Don’t Try to Stop God In Mark 9:38-50 the disciples—at least John—are upset because they saw somebody, not a disciple, “casting out demons” in Jesus’ name. Here John sounds strikingly similar to the Pharisees, who became upset when someone out of their control, Jesus, healed a person on the sabbath (Mark 3:1-6). A common tendency among religious […]

VBS Sunday of Service -- Volunteer, Bless, Serve Are you looking for a meaningful way to engage in service with your family? Join us for VBS Sundays of Service: Volunteer, Bless, Serve! This initiative is designed to bring our church family together in acts of love and kindness. Over the fall, we will participate in […]

Who Would Jesus Bless Today? Many Bibles include a heading before the latter part of today’s gospel reading (Mark 10:13-16) that says something like “Blessing the Children” or “Jesus Welcomes the Children.” In reading such a heading, we might begin to imagine a sentimental scene in which Jesus is surrounded by cute, adorable children. When we […]

Fat Camels and Narrow Needles: Only Possible for God A rich man approaches Jesus and asks how to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to sell what he owns, give the money to the poor, and follow. Jesus will accept nothing less than our very selves. Like the rich man, we too are left defenseless […]

Sharing in Your Glory: Success or Service? “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” Like James and John, we too are quick to assume that following Christ leads to success, power, and glory. Like James and John we ask for what we know and think […]

Vibrant Seniors Join the Vibrant Seniors for a delightful luncheon and engaging conversation! This month, our luncheon will take place on Sunday, October 20, at 12:30 pm at Firebirds Woodfired Grill in Cranberry Township.  The address is  7300 Cranberry Springs Dr, and their phone number is  724-831-5450.  It's located near the Target just off of […]

Not Ashamed In many congregations, Reformation Sunday is treated as a sort of “Lutheran heritage” day, a time for singing chorales and remembering the theological reforms of the sixteenth century that gave birth to Lutheranism. In other parishes, a greater focus is placed on the church’s need for continual reform; the church’s history is secondary […]

Pub Theology Join us for Pub Theology after worship (11 am) on Reformation Sunday, October 27, at Full Pint Beer, 16087 Perry Hwy, Warrendale, PA 15086. This casual gathering is an opportunity for thoughtful conversation, connection, and a chance to engage with faith in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re deeply curious about theology or simply looking […]

Consider Supporting PHLC’s Largest Fundraiser – The Spaghetti Dinner! Dine-in or take-out options are available for this much-anticipated event being held on Saturday, November 2, from 3-7:30 pm. Place your orders online at this link. If you prefer, you may order and pay by check using the paper order form that will be available each […]

Unbinding the Living On All Saints Sunday we remember loved ones who have been laid in the tomb. We know the acute grief of Mary, Martha, and Jesus. We know the reality of death that lies so close. We know that at any moment the phone call could come with news we dread. We live […]

Be Not Afraid How would you live if you were not afraid? Fear is used by politicians to gain our votes, by the media to get our attention, by advertising firms to sell us what we don’t need, and by TV evangelists to get our donations. What fears are used against us? One is scarcity, […]

Real Strength in Community of Faith What makes something strong? Is steel strong because of its ability to withstand stress from many directions? Is wood strong because of its ability to absorb impact while remaining intact? Is the material of a spider’s web strong because of its tensile strength-to-weight ratio? Things are strong for many […]