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
Blog
Worship with Us | Week of May 1
Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, 11 am
After a two-year hiatus, the Pittsburgh Marathon will have runners once again. This means that we will not be able to host in-person worship on Sunday, May 1, due to the race’s route around East Liberty.
On this day, we will offer a shortened, pre-recorded worship service at 11 am, which will be available on our website, as well as on YouTube and Facebook. It will contain a musical prelude, church announcements and prayers, a video from local photographer Beth Kukucka, and a sermon on “keeping the Sabbath” from Pastor Randy.
We will miss seeing you in person, but trust you’ll be back in the pews on Sunday, May 8, as we ordain and install our incoming class of ELPC officers.
Taizé Prayer Service | Wednesday, 7 pm
During Eastertide, Taizé will meditate and dwell on the the lectionary texts from the Gospel of John. This week, Pastor BJ will lead us as we focus on John 10:22–30.
ELPC Supports OHM Marathon Runners
Consider making a financial donation for those running in the Pittsburgh Marathon races in support of Open Hand Ministries (OHM). As a Marathon Run for a Reason charity, OHM’s goal is to raise $15,000.
OHM is an important ministry partner for ELPC, seeking equitable housing in our East End neighborhood. To support ELPC’s Marathon Relay Team; Open Hands & Determined Feet; and runners, Bob Forloines, Molly Davidson-Welling, Eddie Willson, or the Rev. David Phillips, please contact Bob Forloines at 610.331.1134, or visit bit.ly/OHMdonate.
Part-time Gardener Wanted
Are you inspired by God’s beautiful creation? The Property Committee is looking for someone to help maintain the flower beds around the church on a regular basis, especially the Rain Garden that extends along Penn and Whitfield.
This paid position would require approximately three hours per week, from May to the end of October. This person also would work closely with the Gardening Crew to help organize and lead volunteer workdays throughout the summer.
If you are interested or would like to learn more, please contact Don Breitbarth or Wil Forrest.
Worship with Us | Week of April 24
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 | April 24
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
Notes From Pastor Randy
Over the past weeks, I have shared the difficult news about my upcoming transition away from ELPC into a new chapter of ministry service. In the years approaching eventual retirement, I will be offering myself as an interim pastor for larger congregations seeking head of staff leadership in times of transition. These roles usually involve moderating Session, guiding the church through a Mission Study, and assisting them prepare the way for welcoming a new senior pastor (or co-pastors). As was shared in a letter and an email, I will be concluding my time at ELPC on Sunday, May 15, and beginning work as interim pastor for Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park, Maryland, on June 1. Read More
ELPC is a Certified Earth Care Congregation
We are pleased to announce that ELPC is once again certified as an Earth Care Congregation by PC(USA)’s Presbyterian Hunger Program through February 2023. ELPC was first certified in 2020. This honor speaks to our commitment to take seriously God’s charge to “till and keep” the garden.
To become an Earth Care Congregation, our church—through the work of our Environmental Team—affirmed an Earth Care Pledge to integrate environmental practices and thinking into our worship, education, facilities, and outreach.
PC(USA) created the Earth Care Congregation certification in 2010 to inspire churches to care for God’s Earth in a holistic way, integrating Earth care into all aspects of their church life. The certification honors churches that make that commitment and encourages others to follow their example.
We are one of 292 churches in our denomination that dedicated ourselves to care for God’s Earth this year. Our commitment—even in the midst of navigating limitations brought about by COVID—brings hope to our community and the world. Our Environmental Team hopes to inspire our members and others to intentionally respond to God’s call to care for the Earth.
For more information on how to respond to God’s call, contact Nancy Heastings at n.heastings@comcast.net.
Worship with Us | Week of April 17
Here’s what’s happening this week in worship. Our services are currently being held in person and 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
The Climate Crisis is a Child Rights Crisis
On March 24, our Lenten calendar, Tread Lightly, encouraged us to read about the situation for children around the globe. The Environmental Team of the Justice Committee is offering some more information.
A UNICEF report, titled The Climate Crisis is a Child Rights Crisis, presents the Children’s Climate Risk Index, which uses data to generate new global evidence on how many children are currently exposed to climate change-induced impacts, such as cyclones and heatwaves. Read More