Sep 18, 2013 12 min read

Westminster Presbyterian Church, Upper St. Clair, and Christ United Methodist Church, Bethel Park, are partnering on Sept. 28 in the fight against hunger, and more than 800 volunteers are needed to make this one-day event a success.

Shifts are planned in 1-½ hour increments, beginning at 9 a.m., 10:30, noon, 1:30 p.m. or 3 at Westminster Church on Washington Road.

Register now at www.westminster-church.org to help package 100,000 meals for Stop Hunger Now, an international hunger relief agency.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul will hold a truck drive for household items and clothing 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 28-29 in the parking lot at St. Patrick Church, Canonsburg.

Bundle up clean, usable items into boxes and bags and bring them to be loaded directly into the truck.

Needed items include clean clothing and accessories for all sizes/ages (especially coats), household items (linens, blankets, kitchenware, etc.) and small working appliances (microwaves, mixers, etc.).

Abundant Life Baptist Church, Washington, will hold a free electronics recycling event 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 21.

For a complete list of what an be recycled, visit www.ccrcyber.com/computer-recycling or call 1-866-925-2354.

To celebrate the Feast of St. Francis, St. Francis Academy Alumnae Association will sponsor a Blessing of Animals at 1 p.m. Oct. 5 at St. Francis Academy, 3603 McRoberts Road, Whitehall.

South Hills Assembly, Bethel Park, offers the following fall classes:

• Register and pay by Sept. 19 for the Band of Brothers 2013 Men’s Conference, planned for Oct. 18-19 at Christian Life Assembly in Camp Hill. Fee of $85 includes conference, transportation from SHA and return, lodging, one breakfast, one lunch and one snack. Sign-up sheet at the Adult Ministry table. Contact Pastor Paul Housman at 412-835-8900 ext. 107 with questions.

• Lunch Bunch for Senior Adults, noon Sept. 19 and Oct. 17 in the Multi-Purpose Room. Cost is $6 for lunch and bible study. Sign up at the Adult Ministry table.

• Bouncy House Worship CD Release Party, 6 p.m. Sept. 27 in the Youth Center.

• Soberfest, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 28 at South Park’s Black Ash Grove (near the police station) for those in recovery, those seeking recovery and family members. Bands, food, fellowship and testimonies. Suggested donation is $10.

• RSVP by Sept. 30 to the Crowned With Compassion Annual Fundraising Banquet, which will be held 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. RSVP to Pastor Kay at 412-835-8900 ext. 104.

• Mary, Martha & Me, 10 a.m. Wednesdays

• Sanctuary Bible Class, 7 p.m. Wednesdays

For information, call 412-835-8900.

Christ U. M. Church, Bethel Park, will hold Women’s Study: Our Common Sins at 7 p.m. Sept. 19. Discuss denial, sleeping through importance, telling lies and betrayal. Book is $7.

For details, call 412-835-6621.

The Bible Chapel, McMurray, will hold the following:

• Chonda Pierce Girl Talk Tour, 6 p.m. Sept. 22. Visit the website for ticket information.

• “Lord, I Just Want to be Happy” women’s conference featuring author and professional counselor Leslie Vernick, Oct. 4-5. Tickets available at itickets.com and the Chapter 2 Bookstore, South Hills campus.

• Women’s Bible study, 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays. A time of worship followed by a study of 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 offered through the Bible Institute and to register, visit biblechapel.org

• National Drug Take Back – in conjunction with the Peters Township Police Department, The Bible Chapel will be a collection site for outdated and unwanted medications of any kind, no questions asked. Visit the website for collection dates and times.

For more information, visit www.biblechapel.org.

Beth Israel Congregation, Washington, is offering a free one-year membership (no dues or fees for 12 months) to any new Jewish member. Beth Israel has a religious school and kosher kitchen. Yearly activities include a Yom Kippur Break-the-Fast, Chanukah luncheon, Purim hamantashen bake and sale, community Passover Seder and more.

Regular Shabbat services are held at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 9:30 a.m. Saturdays

For more information, call 724-225-7080, membership chairman Richard Littman at 412-519-9499 or congregation president Marilyn Posner at 724-225-1873.

Bethel Presbyterian Church offers the following classes:

• 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 3-6, 9:15-9:45 a.m.; Youth, grades 7-12, 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 Nancy Galbraith, 10 a.m.; Sexuality and Humanity, a six-week course led by Pastor Tom, 7 p.m. beginning Sept. 25.

National contemporary Christian music artist Randall Goodgame brings his “Slugs & Bugs” tour to Christ United Methodist Church, Bethel Park, at 4 p.m. Sept. 21. Sponsored by the United Methodist Pittsburgh District, the show offers Christian music and is geared especially toward children under 10.

Advance ticket sale packages are available with special perks.

Tickets are $5/person. Call Janet Luketich at 412-835-6621 ext. 110, Sue Irwin at 412-835-6621 ext. 114 or Andrea Erbrecht at 724-330-5350.

