Epiphany is the season in our church calendar that commemorates God’s appearance to us. From the Magi presenting their gifts, to Jesus being presented in the Temple, and Jesus turning water into wine, the stories we recall in this season recount moments where people realized the significance of Jesus for the first time, and saw God’s love for the world in a deeply personal way.
These moments are all filled with a sense of wonder, bursting song, expressions of thanksgiving, and an inspired sense of action. They remind us that God is not hidden from us, but wants to be known to us.
As I have reflected on the coming of this season, I have found myself returning to the witness of these stories. Jesus’s significance was revealed not only through big ordeals but also through quiet faith, shared meals, celebrations, conversations, and lives shaped by the embrace of God’s love. These ordinary moments became meaningful for the people who experienced them, and for us, because they recognized that God was at work in their midst.
God moves among us still, calling us deeper into relationship with God and our neighbors. This Epiphany, I pray that we will respond to the love of God with open hearts and faithful action. No matter where you are now – excited, weary, joyful, or searching – you are invited to participate in the life of this parish through worship, outreach, retreats, and classes. In gathering to learn, pray, serve, and seek together, we bear witness to the love of Jesus revealed among us, and carry that love into the world.
Peace,
The Rev. Theodore Somes III, Curate
Ways to Serve
Mt. Lebanon Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Monday, January 19, from 9 to noon
Gather at Mt. Lebanon High School– Registration Required
Mt. Lebanon is hosting its second annual MLK Jr. Day of Service on Monday, January 19. Participants will volunteer at service sites across the South Hills. St. Paul’s will be both a service site and a source of volunteers to other locations across the South Hills. Register here for 2026 MLK Jr. Day in Mt. Lebanon . More information is forthcoming, so be on the lookout! If you are interested in participating, have questions, or have an idea for a service site, please contact Theodore Somes at [email protected] or (412) 531-7153×20
Food Insecurity Ministries
St. Paul’s has several food insecurity ministries that serve our wider community. If you would like to take part in any of our food insecurity ministries, you can learn more on our Ways To Serve page.
Adult Education
Bible Study with the Rector
Wednesdays at noon
This weekly gathering is for those new to, or experienced in, reading the bible. Bring a bible (or we can give you one) and lunch. We’ll meet in the conference room. Please email Noah or call 412-531-7153 x11 for more information.
Epiphany Small Groups
Begin the week of January 5th
St. Paul’s Small Groups will meet during Epiphany to read the Gospel of Matthew together. You are invited to purchase “A Journey With Matthew: The 50 Day Bible Challenge”, published by Forward Movement, to accompany your reading as well. See the link here to purchase a physical copy. (Reading Schedule Here)
Groups meet throughout the week:
Sunday at 12pm Hybrid in person in Library and on Zoom – Led by Theodore Somes [email protected] and Phoenix Poppendeck [email protected]
Tuesday at 9:00AM Hybrid in person in Library and on Zoom– Led by Noah Evans [email protected]
Tuesday at 6:00PM at St. Paul’s – In Person in Library – Led by Eric Popczun [email protected] and Melanie Nordwall [email protected]
Wednesday at 7:00PM on Zoom – Led by Eileen Sharbaugh [email protected]
Thursday at 12:00pm on Zoom- Led by Cat Munz [email protected]
Spirit Forward: A Epiphany Women’s Morning Retreat
Saturday January 10, 2026 from 9am – 12pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Where might the Holy Spirit be leading you this year? Come spend a peaceful morning in prayer, reflection, and community. We’ll share conversation, fellowship, and brunch as we open our hearts to the year ahead.
Questions? Please Contact the retreat leader, the Rev. Cat Munz at [email protected] for more information.
Sign up here.
Abraham’s Table Interfaith Dinners
January 12, 2026 at 6:30pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Together with the good people of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Turkish Cultural Center, and Temple Emanuel of South Hills, we are excited to once again convene around Abraham’s Table.
We will share in a delicious meal, even better company, and a brief learning session around our shared values as adherents to the three Abrahamic faith traditions. Register with the QR code in the flyer or click here to do so.
