What’s Happening at East Liberty Presbyterian Church,
the “Cathedral of Hope”
December 5, 2012
Hope is our anticipation of the coming of the Messiah. It is grounded in the promise that the kingdom of God is near.
Spotlight
Death Penalty Discussion Series: Sat, Dec 8 | 5 - 8pm (final session)
The Human Safety and Dignity subcommittee of the Justice Committee sponsored a four-part series this fall on the Death Penalty. Join us for the final session this Saturday, starting with a potluck dinner at 5pm (please bring a dish to share). The theme is “Faith in a Time of Crisis,” with special guest speakers The Rev. Randy Bush and Rabbi Jamie Gibson. Retired Judge Justin Johnson will facilitate. We will continue to explore how our faith speaks to the most challenging experiences of our lives. What choices do we have? How do the activities of the Criminal Justice System and the resources of our faith work together? View more details about Saturday's discussions and bios of our speakers
Toymakers’ Sale | December 9, 12:30
ELPC Toymaker's group will have ornaments and other holiday things and some toys available in the McKelvy Room after 11 a.m. services. The Toymakers work all year to produce hand-made and hand-painted toys for children. We are motivated and fueled by the smiles we see on the faces of children from all over the world who receive our toys as gifts! Take what you want and pay what you want at Sunday’s sale; your offerings help provide supplies for the coming year.
Worship services, Sunday December 9
8:00 am: Good Samaritan: Rev. John Creasy, Associate Pastor, The Open Door. Ground floor dining room.
8:45 am: Journey Worship: Rev. Heather Schoenewolf preaching. Third floor music room.
Christian Education, Sunday December 9, 9:45 - 10:45
Contemporaries: “Sharing Our Faith Story Together,” with Jon and Jackie Walker. Jon and Jackie will share the progression of their faith through a reflective dialogue. Their interest in stewardship is a sign of caring for the well-being of our congregation. Second floor parlor.
Journey with Scripture: Second Sunday in Advent: Malachi 3:1-4 Luke 1:68-79 Philippians 1:3-11 Luke 3:1-6. Second floor library.
Parenting Circle: In December, the Parenting Circle moves onto holiday celebrations: sharing the traditions and rituals that our families treasure, and the ways in which we de-emphasize the commercialism of the holidays to re-center ourselves around the true gifts of the season. Bring a story, essay or other reading to share. Newcomers are always welcome! First floor, Harambe Room.
Seekers: “Reconstructionism, the newest and purely American branch of Judaism,” with Nancy Levine, President-elect of the Congregation Dor Hadash. Ms. Levine will tell us what Reconstructionists believe, how the movement developed, what need it fills, and why someone would choose Reconstructionism, rather than Orthodox, Reformed, or Conservative Judaism. Reconstructionism is a purely American branch of Judaism. Rm 234.
Soul Food: A discussion of holy and important places of our lives related to the celebration of Christmas. Pastor’s Conference Room, second floor.
Labyrinth prayer walk: Every Monday from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm, and every Wednesday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
In the Sanctuary.
Taizé prayer service: Every Wednesday at 7pm, in the Chapel. The hour-long service includes sung, spoken, and silent prayers, beautiful music, a time of silence, and opportunity for individual prayer.
News and events
"How can I reclaim the season of Christmas?" with Reverend Dr. Randall K. Bush
People sometimes ask, "How can I reclaim the season of Christmas?" December has become such a busy time with planning, scheduling, the constant ads... Let’s start by "taking back" the season of Advent. Light a candle with us, one for each week of Advent, as we remember not just Jesus' birth, but the promise that he will come again.
Charis, ELPC’s Alternative Gift Giving Guide
As Christians, during the Christmas season, we remember the gift we have received: the birth of Jesus. Christmas is the perfect time to reflect on God’s charis: God’s favor, grace and kindness towards us. With the commercialization of the holiday season, we are sometimes drawn into the hustle and bustle, expense, and abundance of gift giving. The ELPC Mission Board invites you to prayerfully consider giving gifts that express and extend charis by gifting from the suggestions in our new book: Charis, An Alternative Gift Giving Guide. Giving a gift from this guide ensures your gift will bless the receiver, and extend charis to the artisan, organization or mission from whom the gift was purchased. View the guide (PDF)
Young Adults First Friday, December 7 at Crossroads, 7 pm
Join the Young Adults (those in their 20s and 30s) as they celebrate Advent for a “Bake and Wait” event. The evening will consist of a group discussion about what it means to “expectantly wait” in our lives. What is God teaching us through this time of waiting? How can we view this as a time of growth? We will bake Christmas cookies while we meet; “waiting” on the cookies to bake as we discuss. Meets at Crossroads United Methodist Church (click to view the website), located 325 North Highland Avenue, 15206 (click to see on a map) in East Liberty.
Christmas Worship & Seasonal Events
Check out our Seasonal Worship page for information on advent materials, Christmas Eve worship services, and related seasonal activities! View the webpage
More happenings at East Liberty Presbyterian Church
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 Rice.
East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) Men’s Shelter
During the fall months, the Deacons are collecting men’s socks, men’s underwear, and deodorant for EECM’s Men’s Shelter. Donations may be left in the hallway baskets. Thank you for your support!
ELPC Toymaker's group will have ornaments and other holiday things and some toys available in the McKelvy Room after 11 a.m. services. The Toymakers work all year to produce hand-made and hand-painted toys for children. We are motivated and fueled by the smiles we see on the faces of children from all over the world who receive our toys as gifts! Take what you want and pay what you want at Sunday’s sale; your offerings help provide supplies for the coming year.
Charis, ELPC’s Alternative Gift Giving Guide
More happenings at East Liberty Presbyterian Church
East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) Food Pantry