This week at East Liberty Presbyterian Church,
the “Cathedral of Hope”
Fourth Week of Advent, December 22, 2010
We watch while the light of day begins to fill the sky, and we receive God’s gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love.
Highlight
 Christmas Eve services, December 24
Join us on Christmas Eve for worship! The family service at 5:00 includes a time of Christmas carols and a re-telling of the Nativity story; the Candlelight Communion Service is at 11:00. Read below for details.
- Contemporaries, Journey with Scripture, Parenting Circle, Seekers, and Soul Food are on hiatus until January 16. Join us January 9 for our Winter Rally Day.
Additional worship and prayer opportunities during the week
 Taizé prayer service: Every Wednesday, 7:00 pm in the Chapel. No after-Taizé class this evening. See you next week for our special New Year service (December 29)! Childcare available from 6:45 to 8:15.- Labyrinth prayer walk: Wednesday, December 22, 9:00 am - 9:00 pm. No labyrinth on Monday, December 27; the church will be closed.
- Centering Prayer will not meet on December 28. It will resume January 4, 2011.
News and highlights
Christmas Eve worship services at 5pm and 11pm in the Sanctuary
- Family Service 5 pm: 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 11 pm: This special service is 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 pre-service music featuring harp, strings and other instrumentalists begins at 10:30 pm.
 Chrismon Trees
Thanks to everyone on the Spiritual Life Committee for providing the beautifully decorated Chrismon trees near the chancel steps in the Sanctuary this year for the congregation to enjoy. Read more
 Special New Year’s Labyrinth event December 31
Come participate in world healing day and walk the labyrinth: December 31, from 7:00 am - 8:00 am. The labyrinth will also be available that day until 5pm. Read more
Bookstore sale!
Just in time for your holiday shopping: the ELPC Bookstore is having a sale! Save 20% now through January 2, on every item in the store. Featured at right are images from the photography greeting cards. Read more
Winter Rally Day, January 9
Join us at 9:30 on on Sunday January 9, and explore Jesus’ baptism through experiential, interactive learning stations. Our experiences will flow over into our 11 am worship service. We will gather in the Social Hall for a potluck breakfast at 9:30 am. Please bring a breakfast bread to share. Read more
“About Faces” program, January 9
Join us after the 11:00 service when David Roche will present a program as part of the series sponsored by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. His presentation is about “The Church of 80% Sincerity.” Read more
Volunteers in Ministry (VIM) opportunities
Each week we feature open opportunities where we need your hands. Read more about this week’s volunteer opportunities
Church closed
In observance of the Christmas holiday, the church will be closed all day on December 25, and from 2pm on Sunday, December 26, through 7am on Wednesday, December 29. All daytime and evening activities for Saturday, December 25, and Monday and Tuesday, December 27 and 28, are canceled.
Merry Christmas!
Best wishes to all of our ELPC family and extended family. Safe travels to all who are traveling over the holidays!
Community News
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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