Making Friends at Southminster

The information on this page is available in a brochure. Please call the Church office at 412.343.8900 to request the brochure titled: Making Friends at Southminster through Group Activity or to obtain additional contact information.

Regular Sunday worship is the central act of members of any Christian congregation. In the service of worship we, as individuals or as small family units, acknowledge God’s omnipotence and seek to learn His purposes for us and for the world in which we live. Since we all worship together, it is by definition a corporate activity, but its primary focus is on our relationship to God and on His relationship to each one of us. We hope that worship at Southminster will serve to deepen and widen both of these relationships.

There is, however, another important dimension to the Christian life––our relationship to each other. Although sometimes we choose to deny it, we all have need of friends; we require the companionship of our kind. Throughout our lives we need folk to laugh with; we need folk to cry with. Friends make our joy complete; they make our sorrow bearable; they dispel our loneliness; they are, at one and the same time, the agents of God’s grace to us and the objects of our ministry on His behalf.

Southminster recognizes its obligation to provide its members significant opportunity to make friends among themselves. To this end the church supports a wide range of group activities. Some of these groups are patently religious in nature, some are much more secular. Some are thought-provoking, others are downright backbreaking. Some meet weekly or monthly, some convene only annually, others observe an irregular schedule. Despite the wide range of their specific focus, they share the common objective of bringing members of the congregation together in small numbers. Under such circumstances, there is the distinct possibility that acquaintance may flourish into friendship.

This brochure describes briefly most of the groups that operate at Southminster. It has been compiled to apprise you of the many opportunities there are for making friends at Southminster and to facilitate your access to groups when and if you choose to avail yourself of their fellowship. An appropriate contact person and phone number is given for each group.

Please do not feel pressured to participate in the group life of Southminster. Such pressure would be totally counterproductive. Just be advised that you will be welcome in each and all formats.

Ushers
Contact: Brad Wucher

It is the custom of Southminster to welcome all worshipers to the Sunday morning services at the sanctuary door and to escort them to the pew of their choice. The former task is performed by greeters who are Deacons, the latter by ushers. The ushers are also responsible for the collection of the offering toward the end of the service. Ushers and greeters are assigned to one or the other of the two Sunday services. This stint of duty allows for considerable comradeship to develop. Coffee and cookie consumption is not unknown.

Intercessory Prayer Group
Contact: Darlene Akers or Karen Rossi

This group attempts through a telephone network to use the power of prayer in ministry to Southminster members and adherents. In being a channel of grace, members of the group are brought together by that same grace. This activity is often favored by members who are less mobile and who seek meaningful involvement in the life of the church.

Special Needs Committee
Contact: Robie Bruesewitz

Southminster is an inclusive church! We have many, many programs and services that work together to enable everyone to participate fully in our church family. The Special Needs Committee, established by the Session, exists to help ease the way when special problems interfere. The committee has a threefold purpose:

Ride Share
Contact: Church Office (412-343-8900)

This program coordinated by the Deacons provides transportation to the 11 a.m. worship service for members who need a ride. Volunteers rotate on a monthly   basis.    Members requesting a ride must call the church office early in the week in order to allow time to connect driver and rider.

Stephen Ministry
Contact: Debbie Evanovich (412-343-8900), Beth Hosking, or Buz Mahr

The mission of Stephen Ministries, a worldwide religious and educational organization, is to assist pastors in meeting their congregation’s needs for pastoral care.   Our Stephen Ministers will assist, but not replace, our pastoral staff in meeting the spiritual care needs of our congregation. Volunteers will be commissioned after training in such areas as how to make a first visit;   the art of listening; caring for people before, during and after hospitalization; ministering to persons needing long-term care; and crises of pregnancy and childbirth. This is an exciting opportunity for members   wishing   to provide for extended pastoral care at Southminster.

CROSSINGS
Contact: Church Office (412-343-8900)

CROSSINGS is a weekly contemporary worship service, rooted in prayer and contemporary Christian music, which is held in Fellowship Hall at 8:50 on Sunday mornings.

