A Heritage from the Covenanters
Peters Creek Evangelical Presbyterian Church carries a heritage that runs back to the Covenanter movement of seventeenth-century Scotland. The Reformed stream of the Protestant Reformation traces through John Calvin in Geneva, then through John Knox into Scotland and the formation of Presbyterianism. In 1638, many Scots signed what became known as the National Covenant, a declaration that opposed royal interference with the Scottish church and insisted that Scripture alone is the "only infallible rule of faith and life." Because of their political and religious convictions, the Covenanters faced persecution and scattered to Holland and Ireland. Beginning in 1717, waves of migration from Ireland brought these Scots-Irish Presbyterians to America, where they eventually organized the Associate Reformed Synod.
Peters Creek was a congregation of the Reformed Synod of North America. In 1858, the Associate Synod adopted the name United Presbyterian Church of North America. A century later, the United Presbyterian Church of North America merged with the northern branch of the Presbyterian Church, forming what became the Presbyterian Church (USA). In 2007, Peters Creek left what had become the PC(USA) and joined the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, reaffirming the historic creeds of the Christian church and the Westminster Confession of Faith as its confessional standards.
What PCEPC Believes
The congregation describes itself as a Reformed Evangelical Presbyterian church committed to the authority of Scripture, the sovereignty of God, the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Two doctrinal documents shape the life of the church: the Westminster Confession of Faith, the historic confessional standard of Reformed Presbyterianism, and the EPC's "Essentials of Our Faith," an irenic statement of historic evangelical belief. The Westminster Confession is the standard of doctrine for officers of the EPC; the Essentials express core Christian beliefs common to believers across many traditions.
Seven Essentials articulate these convictions. The church confesses belief in one God, eternally existing as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It affirms the full deity and true humanity of Jesus Christ, conceived by the Holy Spirit, crucified for sin according to the Scriptures, raised on the third day, and now exalted as High Priest and Mediator at the right hand of the Majesty on high. It acknowledges the ministry of the Holy Spirit, who convicts, regenerates, indwells, empowers, instructs, and seals believers. Salvation is wholly by God's free grace, credited to those who put their faith in Christ alone. The Church is the body of all who, through saving faith and the sanctifying work of the Spirit, are united in Christ. Jesus Christ will come again personally, visibly, and bodily to judge the living and the dead and to consummate history. And the Lord Jesus Christ commands all believers to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world and to make disciples of all nations.
On these foundations, the church adopts the motto of the EPC: "In Essentials: Unity; In Non-Essentials: Liberty; In All Things: Charity."
Worship on Sunday Morning
Worship services are held every Sunday morning at 11:00 AM at 250 Brookwood Road in Venetia, Pennsylvania, just south of Pittsburgh in Peters Township. The service centers on the preaching of God's Word, heartfelt prayer, congregational singing, and fellowship. The Chancel Choir and the Bells of Brookwood handbell ensemble lead music from across the history of Christian worship. Visitors are warmly welcomed, and the service is designed to help worshipers encounter God's presence and be equipped to live out their faith in daily life. Children in kindergarten through third grade are dismissed just before the sermon for Children's Church, joining preschoolers for an age-appropriate time together.
For those unable to attend in person, the service is livestreamed each Sunday morning through the church's media channels, with recent services and individual sermons available afterward on the church's YouTube channel.
Sunday School for Every Age
Christian education is offered every Sunday from 9:45 to 10:45 AM, September through May. Two adult classes meet in Hinman Hall. "The Atonement," led by Denny Hutchison, is a yearlong study based on Leon Morris's classic work on the meaning of the cross of Christ. "From Dust to Glory," led by Ben Demers, follows the book and video series by theologian R. C. Sproul and walks through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.
Children meet in classrooms at 9:45 AM. The infant nursery welcomes children from birth through toddler age. Preschoolers use the "God Loves Me" curriculum from Faith Alive. Elementary students in kindergarten through fifth grade use the "DWELL" curriculum from Faith Alive and meet in the Choir Loft under the leadership of Russell Falls. Youth in grades six through twelve meet in the lower level of the Education Building across the street at 251 Brookwood Road.
