Children and Youth Ministry Team Meeting
Children and Youth Ministry Team
Tuesday, September 8, 7:00 – 8:00 pm
ONLINE
Sunday Morning Bible “Study”
Join us at 9:30 starting September 13 for an informal Bible Study of the day’s Gospel Lesson. We will spend the time connecting with the text and to each other. Youth are especially invited to attend.
412-the-spring Open Door Youth Group (6th-12 grade)
September 13, 5-7pm @ Bell’s- Belong. Grow. Live
Special Guest: Stephanie Bell
Dinner: Bell
Monthly Prayer Group
Meeting monthly for a time of prayer and reflection. Please contact Lance Wolfe lanceswolfe@gmail.com for more information. This group is open for everyone!
Neurodiversity and Belonging in the Church
Neurodiversity and Belonging in the Church
For Parents and Volunteers (child care will be provided by our youth)
Third Sundays at 9:30am: September 20th, October 18th, November 15th, December 20th
What does it mean for every child, youth, and family to feel that they truly belong at church? Parents and Children & Youth Ministry volunteers are invited to join for a four-session conversation about neurodiversity, faith, and belonging.
We’ll use Sarah Griffith Lund’s book Blessed Minds: Breaking The Silence About Neurodiversity as a starting point, along with Scripture, some of what Stephanie has been learning through a recent Princeton Seminary course, and the experiences and wisdom of those in our Open Door community.
This won’t be a class where anyone is expected to have all the answers. Instead, we’ll have space to learn from one another, ask questions, share experiences, and think together about how we can make our church a place where children, youth, and families feel welcomed, understood, and able to participate fully.
Kids’ Community Morning
Sunday, September 27 & Sunday, October 25 | 8:30 a.m.
Families with Pre-K through 5th grade children are warmly invited to join us for a casual morning of play, connection, and community before church. We’ll gather at the playground near Whole Foods in Pittsburgh’s East End and enjoy donuts, bagels, and orange juice while the kids play and spend time together.
Directions: The playground is located just off Centre Avenue, next to Whole Foods Market in East Liberty. From Whole Foods, walk toward the side of the store along South Highland Avenue; the playground is nearby.
Come as you are—no RSVP needed. We look forward to starting the morning together!
412-the-spring Open Door Youth Group (6th-12 grade)
September 27, 5-7pm @ Auxier’s- Rhythm of Life-6th practice-REST
Special Guest: Renee Prymus
Dinner: Frayer-Griggs
Fall Retreat at Lutherlyn
The fall retreat at Lutherlyn, October 9-11, 2026
REGISTER HERE
Yay! Hooray! Our theme this year will be Creativity & Spirituality “how the Creator Creates creators.”
Monthly Prayer Group
Meeting monthly for a time of prayer and reflection. Please contact Lance Wolfe lanceswolfe@gmail.com for more information. This group is open for everyone!
Neurodiversity and Belonging in the Church
Neurodiversity and Belonging in the Church
For Parents and Volunteers (child care will be provided by our youth)
Third Sundays at 9:30am: October 18th, November 15th, December 20th
What does it mean for every child, youth, and family to feel that they truly belong at church? Parents and Children & Youth Ministry volunteers are invited to join for a four-session conversation about neurodiversity, faith, and belonging.
We’ll use Sarah Griffith Lund’s book Blessed Minds: Breaking The Silence About Neurodiversity as a starting point, along with Scripture, some of what Stephanie has been learning through a recent Princeton Seminary course, and the experiences and wisdom of those in our Open Door community.
This won’t be a class where anyone is expected to have all the answers. Instead, we’ll have space to learn from one another, ask questions, share experiences, and think together about how we can make our church a place where children, youth, and families feel welcomed, understood, and able to participate fully.
Kids’ Community Morning
Families with Pre-K through 5th grade children are warmly invited to join us for a casual morning of play, connection, and community before church. We’ll gather at the playground near Whole Foods in Pittsburgh’s East End and enjoy donuts, bagels, and orange juice while the kids play and spend time together.
Directions: The playground is located just off Centre Avenue, next to Whole Foods Market in East Liberty. From Whole Foods, walk toward the side of the store along South Highland Avenue; the playground is nearby.
Come as you are—no RSVP needed. We look forward to starting the morning together!
Confirmation Sunday Service
October 25th, 10:30am @ TNA- Confirmation Sunday
Special Guest: confirmands
Reception to follow
412-the-spring Open Door Youth Group (6th-12 grade)
October 25th, 5-7pm @ Auxier’s- Food Insecurity (GCF & Food Bank)
Special Guest: AJ Monsma
Dinner: Rys
412-the-spring Open Door Youth Group (6th-12 grade)
November 8, 5-7pm @ Bell’s – Image of God
Special Guest: Pastor Jenn Frayer-Griggs
Dinner: Raufer
Neurodiversity and Belonging in the Church
Neurodiversity and Belonging in the Church
For Parents and Volunteers (child care will be provided by our youth)
Third Sundays at 9:30am: November 15th, December 20th
What does it mean for every child, youth, and family to feel that they truly belong at church? Parents and Children & Youth Ministry volunteers are invited to join for a four-session conversation about neurodiversity, faith, and belonging.
We’ll use Sarah Griffith Lund’s book Blessed Minds: Breaking The Silence About Neurodiversity as a starting point, along with Scripture, some of what Stephanie has been learning through a recent Princeton Seminary course, and the experiences and wisdom of those in our Open Door community.
This won’t be a class where anyone is expected to have all the answers. Instead, we’ll have space to learn from one another, ask questions, share experiences, and think together about how we can make our church a place where children, youth, and families feel welcomed, understood, and able to participate fully.
