David B. Carver, David B. Carver, David B. Carver, David B. Carver, Pastor Pastor Pastor Pastor 50 Stratmore St 50 Stratmore St 50 Stratmore St 50 Stratmore St Pittsburgh, PA Pittsburgh, PA Pittsburgh, PA Pittsburgh, PA 15205 15205 15205 15205-3640 3640 3640 3640 412 412 412 412-921 921 921 921-6153 6153 6153 6153 www.chup.org www.chup.org www.chup.org www.chup.org [email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected]In This Issue: In This Issue: In This Issue: In This Issue: Pastor’s Letter Pastor’s Letter Pastor’s Letter Pastor’s Letter 1 Calendar Calendar Calendar Calendar 2 Meetings Meetings Meetings Meetings 3 Events 4 Events 4 Events 4 Events 4 Retreat Form 5 Retreat Form 5 Retreat Form 5 Retreat Form 5 Preschool 6 Preschool 6 Preschool 6 Preschool 6 New Faces New Faces New Faces New Faces NWMC NWMC NWMC NWMC Deacons 7 Deacons 7 Deacons 7 Deacons 7 Open Door 8 Open Door 8 Open Door 8 Open Door 8 Prayers Prayers Prayers Prayers 9 THE RUNNER Isaiah 52:7 Isaiah 52:7 Isaiah 52:7 Isaiah 52:7 The First United Presbyterian Church of Crafton Heights The First United Presbyterian Church of Crafton Heights The First United Presbyterian Church of Crafton Heights The First United Presbyterian Church of Crafton Heights September 2016 September 2016 September 2016 September 2016 The Presbyterian Church (USA), the particular tribe of Christians with which CHUP is aligned, requires significant educational investment on the part of those of us who are called to the pastorate. Typically, one completes high school, obtains a college degree, and then receives a Master’s in Divinity. Normally, this last degree takes three years at a single sem- inary. In my case, however, that Master’s degree involved study at four seminaries over the course of eight and a half years. Most of this was due to job and residential transitions as well as the fact that I took classes part-time. Something interesting about my sojourn through these different institutions is this: each of them thought that is was important for me to take classes in “practical ministry”: church administration, preaching, caring for those in crisis, etc. Yet each thought that it was imperative that I take classes in theology. Even when I showed up in Rochester with a transcript showing theology classes from Pittsburgh and Fuller, they insisted I take their theology class. Why? Because each seminary, like each of us, has a way of thinking and talking about eternal truths, and each seminary wanted to make sure that I knew the “right” answers when it came to theology. In other words, they wanted to make sure that I was sufficiently orthodox in my belief. Orthodoxy is a word that we use to indicate “sound or correct opinion or doctrine, particularly in matters of religion.” The Protestant Church in general has been very big on making sure that people are orthodox – that is to say, that our members believe the right ideas about God the Father, Son, and Spirit. Theology matters. Yet in recent decades, a number of church leaders have said, “Yes, right belief is important, but so is right living.” These folks talked about developing a sense of orthopraxy (correct conduct or right practice of our beliefs). And, to be honest, if you were to look at the life of CHUP for the last twenty years or so, you’d probably judge that we spend more time developing the practice of the Christian faith than we do emphasizing the correct beliefs about that faith. Don’t make me split hairs, but I would think that we probably lean a little in the direction of orthopraxy in our common life. This fall we’ll have the chance to recommit ourselves to great thoughts, big ideas, and ethical living. As the school year begins, let me encourage you to take the opportunity to jump into a practice that leads you to thought about your beliefs. Consider one of the Adult Education options during the Faithbuilders/Sunday School hour, for instance. Bring your children, if applicable, to receive care and nurture, and then give yourself the gift of the same. Take advantage of the All Church Retreat (earlier than normal this year) and lend your presence to some vibrant discussions on the sacraments of Baptism and Communion. We’ll spend several hours talking about what happens when one enters the waters or shares the cup, and whether it makes a difference whether we are splashed or dunked or grape juice or wine… We’ll consider ancient traditions and practices and compare them to our current understandings… and, in the process, perhaps both our orthodoxy AND orthopraxy will be strengthened. See other articles in this issue for more information about both the retreat and our Sunday morning offerings. In the meantime, I’ll look to see you at worship!
