1. Art and Diseño

February
2015
Welcome to our New
Members...
FEBRUARY
Rob Beswick
This is a return engagement for me at Sixth. My wife,
Bonnie, began attending in the mid-80s with our three
children—Margaret, Sarah and Andrew—and I followed her a few years later, joining on Maundy Thursday in 1992. We raised our children at Sixth, and as
they grew up and followed their lives elsewhere, we
drifted away from this church. In December, after a
10-year hiatus, I made my way back to Sixth—partly
for my own reasons and partly because my middle
child, Sarah Cataldi, was looking for a church home
for herself and her children Cole (4 ½) and Violet (1).
Her husband James works Sundays, and it made sense
for the four of us to come together. Our oldest child,
Margaret, is married and living in Hawaii. Andrew lives in Pittsburgh and has a fiveyear old daughter Aleyah, who will be part of our troop most Sundays.
Sarah Cataldi, Cole and Violet
Sarah Cataldi grew up in Sixth Church and became a
member in 1998. She has been absent for some years
and now has joined the church again by re-affirmation
of faith.
Sarah is married to James Cataldi. They have 2 children, Cole 4 years
old and Violet 11months.
Sarah is a 4/5 grade math teacher at The Environmental
Charter School. Her hobbies are reading, cooking and
education. When asked what brought her back to Sixth
Church, Sarah said she attended her entire childhood
and wanted to bring her children to church. She said
there was nowhere else she could imagine attending.
Welcome to Our New Members (Cont’d.)
Beverly Gaddy and Helen
Beverly Ann Gaddy, a lifelong Presbyterian, was brought by a position at
Pitt to Pittsburgh 11 years ago , settling in Squirrel Hill. She became a
member of East Liberty Presbyterian that year and also a regular in Bill
Guy’s class at Sixth. When Vincent Kolb began his ministry at Sixth and
shared his vision of social justice, she decided to make the move to Sixth.
Beverly was born in Columbus, Georgia. She left at age 17, and over the
next three decades lived in three different countries (Germany, Italy, US)
and five states, had a couple of marriages, raised three beautiful children
(Amy age 37, Alex age 28, and Helen 12), and is blessed with three precious grandchildren (Naomi age 15, Elijah age 13, and Miriam 11).
After a career in social worker, Beverly returned to school to complete her PhD in Political Science. A tenured Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, she teaches courses in American Politics and in Political
Theory but works primarily in religion and politics. Her recent scholarship is in political theology.
Chris McDonald
Chris McDonald is from Monroe, Louisiana. He was educated as a computer-aided drafter. He is currently working as a deli sales clerk at Squirrel Hill Giant Eagle.
Chris was raised in a Baptist Church in the American Baptist Association.
His hobbies are reading, scale model building and spending time with his
wife and son.
When asked what Chris liked about Sixth Church, he said its openness
and inclusiveness. His wife, Heather is a member of the church and he
started attending with her.
Darrell Simmons
Darrell lives in Highland Park and was a member of the East Liberty
Lutheran Church He is very excited about becoming a member of Sixth
Church. He states when he first came he felt very welcome and he was
anxious to come back. His hobbies involve sports. He likes to watch
them on TV.
FEBRUARY
Page 2
Welcome to Our New Members (Cont’d.)
Kate Watson and Dace Snyder
Adeline and John Robert
Kate Watson is from Slippery Rock, PA. When she was at school in Pittsburgh she
attended Sixth Church. When she and her husband Dave Snyder returned to Pittsburgh to live they visited many churches but decided to come back to Sixth Church.
Kate is a Pediatrician with Children's Primary Care. Dave grew up in Prospect, PA
He is an Internal Auditor at First Energy.
Kate's prior religious affiliation was Methodist. She was a member of Slippery Rock
Methodist Church. Dave is a life long Presbyterian and a member of the Greensburg
Presbyterian Church
They both enjoy running.
They have two children, Adeline, who is 5 years old and John Robert, who is 10
months.
When asked what they liked about Sixth Church they both stated that the people were
very warm and friendly and welcoming.
Jennifer Joy Wheitner and Savanna
Jen was born in Albany, NY. She has a Masters in Social Work, and works
as a case
manager with Gateway Health( managed care Medicaid plan). She is separated from
her husband. She adopted 4 year old Savanna last year.
She grew up in the Reformed Church.
Her favorite leisure pursuit is being with Savanna all day, all the time
(when she is not working).
When asked what she especially liked about Sixth Church she said the Women's Retreats and
the More Light Philosophy, She stated that she loves that all kinds of things are going on in the church.
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FEBRUARY
From the Pastor
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the
epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the
spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”
Charles Dickens
These famous opening words of a Tale of Two Cities could just as easily describe our situation in 2015.