Children's Ministry
Children's ministry at Peters Creek EPC partners with parents to raise children who love the Lord, love others, and share the Gospel. The ministry is built on five commitments: helping each child develop a personal faith in Jesus Christ; welcoming children into meaningful participation in the church family; equipping them with a thorough understanding of the Bible and the practice of spiritual disciplines; cultivating a servant heart; and equipping them to share the Gospel in the places God places them.
Childcare is available every Sunday morning from 9:45 to 11:15 AM for infants and preschoolers. Children's Ministry Director Brenda Stilley oversees the program, and all volunteers have completed Pennsylvania clearances. On Wednesday afternoons during the school year, "Jesus Junction" gathers children from age three through fifth grade from 4:30 to 5:30 PM for games, singing, instruments, stories, crafts, and a snack. Children are picked up at 5:30 PM, and families are invited to stay for a light meal and fellowship in Hinman Hall afterward.
The Pumpkin Patch Parable Event each fall brings families together for an evening of teaching and fun, and the Operation Christmas Child packing party in November gathers the whole church to fill shoeboxes for children around the world.
Youth Ministry
The Youth Ministry exists to engage students in a relationship with God, equip them to grow in faith, and share God's love with others. Sunday school for grades six through twelve meets at 9:45 AM in the Youth Room-Central, a comfortable space in the lower level of the Education Building at 251 Brookwood Road furnished with couches, recliners, bean bag chairs, a refrigerator, and a large-screen TV. Handprints on the wall mark the dedication of the room by the youth themselves.
The youth have worked through studies on the Reformed faith, the biblical genres of law, gospel, prophecy, and wisdom, and the meaning of membership in the church. They regularly serve in the wider community, including service projects with Living Stones and Overbrook Church, retreats, mission events, and youth-led worship services. The youth also gather for See You at the Pole and other seasonal times of prayer and fellowship.
Women's Ministry
Women's ministry at PCEPC encourages, equips, and connects women of all ages through Bible study, service, and fellowship. Two weekly Bible studies anchor the ministry. The Thursday morning study meets the first and third Thursday of each month from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in Hinman Hall and is led by Mary Wolling. Recent studies have included the book of Joshua with Jen Wilkin and a survey called "The Wisdom of God" by Nancy Guthrie. The Thursday evening study meets weekly at 6:30 PM in the Youth Classroom in the lower level of the CE Building and is led by Barb Mullen. Recent studies have included Romans and a walk through the Gospel of John.
The Crosstitchers Prayer Shawl Ministry meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 1:30 to 3:30 PM in Hinman Hall. Crafters use their gifts to bless members of the church family and the wider community with handcrafted shawls while enjoying fellowship together. All skill levels are welcome.
Men's Ministry
The Men's Ministry brings men together around Bible study, fellowship, and service. A Saturday morning Bible study meets at 8:00 AM in Foundation Hall, currently working through R. C. Sproul's DVD series on "The Holiness of God" under the leadership of Ben Demers. A monthly men's breakfast gathers on the third Saturday of each month at 9:00 AM at Eat'n Park on Washington Road in McMurray for a time of food, fellowship, and faith. Men are also invited to take part in service projects, fellowship events, and honest conversations as they pursue Christ together at home, at work, and in the world.
A Music Ministry of Voices and Bells
Music is a vital expression of worship at Peters Creek EPC. The Chancel Choir leads worship each week through hymns and anthems from across the history of Christian music. The choir rehearses Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:15 PM during the program year, and singers of all ages and skill levels are welcome to join.
The Bells of Brookwood handbell ensemble rings regularly for worship and occasionally joins the choir in choral works. Rehearsals are held Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the sanctuary under the direction of Music Ministry Director Rich Pinkerton, and a Small Group Ringers rehearsal at 5:00 PM prepares newer ringers for participation. Children's choir activities take place through the South Hills Children's Choir, which rehearses Thursday afternoons at the church under the leadership of Jennie Nolan, and through the Wednesday afternoon Jesus Junction program.
