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This Week in Worship: April 22–28, 2016

Here’s what’s happening in worship this week.

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 Rebirth. Pastor Heather will preach from 2 Corinthians 5:16–21.

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 Acts 11:1–18 and her sermon will be titled “The Other.”

Taizé Stations of the Cross | Wednesday, at 7 pm
An hour-long service including 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. Stay afterward for Contemplative Prayer.

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This Week in Worship: April 15–21, 2016

Here’s what’s happening in worship this week.

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 Rebirth. Pastor Heather will preach from Mark 5:1–20.

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 Acts 9:1–19 and his sermon will be titled “Complex Persecution.”

Taizé Stations of the Cross | Wednesday, at 7 pm
An hour-long service including 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. Stay afterward for Contemplative Prayer.

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Spotlight: Humane Action Pittsburgh

Humane Action Pittsburgh LogoHumane Action Pittsburgh is a coalition of citizen lobbyists dedicated to advancing animal protection through legislation and policy.

In just 2 hours, you will learn to do more for animals than most people ever will. As Brian Bonsteel, president of Humane Action Pittsburgh and ELPC member says, “Animal abuse is something we cannot rescue our way out of, we need to legislate it.” Humane Action Pittsburgh gives you tools to communicate with your legislators and ask them to vote for laws that would help animals.

Every six weeks, Humane Action Pittsburgh meets on Tuesday from 6 to 8 pm at East Liberty Presbyterian Church.

Meetings and topics for the first half of 2016Humane Action Pittsburgh meets at East Liberty Presbyterian Church and organizes to lobby legislators on animal rights issues. Brian Bonsteel is the president.
January 19 – End the horror of puppy mills in Pennsylvania
March 1 – Humane 101, Sen Roy Afflerbach
April 12 – Lobby Harrisburg!
May 24 – Pittsburgh as the model humane city
Lobby Washington, DC in June!

Meatless vegetarian and vegan food will be served at the meetings.

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This Week in Worship: April 8–14, 2016

Here’s what’s happening in worship this week.

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 Rebirth. Pastor Patrice will preach from John 19:4–16.

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 John 4:5–29 and her sermon will be titled “The Truth of our Stories.” We also will celebrating the gifts of women!.

Taizé Stations of the Cross | Wednesday, at 7 pm
An hour-long service including 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. 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 | Second Floor Parlor
Between Trauma and Triumph
With the passion and resurrection just past, we will attempt to focus on the pre-resurrection reality—the time after the trauma and before the triumph. Using Shelly Rambo’s Spirit and Trauma as a framework, Pete Murray will lead us in a discussion of the emerging “Theology of Trauma” recently mentioned by Professor Ron Stone.

Journey With Scripture | Second Floor Library
I looked, and there was a great multitude from every nation, from all tribes, and peoples and languages. They cried out in a loud voice saying, “Salvation belongs to our God” (Revelation 7:9–10). April’s Easter readings span time and space, from a few frightened disciples hiding in a locked room to countless rejoicing in heaven. Join us to explore the limitless nature of salvation.

This week, Jan Irvin will lead us. Our readings are Acts 9:1–20; Psalm 30; Revelation 5:11–14; and John 21:1–19.

Seekers | Room 234
How acquainted are you with the Holy Spirit?
Dr. Lois Lang, a spiritual director and a former ELPC staff member, will lead our focus on the Holy Spirit as seen in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. Francis Chan, in his book The Forgotten God, points out that most people are not as familiar with the third person of the Trinity as with the other two. During our class, short segments of Francis Chan’s DVD will be used to illustrate points and to promote discussion. Bibles will be available, or bring your own.

Soul Food | Third Floor Music Room
This week, Joe Hajdu, Michele Bossers, and Shirley Fair will lead us as we conclude our discussion of chapter 12 of An Altar in the World, by Barbara Brown Taylor.

Young Adults | Pastor’s Conference Room
During this session, we’ll hear stories of liberation from Roy Hiller’s journey.

Hope Academy’s Singer/Songwriter Contest

If you’ve got a song to sing, but no band to back you up, this is your chance to develop your material and perform live with a great group of young musicians. Selected artist will also receive individual vocal coaching on their song and a professional studio recording.

Fill out this online Singer/Songwriter Contest Application by April 20, 2016. You will need to give us a link to a video of you performing your song, or upload an audio file.

Sam Herring, lead singer and songwriter from the synth-pop band, Future Islands, will be judging the entries and picking a winner.

Winners will rehearse with the band on Saturday mornings and perform in at least one event in May or June.

Here is a video of the band doing an acoustic version of Mimi O’Malley’s original song, Ghost Girl.

And a video of the band covering “Not Ready to Make Nice” by the Dixie Chicks.

