SHADYSIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Pittsburgh Marathon on Sunday, May 6, 2012

The Pittsburgh Marathon on Sunday, May 6, will do more than impact our morning worship.  The marathon also will provide an opportunity for our church family to shine the light of Christ into the community.  Read on for details about how you can get involved in the weekend's festivities.

What is Run for Haiti?
Run for Haiti began two years ago as a response to the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010.  Since the marathon route had already forced Shadyside Presbyterian Church to move its worship hour to the afternoon of the Sunday race day, the pastors of SPC formed a relay team dedicated to raising funds for the reconstruction of Haiti.  These efforts continued in 2011 when the pastors ran once again, joined by more than 30 congregants and friends of SPC.  This year, we are hoping for 50 runners associated with Run for Haiti!

Where do the funds go?
All donated funds go to the Pittsburgh Presbytery, which is committed to supplying and installing ten solar-powered water treatment systems in Haiti.  The cost of the race passes has been donated by the city’s marathon committee, and all other expenses for the church associated with the marathon are covered by the church’s budget.  This means that 100 percent of all money raised goes directly to supporting and rebuilding Haiti.

How can I get involved?
SPC’s Run for Haiti efforts have expanded over the years to include more than just the pastors. In fact, this year the pastors have retired from running and are dedicated to cheering on SPC congregants and their friends. Those who wish to be involved can do so in a variety of ways:

• Be a runner! Runners are given a free pass to participate on a five-person relay team comprised of SPC congregants and their friends. In exchange for the pass, they are asked to invite their friends, family, and colleagues to support them through pledges. Each runner is asked to raise $100. Since we have 10 relay team passes – for a total of 50 runners – we hope to raise at least $5,000! Sign up at the church or contact Jeff Schooley.  (Runners, please read more here for additional details.)
• Cheer! Those who don’t want to run are encouraged to cheer for runners, including those who Run for Haiti. “Cheer stations” will be set up throughout the city (at least one per leg of the marathon), as well as by the church at the corner of Amberson and Fifth Avenues. Those who cheer at the church also distribute orange slices to runners.
• Eat dinner! Attend a carbo-loading spaghetti dinner on Friday, May 4, at 6:00 p.m. The meal costs $10/plate and all proceeds go directly to the Run for Haiti fund. In addition to the meal, we will hold a “Good Old-Fashioned Pep Rally,” where the runners will be honored and materials to make signs will be available. Rumor has it that, if we get 150 RSVPs, the pastors might even write and perform an official cheer for the runners! RSVP no later than Monday, April 30, by signing up in the Sharp Atrium or calling the church office. Volunteers for set-up and cleanup are also welcome.
• Cut some oranges! SPC congregants and their friends have been passing out oranges to racers for the past three years. We need a few volunteers to cut up nearly 200 pounds of oranges on Saturday, May 5, at the church. Volunteers will be asked to show up to the church at 7:00 p.m. and to bring their own cutting utensil. Many hands will make light work.
• Host a “Cheer Station”! If your house is along or near the race route, you can volunteer to host other SPCers as they gather to cheer on the runners. For more information, contact Jeff Schooley.
• Be a Supporter! Run for Haiti envelopes will be available in the pews in the weeks leading up to the race. You’re invited to participate by making your contribution to this valuable rebuilding effort. Make checks payable to “Shadyside Presbyterian Church” and write “Run for Haiti” in the memo line. All donations are tax deductible.

When will we worship on Marathon Sunday?
We conclude the weekend with worship at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 6.  Due to SPC’s location within the marathon route, our service of worship moves from the morning to the afternoon, when the Shadyside Chancel Choir, conducted by Mark A. Anderson, will lead us in a reflective Choral Evensong service, a beautiful evening prayer liturgy with roots in the Anglican tradition.  Whether you’ve run in the marathon or cheered from the sidewalks, this prayerful, music-filled setting will bring a peaceful, calm close to the day.  (There will be no worship at 11:00 a.m. and no Christian Education hour at 9:45 a.m.  Nursery care will be provided during vespers.)

Other questions?
Contact Jeff Schooley, Marathon Task Force chairperson by phone (412-682-4300) or email.