News from East Liberty Presbyterian Church
Seventh week of Easter, May 19, 2010
Loving God, thank you for showing yourself to us in Jesus--perfect in every way, compassionate, kind, faithful, and loving.
Spotlight
 Pentecost Sunday, May 23
Pentecost, the 50th day after Easter, is the commemoration of the gift of the Holy Spirit upon the early disciples that led to the birth of the Christian church. We will also be participating in the Pentecost Sunday Offering. Join us for worship as we celebrate the gifts of God’s spirit and the fruits of those gifts. You are invited to celebrate this festive day by wearing something red, a color that reminds us of the tongues of fire that lit on the heads of the disciples!
- 8:00 am: Good Samaritan Worship; the Rev. Dr. Ronald E. Peters preaching, Henry L. Hillman
 Professor of Urban Ministry at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and founding Director of the Metro-Urban Institute.
- 8:45 am: Journey Worship; the Rev. Patrice Fowler-Searcy preaching.
- 11:00 am: Sanctuary Worship; the Rev. Dr. Randall K. Bush preaching “Prophetic Conversations,” John 14:8-17.
- Contemporaries: “Befriending Others with the Good News,” (part one of one), led by Ann Morris. We will compare and contrast contemporary issues in evangelism and “doing church.” Second floor parlor.
- Journey with Scripture:
 Acts 2:1–21; Gen. 11:1–9; Ps. 104:24–34, 35b; Rom. 8:14–17, Acts 2:1–21; John 14:8–17, (25–27). Led by Jan Irvin. Second floor library.
- Parenting Circle: We will share a devotion from the book 365 Meditations for Families, discussing themes related to faith and family life. Copies of the devotions will be available in class each week. First floor, Harambe room.
- Seekers: Revising Borg and Wright’s “The Meaning of Jesus.” After hearing Borg’s and Wright’s views, what do you believe about Jesus? What is your understanding of Jesus? Come prepared to share and engage in discussion. It is recommended to review notes from past classes. 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 19 Taizé service will be followed at 8:15 with “Sacred Harp/Shape Note Singing,” led by Charles Anderson.
- Labyrinth Prayer Walk: Wednesday May 19, 10:00 am - 9:00 pm; Monday, May 24, 10 am - 3pm. In the Social Hall. Note that there will be no labyrinth on Monday May 31 due to the Memorial Day holiday.
- Centering Prayer: Tuesday, May 25, 7:00 pm. Room 250.
Youth and Young Adults
- Spring Young Adult Series, “The Easter Experience,” part five of five, will be held tonight, Wednesday May 19: “My Hope is Secure,” room 234.
ELPC weekly news highlights
In case you missed the Easter lighting project
In case you didn’t get a chance to see the special lighting in the  Sanctuary during Holy Week, or you didn’t see it at night, we have a short slideshow of images from the rehearsal, where the CMU students walked Revs. Bush and Schoenewolf, and Profs. Limauro and Cooper, through the lighting effects and explained how the various lighting effects coordinated with different aspects of Holy Week. (Slideshow might take a moment to load before starting.) More details on the project and student names are here.
Fresh air, camaraderie... and a rake
Come be a landscape volunteer! We are looking for help on Saturday, May 22 from 9 am to 12 noon. The Landscape Team will finish mulching, edging, planting flowers, and weeding. Please bring planting tools, shovels, rakes and wheelbarrows if you have them. Everyone is welcome to participate. Questions? Please contact Chuck Lukehart, (412) 782-6447.
Bread for the World: Offering of Letters 2010
If you were unable to participate in the April 25 Offering of Letters when we wrote letters to our two Senators and Congressional Representative (we received about 60 letters), you can still advocate on behalf of poor working families who benefit from the extension of the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. Just use this link to take you to the Bread for the World web site. The page includes instructions and a sample letter. Thank you for your support.
Knitting Group, May 20, 1-2:30 pm
Join us for fun and fellowship. The knitting group is making soft caps to go to babies and young children in Haiti. All levels of experience, including newcomers and those who would like to learn, are welcome. Second floor parlor. Questions? Call Diane Jackson, (412) 441-6021.
 Pentecost children’s art show
Come up to room 234 after the 11:00 Pentecost worship service and enjoy a children’s artwork show!
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 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
“Joyful Noise” gala benefits the East Liberty Family Health Care Center
Help us make a “Joyful Noise” to benefit the ELFHCC—a Pittsburgh Presbytery mission agency that provides medical care to persons in need, regardless of ability to pay. Four members of our congregation are ELFHCC staff members: Frances Irvin, Heather Lawrence, Peter Murray, and George Rivers. Volunteers include ELPC members Diana Armstrong, Cathie Hajdu, and Kay Shissler. Tickets are $75. Please call Heather Lawrence, (412) 486-0826 or Frances Irvin, (412) 363-0319 for details.
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! |