First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh

Our April STP recipient is the Afro American Music Institute (AAMI) in Homewood. Founded by the late Dr. James Johnson and his wife Pamela, AAMI provides instrumental training in African American musical traditions such as Jazz, Blues, Gospel. Through its curriculum, thousands of students of all ages have developed their talents while gaining a deeper appreciation of music from across the African Diaspora. Their contributions—and the broader legacy of African American music—continue to enrich our congregation. Supporting an organization like AAMI—one that enriches the lives of young people of color while affirming and celebrating their cultural heritage—strongly aligns with our Unitarian Universalist principles.

First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh is located on the corner of Ellsworth and Morewood Avenues in the Shadyside neighborhood. On Saturday, May 2nd, a temporary labyrinth, created with assistance from Lars Howlett, will be located on the church lawn on the Ellsworth Ave. side.* It will be an “open walk” which means you can join anytime between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Meditative music will be provided by Susan Spangler and David Bennett of Joy Street! Joy Street! Come experience walking on an ancient archetype. When we walk and listen to our breath, we relax and move meditatively. The labyrinth is a one way walk into a center and back out on the same path. Lauren Artress, founder of Veriditas www.veriditas.org writes, “ The labyrinth is a living portal into the unseen world of flow. Step by step, the thinking mind slowly yields, and body remembers its innate intelligence. Breath become rhythm. ….In the labyrinth, flow is not something you force. It is something you return to, a current alive inside you.” Handicap parking available. More information at Discover Labyrinths