Combined Worship Service

Mission Sunday

10:00 a.m., Sunday, October 18, 2026

Join Us for Worship!



Worship will be a Combined Service in the sanctuary at 10:00 a.m.

Join us this Sunday, October 18, at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary for our Mission Sunday Combined Worship Service as we celebrate the many ways Southminster is serving our church and community.

We’ll hear how Mission and Outreach, Youth 2026 Mission Trips, the Deacons, Mobility Lending Library, and the South Hills Food Pantry are putting faith into action and making a difference in others' lives.

Sunday School will meet at 9:00 a.m. Pre-K-8th graders will assemble winter kits to distribute next month to those in need, and Adult Sunday Seminar will meet at 9:00 a.m. in the Chapel for Peter Gilmore’s presentation, “Irish Presbyterians and the Shaping of Western PA.” We hope to see you Sunday!

Worship Video Highlights from Sunday, October 11

Southminster invites you to watch selected highlights from both our contemporary and traditional services on October 11.

Crossings Contemporary Service:

• Personent Hodi, Southminster Youth Handbell Ensemble
• Shine Your Life, Southminster Youth Handbell Ensemble
• How Great is Our God, Crossings Band
• Lord, I Lift Your Name On High, Crossings Band

Celebration of Worship Traditional Service:

• Choral Introit, Chancel Choir
• A Blown-Away Leaf, Mr. Lucas Barkley
• Joy in the Morning, Chancel Choir
• Benediction and Response, Dr. Cathie Smith and Congregation

Southminster Sunday Seminar at 9:00 a.m.

Join Peter Gilmore on Sunday, October 18, at 9:00 a.m. in Southminster’s Chapel for his presentation, “Irish Presbyterians and the Shaping of Western PA.” Come learn more about the influence Irish Presbyterians had on our region's history, faith, and development, and discover how their story helped shape the communities of Western Pennsylvania.

And in case you missed last week's Adult Sunday Seminar, please take a moment to watch Elaine Wertheim's presentation, "The Marriage at Cana":

• Elaine Wertheim: "The Marriage at Cana"

Prayer Group at Southminster House

You are invited to join Pastor Cathie for a time of prayer for our church and community on the 1^st and 3^rd Thursday of each month from 12:15 -1:00 pm at Southminster House. Our next prayer time will be Thursday, October 15.

Pancakes, People, and Plenty of Fun!

Our latest Pancake Breakfast was a great success! About 25 students joined us for a morning filled with food, fun, and fellowship—and we were especially excited to welcome so many new faces.

Thank you to everyone who came out, and special thanks to our chefs for preparing the food!

Mark your calendar for our next Pancake Breakfast: Thursday, November 19 at 7:00 a.m. We hope to see you there!

Adult Interest Center

We kicked off our 52nd year at the Adult Interest Center on Friday, September 4th. This gathering is open to all seniors 55 and up. On October 16, our entertainment is singer Heidi Beatty and Guitarist Mark Strickland. We have a home-cooked meal at Noon for $10, cooked by our talented caterer, Denise Doaks. It’s always a time of fun, food, and fellowship, so come join us.

Property Improvement Updates

Castle Shannon Entrance to the Narthex and 
the Circle Driveway Closure

The Castle Shannon Entrance to the Narthex at the Circle Driveway will be closed starting Monday, October 12, 2026. Reconstruction of the existing ramp and replacement of the Circle Driveway will take about five weeks. This means no side entrance to the Narthex, no Circle Driveway, and no Ramp.  The sidewalk to the Glass Door Entrance on the Fellowship Hall level shall remain open for use during this period. Vehicles shall not be parked on the Circle Driveway during this period, including weekends. Contractors need the Circle Driveway for construction equipment and to stage concrete mixers. Pedestrians should walk on the sidewalks along Washington Road and Castle Shannon Blvd.  

Glass Door Entrance Sidewalk to the Fellowship Hall Level Closure

Sidewalk work to the Glass Door Entrance will occur toward the end of the project, but only after the Circle Driveway and Ramp work is complete and ready for use.  This portion of sidewalk replacement should take no more than five days. During this week, the glass doors cannot be used for any entrance or exit.

