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 Wilderness. Pastor Randy will preach from John 12:20–28.
Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, 11 am
Each year, in partnership with Presbyterian Women, ELPC selects a Sunday close to International Women’s Day (Thurs., March 8), during which we lift up the gifts of women and acknowledge the challenges that women throughout the world continue to face.
The Rev. Heather Schoenewolf will preach from Matthew 15:21–28, and her sermon will be titled “Pathway to Peace: Refusing to be Silenced.” In conjunction with ELPC’s Lenten sermon series on the “Voices of Peace,” Pastor Heather will feature the peacemaking work of Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai. Our service will include women liturgists, ushers, and greeters.
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. Click the links for adult class descriptions and children and youth offerings.
Contemporaries | Harambe Room
Psalms of the Abundance of Creation
Walter Brueggemann calls Psalm 104 “an extended celebration of the goodness and awesome character of the creation.” What does it mean that the Lord is “Creator?” What if we lived out the Psalmist’s vision of abundance in an anxious and despairing world? Mary Alice Lightle will lead us.
Journey With Scripture | Second Floor Library
“I the Lord am your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, the house of bondage”—Exodus 20:2.
The initial liberating act of Exodus is paradigmatic for life’s journey with God towards a new identity and terrain. It is costly. Yet we may come to respond, “I trust in you, O Lord; You are my God. My times are in your hand.’’ Journey with scripture this Lent!
Join us for this week’s readings: Jeremiah 31:31–34; Psalm 51:1–12 ; Hebrews 5:5–10; and John 12:20–33.
Seekers | Good Samaritan Room
Living with an Attitude of Gratitude | Part 2 of 2
Drawing from her latest book, Gratefulness: The Habit of a Grace-Filled Life, Susan Muto will explain how to follow the commandment found in 1 Thessalonians 5:8, to give thanks in all circumstances. She will show why the attitude of gratitude is an absolute necessity to fight our daily battles against distress, anxiety, and discontent.
Susan Muto is executive director of the Epiphany Association and dean of the Epiphany Academy of Formative Spirituality.
Soul Food | Third Floor Music Room
The Book of Joy by Douglas Abrams
We will discuss The Book of Joy, with the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu, led by the Rev. Joe Hajdu, Vivienne Selia, Michelle Bard, and Laura Ristau.
Young Adults | Room 224
Lenten Series
These weekly Lenten sessions will begin with discussions led by young adults, with topics of their choosing. See Wil if you’d like to start a discussion and/or provide breakfast.