Pittsburgh Lutheran United Ministries (PLUM)

Special Announcements

Blessed Bundles is the 2020 "Designated Outreach" for the SWPA synod Women of the ELCA (WELCA)

New Horizon Counseling Center services are now available at PLUM churches

Sunday, November 1

Daylight Saving Time Ends (clocks "Fall Back" one hour)

Daylight saving time (DST) ends at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 1.

So, before you go to bed on Saturday night (October 31), turn your clocks BACK one hour.

Also, this is an excellent time to replace all of the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.

Online Worship Service via Zoom on Sunday, November 1 at 3:00 p.m.

Click HERE to open a printable version of the UPDATED November 1 bulletin

Tuesday, November 3

PLUM Summer Discussion Series - Scripture Study

On Sept. 15 and 17, PLUM began a 10-week fall series of study, ending with the start of Advent. There will be two different sessions each week: Tuesdays (at 1:00 pm) and Thursdays (at 7:00 pm). All are invited to one or both sessions.

The Tuesday class will focus on Scripture Study, as requested by some members. Ten passages of Scripture, from 8 different books of the Bible, will be read and discussed. This will not be an academic class. Emphasis will be on discussion. It is expected that the discussion will lead us to applying Scripture to current issues of our day.

The Thursday Evening class will focus on a book entitled, “The Color of Compromise” by Jemar Tisby, a graduate of Notre Dame and the Reformed Theological Seminary. The book is available on Amazon and in the form of a series of videos (that correlate with the chapters in the book) on Prime Video. This is a serious look at Racism and, in particular, the Church’s participation in the development of Racism and its potential role to overcome it. Key words in this book are Awareness, Relationships and Commitments (A.R.C.).

Most sessions will be led by the Pastoral Team. Come, enjoy the company of PLUM, learn, and pray together.

Tuesdays: “Healing: A Scriptural Exploration”

September 15 - Joshua 3:1-6, 14-18

September 22 - Judges 4:1-10, 17-22

September 29 - Jeremiah 1:4-10

October 6 - John 4:7-15, 39-41

October 13 - John 9:24-34

October 20 - Matthew 15:21-28

October 27 - Acts 19:28-41

November 3 - Philemon 8-27

November 10 - 1 Corinthians 11:17-22, 27-34

November 17 - Colossians 3:1-17

November 25 - James 1:19-23

Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. via Zoom.

The call in line for these discussions is:

Zoom online: https://zoom.us/j/401596541

Zoom by phone: (646) 876 9923

Meeting ID: 401 596 541

To participate in the Discussion, go to our Zoom page

Thursday, November 5

PLUM Summer Discussion Series - "The Color of Compromise"

Most sessions will be led by the Pastoral Team. Come, enjoy the company of PLUM, learn, and pray together.

Thursdays: “The Color of Compromise” by Jemar Tisby – Discussion

Sept 17, 2020 The Fierce Urgency of Now Chapter 11, pp 192-197, Video Episode 11

Sept 24, 2020 Color of Compromise – Chapter 1: Video Episode 1

Oct 1, 2020 Making Race in the Colonial Era

Chapter 2 Video Episode 2

Understanding Liberty in the Age of Revolution and Revival

Chapter 3 Video Episode 3

Oct 08, 2020 Institutionalizing Race in the Antebellum Era

Chapter 4 Video Episode 4

Oct 15, 2020 Defending Slavery at the Onset of the Civil War

Chapter 5 Video Episode 5

Oct 22, 2020 Reconstructing White Supremacy in the Jim Crow Era

Chapter 6 Video Episode 6

Remembering the Complicity in the North

Chapter 7 Video Episode 7

Oct 29, 2020 Compromising with Racism During the Civil Rights Movement

Chapter 8 Video Episode 8

Nov 5, 2020 Organizing the Religious Right at the End of the Twentieth

Century Chapter 9 Video Episode 9

Nov 12, 2020 Reconsidering Racial Reconciliation in the Age of Black Lives Matter

Chapter 10 Video Episode 10

Nov 19, 2020 The Fierce Urgency of Now Chapter 11 (Continued) Video Episode 11

Be Strong and Courageous Chapter Conclusion Video Episode 12

Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.

The call in line for these discussions is:

Zoom online: https://zoom.us/j/401596541

Zoom by phone: (646) 876 9923

Meeting ID: 401 596 541

To participate in the Discussion, go to our Zoom page

Click HERE for a printable Taizé Prayer Service Bulletin

At Home

Taizé Prayer Service

Friday, November 6, 2020, 7:00 pm

During this time of the Coronavirus and Social Distancing,

Prayer is a source of Comfort.

Please join us in Taizé Prayer from the safety of your homes.

To participate in the Taizé Prayer service, go to our Zoom page

Call Pastor Sue (412-496-4889) or Pastor Brenda (412-390-8005) if you have questions or concerns.

What is Taizé?

