Bethel Park, will hold Trunk or Treat at 1 p.m. Oct. 27 in the church parking lot. Decorate the trunk of your car and bring treats to hand out to the children as they go from car to car.
A free pizza lunch will be provided by the youth group and preschool.
For information, visit www.hamiltonpresbyterian.org or call 412-884-2722.
The Bible Chapel, McMurray, will hold the following:
• 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. Shoe boxes are available at The Bible Chapel, as well as box labels and brochures with packing instructions.
• Night of Worship, 7 p.m. Oct. 27. Extended time of worship through music and praise with Kirk and the band.
• Upward Basketball, offered through Upward Sports League. This 10-week season of one practice and one game each week is for kindergarten through eighth grade. Register through Nov. 4. For dates and registration, visit biblechapel.org.
• 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, 8 a.m. Nov. 23; Sermon Series: Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas, Nov. 30-Dec. 1.
For more information, visit www.biblechapel.org.
Peters Creek Presbyterian Church, Venetia, will celebrate Reformation Sunday and the Scottish heritage with bag pippers before the 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday services Oct. 27.
Traditional Scottish refreshments will follow the 11 a.m. service.
St. Thomas More Appalachia Team, Bethel Park, will sponsor a Theme Party for women at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 27 in the Family Life Center. A hot lunch will be served at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include lunch, dessert, beverage and one door prize ticket. For detail’s, call 412-835-6996.
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.
St. Thomas More Church, Bethel Park, will hold Holy Darkness at 7 p.m. Oct. 28 as part of its 2013 Adult Formation Series with Deacon William G. Batz.
Trinity United Methodist Church, located on Center Church Road in McMurray, will hold its annual spaghetti dinner and bake sale 4-7:30 p.m. Nov. 9 in Fellowship Hall.
Choice of meat or vegetarian sauce.
Dinner cost is $7 for adults and $4 for children ages 4-12. Children under the age of 4 are free. Take-out will be available. Proceeds benefit Trinity’s outreach ministries, including the Appalachia Service Project.
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.
St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Canonsburg, will hold its Thanksgiving Bake Sale 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 23.
Advance orders are being taken for nut, poppy and apricot raisin rolls. Call 724-743-0231 or 724-225-9593 by Nov. 10.
Canonsburg U. P. Church will celebrated Reformation Sunday at the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services Oct. 27. The Rev. Douglas Beltzner will provide the message. Music will be presented by the Chancel Choir, Brass Ensemble and bagpiper John Marthens. Refreshments will follow in Fellowship Hall. Wear something plaid.
• A GriefShare program is planned at 6:30 p.m. through Nov. 20 in Fellowship Hall. For details, call 724-745-0800.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.