Perry Highway Lutheran Church

Adult Bible Study
2026-05-31 10:45 - 11:45, 2026-06-07 10:45 - 11:45, 2026-06-14 10:45 - 11:45, 2026-06-21 10:45 - 11:45, 2026-06-28 10:45 - 11:45, 2026-07-05 10:45 - 11:45, 2026-07-12 10:45 - 11:45, 2026-07-19 10:45 - 11:45 (America/New_York) | PA
Adult Bible Study
Are you looking for a meaningful way to engage with scripture and connect with others on the journey of faith? Our ongoing Bible Study at Perry Highway Lutheran Church is the perfect opportunity to do just that—no matter where you are on your spiritual path.
At PHLC, we believe Bible Study isn’t about having all the answers or being a “Bible expert.” Instead, it’s about creating a welcoming space where curiosity is encouraged and every voice matters. Together, we open the scriptures with honesty and humility, asking real questions, sharing life experiences, and exploring how these ancient words continue to speak into our modern lives. Faith, after all, grows best in conversation.
Each gathering is a blend of thoughtful reflection and genuine connection. Some weeks we find ourselves laughing together; other weeks we wrestle with challenging passages or tough questions about life, justice, and hope. Always, we seek to listen deeply—to scripture, to one another, and to the movement of God in our everyday lives. This is a place where doubts are not feared, stories are honored, and grace is practiced.
Whether you’ve been attending church for many years, are returning after time away, or are simply curious about scripture and faith, you are truly welcome here. You don’t need prior knowledge, special preparation, or the “right” answers. Just bring your authentic self and an open heart.
Our Bible Study community is grounded in encouragement and support, helping one another discern how to live out a grace-filled, compassionate life in the real world—at work, at home, and in our wider community.
Best of all, you can join us virtually, making it easy to participate wherever life finds you. If you’re seeking connection, thoughtful conversation, and a deeper engagement with scripture, we would love for you to be part of this journey with us.
To join virtually, email Pastor Ryan at pastor@phlc.org for the link.

Ross Pride Celebration
2026-05-31 13:00 - 16:00 | PA
Ross Pride Celebration
This summer, we invite you to celebrate love, inclusion, and community by joining us at several local Pride festivals alongside the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) ministry of the ELCA! These events are joyful opportunities to share God’s message of welcome and affirmation with our neighbors while supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals and families throughout our region.
You can find us at the Reconciling Works and RIC booths at the following events:

Ross Pride – May 31, 1:00–4:00 pm at the Ross Township Municipal Building
Pittsburgh Pride – June 6, 10:00 am–6:00 pm at Allegheny Commons
Millvale Pride – June 20, 10:00 am–6:00 pm in Millvale

These festivals are filled with music, food, community organizations, activities, and opportunities to connect with people from all walks of life. Volunteers and visitors alike are encouraged to stop by the booth, share conversation, distribute welcoming materials, and help demonstrate that the church can be a place of compassion, justice, and belonging for everyone.
Whether you attend for an hour or spend the whole day, your presence matters. Pride events offer a visible reminder that God’s love is for all people without exception. They are also a meaningful way to support the ongoing work of reconciliation, advocacy, and inclusion happening throughout the church and wider community.
All are welcome—friends, families, allies, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Come celebrate diversity, meet new people, and help share a message of hope and radical hospitality. We hope you’ll join us at one or more of these wonderful community events this Pride season!

Prayer Vigil
2026-06-05 08:30 - 09:30, 2026-06-12 08:30 - 09:30, 2026-06-19 08:30 - 09:30, 2026-06-26 08:30 - 09:30, 2026-07-03 08:30 - 09:30, 2026-07-10 08:30 - 09:30, 2026-07-17 08:30 - 09:30 | PA
Prayer Vigil
Join members of PHLC as we stand with our wider community at a weekly prayer vigil in support of immigrants who have been seized and are being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This vigil takes place every Friday, beginning at 8:30 AM, at the ICE Field Office, 3000 Sydney Street, Pittsburgh. It is grounded in faith, compassion, and a shared commitment to justice.
Each gathering includes hymns, spoken prayers, and intentional moments of silence. Together, we create sacred space in the midst of public life—bearing witness to the dignity of our immigrant neighbors and naming the harm caused by unjust systems. This is a peaceful, quiet protest, meant to remind the public that the suffering of our neighbors is not abstract or distant, but real and happening in our community.
Participants are welcome to carry signs that reflect messages of hope, solidarity, and justice. In keeping with the spirit of the vigil, there will be no shouting, chanting, or bullhorns. Those attending will stand on the public sidewalk only and may not enter the roadway or the property of the ICE facility. These guidelines help ensure the safety of all involved and preserve the prayerful nature of the gathering.
This vigil is an act of faithful presence—showing up, week after week, to say that immigrants are beloved, that families matter, and that silence in the face of injustice is not an option. Whether you come every Friday or are able to join us once, your presence matters.
The vigil is hosted by Sisters of St. Joseph, Pax Christi, and Casa San José. All are welcome to come, pray, and stand in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors.