Taizé is the style of Christian worship practiced by the ecumenical Taizé community in France, characterized by the repetitive singing of simple harmonized tunes, interspersed with readings, prayers, and periods of silence.

One of our congregations, Hope Lutheran Church in Forest Hills, has a long tradition of offering this meaningful, contemplative type of worship service monthly. Also, in the past PLUM has had a Taizé joint worship service.

Whether you are someone who is new to Taizé, or someone who already appreciates this beautiful way to connect to God, community and self, please consider joining us. All are welcome!

Click HERE for a printable Taizé Prayer Service Bulletin

Saturday, November 7

Addiction Support Group - via online "Zoom" meeting

The “Zoom” (internet video conferencing) meeting for the upcoming Support Group meeting is on Saturday, November 7, 2020 @ 10 AM.

For a COMPUTER: If you do NOT have the Zoom program on your computer, then click this link to Download and install Zoom desktop program (Windows or Mac). After the file has downloaded, go to where the file was downloaded to (probably in your “Downloads” folder) and click on the “ZoomInstaller.exe” file to start the installation process.

For a "SMART" CELL PHONE: If you do NOT have the Zoom app installed on your cell phone, then go to Google Play (for Android phones) or to the Apple Store (for Apple phones). Search for the "Zoom" app. Download and install the file.

AFTER you have installed the program or app:

To join this Zoom meeting (with a computer, laptop or “smart” cell phone), click: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/75815818682?pwd=bWRqeC83MnB4NHkzNGI0cEtFaEoxZz09

The Zoom “Meeting ID” is 758 1581 8682

Password: 2WGH52

Please call my cell (412) 853-3189 if you experience any technical difficulties.

Kathleen

Support your loved one’s recovery by attending the Addiction Support Group the first Saturday of every month from 10:00 a.m. – Noon via Zoom. The support group will be exchanging experiences and ideas as a means to provide resources, suggestions and ideas that can help those struggling to support the recovery journey of a close relative or friend.

Interested participants are encouraged to reach out to the group facilitator by email (kdhays2010@gmail.com) or by text to (412) 853-3189. For more information and regular updates, go to the Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/596414461122363

IN THE CASE OF EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCY

If you are having a mental health emergency and feeling unsafe, you need to immediately call 9-1-1 or the ReSolve Crisis Network at 1-888-796-8226 (where a counselor can assist you 24/7) as your first contact. Sending an email or calling me does not guarantee that I will be able to respond immediately, even in the event of a crisis. If you do not receive a response from me within a few minutes, you need to call ReSolve.******

Click HERE to open a PRINTABLE copy of the flyer

Saturday, November 14

Southwestern PA Synod Assembly - via online "Zoom" meetings

2020 SOUTHWESTERN PA SYNOD ASSEMBLY

The 2020 Synod Assembly of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2020 via ZOOM meetings. This is a new format for the Assembly. Since they will be facilitating this assembly in an online format, it is important that EVERY voting member has access to an internet-ready device (i.e. smart phone or tablet) for the purposes of voting, as well as the ability to be either on a computer (with an individual ZOOM account) or the ability to be in a small group of people (sharing one computer with a ZOOM account). Members are encouraged to prayerfully consider serving as lay voting members - or to otherwise participate in the assembly. Each congregation may elect three (3) voting members.

REGISTRATION: Monday, September 28 - Sunday, October 25.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

Attendance Device
A computer or tablet with both a camera and microphone. (Most laptops and tablets come equipped. Desktop users may need to add a webcam with microphone.)

Voting Device
A separate smart phone or tablet to download the app. (This cannot be a computer or web browser, it must be app-enabled.)

CONFERENCE CAUCUSES

Conference caucuses are where you will learn the matters which will come to assembly and preview the plan for funding our mission. This year caucuses will also serve as technical practice with Zoom and the voting app.

Conference 1: Tuesday, October 27 at 7 p.m. (Online via Zoom)

Conference 2: Monday, October 26 at 7 p.m. (Online via Zoom)

Conference 3: Sunday, October 25 at 2 p.m. (Online via Zoom)

Conference 4: Sunday, November 1 at 7 p.m. (Online via Zoom)

Conference 5: Thursday, October 29 at 7 p.m. (Online via Zoom)

Conference 6: Sunday, October 25 at 7 p.m. (Online via Zoom)

Voting members will receive your login link and password for both the assembly and caucus in the confirmation email upon registering for Synod Assembly. Voting ID# for the app will be emailed later, shortly before your caucus meeting.

MEMORIALS & RESOLUTIONS

Memorials address broad policy issues or programs in the synod or churchwide organization. They are submitted to conference caucuses to be adopted by the Synod Assembly and then passed on to the Churchwide Assembly if applicable. Every conference shall have the right to memorialize this synod on any matter affecting the welfare of the church. Resolutions and amendments to the synod constitution can also be introduced on the floor of a Synod Assembly. Memorials are due before the start of Caucus Meetings on October 25.

