Coffee & Conversation
Sundays November 6-20, 2022
Ringing out the Old (Testament)!
Rev. Dr. Steven S. Tuell returns to OPC after a long hiatus to discuss three books in the Old Testament: Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. They are little read and studied in local congregations, but they had significant messages for the people of Israel...and for us today! This class will focus on how they look both backward, summing up the prophets and the Hefrew Bible generally, and also forward, leading to our New Testament.
Dr. Tuell is Professor Emeritus of Hebrew and Old Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He has written numerous books and articles on the Hebrew Bible, focusing on the prophets. He preaches and teaches frequently throughout the area.
Nov. 6 - Haggai
Nov. 13 - Zechariah
Nov. 20 - Malachi
Sundays October 16, 23, 30, 2022
Is "Christian Nationalism"... Christian?
OPC's own Associate Pastor, Rev. Dr. Steve Crocco, discusses a timely news topic. As the 2022 mid-term elections drew closer, we heard more and more about "Christian Nationalism." An Internet search will produce a wide range of descriptions, most of which sound negative and extreme. What is Christian Nationalism? How pervasive is it? Answers to these questions depend mainly on who is asking and answering. The phrase suggests a therological/political opposite - "Christian Globalism." Is there such a thing? What are we to make of it? Class sessions provided opportunities for discussion.
Prior to coming to OPC, Dr. Crocco served as the library director at the Yale Divinity School, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Steve has a Ph.D. in religious ethics from Princeton University.
Oct. 16 - The Rise, Fall, and Rise Again of Nationalism
Oct. 23 - What is Christian Nationalism? (no recording due to technical issue)
Oct. 30 - Christian Nationalism and Christian Globalism
Sundays September 18-October 9, 2022
WAR: WHERE IS GOD?
Rev. Dr. John P. Burgess returns to OPC to discuss this current news topic. The reality of war has become vivid again with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This series examines how Christians have thought about war. We will ask where God is in war and what God may be asking us to do to respond to war in Ukraine or elsewhere.
Dr. Burgess is Professor of Systematic Theology at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He has twice been a Fulbright scholar to Russia, and he has lectured in Ukraine.
Sept. 18 - The Religious Dimensions to the War in Ukraine (no recording due to technical issue)
Sept. 25 - Is God at Work in War? How?
Oct. 2 - Just War? Should a Nation Defend Itself from External Aggression?
Oct. 9 - How Can We Live Out Our Prayers for Peace?
PRE-COVID
March 1-29, 2020
During March, Dr. L. Roger Owens, Associate Professor of Christian Spirituality and Ministry at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary will discuss his book What We Need is Here: Practicing the Heart of Christian Spirituality. His sessions will NOT be recorded or posted, so please join us Sunday mornings at 9:30!
Mar 1 (Lent 1) Prayer: Why Spiritual Disciplines? Read “Introduction”. Session titled Open and Available: An Introduction to Spiritual Practice and Prayer.
Mar 8 (Lent 2) Praying with Scripture: Listening to God’s Voice. Read Chapters 1&2 (Dr. Kathy Williams speaking while Dr. Owens travels.)
Mar 15 (Lent 3) God in the Daily Grind: Prayer as Paying Attention Read: Chapters 3&4
Mar 22 (Lent 4) Meeting God in the Poor: Prayer as “Being With”. Read Chapter 7
Mar 29 (Lent 5) Putting It All Together: Shaping a Spiritual Life. Read “In Closing”
February 23, 2020
In part 4 of this 4 part series on the Sacraments, Rev. Dr. John Burgess explores the Reformed tradition concerning The Lord’s Supper and the question of who may come to the Lord’s Table.
What is happening when the church celebrates the sacraments? In these four sessions during February, we will explore the church’s understanding of baptism and the Lord’s Supper and how they can become more central to our lives as Christians today.
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Does Baptism Really Wash Away Sin?
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Should the Church Be Baptizing Infants?
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Why Do We Call the Bread and Cup the Body and Blood of Christ?