Pub Theology
2026-06-05 19:00 - 20:00 | PA
Pub Theology
Join us at Allegheny City Brewing’s Brighton Heights location for PHLC’s “Pub Theology” gathering on June 5 at 7 pm for an evening of thoughtful conversation, good company, and meaningful reflection in a relaxed setting. Time and location are still to be determined, but all are invited to come together for open discussion about faith, life, current events, and the questions that shape our daily experiences.
Pub Theology creates space for honest dialogue outside the walls of the church, welcoming people from all backgrounds and perspectives. Whether you have been part of the church community for years or are simply curious about spiritual conversations in an informal environment, this gathering offers an opportunity to connect with others in a welcoming and respectful atmosphere. There is no pressure to have all the answers—just a willingness to listen, share, and engage with one another.
Discussions may touch on scripture, culture, relationships, justice, hope, doubt, and the ways faith intersects with everyday life. Some evenings are lighthearted, others more reflective, but every conversation is grounded in community and mutual respect. Pub Theology reminds us that meaningful spiritual conversations can happen anywhere people gather together.
Bring a friend, grab a drink or snack, and join us as we continue building connections through conversation and fellowship. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people, deepen relationships, and explore big questions in a casual and welcoming environment.
We hope you will make plans to join us for this engaging evening of conversation, community, and connection at PHLC’s Pub Theology on June 5.

Pittsburgh Pride Celebration
2026-06-06 10:00 - 18:00 | PA
Pittsburgh Pride Celebration
This summer, we invite you to celebrate love, inclusion, and community by joining us at several local Pride festivals alongside the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) ministry of the ELCA! These events are joyful opportunities to share God’s message of welcome and affirmation with our neighbors while supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals and families throughout our region.
You can find us at the Reconciling Works and RIC booths at the following events:

Ross Pride – May 31, 1:00–4:00 pm at the Ross Township Municipal Building
Pittsburgh Pride – June 6, 10:00 am–6:00 pm at Allegheny Commons
Millvale Pride – June 20, 10:00 am–6:00 pm in Millvale

These festivals are filled with music, food, community organizations, activities, and opportunities to connect with people from all walks of life. Volunteers and visitors alike are encouraged to stop by the booth, share conversation, distribute welcoming materials, and help demonstrate that the church can be a place of compassion, justice, and belonging for everyone.
Whether you attend for an hour or spend the whole day, your presence matters. Pride events offer a visible reminder that God’s love is for all people without exception. They are also a meaningful way to support the ongoing work of reconciliation, advocacy, and inclusion happening throughout the church and wider community.
All are welcome—friends, families, allies, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Come celebrate diversity, meet new people, and help share a message of hope and radical hospitality. We hope you’ll join us at one or more of these wonderful community events this Pride season!

PreK Summer KickOff Festival!
2026-06-06 11:30 - 14:30 | Church Parking Lot
Kick Off the Summer with a Festival!
Join us for the 6th Annual PreK Summer Kick Off Festival on June 6 from 11:30 am–2:30 pm for an afternoon filled with fun, laughter, and community celebration! This exciting event is open to everyone and is specially designed with children and families in mind. Whether you are part of our school community or simply looking for a joyful family-friendly event, ALL ARE INVITED to come celebrate the start of summer with us!
Festival guests can purchase tickets at the door on the day of the event. Entry tickets include game booth tickets, and additional booth tickets will also be available for purchase throughout the day. Children under the age of 2 receive free admission, making this a wonderful and affordable outing for families of all sizes.
There will be games, activities, entertainment, and opportunities for children to play, explore, and make memories with friends and neighbors. We are also looking for volunteers and donations to help make this event a success. Sign up here. Community support plays a huge role in creating a welcoming and exciting experience for all who attend.
We are currently accepting donations and assistance in several ways, including:
• Pop-up tents to borrow for festival booths• Water bottles for volunteers• Helium tanks for balloons• Volunteers to provide entertainment such as face painting, magic acts, music, balloon artists, or costumed characters to hand out balloons and tattoos• Help with setup, tear-down, and sound management
You can support the festival through our Amazon donation registry.
We look forward to celebrating with you at this fun-filled community event!
Download flyer here.

