Here’s what’s happening in worship this week. Click on “more” for details about this week’s Church School classes.
Worship Services
Journey Worship | Sunday, 8:45 am
An interactive, energetic service for those seeking a fresh encounter with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our theme this month is Spotlight. Pastor Patrice will preach from Matthew 5:13–20.
Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, 11 am
Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. Pastor Patrice will preach from Matthew 5:13–20, and her sermon will be titled “You Are/I Am.”
If you’re out of town and/or unable to attend worship, join us in spirit. Subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on Facebook and stream our service.
Taizé Prayer Service | Wednesday, 7 pm
Led by the Rev. Mary Lynn Callahan, our hour-long Taizé service includes sung prayers; simple, beautiful music; a time of silence; spoken and silent prayers; and an opportunity for individual prayer and anointing. 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. Read more about our adult class descriptions and children and youth offerings.
Children and Youth
- Infants–Age 2 | Nursery
- Pre-school/Ages 3–5 | Room 110 B
- Kindergarten–Grade 1 | Room 206
- Grades 2–3 | Room 205
- Grades 4–5 | Room 211
- Middle School (grades 6–8) | Room 207
- Senior High (grades 9–12) | Room 217
Contemporaries | McKelvy Room
Invitations From Jesus
Jesus did not introduce himself to his disciples with a handshake, but rather issued an invitation to them saying, “Come and follow me.” Instantly, lives were changed. The Gospels are filled with invitations from Jesus that changed hearts, minds, and lives to those who heard his call. These invitations have the power to transform our worldview, beliefs, and actions even today. During this five-week series, we will highlight a few of Jesus’ invitations and explore together what it would look like for us to say “yes” to these invitations within the context of our daily lives.
Tim Engelhardt will lead this week’s lesson, titled Come Follow Me. Jesus persistently issues an invitation to come follow him. What was he trying to tell us? How can we live into that invitation?
Journey With Scripture | Highland Room
“It is you who light my lamp; the Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.”—Psalm 18:28
February’s readings display many ways the presence and grace of God can break into, even overturn, the kinds of human resistance, distrust, and fixed mindsets that diminish life and full relationships. Through such means as visions, trances, prayers, physical touch, and suffering, the once closed future becomes open. We’ll read stories about the prophet Daniel with the king of Persia (now Iran), and radical transformations of the apostles Peter and Paul. February concludes with the martyrdom of Steven as a sober reminder of Lent’s beginning. Join us as we reflect on these texts:
Join us for this week’s readings: Daniel 6:10–28; Psalm 7; Hebrew 10:26–39; and Acts 9:17–31.
Parenting Circle | Harambe Room
Anyone involved in parenting (singles, couples, adoptive parents, step-parents, grandparents, guardians, mentors, etc.) are welcome to join us for our NEW Parenting Circle. Gathering time starts at 9:45 am, but our formal discussion won’t start until 10 am, so that families have time to drop off their children at their classes. We share experiences, resources, prayer, and scripture as we explore how our faith builds and nourishes our family lives, as well as nurtures our parent/child relationships. Join us as we learn from one another ways to foster closer family relationships in the context of creating active faith communities.
Seekers | Garth Overlook Room
Getting Through Grief But Not Getting Over It
The Rev. Terri Pennybaker will share her family’s experience of grief and the goodness of God in the tragic loss of their 5-year-old grandson, Aiden. Getting through the loss, but never getting over it has been a life-altering experience for the family. Rev. Terri will share how God’s word and God’s Spirit are mending the brokenness of the absence of a life taken so quick and so early.
Rev. Pennybaker is currently working on her field education work at ELPC and is the student mission assistant under Rev. Patrice Fowler-Searcy.
Soul Food | Good Samaritan Room
Just This
We will discuss our current book, Just This, by Richard Rohr, led by the Rev. Joe Hajdu, Vivienne Selia, David Carl, and Michelle Yamada.