New Series Starts Jan 5: Good News for People with Big Problems

Axl Rose. Woody Allen. Lindsey Lohan. Brian Wilson (the aging odd rock star pictured on the left). Michael Jackson. Mark Sanford.

What can these people teach us about the Christian message? And what can Christianity offer in light of the stress and problems in your life?

Join us for "Good News for People with Big Problems." Hosted by Anchor, a group of people in their 20s and 30s, and featuring pastor/speaker/blogger Aaron Zimmerman, this six-part series examines what the basic Christian message might have to say in light of the real stresses and problems of life, while weaving together pop culture, art, music, movies, and literature with the Biblical diagnosis of reality.

All 20s and 30s invited, whether you go to church, left church, or never went to church. We don’t have all the answers, but we’re very interested in the questions and the conversation.

Starting Weds, Jan 5. (Future sessions: Jan 12, 26, Feb 2, 9, 23)

At St. Stephen's Church (corner of Walnut St. and Frederick Ave. in Sewickley)

Dinner and Conversation at 6:30pm

Presentation at 7:15pm

You don't have to come to each session--feel free to come as you are able.

Dinner $5. Free childcare. Free parking at St. Stephen's Church. RSVP on facebook.

Anchor's Annual Christmas Party: Friday, Dec 17

Yule Rules! This year’s party is retro-themed (think Mad Men). We'll be at the home of Joan and Dan Driscoll in Edgeworth (304 Quaker Rd., corner of Pine and Quaker; the site of some of our summer Bible studies). Food, drink, a few games, and a prize for the best retro costume. Please RSVP by Dec 14, either here on facebook.

We're asking everyone to bring either a drink (soda, wine, beer, etc.) or a dessert. Please let us know what you plan on bringing.

Weds, Dec 15: Caroling!

Join Anchor for Christmas Caroling! We'll meet at the church at 6pm, then head to Masonic Village to sing carols for the residents there (we'll be indoors). Then we'll return to the church for some refreshments. See you there!

Jingle Bell Rock

Anchor starts its own Christmas special on Weds, Dec 1, with our first installment of “Jingle Bell Rock: Finding Meaning in the Pop Music of Christmas.” From The Ramones, to the Killers, to The Band, and even the Jackson 5, everybody has a Christmas song. What is so powerful about Christmas? We’ll explore this question through the lens of scripture and some of the more interesting pop/rock Christmas songs that have come out over the years. We kick off Weds, Dec 1, at 6:30pm, in PromiseLand (St. Stephen’s basement). Dinner (Pizza from Pizza Roma) for $5, followed by a talk, some songs, and a great discussion. We continue with part 2 on Weds, Dec 8. Free childcare care in the Red Room in the nursery. And here's a little preview:

Theology on Tap: Final Night with Chris Buda ("Jesus Liked to Party")

What's the most fun you can have on a Wednesday night? Theology on Tap is a great time to hear engaging speakers, enjoy dinner and a beer, and meet others in their 20s/30s.The theme is “Good People Go to Heaven (and Other Myths).” We’ll be exploring (and re-thinking) some popular misconceptions of Christianity.

On Weds night, Oct 20, 6:30-8:30pm, Chris Buda (the funniest attorney-turned-youth-minister you've ever met) will be our speaker on, "Jesus Liked to Party."

We meet at Pizza Roma, 426 Beaver St., Sewickley. Make sure to order a delicious dinner from Pizza Roma’s menu and order something tasty from their extensive beer list.

Parking: Free on-street parking in Sewickley, free (after 5pm) lot behind Pizza Roma, or park at St. Stephen's and walk 4 blocks.

Childcare: Just drop your kids off after 6:15 pm at the Red Room in the Nursery at St. Stephen's, and leave a cell phone number. Please pick your kids up promptly by 8:40.

RSVP and info on facebook.

(Theology on Tap is sponsored by Anchor at St. Stephen's and Renew International.)

Theology on Tap: Week 3 with Keith Pozzuto ("Bad People Go To Heaven")

Theology on Tap is a great time to hear engaging speakers, enjoy dinner and a beer, and meet others in their 20s/30s.The theme is “Good People Go to Heaven (and Other Myths).” We’ll be exploring (and re-thinking) some popular misconceptions of Christianity.

On Weds night, Oct 13, 6:30-8:30pm, the Rev. Keith Pozzuto (world traveler, former plumber, closet Avril Lavigne fan, and Rector (senior pastor) of Christ Church in Brownsville, PA), will be our speaker on the subject, "God Is Not Santa Claus (Or: Bad People Go To Heaven)." Think Christianity means being perfect, always being nice, and saving baby seals, all so God will like you? Not so! Come hear Keith tell us why.