Worship Service
2026-06-07 09:30 - 10:30 | Sanctuary, 11403 Perry Highway, Wexford, PA, United States
Join us at 9:30 am on Sundays — We Make a Place for Everyone!
Light, Warmth, and Watering
The weeks of summer coincide with the beginning of the Pentecost season. Summer brings sunny warmth, growing crops, and the promise of harvest: images of the Holy Spirit’s presence and activity in our lives, the church, and the world. Hosea speaks of God’s presence as the dawn, as a gentle shower, as light. In our life together as a community of faith, what needs light, warmth, and watering to grow and flourish? How might we be attentive to others’ needs to receive this nourishment through God’s words of life and holy supper?
~From Sundays & Seasons

Worship Service
2026-06-14 09:30 - 10:30 | Sanctuary, 11403 Perry Highway, Wexford, PA, United States
Join us at 9:30 am on Sundays — We Make a Place for Everyone!
Plentiful Harvest
In today’s gospel reading, Jesus speaks of the church’s mission with images drawn from daily life. The harvest is already plentiful, he says, but laborers are needed for work in the fields of daily life. What are we to do? We are to do that to which our worship invites us: Let our conversation be shaped by the good news, extend Christ’s peace wherever we find ourselves, and share our bread with the hungry.
~From Sundays & Seasons

Millvale Pride Celebration
2026-06-20 10:00 - 18:00 | PA
Millvale Pride Celebration
This summer, we invite you to celebrate love, inclusion, and community by joining us at several local Pride festivals alongside the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) ministry of the ELCA! These events are joyful opportunities to share God’s message of welcome and affirmation with our neighbors while supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals and families throughout our region.
You can find us at the Reconciling Works and RIC booths at the following events:

Ross Pride – May 31, 1:00–4:00 pm at the Ross Township Municipal Building
Pittsburgh Pride – June 6, 10:00 am–6:00 pm at Allegheny Commons
Millvale Pride – June 20, 10:00 am–6:00 pm in Millvale

These festivals are filled with music, food, community organizations, activities, and opportunities to connect with people from all walks of life. Volunteers and visitors alike are encouraged to stop by the booth, share conversation, distribute welcoming materials, and help demonstrate that the church can be a place of compassion, justice, and belonging for everyone.
Whether you attend for an hour or spend the whole day, your presence matters. Pride events offer a visible reminder that God’s love is for all people without exception. They are also a meaningful way to support the ongoing work of reconciliation, advocacy, and inclusion happening throughout the church and wider community.
All are welcome—friends, families, allies, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Come celebrate diversity, meet new people, and help share a message of hope and radical hospitality. We hope you’ll join us at one or more of these wonderful community events this Pride season!

Worship Service
2026-06-21 09:30 - 10:30 | Sanctuary, 11403 Perry Highway, Wexford, PA, United States
Join us at 9:30 am on Sundays — We Make a Place for Everyone!
God Comes First
God is, the theologians say, transcendent—beyond us, always exceeding our easy grasp. Recognizing God’s awesome transcendence brings a reevaluation of other values. The God of vertigo-inspiring infinitude is also the God who know the hairs of our head. Trusting this God, fear is defanged and faith becomes a sort of courage. We live in faithful relationship to the hair-counting God as we joyfully “acknowledge” the one who acknowledges us. And as we do so, reveling in the intimacy of God’s loving regard for us, other relationships, even familial ones, take on a different cast. God comes first, we realize, not only in priority, but ontologically, “in the beginning” (John 1:1). Before the God who is at once gracious and transcendent, we “lose” our lives and discover the true life in following the way of Jesus the crucified Son.
~From Sundays & Seasons

