The location for the 2024 Festival of Homiletics—Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—sets the stage for themes of sustainability and resilience. Pittsburgh has come a long way from the days when the steel industry dominated, and has reinvented itself in several directions.
Nobody misses the thick pollution of those bygone days, but signs of the past linger amidst today’s diversity. Now known as a center for health care and technology (look up Carnegie Mellon University’s robotics department!), you’ll notice creative repurposing of old buildings—even former churches—for apartments, breweries, and shops.
Around this year’s Festival of Homiletics venues—Calvary Episcopal Church, East Liberty Presbyterian Church, and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary—you’ll find a plethora of unique shops and one-of-a-kind places to eat. Between these Festival locations, keep an eye out for:
- Vegan-friendly Square Cafe
- Wings & A Prayer soul food restaurant
- Mola Sushi
- The Bridge Music Bar
- Pho & Roll Vietnamese Kitchen, among others!
There is much to learn surrounded by the context of this vibrant and diverse city. From the leadership of Tree of Life synagogue and the strength of the Jewish community in Pittsburgh at large, to the foundational balm of the actual Mr. Rogers’ neighborhood, Squirrel Hill—examples of nurture and resiliency abound.
Remember, if you’re considering attending the Festival in person this year, remember that early bird pricing ends on February 15th!
