THE BRIDGE NOVEMBER 2018 Your guide for what to do and where to go at Memorial Park Church. Map... 1 Welcome... 2 Weekends at MPC... 3 For the Community... 5 Monthly Calendar... 6
8800 Peebles Road Allison Park, PA 15101 1
Welcome We re so glad you re here! Welcome to Memorial Park Church, and our connections publication, The Bridge! Just as Pittsburgh is a city of bridges, connecting us as one city from various backgrounds and communities, our hope is that this booklet will help connect you to the life and ministry of the Memorial Park community of faith. As the weather changes and we transition into a season that has traditionally been thought of as a time of harvest, holidays, and family gatherings, we hope you will consider making plans to join us. This publication can act like a GPS, helping you to navigate across the landscape of Memorial Park Church, with signs and directions to the various ministries, programs, and activities that could enable you to connect with an authentic Christian community that feeds your soul. We hope that you would look through the pages of this resource (ministry map) and chart your course toward a lifechanging and ever growing relationship with Jesus Christ. As you will see, we have activities, ministries, and programs for all ages, interests, and levels of faith. It doesn t matter if you have been a follower of Jesus Christ all of your life, if you have just started back to church or if you are just coming to check things out you are welcome here! We invite you to Come As You Are ask questions, seek answers, and explore who we are, what we believe, and what we believe God has called us to do. During November, our pastors will be preaching through the Old Testament book of Habakkuk; a small book with BIG questions. The prophet isn t afraid to come to God with some pretty hard questions, even complaints. God does not judge honest and challenging questions, and neither do we. You are welcome to Come As you Are! The great thing about bridges is that they help people connect and navigate whether they are native or new to the community. Whether you are new to MPC or have been part of this congregation for years, this simple resource can help you find your way. When the waters of life are rising, as our three rivers have done much of this past season, The Bridge gets you there! When you are trying to get to family or friends, The Bridge gets you there! When you are trying to get home again, The Bridge gets you there! There are many wonderful things in this edition of The Bridge to help you connect to the God who loves you and a church family that always has another chair ready for whoever shows up. I look forward to connecting with you! 2
Weekends at Memorial Park WORSHIP TIMES Saturdays 6:00 PM Clayton Center Sundays 9:00 AM Sanctuary DISCIPLESHIP HOUR Gathering and learning for all ages. Sundays 10:10 11:00 AM NURSERY (Newborn 12 Months) Our Tru Kids Nursery and Comfort Room is available at our Sunday morning services and during discipleship hour. The Nursery is staffed by professionally trained adults who lovingly care for God s children. 11:15 AM Sanctuary NURSERY (Newborn 12 months) and TODDLER WALKERS (1 Year Olds) childcare is available at both Sunday services. TRU EXPLORE (Ages 2 K) is available at both Sunday services. Kids experience ageappropriate exploration that expands on the morning lesson. TRU WORSHIP (Grades 1 5) offers an opportunity for families to worship together at the start of the 9:00 AM service. Kids are dismissed before the message for age appropriate worship. 8800 Peebles Road Allison Park, PA 15101 (412) 364 9492 mpcepc.org Facebook.com/MemorialParkChurch KIDS (Ages 1 Grade 5) The mission of TRU Kids is to come alongside parents as the primary spiritual influencers of their children, inviting them into life changing and ever growing relationships with Jesus Christ. Toddler Walkers (1 Year Olds) Coral Reef Walking toddlers experience God s love and care through supervised engaging play in a safe environment. TRU Blessings (2 & 3 Year Olds) Woodlands Through sensory interaction, storytelling, joyful worship, and quarterly celebrations, your young ones will learn the fundamental truth that God made them, loves them, and is with them. TRU Wonder (4 & 5 Year Olds/Kindergarten) Savanna Through exciting exploration, interactive storytelling, purposeful response time, and connecting through games and crafts, your child will experience the wonder of who God is! TRU Story (Grades 1 5) Mountains/Rec Room Engaging worship, impactful teaching, and interactive response activities make TRU Story a place where your kids learn about God's redemptive plan revealed through The Big God Story.
