Blog
Pastoral Message | August 2020
“We walk by faith, not by sight”—2 Corinthians 5:7. It’s a short, familiar verse and upon reflection, it is a very true statement. There are many times in our lives in which we step forward by faith, even if we can’t clearly see the path forward. Accepting a marriage proposal, bringing home a newborn baby from the hospital, weighing a major career move or job change—all these situations require us to step forward trusting that we will have the personal resources to navigate whatever the future may hold. We say a quick prayer, take a deep breath for strength, and cross over that threshold into an unknown future trusting that with God, all things are possible. Read More
Musical Reflections from Dr. Ed | July 31
FSR Team’s Weekly Recommendations | August 3
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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This Week in Worship: July 31–August 6, 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 Randy will preach from Matthew 14:13–21 and his sermon will be titled “The Unrelenting Crowd.”
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 Read More
Introducing Rev. BJ Woodworth
ELPC is pleased to welcome the Rev. BJ Woodworth to our program/ministerial staff as our new Minister for Spiritual Life and Taizé Prayer.
BJ and Rev. Mary Lynn will overlap in their ministries until the end of August, when Mary Lynn retires. We will be hosting opportunities for you to meet BJ later this summer over Zoom, through worship, and—when possible—in person. Please read more about BJ and welcome him to our faith family.
BJ graduated from Westminster College and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (PTS), and received a certificate in Spiritual Transformation from the Transforming Center in Wheaton, Illinois. He is currently completing his Spiritual Direction training at the Hesychia School of Spiritual Direction, which focuses on “the ancient art of Christian spiritual direction in a multi-faith context.”
He served in the PC(USA) for the last 28 years as a teacher, pastor, spiritual guide, and companion to university students and young adults. For the past 15 years, he served as the founding and lead pastor at The Open Door Church. He also is a coach for the PC(USA)’s 1001 New Worshipping Communities initiative.
BJ loves to create space for people to cultivate and nurture their inner wisdom for fruitful life and work in the world, as well as for people on retreat to withdraw for times of rest, renewal, and reflection. His own spiritual path has been influenced by the desert mothers and fathers, Richard Rohr, creation, Henri Nouwen, yoga, the Enneagram, Celtic spirituality, Thomas Keating, the Ignatian exercises, brewing beer, solitude, silence and stillness, centering prayer, and living in the city.
He has lived in East Liberty since 1994 and is married to Katrina, who is a hatha yoga teacher and yoga therapist. They have four children: Kyra, Elena, Alex, and Zach. He is an avid homebrewer, enjoys playing soccer, and loves to read.
Musical Reflections from Dr. Ed | July 28
Musical Reflections from Dr. Ed | July 25
Musical Reflections from Dr. Ed | July 23
This Week in Worship: July 24–30, 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
Journey Worship | Sunday, 8:45 am
An interactive, energetic service for those seeking a fresh encounter with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pastor Randy will preach from I Corinthians 3:10–19a.
Join us on Zoom, YouTube, or Facebook 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).
Summer Worship | Sunday, 11 am
Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. Pastor Randy will preach from 1 Corinthians 2:1–5, 7–9. His sermon will be titled “What No Ear Has Heard.”
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. Mary Lynn Callahan invites you to stream an archived Taizé prayer service. Stream here