Events Calendar

Lackawanna Presbytery Calendar

Click here for upcoming events around Lackawanna Presbytery.

Standing Against Hate Webinar

All are invited to join the conversation as the Presbytery of Philadelphia partners with its neighbors against hate. Philadelphia’s stated clerk, the Rev. Kevin Porter, moderated the first session of a two-part lecture series, “Standing Against Hate.” The first session was Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 6-7:30 p.m. The second webinar will be Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the same time.

With the recent rise in hate crimes across the nation, organizations across Greater Philadelphia are standing in solidarity to present a two-part panel series on the history of, and the fight against, hate in America. The first discussion features academics and activists discussing the history of hate in America with a focus on antisemitism, anti-Black and anti-Asian racism and xenophobia, and the intersections therein. The second discussion features policymakers at the state and local level who will discuss legislative solutions to combating hate.

To register for this webinar, click here.

Presbytery of Philadelphia Calendar

Clergy Holiday Jam Session

A Clergy Holiday Jam Session will happen on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 3-5 p.m. Come witness the musical talents of Pittsburgh pastors at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Knox Room. There is no cost to attend but monetary donations will be accepted. Homemade desserts will be for sale.

Attendees will need to complete a Covid questionnaire and the link to the questionnaire is on a flyer (click here).

Pittsburgh Presbytery Calendar

Pastor & Elder Training Workshops

Inter-Presbytery Leadership Formation workshops at Redstone Presbytery are taking place this fall. These topical workshops are open to you and free of charge. Options to participate in-person or online are available. The final workshop on Dec. 10 is titled “Leading as a Small Church Moderator” and will be presented by the Rev. Dr. Brenda Barnes. Click here to see the list of workshops.

Redstone Presbytery Calendar

How to Be a Hybrid Church

The Presbytery of West Virginia will hold a webinar on “How to Be a Hybrid Church” on Thursday, Jan. 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Zoom. The pandemic taught churches and their congregations that we can worship, learn, pray and gather virtually. Today, churches are faced with a new challenge as they consider how to minister both in person and online. Churches are beginning to build the bridge between what they did, what they’re doing now and what they will do in the future.

Discover why becoming a hybrid church is about more than the addition or maintenance of a virtual worship service. Learn how to honor both parts of your congregation equally and to engage those who worship primarily online. Presenter Christen Kinard is the creator of the website Digital Congregations, which sits at the intersection of her desire to do meaningful work, her belief in the importance of faith communities and her talents and experience.

The cost per person for this course is $40. Register by Jan. 12; registrants will receive the Zoom link on Jan. 17. Questions? Contact Susan Sharp Campbell at susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com or 304-667-9428. To register, click here.

Blue Christmas Service

The First Presbyterian Church of Lancaster, PA, and DeBord Funeral Home will present its annual Blue Christmas Service on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church.

The holiday season is one of joy and celebration, and yet this season can be difficult for those who mourn and grieve. An expression of the church’s comfort and care, the Blue Christmas service reminds us there is a light shining in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it.

For more information and registration, click here.

Annual Advent Service

The Octorara Covenanter Presbyterian Foundation will hold its annual Advent Service at Middle Octorara Presbyterian Church, 1199 Valley Road in Quarryville, PA, on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 3 p.m. The Celtic/traditional program will feature the Solanco Jazz Band, Tenor Richard Keene, Bagpiper Ruth Fisher, Accordionist Shirley Girvin, congregational singing and Gaelic music and readings. Refreshments will be served after the service. The Schoolroom Museum at the Covenanter Church will be open prior to the service from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Polar Express Craft Show & Train Display

Honey Brook Presbyterian Church will host its Polar Express craft show and train display on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come shop and see live train displays of all sizes. Don’t forget to take a quart of homemade soup home! There will be many vendors this year with a great variety of homemade items. All are welcome to enjoy this event. Children and grandchildren can watch the Polar Express movie and enjoy free popcorn.

Feel free to contact Karen DeAscentiis at (484) 886-6934 or kdeascentiis@verizon.net with any questions.

Grief Share

Church of Christ Uniting is offering a Grief Share 13-week series of weekly sessions that began Sept. 22. The program has limited participation. Please speak to Pastor Jane, Phyllis Johnson or Peg Knapich for more information. If you’ve lost a spouse, child, family member or friend, you’ve probably found there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel. This can be a confusing time when you feel isolated and have many questions about things you’ve never faced before.

GriefShare groups meet weekly to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life.

For more information, visit the church website by clicking here.

Jazz Noel by Bill Carter and the Presbybop Jazz

First Presbyterian Church of Carbondale, PA, will hold a Jazz Noel concert performed by Bill Carter and Presbybop on Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. The Presbybop Elves will present this free concert of Christmas jazz, with Tony Marino, Tyler Dempsey, Mike Carbone, Jeff Stockham and Bill Carter. There is no cost for admission, and refreshments of cookies, coffee and cocoa will be provided.

Souls Shot Portrait Gallery

The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill is hosting the 2022-23 Philadelphia exhibition of the Souls Shot Portrait Gallery from Nov. 4 to Dec. 15.

This Gallery is free and open to the public, and the hours are:

• Monday: 9-4
• Tuesday: 9-12 and 3-4
• Friday: 9-4
• or by appointment

More information is available by clicking here.