June 5 & 12
NOTE: special 8:45 a.m. start time on June 5 only
A Time to Laugh: Biblical Humor
Ann Morris
The best laugh is an unexpected laugh. With a little help to get past the unfamiliarity of the culture of biblical times, you too can enjoy scriptural puns and word plays, the satire of Jonah’s pout, and revel along with the Mardi Gras atmosphere of Queen Esther’s story. Understanding where the Bible is trying to make us smile and even laugh out loud not only aids our exegesis, but it also leads us to apply biblical wisdom and truth to our own lives. Laughter is God’s gift that helps us to endure life’s incongruities and reminds us to be humble. Learn how to get more enjoyment out of reading the Bible. Lighten up and open up your expectations of where and how the Holy Spirit illuminates God’s Word.
Ann Morris joined WPC soon after she and her husband Bob were married in 1984. Ann soon became a regular attendee of its weekly seminars, which were often taught by faculty of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. This adult education program, as well as the congregational life at Westminster, influenced her to explore a call to the ministry. Blessed by a scholarship received by way of connections at Westminster Church and a college friend, Ann graduated from PTS and was ordained in 2000. She has served as Stated Supply of a small Presbyterian church within Pittsburgh Presbytery and pulpit supply to numerous churches in Allegheny and Beaver Counties. Much of Ann’s career life included work in banking and the treasury departments of several major Pittsburgh corporations. She is now retired.
June 19 & 26
Love Letter to the Church
Jo Forrest
Church historian Phyliss Tickle observed that the church has a giant rummage sale about every 500 years. Her comment primarily refers to history of theological reforms, including the great Reformation of the 1500s, and the resulting impact on denominational hierarchies, churches, and believers. Just as we crossed over to the 21st century, many predicted the demise of traditional congregational life, particularly for those with 100 members or less, and the emergence of new forms of gathering.
Then COVID-19 upended all churches and accelerated the change. The questions before us are how much more change and to what end? These seminars will review some recent research and predictions for churches as we emerge from the pandemic.
The Reverend Dr. Jo Forrest is senior pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church.
SUMMER SEMINAR SCHEDULE NOTES
Westminster Seminars will take a break in August and return on September 11 with Jennifer Kaalund, Associate Professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, who will look at the Letter to the Hebrews through a new lens.
Westminster Seminars
In Person and Online
Sundays, 9:45 – 10:30 a.m.
Galbreath Chapel & Zoom
The Westminster Seminars address, in various ways, how our beliefs and practices as Christians enrich our lives in today’s culture. Everyone is welcome – come every week or whenever the topic appeals and your schedule allows. If you can’t join in person or on Zoom, plan to watch or listen later on the Westminster website.
The Zoom meeting opens at 9:30 for greetings and conversation. Find the link on the church website under Featured Events or in the Friday church email.