We are living in grim times. Law enforcement and communities are at odds with one another. Income inequality is
nothing short of horrific. Our infrastructure is rotten, and our “safety net” is filled with holes. Big agriculture causes
disease. Government increasingly is dysfunctional and cruel. A sizable segment of the population is excluded from
work for a livable wage, and a sizeable part of the population is subject to near-random incarceration. We have cause
for despair.
But for some insane reason, I am filled with hope. First, we have a legacy of courage to celebrate. Others before us
stood up for justice and inclusion in long ago seasons of despair. At 6th in January, we remembered Dr. Martin Luther King’s prophetic witness and the triumphant march to civil rights. We have our own glorious story of becoming
a More Light Church when it was risky to even speak about inclusion. All around our country and world, people are
recognizing the need to band together and work toward changing our lives and communities for the better. Indigenous movements, environmental movements, social media movements are empowering the most disenfranchised to
rise up and protect their lands, their resources, their way of life.
At 6th, we are exploring becoming an Earth Care Congregation. We are refining our quick response to gun legislation by working closely with Cease Fire PA. We are rethinking what justice means on Tuesday nights and we are
deepening our listening process to hear God’s call for how to live out that call for justice and inclusion today
through a team of listeners at 6th. We will stand with 500 others at a public action for Public Safety in Homewood
on February 26, pressing our new police chief to adopt new initiatives for relationship building, training, and tracking, so that police and our African American brothers and sisters can both feel safe. We are dreaming about a new
heaven and a new earth, and we are working toward that reality, Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done.
So I am hopeful. Not because of what I can necessarily see...yet. But always, because of what God is planting in our
hearts. Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
Vincent
FEBRUARY
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Parent’s Meeting
Sunday, Feb. 8 at 10 a.m.
in the church parlor.
Please join us for
the following
activities:
Sixth Presbyterian Church
For 7th-12th
February
Nicaragua Art Show: Thursday, Feb. 5. at 7
p.m. for the artist talk at Pittsburg Center for
the Arts School, 1407 Shady Avenue.
Parents: The gun safety committee of
Sixth church would like to hear from you!
Committee members Judy Schryer and Lori
Swensson would like to meet with parents of
Sixth families to gather input, have discussion, share information, and hear thoughts
and concerns on this topic.
Please come and be a part of this
important discussion!
Youth Program: Sunday,
Feb. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church. Join
us for a “TED” talk. Ted Hoover, who
works with the Persad Center in Pittsburgh,
will be joining us to present a workshop on
suicide and depression. The workshop will
focus on teaching leadership and intervention
skills, and help youth to become aware of the
signs of suicide and depression in their peers
and what to do when you see them
March
Service Project: Wednesday, March 4 from
5 to 7:45 p.m. We will cook and serve dinner
at East End Community House in East Liberty. from We will meet at the church at 5 p.m.
to prepare the meal and heading over to
EECH to serve at 7 p.m.
Youth Fellowship: Sunday, March 8 from 5
to 8:30 at the church. Dinner and a Movie!
Join us for food, a movie and discussion.
Youth Fellowship: Thursday, March 26
from 6 to 7:30 at Crazy Mocha on Murray.
Come for coffee and conversation.
Please RSVP to Jenny Newman if you will
be attending any of the activities above.
[email protected] or
(412) 720-6392.
FEBRUARY
Nicaragua Art Show!
Artist Susan Powers has put together a show that includes pictures and artwork from our Sixth Church mission trips to El Porvenir, Nicaragua.
You can visit the exhibit at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts
Education School - Scaife Building, 1047 Shady Avenue.
Join us for an Artist Talk on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m.
which will feature Susan Powers and Sara Berg.
“Locking up the Alleluias”
Sunday, Feb 15 is the day the Sunday
school students will be “Locking up
the Alleluias” in preparation for Lent.
Join us in worship as our children will
lead the procession with their Alleluias
banners they will be creating in Sunday school.
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Becoming an Earth Care Congregation
What would it mean for Sixth Church to become an Earth Care Congregation?
Many Presbyterian churches are making environmental stewardship part of
their ministry through worship, education, facilities and outreach projects
that respond to the biblical call to till and keep the garden.
To become certified as Earth Care Congregations, churches take the “Earth
Care Pledge” and complete activities and projects in the fields of worship,
education, facilities and outreach. “A Guide to Greening Presbyterian
Churches” provides congregations with worksheets, resources and instructions for becoming an Earth Care Congregation. You can find the link here:
http://www.presbyterianmission.org/site_media/media/uploads/environment/pdf/eccguidetogreeningchurches20
13.pdf
There are Earth Care Congregations scattered across the country, and Pennsylvania has four so far, in Swarthmore,
Harrisburg, Scranton, and Glenshaw PC here in Allegheny County. Since we here at Sixth already do some of the
recommended activities, such as recycling our aluminum cans and using washable tablecloths and dishes at our fellowship events, we are already several steps down the road to being a part of this important effort.
