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Eric Taylor, our current senior pastor, has announced his plans to retire and a search has begun to fill that position.
To see the job description and/or become a candidate, please contact our search consultants at Vanderbloemen.
During the search process Eric will continue to lead St. Philips.
Would you like to suggest a candidate? Click here for info.
Congregation Update
Please see this 1:39 minute update from Ian Durham, Senior Warden, St. Philip’s Vestry:
WATCH VIDEO >>
Summary of Key Points:
Dear St. Philip’s Family,
We hope this letter finds you happy, healthy, and excited during this season of promise and anticipation. As we begin this new year, we reflect on the accomplishments, challenges, and growth that St. Philip’s experienced in the last twelve months. We have so much for which to be grateful. Through the incredible leadership, dedication, and flexibility displayed by our staff and members, we moved the needle for the Kingdom and are poised to strengthen our momentum in the new year. We greatly look forward to what God has in store for our church in 2025.
We know that with this positive thought of “great things are in store for us”, there also comes feelings of uncertainty and anxiety as StP transitions into a new chapter of its history with Eric Taylor approaching retirement and new leadership on the horizon. The vestry wanted to take this opportunity to communicate where we are in the process, what we still have left to do, how you can find answers to your questions, and what you can expect for the remainder of the year.
Results After deciding to hire Vanderbloemen, a professional consultant, to help us find our next Sr. Pastor, the vestry started down a path of discovery and preparation. Many hours were spent in prayer and focused collaboration to complete the detailed tasks necessary to begin our nationwide search. By far, the most important aspect of that preparation was absorbing the open and honest feedback you provided in the congregational survey. We wanted to thank you for the time and effort you put into your candid and thoughtful responses. Many of you referenced 1&2 Timothy and Titus wherein Paul expresses God-breathed words of wisdom for church leadership and warnings against unsound teaching. Please know we are using those words and prayer as a guide during this process. The results of the survey clearly showed you are looking for a Sr. Pastor with strong leadership and preaching/teaching skills who is well-educated and firmly rooted in biblical truth rather than worldly influences. This person should be able to deliver a compelling message that is relatable to real life, mesh well with StP’s established culture while fostering momentum, empower staff and church members to grow ministries, and maintain constant focus on being true to the Word. Using that information, we finalized a job description, created a church profile, and updated our website complete with landing page all while maintaining a mindset focused on advancing the Kingdom, honoring the work of Eric and our long-time members, and preserving the future of our church.
The search has been live for a little over a month now. Through direct applications received via their website and scouring their large networking pool, Vanderbloemen identified over 300 potential candidates. Using the key characteristics and qualifications we provided, they have currently narrowed that to approximately 19 high-potential individuals. In the coming few weeks, the top 5-7 candidates will be selected and presented to the vestry by the end of February. We will then begin a series of detailed interviews with the intention of identifying one clear front-runner by the end of March. We would anticipate having several in-depth interactions with that person with the hopes of making a formal offer for the position in early spring. Should that offer be accepted, we would ideally like to have our new Sr. Pastor begin by late spring or early summer. This is, of course, subject to change. You know what they say – make your plan and hear God laugh. However, it is a realistic timeline we are hoping to see come to fruition.
Ideally, the summer months would be used as a time of knowledge transfer and mentorship between Eric and our new Sr. Pastor. We want to ensure the most important experiences, lessons learned, and words of wisdom gathered over a 30+ year career are shared with the next leader of our church. After this time of transition, Eric has expressed his intention to move to a background support role to “allow the new leader to lead.” He has been walking alongside us on this journey since the beginning offering advice and insight as we navigate this critical hiring process. We want to do everything we can to not only honor Eric’s legacy of service, but to support and empower him during this time of transition in his life. Eric will remain on staff through at least the end of 2025. We will continue to have regular conversations with him about how we can support him through the remainder of this year and beyond.
In the spirit of open communication and transparency, the vestry will be uploading important updates on StP’s website at www.stphilipsonline.org as they become available. We will also continue delivering updates during service announcements which will occur on the final Sunday of each month. Most importantly, all vestry members are available to field your questions or concerns. It is our duty as members of the vestry to not only be good stewards of God’s resources, but to support and empower the congregation. We serve you so you can better serve the Kingdom. Please let us know how we can best do that for you.