Worship Service
2026-06-28 09:30 - 10:30 | Sanctuary, 11403 Perry Highway, Wexford, PA, United States
Join us at 9:30 am on Sundays — We Make a Place for Everyone!
Life in Christ Includes Praise and Lament
Though we may prefer to think of God giving us lives of joy and ease, a full life in Christ also includes sorrow and grief. To the extent we are willing to acknowledge God’s presence in every circumstance, our faith becomes integrated and sustainable through a lifetime.
The texts for today offer a survey of faith-full moments for the people of God, from arguably the most disturbing story in all our scriptures (Genesis 22; semicontinuous series) to the proclamation of God’s everlasting faithfulness (Psalms 89 and 13).
Does our worship avoid faithful lament?
Marked by transformation as clear and life and death (Romans 6), the disciple naturally embodies the gospel of Jesus Christ. Like it or not, this includes moments of sadness, grief, and betrayal that were very much a part of Jesus’ faithful journey. If our lives are identified with Christ, disciples can name both joys and sorrows as dimensions of Christ’s story and purpose.
The greatest challenge of faith for most Christians is the moment of suffering, so this day invites us to practice faithful lament. In an age of denial when difficult things are swept under the rug, we may resist the idea that God wants anything to do with suffering. Our scriptures, however, ensure we do not avoid earth-bound realities. The psalmist wails a prayer in faith that not only laments abandonment by God but also confesses God’s steadfast love (Psalm 13; semicontinuous series). The story of Abraham and Isaac haunts our imaginations when we expect God to make life easy.
Worship calls us to faithfully lament as well as praise. Let today be a service of full-hearted proclamation of the depths of life in Christ.
~From Sundays & Seasons

Lunch & Laughter
2026-06-28 12:30 - 14:00 | PA
You’re Invited: Lunch & Laughter
Join us for a delightful afternoon of great food and even better company at our next Lunch & Laughter luncheon! We’re gathering on Sunday, June 28, 12:30 pm, at Walnut Grill —a perfect spot to relax, reconnect, and enjoy the warmth of friendship.
This luncheon is a wonderful opportunity to catch up with familiar faces, meet new friends, and share stories over a delicious meal. Whether you’re a regular at our gatherings or it’s your first time joining us, we’d love to see you there. The restaurant offers a variety of options sure to please every palate, all in a welcoming and comfortable setting.
Let’s celebrate the joy of community and the vibrant spirit that defines our group. Bring your appetite and your smile—laughter is always on the menu!
Don’t miss out on this special afternoon—we look forward to sharing it with you!

Spiritual Trauma Group Hike
2026-06-30 18:30 - 20:30 | PA
Spiritual Trauma Support Group Hike
PHLC’s religious and spiritual trauma group wrapped up our reading of Holy Hurt and will be transitioning to something new in the fall. In the meantime, we have decided to get outdoors for our next meeting. This would be a great time to join us if you’ve been thinking about it but haven’t made it yet. It would also be a great time to invite someone else you know who may benefit from the support of this group, whether they are a part of the PHLC community or not.
Join us on Tuesday, June 30, 6:30 pm at Pigeon Shelter in North Park (at the intersection of McKinney Rd and Kummer Rd) for an easy hike, and BYOWB (Bring Your Own Water Bottle)!
Join us as we walk together, share stories if we choose, and create space for reflection, support, and connection. This is not a counseling session or a traditional Bible study. Instead, it is a welcoming and compassionate gathering for anyone who has been impacted by harmful religious experiences, struggles with faith, or questions about spirituality. Whether you are actively involved in a faith community, exploring new spiritual paths, or unsure where you belong, you are welcome here.
Walking side by side can make difficult conversations feel a little easier. The peaceful setting of North Park provides an opportunity to breathe deeply, move at a comfortable pace, and find encouragement among others who are seeking healing and hope. Participation in discussion is always optional. Some may come to share, while others may simply appreciate being in the company of people who understand.
Healing often happens in community, and every step forward matters. If you are looking for a supportive environment where questions are welcomed, experiences are honored, and no one is expected to have all the answers, we invite you to join us for the Holy Hurt Hike.
All are welcome. Come as you are and walk with us.

Book Study
2026-07-05 08:30 - 09:15 | PA
Book Study
Join us on select Sundays at 8:30 a.m. for a thoughtful and engaging Adult Education gathering as we journey through The Experience of God: Being, Consciousness, Bliss by David Bentley Hart.
In this remarkable book, Hart—an acclaimed Orthodox Christian scholar and theologian—invites readers to reconsider what we mean when we speak about God. Rather than focusing on debates between belief and unbelief, he explores the rich traditions of Christian thought and the deeper philosophical questions that have shaped humanity’s understanding of the divine for centuries. Hart examines God as the ground of being, the source of consciousness, and the fulfillment of bliss, challenging readers to think beyond familiar assumptions and discover a more expansive vision of faith.
Whether you are a lifelong student of theology, someone wrestling with big questions, or simply curious about the relationship between God and human experience, this group offers a welcoming space for conversation, reflection, and learning. No advanced background in philosophy or theology is required—just a willingness to read, listen, and explore together.
Our discussions are relaxed, respectful, and enriched by the diverse perspectives of those who gather around the table each week. The goal is not to arrive at all the answers, but to deepen our understanding and encourage one another along the way.
Please join us for this adventure in faith and thought. For upcoming meeting dates and additional information, contact John Spurlock. We would be delighted to have you with us as we continue this fascinating exploration together.