Many of us at Sixth recycle our paper, aluminum and glass, use the bus when we are able, and encourage our legislators to protect our environment. As a church, we can pull together even more effectively.
For the Church and Community Committee
Nora Johnson
Rethinking Justice Workshop—
“What Does the Lord Require?”
FEBRUARY 1-17, Tuesday Evenings, 730PM
CHURCH PARLOR
One of the great ends of the Presbyterian Church USA is “the promotion of social righteousness.” What is the Biblical mandate for doing justice? How is justice different from charity and mercy? How does one transform emotions of
powerlessness and hopelessness into positive energy for change? What are the Scriptural foundations for organizing
people power for change? How should we build upon 6th’s legacy of doing justice, and live out the command in the
new year? Come join Dr. Kolb for a lively discussion!
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FEBRUARY
About Sixth Church’s Gun Safety Committee
Sixth’s efforts in the area began on February 13, 2013, when Nancy Wells, former head of the Victims of Violent Crime
Center; Trent Hancock, our interim minister; and I met to talk, probably because of murders of school children and
moviegoers, and the day-to- day local reports of shootings by accident or intent. We knew some things, but we had a
lot to learn. We convened four informational meetings for the congregation in February and March. Out of that grew if
not a committee, at least a group. At the same time, forums on gun violence were held at our neighbors Temple Sinai,
and East Liberty Presbyterian Church We went to them. A few of us may have gone to Forums in suburbia. Some of us
went to the League of Women Voters discussions. There was an energy. National legislation was floated. We wrote letters, made phone calls, and encouraged congregants to do the same. We felt that we had something to do with Republican Senator Pat Toomey’s “Yes” vote on expanded background checks. We felt good about that, but the legislation
failed by four votes. That was in 2013.
Gun violence is such a broad subject involving physical, mental, and social problems that in 2014, the committee narrowed its focus to state and local legislative action on gun safety, the long gun exemption on background checks; the
background check exemption on online and private gun sales; and local issues. We are also looking at the sneaky enactment of Act 192, that ostensibly dealt with the stealing of metals, but included the provision that anyone, individual or
organization, could sue local municipalities to make them drop local gun ordinances. Pittsburgh, along with others has
been sued. The questioned ordinances do not take guns away from responsible owners, but they could get guns out of
the hands of “bad guys.”
Frontlines’s January 6th program “Gunned Down” was depressing for our committee members and for some discouraging. The lobbying, the money, and the legislative numbers are pretty much against us. However, we are not alone. Polls
are with us. Call ins from local NRA members to Paul Guggenheimer’s January 7 WESA program on Act 192 had no
problem with lost and stolen ordinances. Their guns are valuable possessions, expensive to replace. Our denomination,
having spoken and written on the subject, is with us. Other local denominations and groups are with us. National and
local organizations are with us. Our mayor is part of the lawsuit to overthrow Act 192. Our members live in the city and
near-in suburbs. Most, but not all, of our state representatives and senators seem to agree with us on the issue.
And us? We have a good committee. Some old hands at civic action; some new to it. Right now, our focus is creating
awareness in our congregation and making contact with our legislators. not just hearing them from a platform but by
talking with them face to face to learn what they really feel about gun issues, and why. At church, we noticed at the last
meeting that most of us were quite gray. Judy Schryer, Martha Funderburgh, and Lori Swenson are preparing something
for our parents of young children. We need something for the in-between group. A little further out, I am expecting a
list of expected legislation from my representative Dan Frankel’s office. I also expect to get the new copy of Duquesne
Lights list of legislative districts that we will be happy to share with you. There are many ways the committee could go
from here. There is a public health initiative that Mary Crossley has told us about. We have heard from and are hoping
to continue to work with Cease Fire Pittsburgh. The one shining victory of 2014 was in Washington state. It took national money and it took people. We don’t have referenda in Pennsylvania, but we do have our voices and our pens, and
we do, I hope, vote.
The news from Frontline aside, I quote Nancy Wells, “ We can be stronger than circumstances suggest. Hang in, keep
communicating with legislators and other public figures, join the network of other small entities like ours, talk to friends
and other 6th church members and trust that change will come, is coming and we are on the best side of this issue. Love
one another enough to care about good outcomes for those we love.”
Joan Gaul
FEBRUARY
PAGE 7
January and February Birthdays
Members and friends of Sixth Church pay homage to each other on our birthdays, for without a birthday our paths
would not have crossed and impacted each other in so many wonderful ways. So, if you see any of the birthday folks
for this month wish them the very best, send them a card or an email and let them know we all care.
If your birthday occurs during the months of January or February and we haven’t listed your name, it’s because we
don’t have your birthday listed in our database. Please share your birthday with us. We don’t care about the year,
just that awesome day! However, we would like to have children’s birthdays including the year. Contact Dan in the
church office with your information ([email protected] or 412-421-2752).