We would like to personally invite you to the 2025 Annual Meeting that will be held after the 11:00am service on Sunday, March 2nd. This meeting is a great opportunity for members of the congregation to gain an understanding of the state of StP’s ministry efforts, financial standing, and intentions for the coming year. Whether you’ve been a member for two decades or two months, your thoughts and opinions are valued. The Annual Meeting is a great place to ask questions and have open dialogue with the staff and leadership of the church. We hope to see you there!
As a final thought, we ask for your patience and prayers during this time. Pray for peace and clarity for Eric. Pray for focus and perseverance for our staff. Pray for discernment and direction for our vestry. Pray for the strength and community of St. Philip’s Church to continue to grow and make an impact on the Kingdom. Together, with God’s help, there isn’t anything we can’t do. Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
In service and gratitude,
The vestry of St. Philip’s Church – Molly Flick, Sara Foley, Deb Veness, Jered Pander, Ted Frick, Dick Bell, Charley Kennedy, Anthony Mott, Ian Durham
We’re non-denominational, which means we don’t have a denomination (like If you call St. Philip’s home, we would love to have your input as we search for our next leader. Our pastoral search firm, Vanderbloemen, has developed a survey tailored specifically to St. Philip’s! Your valuable input will be anonymous & we are requesting the completed surveys no later than November 10, 2024.
The survey will take 20 minutes and we are counting on your response!
The St. Philip’s Vestry hired a consultant from Vanderbloemen. Our consultant’s name is Tim Gocha.
Why a consultant?
The changing dynamics of “doing church” in the 21st century and the complexities of securing qualified and capable pastoral leadership prompted the vestry to seek outside counsel. The benefits of having an “expert” of whom to ask questions and from whom to receive direction are invaluable.
Excerpt from Eric’s congregational letter (as sent in September 2024):
…And yes, the Vestry is looking for your next Rector for a number of reasons. First of all, this place and what she does needs a fresh set of eyes. And with a fresh set of eyes comes new vision. Second, while I like what I do, I’ve done this for 30.5 years and my sense, for a number of reasons, is that God has been saying: It’s time. Hey, I’m not retiring, there is no retirement in the Kingdom of God. But I do look forward to less responsibility. I’ve enclosed a copy of the letter I had read to the congregation several weeks ago (see reverse side).
I was emotional and couldn’t read this letter myself, but not because of the decision to step aside. No, it was the incredibly humbling realization and thought of all of those who have trusted me and stayed loyal to myself and STP through all the fat and lean years. We’ve done battle together, and we’ve won more than we’ve lost. Thank you. Wow, I realized…that is a gift. Your trust, over the long haul, has been an incredible blessing to me.
There will be more emotional moments, I’m sure. But that’s OK. I want us to laugh, tell the old stories and enjoy what we’ve built together as we move forward over the next year or so. I’ve figured out a fun way to do that…but, you’ll have to show up on Sundays if you want to enjoy what I have planned. And I hope you will.
Pray for me, pray for your Vestry, and pray that St. Philip’s Church gets handed off to capable hands.
1629 Beaver Grade Road
Moon Township, PA 15108
(across from Cherrington Office Park)
Phone #: 412-264-0169
Sunday: 7:30AM (no music)
9:00AM & 11AM (contemporary worship)
Sunday: 7:30AM (no music)
10AM (contemporary worship)
Sunday: 7:30AM (no music)
10AM (contemporary worship)
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We are seeking donations of snacks & crafts, and to support service projects and scholarships for families in need
Snacks for Kampers: Snacks can be purchased at Sam’s Club or Costco and dropped of at the church between 6/1/25 and 6/8/25. To view the list of needed snacks and sign up to donate, click the button below.
Big Kidz Service Project Donations: Big Kidz will be creating care packages to send to deployed oversees troops through Military Connections. To donate, click the button below to visit the service project's Amazon Wish List. You can choose to have items sent directly to the church or sent to your home if you prefer to personally deliver them.
Lauren graduated from West Virginia University with a bachelor of science in Sport Management. She has worked in multiple operations and event roles spending time with the West Virginia University Athletic Department and almost a decade working in gameday operations for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Lauren’s true passion is fitness and empowering movement, independence and confidence in every athlete. Ever since college, Lauren has taught fitness classes and officially made the jump to teaching and personal training full time in 2023. Lauren teaches a variety of classes and programs and trains at two gyms in Sewickley.
