Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania
working for the unity of the church and the wholeness of communities through collegiality, collaboration, and connectedness
Connectedness
"Seek the welfare of the city ... and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare."
-Jeremiah 29:7
Bringing the voice of the church
to civic, community, and interfaith partnerships
Leading Community Prayer
In times of community pain or celebration, Christian Associates collaborates to lead interfaith or ecumenical worship, such as the annual Overdose Awareness Day prayer service and a service of lament after the shootings at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC.
Ending Violence
As a partner of Southwest Pennsylvania Says No More and a member of Standing Firm, Christian Associates is committed to ending gender violence, such as sexual assault and intimate partner violence. Click here to download our preaching resource, "Peace, Be Still!"
Christian Associates also partners with CeaseFire to work to end gun violence in our communities.
Recovering from Disaster
Christian Associates works with other faith-based and non-profit agencies to mitigate and alleviate disasters through the Pennsylvania VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster). Rev. Liddy Barlow serves as vice-chair of the Western Pennsylvania Regional VOAD.
Ending Hunger
Christian Associates participates in the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of Bread for the World, a Christian non-partisan advocacy organization that works to end hunger both overseas and domestically.
Christian Associates is a member of the Allegheny County Emergency Food & Shelter Board, a national FEMA program that distributes a federal grant to help meet people's immediate needs through shelters, pantries, and meal distribution. Rev. Liddy Barlow serves as board chair.
Supporting People Affected by Incarceration
The Foundation of HOPE empowers incarcerated and released individuals to restore their relationship with their God, rebuild their lives, and reconcile to their communities. HOPE grew out of Christian Associates' former chaplaincy program. Christian Associates incubated, fostered, and nurtured the growth of HOPE. Today, the two organizations continue to work closely with one another as partners in ministry.
Christian Associates is excited to take part in the newly-formed Southwestern Pennsylvania Healing Communities Collaborative, helping congregations become Stations of Hope for people affected by incarceration.
Providing Pastoral Care
Christian Associates has been a planning partner of the annual Pittsburgh Pastoral Care Conference since its beginning in 2000.
Building Interfaith Harmony
Christian Associates works with the Greater Pittsburgh Interfaith Coalition to build positive relationships with our Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Bahai, Sikh, and Buddhist neighbors.
