News from East Liberty Presbyterian Church
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
We light the first candle of Advent to signal our watch for the coming of Christ, the second Advent candle to remember that God’s Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and the third Advent candle to honor the passion of those who prepare the way for the Lord. We light the fourth Advent candle to rejoice in the tremendous blessing made known
through the birth of Christ the Lord.
Spotlight
Christmas Eve Services, December 24
- Family service, 5pm: Join us for a time of Christmas carols and a re-telling of the Nativity story, so that it can enliven the hearts of the youngest and oldest listeners.
- Candlelight Communion Service, 11pm: Join us for a service filled with beauty, grace, and celebration as we remember the birth of Christ and welcome the dawn of Christmas morning
through carols, readings, and the shared sacrament of communion. Special music begins at 10:45 pm.
- No Christian Education classes on December 27. Contemporaries, Journey with Scripture, Parenting Circle, and Seekers will meet again in January.
Additional worship, classes, and prayer opportunities during the week
- Taizé prayer service:
 Every Wednesday, 7:00 pm in the Chapel. Childcare available from 6:45 pm to 8:15 pm. No class after the December 23 Taizé service.
- Labyrinth Prayer Walk: Wednesdays December 23 and Wednesday December 30, 10:00 am - 9:00 pm. No labyrinth on Monday December 28. Special labyrinth walk available on December 31, from 6:45 am to 7:00 pm. Social Hall.
- Centering Prayer: Tuesdays, 7:00 pm, room 250.
- Wednesday Connections for Adults will resume in January.
ELPC weekly news highlights
 Alternative Gifts
Here are two ideas for special gifts of the season:
- If you’re looking for a life-changing gift that only you can give, please consider the Be The Match Foundation, a national registry that helps
those with leukemia and other diseases find a match for bone marrow and stem cells. Your gift could bring joy and health to someone for many years!
- Garfield Farm Garden and EECM are offering opportunities for alternative gifts giving that support programs in our community. For example, $40 will provide three days of emergency food and supplies for a
family in need; $30 will plant fruit trees whose fruit will go to the local community. Contact EECM, (412) 361.5549 or Garfield Farm Garden.
Welcoming in a new year, a new decade!
Join us for two opportunities to prayerfully welcome in the new year:
 New Year's Eve worship, December 31, 7:00 pm, Sanctuary: Welcome in the New Year with songs, meditations, prayer, and faithful hope! Worshipers are invited to gather in the Sanctuary Chancel for a special service to give thanks for the benefits of the year past and seek grace for the year to come. Communion will be shared, as will thoughts and reflections on this annual time of transition. Join us as we recall the faithfulness of God who is with us all the seasons of our life.. - World Healing Day, December 31, 6:45 am - 8:00 am in the Social Hall: Each year on December 31, men, women, and children around the world gather to participate in a global prayer activity. The purpose is to unite people in a common bond of love, assist in bringing our planet into balance and usher in a new era of Peace on Earth. For more information, call (412) 571-1223. The Labyrinth will be available in the Social Hall that day until 7 pm.
Nurturing Orphaned South African Children
Several individuals and families at ELPC have been involved with a unique mission experience. Infinite Family (IF) links Net Buddy Mentors in the U.S. with children in South Africa through voice chat and email. Most of these children lost their parents to HIV/AIDS. The sad reality is that in Sub-Saharan Africa, a parent dies every 14 seconds, 7.5% of population has HIV/AIDs, and there are 28 million orphans (equal to 1/3 of world’s orphans). IF gives volunteers the opportunity to have a positive influence on a young person living in a country full of pain and sorrow. Currently, there are four sites in South Africa—the latest in Soweto—where IF cares for and educates children. As IF expands, it needs more trained mentors. Training is completed mostly online. There is a long waiting list of children eager to have a caring adult available to them on a regular basis—someone who listens, consoles, and encourages them. Won't you consider becoming a mentor? Contact Infinite Family through their website, or contact ELPC member Dick Headley, (412) 421-5871, or email program director .
ELPC in the Community
 East End Cooperative Ministries Men’s Shelter
The Deacons are collecting socks, gloves, and hats for EECM’s Men's Shelter. Donations may be left in the hallway baskets. Thank you for your support!
East End Cooperative Ministries Food Pantry
December’s “Food of the Month” is Macaroni and Cheese. |
