Here’s what’s happening in worship this week.
Worship Services
Journey Worship | Sunday, at 8:45 am
An interactive, energetic service for those seeking a fresh encounter with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our theme this month is Family Tree. Pastor Randy will preach from Luke 1:38–45.
Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, at 11 am
Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. Our theme for Advent is Bookends. Each week, we’ll take a theme from Genesis and explore how it is “answered” in Revelation. As we observe the fourth Sunday of Advent, our scripture readings will be Genesis 11:1–9 and Revelation 7:9–17. Pastor Randy will preach and his sermon will be titled “Advent Bookends: Babel and Harmony.”
Taizé | Wednesday, at 7 pm
An hour-long service including sung prayers; simple, beautiful music; a time of silence; spoken and silent prayers; and an opportunity for individual prayer and anointing. The Rev. Mary Lynn Callahan will lead worship. Stay afterward for Contemplative Prayer.
Christian Education Classes
We offer Christian Education classes for persons of all ages, from infancy through adulthood, on Sundays from 9:45–10:45 am. Click the links for adult class descriptions and children and youth offerings.
Contemporaries | Second Floor Parlor
Following Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, we will use Dr. Kenneth Bailey’s scholarship to peel away centuries of Greek, Roman, and European paint from the birth narrative of Jesus, to reveal the classic story within.
This week, our lesson is The Savior, the Wise Men, and the Vision of Isaiah. Who did Jesus come to save? Where did the wise men come from? What do Jerusalem and Isaiah 60 have to do with Christmas? Mark Blank will lead our discussion of Matthew 2:1–12 and Isaiah 60:1–7.
Journey With Scripture | Second Floor Library
Mary, the expectant mother of Jesus, exclaims to her relative Elizabeth, “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant”—Luke 1:47–48. Like Mary, our spirits can rejoice for the life being born within us: the Word made flesh—a maturing love in Christ for our family, neighbors, and for the world. Join us as we seek an Advent and Christmas of peace with justice.
This week, Jan Irvin will serve as facilitator. Our readings are: Micah 5:2–5a; Luke 1:46b–55; Psalm 80:1–7; Hebrews 10:5–10; and Luke 1:39–55.
Seekers | Room 234
Gifts of the Spirit
We will share music and Christmas memories. ELPC members and friends from other lands will tell us about their Christmas traditions, including folks from Argentina, British Virgin Islands, China, Congo, Mexico, Pakistan, and others.
Soul Food | Third Floor Music Room
This week, we will conclude our discussion of chapter six of An Altar in the World, by Barbara Brown Taylor. Class will be led by Joe Hajdu, Michele Bossers, and Judy Roberts.