Here’s what’s happening in worship this week. Click the “more” link for our Church School programming.
This Sunday, we will honor ELPC women by receiving the Presbyterian Women Thank Offering. For more than 120 years, the Thank Offering has supported programs that relieve pain, provide clean water, alleviate homelessness, provide educational opportunities, and lift up the lives of women and children throughout the world. Last year, the generosity of members and friends of ELPC helped fund 14 projects in the U.S. and 8 abroad. Thank you!
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 Emerging. Pastor Heather will preach from Isaiah 11:1–10. Communion will be celebrated.
Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, at 11 am
Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. Pastor Randy will preach from John 3:22–30 and his sermon will be titled “What Prophets Say About Jesus.” Communion will be celebrated.
Taizé Prayer Service | Wednesday, at 7 pm
Our hour-long service includes 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 this service of sung Taizé prayer. Stay afterward for Contemplative Prayer. If you’re unable to participate in person, join our live stream on your computer or mobile device.
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
The Stranger and Hospitality: The East End of Pittsburgh
Mark Roth and the Rev. Patrice Fowler-Searcy will lead our discussion, How shall we respond faithfully to the changes in East Liberty and Lawrenceville?
Journey With Scripture | Second Floor Library
To all God’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ—Romans 1:7. The apostle Paul proclaims God’s assurance and encouragement to the Christian community living in an empire. Like other Advent readings, God calls us to justice—to recognize and receive Christ in the world. Join us as we reflect on these readings:
This week, our readings are Isaiah 11:1–10; Psalm 72:1–7, 18–19; Romans 15:4–13; and Matthew 3:1–12. Our class will be facilitated by Jan Irvin and Lora Bethea.
Seekers | Room 234
“Easter and Christmas Christians” and God’s Gift of Unique Presence
Our church will experience an increase in attendance during the Christmas and Easter seasons. Paul Seif will lead us in examining the possible reasons why some people only attend during those times, how we can serve them, and make them comfortable with us. In our age of declining church attendance (though statistically steady religious affinity, according to poll data), a stigma can surround those who attend church only occasionally.
We will learn about recent studies that show that occasional church attendance decreases depression, as well as incidence of suicidal tendencies among the clinically depressed—even in cases where individuals only attend church on Easter and Christmas. In light of this research, as a community of faith, we will learn together how we can cherish, serve alongside, and minister to those whom God will invite into our sacred communities this holiday season.
Paul recently completed his studies at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a call towards ordination in the PC(USA). Paul was a seminary intern at ELPC from 2014–15, and continues to volunteer at club one sixteen, our mid-week children and youth programming.
Soul Food | Third Floor Music Room
This week, we will begin a discussion on chapter six of The Gift of Being Yourself, led by Joe Hajdu, Steve Evrard, and Judy Roberts.