The Reaching Out Newsletter
July 2008

Pastoral Message The Rev. Dr. Randall K. Bush, Pastor Why does it take a fair amount of personal courage to admit publicly that one is a Christian? In a nation where polls routinely show that 90% or more of the population believes in God, why is it socially awkward to admit one is religious?

The Rev. Dr. Randall K. Bush, Pastor

These questions aren’t meant to provoke some diatribe about the “secularization of America” or to suggest there is some subversive plot afoot to take Christ out of Christmas, God out of the Pledge of Allegiance, and religion out of our daily life and practice. I am simply aware that we’ve recently seen a cottage industry emerge in “chic atheism” – over-hyped books composed by scholars arguing against God and religious faith (e.g., Richard Dawkins, The God Delusion). These exposés prompt rebuttals that argue the opposite side of the equation (e.g., Chris Hedges, I Don’t Believe in Atheists), but this argumentative approach to apologetics strikes me as ill-serving.

Marilynne Robinson wrote an essay in which she acknowledged ways that friends let her know being religious is “uncool.” They would make jokes about being born again or run through a litany of televangelist escapades and abusive practices in some churches. Robinson describes such social pressure as “little coercions,” implying that the faith of Augustine, Bach, and Martin Luther King has been entirely eclipsed by Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, and Mike Huckabee. These coercions tell us to avoid acknowledging religion completely or risk being embarrassed by negative associations with others whose beliefs we do not hold. As Robinson puts it, “What sense does that make? What good does it serve?”

To admit you are religious is less a statement about dogma and more a statement about reverence before the face of life’s mysteries (The mystery of the universe itself, love, healing, laughter, beauty and creativity in all its forms, life and death, etc.). It is an acknowledgment of a depth to life that is the foundation beneath everything we do today and everything we hope for tomorrow. It is that “know it in my guts” conviction that life is fundamentally good and trustworthy, despite frequent appearances to the contrary. It is the “feel it in my bones” confidence that all those saints and martyrs and prophets of generations past were neither delusional nor deceived about the reality of God. It is the “hope beyond hope” that leads us to trust that God’s Spirit still moves over the face of the earth. It is the confidence that the phrase, “He is not dead; he has arisen” was not a lie.

In last month’s Hope Academy showcase, the older youth performed monologues from Robert Fulghum’s “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten,” including one that involved a student asking a professor about the meaning of life. The man pulled out a pocket mirror and said, “I am a fragment of a mirror whose whole design and shape I do not know. Nevertheless, with what I have, I can reflect light into the dark places of this world and change some things in some people. Perhaps others may see and do likewise. That is the meaning of my life.”

To admit you are religious is to be willing to be a mirror reflecting an aspect of God’s light/love/mystery/truth to someone else. We ourselves are not the light, yet it has come into the world and the darkness has not overcome it. There is no reason to be hesitant about admitting this. May you find opportunities this summer to say (by word and deed) “Credo - This I believe.”

Randy Bush

Church School Classes
Sundays, 9:45 – 10:45 am
Our formal Church School year concluded on Sun., June 8. There will be some special classes offered through the summer months. Classes for all ages will resume on Rally Day, Sunday Sept. 7.

News From Our Educational Ministries Assistant
During July, our Educational Ministries Assistant and longtime member, Ashley Birt, will be traveling to Belgium with CISV International, an international organization that focuses on exposing children to other cultures to promote multiculturalism and peace. She, along with four 11 year olds from Pittsburgh, will represent the U.S. at one of this year’s international villages. From July 4-August 2, she and her group will work with children from 11 other countries (including Turkey, Brazil, Israel, Germany, and Algeria) to break down language and cultural barriers, learn about social and economic disparity, and promote cross-cultural friendship.

Learn about CISV at www.cisv.org. Please keep Ashley and all of the students in your prayers!

