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 What’s Next? Pastor Patrice 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 Heather will preach from Luke 4:12–21. Her sermon will be titled “You Heard it Here First.”
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
What Is the Torah? Jesus was a Jew
Being a follower of Jesus suggests that we should learn about the Jewish people, especially their way of understanding the Scriptures. What did Jesus have to say about the Torah? How do modern-day Jews honor the Torah? How does the Torah—the first five books of the Old Testament—lay the foundation for our faith? Carolyn Russ will take the class on a brief tour of the Torah and suggest why we should care about a section of the Old Testament that some regard as useful mostly for providing exciting stories for children.
Journey With Scripture | Second Floor Library
“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12). The apostle Paul writes of a kind of love and spirit that moves towards, and culminates in, full knowledge and personal intimacy. January’s scripture readings help illuminate this kind of life and ethic. Come join us as we read and reflect upon Christ’s Epiphany in a fragmented and uncertain world.
This week, Jan Irvin will serve as facilitator. Our readings are: Nehemiah 8:1–10; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 12:12–31a; and Luke 4:14–21.
Seekers | Room 234
Casa San Jose—Hispanic Ministry
Casa San Jose is a community resource center that advocates for and empowers Latinos by promoting integration and self-sufficiency. They meet at ELPC once a week. Grace Muller, who works as a service coordinator and navigator as part of Casa San Jose’s Immigrants Services and Connections Program, will lead our class.
Soul Food | Third Floor Music Room
This week, we will conclude our discussion of chapter seven of An Altar in the World, by Barbara Brown Taylor.
Young Adults | Pastor’s Conference Room
Telling Stories of Faith
Our new series will feature ELPC members sharing their personal stories of faith, hope, love, and liberation, as we reflect upon their stories, biblical relevance, and meanings for our own lives. During this inaugural session we will hear stories of faith from Donni Smith and her journey.