Food Pantry
Contact: Danni Allman

Southminster provides food assistance to South Hills residents who are in need. Organizing and packing in the pantry, and delivering food to recipients, are rewarding activities.

Interfaith Hospitality Network
Contact: Karen Wells

Southminster is part of a cluster of churches and synagogues in the Allegheny and Washington County areas which provides food, shelter and assistance to the temporary homeless. IHN is part of a network of approximately 15 area congregations which share in this ministry.

“Angel Project”
Contact: Mission Commission (412-343-8900)

The Angel project provides Christmas gifts for those who would otherwise not receive them. The project provides gifts for four different groups of recipients: Sojourner House, John J. Kane Regional Center in Scott Township, Academy and Mt. Lebanon Houses, and Bethesda Center. Church members are encouraged to become involved by providing gifts and stuffing stockings.

Alternate Shopping Mall
Contact: Church Office (412-343-8900)

The “Alternate Shopping Mall” is designed   to   encourage   Southminster members and friends to Christmas shop in a more giving and Christian way. Ten to fifteen non-profit, Christian-based organizations are represented in Fellowship Hall on a Sunday morning in early December. Giving money to one of the organizations may purchase “gifts” in honor of, in memory of, or in thanksgiving for someone. Agencies range from international to in-house groups. All donations are acknowledged.

South Hills Interfaith Ministry
Contact: Mission Commission

SHIM   is   a   cooperative   ministry that embraces not only Protestant churches in the community but also includes the Roman Catholic and Jewish congregations.

Vacation Bible School
Contact: Peggy Wucher (412-343-8900)

In the summer children from 4 years old through 8th grade may attend Vacation Bible School, a traditional Bible school with a program of outreach to the community. Besides the usual stories, songs and activities, the focus is on helping others in our area. The children and the many parents who volunteer have a great opportunity to participate first hand in the mission of the church.

Caregivers Group
Contact: Robie Bruesewitz

A social group for persons who are caring for someone (age 3 years, 13 years, or 103 years) who is physically/mentally handicapped.

Malawi Partnership
Contact: Church Office (412-343-8900)

While helping to further our awareness of global mission, we believe this partnership will spark our spirituality, nurture an openness to other styles of worship and increase our understanding and awareness of Christian worship in other cultures. Occasionally when there are visitors we need assistance with meals and housing. There is also a need for ongoing correspondence with our sister church.

Christian education for all ages is an essential component of an active church. Southminster has a very active commitment not only to Christian education for the young but also for adults in all stages of their pilgrimage through life. In the secular world, the transition from youth to adulthood is not marked by a cessation of learning; nor should it be in the religious sphere.

Group activity for adults takes the form of the education classes themselves and the organization committees that back the overall venture. The groups listed under “For Adults” focus on Bible study and/or meet on Sunday mornings

For Adults

W. Edward Sell Bible Class
Contact: Dan Shaffer

This group has been one of the bulwarks of Southminster for decades. It meets in Southminster House from 9:50 to 10:30 on Sunday mornings during fall, winter and spring. It provides an atmosphere of Christian fellowship and nurtures in its members a deeper understanding of God’s Word. This group sponsors some events, using proceeds for charitable purposes.

Adult Seminars
Contact: Claire Thornburgh

Save in the summer months, Southminster presents a weekly seminar in the hour between the two morning services. Topics range from the religious to the secular, and it is not unusual for heated discussion to develop. Sometimes the seminars are set up as a series of three to four sessions on the same topic, often with the same speaker. There are opportunities for interaction with the speaker and other group members.

Spiritual Growth/Practical Christianity
Contact: Frank Stricklen (412-343-8900)

This group, led by Frank Stricklen, offers in-depth courses aimed at helping Christians grow in the faith and really dig into practical ways to live the faith in our daily lives. Topics include Foundations of the Faith, Christian Parenting, Spirituality 101, Doing as Jesus Did: Putting Belief Into Practice

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In addition, two week-day Bible study groups are offered:

Soul Sisters Bible Study
Tuesday, 7:30 - 9 p.m., in Church Parlor.
In-depth study requiring weekly out-of-class preparation. Please contact Karen Rossi prior to attendance.

