We give thanks for the 123 people who completed ELPC’s survey sponsored by the Facing Systemic Racism Team. Responses shed light on where ELPC is in its journey toward becoming an anti-racist congregation. Respondents showed broad disagreement with statements such as “ELPC institutional structures and culture maintain white power and privilege” and broad agreement with statements such as “ELPC is committed to working to dismantle racism in the wider community.” Read More
Blog
Pastoral Message | September 2020
When in recent history has there been a time when so much that we have taken for granted is now called into question? Suddenly we don’t travel; we don’t visit older relatives; some stores are closed or out of business, while in other stores we don’t linger if there’s a crowd present. Summer months always give way to seasons of school and college openings, but suddenly those routines have been upended by online learning, remote classes, and a host of safety precautions. Some voices around us are quick to discredit science; other voices admit that we just don’t know enough to give people the information they need. Things that shouldn’t be political have now become points of contention (like wearing masks); things that used to be simple are now messy and complicated (like policing or voting). Read More
FSR Team’s Weekly Recommendations | August 31
In support of our vision for ELPC to live into its designation of being a Matthew 25 Church, the Facing Systemic Racism team recognizes that we cannot achieve this vision absent all of us being better informed about issues related to race, and, specifically African Americans in the United States. There are many resources available, so we will suggest a few options each week. Whether you chose from this list or have other books, films, etc., on this topic, please consider making time for this important faith work this summer. The FSR team challenges us to as a congregation read, watch, or listen to 1,000 books, TV programs, webinars, podcasts, or articles by Labor Day, September 7, 2020.
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VCS Update and Thank You
Truly, this has been a summer unlike any other! Although the COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible to gather for a week this summer at ELPC, we were still able to learn, worship, and enjoy God from our own homes. The Children and Family Ministry Team created a curriculum that invited children to “Meet Jesus at Home” this summer. Boxes with supplies for activities were assembled and distributed to kids who participated, and videos were created with the help of our church family that offered instruction and encouragement to help kids learn and grow. Read More
This Week in Worship: August 28–September 3, 2020
Here’s what’s happening in worship this week. Click on “more” for details about this week’s Church School class offerings.
Worship Services
Summer 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 Exodus 3:1–15, and her sermon will be titled “Moses + 1: Looking Out for Those Around Us.”
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
The Rev. BJ Woodworth will select an archived service with an impactful message. Tune in at 7 pm, or as your time permits. Stream here
Let’s Become Pen Pals
Register Today for Children and Youth Virtual Programs and Events
ELPC offers a variety of programming for children and youth. Click on a program below for more information and visit our children and youth section to read about more offerings. Our current group programming for children, youth, and families is happening at home and online. We are delivering supplies for mission projects, Bible studies, crafts, and games. To register your child for a program, please fill out the online form below.
Rally Day in a New Way
Even in this unprecedented season in our shared life, we will mark together the start of the program and Church School year on Rally Day, Sunday, September 13.
Our Sunday mornings will include Journey worship at 8:45 am; adult Church School classes at 9:45 am, Sanctuary worship at 11 am; and children and youth Church School classes in the afternoons—and we will continue to worship God, learn about Christ, and step forth—by the Spirit’s power—in service.
Familiar programming will resume in new ways, such as Club One Sixteen, Tween Nights, Young Adult Ministry programming, Presbyterian Women’s Bible Study, Centering Prayer, Facing Systemic Racism gatherings, and Mission Opportunities.
Read more about how we will live our faith together throughout the September issue of our Reaching Out newsletter!
Take Part in the Presbyterian Week of Action | August 24–30
The gospel narrative is abundantly clear and the greater witness of the Bible confirms, God has called us, as people of faith, to seek justice for the most marginalized in our world. As a Matthew 25 denomination, it is the vision of our church to eradicate white supremacy and dismantle institutionalized racism. Furthermore, in an effort to do the “hands & feet” work the Lord ordains, we must act and bear witness to the gospel in these crucial times.
As a Matthew 25 Congregation, ELPC members, friends, and community are encouraged to participate in any and all activities of the Presbyterian Week of Action, sponsored by our denomination, August 24–30. Join with our siblings around the country by accessing the events at PCUSA.org/
Hope Academy @ Home | Fall 2020
Hope Academy’s dance, theater, and music classes, as well as private lessons, will be virtual this fall beginning on Saturday, September 19. Read More