January
February
3
Rachel Rothenberg
1
Sarah Harris
16
Maria Guyette
9
Abby Miller-Peterson
2
Chris Berg
18
Cyril Fox
13
David Myers-Newbury
3
Doris Bell
19
Greg Cooper
15
Jenn Frayer-Griggs
9
Kit Ayars
20
GG Loyd
18
Jennifer Wheitner
14
Peter Kaplan
21
Linda May
22
Amrynn Alesi
14
Aldora Watt
22
Louise Ford
26
Vicki Guy
14
Glenna Van Dyke
23
Diane James
30
David Scherch
15
Kathleen Myers
24
Jan Myers-Newbury
31
Vincent Kolb
Update on MEALS ON WHEELS:
In November a call went out for volunteer drivers for Wilkinsburg Community Ministry, a Validated Mission Agency of our Presbytery. There was one responder. We are grateful for the individual who is showing up to help, but the Ministry is still stretched very thin. On December 17th, owing to illness and the holidays, only three people were available to do the work which normally would have been done by six. If you
can drive, you will be making a tangible contribution to Social Justice. Call the Ministry at 412 241 8072-ask for Ray or Anita. Thanks. Cliff Johnson."
FEBRUARY
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Annual Reports
2014 Sixth Church Officers
Session
Deacons
Kit Ayars
Marnie Bertolet
Scott Bell
Mary Crossley
Sara Berg
Jack Farquhar
Pamela Bower
Brenda Flores
Frank Davoli
Jane Fox
Carol Emerson
Andrew Morgan
Patty Halverson
Kathi Robinson-Dassel
Kirk Howe
Glenda Rosenberry
Nora Johnson*
Alice Scales
Peter Kaplan
Aldora Watt
Peter Koehler
Sheleta Webb
Linda May
Amy Whipple
Maggie Ritchey
Larry Van Dyke
Lauren Ward
Peter Watt-Morse
FEBRUARY
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Nominating Committee
The 2014 Nominating Committee is pleased to report the recruitment of four Deacons, five elders, and seven members for the new Nominating Committee in 2015.
Members elected to serve in 2015:
Deacons
Meg Cummings (to be ordained and installed)
Paul Watt-Morse (to be ordained and installed)
Rob Beswick (to be installed)
Sheila Kier (to be installed)
Lesa Rosamond (to be installed)
Session
Donna Bash (to be ordained and installed)
Joe DeLucia (to be ordained and installed)
Peter Gilmore (to be installed)
Margaret Miller (to be installed)
Verna Robinson (to be installed)
Members of the 2015 Nominating Committee include: Verna Robinson (chair), Amy Whipple (representing Deacons), Bill Beggs, Tony Schryer, Sara Berg (representing Session), Glenda Rosenberry, and Leslie Kaplan.
Thanks to all for agreeing to serve!
Blessings,
Carol Beggs, Brenda Flores, Kirk Howe, David Miller, Lauren Ward (chair), and Peg Watt-Morse
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FEBRUARY
Stewardship Committee
In 2014, the Stewardship Committee invited members to help make our financial "pie" to ensure that Sixth continues
in its missions of Christian worship, education, outreach, and pastoral care. We held a lively and entertaining Stewardship luncheon in November, followed by generous contributions that totaled $271,602 toward a challenge goal of
$300,000. This total reflects 81 pledges, five of them new. Importantly, most pledges were made by older members
of our congregation. The breakdown was as follows: 14 pledges (age 26-45), 9 pledges (age 46-55), 23 pledges (age
56-65), and 35 pledges (age 65+). Fifteen pledges of $5000 or more were made.
The Committee continues to appeal for additional pledges in the coming weeks so that the Church can make its operating budget without depleting reserves set aside for emergency needs, such as unforeseen building repairs. Pledge
cards are available in the pews or by contacting the church office.
Thank you to all who have pledged for 2015!
Blessings,
The Stewardship Committee
Sara Berg, Joe DeLucia, Peter Kaplan, Judy Schryer, and Lauren Ward (chair)
Evangelism Committee
The Evangelism Committee has re-energized in recent months. Members of the Evangelism Committee have met
with individuals and families who have wanted to learn more about Sixth Church and within the past 2 months, approximately 6 to 8 members have been welcomed. Many of the visitors we have spoken to are excited about Vincent’s preaching and leadership and about the youth ministry led by Jenny. Many have also spoken of the friendly
demeanor of our congregation. For those new members this has been a factor in their interest in joining our church!
The Evangelism Committee
Millie Barnes, Mary Lang and Patty Halverson
FEBRUARY
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Church + Community Committee
For the Church and Community Committee, 2014 was a year of significant accomplishments. It was also a year of
promising new directions inspired by the visions of both our new pastor and individual committee members. This
report reviews our accomplishments and the groundwork that is being laid for an exciting future. If you would like
to join us, please contact Peter Kaplan at [email protected], or (412) 400-3283.