We meet at Pizza Roma, 426 Beaver St., Sewickley. Make sure to order a delicious dinner from Pizza Roma’s menu and order something tasty from their extensive beer list. We're so grateful Pizza Roma is hosting us, so we want to support them as much as we can!

Parking: On-street in Sewickley, metered lot behind Pizza Roma, or park at St. Stephen's and walk 2 blocks.

Childcare: Just drop your kids off after 6:15 pm at the Red Room in the Nursery at St. Stephen's, and leave a cell phone number. Please pick your kids up promptly by 8:40.

RSVP here.

(Theology on Tap is sponsored by Anchor at St. Stephen's and Renew International.)

Theology on Tap: Week 2 with John & Kathy!

Theology on Tap is a great time to hear engaging speakers, enjoy dinner and a beer, and meet others in their 20s/30s. The theme is “Good People Go to Heaven (and Other Myths).” We’ll be exploring some popular misconceptions of Christianity.

On Weds night, Oct 6, 6:30-8:30pm, John Hall and Kathy Emmons will speak on "Christianity: Not an Automatic Brain-Removal Tool." John and Kathy are co-hosts of the afternoon talk show on Pittsburgh's WORD-FM.

We meet at Pizza Roma, 426 Beaver St., Sewickley. Make sure to order a delicious dinner from Pizza Roma’s menu and order something tasty from their extensive beer list.

Parking: On-street in Sewickley, metered lot behind Pizza Roma, or park at St. Stephen's and walk 2 blocks.

Childcare: Just drop your kids off after 6:15 pm at the Red Room in the Nursery at St. Stephen's, and leave a cell phone number. Please pick your kids up promptly by 8:40.

(Theology on Tap is sponsored by Anchor at St. Stephen's and Renew International.)

Theology on Tap is Coming 9/29!

Theology on Tap is a great time to hear engaging speakers, think deep thoughts, enjoy a pint, and meet others in their 20s/30s. This year’s theme is “Good People Go to Heaven (And Other Myths).” We’ll be asking questions like:

• "Does Christianity mean you have to have a certain political views?"
• "Is church/religion/Christianity only for good people?"
• "Does being a Christian automatically remove your brain?"

Details

When: Weds nights, starting Sep 29 through Oct 20, 6:30-8:30pm

Where: Pizza Roma (in upstairs dining room), 426 Beaver St., Sewickley. (Street view here)

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What: Dinner, drinks, and discussion. Food and drink from Pizza Roma’s menu. (They've got a great beer selection!)

Our topic on week 1 is "How Would Jesus Vote?" Our speaker is Geoff Chapman, senior pastor of St. Stephen's Church in Sewickley. We'll tackle the ideas people have about Christianity and politics.

Parking: On-street in Sewickley, metered lot behind Pizza Roma, or park at St. Stephen's Church on Walnut St. and walk 2 blocks.

Childcare: Free childcare available at St. Stephen's Church (enter parking lot on Walnut St and enter the building through the main doors--nursery wing doors will be closed for security). Just drop your kids off after 6:15 pm at the nursery at St. Stephen's, and leave a cell phone number. Please pick your kids up promptly by 8:40.

Theology on Tap is sponsored by Anchor at St. Stephen's (a community for young adults) and Renew International.

Evensong: Weds, Sept 22, 7:30pm

This beautiful, contemplative-yet-uplifting service of Evening Prayer combines ancient forms of Christian prayer with acoustic music that features hymns as well as contemporary worship songs. Many have found this service to be something of an oasis in our hectic lives. All welcome! Guest worship leader Sean Norris. Weds, Sept 22, 7:30-8:30pm, in the St. Stephen's Sanctuary.
Free childcare in the St. Stephen's nursery. RSVP and info here.

Fall Is In The Air, And Anchor Is Gearing Up

Fall means one thing: pumpkin flavoring. Pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks. Pumpkin cream cheese at Brueggers. I'm waiting for Pumpkin-flavored V-neck sweaters. Seriously, pumpkin-flavored everything.

And while Anchor is not pumpkin flavored, we still have a lot of great stuff going on this fall.

Here's the lineup:

ANCHOR GOES TAILGATING!

Saturday, Sept 18, starting at 4pm on the roof deck of the Smith Bros. Advertising Building at 116 Federal St, across from PNC park. Kids welcome! Grill will be ready for your meat products. Burgers and drinks will be provided. Fun, games, etc. Pirates game at 7pm, where our choir will sing the national anthem.

FALL COOKOUT
Saturday, Sept 25, 4 pm, at Walker Park (off little Sewickley Creek Rd. in Edgeworth). Burgers, dogs, games, good times. Kids welcome!