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Who May Come to the Lord’s Table?
February 16, 2020
Would you like to experience communion more deeply? Understand the Lord’s Supper more fully? Rev. Dr. John Burgess continues his series on the sacraments with Why Do We Call the Bread and Cup the Body and Blood of Christ? exploring the variety of communion among denominations and through history.
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Does Baptism Really Wash Away Sin?
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Should the Church Be Baptizing Infants?
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Why Do We Call the Bread and Cup the Body and Blood of Christ?
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Who May Come to the Lord’s Table?
February 9, 2020
In part 2 of this 4 part series on the Sacraments, Rev. Dr. John Burgess explores the Reformed tradition concerning Baptism and the question of whether we should be baptizing infants.
What is happening when the church celebrates the sacraments? In these four sessions during February, we will explore the church’s understanding of baptism and the Lord’s Supper and how they can become more central to our lives as Christians today.
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Does Baptism Really Wash Away Sin?
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Should the Church Be Baptizing Infants?
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Why Do We Call the Bread and Cup the Body and Blood of Christ?
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Who May Come to the Lord’s Table?
February 2, 2020
The Rev. Dr. John Burgess opened his series on the Sacraments from an historical perspective on Baptism.
What is happening when the church celebrates the sacraments? In these four sessions during February, we will explore the church’s understanding of baptism and the Lord’s Supper and how they can become more central to our lives as Christians today.
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Does Baptism Really Wash Away Sin?
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Should the Church Be Baptizing Infants?
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Why Do We Call the Bread and Cup the Body and Blood of Christ?
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Who May Come to the Lord’s Table?
January 19, 2020
Sam Anderson continues his series with "God Won't Give You More Than You Can Handle" by playing two YouTube videos and the relevant chapter of Adam Hamilton's DVD "Half Truths". Dr. Rabbi Abraham Twerski on responding to stress and fear discussed "How do lobsters grow?" in https://youtu.be/dcUAIpZrwog. The stimulus to be able to grow is to feel uncomfortable! Times of stress are also times that are signals for growth. Then Dr. Brené Brown on Empathy - https://youtu.be/1Evwgu369Jw. What is the best way to ease someone's pain and suffering? In this beautifully animated RSA Short, Dr. Brown reminds us that we can only create a genuine empathic connection if we are brave enough to really get in touch with our own fragilities. Following the playing of the DVD chapter "God Won't Give You More Than You Can Handle" Sam led a discussion of the ideas presented.
No Handouts for This Session
See Links Above for Videos
January 12, 2020
In part 2 of this 4 part series on the “Half Truths of the Christian Faith”, Sam Anderson plays the relevant chapter of Adam Hamilton’s DVD “Half Truths” and leads a discussion on the familiar phrase “God only helps those who help themselves.” While the person making the statement likely wants to be helpful, is this sentiment really helpful to the person to whom the statement is directed? How does this compare to what occurs in scripture?
No Handouts for This Session
January 5, 2020
Sam Anderson returns with the four week series "Half Truths of the Christian Faith." Using Adam Hamilton's DVD "Half Truths: God Helps Those Who Help Themselves and Other Things the Bible Doesn't Say" and starting with 'Everything Happens for a Reason,' Sam introduced the topic and played the relevant DVD chapter and led discussion of this often heard phrase.
December 15, 2019
The Origin and Meaning of Christmas Traditions
This week, Nancy Sloan and Bev Taylor explore the history and meaning of treasured Christmas traditions
No Handouts for This Session
December 8, 2019
The Poetry and Prose of Christmas
This week, Audrey Clifton, a former high school and college English teacher who has both a passion for literature and an active Christian faith, explores the poetry and prose of Christmas!
No Handouts for This Session
December 1, 2019
Sam Anderson leads the discussion on "Finding the New in Christmas." Even as devout believers, the same old, same old of the Christmas season can lead to the same old experience. We sing the same old songs; eat the same old foods; and do the same old church activities. If the holiday season feels more burden than joy, join us! We will explore the causes of holiday burnout and the ways to bring new life to the same old celebration.
