St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Mt. Lebanon, PA

What are services like?
All services follow the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church. 8:45 Service is particularly family-friendly, with an upbeat mix of contemporary and traditional service music led by a praise band. It includes Holy Eucharist/Communion. There are fewer lessons/readings, and the sermon is geared toward families with children. 10:45 Service is a more traditional service, with full choir, classical music from the hymnal, accompanied by the organ. There are multiple lessons and Psalms and the sermon is geared more toward adults. This service also includes Holy Eucharist/Communion. Additionally, we offer: 8 am (Sunday) Rite I service in the Chapel 6pm (Saturday) Rite II service in varying locations depending on time of year (Winter: Chapel, Spring/Fall: Old St. Luke's Historical Church, Summer: St. Margret's Garden) 11 am (Wednesday) Rite II service in the Chapel

What is the community like?
St. Paul's is a thriving place for people of all generations. We enjoy our coffee hours, fish fries, pancake suppers and fellowship! We have the largest Children & Youth program in the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh. There are Sunday School classes for children from pre-school to 6th grade; Confirmation Class for youth in 6th & 7th grade; and Youth Forum for high school aged youth. We offer Youth Group programs: JR EYC for middle school youth and SR EYC for high school youth. We also host a NAEYC accredited pre-school onsite. Youth who have completed 8th grade are encouraged to participate in our annual Mission Trip, somewhere in the US. We are also known for our music program. People of all ages and abilities are invited to join us in making a joyful noise! We have an adult choir and Canterbury Choir for children. We offer the chance to participate in our 8:45 praise band as well as an additional youth praise band (which also plays at the 8:45 service). We have an multi-generational handbell choir. Additionally, we feature a series of music concerts throughout the year in which we showcase both renown artists and local musicians. We focus on Outreach. Although there are too many efforts great and small to list - here is a sampling of some of the many projects we support with parishioner time and treasure: We support local efforts through the South Hills Interfaith Ministry programs such as the community garden (where produce is distributed through the corresponding food bank); Shepherd's Heart meals for homeless people, especially homeless veterans; and various clothing, food, school supplies drives throughout the course of the year. We support national efforts through Episcopal Relief and Development (both disaster and chronic needs support), prepare boxes for Christmas on the River for the Seaman's Institute (supporting inland waterways mariners), and other projects. Our youth travel nationally each year on a Mission Trip, recently to support the Highland Educational Project in McDowell County, WV. Internationally, we support the Blessed Mustard Seed Babies' Home in Uganda.

What if I'm not a Christian?
We are a Christian church in the Episcopal tradition. We believe in a loving God who created us and the incredible universe around us. We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God who lived, died, and rose again for us, that we might be forgiven our sin and invited to be children of God. We believe in the Holy Spirit who sustains this world in the grace and love of God and leads us into all truth. Nevertheless, we understand that you might not share these beliefs. Know that we are glad to welcome you into our community. We would hope that you feel free to worship God as you understand God and that you will continue to worship with us as we seek love, truth, peace, and joy together. May you find welcome here.