Hope Academy’s Spring Term 2016

Hope Academy’s spring term begins on Tuesday, April 5 and runs thru to Saturday, May 28 (with makeup  lessons continuing on into mid-June, as needed).

New private lesson students should complete this online inquiry form before registering and paying for the term.

Students interested in our spring mini-term Bridge courses (Ballet and Chorus) should RSVP for the placement auditions on Saturday, April 2.

On-site registrations will take place on Thursday, March 31 and Saturday, April 2.

Private lessons

Piano lesson Deidre and ElisaPrivate music instruction is offered at Hope Academy for piano, organ, strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass), woodwinds (flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, bassoon), brass (trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba), percussion (djembe, drum set, cajon);  classical and electric guitar, electric bass, ukulele and voice; for students as young as 4 years old.

Private lessons take place at East Liberty Presbyterian Church, after school (Tuesday-Friday) and all day on Saturdays. 30 minute, 45 minute, and 60 minute lessons are offered. Suzuki piano lessons are offered on Saturdays.

Three levels of Suzuki Violin (including a group class and private lesson each week) are currently running; a new, beginner Suzuki group will start in the fall of 2016.

New students should fill out this online inquiry form for private lessons. Once we receive a completed form a teaching artist will contact you.

Spring term tuition for private lessons and Suzuki Violin (5 lessons):

30 minute – $80 + $10 registration fee
45 minute – $120 + $10 registration fee
60 minute – $160 + $10 registration fee
Suzuki Violin (30 minute private lesson and 1 hr group class each week) – $100

BRIDGE BALLET and BRIDGE CHORUS

Voices of Hope Christmas Concert at East Liberty Presbyterian ChurchBridge courses are for more committed and focused students who want to work with other young artists who share their level of discipline and enthusiasm. Punctuality, attendance, behavior and dress (proper dance clothing for Bridge Ballet) will be held to a higher standard and the expectation is that students will attend every class, be on time and prepared, and dressed appropriately.

Bridge courses run from April 9 – May 7 (5 sessions)

Bridge Ballet in partnership with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
Bridge Ballet A – Saturdays from 9:00 to 9:30 am for 4 to 7 year olds

Bridge Ballet B – Saturdays from 10:15 to 11:00 am for 6 to 8 year olds

NEW Bridge Chorus in partnership with Pittsburgh School for the Choral Arts
Saturdays from 10:30 to 11:30 am for 7 to 10 year olds

Tuition for each course is $40 + $10 registration fee. Students who currently receive scholarships/financial assistance will automatically receive the same level for spring term Bridge courses.

More information and a link to RSVP for Bridge Ballet and Bridge Chorus placement auditions here.

BALLET 2

Ballet 2 Peter and the WolfBallet 2 students will continue on through the spring term in order to be performance-ready for an upcoming event.

Ballet 2 runs from April 9 – May 7 (5 sessions)
Ballet 2 in partnership with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre – Saturdays from 10:30 to 11:30 am for 9 to 12 year olds

Tuition for each course is $40 + $10 registration fee. Students who currently receive scholarships/financial assistance will automatically receive the same level for the spring term.

 

FLUTE CHOIR

Flute ChoirFlute Choir, under the direction of Kristine Rominski,  will continue on for the spring term and new students will be accepted.

Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm – April 6 to May 11
Tuition is $25 + $10 registration fee

Ideal for advanced beginner or intermediate flutists (1+ year of private lessons, or 2 years of school ensemble), who want to play and perform fun arrangements of classical, pop, folk and holiday tunes with other flutists.

 

 

HAT Co (Hope Academy teen Theater Company) Theater Ensemble and Band

This Girl Dress Rehearsal CollageThis audition-only company provides a more intensive, ensemble- and performance-based experience for students in grades 6 through 12 who are interested in the performing arts. HAT Co members are encouraged to make their own work, as they learn to think about and respect dance, theater and music as art forms — and themselves as artists and creators.

This program is uniquely suited for teens who are motivated to study and perform across a range of disciplines; and who have an interest in being part of an inclusive, supportive, non-competitive group. Ensemble members receive individual, class and ensemble training in acting, singing, dance and instrumental music. Selected students rehearse and perform as part of a dance ensemble; another select group rehearses and performs as part of a rock band.

If you are interested in auditioning for HAT Co’s 2016-2017 theater ensemble and/or band, send an email to HopeAcademyArts@gmail.com.

 

Thursdays
5:30 – 6:30 pm – Workshop original songs + core singers
6:30 – 8:00 pm – Enrichment/Enhancement and rehearsals, as called

Saturdays
9:00 – 11:00 pm – band
10:00 – 11:00 pm – band and core singers
11:00 – 12:00 pm – vocal ensemble (including core singers)

12:30 – 3:00 pm – theater ensemble
3:00 – 4:00 pm – rehearsals as called

HAT Co Spring Term Performances

HAT Co Band at CAPA Battle of the BandsThursday, March 31 @ 7 pm – KST Rhythm and Youth Concert
Friday, May 13 – TBD – Warhol Youth Invasion
Saturday & Sunday, May 21-22 – Wild Women Don’t Get the Blues
Sunday, May 22 – Hope Academy Recitals
June 25 – WYEP Summer Music Festival

This Week in Worship: April 1–7, 2016

Here’s what’s happening in worship this week.