November 24, 2019
Christmas Around the World
This week, Mark Geppert, a 1966 graduate of Oakmont High School and founder of the South East Asia Prayer Center, brings to us tremendous testimonies of faithfulness as the Lord has established prayer ministries in 122 nations.
No Handouts for This Session
November 17, 2019
In Rev. Tuell's third and final installment, he discusses "Putting It Back Together: What Does Genesis 1-2 Mean?"
November 10, 2019
Rev. Tuell's second installment on Genesis 1-2, "The Drama of Relationships: Genesis 2:4b-25" is another dynamic presentation! Note: Due to a technical issue, Dr. Tull's audio was lost after about 34 minutes but you hear at least the beginning half-hour.
November 3, 2019
Rev. Dr. Steven Tuell discusses An Ordered World: Genesis 1:1--2:4a
For this three part series, the Rev. Dr. Steven Tuell, the James A. Kelso Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, will lead us in an exploration of the opening chapters of the Bible. A wonderful opportunity to hear dynamic presentations on these critical chapters of Scripture.
Dr. Tuell’s following presentations will be:
Nov 10: The Drama of Relationship: Genesis 2:4b-25
Nov 17: Putting It Back Together: What Does Genesis 1--2 Mean?
October 27, 2019
Rev. Dr. James Davison wraps up his four part series on the Book of Revelation with this session entitled "What does Revelation mean to us?"
October 20, 2019
In part 3, Rev. Dr. Jim Davison continues his breakdown of Revelation as he discusses Apocalyptic Beasts, etc.
October 13, 2019
In this second of a four part series, Rev. Dr. Jim Davison discusses Revelation!! For many, the very name of this last book in the New Testament conjures up weird images of violence and bizarre predictions about historical events. For others, it is an exciting prophecy of events we see happening before our very eyes. In this series, we will seek to unlock John’s purpose in writing and make sense of the images and events he portrays. Our aim will be to grasp how the central message of this book, written to Christians in the first century, is extremely valuable for us in the twenty-first century!
October 6, 2019
In this four part series, Rev. Dr. Jim Davison discusses Revelation!! For many, the very name of this last book in the New Testament conjures up weird images of violence and bizarre predictions about historical events. For others, it is an exciting prophecy of events we see happening before our very eyes. In this series, we will seek to unlock John’s purpose in writing and make sense of the images and events he portrays. Our aim will be to grasp how the central message of this book, written to Christians in the first century, is extremely valuable for us in the twenty-first century!
September 29, 2019
Moving Toward Forgiveness: Seeking Forgiveness: Barriers to Forgiving (Week 3)
This week, Drs. Lin Ewing and Rev. Steve Wilson explore the potential barriers associated with being able to forgive others. You may find that you want to forgive someone or feel that you have to forgive someone, but just can’t get to the point where you do forgive someone. Is this normal?
September 22, 2019
Moving Toward Forgiveness: Forgiving Others (Week 2)
This week, Drs. Lin Ewing and Rev. Steve Wilson explore the challenges associated with being able to forgive others and the effect that truly forgiving others may have on you.
September 15, 2019
Moving Toward Forgiveness: The Case for Forgiveness – Scriptural and Psychological (Week 1)
Leading the opening series this fall, Drs. Lin Ewing and Rev. Steve Wilson will convene three discussions on Moving Toward Forgiveness in which they will explore what scriptures, sages, and scientists tell us about forgiveness (what it is and what it is not), the pathways and processes leading to forgiveness and some common barriers to forgiving. Steve and Lin invite questions on forgiveness in advance of these sessions to be sent to swilson@oakmontpresby.org. The discussions on forgiveness will continue at 9:30 am on Sundays, September 22, & 29 in the Multipurpose Room.
