This week at East Liberty Presbyterian Church,
the “Cathedral of Hope”
First Week of Advent, December 1, 2010
O God, keep us faithful and alert for the hour of Christ’s coming.
Highlight
Advent and Christmas
December is full of activities here at East Liberty Presbyterian Church. View the December “Reaching Out” for details, or view our online calendar.
with celebration of the Lord’s supper
These and other ELPC classes & events are listed on our website calendar. Click here to view the monthly calendar. Or, view just the details on this week’s classes.
- Contemporaries: “Empowering Prayer,” with Brian Bonsteel. Second floor parlor.
- Journey with Scripture: “How does scripture encourage?” with Jan Irvin. In addition to readings from Isaiah and Romans, December’s readings include selections from Psalms, Matthew’s Gospel and the Letter of James. Second floor library.
- Parenting Circle: “Christmas Meditations,” part 1 of 2, with Frances Irvin and Yamuna. First floor, Harambe Room.
- Seekers: “Scripture You Won’t Hear in Church,” part 2 of 2, with Rev. Bush. Second floor parlor.
- Soul Food: Joyce Rupp’s Fresh Bread, with Bobby Egelston. 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. Tonight’s service followed at 8:15 by a workshop on “Centering Prayer,” with Sharon Magan. Childcare available from 6:45 to 8:15.- Labyrinth prayer walk: Wednesday, December 1, 9:00 am - 9:00 pm and on Monday, December 6, 9:00 am to 1:30 pm. In the Social Hall.
- Centering prayer: Tuesday, December 7, 7:00 pm. Room 250.
News and highlights
 Advent Crafts and Santa Shop, December 4
Santa is coming to ELPC on Saturday, December 4. Advent crafts for the whole family! Children from age 4 through grade 5 may visit with Santa and shop with Santa’s helpers in the Santa Shop Read more
Spiritual Life, December “First Sunday,” December 5
Into Exile: The Light of John from Patmos. Come with us on our journey through pictures to the sun-bathed island of Patmos in the eastern Aegean Sea. 12:30–2:30 pm; Room 234. Read more
 Hope Academy Winter Concert and EL CEO, December 5 at 3pm
Get the holidays off to a wonderful start with this free concert featuring classical, rock, gospel and world music. Read more
December 2010 Reaching Out
Read the December “Reaching Out” including descriptions of upcoming Christmas and  Advent programming, plus Rev. Bush’s pastoral message: “Its stark message names the space that too readily exists between us, the gaps in life and relationships that need to be overcome if we are going to live together in harmony. And in an emphatic way, it tells us to reach across the divide and simply re-connect with one another.” Read more
 Special service, “Lessons and Carols,” December 18
All are welcome to join us for a Lessons and Carols service of words and music, featuring our Chancel Choir and guest musicians, the Carnegie Brass. The music begins at 1:30 and the service begins at 2:00. This free program is based on the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, held on Christmas Eve in King’s College Chapel. The Festival was introduced in 1918 to bring a more imaginative approach to worship. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the good news of Christmas through the interplay of scripture passages, words of faith, and seasonal music.
Presbyterian Women Bible study, December 7
Beth Urbaitis leads our study of Revelation 6, “Diagnosing the Crises of Empire.” A potluck lunch follows. Read more
 ELPC Deacons’ “Giving Tree,” December 5
Every year the Deacons organize a Christmas Giving Tree to benefit children and families from EECM, our ELPC Mission Ministry, Hope Academy, and Educational Ministries. Read more
Volunteers in Ministry (VIM) opportunities
Each week we feature open opportunities where we need your hands, especially for the annual “Hanging of the Greens.” Read more about this week’s volunteer opportunities
 Young adults serving fair trade coffee during December
ELPC Young Adults are serving fair trade coffee during fellowship during the month of December. Find out more about this program and ideas for a Christian response to the migration crisis.
Taizé Christmas party, December 8
Join us for our Taizé worship service at 7 pm, and stay for our Christmas Party! We’ll sing carols in German and English, and make paper stars. Please bring cookies to share!
Community News
 Renaissance City Choirs Holiday Concert
The Renaissance City Choirs Holiday Concert is Saturday, December 11, 8pm at Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door; however, choir members can sell tickets at $20 if they sell groups of ten. The seating is general admission(Student tickets are $10.) See Carol Chonoska or Ashley Birt for details.
East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) Food Pantry
The EECM Food Pantry provides food for individuals and families facing hunger in Pittsburgh. December’s “Food of the Month” is macaroni and cheese.
East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) Men’s Shelter
During the month of December, the Deacons continue to collect men’s warm socks, and thermal underwear (XL-XXXL) for EECM’s Men’s Shelter. Donations may be left in the hallway baskets. Thank you for your support!
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