St. Paul’s 101 – Wednesday Nights
Starts Wednesday, January 14, at 7:30 PM in the Lounge
Are you new to St. Paul’s, and trying to figure out the parish? Do you want to get connected or reconnected with the church during this time? Have you been here for a while, and want to learn more about the Episcopal Church or still find yourself wondering what’s going on? Do you have questions you want to talk about? Join us for St. Paul’s 101, an overview of our parish and the Episcopal Church. This class is taught by our Rector, the Reverend Noah H. Evans and also serves as preparation for adults who are interested in being formally confirmed or received in the Episcopal Church.
January 14 – Nooks and Crannies tour of St. Paul’s Building
January 21 – Episcopal History: It’s not just about a king’s divorce! and Theology Close to the Ground: Scripture, Tradition and Reason
January 28 – Worship: The Way of Prayer is the Way of Belief
February 4 – Practicing our Faith: Lay leadership in the church and the world
To register or for more information, contact the Rev. Noah Evans at [email protected] or at (412) 531- 7153x 11.
Learning to Pray
Start-up meeting, January 5 at 10 AM in the Lounge
Learning to Pray is an 8-week program and is being offered beginning this January. The start-up meeting is on January 5 at 10 AM in the Lounge. If you would like to be part of this new group, please contact The Rev. Ted Babcock [email protected] or text 717-360-7662 or The Rev. Theodore Somes at [email protected]; (412) 531-7153×20.
The program is designed to strengthen and enhance your prayer by introducing you to the purpose and benefits of prayer, as well as introducing you to a variety of prayer forms. We will gather once a week to discuss our journeys, share our struggles with the new prayer forms, and to share any breakthroughs. The program has been designed this way because it is in community that we support and help each other go deeper in our relationship with God. It is hoped that you will attend each meeting, but life gets in the way occasionally, so if you miss a class we will try to make it up via Zoom or over a cup of coffee.
Discernment Class
First session, Monday, January 5, at 7 PM on Zoom
Trying to figure out what’s next in your life? Join a new course on discerning your possible next steps.
The purpose of this new course is to give you a process that will help you discern what’s next for you in your life. The goal is to help each person explore their motivations, gifts, and relationship with God as they seek what’s next in their lives. It is for all ages, from young adults trying to discern what to do after high school, to those who have left the workforce and are now seeking to return, and finally, it is for those who are getting ready to retire.
The program emphasizes spiritual growth, self-awareness, and alignment with God’s desires. The first session will be held on Monday, January 5, at 7 PM on Zoom. Contact the Rev. Ted Babcock at [email protected] or The Rev. Theodore Somes at [email protected] for more information.
Newcomer Reception
February 1, 12:00 PM in the Lounge
Whether you are new to St. Paul’s over the last year or so or just came for the first time this week, you are invited to come to one of our Newcomer Receptions. Come learn about what makes our church such a special community. Children are welcome! If you’d like more information, please email The Rev. Theodore Somes at [email protected] or call (412)531-7153 x20.
Calvary Camp Sunday
Sunday, January 18 at the 8:45 and 10:45 services
Join us for Calvary Camp Sunday at St. Paul’s on Sunday, January 18!
Calvary Camp Director of Spiritual Life, the Rev. Leslie Reimer, will preach at the 8:45 and 10:45am services, and the music at the 8:45 will feature favorite camp songs. At 9:45AM for our Adult Education hour we will be joined by Executive Director Tim Green who will host a discussion about Calvary Camp’s upcoming 2026 season, and answer your questions about camp. All are welcome to join us this morning! Learn more about camp, here: https://www.calvarycamp.org
Calling All Scouts! Scout Sunday
Sunday, February 8
Calling All Scouts! Scout Sunday on Sunday, February 8 is coming up! There will be many opportunities for Scouts to participate during the 8:45 service. If you are in Scouting America, the Girl Scouts of America, Adventure Guides, or another scouting or youth service organization who is interested and available, contact the Rev. Theodore Somes at [email protected] or 412-531-7153 ext. 20.