TEENS (Grades 6 12) Our Student IMPACT teen programs are designed to support students as they journey through life during the challenging years of middle and high school. Middle School IMPACT (Grades 6 8) Clayton Center Gym Our weekly meetings build meaningful personal and spiritual relationships that impact their lives with the message of the Gospel, help it to take root and grow so they can make an impact on the world around them. High School IMPACT (Grades 9 12) Clayton Center Classroom 1 Our weekly meetings continue to build on the foundations of faith and build relationships by giving students the platform to examine their faith and make the decision to follow Jesus. NEW ADULTS Going Deeper Through Sermon Study: Habakkuk/ Advent Begins November 4, runs 8 weeks Instructor: Rev. Dr. Kevin Gourley Location: This class is designed for those who long to go deeper in their understanding of the Bible. Utilizing the sermon of the week, this class will undertake a more detailed exposition of the scripture text. New Testament Survey Begins November 4, runs 8 weeks Instructor: Martha Daniel Location: Preschool Purple Room In this course we will continue our study of the Bible as we discover God unfolding His plan of redemption in Jesus. We will begin by delving into the Gospels, noting the distinctive perspectives of each writer. We will also look at an overview of the history of the early church and acquaint ourselves with the main themes of each of the Pauline and non Pauline letters. Crazy Love by Francis Chan Begins November 4, runs 8 weeks 4 Instructor: Elder Roger Rumer Book Cost: $11 (Recommended) Location: Preschool Orange Room God is love: crazy, relentless, all powerful love. Have you ever wondered if you re missing it? If you re hungry for a vibrant, authentic faith, God is calling us to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Discover how the answer to religious complacency isn t working harder at a list of do s and don ts, it s falling in love with God. Join us for a DVD based teaching and discussion of this book to learn how to respond to that love with a selfless, joyful, Christlike life! 1 Thessalonians 2: Effective Discipleship While Persevering in Faith Begins November 4, ongoing Instructor: Elder Pete Pugliese Location: Preschool Green Room This class will be a Bible Study format that focuses in on the powerful verses found in Chapter 2 of 1 Thessalonians. The Gospel of John Begins November 4, ongoing Instructor: Rhea Christopher Location: Preschool Red Room This class is an inductive Bible Study of the Gospel of John. MEN Men s Class: The Book of Judges Begins November 4, runs 8 weeks Instructor: Elder Rick Corliss Location: Conference Room The book of Judges cracks a window into depths of the human soul. Watch a nation struggle with its identity and relationship to its God. Heroes and heroines arise who seem to have the potential to save Israel, but in the end, each proves to be a broken savior that cannot deliver. In this series, we will wade into the book of Judges to shine a light onto the muddy waters of human rebellion. We will witness the truth of God s grace in the midst of human wickedness, and how only the divine can redeem the fallen.
Weekday Opportunities/For the Community Our community is full of thought leaders, visionaries, movers and shakers who are working on big things to make this world a better place. Through our community engagement opportunities, we hope to give everyone an opportunity to hear the powerful messages and share the impactful tools our community experts have to offer. FIRST WEDNESDAYS Join us for First Wednesdays, a new speaker series at Memorial Park Church. The first Wednesday of each month, we open our doors to the community to hear engaging speakers on topics such as mental health, race reconciliation, trauma, sexuality, and equality. For a list of speakers and to register for childcare, visit mpcepc.org/community. EPIC WORKSHOP Join us for our monthly workshop that will give you the tools to manage your finances better so that you can live an EPIC life filled with peace, security, and generosity. Each month we bring in outside experts to discuss a wide range of financial concepts that we encounter throughout our lives. Our classes meet the second Saturday of every month. For a list of topics, visit mpcepc.org/ community. LIFE GROUP NIGHTS LIFE Groups offer a chance to gather together to grow in Christ and connect with an authentic community. This Wednesday night gathering at MPC is made for those looking to join a group, needing childcare, or needing space to meet. Our fall study is provided by RightNow Media. We meet the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. For more information, visit mpcepc.org/life Groups. 5
MONTHLY CALENDAR WHOLE CHURCH & COMMUNITY Christmas Spree, Coffee & Tea November 2, 5:00 9:00 p.m. November 3, 9:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. $2 at the door Details at mpcepc.org/spree Contact: Michele Holmes, mholmes@mpcepc.org This is a great opportunity for enjoying a hot beverage and some tasty treats while exploring all that Memorial Park has to offer...and all while you Christmas shop! Browse among 100+ artisans and vendors who are sure to have some amazing gifts for everyone on your list. Hungry for lunch? Take a break for lunch and sample our delicious homemade soup and a Chick fil A sandwich. First Wednesdays Speaker Series November 7 6:30 8:00 p.m. Meets the first Wednesday of every month Sanctuary (RSVP for childcare only at mpcepc.org/ community) Contact: Betsy Rumer, brumer@mpcepc.org Join us for First Wednesdays, a new speaker series at Memorial Park Church. Each month, we open our doors to the community to hear engaging speakers on topics such as mental health, race reconciliation, trauma, sexuality, and equality. Childcare is available with advanced registration. This month, join us as we welcome Michael Thornhill of the Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO) for his talk on racial reconciliation. MPC s own Pastor Dean will also be joining the conversation. For registration, a full schedule, or more information, visit mpcepc.org/ community. EPIC Workshop: Retirement November 10 10:00 a.m. Meets second Saturday of every month Edinburgh Room (Registration required at mpcepc.org/adultclasses) Contact: Cathy Pavlock, cpavlock@mpcepc.org Join us for our monthly workshop that will give you the tools to manage your finances better so that you can live an EPIC life filled with peace, security, and generosity. This session of our workshop will focus on Retirement. Free childcare is available if you register by November 5. Letters from the Barracks: A Veterans Day Lunch November 11 12:30 p.m. Registration: mpcepc.org/military ministries Register By November 8 + Goodwill Offering Contact: Jaime Dean, jdean@mpcepc.org Let s celebrate Veterans Day together with a luncheon and program titled, Letters from the Barracks. Letters exchanged in times of separation bring a great source of comfort to members of the military and their families. Come and enjoy photos and memories of our own MPC family who will share their stories from their time in uniform. Special Friends November 13 7:00 p.m. Meets second Tuesday of every month Clayton Center Contact: Marlene Pugliese, marlenekayp@gmail.com A fun evening for adults with special needs. Join us for the next meeting for BINGO! There's always room for new members and volunteers. Why not join us? LIFE Group Nights November 14/28 6:30 p.m. Meets the second and fourth Wednesday of the month Location varies...
