News from East Liberty Presbyterian Church
Fifth week of Easter, May 5, 2010

God hears the longing of our spirits, and promises to tear down our barriers of fear, distrust, and cynicism.

Spotlight

ELPC celebrates its diamond anniversary!

Richard Beatty Mellon laying the cornerstone on June 19, 1932

Sunday, May 9, Worship Services

• 8:00 am: Good Samaritan Worship; the youth of Southminster church delivering the message.
• 8:45 am: Journey Worship; the Rev. Heather Schoenewolf preaching.
• 11:00 am: Sanctuary Worship; the Rev. Dr. Randall K. Bush preaching, “Re-dedicated to God,” I Kings 8:22-30.
• 7:00 pm: Koinonia Service of Praise; the Rev. Heather Schoenewolf preaching. Third floor music room. Join us before the service at 6:00 for a potluck dinner in the Second Floor Parlor; RSVP to Rev. Schoenewolf, (412) 441-3800.

May 9 Christian Education

• Contemporaries: “The Bible, the City, and You,” (part one of one), led by Mary Alice Lightle. We will compare our view of cities with some cities of the bible and think about what this means for ministries in an urban church. Second floor parlor.
• Journey with Scripture: Acts 16:9–15; Ps. 67; Rev. 21:10, 22–22:5; John 14:23–29; John 5:1–9. Led by Jan Irvin. Second floor library.
• Parenting Circle: We celebrate Mothers Day by sharing joys and concerns. First floor, Harambe room.
• Seekers: “The New Social Creed,” part one of two. Led by Dr. Ron Stone, retired professor at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, who will present the new social creed, written with an expanded vision for the contemporary global society in the spirit of progressive, social Christianity. Second floor, room 234.
• Soul Food, led by the Rev. Cynthia Jackson. May’s theme is “The Heart of the Seed,” as we continue our study of Joyce Rupp’s book Fresh Bread. (Please bring a journal.) Copies of Fresh Bread are available to purchase in class. How do we recognize and break the shell that confines us? Shedding old fears and assumptions, we let go and enter the growth process. Second floor, pastor’s conference room.

Additional worship and prayer opportunities during the week

• Taizé prayer service: Every Wednesday, 7:00 pm in the Chapel. Join us for a simple supper at 6:00 pm. Childcare available from 6:45 pm to 8:15 pm. May 5 Taizé service will be followed at 8:15 with a writing workshop, led by Laurie Arnold.
• Labyrinth Prayer Walk: Wednesday May 5, 10:00 am - 9:00 pm; Monday, May 10, 10 am - 3pm. In the Social Hall.
• Centering Prayer: Tuesday, May 11, 7:00 pm. Room 250.

Youth and Young Adults

• Club One Sixteen, May 5: This is Club 116’s last time to meet for the season! Join us from 3:30 to 5:00 for homework and open gym, 5:00 - 5:30 for a simple supper, and 5:30 - 7:00 for bible study.
• Youth basketball: For young men, grades 9–12; last time to meet for the season! Saturday evening May 8, from 6 - 8 pm. In the gym.
• Spring Young Adult Series, “The Easter Experience,” part three of five, will be held tonight, Wednesday May 5, “My life has a plan.” Room 234.

ELPC weekly news highlights

Bake sale!
ELPC’s Landscape Team is hosting a bake sale support the cost of flowers and other landscape items to be used during the upcoming planting season. Please plan to join us in the McKelvy Room for this special time of fellowship before and after the 11 am worship service on Sunday, May 9. Members of the Landscape Team will also be on hand to answer questions and sign up volunteer for our Spring 2010 Planting Day on Saturday, May 22.

Tina Whitehead, “On the Ground in Palestine”
Tina Whitehead will present the program On the Ground in Palestine on Sunday, May 16 at 12:30 pm in Room 234. Over the last 5 years, she has made frequent trips to Israel/Palestine, living in East Jerusalem for several months each time, and working for Sabeel, an organization of Palestinian Christians. Snacks will be served. Sponsored by the Peace Committee.

Do we have your emergency contact information?
Please identify a family member or friend for the church records who can be contacted in case of an emergency. Fill out the yellow Contact Information Form (near the Highland Ave hospitality desk or in the Narthex). Drop completed forms in the offering plate or leave it in the church office. The requested info assists the pastoral staff in providing the care that you need in case of illness and/or hospitalization. Thank you!

Children’s artwork needed
Calling all parents who are members or friends: We are planning an exhibit of photos, drawings, and paintings from the children and young people of ELPC members and friends for Pentecost Sunday. All artwork will be gently handled and available for you to pick up after the show. On each piece, please include parent name and phone #, and child’s name and age. Bulky items are OK, too. Put your item(s) in a bag clearly labeled for Phil Jamison and bring them to the office no later than May 15.

Did you know?
For those of us who have always wondered, “who are those guys?”, the five statues in the Chancel, from left to right, are: brothers Peter and James on the left, Paul in the center, and the brothers John and Andrew on the right. (Thanks, Randy!)

EECM “Off to College” 2010
The Neighbors Committee will be displaying a Giving Tree for the East End Cooperative Ministry’s Off To College donation drive on Sunday, May 16 and Sunday, May 23.  The donations help support high school seniors who are college-bound with needed school supplies, linens, and more.  You can select a tag off of the tree with the requested items before and after the 11:00 AM service each Sunday, then bring your item to the church by June 6.  For more information, contact Gary Sadler, (412) 661-7935 or by email.

ELPC in the Community

EECM’s throwing a baby shower!
40% of the families who use EECM’s food pantry are single-parent households, and a growing number of these families have small children. Many baby essentials (diapers, wipes, etc.) are very costly and aren’t covered by food stamps or WIC. Please join us on Saturday, May 15, from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm for a “Baby Shower,” and bring a gift. Our wish list includes: diapers (esp large sizes), wipes, new clothing (esp onesies), diaper cream, baby soap and shampoo. There will be cake and punch, and the food pantry will be open if you would like to take a tour! If you can’t come on the 15th, contact Kate Snyder, (412) 361-5549 x422 to arrange another time. Monetary donations specifically for the baby shower are also welcome; just jot down “baby shower” on the check memo line or attach a note. Thank you in advance for helping to support our families!

East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) Food Pantry
The EECM Food Pantry provides food for individuals and families facing hunger in Pittsburgh. May’s “Food of the Month” is soup.

East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) Men’s Shelter
During the month of May, the Deacons are collecting razors and skin lotion for EECM’s Men’s Shelter. Donations may be left in the hallway baskets. Thank you for your support!