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 Rebirth. Pastor Randy will preach. Communion will be celebrated.

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 Acts 5:27–42 and his sermon will be titled “Easter Mindfulness.” Communion will be celebrated. Mike Tomaro’s jazz combo and vocalist Tania Grubbs will provide special music.

Taizé Stations of the Cross | Wednesday, at 7 pm
An hour-long service including 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. 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 | Second Floor Parlor
What do Easter and Baptism have to do with Each Other?
Easter points us to the promise of new life that we affirm in every baptism. Dr. John Burgess, Henry Snowden Professor of Systematic Theology at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, will help us discover how our baptismal practice can inspire Easter joy.

Journey With Scripture | Second Floor Library
I looked, and there was a great multitude from every nation, from all tribes, and peoples and languages. They cried out in a loud voice saying, “Salvation belongs to our God” (Revelation 7:9–10). April’s Easter readings span time and space, from a few frightened disciples hiding in a locked room to countless rejoicing in heaven. Join us to explore the limitless nature of salvation.

This week, Lora Bethea will lead us. Our readings are Acts 5:27–32; Psalm 118:14–29; Revelation 1:4–8; and John 20:19–31.

Seekers | Room 234
How acquainted are you with the Holy Spirit?
Dr. Lois Lang, a spiritual director and a former ELPC staff member, will lead our focus on the Holy Spirit as seen in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. Francis Chan, in his book The Forgotten God, points out that most people are not as familiar with the third person of the Trinity as with the other two. During our class, short segments of Francis Chan’s DVD will be used to illustrate points and to promote discussion. Bibles will be available, or bring your own.

Soul Food | Third Floor Music Room
This week, Joe Hajdu, Judy Roberts, and Reed Williams  will lead us as we begin our discussion of chapter 12 of An Altar in the World, by Barbara Brown Taylor.

This Week in Worship: March 25–31, 2016

Here’s what’s happening in worship this week. Please note that we will not have Church School classes on Easter Sunday, March 27.

Worship Services

Good Friday | Fri., March 25, at 12 pm and 7 pm
The 12 pm service will be held in the Chapel and will include hearing again the Seven Last Words spoken by Jesus Christ on the cross, led by Pastor Patrice. The 7 pm service will be held in the Sanctuary and will be led by Pastor Heather. It will feature Lenten hymns, and readings of both the seven “I Am” statements made by Christ, as well as a compilation of seven “I Am Not” statements made by Christ’s adversaries as recorded in John 18 and 19.

Easter Vigil | Sat., March 26, at 7 pm
This historic service begins on the Penn Ave. steps and culminates in the celebration of the first Holy Communion of the Easter season. The Rev. Mary Lynn Callahan will lead this processing Vigil.

Easter Sunday Journey Worship | Sun., March 27, at 8:45 am
The Rev. Heather Schoenewolf will preach at this week’s service in the Social Hall and we will celebrate Communion. Our theme this month is Power.

Easter Sunday Sanctuary Worship | Sun., March 27, at 11 am
Our Sanctuary service will be preceded by special music beginning at 10:45 am. The Rev. Dr. Randy Bush will preach from John 20:1–10 and his sermon will be titled “Going Home with Jesus.” Communion will be celebrated.

Taizé | Wed., March 30, at 7 pm
An hour-long service including 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. Stay afterward for Contemplative Prayer.

Christian Education Classes

As we celebrate Easter Sunday, our morning Church School classes will not meet. Classes will resume next Sunday, April 3.

This Week in Worship: March 18–24, 2016

Here’s what’s happening in worship this week.

Worship Services

Palm & Passion Sunday 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 Power. Pastor Patrice will preach, and we will receive the One Great Hour of Sharing offering.

Palm & Passion Sunday Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, at 11 am

As we observe Palm & Passion Sunday, Pastor Randy will lead worship in which a reading from the gospel about the final days of Jesus’ life will be included in the service. We also will receive the One Great Hour of Sharing offering.

Taizé Stations of the Cross | Wednesday, at 7 pm
We will offer a special Stations of the Cross Taizé service, led by the Rev. Mary Lynn Callahan. Join us for this powerful prayer experience as we process with Jesus from the chamber with his friends to the Garden of Gethsemane, from the halls of Pontius Pilate to Golgatha, and into the tomb. Each step of the journey will be accompanied by scripture, prayer, and haunting Taizé chants. Please note that we will process from the Chapel to the Courtyard (weather permitting) to the Sanctuary and back to the Chapel. The procession is wheelchair accessible. Stay afterward for Contemplative Prayer.