Contact: Jason Scott, jscott@mpcepc.org Find out more: mpcepc.org/life Groups A LIFE Group is a gathering of less than 12 people participating in a time of prayer, building friendships, and discussing God s Word as we apply it to our lives. It is a group of people who do life, together. This Wednesday night gathering at MPC is made for those looking to join a group, needing childcare, or needing space to meet. Our Fall study is based on the book of Galatians. Thanksgiving Eve Service November 21 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary Contact: Jim Lueers, jlueers@mpcepc.org Thankful for something? Come and share it with all of us as we worship our generous God in a Thanksgiving service! Missionary Sharing November 25 12:00 p.m. + Goodwill Offering Contact: Paul Housman, phousman@mpcepc.org Come and hear great God stories as MPC member Lindsey Tarr shares her experience with Youth With a Mission (YWAM) in Australia, Nepal, and the Philippines. Lindsey is currently studying Intercultural Studies, Evangelism, and Discipleship at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. A delicious lunch will be provided. Countdown to Christmas December 1 9:30 a.m. $10/family Register by November 26 Contact: Jessica Parker, jparker@mpcepc.org Join Family Ministries for this Advent event! Enjoy a continental breakfast while spending time visiting spiritually engaging stations that will excite your family for Christmas. You ll even get to create and take home an advent activity that will help you focus on the reason for the season this December. 7 KIDS Friday Nite Kids November 9 6:00 p.m. Meets the second Friday of every month Children s Wing Register by e mail at thawbaker@mpcepc.org This program offers a chance for special needs kids and their siblings to gather for an evening while parents enjoy a respite night. Activities include large motor skills, sensory activities, music, computers, crafts and snacks, and is followed by a Bible story. Breakout: Last Session November 13 4:15 5:30 p.m. Meets weekly for 8 weeks Rec Room $2 per person each week Contact: Hannah Gourley, hgourley@mpcepc.org Find Out More: http://mpcepc.org/kids This is our last Breakout session for 4th and 5th graders. Another 8 week session will begin in January. TEENS Middle School IMPACT Laurelville Retreat November 9 11 $155 Contact: Jacob Soto, jsoto@mpcepc.org Students in grades 6 8 are invited to this weekend away in the mountains. Build peer and leader relationships, have fun, and grow in your relationship with Jesus. We will meet at the Clayton Center at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 9 and return on Sunday, November 11 by 3:00 p.m. The cost includes transportation, along with lodging and meals at Laurelville. High School IMPACT Laurelville Retreat November 16 18 $155 Contact: Ryan Pietryga, rpietryga@mpcepc.org Students in grades 9 12 are invited to this weekend away in the mountains. Build peer and leader
relationships, have fun, and grow in your relationship with Jesus. We will meet at the Clayton Center at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 16 and return on Sunday, November 18 by 3:00 p.m. The cost includes transportation, along with lodging and meals at Laurelville. WOMEN Bookends November 15, 2018 7:00 p.m. Meets every other month Women s Ministries Office Contact: Michele Holmes, mholmes@mpcepc.org Mark your calendars for the next Bookends meeting on November 15! Upcoming book titles and meeting dates are listed on the Women's Ministries page of the website. We'd love to have you join us! Girls Night In: Bulk Cooking Night November 20 1:00 3:00 p.m./5:00 7:30 p.m. MPC Kitchen Register by November 18 at mpcepc.org/women Contact: Women s Ministries, women@mpcepc.org Join us in the kitchen as we cook up meals for Living in Liberty, one of our outreach partners here in Pittsburgh that offers a secure safe house and meals at their care center for victims of sex trafficking. This is a great way to enjoy fellowship time together and provide a meal for women in need. MEN Friday Morning Men s Breakfast October 5 7:30 a.m. Meets weekly through May Contact: Tom Anewalt, tranewalt482@gmail.com All men are invited for fellowship and Bible study on Friday mornings. Come at 7:30 a.m. for a continental breakfast and good conversation. Our program begins at 8:00 a.m. with a hymn sing and prayer, followed by our speaker, ending at 9:00 a.m. For a list of 8 speakers, visit mpcepc.org/men. Saturday Men s