What’s Happening at East Liberty Presbyterian Church,
the “Cathedral of Hope”
December 12, 2012
The Messiah comes to remind us of the gift of peace, when there will be no difference between the people of all nations.
Spotlight
Hope Academy Winter Concert | Saturday, December 15, 7pm
Please join us for a classical, rock, pop and world music-filled concert featuring Hope Academy students, teaching artists and friends. Performers include EL CEO (East Liberty Community Engagement Orchestra) performing music by Rossini, Messiaen and Strauss; HAT Co (Hope Academy Teen Theater Company) performing popular and original Christmas songs; plus, Ensemble Ripieno performing the Corelli Christmas Concerto; and special guest artist, the Rev. Dr. Randy Bush! Join us for this FREE concert! In the Sanctuary. View the event poster
Cathedral Christmas Concert, Sunday December 16, 2pm
The ELPC Chancel Choir will be joined by the Fox Chapel Area High School Madrigal Singers and Ambassador Orchestra in a FREE holiday celebration, in the Sanctuary. Featuring the Christmas Oratorio by Camille Saint-Säens and other seasonal works. Invite your friends and family! Why not consider staying at ELPC after worship? Bring a bag lunch and relax with friends in the Social Hall prior to the 2 pm concert. The church will provide beverages, bread and soup!
Worship services, Sunday December 16
8:00 am: Good Samaritan: Rev. Michael Stanton preaching, Director, Open Hand Ministires. Ground floor dining room.
8:45 am: Journey Worship: Rev. Dr. Randall K. Bush preaching. Third floor music room.
11:00 am: Sanctuary Worship: Rev. Dr. Randall K. Bush preaching, “Advent Gifts: The Gift of Light,” John 1:6-13.
Christian Education, Sunday
December 16
During the Church School hour, all ages are invited to please join for our Christmas Pageant, “Look How Far We’ve Come”--an original work written by ELPC member Ashley Birt (with some help from Matthew and Luke). Read the CE Special Programs page for more details!
Christian Education programs resume January 6 for our Winter Rally Day.
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. Special German Advent celebration December 12 at 8pm; see news story for details.
News and events
After-Taizé Event: German Advent Celebration!
Bring cookies to share for our After-Taizé Christmas Party on Wednesday, December 12, at about 8pm. We’ll sing carols in German and English, and make traditional paper stars! All are welcome! In the 3rd floor Music Room. View our Taizé worship webpage
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)
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
“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. Watch the video on YouTube
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!
After-Taizé Event: German Advent Celebration!
Charis, ELPC’s Alternative Gift Giving Guide
More happenings at East Liberty Presbyterian Church
East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) Food Pantry