Transcript
David B. Carver, David B. Carver, David B. Carver, David B. Carver, PastorPastorPastorPastor
50 Stratmore St50 Stratmore St50 Stratmore St50 Stratmore St Pittsburgh, PA Pittsburgh, PA Pittsburgh, PA Pittsburgh, PA 15205152051520515205----3640364036403640
412412412412----921921921921----6153615361536153
www.chup.orgwww.chup.orgwww.chup.orgwww.chup.org
[email protected]@[email protected]@chup.org In This Issue:In This Issue:In This Issue:In This Issue: Pastor’s Letter Pastor’s Letter Pastor’s Letter Pastor’s Letter 1111
Calendar Calendar Calendar Calendar 2222
MeetingsMeetingsMeetingsMeetings 3333
Events 4Events 4Events 4Events 4 Retreat Form 5Retreat Form 5Retreat Form 5Retreat Form 5 Preschool 6Preschool 6Preschool 6Preschool 6 New FacesNew FacesNew FacesNew Faces NWMC NWMC NWMC NWMC Deacons 7Deacons 7Deacons 7Deacons 7 Open Door 8Open Door 8Open Door 8Open Door 8 PrayersPrayersPrayersPrayers 9999
THE RUNNER Isaiah 52:7Isaiah 52:7Isaiah 52:7Isaiah 52:7
The First United Presbyterian Church of Crafton HeightsThe First United Presbyterian Church of Crafton HeightsThe First United Presbyterian Church of Crafton HeightsThe First United Presbyterian Church of Crafton Heights September 2016September 2016September 2016September 2016
The Presbyterian Church (USA), the particular tribe of Christians with which CHUP is
aligned, requires significant educational investment on the part of those of us who are called
to the pastorate. Typically, one completes high school, obtains a college degree, and then
receives a Master’s in Divinity. Normally, this last degree takes three years at a single sem-
inary. In my case, however, that Master’s degree involved study at four seminaries over the
course of eight and a half years. Most of this was due to job and residential transitions as
well as the fact that I took classes part-time. Something interesting about my sojourn
through these different institutions is this: each of them thought that is was important for me
to take classes in “practical ministry”: church administration, preaching, caring for those in
crisis, etc. Yet each thought that it was imperative that I take classes in theology. Even
when I showed up in Rochester with a transcript showing theology classes from Pittsburgh
and Fuller, they insisted I take their theology class.
Why? Because each seminary, like each of us, has a way of thinking and talking about
eternal truths, and each seminary wanted to make sure that I knew the “right” answers when
it came to theology. In other words, they wanted to make sure that I was sufficiently
orthodox in my belief. Orthodoxy is a word that we use to indicate “sound or correct
opinion or doctrine, particularly in matters of religion.”
The Protestant Church in general has been very big on making sure that people are orthodox
– that is to say, that our members believe the right ideas about God the Father, Son, and
Spirit. Theology matters.
Yet in recent decades, a number of church leaders have said, “Yes, right belief is important,
but so is right living.” These folks talked about developing a sense of orthopraxy (correct
conduct or right practice of our beliefs). And, to be honest, if you were to look at the life of
CHUP for the last twenty years or so, you’d probably judge that we spend more time
developing the practice of the Christian faith than we do emphasizing the correct beliefs
about that faith. Don’t make me split hairs, but I would think that we probably lean a little
in the direction of orthopraxy in our common life.
