For decades, many institutions and organizations—including the church—have emphasized diversity and inclusion as important values. We often talk of celebrating diversity and striving to be more inclusive. But are diversity and inclusion enough? This sermon will explore how an emphasis on diversity and inclusion may sometimes keep us from working for real justice and equity.

What does it mean to “love the stranger”–a concept that is present in a number of different religious traditions? Do we really have to love people we don’t even know or with whom we might not have anything in common? How do set about such a task? Designated Offering: American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania serves Allegheny, Greene, … Continued

Any time we start a new undertaking–or even a new cycle or phase of our life–it is good to start by considering why. Why are we doing this? What larger purpose, if any, do our actions serve? Is there an underlying reason what we are doing or are we just going through motions?

Each day or even each moment can represent a new beginning if we think of it that way. But, no matter what undertaking we start, we must begin where we are. It doesn’t mean that we’re happy about where we are, but it does imply some measure of acceptance and readiness to begin again.

Using the two creations stories from Genesis, this service will focus on how most beginnings are ambiguous. Where did this new thing come from? What, if anything, is its purpose? What do our own institutional creation myths say about us?(After today’s service, we will have an Involvement Fair, featuring the many ways people can become … Continued

On this Labor Day weekend, we will reflect on the history and the current state of labor in the United States. How did we get to our current situation, and what, if anything, can be done to revive the labor movement. The Worship Team will assist with this service.

The ancient Greeks used six different words for love, while contemporary English has only one. What are the differences among these various conceptions of love, and why is it important for us to understand and practice them today?

In a bygone era, it was assumed that almost everyone would belong to a religious community of one kind or another, but that assumption no longer holds as more and more people are unchurched. What are the real benefits of going to church and what does it mean to belong to a church in our … Continued