Tag: Advent
The Giving Tree
This Advent season, Shadyside Presbyterian Church will again sponsor the Giving Tree to support the parents of several of our mission partners: Sojourner House; Sojourner House’s Mentoring, Opportunity, Motivation, and Spirituality (MOMS) program; and the Pennsylvania Organization for Women in Early Recovery (POWER). During the Time of Fellowship following worship on Sundays, December 3 and 10, the tree in the Sharp Atrium will be decorated with special ornaments listing gift recipients’ names and details, including clothing/shoe size and color preference. Coordinators will be present to register your name along with the name of the recipient. Wrapped gifts should be returned to the church by Sunday, December 17; please affix to the package a gift tag indicating the name or initials of the recipient, along with the recipient’s identification number. If you have questions, please contact the church office. Your gift, along with your thoughts and prayers for the families of Sojourner House and POWER, are appreciated and will be a sign to them of Christ’s love this Christmas season.
Pittsburgh Girls Choir Concert
Holiday Concert
Ding Dong Merrily on High
On Saturday, December 9, the Pittsburgh Girls Choir presents its all-choir holiday concert in the Sanctuary at 2:00 p.m. All ages are welcome to this family-friendly concert and sing-along. Admission is a suggested donation of $10, or pay what you can. A cookie reception follows the concert.
Advent Vespers
During the season of Advent, Shadyside Presbyterian Church invites you to join us on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. for an evening of music and reflection in our Sanctuary or online. These 45-minute candlelight Communion services include a homily, the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, and music offered by guest musicians. Nursery care is available.
On Wednesday, December 13, the Reverend Dr. Rachel C. Hébert will preach, and music will be offered by the Shadyside Strings and soprano Gail Roup.
Table to Table will take place at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall prior to Advent vespers. Join us for fellowship over one of Chef Steven Bright‘s delicious meals. Please RSVP for dinner by the Sunday prior to help the kitchen prepare appropriately. Learn more.
Note: Advent vespers incorporate a celebration of the Sacrament of Communion, both on-site and online. Please read the invitation, which explains options for those joining us on-site and suggestions for preparation for those joining us at home.
Advent Vespers
During the season of Advent, Shadyside Presbyterian Church invites you to join us on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. for an evening of music and reflection in our Sanctuary or online. These 45-minute candlelight Communion services include a homily, the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, and music offered by guest musicians. Nursery care is available.
On Wednesday, December 6, the Reverend Kendra L. Buckwalter Smith will preach, and music will be offered by the Pittsburgh Girls Choir and guest organist Jon Tyillian.
Table to Table will take place at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall prior to Advent vespers. Join us for fellowship over one of Chef Steven Bright‘s delicious meals. Please RSVP for dinner by the Sunday prior to help the kitchen prepare appropriately. Learn more.
Note: Advent vespers incorporate a celebration of the Sacrament of Communion, both on-site and online. Please read the invitation, which explains options for those joining us on-site and suggestions for preparation for those joining us at home.
Christmas Eve Service for Children and Youth
Led by the children and youth of Shadyside Presbyterian Church, this service celebrating the Nativity of our Lord includes familiar carols, costumed players, and candle lighting. The service appeals to congregants of all ages and lasts approximately 45 minutes.
*Note: This service is to be held on Sunday, December 17, 2023.
Photograph: Christmas Eve Service for Children and Youth. Photograph taken by Stephen M. Donnelly.
The Longest Night Service
While much of the holiday season features joy and merriment, we recognize that these December days can also be tender with grief, loss, and yearning. Mindful of just these complexities this time of year, the pastoral staff and Care Team members of Shadyside Presbyterian Church are offering a special service of worship, The Longest Night. On Wednesday, December 20, at 7:00 p.m., we will gather in the Chapel to pray, sing, lament, remember, and commune together. This quiet, contemplative service welcomes all who seek just such a holy space and particularly any who carry a heaviness of their own or on behalf of the world. Together, we will echo Advent’s cry, “Come, Lord Jesus,” as we turn our attention to the Christ who was born into a world of longing. Nursery care will be provided, and the service will conclude with a time for fellowship for any who welcome company amidst the dark night.
Advent Wreath Making
Shadyside Presbyterian Church’s Children and Youth Ministries invite members, friends, and guests to join us in creating Advent wreaths to take home for the season. Following worship on Sunday, December 3, we will gather around creation stations in the Parish Hall to assemble individualized wreaths using new and recycled materials. Please feel free to bring materials to share, as well. Questions? Contact Ellen Allston through the church office.
The Giving Tree
This Advent season, Shadyside Presbyterian Church will again sponsor the Giving Tree to support the parents of several of our mission partners: Sojourner House; Sojourner House’s Mentoring, Opportunity, Motivation, and Spirituality (MOMS) program; and the Pennsylvania Organization for Women in Early Recovery (POWER). During the Time of Fellowship following worship on Sundays, December 3 and 10, the tree in the Sharp Atrium will be decorated with special ornaments listing gift recipients’ names and details, including clothing/shoe size and color preference. Coordinators will be present to register your name along with the name of the recipient. Wrapped gifts should be returned to the church by Sunday, December 17; please affix to the package a gift tag indicating the name or initials of the recipient, along with the recipient’s identification number. If you have questions, please contact the church office. Your gift, along with your thoughts and prayers for the families of Sojourner House and POWER, are appreciated and will be a sign to them of Christ’s love this Christmas season.
Table to Table
Table to Table: Dinner and Vespers
On Wednesday evenings, Shadyside Presbyterian Church invites you to gather at table for a church family dinner before gathering at the Lord’s Table in worship. Enjoy fellowship over a delicious meal prepared by Chef Steven Bright at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall, followed by Advent vespers in the Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. We hope you will join us for as much of the evening as your schedule allows; you are welcome to come for dinner or worship, or both. Please make your dinner reservation by signing up in the Sharp Atrium or contacting the church office by the Sunday prior.
A freewill offering will be received to offset the costs of the meal. Nursery care will be provided during vespers.
Menu for December 6:
- Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff
- Herbed Egg Noodles or Baked Potato
- Mixed Greens Salad with Ranch or Italian Dressings
- Assorted Cookies
- Punch, Iced Water, and Coffee Service
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Preceded by an extended prelude for choir and harp beginning at 7:40 p.m., this beloved traditional service includes a homily from the Reverend Austin Crenshaw Shelley and concludes with a ceremony of lights as the congregation sings “Silent Night.” The prelude, Robert Convery’s The Nativity of Our Lord, will be offered by the Shadyside Chancel Choir and harpist Nuiko Wadden.
Photograph taken by Ellen L. Allston.