Monthly Prayer Group
Meeting monthly for a time of prayer and reflection. Please contact Lance Wolfe lanceswolfe@gmail.com for more information. This group is open for everyone!
412-the-spring Open Door Youth Group (6th-12 grade)
November 22, 5-7pm @ Auxier’s- Leadership
Special Guest: Allen Brown
Dinner: Auxier
Ice Skating! Save the Date
Friday, December 18 @ Schenley Skating Rink 4pm-6pm
Special Guest: You, friends, mentors and families
Neurodiversity and Belonging in the Church
Neurodiversity and Belonging in the Church
For Parents and Volunteers (child care will be provided by our youth)
Third Sundays at 9:30am, December 20th
What does it mean for every child, youth, and family to feel that they truly belong at church? Parents and Children & Youth Ministry volunteers are invited to join for a four-session conversation about neurodiversity, faith, and belonging.
We’ll use Sarah Griffith Lund’s book Blessed Minds: Breaking The Silence About Neurodiversity as a starting point, along with Scripture, some of what Stephanie has been learning through a recent Princeton Seminary course, and the experiences and wisdom of those in our Open Door community.
This won’t be a class where anyone is expected to have all the answers. Instead, we’ll have space to learn from one another, ask questions, share experiences, and think together about how we can make our church a place where children, youth, and families feel welcomed, understood, and able to participate fully.
Welcome Back Kick-Off Celebration
After a summer of traveling, worshiping in different places, and finding rest in new rhythms, it's time to come back together. Join us as we kick off a new season with food, games, and plenty of time to reconnect.
This year's kick-off is at Pins Mechanical Company, whose motto is "Proudly made with Midwest grit." I couldn't resist, since grit has been my word for this season. Researcher Angela Duckworth describes grit as passion and perseverance for what matters over the long haul. My hope is that we're becoming the kind of community that keeps showing up…for one another, for our neighbors, and for the work God is inviting us into. Community isn't built in a day. It grows as we gather around tables, share life together, and faithfully return to one another, again and again.
So come hungry, bring your competitive spirit (or just your laughter), and let's celebrate the beginning of another season together.
Monthly Prayer Group
Meeting monthly for a time of prayer and reflection. Please contact Lance Wolfe lanceswolfe@gmail.com for more information. This group is open for everyone!
Bible Study at Two Frays Brewery
We’re kickin’ it back old school. Join Jenn for the OG of OD activities. BYOB(ible). We’re gonna start with the Book of Acts. Two Frays has outdoor seating and, I hear, some good NA options.
Monthly Prayer Group
Meeting monthly for a time of prayer and reflection. Please contact Lance Wolfe lanceswolfe@gmail.com for more information. This group is open for everyone!
Volunteer Intent for Fall Retreat
Are you an artist? A writer? A thespian? A builder? A master Lego engineer? We need you! We are looking for volunteers to lead some breakout sessions during the retreat. Maybe you have a creative skill that you’d like to share with some folks? Think broadly; any idea is welcome. Let Virginia know by July 1st if you’re interested in leading a session. virginiachristman@gmail.com
Monthly Prayer Group
Meeting monthly for a time of prayer and reflection. Please contact Lance Wolfe lanceswolfe@gmail.com for more information. This group is open for everyone!
Bible Study at Two Frays Brewery
We’re kickin’ it back old school. Join Jenn for the OG of OD activities. BYOB. We’re gonna start with the Book of Acts. Thursdays, 7pm, 5/28, 6/4, 6/11, 6/18. Two Frays has outdoor seating and, I hear, some good NA options.
Bible Study at Two Frays Brewery
We’re kickin’ it back old school. Join Jenn for the OG of OD activities. BYOB. We’re gonna start with the Book of Acts. Thursdays, 7pm, 5/28, 6/4, 6/11, 6/18. Two Frays has outdoor seating and, I hear, some good NA options.
Pride Sunday!
PRIDE! - Join us for a brief prayer service at Garfield Community Farm on June 7th at 9:30 am, then, if you’d like, join us to cheer on our kids and join in the fun at the Pride Parade. (Parents, please use your discretion concerning content and small children)
Bible Study at Two Frays Brewery
We’re kickin’ it back old school. Join Jenn for the OG of OD activities. BYOB. We’re gonna start with the Book of Acts. Thursdays, 7pm, 5/28, 6/4, 6/11, 6/18. Two Frays has outdoor seating and, I hear, some good NA options.
Volunteer Appreciation Lunch
All are welcome to gather for lunch hosted by Stephane and Pastor Jenn after the congregational meeting to celebrate the wonderful work done by all the Open Door Volunteers! Thank you EVERYONE for ALL THAT YOU DO!
Covenant Partners: short congregational meeting
Covenant Partners: There will be a short (5-minute!) Congregational Meeting immediately after church on Sunday, May 31st, to nominate our Nom Com for this year.
Moth Story Sunday!
We will have our next Moth Story Hour on May 31st. The theme will be: Tell about a time when you made something that matters. All ages welcome.
Handcrafters Community Gathering
Join us for an evening of handcrafting and conversation! On the fourth Friday of each month, bring your current craft project and enjoy tea, snacks and conversation. Contact Teresa Yoder (tayodz@gmail.com) to learn more.
Bible Study at Two Frays Brewery
We’re kickin’ it back old school. Join Jenn for the OG of OD activities. BYOB. We’re gonna start with the Book of Acts. Thursdays, 7pm, 5/28, 6/4, 6/11, 6/18. Two Frays has outdoor seating and, I hear, some good NA options.