September 22 - Forgiving Ourselves and Others
September 29 - Seeking Forgiveness and Barriers to Forgiving
May 19, 2019
This week a conversation with the Oakmont Presbyterian Church graduating seniors is led by Jane Kinter. The seniors talk about their experiences at OPC including the meaningful and humorous. Those present join in the conversation with questions and reflections for our graduating seniors. This is the last podcast of the 2018-2019 education year. Look for more episodes this fall!
No Handouts for This Session
May 12, 2019
Rev. Dr. Don Ewing, introduces us to author Anne Lamott. Lamott gives voice to the Christian faith that is searching, honest and sometimes emotionally raw. Her books include: Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith; Hallelujah Anyway: Rediscovering Mercy; Small Victories: Spotting Improbable Moments of Grace; Stitches: A Handbook on Meaning, Hope and Repair; Help, Thanks, Wow: Three Essential Prayers; and Almost Everything: Notes on Hope. Included in the supplemental PDF is Don's presentation and her bibliography of titles. Should you want to listen to her TED talk directly on YouTube click here: https://youtu.be/X41iulkRqZU and other YT videos featuring her should also be available. Click Here for Anne Lamott Bibliography
April 28, 2019
In our Parade of Books series, 10th Street Elementary Language Arts teacher, Shawn Ogrodowski, introduces her favorite book: Newberry Medal winner The Giver by Lois Lowry. Additional reading "companion" books by Lowry are: Gathering Blue, Messenger, and Son.
April 14, 2019
This week representatives from The Blessing Board and Twin Boros Health Ministry talk to us about the mission work that these organizations provide to our local community and opportunities that we have to get involved with hands on mission work.
April 7, 2019
Emily Cooper, a senior at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, has worked in various ministry roles and is passionate about sharing God's word. In this concluding session on Luke, she unpacks three of the parables of Jesus found in Luke chapters 18 and 19, as Jesus makes his final journey to Jerusalem.
March 31, 2019
Dr. Tucker Ferda is an award-winning visiting assistant professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. In the fourth of a series, he explores the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem by contrasting the story as it is recounted in the gospel of Luke against the same story as recounted in the gospel of Mark.
March 24, 2019
Dr. Tucker Ferda is an award-winning visiting assistant professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. In the third of a series running through April 14, he continues to discuss the content of the book of Luke.
March 17, 2019
Dr. Tucker Ferda is an award-winning visiting assistant professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. In the second of a series running through April 14, he begins to discuss the content of the book of Luke building on last week’s look into the back story.
March 10, 2019
Dr. Tucker Ferda is an award-winning visiting assistant professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. In the first of a series running through April 14, he provides insights and leads an interesting discussion of the back story of the Gospel of Luke.
March 3, 2019
Engaging Our Differences as a Spiritual Discipline – Reverend Dr. Leanna Fuller, an author and Associate Professor of Pastoral Care at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, talks with us today about the importance of maintaining the dignity of others while engaging in discussions of import. She provides insight into ten essential elements of dignity and how the spiritual discipline of active listening can be an important tool as we engage our differences while remaining connected with each other.
February 24, 2019
Issues in Immigration -- Hosted by Sam Anderson, in this second installment Marge Sellers talks in more detail about the services that CIAK provides to the Pittsburgh immigrant population.
No Handouts for This Session
February 17, 2019
Pursuing Justice-Preserving Dignity – Marge Sellers is joined by Sam Anderson to talk with us about pursuing justice and preserving dignity through immigration assistance services. Marge is a member of the Christian Immigration Advocacy Center, CIAK (pronounced like kayak), in Pittsburgh. This week Marge and Sam lead us through a discussion of what it is like to be an immigrant in Pittsburgh. Next week Marge Sellers will talk in more detail about the services that CIAK provides to the Pittsburgh immigrant population.
No Handouts for This Session
February 10, 2019
Medically Assisted Recovery – Today Dr. Abraham “Jack” Kabazie discusses the complicated and lengthy process of medically assisted recovery from addiction.
