Blog

Rev. Mary Lynn Callahan Approaches Retirement

As many of you know, I am retiring at the end of August. It has been a joy and privilege to be part of this incredible church! I love my ministry at ELPC and have cherished the relationships that I have formed, the colleagues with whom I have served, and the times of working, growing, and worshiping. Never mind getting to “work” in this amazing space!

Over the past eight years, I have been challenged and deeply rewarded in crafting programming aimed at encouraging us all to mature spiritually. Whether exploring the Enneagram, meditation, science and theology, images of god, interfaith dialog, or a host of prayer forms, it has been a joy sharing, seeking, and growing together with you. Moreover, maintaining the rich traditions of the ELPC Taizé prayer service and labyrinth ministries has been the fulfillment of passions that I have held since originally participating in both during my seminary days at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary nearly 30 years ago.

But, it is the relationships that I have formed here which fill my heart and for which I am most grateful: the joy of being a part of a caring, creative, and collegial staff; the stimulation of great theological, philosophical, and spiritual dialog partners; and the humbling privilege of being allowed to share in your stories and in your lives. Such a blessing!

It grieves me to be preparing to leave you during this time of social distancing, without the opportunity to see you in person, share warmth, and say goodbyes. Know that I will be holding the people and ministries of ELPC in my heart.

—Mary Lynn

FSR Team’s Weekly Recommendations | July 20

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 17–23, 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 Heather will preach from Psalm 139:1–18, 23–24.

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).

Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, 11 am

Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. This week, we will celebrate Youth Sunday! Our scripture lessons will be Psalm 139:1–18, 23–24. Pastor Heather’s sermon will be titled “Formed in Faith.”

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

Church School Classes

Our full schedule of Church School classes for people of all ages will resume in the fall.

Soul Food | Sunday, 9:45 am

Our Soul Food Church School class will host a summer session on Sunday, July 19, 9:45 am, on Zoom. The class meets every other Sunday through August 30 (unless otherwise noted). Anyone who would like to participate and has not already signed up, may contact Tiffany Sudar at tmsudar@gmail.com or 412.527.8804.

Consider Being a Census Taker

The 2020 Census is hiring! The U.S. Census Bureau is looking for qualified applicants to fill temporary, flexible, well-paid positions as census takers, office clerks, and other positions.

The Census is a non-partisan Constitutional mandate and a right for everyone living or staying in the United States to participate in. A complete and accurate census will help lawmakers and communities address poverty, homelessness, and hunger. It drives funding for schools, hospitals, emergency services, and programs in the community too numerous to name.

Download a flyer for more information. Apply at 2020census.gov/jobs or contact Grant Young at grant.l.young@2020census.gov for assistance and information. Thank you, and peace be with you.

If you haven’t completed the Census yet, please visit 2020census.gov or call 844.330.2020.

FSR Team’s Weekly Recommendations | July 13

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.
Read More

This Week in Worship: July 10–16, 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 Patrice will preach from Micah 6:6–8.

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).

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 Micah 6:6–8 and her sermon will be titled “Do. Love. Walk.”

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