For more information, visit:
Christian Education

Community Development

Community Development Committee Update
The East Liberty Neighborhood Improvement District
Increasingly, communities around the country are looking to the tool of the improvement district as way to sustain the neighborhood effort without the worry of shifting governmental priorities or over-drawn charitable foundation coffers. A Neighborhood Improvement District (NID) is a resource development tool whereby property owners are given the opportunity to take the neighborhood revitalization effort into their own hands and ensure its ongoing support.

What’s in YOUR Neighborhood?
The ELPC Community Development Task Force, in a continuing effort to keep ELPC membership aware of community events and happenings, proudly announces the opening of the businesses in the East End and encourages you to patronize them.

For more information, visit:
Community Development

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East End Blitz Homeowner Support
Over 25 ELPC members and friends volunteered on May 24 and June 7 at the homes of our 2007 Blitz families. Working with Open Hand Ministries (OHM) and its trade skill professional partners, we installed four new windows and two exterior doors; removed a tree and landscaped a front and back yard; erected privacy fences at two homes; repaired a ceiling, wall cracks, and an ill-fitting door; and completed minor electrical and plumbing repairs. It was a wonderful two days where God’s grace abounded.

The EECM Food Pantry Needs Our Help!
EECM’s Food Pantry assists those in immediate need of food and deeply appreciates donations. If you can, please leave food donations in the baskets located throughout the church’s hallways. In July, the “Food for the Month” is peanut butter.

Men’s Shelter Donations
In ELPC’s continuing commitment to the EECM Men’s Shelter located in our church, the Deacons are collecting donations for July 2008. The requested donations are socks and moisturizing skin lotion. Please drop these items in the basket located in the Highland Avenue hallway. Your continued support in the form of donations and of prayer the Shelter and for the men who stay there is appreciated.

Health Matters
Children and Cholesterol
By Pat Krimme
Do you know your child’s cholesterol level? It was once believed that children were at little risk for developing high cholesterol. However, over the past fifteen years, children are becoming more at risk because of sedentary lifestyles lacking vigorous physical activities, junk foods high in fat and sugar, and obesity.

Hope Academy

Hope Academy Showcase: Myths, Fables, and Realities
Hope Academy’s 2008 showcase performance of “Myths, Fables and Realities” was presented at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater on Sat., May 31 and Sun., June 1. Over forty students, from 7-18 years old, hit the stage and dazzled the audience with their singing, dancing and acting.

Thank you to everyone who helped throughout the year, and to all the members who attended the performance. Videos of the Greek myth dance pieces can be viewed at www.YouTube.com/HopeAcademy.

Sojourner House MOMS Partnership
Sun., July 13, at 11:30 am
The Education Team of the Poverty Task Force and the Women and Children’s Task Force will host a meeting on Sun., July 13 in Room 234 following the 10 am Courtyard Worship service to inform members about an exciting partnership between ELPC and Sojourner House MOMS. Ms. Joann Cyganovich, the program’s executive director, will be with us to discuss this initiative.

• Book Review: Readings for Diversity and Social Justice: An Anthology on Racism, Sexism, Classism, Anti-Semitism, Heterosexism, and Ableism, by Maurianne Adams, Warren Blumenfeld, Ximena Zuniga, Madeline Peters, and Heather Hackman, eds.; reviewed by Ashley Birt.
   
• Book Review: Religion Gone Bad: The Hidden Dangers of The Christian Right, by Mel White; reviewed by Wayne Benson.

For more information, visit:
Justice and Global Concerns

For more information, visit:
Spiritual Life Ministry

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Stephen Ministry

For more information, visit
Stephen Ministry

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Taizé Prayer

Midsummer’s Dream, led by Laurie Arnold: July 2, at 8:15 pm
Laurie Arnold will guide us as we take a look at mid-life, mid-story, and the middle, where often there is a sense of lostness and renewed possibility. We will gather new vision for our journey through writing exercises and discussion.