Pinkerton, a graduate of Bucknell University with degrees in math, music, and computer engineering and a master's degree in organ performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music, brings decades of experience leading congregations in Ohio and Pennsylvania in choral, handbell, and instrumental music. He has traveled with handbell ensembles throughout the United States and Europe.
Mission Beyond the Church
The Mission of the Month program directs a portion of the congregation's giving toward a particular outreach partner. Recent months have focused on PRISM, a Pittsburgh-based ministry that befriends and serves the international students who attend universities in the Oakland neighborhood - Pitt, Carnegie Mellon, Duquesne, and others. PRISM hosts social events, English classes, Bible studies, road trips, and a yearly Garage Giveaway that helps students furnish apartments. Many of PRISM's gatherings take place at the Hospitality House near the Oakland campuses and at Bellefield Presbyterian Church, also a member of the EPC. Peters Creek's July Mission of the Month collections have been directed toward small kitchen items for the PRISM Garage Giveaway.
Operation Christmas Child is another regular mission emphasis, with an annual packing party each November. The church also hosts community events such as blood drives and supports children and youth service projects across the Pittsburgh area.
The People Who Lead
The Rev. Dr. Richard G. Wolling serves as Stated Supply Pastor. Pastor Doug Brandt is also named in the church's staff listings as a current pastor. David Reihner, hired in November 2022, serves as Assistant to the Pastor for Visitation, providing pastoral care to homebound members, those hospitalized, and others in need of continuing care. Reihner, a retired trademark examining attorney with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and a 2020 graduate of Reformed Theological Seminary, also assists in officiating funerals and wedding renewal ceremonies.
Brenda Stilley directs Children's Ministry. A Bethel Park native whose walk with Christ began at age seven at Ruthfred Lutheran Church, Stilley has served in children's ministry across Minnesota, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Rich Pinkerton directs the Music Ministry, bringing decades of experience in choral, handbell, and instrumental music. Andy coordinates the Youth Ministry and serves as the first point of contact for youth families.
The staff is rounded out by an Office Manager who handles day-to-day operations, a Bookkeeper, and an Audio-Visual Lead who is currently overseeing a comprehensive overhaul of the AV system, livestream capabilities, and church branding. Elders, deacons, and ministry team leaders share the work of governance and ministry across the congregation.
A Campus on Brookwood Road
The church's campus centers on two buildings along Brookwood Road in Venetia. The main building at 250 Brookwood Road houses the sanctuary, Hinman Hall, and Foundation Hall. Hinman Hall is the hub for Sunday school classes, women's Bible studies, fellowship meals, the Crosstitchers Prayer Shawl Ministry, and many of the church's largest gatherings. Foundation Hall hosts the Saturday morning men's Bible study and other meetings. The Education Building across the street at 251 Brookwood Road holds offices, the youth classroom, and the Youth Room-Central.
Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The church can be reached by phone at 724-941-6210.
Livestream, Sermons, and Giving
Worship services are livestreamed each Sunday morning and remain available afterward through the church's online media library. Recent sermons are posted to YouTube, and a growing archive of past services and sermons is being assembled for those who wish to revisit messages or explore what the church teaches.
Giving is available online through Tithe.ly, with options to give to the General Fund, the Mission of the Month, or other designated funds. Recurring giving can be set up in minutes. The Tithe.ly app is available for both iPhone and Android devices. Gifts may also be made in person during Sunday worship or mailed to the church office.
For those wishing to learn more about the church or pursue membership, the Inquirers Class is offered periodically. This four-session class explores the doctrine of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and the organization and mission of Peters Creek Church, with a light lunch and childcare provided. Visitors and newcomers are warmly invited to attend any of the worship services, Bible studies, or fellowship events that interest them.