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 Surrender. Pastor Patrice will preach from Philippians 2:1–13. Communion will be celebrated.
Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, 11 am
Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. Pastor Randy will preach from Exodus 34:29–35, and his sermon will be titled “Removing Our Veils.” Communion will be celebrated.
If you’re out of town and/or unable to join us for worship, follow us on Facebook and stream our service.
Ash Wednesday Service | Wednesday, 12 pm
Lent is a special season in the Christian calendar—a time of intentionally looking at our own faith and lives. Join us in the Chapel on Wed., March 6, 12 pm, as our journey begins. Pastor Heather will lead our Ash Wednesday service, featuring the imposition of ashes.
Following our service, Ruth Farrell will lead a lunchtime discussion about her ministry at Casa San José in the Fellowship Room on the First Floor.
ELPC member Linda Harrington also will join Ruth to speak about her experience teaching the English Second Language classes for Casa San José.
Taizé Prayer Service | Wednesday, 7 pm
All are welcome to attend a special Taizé prayer service led by the Rev. Mary Lynn Callahan, as we mark the beginning of Lent together. The service will offer sung and spoken prayer, scripture reading and silence, an opportunity for individual prayer, anointing, and the imposition of ashes. 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 | McKelvy Room
The Role of Christianity and Government
Former British citizen Tony Richardson-Eckes will lead a discussion about the intersection of American politics and “the church.” He will contrast the American system with countries that have state churches.
Journey With Scripture | Second Floor Library
“Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven.”—Psalm 32:1
Happiness consists of a willingness to share in God’s joy in dispensing salvation through forgiveness. A joint partnership with risk and rewards! To let go of hurts, to accept oneself, to love the lost, even reckless. Come join us this Lent to reflect on unbounded forgiveness and joy embodied.
Join us for this week’s readings: Exodus 34:29–35; Psalm 99; 2 Corinthians 3:12–4:2; and Luke 9:28–43a.
Seekers | Garth Overlook Room
Finding Joy in our Lenten Traditions
The season of Lent is often presented as a time in the wilderness, set aside for solemn prayer, reflection, fasting and self-denial. ELPC member Jim Davidson, a retired Presbyterian minister, will lead our class in looking for the joy inside the Lenten traditions. Materials will include the book of Jonah and a sampling of recent Christian writers.
Soul Food | Good Samaritan Room (G12)
We will continue and conclude our discussion of selections from Meditations of the Heart by Howard Thurman, led by the Rev. Joe Hajdu and other class members.
Additional information about Thurman and African-American spirituality will be provided from Joy Unspeakable: Contemplative Practices of the Black Church, by Barbara Holmes. New participants are always welcome and books are quickly available.
Young Adults | Room 213
REgret, REalize, REassurance, REsurrection
All young adults are welcome to join us for a series examining these subjects within the Bible, our own faith journeys and experiences, and the world around us.