This fall we’ll have the chance to recommit ourselves to great thoughts, big ideas, and
ethical living. As the school year begins, let me encourage you to take the opportunity to
jump into a practice that leads you to thought about your beliefs. Consider one of the Adult
Education options during the Faithbuilders/Sunday School hour, for instance. Bring your
children, if applicable, to receive care and nurture, and then give yourself the gift of the
same. Take advantage of the All Church Retreat (earlier than normal this year) and lend
your presence to some vibrant discussions on the sacraments of Baptism and Communion.
We’ll spend several hours talking about what happens when one enters the waters or shares
the cup, and whether it makes a difference whether we are splashed or dunked or grape juice
or wine… We’ll consider ancient traditions and practices and compare them to our current
understandings… and, in the process, perhaps both our orthodoxy AND orthopraxy will be
strengthened. See other articles in this issue for more information about both the retreat and
our Sunday morning offerings. In the meantime, I’ll look to see you at worship!
All groups that use the kitchen must attend one of two meetings regarding how we use the facility. New
procedures that will be put in place will be explained and questions will be answered. In order to use
the new space, one or two representatives of each group should plan to be at one of the training sessions.
Food safety procedures and proper storage will be discussed, as well as unifying rules, clean up, and
sanitation policies. This meeting will also go over how we can all use this shared space. Joann Mikula
will be contacting you personally about this meeting.
Faith Builders is back! Join us September 11
behind the sanctuary at 9:30 am for our Faith
Builder's kick off. We'll share breakfast,
some singing, and devotions, then learn
about the classes being offered this year.
There are 3 different adult options and clas-
ses for kids of all ages.
Hope to see you there!
Tuesday Group
The Tuesday Morning Women’s
Craft Group will begin meeting
again on Tuesday, September 20 at
9:30 am in Fellowship Hall. Women
of all ages are invited to come for
bible study, crafts, refreshments, and
fellowship. Questions? Please
contact Kate Lyden 412-771-3758 or
Bonnie Schrenker 412-921-8142.
Exercise
The exercise group will
resume workouts on Wednesday,
September 9th. The group meets
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
at 9 am. New faces are always wel-
come! For more information, speak
with Fay Reynolds 412-921-7341.
Begins September 11
9:30 am
As we gather for our Faith Builders
kickoff on Sunday, September 11,
we will not only launch a new year
of discipleship opportunities, we
will mark a significant transition in
our church staff. In the Fall of 1998,
Mimi Zickefoose joined us as a
"Seminary Intern", and for a year
she was among us apprenticing in
various roles and responsibilities in order to satisfy
her coursework. In the years that followed, she
filled many roles as she was a valued voice in
leadership, worked with a number of committees,
preached and taught, and – most importantly –
became a "friend of the heart" to many of God's
people here at CHUP. Mimi has sensed a release
from the call to be on staff here at CHUP in order
to spend more time with her family – particularly
the grandchildren in whom she takes so much
delight. Mimi will be present on September 11 in
order for us to recognize the many gifts she has
shared with CHUP and allow us to pray with her
for God's continuing direction.
The Runner September 2016 Page 5
The Runner September 2016 Page 6
Preschool News A New Year! School begins September 6 & 7!A New Year! School begins September 6 & 7!A New Year! School begins September 6 & 7!A New Year! School begins September 6 & 7!
The preschool teachers are eager to begin school as we welcome our
youngest students to another fun and engaging school year. All of our
staff is returning: Erin Jameson, Kristen McHugh & Amanda Hughes.
The rooms have been updated with new storage space, paint & polish,
carpets and window air conditioners thanks to a grant and our
partnership with The Children’s School at Carnegie Mellon University.
Our friends at North Shore Deli will provide the hoagies once again
for our Hoagie Sales which will begin in October.
We thank you for your continued support and prayers as we begin
another year of providing high quality education to our young neighbors,
making their first school experience a great school experience.
