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
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Shop for Gifts with Ten Thousand Villages
Join us for a fundraising sale in partnership with Ten Thousand Villages. Browse this year’s catalog online at Ten-Thousand-Villages-Pittsburgh.Square.Site.
You may shop online anytime between November 18–December 5, or stop by an in-person shopping event at ELPC on Sunday, December 12. Be sure to use coupon code FUNDELPC at checkout.
Worship with Us | Week of November 14, 2021
Here’s what’s happening this week in worship. As a reminder, our services are currently being held virtually. Click here for a live feed of worship services at their scheduled times. Please note, there will be an error message if there is no live broadcast. Read More
Church School Classes | November 14, 2021
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
PW Thank Offering to be Received
Since 1888, Presbyterian Women have given a “special offering to the Lord” as a tangible expression of gratitude for our many blessings.
Last year’s PW Thank Offering responded to the needs of women in prison, children, families in poverty, the hungry, and the sick with grants of $5,000–$50,000.
All members and friends are invited to support the PW Thank Offering during worship on Sunday, November 21. Make checks payable to “Presbyterian Women in ELPC” and write “PW Thank Offering” in the memo line.
For more information, email PW.ELPC@gmail.com.
Volunteers Needed at EECM
ELPC lives into being a Matthew 25 church by preparing and serving meals to residents at East End Cooperative Ministry—and we need more help! Please consider volunteering for one of these dates:
Breakfast:
- Sunday, November 14 | 6:30am
- Sunday, December 12 | 6:30am
Dinner:
- Thursday, December 2 | 5:30pm
The need is great, the work is fun, and the fellowship is wonderful! If you’re able to help on any of these days, contact Becky Gloninger at 412.913.6070 or rag15@verizon.net.
ELPC is Adopting a Refugee Family, and We Need Your Help
Acculturation for Justice, Access, and Peace Outreach (AJAPO) and Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS) are refugee settlement agencies in Pittsburgh, and they’re currently strained by the sudden arrival of Afghan refugees. AJAPO asked us to help with a Congolese family arriving in November that they anticipate may need additional support. One member of the family has a temporary disability pending surgery. It turns out ELPC is well placed to help, as one of our congregants is a former Congolese refugee and is willing to help.
The plan is straight forward. We will stand this family up, providing household goods, clothing, mentorship, and friendship.
We are seeking volunteers and donations to assist with this effort. Specifically:
- Four Lead Adopters who are willing to donate time and energy to help the family with their transition to Pittsburgh. You will help introduce the family to Pittsburgh, help them navigate the common and mundane, keep tabs on things they need that the congregation can donate, and just generally being a good friend and mentor to this family. Expect to donate 1-3 hours of your time for the first few weeks, tapering over time as the family becomes settled. AJAPO will provide training for those interested in getting involved.
- Setting Up House will require significant donations. The refugees come with little, and will need everything. One of the lead adopters will set up a registry, periodically updated to show what is needed. Please hold donations until the family has arrived—the church has no storage space.
- Cash Assistance to help with setting up this family. We anticipate providing rental assistance, plus the occasional supply of groceries or take-out. The Justice Committee has generously committed funds toward this effort. Please feel free to chip in!
- And Covering Contingencies will be that last bit of work. We haven’t done this before, and something won’t go as planned. If you can’t be a Lead Adopter, but would be willing to answer the phone when we need an extra hand, we’d really appreciate it! We’re also looking for professionals with medical, legal, educational and other backgrounds who would be willing to provide advice and referrals on an as-needed basis.
Contact Eric Jester at eric@new-burgh.com if you’re able to help.
Worship with Us | Week of November 7, 2021
Here’s what’s happening this week in worship. As a reminder, our services are currently being held virtually. Click here for a live feed of worship services at their scheduled times. Please note, there will be an error message if there is no live broadcast. Read More
Church School Classes | November 7, 2021
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
Stewardship Sunday: Follow as God Leads
Stewardship | noun: Supervising or taking care of something such as an organization or property.
What an awesome role we all play. We get to take care of this congregation; these ministries: children and families, worship, Christian Education, mission, the Happy Wanderers, the LGBTQ ministry, choirs, staff, and so much more. We get to take care of this magnificent building: its mechanics, the beautiful tower, the rain garden, meeting rooms, the kitchen, and worship spaces.
We reflect on the past 18 months when ELPC staff and volunteers creatively provided uninterrupted ministry in worship, outreach, Christian Education, building safety, and pastoral care. At the same time, congregational giving was steady and strong. We rejoice in God’s faithfulness.
This year’s Stewardship theme is Follow as God Leads. As we look ahead with faith to be led where God leads us in 2022, we’re setting a goal of $760,000 in pledges, a 4% increase over last year. Bring your pledge card to church on Stewardship Sunday, November 7, or submit your pledge online or by mail. You also may bring donations for the EECM Food Pantry. If you’re unable to attend worship in person, we also will be collecting food donations in the Staff Parking Lot following our Sanctuary worship service, 12:30–1:30 pm. Requested items include canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, crackers, dried fruit, individual fruit cups, jelly and peanut butter, pasta and sauce, rice, salt/seasonings/spices, and soups/broths.