Accomplishments:
1. Raising Congregational Awareness
As 2014 began, a major goal of the Committee was to make the congregation more aware of and engaged in the
work of groups that we fund, including volunteer opportunities for church members. To this end, we undertook two
initiatives:
In February, we placed fact sheets in the pews with concise summaries of all of the groups we funded in
2013. The fact sheets included descriptions of the organizations’ missions and opportunities to contribute
time and talents. Kit Ayars provided invaluable editorial assistance to this effort.
In October, we presented “Mission Sunday”. Under the able leadership of Bill Beggs, this initiative brought
representatives of every group we fund to Sixth Church for an after-worship event that enabled members of
the congregation to learn directly from these organizations what the groups do and how individuals can
help. The event was very well attended and the groups we fund were grateful for the opportunity to make
more people aware of their work.
2. Volunteer Activities
The Church’s support for the groups we fund is not limited to cash support. During 2014 Sixth Church members and
friends, including Church and Committee members, volunteered their time at the following groups:
At Global Links, several people assist in the packaging of surplus medical supplies for shipment to Central
America. To help, contact Jan Maxwell at [email protected] or (412) 521-2969.
At the East End Cooperative Ministry, Sixth has a long tradition of providing a meal to residents on the first
Wednesday of each month. Contact Trish Callaway at [email protected]
For the Neighborhood Academy, Sixth members serve lunch to students several times a year. Contact Diana
Wood at [email protected] or (412) 363-1097.
For Wilkinsburg Community Ministry, Sixth members drive for the Meals on Wheels program. Contact
Cliff Johnson at [email protected] or (412) 521-5091. Drivers are urgently needed!
3. Locally Directed Mission Allocations for 2014
A core responsibility of the Committee is to determine how the amount of the Church’s budget for locally directed
missions is spent. The Committee made the following allocations for 2014:
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FEBRUARY
Church + Community Committee (cont’d.)
Amount of Allocation
East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM)
$2,800
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
$2,400
Wilkinsburg Community Ministry
$2,400
Neighborhood Academy
$2,300
Youth Mission Trip to Nicaragua
$2,000
Camp Crestfield
$1,900
MHY Youth Services (formerly Mars Home for
$1,000
Church World Service
$800
Global Links
$625
Everytown for Gun Safety
$625
Just Harvest
$500
Sixth Church Care Closet – emergency assistance
$500
Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition
$150
Total
$18,000
4. CROP Walk
The CROP Walks across the United States raise funds to support the work of Church World Service to alleviate hunger, provide emergency assistance, and support refugees. Under the leadership of Sue Koehler, Sixth Church once
again was a leading congregational supporter of the Pittsburgh East CROP Walk in 2014, raising $5,371 by sponsoring 20 walkers from Sixth Church. Contact Sue Koehler at [email protected] or (412) 441-7997.
5. Community Health Care Fund for El Porvenir Coffee Cooperative in Nicaragua
Sixth Church has developed a relationship with the El Porvenir Coffee Cooperative located in the mountains of Nicaragua. In 2014, El Porvenir faced a crisis when Jose Ramon, the cooperative’s tractor driver and mechanic, lost the
use of his left hand due to an accident. Led by Sara Berg and Dr. Glenda Rosenberry, the Committee responded by
raising $1,800 to create a community health fund for El Porvenir. The fund will be managed by three women of El
Porvenir. After Jose Ramon’s operation it is hoped that ongoing funding from several sources will provide a resource
for health care in the community. To learn more, contact Sara Berg at [email protected] or (412) 3521036.
FEBRUARY
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Church and Community (Cont’d)
6. East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) Building Fund Campaign
In May, 2013 Sixth Church began a four-year $10,000 campaign to support EECM’s Building Fund, which helps pay
for EECM’s newly opened Community House in East Liberty. As of mid-November, the campaign has received
$6,225, and with two years remaining it is slightly ahead of schedule. The Committee thanks everyone who has contributed and will contribute to this important fund. If you are unsure about the amount and payment status of your
pledge, please contact David Wood at [email protected] or (412) 363-1097.
New Directions:
1. Rethinking Justice
Under the leadership of our new Pastor, Vincent Kolb, Sixth Church is undertaking a congregation-wide discerning
process to determine how God is calling our congregation to be a force for justice in a difficult time. As the first step
in this process, the Committee engaged a community organizer from the Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network
(PIIN) to interview self-selected church members to discover their concerns about social, environmental and other
justice issues facing our community, nation, and world. The interviews began in December and will continue in January. Church members will be trained to interview other congregants to learn their views so that we can hear from a
large number of church members. All of this listening will help create a framework for advocacy and community
organizing by Sixth Church that will take the Committee and the congregation in an exciting new direction in 2015
and beyond.
