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 Faith, Not Fear. 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 Patrice will preach from Jeremiah 29:1, 4–9 and her sermon will be titled “Seek Peace.” This week, we will celebrate Indigenous People’s Day (observed this year on Mon., Oct. 10). Following worship, the ELPC Mission Board invites everyone to the Social Hall for a light lunch and a presentation, titled Indigenous Pittsburgh: Christian Doctrine, Small Pox Blankets, and Native Populations. Click here to read more.
Taizé Prayer Service | Wednesday, at 7 pm
Our hour-long service includes 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. If you’re unable to participate in person, join our live stream on your computer or mobile device. 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 and Seekers | Room 234
Paul Tillich: The Pittsburgh Dialogues
Dr. Paul Tillich, the first Protestant professor dismissed by Adolf Hitler, became the greatest theologian of 20th century America. In the 1950s, WQED created four 30-minute dialogues with Tillich and professors from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (PTS). The late Dr. Robert Johnson, professor of Theology and former Dean of Yale Divinity School, moderated each session.
Each week, we will watch one of the videos, and professor Ron Stone, who knew all the participants, will lead a discussion. The series is a very personal biography of Tillich, as well as an introductory course to his theology.
The Seekers class will host our lesson, Philosophy and Theology, in Room 234. The first video features a discussion between Paul Tillich and Dr. Walter Wiest, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy of Religion at PTS.
Journey With Scripture | Second Floor Library
How could we sing the LORD’s song in a foreign land?—Psalm 137:4. The psalmist laments the Jewish exile in Babylon—a radical physical displacement of suffering and deep questioning. Join us in October as we reflect upon similar readings and the myriad ways God provides sustenance to move to enduring freedom.
This week, our readings are Jeremiah 29:1, 4–7; Psalm 66:1–12; 2 Timothy 2:8–15; and Luke 17:11–19.
Soul Food | Third Floor Music Room
This week, we will discuss the first part of chapter two of The Gift of Being Yourself, led by Michele Bossers, Sel Whitaker, and Shirley Fair.
Young Adult Ministry | Pastor’s Conference Room
The Gospel of Mark
Spend time with other young adults thoughtfully and completely studying through the Gospel of Mark over this five-week series, led by a host of special Bible study leaders. See Wil for your study guide booklet, which will enhance your experience but is not necessary to enjoy this series.
This week, our lesson will be titled, Jesus as a Wonder Worker, based on Mark 4:1–7:37.