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 Resilience. Mark Blank, our seminary intern from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, will preach.
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 Luke 13: 22—30, and his sermon will be titled “Narrow Doors, Wide Visions.” During worship, the ELPC Chancel Choir and a quartet of strings and organ will present Franz Joseph Haydn’s Little Organ Mass.
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 this service of sung Taizé prayer. 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
A Biblical and Practical Perspective on Forgiveness
Pete Murray will continue our Lenten series on “forgiveness.” We will use Dr. Kennneth Bailey’s most famous work (on the Prodigal Son parable), and the work of Abraham Twerski, a contemporary local rabbi.
Journey With Scripture | Second Floor Library
“Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you”—Psalm 63:3. Lent can provide the opportunity to reflect upon the recognition, cost, and ultimate grace of God’s steadfast love. Maturing in such love may even lead us, in midst of loss, to dare give praise. Come journey with us as we read and reflect upon February’s Lenten texts.
This week, Mark Blank will serve as facilitator. Our readings are: Isaiah 55:1–9; Psalm 63:1–8; 1 Corinthians 10:1–13; and Luke 13:1–9.
Seekers | Room 234
What Saves Us? part 1 of 3
As we approach the cross this Lenten season, Pastor Heather will lead us in a three-part series as we reflect on Christ’s saving work. How does Christ save us? What does Jesus save us from? What does He save us for? Some of the answers we have heard may unsettle us—glorifying violence and raising questions about God’s love and power.
Rita Nakashima Brock and Rebecca Parker—contemporary feminist theologians—address these questions in their book, Proverbs of Ashes. The authors use personal narrative and rich theology to explore the doctrine of the atonement. With sensitivity and candor, they address the problematic theology behind some traditional interpretations of the atonement and encourage readers to dig deeper into scripture and experience in their search for what saves us.
Soul Food | Third Floor Music Room
This week, Joe Hajdu, Reed Williams, and Barb Fotta will lead us as we begin discussing chapter 10 of An Altar in the World, by Barbara Brown Taylor.
Young Adults | Pastor’s Conference Room
Hear ELPC members share their personal stories of faith, hope, love and liberation as we reflect upon them, their biblical relevance and their meanings for our own lives. During this session we will hear stories of love from Henk & Michele Bossers’ journey.