2. Gun Safety Group
During 2014, the Gun Safety Group originally formed by Joan Gaul and Nancy Wells has become an independent
group which has attracted the participation of over fifteen church members who are concerned and outraged about the
loss of life resulting from gun violence. The group is reaching out to advocacy groups which share this perspective,
and to state legislators on both sides of the gun issue. The Committee’s financial support for Everytown for Gun
Safety, a national group, grew directly from this effort. Gun safety has emerged as a major concern of the congregation and will a continued focus of advocacy in 2015. If you want to get involved, contact Joan Gaul at [email protected] or (412) 687-6112.
3. Environmental Stewardship
During 2013, a Presbyterian eco-theology group was formed in Pittsburgh to explore the scriptural justification for
environmental stewardship and to discuss environmental matters. Nora Johnson’s involvement in this group has led
her to be a voice for environmental stewardship at Sixth Church. She has engaged the Committee to explore the possibility of Sixth Church obtaining designation from the denomination as an “Earth Care Congregation”. Earth Care
Congregations are congregations that have committed to the “Earth Care Pledge” and accomplished a specific number of actions toward caring for God’s earth in four categories: worship; education; facilities; and outreach. In 2015
the Committee will continue its exploration of being an Earth Care congregation. If the Committee decides to proceed, it will engage the Session and the congregation in the discussion of being an Earth Care Congregation and how
our Church can be a better steward of God’s earth. For more information, contact Nora Johnson at
[email protected] or (412) 521-5091.
Peter Kaplan
FEBRUARY
Page 14
House Committee
The most significant event of calendar year 2014 was the change in Building Manager: Rich Martin was terminated in
July and Harry Kirk took his place in August. In this change-over the position was reduced from 30 to 20 hours/week
with the understanding that snow and ice removal would be handled by an outside contractor.
During the transition between Building Managers several members of Sixth Church volunteered their time to keep up the
inside of Sixth Church and its landscaping. Their efforts were greatly appreciated.
Harry’s arrival had an immediate and very welcome impact as he caught up on long-deferred cleaning/maintenance tasks
and organized and de-cluttered the Organ Room, the Furnace Room, and the Grooms’ Room. All of these spaces are
now much more functional, attractive, and safe.
Other noteworthy tasks during the year were the following:
Five cherry trees were planted on the slope along Murray Avenue as part of the City’s tree-planting program.
New carpeting was installed in the first floor office now occupied by Jenny, and the window air conditioner was replaced.
New window blinds were installed in the main office.
The carpet in the Chapel was professionally cleaned.
A contractor (Twin Flooring of Carnegie, PA) was selected to replace the carpeting throughout the Sanctuary and refinish the wood floor in the entrance hall on the Forbes Avenue side. We made a down-payment to lock in the bid
price. Both jobs will be performed during the second half of April 2015, right after Easter.
The VERY old hot-water heater serving the bathrooms and the kitchens was replaced because it had begun to leak gas.
The check-up of the heating system in the Fall revealed that two of the circulating pumps in the hot-water heating system
were not working; they were replaced.
The garbage disposal in the kitchen was repaired.
One faucet and the drain of the sink in the bathroom next to the Brides’ Room were repaired.
Weather seals were replaced on the exterior doors leading to the Chapel and the Ridinger Room. Also on the door leading from the outside to the crawl space under the Sanctuary.
The dehumidifier in the basement area was cleaned thoroughly and is now working again without leaking. (It requires
such maintenance work annually.)
After much searching a contractor was found (Spherical Land Solutions, LLC) and engaged, just in time for the first
snowfall in December, to take care of the snow/ice removal for Sixth Church at an affordable price.
Peter Koehler
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FEBRUARY
Worship Committee
“Worship is at the very heart of the church’s life. All that the church is and does is rooted in its worship.
The community of faith, gathered in response to God’s call, is formed in its worship. Worship is the principal influence that shapes our faith, and is the most visible way we express the faith.”*
“In worship, through Word and Sacrament, the church is sustained by the presence of Christ. Joined in
worship to the One who is the source of its life, the church is empowered to serve God in the world.”*
Our Worship Committee worked with our pastors, and our musician, Gail Luley, to help plan and implement our services that celebrate the liturgical year and the Sacraments of Eucharist and Baptism. In addition, our responsibilities involved many aspects of worship, including preparation of the worship space,
training and scheduling of liturgists and acolytes, preparing communion elements, the annual church picnic,
hosting guest preachers, and so forth.
We were fortunate to have Rev. Carol Divens Roth serve as our Interim Pastor from September 2013 to July
2014. Her unique gifts and diverse experience nurtured our congregation to continue our ministry as a people of God. We enjoyed and appreciated guest preachers during August. We have been greatly blessed
with our new pastor and teaching elder, Rev. Vincent Kolb, who began his ministry at Sixth on “Rally
Day”, September 7th and was installed on September 21st. We have joyfully begun to work with him in
planning our worship experiences.
