“A friend extended me an invitation to Sunday’s Bread, for a liturgy and visit by Bishop Mary Eileen Collingwood, ARCWP. After a 25 year search I found, and continue to come to Sunday’s Bread. I found a place for me and felt welcomed with open arms. The discovery of a community of seekers who believe in the worth of individuals and try to live the beatitudes is heartwarming and astounding! This is a community, regardless of male or female, young or old, who encourages the search for the miraculous results of combined values and visions for what is possible. ‘Wherever two or more are gathered in My name.’ (Matthew 18:20).”
RETREATS
Our Retreats are always the highlight of the Spring – filled with food, fellowship, and spiritual growth. It is really fun to see how it all comes together. Everyone picks a dish to bring. Members select a date, and then decide on a retreat topic and how to make it come alive. The covered picnic area with grove is rented. Everyone has a role to play. People sign-up to bring food items and materials – chairs, prayers, and everything in-between. The retreat is always meaningful, and the fellowship nourishing. It is always such a great day!
Topics
- 2023 -- Gratitude
- 2022 -- A Sense of the Sacred
- 2021 -- Eucharist as Community
- 2019 -- Centering / Contemplative Prayer
- 2018 -- Environmental Stewardship
- 2017 -- Vision, Mission, Values
OUTREACH -- LOVE OF NEIGHBOR.
Ours is a three-pronged mission – joy filled liturgy, love of neighbor, and advocacy. We bring “love of neighbor” to life in a number of ways.
One way we live “love of neighbor” is to support one another. We also highlight for one another the many important opportunities to go out into the community in support of neighbors in need.
Periodically we make donations as a community to those in need. Opportunities to make a contribution bubble up during post-liturgy fellowship, or someone sends an email. These are opportunities in the news, or known through one of our members being aware of a need in a local community. We discuss these opportunities as a community and decide together whether to, when to, and how much to contribute.
At the holidays – principally Easter and Christmas – ideas for making a contribution to a worthy cause are collected, discussed, decided and acted upon. For example, a social service agency may be looking for communities to sponsor a single-parent in dire need. Or, it may be that a service agency has advertised a need for funding in support of a local or national matter. This form of holiday giving has become a part of the fabric of our holiday tradition as a community.
ADVOCACY
Designed by Tim Hindes. A reflection of Pittsburgh resiliency as seen in The Tree of Life Community following October 27, 2018.
Taken by a Sunday's Bread community member in solidarity with the BLM movement in Pittsburgh, PA.
“The Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests calls out our country’s history of neglect and violence toward our black sisters and brothers…. We bear witness in solidarity with all peace-loving protests throughout the world, as we strive to change the systemic structures that continue to perpetuate violence and inequality among people. Now is the time!” Members of the ARCWP
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“Advocacy” – the third prong of our Sunday's Bread Community mission – is often at the forefront of community dialog and decision-making, with a focus on the marginalized.
While Advocacy is akin to Outreach, it widens the lens and draws us to support the missions of kindred organizations, as shared values fuel a common journey.
Advocacy ideas are often sparked at the close of liturgy when all are invited to share “Announcements”. It is an opportunity to invite those interested to participate in local events akin to our mission, perhaps a local prayer vigil, an inter-faith forum, or a community development event.