How Change Happens: Memorial & Resolutions >>

Saturday, November 14

Rise Against Hunger ONLINE Auction

As you know, fundraising efforts in 2020 have been challenging with our pandemic environment. However, our Christian mission continues as the needs of our world have not taken a pause for the pandemic. So, Christ Lutheran Church is going to try a new type of fundraiser to help with the Rise Against Hunger campaign and this new fundraiser is going to be a virtual auction. The auction will be an online auction on Saturday, November 14 at 6:00 PM, via Zoom.

What are we going to auction? Good question! We are planning to auction off prize baskets and other donated items. The goal is to put together some really nice prize baskets along with a side hustle: We are going to auction off 5 brown bags. One of those bags will have a $100 gift card. The other 4 bags will have some other prize…but not a $100 gift card. However, they will not be "Zonks" like on Let’s Make a Deal…but something worth less than a $100 gift card. The fun is when bidding on one of the bags, you will not know what it is and we will not reveal the bag contents until after all 5 have been auctioned off. Now doesn’t that sound like fun? Yes, it does. And of course all proceeds will benefit Rise Against Hunger.

Would you like to help? We need folks to put together some prize baskets that we can auction off. You can get together with friends, your congregation, family members or yourself to put one of these baskets together. A theme for the basket is always fun and what we would need along with the donated basket is a list of the contents and an estimated retail value. We are asking that donations be sent to Christ Lutheran Church in Duquesne. Call Deann George (412-951-0466) to make an appointment to make sure someone is there. If that is problematic, just contact Deann and we will plan to socially distantly pick it up. Once we have all the donated prize baskets, we will post pictures online so that you know what you are bidding on. We are asking that all the prize baskets be donated by Sunday, November 1, so that we have time to post pictures and descriptions on the PLUM web site. Who can participate? Anyone from any of the PLUM congregations including friends and family. If you can get onto the auction site with your computer, laptop, tablet or phone, you can participate. This is the first time we are doing anything like this so your patience and tolerance will be greatly appreciated. To make a donation, or for any other questions or concerns, please contact Deann at Christ Lutheran Church at christluthduq@gmail.com or 412-951-0466….. or myself at rgeorge@clearviewfcu.org or 412-334-5830.

Thank You!

Ray George

Christ Lutheran Church

Duquesne, PA

Click HERE for a printable Online Auction flyer

Make an ADVENT WREATH for your home, this year!

Saturday, November 21

Make your own Advent Wreath

Let’s begin a new tradition in our homes! The PLUM pastoral team welcomes you to a special ZOOM event on November 21, 2020 at 10 am. Vicar Mandy will lead a Do-It-Yourself class on creating your own Advent wreath. There will be a demonstration of a wreath using fresh greens, as well as an artificial wreath. You can be as creative as you wish!

Ideas for your wreath:

Candles- It is up to you! They can be 3 purple or blue and one pink. You could also place a white Christ candle in the middle. They can be real flame candles or LED candles/tea lights. Don’t forget candle holders!

Wreath Form- A wire frame form of any size can be purchased at any craft store. There are also advent wreath forms with candle holders already mounted inside. An artificial wreath that is already around your house is a great idea, just take the old decorations off to create a new look.

Greens- Any artificial pine bough or ready-made wreath will work. If you have access to fresh pine branches, cut some of them into six to eight-inch pieces or some size that you can easily work with for your wreath form size. If you are working with loose pieces, don’t forget to pick up some craft wire that bends easily to attach the greens onto the wreath form.

Decorations- Although the Advent wreaths that we see in church are usually plain, there is no reason why you cannot add small pine cones, a red bow, holly with berries, or even a dusting of glitter, so that your Advent wreath shimmers!

*Think about where you will place your Advent wreath. Fresh greens will require a place that is a bit cooler in your house, to remain as fresh as possible. Also, you may wish to use a plastic table cloth under the wreath. If you are using real flame candles, be aware of curtains, pets, children and flammable greens, etc. Your Advent wreath should be in a space where it is a reminder of the season, as well as a place where prayer is offered. A small wreath in the middle of the kitchen table is a beautiful way for the whole family to celebrate the Advent Season!

Get all the items together to create your Advent Wreath and sign onto ZOOM on November 21 at 10 am. Let’s spend some time together as we prepare for the beautiful season of Advent!

Click HERE for a printable Advent Wreath flyer

Saturday, November 21

Blessed Bundles baby supplies program

Lutheran Church of Our Saviour (1570 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642) is proud to offer "Blessed Bundles" - an exciting program which offers new and gently used baby supplies to individuals in the local community. Blessed Bundles will be collecting and distributing items such as diapers, baby wipes, baby clothes (up to size 8), baby/toddler toys and equipment, and other baby supplies. Items may vary and will be available as they are donated to Blessed Bundles. Blessed Bundles will distribute supplies on the third Saturday of each month from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.