She found St. Philip’s as her home church right before the Covid-19 pandemic and felt at home from day one. As she got more involved with the church she found a place to serve in directing the annual Harvest Moon Race to benefit St. Philip’s Student Ministry. After years of race planning and assisting with other events she felt a need to spend more time at the church in a more official role. St. Philip’s has changed her life and when asked to join the staff, it was an immediate yes.
Lauren’s prayer for St. Philip’s is to continue to grow the amazing fellowship and community of the church; to see more young adults find a home where they can grow as leaders, spouses, and friends; and to one day establish a ministry with what she calls “The 3F’s: Faith, Fitness, Family.’
When Lauren is not at the gym or the church you can find her reading, cooking, hiking or wrangling her loveable menace, a golden retriever named Archie. Lauren is getting married in May of 2025 to her fiancé, Ian and lives in Ben Avon Heights.
Dear STP Family,
I tried to get through this at 7:30, but couldn’t…so I’m having someone read this in my place.
I understand John Guest announced my retirement a few weeks ago. He was not all wrong. So, I wrote this given the wisdom of speak no careless words. Vestry members have been giving updates on staffing issues for the past six months now. And, it made sense for me to chime in because clarity produces confidence. So, let’s be as clear as possible.
I spent the past 2 years doing the John the Baptist thing with Steve Palmer, he must increase, I must decrease. We shared the pulpit and were a good team. And you loved Steve, didn’t you? Yeah, the Palmers were easy to love. I loved him and enjoyed his preaching.
Well, when Steve left, that wasn’t fun; was it? I know it wasn’t fun for me! Soon after, members of our vestry came to me and asked me what kind of runway I had left. So, for a whole confluence of reasons, I told them. You are looking for my successor. They are not looking for our next Associate Pastor…they are looking for your next Rector. And when I set this process in motion, I knew what I was doing.
What will happen? This process will swing into high gear as they hire a consultant to help them. And, I’ll help them, advise them and be available to them. Yet the keys and strategy regarding the future of St. Philip’s Church have been effectually handed over to our board and I am now functioning as the COO with responsibility for the day-to-day operations…which has its own challenges and which we can talk about another time. Please pray for our Vestry…they are invested with huge responsibility and have a lot of work ahead. Probably more than they know.
When a new leader is brought on board…there will be a transition period. What that looks like and how long that lasts is anyone’s guess…but at some point: with the advice of our board…I will step aside.
There is a lot of uncertainty in all of this: for them, for you and for me. I have to start praying and thinking about what’s next for Cyndi and I. I know God has more for me to do…but I am not striving to try and find that right now. Yet God works in uncertainty and the time to pay attention is the time between dreams.
I want to say that some of my closest long-time friends here are currently, or will be, having a hard time with this…I get it. It’s not logical…its emotional: for them and for me. I am immensely grateful for their love, loyalty and care…they’ve held my arms up.
A lot of these old lions and lionesses are warriors who walked through all the battles and wars we fought here together. And while they cannot say with Paul: I bear on my body the marks of Christ…trust me, if you could open them up you will find scars present on their hearts, souls and in their checkbooks.
These are the old lions and lionesses, who deserve to be honored. Just please give them grace in the days ahead when you might find them more surly than usual.
So, pray for me. Pray for STP. Pray for our board. Exciting and hard days ahead. But know, even if sometimes this thing looks frayed at the edges, God’s in this. I know this and so should you.
Thank You for Your Years of Care and Trust,
ET
Hi I’m Abby! I am so blessed to be the children’s ministry co-director. My husband, children and I have been coming to St. Phillips for almost three years now. After we had our beautiful babies Harper and Wyatt we knew how important it was to find a church that we all loved. After some searching or “church shopping” as we called it we found St. Phillips and have called it home ever since. My hope for children’s ministry is to help all of our kids learn the love that Jesus has for us and to be the best followers in Christ that they can be! I love being with my family, having dance parties in our kitchen, spending time outside, my morning coffee and enjoying everyday with the Lord!