February 3, 2019
Addiction and Recovery - Today Dr. Abraham “Jack” Kabazie discussed Addiction, including the history of opioid use/abuse. Next week he will focus on Medically-assisted Recovery.
January 27, 2019
Today Rabbi Perlman took us to chapter 26 where we gain some insight into the nature of wisdom, fools and gossip. Near the end of today’s presentation Rabbi Perlman answers some questions about the visit he and other congregants of the New Light Congregation made to the Emanuel AME Church in South Carolina on the weekend of January 20.
January 13, 2019
Today Rabbi Jonathan Perlman introduces us to the book of Proverbs. He talks about its origin and structure as we dig in to the first chapter of Proverbs.
December 16, 2018
Rev. Laura Bentley speaks about growing spiritually through the daily practice called Prayer of Examen.
December 9, 2018
This week our Parish Associate Rev. Don Ewing explores spiritual practices generally and examines stewardship as a spiritual practice.
Sorry, no audio file available for this presentation.
December 2, 2018
The challenge for many is to live their faith each day. Beth Meyer shares her insights for Daily Spiritual Living from a life lived in faith.
November 18, 2018
Dr. Lin Ewing and Dr. Kathy Williams talk about the spiritual practice of waiting during Advent. Dr. Ewing discusses difficulties and benefits of developing a spiritual practice of waiting. Dr. Williams discusses a practical method to help us develop and maintain the spiritual practice of waiting. Along with the visual presentation, a list of devotional resources are listed and pictured in the handouts associated with today’s topic.
November 11, 2018
Dr. Lin Ewing presents the second part of a two part series entitled “Developing Healthy Relationships”. Today Dr. Ewing discusses key skills that can be developed to foster healing and healthy relationships but due to time constraints, Dr. Ewing wasn't able to complete her presentation. Part 3 handouts have been added on 11/21/18 for your review. The Part 3 audio portion will be added soon.
November 4, 2018
Dr. Lin Ewing presents the first part of a two part series entitled “Developing Healthy Relationships”. Today Dr. Ewing establishes a baseline for healthy relationships by discussing the scriptural basis for healthy relationships, theory and science of relationships, signs of healthy, growth-promoting relationships, and signs of unhealthy relationships. Next week Dr. Ewing will discuss key skills that can be developed to foster healing and healthy relationships.
October 28, 2018
Rev. Dr. James E. Davison’s concluding presentation in his series "Living in God's Coming Kingdom: Main Themes in Matthew” looks at what “Welcoming All” means. Today Dr. Davison talks to us about the place of the Gentiles in the Kingdom and ultimately who is part of the "Family" of Jesus - '...those who do the will of the Father.'
October 21, 2018
Rev. Dr. James E. Davison’s third presentation in his series "Living in God's Coming Kingdom: Main Themes in Matthew” looks at what it means to be “Following Jesus”. Today Dr. Davison talks to us about evil, righteousness, pride, humility, and a role model to help us be better disciples of Jesus.
October 14, 2018
Rev. Dr. James E. Davison’s second presentation in his series "Living in God's Coming Kingdom: Main Themes in Matthew” examines what it means to be “Seeking the Kingdom of Heaven”. Today Dr. Davison leads us through an exploration of “what the Kingdom of Heaven is” and takes a closer look at the ALREADY and NOT YET aspects of that same Kingdom.
October 7, 2018
Rev. Dr. James E. Davison starts a four week series entitled "Living in God's Coming Kingdom: Main Themes in Matthew. The author of Matthew composed his Gospel a generation of so after Jesus lived. Matthew's aim was to present the meaning of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection for a mixed congregation of Jews and Gentiles.
September 30, 2018
Reverend Dr. Steve Wilson presents “Scripture – Word Became Text”. In this presentation Rev. Wilson explores the question “Where did the books of the Bible come from?” and examines how our reading of scripture may become an encounter with God.
September 23, 2018
Dr. Leanna Fuller presents "Lectio Divina" - A classic way of reading scripture: a detailed introduction followed by hands on practice.
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