Tuesday Morning Bible Study
Contact: Mary Lynn Callahan

In-depth Bible study with theological discussion. Some outside study will be helpful. Closing with sharing time and prayer. Meetings are at 10 a.m. in the church parlor, September-May.

Church School Teachers
Contact: Peggy Wucher (412-343-8900)

Every Sunday morning (September through May) from 9:50 to 10:45 a.m., Christian education classes are run for children of all ages. Classes are team-taught. The teachers meet together periodically to plan educational programs and special events.

Youth Chaperones
Contact: Matt Caldwell (412-343-8900)

During the year groups of young people go skiing, visit colleges, retreat at Windy Ridge, serve at local missions, and go on mission trips to depressed areas of the world. Adult chaperones who accompany such trips learn much about youth, themselves and fellow chaperones. Resourcefulness and a sense of humor are invaluable to a chaperone.

Traditional Church School
Contact: Frank Stricklen      (412-343-8900)

Every Sunday morning, September through June, Christian education classes are provided for children of nursery age through 12th grade. Lessons are based on “Living the Good News” curriculum, which follows the same lectionary texts preached in worship. While church school has a religious educational purpose, it also serves to bring the children together.

Tuesday Night Live
Contact: Frank Stricklen (412-343-8900)

This is an evening program, September through April, beginning at 6 p.m. with dinner, concluding at 7:30 p.m.. Programs are offered for adults and youth. Children in grades K-3 meet with Peggy Wucher (Faith Club), and Tuesday Youth Club meets with Matt Caldwell during adult seminar.

Senior High Youth Club
Contact: Matt Caldwell (412-343-8900)

On Sundays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., this group meets for fellowship, fun and spiritual growth, with supplemental trips, retreats and summer mission trips.

Tuesday Youth Club
Contact: Matt Caldwell (412-343-8900)

This club for Grades 4 to 8 meets on Tuesday evenings from 6:45 to 7:30 in Recreation Hall for spiritual growth, fellowship and fun.   Pancake Breakfasts (Monday, 6:30 a.m.) will be announced from the pulpit and in the church bulletin.    Scheduling for after-school drop-in on Thursdays will also be announced in advance.

FAITH CLUB
Contact: Peggy Wucher (412-343-8900)

Kindergarten - 3rd grade children meet after Tuesday Night Live dinner at 6:45 (Room 212) and finish at 7:30. This group is learning how to pray, how to treat others, how to share our gifts and how to include God in everything we do. We play games, make crafts and have a monthly “movie night.” Please come and join us.

Nursery School
Contact: Michele Brado (412-343-8900)

Southminster Nursery School, a nonprofit, self-supporting outreach of the church, is open to all children in the community. Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), we stress a developmentally appropriate curriculum for ages 2 years through pre-kindergarten. Our teachers are certified in early childhood or preschool education.   We provide opportunities for physical, intellectual, emotional, social and moral experiences. Curriculum includes play activities, sensory experiences, cre-   ative   expression, language development, socialization, motor activities, and musical activities.

Child Care Center
Contact: Alice Adams (412-571-9229)

Southminster Child Care (also accredited by NAEYC) provides high staff-to-child ratio, small enrollment, and quality staffing, ensuring that children receive the best care possible. Open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for children 6 weeks through 5 years of age, we seek to provide a physically and emotionally secure setting where children explore a variety of materials and experiences in a supportive, confidence-building atmosphere. This environment helps to develop physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth of each child.

Music and drama play a major part in all of Southminster’s worship services. Contemporary Christian music and drama are especially utilized in the Sunday service called CROSSINGS.

Choral music is the principal aid to worship in the reformed tradition, and Southminster is surely a prime example. The Music Ministry at Southminster is one of the church’s significant assets. Choral participation is available to all ages, providing a wealth of musical experiences; and the strength of the music program lies in the varied opportunities for the choral singer. Singers with solo ability will also find opportunity to offer their talents.

There   are   many   non-singing assistance responsibilities available as well: choir “parenting,” helping in backstage roles for drama productions,   etc.

