Here’s what’s happening in worship this week. This Sunday, September 10, the Christian Education Committee also invites you to a light breakfast in the McKelvy Room, beginning at 9:30 am, as we celebrate Rally Day.
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 Convergence. Pastor Patrice will preach from Genesis 7:1–16.
Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, at 11 am
Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. Pastor Randy will preach from Matthew 18:15–22, and his sermon will be titled “Relentless Reconciliation.”
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 | Harambe Room
The Lord’s Prayer may be described as a “very bright point of light” for those in total darkness. While it has similarities to Jewish daily prayer, it also has significant differences. Jesus prayed this prayer in Aramaic, rather than Hebrew, and it is succinct and direct; the paradigm is “do not heap empty phrases as the Gentiles.” Our 4-week study of the Lord’s Prayer will be based on the late Ken Bailey’s scholarship.
Mary Alice Lightle will lead our lesson this week, God Our Father, guided by Matthew 6:5–9. We will consider the One to whom we pray. “Our Father” invokes a loving God who is both near and “in the heavens.” Prayer rests on the premise that the Creator God can hear us when we speak to Him.
Journey With Scripture | Second Floor Library
“Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep.”—(Romans 13:10–11). The Christian vision of the future is not dystopian, but rather one of nearing salvation, where you’re called to steadfastly love all the way into it—starting now! Join us as we become awake through reading scripture.
This week, our readings are: Exodus 12:1–14; Psalm 149; Romans 13:8–14; and Matthew 18:15–20.
Seekers | Chapel
The Spirituality of Place
Pastor Patrice and ELPC have been active participants in East Liberty’s redevelopment. How does our faith influence the development and results? Join us and learn more about ELPC’s role as a community of faith.
Soul Food | Third Floor Music Room
Join us for a gathering and preview session, led by the Rev. Joe Hajdu, Michele Bossers, and Sue Bailey.
Young Adults | Session Room
Prayer Time
Join us and connect with other young adults for biblical reflection and some group prayer.