Hi! I am blessed to be a Co-Director of Children’s Ministry. As a child, I always saw my mother lead our church’s children’s ministry and knew if I had a chance, I too, would like to be that role model for my children. My husband, Zack, and I were led to search for a new church family during the pandemic while everything was still shut down and large gatherings were still frowned upon. We were invited by family to attend St. Philip’s outdoor services and the rest was history! We have two daughters, Raegan, 4, and Shelby, 2. We enjoy all things outdoors: hiking/walking, biking, boating, swimming, and Zoo trips. My hope is for the children who attend our Children’s Ministry Program is for them to learn and grow in their faith and for them to have the confidence to always know God’s love for them. I had a crisis of faith when we were told we would not be able to have children, but with the background of growing up in a loving church, I knew I could turn to God.
*Platinum, Gold and Silver Sponsors will have their logos printed on the race T-shirts. Logo artwork needs to be submitted no later that Wednesday, October 09, 2024. Please provide high-resolution or vector art of your logo, preferably an .eps or .ai Adobe Illustrator file. Also please provide both a color and black and white version of your logo.
Please email artwork to Laura Brinkley at lbrinkley@stphilipsonline.org.
I serve as a Co-Director of Children’s Ministry here at St. Philip’s. My family and I have been attending since August of 2022; my husband, Philip, and I found St. Philip’s after moving from the Philadelphia area where I taught second grade at a small Christian school. We have two children–Noelle and Philip Jr.–and a mini goldendoodle named Ginger. You might find us strolling around the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden or searching for a Korean restaurant to call our favorite. I pray that God will work in and through our Children’s Ministry to show young ones and their families the wonders of His marvelous love, both within our church and throughout the community.
What is your role at St. Philip’s?
I am the ministry intern. I get to have my hand in a lot of the ministries, from the youth to worship to administrative work and social media. I get to serve in so many different capacities and ministries.
How did you end up here?
I was in a 3 month discipleship program called Unaltered where I lived in Darlington, PA on a place called Prayer Mountain. Through that program, I was connected with Jade and given a summer internship on the worship team. Through that, I was able to help in numerous other ministries. StP then decided to take me on for a year as their ministry intern.
What is your goal/prayer/hope for the work you do serving St. Philip’s and the community?
Coming to St. Philip’s, one of my goals has been to further find the direction the Lord wants me to go in ministry. The Lord has already grown me as a worship leader and is consistently changing my heart towards serving others. I hope to love this community well and serve wherever there is a need. My prayer is that I’m continually given opportunities to say yes and honor the Lord and the church through serving and loving those around me.
What personal items (families, hobbies, quirks) would you like to share with the world, if any?
One of my goals in life is to own a thrift store. Thrifting, fashion and clothing have always been things that I loved and am passionate about. I believe it would be a great opportunity to minister to others and love on whatever community I land in well. It’s something I could talk about for ages. Next time you see me, ask me about it!
Your company's marketing materials in the race bags.
Honorable mention on St. Philip's web site.
Opportunity for your company to have a presence at the race.
Questions? email Laura Brinkley at lbrinkley@stphilipsonline.org.
Your company logo displayed on the start/finish banner and organization name Harvest Race shirts. *
Coupons and promo items at the race. (supplied by the sponsor.)
Your company logo with hyperlink displayed on the Race website.
Mention in race-related social media posts.
Opportunity for your company to have a presence at the race.
*Gold and Silver Sponsors will have their logos printed on the race T-shirts. Logo artwork needs to be submitted no later that Wednesday, October 09, 2024. Please provide high-resolution or vector art of your logo, preferably an .eps or .ai Adobe Illustrator file. Also please provide both a color and black and white version of your logo.
Please email artwork to Laura Brinkley at lbrinkley@stphilipsonline.org.
Your company logo prominently displayed on the start/finish banner and on Harvest Race shirts.*
Three race entries to the 5K Walk/Run ($100 value).
Your company logo with hyperlink displayed on the St.Philip's website.
Mention in all race-related press releases and social media posts.
Opportunity for your company to have a presence at the race.
*Gold and Silver Sponsors will have their logos printed on the race T-shirts. Logo artwork needs to be submitted no later that Wednesday, October 09, 2024. Please provide high-resolution or vector art of your logo, preferably an .eps or .ai Adobe Illustrator file. Also please provide both a color and black and white version of your logo.
Please email artwork to Laura Brinkley at lbrinkley@stphilipsonline.org.
This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use. To find out more, see our Cookie Policy.