Instrumental participation is encouraged, expected, and used in solo and accompaniment capacities.

For several decades handbell ringing has been a popular and vital musical medium   at Southminster. Handbell music is frequently    performed for worship services, especially on “festival” occasions. The handbell teams also perform for many civic and community events.

Although there is no ongoing “thespian” organization, theater/
drama interests are often needed and used, assembled around specific dramatic productions.

For further information on any aspect of the Music/Drama program, contact Rich Pinkerton, Minister of Music and Fine Arts, or the Music office at
412-343-8900

The Chancel Choir

This adult choir is primarily responsible for music worship leadership at the 11:00 a.m. Sunday services, September through June.

The choir also presents concerts and special music for seasonal and festival events, performing major choral works once or twice a year. Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.

Children’s Choir

CHILDREN’S Choir rehearses after the “Talk with Children” at the 11 a.m. Sunday service. It is open to children in grades 1-5.

The Summer Choir

The Summer Choir, comprised of adults and college students, is a less formal version of the Chancel Choir. They sing for the 10 a.m. summer worship services and rehearse at 9:15 a.m. prior to the service.

Southminster Ringers
The Southminster tradition of excellence in handbell ringing has earned the Ringers local, national and international acclaim.

Ringers I (10th - 12th graders): experienced ringers who perform regularly both at Southminster and in the community. They rehearse Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m.

RINGERS II (8th - 12th graders): younger and less experienced ringers. They perform regularly and rehearse Sunday, 4 to 6 p.m.

Ringers III (6th, 7th and 8th graders) rehearse Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. prior to Tuesday Night Live..

RINGERS IV (4th, 5th and 6th graders) rehearse Tuesday at 5:00 p.m.

Southminster Ringers I (now in their 39th year) make an international tour every other year.

Women’s Handbell Team

This group of enthusiastic ringers meets Mondays from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. While such sessions are ends in themselves, the team performs for Sunday worship services and in the community at large.

Southminster Sinfonia

Musicians of all ages perform for Sunday worship services. Rehearsals as announced.

Handbell teams perform for Southminster’s worship services as well as for civic and community events.

CHANGE RINGING Change Rilling Bells

Southminster has one of only 42 sets of Change ringing bells in the U.S. Change ringing is a traditional system of ringing church bells that arose in Renaissance England. Southminster’s eight bells, weighing from 494 pounds to 917 pounds, were installed in 2002. While being rung, they are what one would normally think of as upside down, swinging through a full circle of 360 degrees, and striking once each revolution.

If taking up an activity that combines service to the church with a potentially life-long hobby and good camaraderie might appeal to you, please do come and give it a try. Change ringing is an obscure art form, and so nearly everyone who joins our band comes to us with no experience. No musical skill or background is required, and active ringers range in age from 9 years old to 90. We are always in need of more ringers and would love to teach you. For more information please contact the Ringing Master, Don Morrison, by e-mail (dfm@ringing.org) or phone (412-983-3830) or just come up to the tower and visit us any Sunday after service.

The following groups cover a wide range of subject matter, focus and thrust. They complement the groups described previously in the Christian Education section. Of all the small group ventures operating in Southminster, those now to be described are most particularly designed to foster intra congregational friendships.

Adult Weekend Retreats
Contact: Church Office (412-343-8900)

Sociologists tell us that one of the best atmospheres in which to allow friendships to develop is a weekend sojourn in the country. Southminster is blessed by having an admirable facility for such purposes (Windy Ridge) barely one and a half hours by car from Pittsburgh.

Year around, but particularly for one weekend in mid-October, church members gather for a “pig roast,” outdoor dancing, recreation and edification at Windy Ridge.

Men and women in Southminster hold retreats at Windy Ridge. Whatever the weather, the magic of camp- fires, walks in the woods, and candlelit games of “Trivial Pursuit” makes for lasting bonds between participants.

Small Group Ministries
Contact: Church Office (412-343-8900)

Small groups are gatherings of 8 to 12 people who meet on a regular basis to provide caring and support for their members and to grow closer to Jesus Christ. Sometimes groups such as support groups or interest groups grow out of a particular need. Sometimes they are designed to provide a structure in which members can grow intentionally in their faith and prayer lives. Some groups develop around a particular ministry project.