Maundy Thursday | Thurs., March 24, at 7 pm
Communion service recalling Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples. The Rev. Heather Schoenewolf will preach.

Good Friday | Fri., March 25, at 12 pm and 7 pm
The 12 pm service will be held in the Chapel and will include hearing again the Seven Last Words spoken by Jesus Christ on the cross, led by Pastor Patrice. The 7 pm service will be held in the Sanctuary and will be led by Pastor Heather. It will feature Lenten hymns, and readings of both the seven “I Am” statements made by Christ, as well as a compilation of seven “I Am Not” statements made by Christ’s adversaries as recorded in John 18 and 19.

Easter Vigil | Sat., March 26, at 7 pm
This historic service begins in the Chapel with a time of reflection and reaffirmation of our baptismal vows. It then moves by procession into the Narthex and Sanctuary, culminating in the celebration of the first Holy Communion of the Easter season. The Rev. Mary Lynn Callahan will lead this processing Vigil.

Easter Sunday Journey Worship | Sun., March 27, at 8:45 am
The Rev. Heather Schoenewolf will preach at this week’s service in the Social Hall. Our theme this month is Power.

Easter Sunday Sanctuary Worship | Sun., March 27, at 11 am
Our Sanctuary service will be preceded by special music beginning at 10:45 am, with the Rev. Dr. Randy Bush preaching.

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
Atonement—Did Jesus Have to Die for Our Sins?
The reasons for Jesus’ death remain a difficult theological question. Dr. John Burgess discuss several different views.

Journey With Scripture | Second Floor Library
“In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us”—2 Corinthians 5:19. Come join us for March’s Lenten readings, culminating in Easter, to reflect on the unbounded forgiveness of God and to know our own forgiveness so we can forgive others. This is our core happiness, integrity, and daily prayer. Happy Easter!

This week, Mark Blank will lead us. Our readings are Psalm 118:1–2, 19–29; Luke 19:28–40; Isaiah 50:4–9a; Psalm 31:9–16; Philippians 2:5–11; and Luke 22:14–23:56.

Seekers | Room 234
The Unsettling Logic of the Resurrection
Pastor Randy will examine essays from God and the Philosophers and other resources. We will discuss how the faith proclamation of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead moves people to fresh questions and challenging answers related to life in modern society today.

Soul Food | Third Floor Music Room
This week, Joe Hajdu, Steve Evrard, and Barb Fotta will lead us as we conclude our discussion of chapter 11 of An Altar in the World, by Barbara Brown Taylor.

This Week in Worship: March 11–17, 2016

Here’s what’s happening in worship this week.

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 Power. Pastor Randy will preach from John 12:1–8.

Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, at 11 am
Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, will preach from Exodus 3:16–4:12, and his sermon will be titled, “Where is our Milk and Honey?”

Taizé | Wednesday, at 7 pm
An hour-long service including 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. 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 | Second Floor Parlor
Sin and Salvation—Contrasts in Catholic and Protestant Views
What do Presbyterians mean by sin and salvation? Are they still relevant words? Dr. John Burgess, Henry Snowden Professor of Systematic Theology, will lead our discussion.

Journey With Scripture | Second Floor Library
“In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us”—2 Corinthians 5:19. Come join us for March’s Lenten readings, culminating in Easter, to reflect on the unbounded forgiveness of God and to know our own forgiveness so we can forgive others. This is our core happiness, integrity, and daily prayer. Happy Easter!

This week, Lora Bethea will lead us. Our readings are Isaiah 43:16–21; Psalm 126; Philippians 3:4b–14; and John 12:1–8.

Seekers | Room 234
What Saves Us? part 3 of 3
As we approach the cross this Lenten season, Pastor Heather will lead us in a three-part series as we reflect on Christ’s saving work. How does Christ save us? What does Jesus save us from? What does He save us for? Some of the answers we have heard may unsettle us—glorifying violence and raising questions about God’s love and power.

Rita Nakashima Brock and Rebecca Parker—contemporary feminist theologians—address these questions in their book, Proverbs of Ashes. The authors use personal narrative and rich theology to explore the doctrine of the atonement. With sensitivity and candor, they address the problematic theology behind some traditional interpretations of the atonement and encourage readers to dig deeper into scripture and experience in their search for what saves us.

Soul Food | Third Floor Music Room
This week, Joe Hajdu, Michele Bossers, and Steve Evrard will lead us as we begin our discussion of chapter 11 of An Altar in the World, by Barbara Brown Taylor.

Young Adults | Pastor’s Conference Room
Personal Stories of Faith—Hope
During this session, we will hear stories of hope from Justin & Florence Johnson’s journey.