Sacraments continue to be central to our worship. We have celebrated the Baptisms and the Eucharist. In
addition to our monthly celebrations of the Eucharist, we celebrated the Lord’s Supper on Epiphany Sunday, during Lent on Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday, on Easter, Pentecost, World Communion Sunday, All Saints’ Day, and at both the Men’s and Women’s retreats.
We have continued to incorporate youth in our worship services in several ways including the participation
of acolytes who bring in the Light of Christ, children who pour the baptismal water each Sunday, youth musicians and readers, youth and children who enacted the Magi story for Epiphany, the “locking” and
“unlocking” of our Alleluias for Lent and Easter, and “Time for Children” offered during most worship services. With appreciation for our Sunday School teachers and the leadership of Jenny Newman, we have
seen strong family participation grow in our worship.
We have celebrated the seasons of Lent, Easter, Advent and Christmas and several special worship services
including Epiphany of the Lord, Baptism of the Lord, Transfiguration of the Lord, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Easter Sunday, the combined Day of Pentecost and our annual Worship in the Park, World
Communion Sunday, and All Saints Day.
Worship provides us with an opportunity to “glorify and enjoy God” with a community of faith and to offer
our service as part of the body of Christ, serving as a corporate priesthood.
I want to thank all members of the Worship Committee who have been devoted to creating meaningful worship for our congregation: Pam Howe, Kirk Howe, Verna Robinson, Kathi Robinson-Dassel, Alan Olson,
Margaret Miller, Jenny Newman, Pamela Bower, Gail Luley, Rev. Carol Divens Roth, and Rev. Vincent
Kolb.
Respectfully submitted, Pamela Bower, chair
*Book of Common Worship
Page 16
FEBRUARY
Pastor Nominating Committee
The Pastor Nominating Committee is a task-oriented committee that is only formed when the church is going through
a pastoral transition. Our committee was commissioned on May 19, 2013 to work on finding our new pastor after a
one year period of having a vacancy in that position.
Appointed to this committee were Kate Davoli (chair), Sara Berg (Session representative), Joe DeLucia, Tony Schryer, Leslie Kaplan, Pam Howe, Sheleta Webb and Peter Gilmore. The first meeting of the committee took place on
June 3, 2013.
The committee reviewed 71 Personal Information Forms. Of those, approximately 7 were people of color, and about
21 were women. Based on the criteria the committee had set for evaluating candidates, we heard 33 of the candidates
preach and screened approximately 35 candidates over the phone. We had in-depth phone interviews with three candidates, two of which were invited to interview in person.
After arduous work, much discernment and lots of prayer, the committee reached consensus on March 27th, 2014 and
extended the call that same night. The next few days were spent negotiating the terms of call. Once a final agreement
was reached, the committee announced the decision to session on April 9th, 2014. On April 12, 2014, the PNC announced to the congregation the call of Reverend Doctor Vincent Kolb as our next pastor. Reverend Kolb met the
congregation and delivered his candidating sermon the weekend of April 26, 2014. We happily welcomed Dr. Kolb as
our new full time pastor on September 1, 2014.
Sara Berg
Christian Education Committee
The Christian Education committee was busy in 2014. Jenny Newman began working in January as our permanent full-time Director of Children and Youth Ministry. Jenny and the committee have worked this year on making
sure teachers, staff and volunteers have updated clearances in compliance with the church’s child safety policy. An
updated job description for nursery and extended session staff was also written. In October, an evening educational
program for Sunday school teachers and volunteers was held which focused on ministering and teaching children and
youth in church with special needs. Nursery care is provided each week during Sunday school and worship and an
extended session is held for children in preschool through 5th grade. The older extended care students have worked
this year on learning the Twenty-Third Psalm.
Children and youth actively participated in worship throughout the year in multiple ways. These include serving
as acolytes and water bearers, creating Alleluia banners for the beginning of Lent, and being part of our lively Time
for Children each week. Many youth have participated in worship by serving as ushers, singing with the church
choir, sharing languages on World Communion Sunday, and participating in dramas for Palm Sunday and other services.
Page 17
FEBRUARY
Christian Education (Cont’d)
The Youth Group was busy this year with many activities and events. Sixteen youth and friends participated in a
mission trip to the El Porviner community in Nicaragua where they led experiences in music, art and fellowship with the
children and teens who live and work at the coffee cooperative. The group learned about the processes of growing coffee and about the daily life experience of our friends in El Porviner, and shared their reflections with the congregation
during a worship service. Youth from Sixth were active in local service by cooking and serving meals for The Table at
Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community and at East End Community House. Fellowship activities included movie nights,
game nights, and coffee house discussions. The youth also hosted several babysitting nights throughout the year for
families and friends of the congregation.