Worship Service
2026-07-05 09:30 - 10:30 | Sanctuary, 11403 Perry Highway, Wexford, PA, United States
Join us at 9:30 am on Sundays — We Make a Place for Everyone!
When a Yoke Means Freedom
Today’s gospel reading contains iconic words from Jesus: “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30). Jesus offers a yoke to tired listeners and tells them that a yoke will give them rest. The yoke as a means to rest was a strange idea for the disciples, and it ought to sound strange to us as well. The early hearers of this biblical passage would have known a yoke to be a means of engaging the energy of oxen as heavy lifters in the enterprise of farming. Yokes are still employed in our world and they are still a burden and a way of harnessing animals’ hard work. The first ancient readers or hearers of Matthew also viewed a yoke as a symbol of obedience to God’s law and wisdom. Generally, our instinct is to resist yokes and laws, or at least not immediately connect them with the idea of freedom. Through the image of the yoke, however, Jesus invites us to think of God’s law and wisdom as a means to surrender, give way, and accept something graceful and positive—rest, ease, lightness. Jesus reframes the idea of a yoke by telling us that a yoke will help us grow as disciples. The gospel links humility to freedom.
~From Sundays & Seasons

Worship Service
2026-07-12 09:30 - 10:30 | Sanctuary, 11403 Perry Highway, Wexford, PA, United States
Join us at 9:30 am on Sundays — We Make a Place for Everyone!
Life in Every Direction
We can identify death in every direction. We see war, hunger, addiction, poverty, a dying planet, and broken hearts. This is not a new story. The children of Israel surely saw death in every direction, wandering in the desert and at least occasionally wondering about their next meal. Paul looks at his own life and, at first, sees nothing beyond spiritual death. He reminds us that death is not just physical, but also spiritual. Then, in the parable of the sower, three-fourths of the seeds die and three-fourths of the sections of the field are inhospitable to flourishing life. Sometimes, life isn’t even given a chance. We might look at the world and ourselves and only see the places that are inhospitable to God’s love.
Today’s texts all go a step further, however, to articulate or reveal God bringing forth life where there is only death in every direction. Cypress and myrtle trees rise up in the place of thorns and briars (Isa. 55:13). “Christ Jesus has set [us] free from the law of sin and of death,” and the life-giving Spirit dwells in us (Rom. 8:2, 10).The parable of the sower elicits reflection, repentance, and, ultimately, new life from its readers and hearers in considering the sort of spiritual life they practice. Are we hospitable or inhospitable to God’s word? This parable is a vivid reminder of all God has overcome—rocks, scorching sun, thorns, and snatching—to bring life to the world. God brings forth life in places where people see only death.
~From Sundays & Seasons

Worship Service
2026-07-19 09:30 - 10:30 | Sanctuary, 11403 Perry Highway, Wexford, PA, United States
Join us at 9:30 am on Sundays — We Make a Place for Everyone!
Judgment and Mercy
Matthew’s gospel knows little compromise: sheep or goats, wheat or weeds, good or evil. Finding the good news of God’s love for all people, for all creation, can be a challenge in this book. Today’s gospel is no exception. Jesus interprets a parable for the disciples; he announces that all evildoers will be thrown into the furnace of fire, while the righteous will shine like the sun. The “Son of Man” will judge the world. Matthew’s phrase “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to . . .” occurs here for the first time in this gospel (Matt. 13:24). Jesus’ parable is a genuine metaphor—it is best viewed as a whole with no point-by-point comparison. The kingdom of believers has the same potential as those of the world to do good and to do evil. Jesus’ allegorical interpretation encourages believers to strive for righteousness and emphasizes God as judge.
However, in his letter to the church at Rome, Paul focuses on God as merciful judge. He proclaims that all creation will be freed from decay and receive redemption. Paul reminds us that our hope lies with God, our parent through a spirit of adoption. This dichotomous picture of God as judge and giver of mercy began with last Sunday’s texts and evidences itself in readings from Romans and Matthew across the next four Sundays. In some cases the God of mercy is highlighted in Paul’s letter, at other times in the gospel. This good news, however, is always present!
The exercise of judgment and mercy reflects God’s emphasis on justice over fairness. A fair God condemns those who do evil. A just God moves beyond fairness to justice, peace, and reconciliation. As evil-doers, sinners, one and all, we are grateful for God’s justice towards us and all people.
~From Sundays & Seasons