Breakfast November 17 8:00 a.m. Meets third Saturday of every month Register & Find Out More: mpcepc.org/men Contact: Corky Semler, cs.semler@gmail.com Join us for our monthly breakfast as we hear from Jay Roy, retired President and CEO of Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh. Jay has been a member of MPC since the early 80s, serving as an elder, teacher, and occasional preacher. He will be speaking on the Storms of Life. Join us as we share a good meal, fellowship with other men of the church, and a thoughtful message, followed by small group discussion. Please bring friends, co workers, or neighbors for a stress free time of fun and encouragement. SENIORS Primetimers November 1 2:00 p.m. Various Dates & Locations Vincentian Home (first Monday of every month) The Haven (first Thursday of every month) Hampton Fields (third Thursday of every month) Cumberland Crossing (fourth Thursday of every month) Contact: Karen Anderson, kanderson@mpcepc.org Join Senior Ministries as we lead monthly worship services at local area senior living facilities. For a schedule or to sign up, contact Pastor Karen. (No worship on November 15 or 22 due to Thanksgiving). Second Thursdays Senior Community Luncheon November 8 12:00 p.m. Meets the second Thursday of every month $8.00 Register & Find Out More: mpcepc.org/seniors...
Register by November 4 Join us for our monthly Seniors luncheon where we will enjoy a delicious meal followed by a Thanksgiving Celebration. Advance registration is required. Sealarks November 14 1:00 p.m. Meets the second Wednesday of every month $20 annual dues Contact: Edie Haughton, ediehaughton@comcast.net This group for widows and other women alone meets every month for a bag lunch and an informative and/ or entertaining program. This month s program features a presentation on First Ladies of Western Pennsylvania by Ellen DiNinno from Heinz History Center. MUSIC Choir Rehearsals: Christmas Cantata November 4 10:00 a.m. Sanctuary Contact: Jim Lueers, jlueers@mpcepc.org, x116 All singers are welcome to join the choir for rehearsals for the upcoming Christmas Cantata (December 9). Rehearsals begin November 4 and will run through December 4. This year s Cantata is The Christmas Light by Benjamin Harlan. Numerous songs and Christmas carols draw on the theme of coming of the Light of the World, Jesus, and are woven together with meaningful scriptures and narration. The choir will be accompanied by the MPC Ensemble. Saturday Night Worship Concert: Matthew Montgomery November 17 7:15 p.m. Clayton Center Contact: Jim Lueers, jlueers@mpcepc.org, x118 Join us as we welcome back singer/songwriter Matthew Montgomery! Matthew returns to MPC with his new release, Simple Words. He was a great addition to our staff as an intern in 2017 before 9 heading to Nashville, and joins us again for SNW and will perform music from his new album after worship. His love of the Lord and the Psalms will inspire you to do the Glory of God. Bring a friend and enjoy some coffee after SNW. SERVE OTHERS Amen to Action November 23 9:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. David L. Lawrence Convention Center Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/amen to action 2018 tickets 48566832704 Contact: Kevin Gourley, kgourley@mpcepc.org For the second year, people from all over the area will come together to sing, pray, celebrate, and pack one million Meals of Hope. Join us and feed your soul as you work to feed the hungry. Can t make it? Consider donating! Just $10 will help feed 50 neighbors in need. Giving Tree November 11 December 3 Contact: Kathy Fenton or Nancy Lee Cochran More information: mpcepc.org/community outreach Share your blessings and the spirit of giving this holiday season by giving a gift to a family in need! Pick up a snowflake ornament from one of the Giving Trees (located in the Welcome area), purchase the gift listed, and return your wrapped gift (with your snowflake) by December 3. You can also make a monetary donation and our volunteers will shop for you! Packages will be distributed the following two weeks so the gifts make it to their destination before Christmas. Know of a family in need? Looking to adopt a whole family this year? Contact Kathy Fenton or Nancy Lee Cochran to nominate someone in need or to find out how you can help a whole family this year.
UPCOMING SERMON SERIES
Be generous this season Bless someone in need! Find out how you can get involved by visiting mpcepc.org/outreach