Blog

This Week in Worship: February 16–22, 2018

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 Speak the Truth. Pastor Randy will preach from Mark 1:9–15.

Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, 11 am
Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. This week, our service will highlight Thomas Merton, as we continue exploring our Lenten theme, “Voices of Peace.” Pastor Randy will preach from 1 Peter 3:8–15, and his sermon will be titled “Do Not Fear What They Fear.”

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.

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This Week in Worship: February 9–15, 2018

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 Speak the Truth. Pastor Patrice will preach.

Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, 11 am
Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. The Rev. Jimmie Hawkins will preach from Genesis 4:8–16, and his sermon will be titled “We Are Our Brother’s, Our Sister’s Keeper.”

The Rev. Hawkins currently serves as director of the PC(USA) Office of Public Witness in Washington, D.C.

Ash Wednesday Service | Wednesday, 12 pm
On Wed., Feb. 14, the season of Lent will begin with our Ash Wednesday service at 12 pm, featuring the imposition of ashes in the Chapel. Pastor Randy will preach from Matthew 5:38–48, and his sermon will be titled “Voices of Peace: Desmond Tutu.”

Following the service, the Rev. Dr. Heather Hartung Vacek will be with us to discuss “Speaking Faithfully About the Challenge of Mental Illness.” Join us in Good Samaritan Room (formerly the Small Dining Room). Lunch provided.

The Rev. Dr. Vacek joined the faculty at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 2012, and became vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty/associate professor of church history in 2016.

Taizé Prayer Service | Wednesday, 7 pm
As you begin your observance of Lent, join us for a special Ash Wednesday Taizé service, led by the Rev. Mary Lynn Callahan. 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.

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Pastoral Message: February 2018

We have a funny, love-hate relationship with money. When we don’t have it, we wish we did; when we do have it, we worry that someone else will take it from us or we moan about how quickly it disappears. In church we quote scripture about how the love of money is the root of all evil (I Timothy 6:10), even as we encourage people to put money in the offering plate since God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). Read More

This Week in Worship: February 2–8, 2018

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, 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 Speak the Truth. Pastor Heather will preach from Ephesians 4:1–7,11–16.

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 Mark 1:29–39, and his sermon will be titled “Public Witness, Private Faith.”

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. If you’re unable to participate in person, join our live stream on your computer or mobile device.

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Just the FAQS: PPT Shakespeare Contest Details for MTW and HAT Co

Details for Hope Academy’s Musical Theater Workshop  and HAT Co (Hope Academy’s Teen Theater Company) Students

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2018 Lenten Devotionals

The Christian Education Committee will be providing devotionals to guide us during this Lenten season. The devotionals will be available on Sun., Feb. 11.

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This Week in Worship: January 26–February 1, 2018

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, 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 Distance. Pastor Patrice will preach from Isaiah 49:8–16.

Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, at 11 am
Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. Pastor Heather will preach from Mark 1:21–28, and her sermon will be titled “Public Witness.”

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. If you’re unable to participate in person, join our live stream on your computer or mobile device.

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ELPC to Co-Sponsor Upcoming WQED Programs

ELPC is partnering with WQED to sponsor two programs that focus on the LGBTQ community.

We’ll Meet Again: Coming Out
Tuesday, February 27, 8 pm
Join Ann Curry as those whose lives were changed by the early days of the gay rights movement reunite. Tom wants to find the childhood friend who urged him to come out, while Paul seeks a fellow student who inspired him to stand up for his beliefs. Learn more

Authentic Lives
Thursday, January 25, 8 pm | Monday, January 29, 7:30 pm
This locally-produced special program addresses challenges, advances and setbacks faced by the LGBTQ community in Pittsburgh. It includes a feature report on Persad’s Celebrate Life, Celebrate Art annual auction, and a frank, informative panel discussion on gay life in our region. Learn more

This Week in Worship: January 19–25, 2018

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, 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 Distance. Pastor Heather will preach from Mark 1:14–20.

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 Genesis 1:26–31, and his sermon will be titled “Christ & Caveman – part 2.”

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. If you’re unable to participate in person, join our live stream on your computer or mobile device.

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This Week in Worship: January 12–18, 2018

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, 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 Distance. Pastor Randy will preach from Genesis 2:4b–9.

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 Genesis 2:4b–9, and his sermon will be titled “Christ & Caveman – part 1.”

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. If you’re unable to participate in person, join our live stream on your computer or mobile device.

Read More