The Youth Ministry at St. Thomas More Parish, Bethel Park, will hold Welcome Night for eighth-graders through high school students at 6 p.m. Sept. 22. Plans will be discussed for the year.

Chabad of the South Hills, Mt. Lebanon, will off the following events:

• Sushi in the Sukkah, presented by the Jewish Women’s Circle, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23. Celebrate the opening event of the year with good food, great company and the heartwarming personal story “Never say Never: A story of one woman’s journey to a place she said she could never go.” Cost is $10. RSVP to 412-344-2424 or batya@chabadsh.com.

• Seniors and Soup in the Sukkah, noon Sept. 24. High Holiday musical entertainment, food, fellowship and raffles. Suggested donation is $5. Wheelchair accessible. RSVP to Barb at 412-278-2658 or barb@chabadsh.com.

• In addition to its regular Hebrew School, held 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sundays, Chabad will offer a new program from 4:30-6 p.m. Wednesdays, beginning Oct. 9 at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Bethel Park. Three separate, seven-week sessions are designed to give children basic Jewish skills and love and knowledge of his/her heritage.

Both the Hebrew School and the new program are for ages 4-13. Choose any combination of programs. No membership or affiliation required. Affordable rates and small classes. Scholarships available.

For more information, call 412-344-2424 or visit www.chabadsh.com. To RSVP, call 412-344-2424 or visit www.chabadsh.com.

Nativity of The Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, Monongahela, will hold its 15th Annual Ethnicfest Sept. 28-29 at Chess Park.

Ethnicfest opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday and noon on Sunday and closes at dusk on both days.

There will be ethnic and American food booths, flea market, bake sale and bounce house for kids. The Nutones polka band will perform live 3 p.m.-dusk Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

St. George Orthodox Church, Bridgeville, will hold its 28th annual award-winning “Original Feast from the East” Oct. 4-6 at the church on Dewey Avenue.

Hours are noon-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon-6 p.m. Sunday.

Menu items include shish kabob lamb dinner, Mediterranean marinated chicken, grape leaves and kibbee, and desserts such as baklawa, nut rolls and more.

Free admission and parking. Dine in or take out. Frozen food will be available, orders can be placed online, and credit cards will be accepted.

Call 412-221-2277 or visit www.stgeorgebridgeville.org for more information. Proceeds benefit the St. George Building Fund.

St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Canonsburg, will hold an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast 8 a.m.-noon Oct. 12, featuring pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, home fries and beverage.

An open house with informational tours will be held 9 a.m.-2 p.m. to celebrate 95 years. See the newly renovated parish and learn more about Orthodox Christianity, its liturgical music, customs and the ancient art of iconography from local parishioners.

Cost is $8/adults, $4/children ages 6-12 and free/children ages 5 and under.

Proceeds benefit youth outreach programs sponsored by St. John’s “O” Club.

Contact John Rusinko with questions at jrusinko@comcast.net or 724-941-7417, or visit www.frunner.org.

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 is also available. Proceeds benefit First UMC.

Call 412-221-5577 for more information. The church is located on Station Street.

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 games out on the lawn and caramel apple dipping.

Cost is $10/adults, $5/children and $8/seniors. Dessert only is $5. Call the church office for tickets at 724-941-6210 or stop by the office located on Brookwood Road. Proceeds will benefit church missions.

Our Lady of Grace Church, Scott Township, offers Catholic scripture study on The Gospel of John from 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays.

For more information or to register, call 412-279-7070 or visit www.olgscott.org/Parish/Adult_Catechesis/Bible_Studies/bible_studies.html.

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 a prayer and singing time, 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 or 412-833-1299.

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 the church at 724-348-5718.

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.

Calvary Assembly of God, Bridgeville, announces the following:

• Pastor Bob Pilardi continues with the Sunday series, Win Your Battles.

• Beth Moore’s “Breaking Free” series on DVD for ladies only, Wednesdays. 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.

Hamilton Presbyterian Church, Bethel Park, offers a new seven-week Bible study for women Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evenings.

Call the church office at 412-884-2722 to make a reservation. The church is located across from Cool Springs Golf Center, 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 every week 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 for those unable to pay. Babysitting will not be available.

For more information, call 412-831-6333.

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.

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.

Community Bible Study holds its fall non-denominational 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 or janisandrews28@yahoo.com.

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.

Auditions of ages 18 and older for the 2013-14 Diocesan Choir season will begin soon. The choir performs for major diocesan events at St. Paul Cathedral. Openings are available in the soprano, alto, tenor and bass sections.

Rehearsals are held at St. John Capistran Church in Upper St. Clair. For audition times, call Doris Anne at 412-456-3042.

Faith Formation at St. Patrick Parish, Canonsburg, will soon begin meeting with men and women who are interested in becoming Catholic, learning more about the Catholic faith or completing the sacraments. Sessions will be held at 7 p.m. Mondays in St. Patrick Center. For more information, call 724-745-3787.

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. Donations are voluntary.

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.

For more information, call 724-621-6785 or visit www.legacybaptistchurch.us.