Is Christian faith all-sufficient? The surprising answer is “no.” Faith in God, revealed in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit, is certainly important—even fundamental for our lives. It is the foundation upon which stand in an ever-changing world. It is the compass guiding our path as we journey into the future. It is the motivational voice reminding us to “love God and love our neighbor as ourselves” wherever we go. But that is not the same as saying that faith is all-sufficient. Read More
Blog
2019 Lenten Devotionals
To support you on your Lenten journey, two resources will be made available as a gift to you—one from ELPC’s Children and Family Ministry Team; another from ELPC’s Mission Board. Read More
This Week in Worship: March 1–7, 2019
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 Surrender. Pastor Patrice will preach from Philippians 2:1–13. Communion will be celebrated.
Sanctuary 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 Exodus 34:29–35, and his sermon will be titled “Removing Our Veils.” Communion will be celebrated.
If you’re out of town and/or unable to join us for worship, follow us on Facebook and stream our service.
Ash Wednesday Service | Wednesday, 12 pm
Lent is a special season in the Christian calendar—a time of intentionally looking at our own faith and lives. Join us in the Chapel on Wed., March 6, 12 pm, as our journey begins. Pastor Heather will lead our Ash Wednesday service, featuring the imposition of ashes.
Following our service, Ruth Farrell will lead a lunchtime discussion about her ministry at Casa San José in the Fellowship Room on the First Floor.
ELPC member Linda Harrington also will join Ruth to speak about her experience teaching the English Second Language classes for Casa San José.
Taizé Prayer Service | Wednesday, 7 pm
All are welcome to attend a special Taizé prayer service led by the Rev. Mary Lynn Callahan, as we mark the beginning of Lent together. The service will offer sung and spoken prayer, scripture reading and silence, an opportunity for individual prayer, anointing, and the imposition of ashes. If you’re unable to participate in person, join our live stream on your computer or mobile device.
This Week in Worship: February 22–28, 2019
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 Radical Love. Pastor Heather will preach.
Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, 11 am
Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. Please join us as we welcome the Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett as our guest preacher. The Rev. Dr. Moffett will preach from John 15:1–8, and her sermon will be titled “Fruitful Partnerships.”
If you’re out of town and/or unable to join us for worship, 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.
This Week in Worship: February 15–21, 2019
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 Radical Love. Pastor Patrice will preach from Luke 6:17–26, and her sermon will be titled “A Reversal of Fortunes.”
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 Luke 6:17–26, and her sermon will be titled “A Reversal of Fortunes.”
If you’re out of town and/or unable to join us for worship, 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.
Environmental Tip from the Justice Committee: Zero Waste
Zero Waste is a movement that encourages the “Reduce and Reuse” part of the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” adage. For too long, we have largely ignored the first two steps and have emphasized recycling. But now, we are awakening to the fact that we still have a major global plastic problem! In National Geographic’s recent “Planet or Plastic?” article, they state that “A whopping 91% of plastic isn’t recycled.” So as this Zero Waste movement grows, we can learn how to refuse plastics, what alternatives there are, and how to reuse what we already have.
One place in our homes that accumulates the most plastic is the bathroom. If the product isn’t plastic, is the container or packaging plastic?
Trade in This for That
- Plastic toothbrush –> Bamboo toothbrush
- Toothpaste –> Tooth powder
- Hair and body wash –> Refill bottles at places like East End Food Co-op; or
try shampoo, conditioner, and soap bars - Lotion –> Coconut oil from a glass jar, refill lotion at the Co-Op, or try a
lotion bar - Disposable razors –> Safety razors
- Cotton balls –> Washable and reusable cotton pads
To learn more, check out GoingZeroWaste.com.
ELPC People Make a Difference: Mary Nell Cummings
Original Text posted at Pittsburgh Legal Back Talk
by Mary Nell Cummings, attorney, Casa San José volunteer, and ELPC friend
On January 3, a Casa San José community member was picked up by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). He has lived in the U.S. for 18 years with absolutely no criminal record or any arrest or complaint. He has three U.S.-born children. His oldest son has stomach cancer, and the family has been told that there isn’t much more that can be done. ICE picked him up as he was going to give a friend a ride to work. ICE was not looking for him; he was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Read More
This Week in Worship: February 8–14, 2019
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 Radical Love. Pastor Randy will preach from Luke 5:1–11.
Sanctuary 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 Luke 5:1–11, and his sermon will be titled “Lord, come to me; go away from me.”
If you’re out of town and/or unable to join us for worship, 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.
Pastoral Message: February 2019
Presbyterians are part of the Reformed faith tradition. This means we are Protestant churches who trace our history to the Reformation countries (mostly Switzerland, England, Scotland, Ireland, France, and the Netherlands) that pushed for religious change in the 16th century. Similar to our Roman Catholic friends, we read the bible, we believe in the Trinity, and trust in Jesus as the Christ and Savior. But are there more distinctive things that show the world what it means to be Presbyterian? Read More
This Week in Worship: February 1–7, 2019
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 Radical Love. Pastor Heather will preach from 1 Corinthians 13:1–13. Communion will be celebrated.
Sanctuary 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 1 Corinthians 13:1–13, and her sermon will be titled “Tough Love.” Communion will be celebrated.
If you’re out of town and/or unable to join us for worship, 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.