What’s Happening at East Liberty Presbyterian Church,
the “Cathedral of Hope”
February 12, 2013
Forgive us when we judge and despise others, even when we claim that judging others is wrong.
Spotlight
 Ash Wednesday, February 13
On February 13, the season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. We will celebrate with a quiet service at 12:00 pm, in the Chapel with prayer, scripture and the imposition of ashes. Following the service, all are invited to gather for a simple lunch in Room 234 where the Rev. Darrell Knopp, retired pastor of McKeesport Presbyterian Church, will speak on “Life's Transitions and Times of Loss.” This will be a kick-off to this year’s Lenten theme of Life Lessons. On Wednesday evening at 7pm, you can also join us for the Taizé Prayer Service, also with imposition of ashes. We will continue the focus on preparing our spirits and souls for Lenten reflection and quiet self-examination. Read more
 Congregational meeting, February 17 after the 11am service
Join us in the Social Hall after the 11:00 worship service for the Annual Congregational Meeting. A simple lunch will be provided, followed by a review of our ministry areas and committee work from the past year. In addition, the gathered body will be presented with a slate of candidates for Elder, Deacon, Centennial Fund, and Nominating Committee, which they will be asked to consider and vote upon. All those who are members of the church are asked to attend.
Worship services, Sunday February 17
- 8:00 am: Good Samaritan: Rev. Saleem Ghubril, Executive Director, Pittsburgh Promise, and Pastor, Mosaic Community Church. (In the ground floor Dining Room.)
- 8:45 am: Journey Worship: Rev. Dr. Randy Bush. (In the third floor Music Room.)
- 11:00 am: Sanctuary Worship: Rev. Dr. Randy Bush: “Lenten Life Lessons: Birth,” Psalm 22:9-11, Read the scripture (In the Sanctuary.)
Christian Education Adult Classes, Feb 17 | All classes begin @ 9:45
View the complete list of Christian Education classes for all ages
- Contemporaries: “Yoga and Christianity,” part 2 of 2, with Renee Prymus. (Grief part 2 returns Feb 24.) (Meets in the second floor Parlor.)
- Journey with Scripture: Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16; Romans 10:8b-13; Luke 4:1-13. (Meets in the second floor Library.)
- Parenting Circle: meets next on March 3 and the first Sunday of every month in an informal gathering. Newcomers are welcome! Read more about the group (Meets in the first floor Harambe Room.)
- Seekers: “An Altar in the World, A Geography of Faith, by Barbara Brown Taylor,” chapters 1-4, with special guest facilitator Rev. Heather Schoenewolf, part 2 of 3. (Meets in Room 234.)
- Soul Food: A discussion of the first part of chapter 3 in Things Hidden: Scripture as Spirituality, by Richard Rohr. (Meets in the second floor Pastor’s Conference Room.)
- Young Adults continues their discussion of Love Wins by Rob Bell, asking the question, “What does the Bible say about Heaven and Hell?” Special guest facilitator PTS professor Dr. Dale Allison. Read more about the group
More worship and prayer opportunities during the week
- Centering Prayer: Centering Prayer meets every Tuesday evenings. Join us tonight,
 February 12, 7:00pm! Newcomers welcome. (Meets in the second floor Library.)
- Labyrinth prayer walk: Come away from the hectic and busy for some quiet, prayerful moments with God: Join us Mondays from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm; or Wednesdays, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
- 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. This week: Wednesday February 13, Ash Wednesday, imposition of ashes during the service.
News and events
 Lenten Bible Study series begins this week
Please join Rev. Bush and Rev. Schoenewolf for a Lenten Bible Study series, Wednesday evenings in Lent, from 5:45 pm to 6:55 pm pm in the Second Floor Parlor, February 13, 20, 27; March 6, 13, 20. (Attendance at each session is not required! Join us as your schedule permits.) The Bible 116 class is an informal (adult) gathering in which Pastor Randy and/or Pastor Heather lead a conversation about the scripture passage that is the focus of the upcoming Sunday worship service. Bring your own bible, or bibles provided. A simple meal of soup and bread will be available, and volunteers are encouraged to assist in providing these refreshments.
 Lectio Divina workshops continue, February 17 at 6pm
The Spiritual Life Committee invites you to a series of Lectio Divina workshops. The workshops aim to deepen the relationship of participants with the Divine through a practice based on two approaches: Lectio Divina and the four senses of scripture. Lectio Divina is an ancient practice for meditating on scripture, listening and responding to the scripture as if in conversation with God. Leah Marmo and Ben Rainey will facilitate these workshops over a series of dates from January through May. Join us as you can; attendance at all sessions is not mandatory. All sessions are Sunday evenings beginning at 6pm. Read more
 More happenings at East Liberty Presbyterian Church
To find out all about what’s going on at ELPC this week, see this week’s announcements.
In our community
 East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) Food Pantry
The EECM Food Pantry provides food for individuals and families facing hunger in Pittsburgh. February’s “Food of the Month” is canned tuna.
East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) Men’s Shelter
During the winter months, the Deacons are collecting warm socks, hats, scarves, and gloves for EECM’s Men’s Shelter. Donations may be left in the hallway baskets. Thank you for your support! |