While the Glass Door Entrance is closed, enter the Church Building and CE Building through the "red" doors at the Castle Shannon Entrance to the Narthex at the Circle Driveway. Visitors shall use the new Circle Driveway and new ramp to enter the Church. 

Visitors shall proceed into the Narthex through the "red" door, continue to the far side of the Narthex to the side aisle on the Columbarium side of the Sanctuary, proceed along the side aisle, turn left at the Sanctuary piano location, and proceed through the double doors to the CE Building adjacent to the Church Library. 

Marriage at Cana Dinner, October 16

Pictured: 
The Marriage at Cana, Giotto di Bondone, 1305

On Friday, October 16, at 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall, we’ll gather around the table to celebrate Christ’s first miracle —the Marriage at Cana — in a new way: sharing a meal inspired by foods that may have been served at a wedding celebration in Cana.

Come experience this familiar story through Scripture, art, fellowship, and food as we explore the richness of Christ’s first miracle together. The menu will draw on the foods and flavors of first-century Galilee, using ingredients available in Jesus' time while adapting them for modern tastes.



Although the Bible does not tell us what was actually served at the wedding, we hope this meal offers a small taste of the setting, hospitality, and communal table of Jesus’ time. Join us for an evening of food, fellowship, and Scripture brought to life around the table. RSVP to the church office at info@spchurch.org or 412-343-8900.

Bible Study Group, Saturday, October 17

Join us this Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall for Bible Study as we gather to talk, fellowship, and discuss “Parenting.” Please note that plans to meet at Panera have been canceled. Denise Doaks will cater lunch. All are welcome — we hope you’ll join us!

Jesus and Joe

This weekly time of fellowship for men meets at 8 am on Fridays in Southminster House. The group is currently finishing up the study: “The Jesus That Paul Knew.” After that, we will be studying the Presbyterian Influence on Revolutionary Pennsylvania. That sounds interesting. Come see what it is all about.

Confirmation Class

We are putting together a confirmation class for this church year! If you have a youth in 8th grade or above who would like to be confirmed, please reach out to Jennifer Stampfel at Jennifer@spchurch.org

A Little Dinner, A Lot of Love

We are looking for volunteers willing to provide dinner for our youth group on Sundays throughout the year. Keep it as simple as you’d like. Dinner may be homemade or store-bought; whatever is easy to serve to a group works well. When you volunteer, we’ll provide you with the expected number of students and any important dietary information. If you’re able to help, please sign up for one or more Sundays by emailing Jennifer at Jennifer@spchurch.org

Men's Retreat at Windy Ridge, October 16 and 17

Men of Southminster, come join us for fellowship, stimulating conversation, and a relaxing time in the countryside!

When: Friday, October 16, 2026 – Saturday, October 17, 2026 (come for part or all)

Where: Windy Ridge Camp & Conference Center in Green County

Cost: Donations will be accepted.

Items to Bring: Sheets(Single Mattress) & Towels; Bible

Reservations: Please contact Dave Roth at (412)559-7207 or rothdf@comcast.net and let us know whether you will be coming for dinner on Friday night, breakfast and program on Saturday morning, lunch on Saturday, or all of the above.

Welcome to Our Newest Team Member, Craig Bassler

Please join us in welcoming Craig Bassler, our new Facilities Associate. A lifelong resident of Pittsburgh’s South Hills and a Keystone Oaks High School graduate, Craig enjoys local concerts and cheering on the Pirates and Penguins. But his favorite moments are the simple ones—gathering around a backyard campfire, roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, spending time with family and friends, and, of course, spoiling his beloved dog, Riley! We are delighted to welcome Craig to the Southminster family, and we hope you’ll take a moment to say hello and help him feel right at home!

Blessing Bags Distribution, October 18

We’re excited to share some love with our neighbors through another round of Blessing Bags distributions on October 18th during both worship services! These bags are filled with helpful items (including food, water, and dog food) and a little encouragement to remind others that they are seen, valued, and cared for – especially as we move into the winter months.

Please stop by after service to pick up a Blessing Bag – or two- and consider sharing it with someone who could use some extra kindness.

Youth Outing to Jack-O-Lantern Extravaganza 
at the Pittsburgh Zoo, October 18!

