News from East Liberty Presbyterian Church
August 18, 2010

Creator God, you call us to love and serve you with body, mind, and spirit. Hear our prayers and make us faithful stewards of your many blessings in our lives.

Sunday, August 22 Worship Services

• 8:00 am: Good Samaritan Worship; Rev. Linda B. Oliver, Minister of Special Projects, Mt. Ararat Baptist Church.
• 10:00 am: Courtyard Worship; the Rev. Heather Schoenewolf preaching.

Additional worship 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. August 18 Taizé service followed at 8:15 with “Music on the Labyrinth,” led by Charles Anderson.
• Labyrinth prayer walk: Wednesday, August 18, 9:00 am - 9:00 pm; Monday, August 23, 9:00 am to 1:30 pm. In the Social Hall.
• Centering prayer: Tuesday, August 24, 7:00 pm. Room 250.

Youth and young adults

Young adults study session
All those in their 20’s and 30’s are invited to come the last two Wednesdays (August 18 and August 25) at 8 pm to watch and discuss the DVD-based study of Bishop N.T. Wright’s book Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense. in Room 234. Contact .

ELPC weekly news highlights

Tomorrow, volunteer picnic
If you have volunteered your time to service, in ELPC outreach or church ministries, housing ministry, community garden, food pantry, men’s shelter, with youth, at worship service, property & landscaping, office support, or other, please join us for a picnic Thursday at 5pm. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and drinks provided. Call Emily Rosenthal, (412) 963-0139. Please RSVP to Kate Carlson, (412) 41-3800 x17.

Bible Study, “Journeys Through Revelation,” begins September 7
In recent years, an enormous prophecy industry has marketed frightening images based on the book of Revelation, leaving many people intimidated by this amazing and often misunderstood book. Although brimming with mysterious symbolism, Revelation ultimately is a book of hope that throughout history has sustained people who are oppressed. Join us for a new season of bible study this fall. We will be using the text “Journeys Through Revelation” by Barbara Rossing, professor of New Testament at the Lutheran School of Theology and author of The Rapture Exposed: The Message of Hope in the Book of Revelation. An environmentalist, she speaks on ecology and the environment, as well as biblical and religious topics. Please join us beginning Tuesday, September 7, at 10 A.M., in the second floor parlor as we begin this journey. A potluck lunch will follow. Please bring a salad or snack to share. Beverages will be provided. Call Mary Alice Lightle for more information, (412) 682-1504.

Conversations on ELPC finances
The Budget and Finance subcommittee will host two conversations on ELPC finances on August 29 and October 24, after the main worship service. These meetings will include a progress report on the five-year sustainability plan that was adopted by Session in September 2008, plus an update on the development of the 2011 operating budget. Room 234.

Plan to join the PW on a fall retreat
Join the Presbyterian Women for a fall retreat themed “Service.” In addition to powerful leadership by Susy Robinson, manager of outreach and volunteer services for the Homeless Children’s Education Fund, the retreat will include many opportunities for prayer, service at the Men’s Shelter, and an optional overnight at the church. The program begins on Friday, September 24 at 5:30 and concludes at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 25. Childcare is available on Saturday by reservation before September 23. Registration is $9 by noon on Sept 23; $12 thereafter.

Connections Dinners
Want to have fun and get to know your fellow church members better? A new season of Connection Dinners starts this fall. It’s a small group (7 - 10 people) who meet for conversation and a pot-luck dinner, usually in each others’ homes. To join or for more information, look for the sign-up table during fellowship, or call Gil Hickman, (412) 23-8837 or Paul Outon, (412) 322-1803.

Hygiene Kits for Disaster Victims
The Presbyterian Women are collecting hygiene kits through Labor Day. Can you help? Individual items and/or complete assembled kits are welcomed. Don’t like to shop? You can donate $10 to cover the cost of an individual kit. Pick up instructions on the PW bulletin board outside the library. Please leave items or completed kits in the church office. If you wish to make a monetary gift, used for kits or shipping costs, make checks payable to “Presbyterian Women in East Liberty Presbyterian Church.”

ELPC in the Community

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

East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) Men’s Shelter
During the month of August, the Deacons are collecting XL men’s underwear, tee-shirts, and deodorant for EECM’s Men’s Shelter. Donations may be left in the hallway baskets. Thank you for your support!