THEOLOGY ON TAP: STARTING SEPT 29
Theology on Tap is a great time to hear engaging speakers and meet others in their 20s/30s. This year’s theme: “Good People Go to Heaven and Other Myths.” We’ll be exploring some popular misconceptions of Christianity. Running on Weds nights, Sep 29-Oct 20, 6:30-8:30pm, at Pizza Roma, 426 Beaver St., Sewickley. Food and drink from Pizza Roma’s menu. Childcare available at the church.

BIBLE STUDIES
Anchor offers several weekly Bible studies that meet in homes in Sewickley. We have groups for men, women, and young married couples. Whether you know a little or a lot about the Bible, you’re invited! Beginning Tues, Sept 21, but drop-ins always welcome. For times and locations, email Aaron.

Bible Study Weds, Aug 25, 7:30pm at the Driscolls' home

Our Summer Bible Study continues this week on Weds, Aug 25, at 7:30pm, and we're again meeting at the home of Dan and Joan Driscoll, 304 Quaker Rd., Sewickley, PA. Map below.

Join us with guest Bible Study leader, Lauren Scharf. Lauren co-leads the Anchor Women's Bible Study, and is a seminarian at Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge. Plus, she is awesome.

Need directions? See the map below.

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When is Cool Uncool?

Remember that kid in high school that tried too be hard to be cool? The trying too hard totally short-circuits whatever latent coolness, if any, that may have been there.

There's this thing now where churches try to be cool for coolness' sake, it seems. Sometimes words like authentic or relevant are used. (Note: Any time anything has to point out that it is relevant or authentic, it is by definition neither. For example, doctors are both relevant and authentic, but you never saw one advertising himself or herself as such. If you have to say it, it's not true.)

Anyways, there's a great post over at the Mockingbird blog by my buddy Dave, responding to a WSJ article about the "Cool Church" trend. Both are worth a read.

It's time again for Evensong: 7:30 pm, Weds, Aug 18

Anchor's monthly Evensong service is Weds, August 18, at 7:30pm in the Sanctuary. This beautiful, contemplative-yet-uplifting service of Evening Prayer combines ancient forms of Christian prayer with acoustic music that features hymns as well as contemporary worship songs. Many have found this service to be something of an oasis in our hectic lives. All welcome! Guest worship leaders Todd Brewer and Todd Hamer.

Location Change: Tonight's Bible Study

Location change! Tonight's Bible Study will be at the same time (7:30pm) but at a new place: The home of Dan and Joan Driscoll, 304 Quaker Rd., Sewickley, PA. Map below.

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Anchor's Summer Bible Study--Starting Weds, July 21, 7:30 pm.

Anchor's traditional summer Bible study begins Weds., July 21, 7:30-8:30 pm. We'll continue to meet for the next 3 Wednesdays (last meeting is August 11). We're meeting at Aaron and Andrea Zimmerman's home (location and directions here) and light refreshments will be provided. Join us as we discuss some fascinating Biblical passages, always trying to see how the Christian message connects with our everyday lives. Friends welcome!

Cheers! Anchor's Wine Tasting and Summer Party (Sat., July 24, 7pm)

Anchor is hosting a fantastic summer party. Join us Saturday, July 24, at 7pm, at the home of Dan and Loretta Brooks (they live near Allegheny Country Club in Sewickley Heights; for the address and driving directions, RSVP and we'll send you the info via email).

St. Stephen’s own Andy Kozusko (Grove City College alum, Pittsburgh native, and attorney) will lead a wine tasting, introducing us to some fabulous but lesser-known summer wines, paired with some delicious hor d'oeuvres.

Details: Unfortunately, we are unable to provide childcare for this event. The event is free, but w

e will collect a what church-types like to call a "Love offering"--that is, if you can spare a few bucks, it would help us out!

Please RSVP (this is important!) on the event on our facebook page or send Aaron an email. Please feel free to invite any friends who love wine or just love hanging out with great people.

Evensong--Weds, July 14 (Tonight!)

Anchor's monthly Evensong service is tonight. 7:30pm in the Sanctuary. Childcare provided in the nursery (Red Room). This beautiful, contemplative service of Evening Prayer combines ancient forms of Christian prayer with acoustic music that features hymns as well as contemporary worship songs. Many have found this service to be something of an oasis in our hectic lives. All welcome!

Anchor Summer Kickoff Cookout--June 11!

What says summer better than hot burgers, cold beer, and great friends?

Join Anchor on Friday, June 11, 6:30pm at Pavilion 1 in War Memorial Park, Sewickley (Map and directions here). Kids welcome, drinks and dinner (burgers, veggie burgers, and hot dogs) provided. Please bring a side dish or dessert. Please RSVP (and tell us what you’re bringing) on facebook, by calling the church (412-741-1790), or emailing Aaron.

Watch Russell Crowe Pwn Kevin Costner! Tonight at 6!

