Orientation Week

Worship Gathering

Wednesday, August 23 from 7-8pm

Bellefield Towers, 100 N. Bellefied Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213

The  Commonwealth of Oakland is a progressive, Jesus-centered community of  faith where students, Oakland residents, and neighbors experiencing  homelessness work together to create a place of peace. It’s a church  where the spiritual gifts of LGBTQIA+ people are celebrated. When we  gather for worship, we ground ourselves with meditation, pray about our  struggles and celebrations, talk together about scripture and spiritual  things, and share in communion. We bring our full selves to the table -  it’s a safe space for questions, doubts, and disbelief.

Lawn Games

Friday, August 25 from 2:30-5:30pm 

The Mall

Stop  by for a pick-up round of Kan Jam, Spikeball, or Cornhole. No  experience necessary - we’ll show you the ropes. Bring a team or join  one.

So Make the Friendship Bracelets

Saturday, August 26 from 2-4pm 

Legacy Plaza

“You’ve  got no reason to be afraid” at this bead-working station! We’ve got all  the beads, string, and tools you need to create a bracelet to wear or  trade with new friends on campus. Combine a variety of colors, shapes,  designs, and letters to communicate song lyrics, slogans, intentions,  prayers, your name, your gender/sexual identity, or anything else you  want people to know about you. You belong here. And you’ll never be on  your own.

So Make the Friendship Bracelets

Sunday, August 27 from 12:30-2:30pm

Merson Courtyard

“You’ve  got no reason to be afraid” at this bead-working station! We’ve got all  the beads, string, and tools you need to create a bracelet to wear or  trade with new friends on campus. Combine a variety of colors, shapes,  designs, and letters to communicate song lyrics, slogans, intentions,  prayers, your name, your gender/sexual identity, or anything else you  want people to know about you. You belong here. And you’ll never be on  your own.

Forest Church

Sunday, August 27 from 4-5pm

Schenley Park Visitors Center, 3827, 101 Panther Hollow Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Forest  Church is an outdoor, contemplative worship gathering that is hosted by  The Commonwealth of Oakland. We gather in Schenley Park, spend twenty  minutes silently contemplating nature, then re-gather to talk about what  we felt, what we thought about, and what it might mean to us. This  experience is stripped down and simple, centers the tactile, and   encourages contemplation - it’s perfect for those with church trauma or  who just can't find God in a pew. Forest Church is open rain or shine.  Remember to dress for the weather! The Commonwealth of Oakland is a  progressive, Jesus-centered community of faith where students, Oakland  residents, and neighbors experiencing homelessness work together to  create a place of peace. It’s a church where the spiritual gifts of  LGBTQIA+ people are celebrated.