However they take root and grow, small groups are a way of stretching, broadening, nurturing and deepening our faith. You might like to be a part of an existing group or help to develop a new one. Some of the groups already established are:

Adult Interest Center (AIC)
Contact: Carla Campbell (412-343-8900)

Fridays are a hub of activity and fun at Southminster for retired seniors. Actually AIC welcomes all ages – currently the range is from 55 to 98! The AIC opens its doors at 10 a.m. The formal program at 11 a.m features book reviews, musicals, current event speakers, dance reviews, and more.

A hot lunch at a cost of $6 is served at noon. From 1 to 3 p.m., those who wish, stay to play bridge and other games.

Periodically the group takes day trips to plays or various places of interest. These trips are always a sell-out and are enjoyed by all. AIC is an outreach program that is open to the entire community as well as Southminster members.

CAFE
Contact: Cyndy Donahoe

Coffee, tea, juice, bagels and doughnuts are served in Recreation Hall from 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each Sunday. The Cafe provides opportunities to renew old friendships, to make new ones, and to welcome visitors to the church.

Volunteers are needed to help staff the cafe.

Presbyterian Women in Southminster commit themselves to nurture their faith through prayer and Bible study, to support the mission of the church locally and worldwide, to work for justice and peace, and to build an inclusive, caring community of women. This group meets in general session for a variety of activities at various times.

Presbyterian Women contribute substantially to the mission of Southminster through their various mission projects. They also sponsor the Thank Offering service in November and serve one or more all-church luncheons during the year.

A special event sponsored by PW is the Women’s Retreat, an overnight stay at Sandscrest Conference Center in Wheeling, WVA, comprising a day and a half of intensive study of a subject geared to enhance spiritual growth. Many friendships have been formed and nurtured at this event. Once a year Presbyterian Women tour mission projects in the area, thus increasing their own sense of mission. All women in Southminster church are most welcome to attend any or all of these gatherings.

There are circles and women’s interest groups within Presbyterian Women who meet once a month in homes or in Southminster House. A warm and open invitation is extended to all women of Southminster to join Presbyterian Women and one of the small groups.

Anna-Rebekah Circle (“Mother, faithful, flattering”)
Coordinator: Betty Wiest

This circle is a group of senior women enjoying fellowship and learning experiences. Seven meetings are held during the year--five with programs and two with a luncheon and a service project. Members participate in all areas of PW activities: general meetings, serving luncheons, contributing to the budget and projects. Time and Place: Second Thursday of the month. Southminster House, 9:30 a.m. (December and May--Noon) No meeting in January or February.

MARY MARTHA CIRCLE
Coordinators: Stephanie LaDuke and Carol Petti

This is a re-formed group that has a passion for both the kitchen (cooking) and the living room (programs). We are an informal group that meets when a need arises and focuses our passion on mission work that is right here in our own community, supporting programs like SHIM, IHN and our own youth programs.

Miriam Circle (“Rebellious, righteous, leader”)
Coordinator: Melissa Davis

The focus of this circle is fellowship, faith and fun! Miriam members can be found watching a movie, discussing a passage of faith, hiking, picking apples or enjoying a meal. Every member has helping hands to provide for others and is eager to do so. Times and dates vary, but are published well in advance of each meeting.

Priscilla Open Door Fellowship (“Held church meetings in her home”)
Coordinator: Barbara Hois

The focus of this young group is to make new friends with other women of Southminster and support each other in our faith journeys through reading, study, and discussion. All women of the church are warmly welcomed to join this friendly group. Time and place: Third Saturday of the month. Southminster House, 8:30 a.m.

Ruth Circle (“Friend, truthful, homemaker”)
Coordinator: Mary Howe

This circle, diversified in interest and age, has a variety of speakers who keep us in touch with topics within and outside the church. We welcome newcomers because we feel that small groups are the best way to meet and become better acquainted. Time and place: Second Thursday of the month. Parlor. 9:30 a.m.