Children/Community team helped in several schools with the Jump Start program that
prepares incoming Kindergartners to enter school. They moved furniture, cleaned,
distributed school supplies to needy children, and even helped a volunteer fire department
in their food booth at the area's bluegrass festival. We are thankful for the efforts of the
young people and their leaders in doing God’s work in the world!
The Table – Joe Knouff continues to lead
a team from CHUP in preparing and
serving a meal for the Hot Metal Bridge
Faith Community outreach program one
Tuesday a month. Please contact Joe
(412-498-2546) if you would like to
participate or contribute.
The Runner September 2016 Page 8
The Open Door
Important Dates!
September 12 After school begins
September 16 Fall Kick off
September 23 Friday Night Rec begins
Volunteers
If you would like to volunteer with The Open Door, we have lots of places we can use you. Some of these include helping with the After School Program, Friday Night Rec, One-on-One mentoring, workshop leaders, and small group leaders. For more
information on how you can help see Brad.
There will be a meeting for all After School volunteers on Tuesday September 6 at 6:00 pm. If you are unable to attend, please see Brad and schedule a time to meet with him.
Kick Off Party!
Join us for the Fall Kick Off and Registration Party on September 16 from 6-8 pm at The Open Door.
Food, Games, and lots of fun. Come see what all we will be offering for the kids this fall! We have lots of new opportunities
this year, including DIY workshops, sports-focused programming, drama, and arts. Be sure to attend the kick off
to learn more about it!
Donations for The Open Door
There are lots of ways you can help us with programming needs at The Open Door. To see all of the
items that we could use, please see The Open Door bulletin board by the office. Some items include snacks,
special treats, legos, nerf guns, and craft materials.
Youth Group
The youth group schedule will be released soon and will be sent to the youth in the mail. Be sure to watch for it and join us for an exciting fall!
Join us for an evening of celebrating the ministry of The Open Door. We hope you'll
come so we can say thank you to you… our donors, volunteers, alumni, friends, and
supporters (aka, our superheroes!)
More information coming soon!
Save the Date!
The Open Door Celebration Banquet
Sunday, October 23 La Mont Restaurant
The Runner September 2016 Page 9
Prayer Concerns
Members: Erika Locke Boden, Season
Ciechanowski, Ida Mae Parris, Tina Dame,
Rick Johnson, Paul Imhoff, Ed Kososki,
Dolly Bock, Harry Knight, Linnea
Kunicky, Maryanne Richardson, Marg
Tranter, Gwen Lightell Miller, Cheryl
Reed, Joey Szumigalski & family, Justin &
Eric Barth, the homebound
and those in caring
facilities.
Friends & Relatives: Gracey family, Lisa
& Nicholas Daugherty, Jerry Eyler
Liuhomen, Mark Adler, Kate Kuhn, Anna
Johnson, Rachel Mehl, Lorraine Barth,
Cathy Hartzell, Debbie Beatty, Duane Ea-
gan, Jean Grekis, Virginia & Harold
Trunick, Eadie Children, Gary Rivit, Betty
Hartlep, Krieger family, Mark Mattern,
Elijah Todd, Louise Wilkie,
Harold Garrison.
Prayers, Concerns and Joys
September Birthdays
2nd Zachariah Schneider
3rd Lynn Richardson
4th Martha Huebner
Kristen Knouff
9th Matt Adler
10th Bonnie Schrenker
11th Joseph Frick
13th Alice Schnelbach
14th R. Bruce Buzza
Riki Connors
15th Kaitlin Hartman
16th Helen Brownstein
17th Adam Simcox
19th Rob Richardson
20th James Sloan, Jr.
21st Dolly Bock
Erin Butti
Mollie Sam
Ed Schrenker, Jr.
23rd Steve Mulkerrin
25th Jessica Simcox
26th Ryan Brownstein
Tyler Schrenker
Did you know we have an
online giving option?
Check out www.chup.org
for details!
Articles for the October Runner are due on or before Sunday, 9/18/2016.
