What’s Happening at East Liberty Presbyterian Church,
the “Cathedral of Hope”
November 29, 2011

On this day we bear witness to the light of Christ and affirm our Christian calling to walk in the light of the Lord. With the prophets of old and their words of expectation about the coming Messiah, we add our voices to this witness of faith.

Spotlight

December 2011 Reaching Out
Read the December “Reaching Out” (pdf) including details on our upcoming Christmas worship services, advent crafts and Santa shop, church tour, plus Rev. Bush’s pastoral message: “To believe in ‘better angels’ is the first step toward a life-transforming faith. To trust in ‘better angels’ is the next step in a life-sustaining faith. And to tell with joy the story of the Advent and Christmas ‘better angels’ is to join their sacred chorus and continue the work of the incarnate-crucified-risen Christ Jesus throughout all the days and seasons that lie ahead.”

Worship services, Sunday December 4

with celebration of the Lord’s supper

• 8:00 am: Good Samaritan Worship; Rev. Tami Hooker preaching, Chaplain, State Correctional Institution of Pittsburgh.
• 8:45 am: Journey Worship; Rev. Dr. Randall K. Bush preaching.
• 11:00 am: Sanctuary Worship; Rev. Dr. Randall K. Bush preaching: “Gospel Introductions: Preparing the Way,” Mark 1:1-8.

Christian Education, Sunday, December 4, 9:45 am:

Complete details on this week and upcoming adult Christian Ed classes are on the CE page of our website.

• Contemporaries, “Lines of Radical Democracy in Christianity,” part one of two, with Darren Belajac, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Second floor parlor.

• Journey with Scripture, Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; 2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-5. Second floor library.
• Parenting Circle, From the text Ten Talks: Chapter 9, “How are You Feeling: Talking about Alcohol and Other Drugs.” First floor, Harambe Room.
• Seekers: “Incarnational Theology,” with special guest facilitator Rev. Heather Schoenewolf. Room 234.
• Soul Food: “The Power of Listening, the Power of Silence,” Paul Tournier, pp. 160-167, from Spiritual Classics, with Joe Hajdu.
• Clase de Escuela Dominical en Español, con Joaquin Anabe Lopez. Room 217.

Worship and prayer opportunities during the week

• Taizé prayer service: Every Wednesday, 7:00 pm in the Chapel. Join us after the service on Wednesday, November 30 for Celebrations! Do you celebrate a birthday or other special occasion in November? Let Rev. Dutton know.
• Labyrinth prayer walk
• Centering Prayer

News and events

Giving Tree, December 4, due December 11
The Giving Tree will be set up in the Highland Ave hallway on Sundays, November 27 and December 4. Stop by between 9:30 - 11am or 12 - 12:30 pm and select a gift tag. Deacons will be on hand to assist. Wrapped gifts, with tags securely attached, are due back in the church office by noon on Sunday, December 11. If you would like to make a monetary donation, please make checks payable to ELPC Giving Tree and deliver it to the church office. The Deacon Board thanks the congregation for its enthusiastic support of this ministry!

Advent Crafts and Santa Shop, December 3
In cooperation with Presbyterian Women’s Santa Shop event, the Christian Ed committee is hosting Advent Crafts for families on Saturday, Dec 3. The craft workshop will be set up in Rooms 224 and 240 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Crafts will be available on Sunday mornings on the CE table. Children (age 4 through grade 5) may shop for gifts (50¢ to $4) and visit with Santa. Please send a list of the people for whom your child needs to purchase gifts. Photos with Santa are available for 50¢.

Toymakers’ Advent Sale, December 4
The ELPC Toymakers are holding an Advent sale of ornaments and other small items on Sunday, Dec 4 after the 8:45 am and the 11 am worship services. Their fine craftsmanship will also be dedicated during the 11 am service. Their work will be displayed on Dec 4 after the Journey service (outside the 3rd floor Music Room) and in the McKelvy Room after the Sanctuary service. There will be no price tags on the items; donations will be accepted. All proceeds will be used to keep the Toymakers ministry going.

More happenings at East Liberty Presbyterian Church
To find out more about what’s going on at ELPC this week, see this week’s announcements. You can also read our December Reaching Out newsletter online.

In our community

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

East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) Men’s Shelter
During the month of November, the Deacons are collecting men’s hats, gloves, scarves, and underwear (sizes L, XL, and XXL) for EECM’s Men’s Shelter. Donations may be left in the hallway baskets. Thank you for your support!