Our Founding Principles
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Jesus is Lord
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We foster an environment of spiritual growth and Christian fellowship
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We encourage, forgive and support one another in our life of faith
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Worshiping together, experiencing God's presence in Word and Sacrament, shapes our faith
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The Church is the Church when it exists for Christ by serving others through outreach
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The love of God compels us to welcome everyone and to leave no one out
Our History
St. John's Lutheran Church of Perrysville has served the North Hills of Pittsburgh since its founding in 1867. The congregation was originally established for German Lutheran residents in the area near the Perry Plank Road. The first sanctuary was a small frame building.
Over the past century and a half, St. John's has grown and flourished through its dedication to the worship of God and services in God's name, coupled with a strong emphasis on Christian education and the benevolent work of the synod. St. John's is a member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Our Call
Faithful to God's call, our congregation is to:
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worship and serve God through serving others
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proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ
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bring ourselves and others to the Lord through the Holy Spirit
Pastor Elizabeth Rheinfrank
The Rev. Elizabeth Scales Rheinfrank was called to serve as St. John’s pastor in
January 2024. She graduated with honors from United Lutheran Seminary. Prior to seminary, she worked as a professional playwright and dramaturg, and she has many years of experience in the non-profit world. Pastor Rheinfrank holds a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts (Playwriting) from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts double degree in English and Creative Writing from Oberlin
College. She has a passion for helping others to identify their spiritual and artistic gifts and to use those gifts to serve and build up the Church. Her ministry at St. John’s focuses on building a community where everyone can flourish, and where we are made stronger together in Christ. Pastor Rheinfrank lives in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, with her husband Todd and her son Hunter.