Remember that abysmal Robin Hood movie with Mr. Dances with Wolves? Well, Russell Crowe is bringing back Robin Hood's good name (and 86ing the mullet) in a great new Robin Hood flick. It looks considerably darker and more interesting than the last time this Medieval vigilante graced the screen. Plus, it was directed by Ridley Scott, of Aliens and Gladiator fame.

Join Anchor on Tues, June 26, as we take advantage of the super-cheap Tuesday night rate at the fantastic new Cinemark theater (map and directions here) at Robinson and see one of the summer's first blockbusters.

Here’s the plan:

6:00 Meet at the church, leave for Robinson

6:20ish Arrive at Chipotle! Eat delicious burritos.

7:30ish Leave Chipotle, go to Cinemark and get tickets for Robin Hood.

7:50 Movie starts! (Well, the trailers start, but you get the point. . .)

10:30 Movie ends, we part, going our separate ways.

It's a late night, but it's worth it. Because it’s Tuesday, it’s only $5.25 for the movie!!!
If you want to meet us at Chipotle:

View Larger Map

And here's the trailer:

Weds, May 12: Anchor Canceled Tonight! It's Hockey Time!

We know that game 7 tonight in the Pens series is a big deal to a lot of you, so we are going to cancel Anchor this week. Have fun watching the game-- see you next week!

Anchor Rides Again

Well, after a long break for Lent, Anchor is back in the saddle! It's time to ride! (Almost, at least.)

Here's what we've got cookin':

Rebel with a Cause: The Life of Jesus
Weds, Apr 7, 6:30-8:30pm, Grace Commons. Dinner $5. Childcare provided.

We’ll conclude our series on who Jesus (really) was and why it matters.

The Gospel According to The Office 2
Weds, Apr 14, 28, May 12, 19; 6:30-8:30 pm. Location change: PromiseLand in the church basement. Dinner $5, Childcare provided.

Dwight Schrute returns to Anchor! We’ll watch a show, talk about what it means, and explore how the person and message of Jesus addresses the universal (and sometimes hilarious) issues raised.

Evensong
Weds, Apr 21, 7:30-8:30 pm, Sanctuary. Childcare provided. Our monthly service of Evening Prayer. Ancient prayers come together with powerful music that draws from the traditional and contemporary. The whole church is invited.

Upcoming Events
Cinco de Mayo party, wine tasting, Summer cookout series, and more. Stay tuned!

PS--I want to continue to encourage all Anchor folks to think about going to the AMAZING Mockingbird Conference in NYC, Apr 15-17. Info here. To see what Mockingbird is about, go here.

PPS--

Anchor's Lenten Hiatus

Lent is always (paradoxically) a great time at St. Stephen's. We've got our powerful Ash Wednesday service on Weds, Feb 17, at 7:30 pm, and then on every Weds after that (Feb 24-Mar 24) we have our fantastic Lenten Supper Series. Delicious potluck suppers, great speakers, and a wonderful time to meet people from across the church. This year, the theme for our speakers is "The Bible's Biggest Losers (Old Testament Edition)." Each week, the speaker will take a character from the Old Testament, look at that person's very real faults and failures, while pointing out how God was still able to use these tarnished saints. Again, these are on Weds nights from 6:30-8:30 pm in Grace Commons. They are a blast! (Click here for more info and a list of speakers.)

But wait! Doesn't Anchor meet on Wednesday nights? Typically, yes. But during Lent, we take a break from our Weds night events so that you can take part in the awesome stuff St. Stephen's has during Lent. Hope to see you there!

Anchor Cancelled Tonight, Feb 10

Due to the crazy snow and dangerous driving conditions, we're cancelling Anchor tonight. Stay home and stay warm!

Upcoming Events:
Feb 17: Ash Wednesday service at 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary

Feb 24: Kickoff of Lenten Supper Series, "The Bible's Biggest Losers." 6:30-8:30 pm, Wednesdays, Feb 24-Mar 24, in Grace Commons. Great potluck dinners, and fantastic speakers.

Rebel With A Cause: Jan 20, Feb 3, Feb 10

What do Mel Gibson, Bob Dylan, Pat Robertson, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Denzel Washington have in common?

They all profess a devotion to Jesus Christ.

But who is Jesus? Why is he so compelling to so many people? What was so special about him? Join young adults for dinner and discussion about Jesus of Nazareth and why in the world he matters today. Our speaker is Aaron Zimmerman, assistant pastor at St. Stephen's.

When: January 20, Feb 3, Feb 10, from 6:30-8:30 pm
Where: St. Stephen's Church, in Grace Commons
Who: Young Adults, married and single.
Details: Free parking in the church lot. Dinner starts at 6:30 (suggested donation of $5), Presentation begins at 7:30. Free childcare provided in the nursery. Guests are welcome.