Sarah Circle (“Beautiful, faithful, good wife”)
Coordinators: Chris Blackwood and Nancy Karras

Begun as a circle of “Young Marrieds,” Sarah Circle has grown over the years and now is a group with diverse interests and life experiences. Meetings begin with dessert and time for Christian fellowship, followed by a devotional and speaker from our church or community st large. We cherish our long-time members and welcome new members. Time and place: Fourth Tuesday of the month. Southminster House, 7:30 p.m.

Quilters
Contact: Esther Shaffer

We finish or complete a quilt. Come and join us for stitching, fellowship and a cup of tea. Time and place: Every Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Recreation Hall.

Baptism Cross-Stitch Group
Contact: Manette Sykes

Members of the congregation cross-stitch framed mementos for the baptized children of Southminster. This small group welcomes experienced as well as inexperienced stitchers.

Shawl Ministry
Contact: Jill Campbell

Prayer shawls are knit by members of the congregation for those who are ill, grieving, bedridden, shut-in, or celebrating a special occasion. Yarn and instructions are provided and located in the church library. Prayers are knitted into the shawl and when someone uses it, they are wrapped in God’s love.

Despite its sacred purpose, a church the size of Southminster has many characteristics in common with a small to medium-sized business. Thus many clerical and administrative support functions have to be discharged. For those with interest, experience and aptitude in such areas, this can be an effective way to meet fellow members and interact with them.

Church Operations
Contact: David Charles

We often forget that a significant management effort is needed to keep a church the size of Southminster running smoothly. A group of individuals who have experience running business organizations, particularly those who have championed new management strategies, meet regularly to provide the church the benefit of their expertise and to help streamline church operations. People   who   have   backgrounds in law, finance and personnel management and/or who have experience in running a multifaceted organization may find this group of interest.

Office Volunteer Group
Contact: Marian Kakitsis       (412-343-8900)

While the church maintains a permanent office staff, staff efforts are augmented by a group of volunteers who have lots of fun duplicating bulletins, preparing posters, stuffing envelopes and doing general clerical work. Volunteers assist in assembly of the Sunday service bulletins and mailing of The Good News. Enthusiasm, rather than experience, is sought in new additions to this group.

Landscape Beautification
Contact:   Lynn Heintzleman

During the growing season, a group of garden enthusiasts plant annual flowers and perennial bulbs to enhance   the   grounds   around   Southminster. This group is also involved in planning new landscape designs to replace overgrown shrubbery.

Design and Maintenance
Contact: Jay Galbreath

The Design and Maintenance Committee, with the help of volunteers, decorates the church for special events. Christmas is the peak of activity, but this group operates all year long. All refurbishing/decorating and maintenance of such is done by this group.

Library Volunteer Group
Contact: Frank Stricklen             (412-343-8900)

Southminster operates its own 2,000-volume library. Volunteers staff it on Sunday morning, handling paperwork associated with lending and acquisitions. They also have the privilege of reading to children in the church   School classes––good   practice for soon-to-be parents or grandparents. Books range from research, collection of Bibles and devotional books, Christian fiction, children’s books and audio tapes of sermons.

Windy Ridge Committee
Contact: Marshall Waddell

Southminster owns 309 acres of wooded land one and a half hours by car southwest of Pittsburgh. This property is used for church “escape weekends” and is rented out to other institutions on a commercial basis.

There is ongoing need for building and grounds maintenance and improvement. Work crews visit the site regularly, armed with chain saws, paint brushes, hammers, chisels and many nails. They work a portion of the time and have fun all of the time! Folk who have an affinity with the “out-of-doors” and enjoy working with their hands find this activity particularly attractive.

There is an ever-present need for individuals skilled in plumbing, electrical installation and general construction. Groups or individuals who wish to rent the camp should contact the church.

Despite its sacred purpose, a church the size of Southminster has many characteristics in common with a small to medium-sized business. Thus many clerical and administrative support functions have to be discharged. For those with interest, experience and aptitude in such areas, this can be an effective way to meet fellow members and interact with them. Current operations activities include: