Distinctly Inclusive, Distinctively Christian-Discover Bower ttil Community Churc As part of the Presbyterian Church, USA we offer a traditional worship service that focuses on the teachings of Christ while remembering that Christ welcomes all to participate fully in the life of the church and in service to the community This is one member's story-MEET KARL CASEY (pictured second from the left) Wiat first brouglit you to Bower ill? I had left my previous denomination when the hierarchy retreated to an exclusionary doctrine to prevent transparency. During the second service l attended at Bower Hill, the sermon focused on the Presbyterian Church USAs discemment to allow homosexuals to become clergy and marry within the church. Included was the history of the Presbyterian USAs history of inclusion by ordaining African Americans (1810) and Women (1956). The service was being led by a female pastor I knew I found a church of inclusion. In what waya did/do you find Bower ill to he an inclusive congregation? Driving around the area, there are many signs in front of churches which say, All Are Welcome. yes, all are welcome, but this often includes a restriction which prevents certain individuals from fully being embraced as they are. Bower Hill practices the Gospel of inclusion rather than exclusion. I have always been embraced and respected as a Gay man with open arms from every member, staff, and clergy My husband, a Buddhist, and I were married at Bower Hill, am a Session Member, and recently received the full endorsement of the Session and congregation to pursue becoming a Commissioned Lay Pastor within the Pittsburgh Presbytery Tell us about tie Commissioned Lay Pastor progran I have always known I wanted to serve in some aspect of ministry. As I wind down a forty year career, The Commissioned Pastor (Lay Pastor) program was a perfect fit for me. After two years of training, a Commissioned Pastor serves three years terms as a part time Pastor for small congregations that can no longer afford a full time Pasto BOWER HILL COMMUNITY CHURCH (Presbyterian USA)-Growing together in Faith, Reason, Service and Love Sunday Worship 9:30-10:30 70 Moffett St. Mt. Lebanon, PA 15243 412-561-4114 bowerhillchurch.org