Blog

Pastoral Message | November 2022

In November 2007, I preached my “Candidating Sermon” on Christ the King Sunday, and waited anxiously with my family in the Library while the congregation voted to call me as Associate Pastor for Educational Ministries at ELPC.

It’s hard to believe that Sunday was now 15 years ago—and that before being called to pastoral ministry, I served as ELPC’s Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and before that I was the Moderator of the Deacons, and before that I joined ELPC as a member, claiming ELPC
as my church home. Read More

Stewardship Sunday | With Us Always

We at ELPC are in a time of change. We sometimes tumble around feeling lost, other times gripping onto the comfort of things that are familiar. We are reminded by Matthew (28:20) that no matter what is happening, God has promised, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

God is with us when we are joyously singing praises. God is with us when we are grouchy and edgy with our families. God is with us when we are wildly successful and when we somehow miss our goal.

But if God is always with us, it begs the question, “Why do we need the church?” And more relevant to this message, “Why do we need to pledge?” One of the many answers to these questions is embedded in the name of this newsletter: Reaching Out. God calls us to reach out to each other to celebrate God’s blessings. God calls us to give to the least of us. God asks us to guide each other through the wilderness of confusion. God asks us to teach and preach so that all can know God’s glory. God asks us to stand up strongly in the face of wrongdoing.

In short, God asks us to gather in God’s name. We are human; we cannot be fully present to God without each other. We support our church so that we can promote justice and peace in the world. We gather to share love.

On Stewardship Sunday, November 13, we will share the gifts of our pledges as well as food for our community. Please consider pledging and bringing some of the items listed below as a way of supporting ELPC as we work together to find new ways to serve our world.

  • Cake Mixes and Toppings
  • Canned Peas
  • Canned Potatoes
  • Canned Tuna
  • Chef Boyardee Ravioli
  • Crackers
  • Cranberry Sauce
  • Gravy Mix
  • Jelly
  • Name-brand Cereal
  • Pancake Syrup
  • Ramen
  • Soups/Broth
  • Stuffing Mix

Thank you for your support and remember, God is with us always!

Submit Pledge Online

Church School Classes | October 30

Here’s a list of what’s happening this week in our Church School classes. We offer Christian Education classes for persons of all ages, from infancy through adulthood, on Sundays, 9:45–10:45 am, unless otherwise noted. Read more about our adult classes and children and youth offerings. Read More

Worship with Us | Week of October 30

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

Journey Worship | Sunday, 8:45 am

An interactive, energetic service for those seeking a fresh encounter with the gospel of Jesus Christ. This week, we are pleased to welcome the Rev. Gavin Walton as our guest preacher. He will preach from Luke 19:1–11 on the theme, Set in Motion.

A native of Pittsburgh, the Rev. Walton currently serves as pastor at Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church. He is a graduate of Duquesne University and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

Join us on Zoom on your computer, mobile device, or tablet. If you’d like to join by telephone, call 929.205.6099 and enter Meeting ID 188 135 194 when prompted (press # if asked for a personal ID).

Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, 11 am

Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. The Rev. Gavin Walton will preach Luke 19:1–11, and deliver his sermon, titled “May I Speak?”

Download this week’s bulletin to follow along and read about upcoming events. Join us in person or watch our livestream on YouTube or Facebook. If you’d like to join by telephone, call 929.205.6099 and enter Meeting ID 188 135 194 when prompted (press # if asked for a personal ID).

Taizé Prayer Service | Wednesday, 7 pm

Pastor BJ will lead us as we experience Taize’s prayerful songs and quiet meditation.

Worship with Us | Week of October 23

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

Journey Worship | Sunday, 8:45 am

An interactive, energetic service for those seeking a fresh encounter with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pastor Heather will preach from Mark 4:35–41 on the theme, Set in Motion.

Join us on Zoom on your computer, mobile device, or tablet. If you’d like to join by telephone, call 929.205.6099 and enter Meeting ID 188 135 194 when prompted (press # if asked for a personal ID).

Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, 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 4:35–41, and deliver her sermon, titled “Winds, Waves and Wonder.”

Download this week’s bulletin to follow along and read about upcoming events. Join us in person or watch our livestream on YouTube or Facebook. If you’d like to join by telephone, call 929.205.6099 and enter Meeting ID 188 135 194 when prompted (press # if asked for a personal ID).

Taizé Prayer Service | Wednesday, 7 pm

Pastor BJ will lead us as we experience Taize’s prayerful songs and quiet meditation.

Church School Classes | October 23

Here’s a list of what’s happening this week in our Church School classes. We offer Christian Education classes for persons of all ages, from infancy through adulthood, on Sundays, 9:45–10:45 am, unless otherwise noted. Read more about our adult classes and children and youth offerings. Read More

Church School Classes | October 16

Here’s a list of what’s happening this week in our Church School classes. We offer Christian Education classes for persons of all ages, from infancy through adulthood, on Sundays, 9:45–10:45 am, unless otherwise noted. Read more about our adult classes and children and youth offerings. Read More

Worship with Us | Week of October 16

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

Journey Worship | Sunday, 8:45 am

An interactive, energetic service for those seeking a fresh encounter with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pastor Heather will preach on the theme, Set in Motion.

Join us on Zoom on your computer, mobile device, or tablet. If you’d like to join by telephone, call 929.205.6099 and enter Meeting ID 188 135 194 when prompted (press # if asked for a personal ID).

Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, 11 am

Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. Pastor Heather will preach from Acts 8:4–8, 26–40, and deliver her sermon, titled “Getting Out of the Way.”

Download this week’s bulletin to follow along and read about upcoming events. Join us in person or watch our livestream on YouTube or Facebook. If you’d like to join by telephone, call 929.205.6099 and enter Meeting ID 188 135 194 when prompted (press # if asked for a personal ID).

Taizé Prayer Service | Wednesday, 7 pm

Taize’s prayerful songs and quiet meditation will ponder Jeremiah’s mysterious promise of the God’s law on our hearts. Pastor BJ will lead us.

Interim Pastor Nominating Committee Update | October 2022

In May 2022, ELPC members were nominated to form the Interim Pastor Nominating Committee (IPNC). They include: Hollen Barmer, Damon Bethea, Douglas Cooper, Becky Gloninger, Polly Mattila (chairperson), Andrew Simpson, and Cami Teacoach. Our first meeting was led by the Rev. Brian Wallace (Presbytery Staff) and the Rev. Dr. Vincent Kolb (Committee on Ministry Transition Liaison) with the purpose of orienting the IPNC to the interim pastor search process. Read More

Worship with Us | Week of October 9

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

Journey Worship | Sunday, 8:45 am

An interactive, energetic service for those seeking a fresh encounter with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pastor Patrice will preach from Jeremiah 29:1, 4–7 on the theme, Set in Motion.

Join us on Zoom on your computer, mobile device, or tablet. If you’d like to join by telephone, call 929.205.6099 and enter Meeting ID 188 135 194 when prompted (press # if asked for a personal ID).

Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, 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, 4–7, and deliver her sermon, titled “In the Meantime.”

Download this week’s bulletin to follow along and read about upcoming events. Join us in person or watch our livestream on YouTube or Facebook. If you’d like to join by telephone, call 929.205.6099 and enter Meeting ID 188 135 194 when prompted (press # if asked for a personal ID).

Taizé Prayer Service | Wednesday, 7 pm

Taize’s prayerful songs and quiet meditation will dwell in the apostle Paul’s invitation to rejoice, pray, and give thanks. Pastor BJ will lead us.