Sacred Harp, led by Charles Anderson: July 9, at 8:15 pm
Enjoy singing tunes in three- and four-part harmony from the oldest American tune book in continuous print (since 1844). Joining in this joyful American singing tradition is easy and enjoyable. All tunes are carefully taught, one part at a time. Beginners welcome!

Flute Circle, guided by Charles Anderson: July 16, at 8:15 pm
The Flute Circle is an encounter for all levels of flute players and enthusiasts. If you have never played a flute before, the Flute Circle will give you a chance to try out an easy-to-play bamboo flute in a supportive environment. If you already play flute, you may bring your own, or borrow one of our bamboo flutes.

Celebrations: July 30, at 8:15 pm
If you celebrate a birthday, milestone or anniversary in May, please write down your information and put it in the collection plate so we can celebrate with you!

Taizé Prayer
Taizé Prayer services are held on Wednesdays at 7 pm. Everyone is invited to a simple supper at 6 pm before every Wednesday service; a free-will offering of $2.50 is appreciated.

After-Taizé Classes
Wednesdays at 8:15 pm, following the 7 pm Taizé Prayer service.

For more information, visit:
Taizé Prayer

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Worship, Music and the Arts

American Guild of Organists' Pipe Organ Encounters
Dr. Szeremany joined the faculty of POE + June 15 - 20. The American Guild of Organists sponsors Pipe Organ Encounters for young people (POE) and Pipe Organ Encounters for Adults (POE +) in order to recognize and support individuals who have an interest in beginning study of the pipe organ.

Bibles in the Pews
The Worship Committee proposes that members and friends be given the opportunity to provide new Bibles in sufficient quantity, to meet the needs of those who desire to follow along. Look in the Sunday bulletin for the Bible Flyer and form. The New Revised Standard Version edition Bibles cost $8. Checks should be made payable to “ELPC Bible Fund.” This project began in June with great support, and is expected to be completed by Rally Day in September. Thank you for your consideration and support!

Let Your Contributions to WQED and/or WDUQ also work for ELPC
At various times during the year both Pittsburgh radio stations (WQED and WDUQ) have membership drives for public funding. One of the benefits of making contributions at certain levels is the opportunity for the contributor to place "public service announcements" on the air. Individual donors usually do not have an occasion to make use of this benefit. However, it is possible for you to transfer your "on air" announcement time to East Liberty Presbyterian Church. We can publicize events and concerts we are sponsoring as a tag-on to your contribution to the radio station and it is at no additional cost to you!

So the next time you respond to the call or challenge to support these stations during their campaigns, please inquire about transferring your "on air" benefits to ELPC. We thank you!

Koinonia
Second Sunday of each month -- 7 pm
Koinonia, an uplifting contemporary service led by ELPC youth and young
adults. Elder Kathleen Kyle will preach. There is no service in July.

Let’s All Sing Like the Choir
You can help make that happen! There are at least a dozen wonderful voices—male and female—out in the congregation every Sunday morning. Sure, you are needed “out there” to support and to encourage congregational singing. However, we could always—or at least from time to time—use your voice(s) up front with the Chancel Choir.

Ring a Bell?
Bells are ringing, and they will ring even more stirringly when we have three or four additional ringers join our happy throng. Handbell ringing is great physical activity for the upper arms; it provides wonderful mental stimulation and challenge; it provides a most pleasing social opportunity to engage with a dozen other like-minded/spirited folks who enjoy making music together. No previous handbell ringing experience is necessary; however, being able to read music—either treble or bass clef—puts you at the head of the line.

Like to sing but can’t fit choir into your schedule?
Not to worry. Come out to Summer Choir during July and August.Sure we sing on Sundays but rehearsals are more casual than during the season. We rehearse on Thursdays at 7 pm in an air-conditioned room! So if you are a soprano, an alto, a tenor, a baritone/bass, or are unsure, come on out beginning on Thurs., July 3 at 7 pm and we’ll place you where we think you sound the best! It’s as simple as that! Relax and have fun with like-minded friends and singers.

