We’re glad you’re here!
I don’t know if you’ve stopped by our site because you’re seeking or just surfing, but since you’re here I’d like to tell you about what God is doing at Heritage.
Our community of faith is shaped by three simple words: Bring, Build, Bless. Our vision is to bless people in our community, across the country and around the globe, to bring them into a personal relationship with Jesus and to build them to become dedicated followers, all to the glory of God.
Heritage is a diverse gathering of people who share a unifying common bond - a passionate pursuit of God. From Heritage’s earliest days, we have lived out the truth that God has placed each person within this church body for His own purposes. Heritage is a thriving, vibrant church because of each unique individual that God has brought here. Tomorrow will be new and different because God is continually adding to our family, and as we grow, we also change. What an indescribable blessing!
Visitors often comment on the welcoming atmosphere they encounter at Heritage. This is no pretense! We enjoy a sweet balance of being both a safe place and a strong place. Heritage is a safe place - a place to be authentic and vulnerable; to find wholeness in Jesus Christ. Heritage is also a strong place - a place to be strengthened to grow; to step out and make an eternal difference for the Kingdom.
On Becoming a Liturgical Church
Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 03:47PM After two months of teaching on worship, I think I can offer some perspective on where we’re “headed”; toward becoming a “liturgical” church.
Now for some that statement quickly brings a specific picture to mind…maybe even some “smells and bells”. For others, the idea of becoming liturgical sounds like becoming mechanical or outdated. Neither idea is what I have in mind, nor are they what I believe the Scriptures depict when it speaks of our worship being liturgical.
Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship (New American Standard).
That last phrase “service of worship” is just one word in the original Greek New Testament. That word is translated “act of worship” in the NIV and “reasonable service” in the KJV. Can you guess what the one Greek word is? It’s “latreia,” from which we get our English word “liturgy”. It literally means “public works”.
This is the same word used in the Old Testament to describe the priests’ service to God in the temple, their worship before Him:
1 Chronicles 28:13 He gave him instructions for the divisions of the priests and Levites, and for all the work of serving in the temple of the LORD, as well as for all the articles to be used in its service.
What I hope we’ve been learning and embracing is that there is a model for worship presented in the Old Testament that carries over in the New Testament, and should be a part of the church today.
CCOP Presence 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 04:55PM As we journey into worship this year, you are invited to the Covenant Church of Pittsburgh’s (CCOP) Presence 2008 Conference. Heritage will be attending Oct 8 & Oct 9 (See Itinerary below). For more information/registration please click here http://www.ccop.org/2008_presence.php.
Itinerary:
Thursday October 9, 2008
- 10:00am -12:30 pm Morning Session
- 2:00 pm - 4:30pm Prophetic Presbytery
- 7:00 pm Evening Session
Friday October10, 2008
- 10:00am -12:30 pm Morning Session
- 2:00 pm - 4:30pm Prophetic Presbytery
- 7:00 pm Evening Session
Conference Site:
The conference hotel is the Holiday Inn (412-372-1022) in Monroeville, PA with a conference room rate of $89.00 per night
Email: Info@ccop.org Telephone: 412-731-6221
Pastor Jim's August Letter
Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 10:41AM Making Room for More…
It’s the middle of August already and I’m just getting around to writing my monthly e-letter. Coming back after a month off always forces me to play catch up. But I appreciate the time to recharge and return feeling renewed.
Last weekend was my first week back speaking and what a privilege it was to see God at work. I started a 3-part series on our mission statement. If you’ve been around for awhile I’m sure you’ve heard it; “Blessing people in our community, across the country and around the globe, bringing them into a personal relationship with Jesus and to building them up to be dedicated followers, all to the glory of God.”
Pastor Jim's July Letter
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 06:00PM Over the weekend of May 17th Alan Foster, Aaron Zink, John Wirtz , and I visited Covenant Church of Pittsburgh (www.ccop.org). That trip to meet with Bishop Joseph Garlington was just one of the many steps I’m taking in response to what I sense is a leading from God. For nearly a year now I’ve had this unquenchable desire to pursue God through worship. Anyone who knows me knows I can’t sing. I can’t play any instrument. I can’t even clap on beat. And I certainly can’t dance. I’m not even much of a music guy, but I cannot I deny or ignore what I believe is God’s initiative.
Pastor Jim's May Letter
Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 08:26PM I can’t imagine that reading daily about the abuse of power, the misappropriation of funds, or improper office relations doesn’t contribute to our culture’s questions, doubts, and skepticism of those in authority. And yet the Scriptures teach us to honor, respect, and even obey those who are in charge. This tension is all too real.