Blog

Schedule Update for Sunday, March 15

This Sunday, March 15, our 8:45 am Journey worship service, all Church School classes, extended session, and after worship meetings are CANCELED.

Out of an abundance of caution, we are encouraging members and friends to access our 11 am Sanctuary worship service online.

Download this week’s bulletin and announcements. To stream our Sanctuary worship service, subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on Facebook and you will receive a notification when streaming begins.

You’re also encouraged to read about the protocols ELPC leadership has established in response to COVID-19 concerns.

For more information or to check the status of all scheduled events, please visit ELPC.church.

Hope Academy’s COVID-19 Response and Plan

Hope Academy of Music and the Arts has issued the following plan to continue responding to this unprecedented, rapidly changing situation and provide a safe environment for all of our students, families, and staff. This post will be updated as needed. The following information is from the last update on Friday, April 3, 2020.

The church building is closed for all services, meetings, and business until the foreseeable future. 

Hope Academy Classes and Ensembles: Online classes are being rolled out as part of our new Hope Academy @ Home program. Find out about it here

Private Lessons: Online private lessons will continue, as scheduled directly with teaching artists

Please be safe. The health and safety of everyone in our community, especially the most vulnerable, is our top priority, as it has always been.

 

This Week in Worship: March 13–19, 2020

Here’s what’s happening in worship this week. Click on “more” for details about this week’s Church School classes.

Worship Services

Journey Worship | Sunday, 8:45 am

An interactive, energetic service for those seeking a fresh encounter with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our theme this month is Giving Up. We will welcome guest preacher Elder Ralph B. Lowe, Jr., Pittsburgh Presbytery Director of Justice Ministries. He will preach from John 4:5–15.

Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, 11 am

Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. We will welcome guest preacher Elder Ralph B. Lowe, Jr., Pittsburgh Presbytery Director of Justice Ministries. He will preach from John 4:5–15.

If you’re out of town and/or unable to attend worship, join us in spirit. Subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on Facebook and stream our service.

Taizé Prayer Service | Wednesday, 7 pm

Led by the Rev. Mary Lynn Callahan, our hour-long Taizé service includes sung prayers; simple, beautiful music; a time of silence; spoken and silent prayers; and an opportunity for individual prayer and anointing. If you’re unable to participate in person, join our live stream on your computer or mobile device.

Read More

Practice Healthy Habits at ELPC

As we gather at ELPC to worship and for other activities, we want to follow the best practices to prevent the spread of illness. Please feel free to wave during the passing of the peace instead of shaking hands especially if you are not feeling well. There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases is to follow preventative actions including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick. ELPC audio streams the Wednesday Taizé service, and live streams the 11 am Sanctuary service on our Facebook and on YouTube pages. Please feel free to watch the service from home if you are not feeling well.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and immediately wash your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. ELPC has hand sanitizer stations near entrances of the church.

For more information, please check the CDC guidelines.

This Week in Worship: March 6–12, 2020

Here’s what’s happening in worship this week. Click on “more” for details about this week’s Church School classes.

Worship Services

Journey Worship | Sunday, 8:45 am

An interactive, energetic service for those seeking a fresh encounter with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our theme this month is Giving Up. Pastor Patrice will preach from John 3:1–15.

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 John 3:1–15 and her sermon will be titled “Under the Cloak of Darkness.”

If you’re out of town and/or unable to attend worship, join us in spirit. Subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on Facebook and stream our service.

Taizé Prayer Service | Wednesday, 7 pm

Led by the Rev. Mary Lynn Callahan, our hour-long Taizé service includes sung prayers; simple, beautiful music; a time of silence; spoken and silent prayers; and an opportunity for individual prayer and anointing. If you’re unable to participate in person, join our live stream on your computer or mobile device.

Read More

Pastoral Message: March 2020

I took a class in January titled, “Death and Resurrection: Risk as a Faithful Practice of the Church.” The title, content, and facilitation of the class were provocative and unusual to say the least. The primary class goal was: “To engage students in biblical and theological reflection on what faithful risk looks and feels like.” It became clear to me rather quickly, this class would be unordinary, and would stretch and challenge me in many ways. Read More

Fish Bank Donations Support OGHS

On Palm Sunday, April 5, we will witness to God’s abundant love and receive the One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) offering. The offering makes a difference in the lives of people all over the world by relieving hunger through the Presbyterian Hunger Program, promoting development through the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People, and assisting in areas of disaster through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Read More

Lenten Devotionals Now Available

Once more, the Children and Family Ministries Team has purchased devotional materials to encourage you along your Lenten journey. Treasures in Jars of Clay is a devotional created for families of all ages and configurations, but also can be engaged by individuals looking for a personal prayer practice.

Materials will be available outside of each worship service and on the second floor table. There will be additional “supplies” in the Kids Corner for those who may need assistance gathering the hands-on materials that are a part of the devotional exercises. We ask that you take one booklet per family unit.