A fun Vacation Bible School was held on three Friday evenings in July. We adapted our own curriculum around the
theme “BIG: Build with God, Imagine with God, and Grow with God”. Each week started with a meal for participants,
parents and volunteers and we explored the theme using scripture, songs, crafts, science experiments, and yoga and outdoor fun. We had 16 different children participating and 12 adults and teens helping in some capacity.
Our dedicated Sunday school teachers continued to volunteer each week providing Sunday School for ages preschool
and up. In the fall, we restarted a junior/senior high Sunday school class led by Amy Whipple and Cliff Johnson. We
also welcomed Chatham University student Phoebe Armstrong to fill one of our paid child care positions in the nursery.
Other events planned and executed by the committee were the Rally Day breakfast in September, the annual family Advent ornament-making celebration, and the Christmas Pageant.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda May, Chair of the Christian Education Committee
Jenny Newman, Director of Children and Youth Ministry
FEBRUARY
PAGE 18
Coffee Sale
Restock your pantry
Sixth Presbyterian partners with Building New Hope to sell fresh
roasted coffee. Additional order forms are available in the back
of the Sanctuary, the Chapel, and in the church office.
1lb Bag $13
1lb Bag (decaffeinated) $14
(please specify ground or whole bean.)
Please place your order and payment to the church office by February
22.
The coffee will be available to pick up following worship on March 1.
The coffee will be fresh roasted the week before it is delivered.
The coffee comes from El Porvenir in Nicaragua which has been a mission trip destination and partner with
Sixth Presbyterian groups. The purchase of this coffee is at a fair market price and will help to provide a living
wage for the farmers. It enables the families to stay on their land, reinvest in their communities and improve
their lives. A small portion of this sale per bag will benefit Sixth youth mission trips.
For more information Building New Hope please visit their website at www.building newhope.org.
Coffee Order Form
Sixth Presbyterian Church
Name: ___________________________
Phone Number ______________________
Email address ________________________
____ 1lb Bag $13
___ ground
___ whole bean
_____ 1lb Bag Decaffeinated $14
___ ground
___ whole bean
Total amount due ______________
Please return order form and payment to Jenny Newman or the church office by Feb. 20. Coffee will be available
following worship on March 1. Make checks payable to Sixth Presbyterian Church with “Coffee Sales” notes in the
memo line.
February 2014
Sun
Mon
1
2
Sunday School
(10:00 a.m.)
Worship
(11:00 a.m.)
Tue
3
4
Knitting Group
off-site
(7:00 p.m.)
Sunday School
(10:00 a.m.)
Worship
(11:00 a.m.)
22
Sunday School
(10:00 a.m.)
Worship
(11:00 a.m.)
Youth Meeting
(6:00-8:00 pm)
23
5
Choir
Rehearsal
(7:30 p.m.)
10
11
Rethinking
Justice Workshop
(7:30 p.m.)
Presbyterian
Women
(11:00 a.m.)
Deacons
Meeting
(7:15 p.m.)
17
Knitting Group
Offsite
(7:00 p.m.)
18
Executive
Committee
(6:30 p.m.)
19
Choir
Rehearsal
(7:30 p.m.)
Rethinking
Justice Workshop
(7:30 p.m.)
Session
(7:30 p.m.)
Al Anon
(8:00 p.m.)
24
25
26
Choir
Rehearsal
(7:30 p.m.)
Worship
(11:00 a.m.)
16
Thu
Fri
Sat
6
7
NA
(7:00 p.m.)
13
14
NA
(7:00 p.m.)
20
21
NA
(7:00 p.m.)
27
28
Al Anon
(8:00 p.m.)
Rethinking
Justice Workshop
(7:30 p.m.)
8
9
Sunday School
(10:00 a.m.)
Gun Safety
Meeting
(10:00 a.m.)
15
Wed
12
Choir
Rehearsal
(7:30 p.m.)
Al Anon
(8:00 p.m.)
Al Anon
(8:00 p.m.)
SIXTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
DATED MATERIAL– DO NOT HOLD
1688 MURRAY AVENUE
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
PITTSBURGH, PA 15217
PHONE: 412-421-2752
FAX: 412-421-2784
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: www.sixthchurch.org
We are an open and affirming community of faith in Jesus Christ. At home in an urban neighborhood of many faiths,
we acknowledge that we are not alone on the path to understanding God. In worship, study, and fellowship, we celebrate our Presbyterian roots and find joy in our diversity. We strive for the grace to love one another as we seek a
deeper understanding of life in the Spirit, working for justice and serving as stewards of God's wondrous creation.
Chris’ Quotes…
By Christine Tyndall
“Life is ours to be spent, not to be saved.” D. H. Lawrence
“Even moderation should not be practiced to excess.” Anonymous
“Life is what happens while we are making other plans.” Thomas la Mance
Newsletter Deadline….for the March newsletter is February 15th.
Please email
articles and announcements to Dan in the church office ([email protected]). You can
also put printed copies on his desk. Thank you!