Call Richard at (412) 441-3800 x24 to ask more questions or to say “Look for me, I’m coming along for the Summer Choir!”

ELPC Audio Gallery
Sermons offered by Pastor Randy Bush.

• Subscribe to our podcast and hear selected Sunday sermons.

Sermons
Featuring the sermons of the Rev. Dr. Randy Bush in downloadable/printable format.

Sermon Copies
Printed copies of most sermons preached at the weekly 11 am service (10 am service during the summer) are available in the sermon rack by the Highland entrance or by downloading a copy from the Sermons web page. Tapes of services can also be requested.

Sunday Service Leaders and Sermon Titles

For more information, visit:
Worship, Music and the Arts

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Youth Ministry

Youth Basketball
Saturdays, 5 to 8 pm.
For young men in grades 9 through 12, Saturday evenings from 5 to 8 pm at ELPC.

Summer News
club one sixteen has wrapped up for the year. We will begin again in September, at the start of our Hope Academy classes. However, there will continue to be special events for youth throughout the summer.

Mission Trips
Youth in grades 6-12 who have been active in fellowship and service at ELPC are invited to week long mission trips. Participants will be required to attend training events prior to each trip. Contact Heather at (412) 441-3800 x21.

Trinity Youth Conference (TYC): “Constant Thirst”
July 27-August 2
TYC is a week-long event for high school youth (at least 15 yrs. old and completed 9th grade by July 29, 2008) and college-age young adults. Participants will learn about God and themselves through workshops, small groups, worship and games.

For more information, visit
Youth Ministry

Young Adult Ministry

Life in the Spirit Young Adult Sunday School Class
Life in the Spirit will return in the fall.

20/30s Tuesday Evening Study Group
In July, we will gather for a special Sunday school series, from 9-9:45 am, exploring Prophetic Faith: Then & Now. Looking at who and what prophets were in biblical times, we will discuss the ways in which our faith can become prophetic today.

Shelter Breakfast Service Project
Sat. July 26
On Sat., July 26, the Young Adults group will serve breakfast at the EECM Men’s Shelter at the church.

For more information, visit
Young Adult Ministry

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More News

Reminder: The church offices will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of the holiday

News from the Session
The May Session meeting marked the beginning of another year of service for our elders, with five new elders being welcomed to their first official meeting.

Our Vision for a Greener ELPC
The Landscape Committee is currently working with Terra Design Studios to make the church grounds more welcoming. We are also exploring options on how to make our “front yard” along Penn Avenue a more active
and dynamic outdoor space. The design concept is called “The Liberty,” referencing the original use of East Liberty as a tract of land outside the township limits set aside for public use.

Calling All Graduates!
ELPC would like to celebrate the accomplishment of those in our church family who have graduated this spring from educational programs. If you are a recent graduate of high school or any post-high school program, please send your name, degree earned, and place from where you have graduated to Gloria Knopp at gloriak (please add the extension "@coh.net") by Thurs., July 3. We would like to recognize all of our graduates in our August Reaching Out Newsletter.

Cathedral Café
East Liberty Presbyterian Church's lunchtime Cathedral Café is located inside the church building on the first floor. The Café is open to the public year round, serving delicious lunches Tuesday-Friday from 11:45 am to 1:15 pm, and, lunches/brunches on some Sundays from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm (contact Kate Carlson for Sunday schedule).

At Your Service: Sunday Office Volunteers
Since March, several members of the Personnel Committee have been staffing the main office on Sunday mornings. Each Sunday, from 9 to 11 am and from 12:15 to 12:30 pm, you will find one of the volunteers in the office, ready and eager to help those who come in for various reasons. The Sunday volunteers, trained by Church Business Administrator Pam Kimmel, are: Nadine Banks, Clara and Bob Hoon, Heather Lawrence, Mary Lenox, Libby Parker, and Fran Wilson, coordinator.