Join us on Sunday, October 18th for a fun evening at the Pittsburgh Zoo’s Jack-O-Lantern Extravaganza! We will be leaving the church at 5:30 PM, so please plan to arrive a little early at the bus in the upper parking lot. Dinner at the zoo is optional, so youth may choose whether to purchase dinner while we are there. Questions can be directed to Jennifer@spchurch.org

Tuesday Night Live is Back

Join us for an exciting Tuesday Night Live at Southminster on October 20th!



Sit back, relax, and enjoy oldies played by our Crossings Band for this wonderful night of food, music, and fellowship!



5:00 - 6:00 pm Ringers 2 Practice – Ringers 2 Bell Room

6:00 - 6:45 pm Dinner for all ages – Fellowship Hall

6:45 - 7:30 pm Programming

•     Adults, Middle and High School: Fellowship Hall
•     Nursery (B-5th Grade): Kingdom Keepers (available 6:30-7:45pm)

Join us in Fellowship Hall on the third Tuesday of each month this fall for dinner, fellowship, and engaging programs for all ages, including special speakers, concerts, and other family-friendly fun.

There’s something new to experience each month,

so bring your family, invite a friend,

and join us for Tuesday Night Live!

Please RSVP: info@spchurch.org | 412-343-8900

We hope to see you there!

"In God's Image" Bible Study Returns October 21
Welcoming All Women of SPC , Friends, and Family

Join us on Wednesday afternoons twice monthly from 5:00-6:00 PM. We'll gather in Southminster House to

discuss a chapter each meeting. The fall/winter study is Jen Wilkin's "Ten Words to Live By", which is available on Amazon and from other suppliers. Questions and comments may be sent to Amy at apople@gmail.com.

Meeting dates are as follows:

First meeting is Oct 21st; please come prepared to discuss chapter one. November 4, and 18

December 2, and 16

January 6, and 20

February 3, and 17.

Spooky Organ Family Concert October 24

Please join us for our first concert of the season on October 24 at 11:00 am: a recital of spooky piano and organ music, featuring Southminster music director Lucas Barkley!

Designed for all ages, this concert will feature both popular and lesser-known spine-tingling music for the season, including music by J.S. Bach, Franz Liszt, Louis Vierne, Henry Cowell, and Bernard Hermann. Our audience will also learn a bit about the different sounds and inner workings of the mighty Southminster chancel organ.

Halloween costumes encouraged! Admission is free, and a reception will follow the concert.

Conversations with Session, October 25

Have a question? An idea? A hope or dream for Southminster? Or just curious about what’s happening in the life of our church? Join us for Conversations with Session Sunday, October 25, at 12:15 am in the Chapel.

Several Session members and Pastor Cathie will be available for an informal hour of conversation. There’s no set agenda; just an opportunity to talk, listen, ask questions, and share what’s on your heart and mind as we seek to follow where God is leading Southminster together. Conversations with Session will be offered quarterly. We hope you'll join the conversation!

Blood Drive, November 1

Southminster will hold a Blood Drive on Sunday, November 1, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Recreation Hall. To schedule an appointment to donate, go to vitalant.org and search for account code UG0010147, or call 877-25VITAL (877-258-4825). For further information, contact Karen Rossi (412-860-5708.)

Family Day at Windy Ridge

Come spend the day with us at Windy Ridge, Saturday, November 7, for a wonderful time with family and friends! More details to come!!

SPC Book Club

Our December 1st selection is "The Lost Passenger" by Francis Quinn. Tuesday, Dec 1st, in Southminster House at 7PM. Nancy Clifton will be leading discussion. Snacks to share are welcome! Questions may be directed to Amy Pople or Nancy Clifton. Goodreads describes the book: "An immersive historical drama about a young mother who starts a new life with her son in New York after faking their deaths on the Titanic - The US debut of an acclaimed British novelist. Sometimes it takes a disaster to change your life." All are welcome- hope to see you there.

October Hunger Offering

The October Hunger Offering will support the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh as it hosts its turkey voucher and Thanksgiving meal distribution. The League assists 1000+ families annually and, at this time of year, helps them celebrate Thanksgiving with traditional and nutritious foods.



The offering will be accepted at worship services beginning Sunday, October 4, and throughout the month of October. You can also give online at the Southminster website or by mailing a check to the Church Office with “Hunger Offering” in the note section or memo line.