Please check out the calendar and the most recent bulletin and newsletter (pdf) for all events and news.
If you would like to receive a weekly email of Parish News, please contact the church office.
Please check out the calendar and the most recent bulletin and newsletter (pdf) for all events and news.
If you would like to receive a weekly email of Parish News, please contact the church office.
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“PARABLES ON PARADE” AT CAMP DOWNTOWN THIS SUMMER
This June, children, youth, and adults from the downtown churches will come together for Camp Downtown, the Downtown Pittsburgh Ministerium’s annual Vacation Bible School program celebrating all our city has to offer.
Our 2013 theme is “Parables on Parade.” Through games, crafts, music, and snacks, we will explore the various parables Jesus told his disciples. We will share lunch together at one of the downtown churches each day. And every afternoon, we will explore Downtown Pittsburgh through excursions or service learning opportunities. Of course, there will be plenty of time for splashing in the fountains and making new friends.
The camp will take place Monday, June 24 through Friday, June 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children entering kindergarten through grade 6 are invited to participate as campers, and youth in grades 7 through 12 may serve as counselors. This year, Camp Downtown will be at First Lutheran Church (615 Grant Street).
The suggested donation is $40 for the first camper, $30 for the second camper, $20 for the third camper and $10 for the fourth camper from each family. This includes five days of lunch and snacks, a t-shirt, and all excursions. Registration forms for campers, youth counselors and adult volunteers are available below.
Questions about the program? Contact Cora Weiland, the Director of Christian Education & Youth Ministry at First Lutheran Church, at 412-877-7124 or clw@flcpittsburgh.org.
Adults are also invited to participate; the camp’s success depends on our crew of dedicated, creative adult volunteers. If you can spend the week with us (or if you can help for a day, a morning, or an afternoon) we would love to have you! Please complete the Youth Counselor & Adult Volunteer Registration Form below or speak with Cora Weiland if you are interested in taking part.
Camp Downtown is supported by Smithfield United Church of Christ, First Lutheran Church, First Presbyterian Church, Epiphany Catholic Church, St. Mary of Mercy, and Trinity Cathedral. Together, learning more about our diversity and finding common ground, we live out Jesus’ prayer that “they may all be one.”
Camp Downtown 2013 Flyer
Camper Registration Form 2013
Youth Counselor & Adult Volunteer Registration Form 2013
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SUNDAY NIGHT LIVE IS COMING TO FIRST CHURCH!
The Southwestern Pennsylvania’s monthly synod youth event is coming to First Church on April 14th for a city scavenger hunt. (Some of you may remember this from the ELCA 2012 Youth Gathering in New Orleans; only this time, it’s all about Downtown Pittsburgh!) The event will start at 5:00 PM.
PARKING: On Sundays, parking is available at the Mellon Square garage (which is on Sixth Avenue between William Penn Place and Smithfield Street) and Smithfield/Liberty garage (which is on Smithfield Street across from The Smithfield United Church of Christ) for $1.00. Tickets just need to be validated at the church to receive this rate. On-street parking is also available at metered spots.
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This discussion held during the Sunday School hour on January 20th was a time for people of First Church to continue to get to know Pastor Roth, as well as hear his thoughts about interim ministry. The audio is available for you to listen.

The Gift of Years by Joan Chittister
recommended by Pastor Roth as a great resource for growing older.
Part I, January 6, 2013
Part II, January 13, 2013
As it is with many professions, it is common for pastors to participate in an exit interview. This time of reflection can be helpful for both the pastor as he concludes his ministry in and with a congregation and the congregation as they approach a pastoral transition.
On January 6, Pastor Gleason started to reflect on his 24 years of ministry at First Church by responding to a variety of frequently-asked questions. First Church members, Terry and Beth Caywood guided the conversation.
Pastor Gleason concluded this time of reflection on January 13th. Howard Friday and Cora Weiland guided this conversation. These conversations are available here for you to listen to.
The Rev. Dr. David P. Gleason – Reflection on 24 Years of Ministry (Part I)
The Rev. Dr. David P. Gleason – Reflection on 24 Years of Ministry (Part II)
(Right-Click and click Save As to download)
We are happy to offer an opportunity for our members and friends to explore their relationship to God and to others. The exploration includes stories from the Bible and other Christian literature which focus on the spiritual life of individuals and their relationship to God. Those who have felt injured by others or distant from God are especially urged to seize this opportunity. In the setting of a small group, participants can find support and encouragement.
The group meets on Thursday evenings downstairs in the C.P. Krauth Room. Sessions begin at 5:30 PM and last one hour. Carl Hendrickson is the group’s moderator.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed so generously to the Walk-in Ministry Food Pantry.
We need the following items:
If you wish to make a monetary donation to the Walk-In Ministry you may do so by writing a check to “First Lutheran Church,” earmarked for the Walk-In Ministry.