Here’s what’s happening in worship this week. Click the “more” link for our Church School programming.
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 Disruption. Pastor Patrice will preach from Ezekiel 37:1–14.
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 Matthew 15:21–28, and her sermon will be titled “Unfaithful Phrases: You’re Unloveable.”
We also will have a special celebration of the Gifts of Women. Each year, in partnership with Presbyterian Women, ELPC selects a Sunday close to International Women’s Day (March 8), during which we lift up the gifts of women and acknowledge the challenges that women throughout the world continue to face. Our service will include women liturgists, ushers, and greeters, as well as music from The Color Purple, a Tony Award winning musical.
Taizé Prayer Service | Wednesday, at 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. Stay afterward for Contemplative Prayer. 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 | Second Floor Parlor
What it Means to be Free in Christ
We live in a time in which we are again concerned to protect our rights and freedoms as Americans. But Christian faith offers us freedom even when external circumstances are oppressive. We will explore the nature of Christian freedom and how we can find it. Lessons from great Christians—past and present—will guide us. Dr. John Burgess, professor at PTS, will lead us.
Journey With Scripture | Second Floor Library
“If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered”—Psalm 130:3–4. Perhaps the above verses interpret the movement from Lent to Easter. Join us this month as we ponder journey, cross, tomb, garden, and locked room.
This week, our readings are Ezekiel 37:1–14; Psalm 130; Romans 8:6–11; and John 11:1–45.
Seekers | Room 234
Lazarus and the Miracle of Resurrections
The language of resurrection is ancient and complex, going far beyond the Easter story of Jesus Christ. Is it an individual or collective act—an awakening from sleep or a movement from true death to eternal life? Pastor Randy will help us look at stories involving Elijah, Lazarus, and Jesus, as we seek to gain a fuller, faithful understanding of the miracle of resurrection.
Soul Food | Third Floor Music Room
The Rev. Joe Hajdu, Judy Roberts, and Linda Harrington will lead us as we begin discussing Week 5 of Open the Door, by Joyce Rupp.
Young Adults | Pastor’s Conference Room
Discussion and Prayer Series
On Sundays during Lent, we will engage in a discussion series based on topics selected by our group. We also will explore different styles of prayer each week.
See Wil if you want to lead a discussion, lead prayer time, and/or provide breakfast.