Bookstore Hours
Just a reminder: The ELPC Bookstore is open every Wednesday at 5:30 pm before Taizé, as well as every Sunday from 9 to 10:45 am and from 12 to 1 pm. Visit and see the ever-changing collection of books, jewelry and what-not — including texts needed for fall classes. Stop in to browse and say, “Hi!”

Do We Have Your Current Information on File?
Let us know if you have changes in any of the following information: new address, home phone number, email address, name change, changes in other information. Please contact Kate Carlson directly with your changes—by phone: 412-441-3800 x17, or email: katec (please add the extension "@coh.net"); or submit your change(s) on paper (please type or print clearly) and put it in her mail folder in the church’s front office.

Staying Connected — ELPC Pastor Visitation Program
One of the aims of our Pastor Visitation Program is to keep those members who find it difficult to attend Sunday worship, because of life's circumstances, connected to the congregation. Some who found it difficult to attend services every Sunday, are now able to attend occasionally with the help of the Deacons who supply transportation. If you know someone who needs transportation or an occasional visit, please contact the Rev. Miriam Chamberlain at 412-441-3800 to let her know of these needs.

Deacons Sunday Morning Pastoral Point Persons
A rotating schedule of Deacons serve as "Pastoral Point Persons" on Sunday mornings. They will help the office volunteers, security, ushers and staff in managing unexpected situations that arise during the 10 am worship service.

ELPC Website’s “Multimedia” Gallery
The “multimedia” link on our website provides access to sermon audio files, photo galleries, and videos of recent special concerts and worship services. We have over 40,000 weekly website downloads—so log on and check it out!

ELPC Audio Gallery
Sermons offered by Pastor Randy Bush.

• Subscribe to our podcast and hear selected Sunday sermons.

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Good News

Congratulations to our new members and friends who joined on May 25. We welcome: Derek Harrigan, Deena Hower, Liberty Hultberg, Eric Neumann, Connie Rankin, Lenore Williams by reaffirmation of faith and The Rev. Phil Jamison, Jr. and The Rev. Patrice Fowler-Searcy were received as friends.

Congratulations to Megan Addison Iannone, daughter of Elsbeth Gilmore Iannone and James Iannone, who celebrated her baptism on Sun., May 25.

Isaiah Wilson won 2nd Place in the 2nd grade category of the 2008 Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest for this region. The winners received awards at WQED’s celebration on June 8 at the Three Rivers Arts Festival. Read Isaiah’s story at: www.wqed.org. Click on “Education” at the top of the welcome page, then click on the book under his name to open his story, “When Aaron Comes.” Congratulations, Isaiah!

Congratulations to Jayla Griggs and Bethan Neely who competed in the Pittsburgh Organ Academy auditions in May. Students can audition to receive scholarships for either beginning or continuing organ study with a member of the American Guild of Organists.Both Jayla and Bethan were successful Pittsburgh Organ Academy Scholarship winners for the September 2007 - June 2008 season. Congratulations to these two very gifted young people!

At Pittsburgh Theological Seminary’s graduation ceremony on May 22, three people from ELPC received degrees. Jay Poliziani and Guang Lou both received Masters of Arts degrees. Brian Diebold, our Youth and Young Adult Ministry Intern, received his Master of Divinity degree and special awards in academic excellence, church music and biblical studies. Congratulations!

Thanks

Thank you to the music ministry team of Moses Cheeks, Ashok Nayak, Suzanne Polak and Patrice Fowler-Searcy, for your vibrant musical leadership during the Journey worship hour. We look forward to continuing our Journey together this fall!

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"...inviting all to join our diverse, inclusive family of faith,
transcending all boundaries of race, class, ability, culture, gender
and sexual identity to become one in Christ."

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Contact the ELPC Webmaster info@cathedralofhope.org.

updated 2008-06-30