Spotlight

Caribbean Carnival, February 27, 4:30
Carnival fun and frolic are coming your way! Come for dinner with our kids-friendly menu (served promptly at 5:15 pm) as well as some tasty Caribbean treats. Evening includes activities for the whole family! And what could be more Caribbean than you dressed in your most colorful outfit showing off your warm weather Caribbean island wardrobe? RSVP to Norma, (412) 441-3800, x11.

Rev. John Bell from the Iona Community
The Rev. John Bell from the Iona Community will be in Pittsburgh leading workshops and classes at ELPC and at Church of the Redeemer. Rev. Bell is a much sought after speaker, sharing a passion for congregational music, spirituality, and reclaiming Jesus for today’s times. Join us for a Friday evening workshop (7:30-9:30 pm) on “Why do God's People Sing?” plus two interactive workshops on Saturday, “Celebrating the Lesser Known Jesus,” and “Scripture as a Source for Song.” For details including schedule, seminar descriptions, and costs, please view the brochure.

February 28 Worship Services

• 8:00 am: Good Samaritan Worship; Brother James Avant delivering the message. Ground floor dining room.
• 8:45 am: Journey Worship; the Rev. Patrice Fowler-Searcy preaching. Third floor music room.
• 11:00 am: Sanctuary Worship; the Rev. Heather Schoenewolf preaching “Between Our Faith and Doubt,” Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18. Sanctuary.

February 28 Christian Education, 9:45 - 10:45

• Contemporaries: What Do Presbyterians Say?, continued, led by Dr. Jim Russ. Traditional Christian language about sin and salvation is far removed from most of what we preach today. We’ll examine two books by Methodist theologian, pastor, and bishop William Willimon: Sinning Like a Christian, and Who Will Be Saved, which asks, who decides if I’m saved: you, me, or God? Second floor parlor.
• Journey with Scripture: Gen. 15:1-12, 17-18; Ps. 27; Phil. 3:17-4:1; Luke 13:31-35 or 9:28-36, (37-43). Second floor library.
• Parenting Circle: We continue reading Jan Johnson’s Growing Compassionate Kids: Helping Kids See Beyond Their Backyard. Anyone interested in parenting is welcome to join us. Books available in class. First floor, Harambe room.
• Seekers: Join us as we continue our discussions on The Meaning of Jesus by Marcus Borg and (The Right Reverend) N. T. Wright. Led by the Rev. Heather Schoenewolf. Second floor, room 234.
• Soul Food, a new adult class offering, led by the Rev. Cynthia Jackson. When we neglect our hunger for God, we become spiritually emaciated—starved for forgiveness, peace, and joy. Discover new ways to feed your spirit and live into the fullness that God offers. We will study Joyce Rupp’s book Fresh Bread. (Please bring a journal.) Copies of Fresh Bread will be for sale; call Gloria Knopp (412) 441-3800 x22 to reserve a copy.

Additional worship, classes, and prayer opportunities during the week

• Wednesday Connections, February 24: Join the Revs. Bush and Schoenewolf in the second floor parlor for an adult bible study, discussing this week’s bible scripture (Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18).
• Taizé prayer service: Every Wednesday, 7:00 pm in the Chapel. Childcare available from 6:45 pm to 8:15 pm. February 24 Taizé service will be followed at 8:15 with celebrations! Do you celebrate a birthday, milestone or anniversary in February? Write it down and put it in the collection plate—we’d like to celebrate with you!
• Labyrinth Prayer Walk: Wednesday February 24, 10:00 am - 9:00 pm, and Monday, March 1, 10 am - 3pm. In the Social Hall.
• Centering Prayer: Tuesday, March 2, 7:00 pm. Room 250.

Youth and Young Adults

• Club One Sixteen, February 24: “Faith and Hope.” Come enjoy free Hope Academy classes!
• 3:30 - 4:00: Snacks and homework help.
• 4:30 - 6:00: Free Hope Academy classes for different ages.
• 6:00 - 6:30: Dinner; junior and senior high groups in ground floor suites; families in the first floor McKelvey Room.
• 6:30 - 8:00: Bible study for junior and senior high groups, ground floor suites.
• Youth basketball: For young men, grades 9–12; Saturday evening February 27 from 6 - 8 pm. In the gym.
• Young adults February coffee house: Sunday, February 28 at 7 pm: Come by to chat or to say hello and enjoy some coffee, ice cream, and waffles at Oh Yeah's.
• Young adults fellowship, Downtown: Young adults who work in the Downtown area are invited to gather for a new “Once-A-Month-Lunch” co-hosted by Glenshaw Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh. the Rev. Kay Balderose for details.
• Scholarship workshop: It’s never too to start planning for scholarship opportunities. Join ELPC Elder Nadine Banks at the Oakland branch of the Carnegie Library on February 27, from 10:30 am–2:30 pm. Library card, RSVP, and permission slip required. Lunch is provided. RSVP to Rev. Schoenewolf.

ELPC weekly news highlights

Strategic Vision Process, March 7
ELPC is beginning a strategic visioning project. Although we have effectively planned for projects over the years, it has been some time since we examined mission and major goals for the church as a whole. One of the key goals of this planning process is that we involve as many people in thinking about our future as we possibly can. To that end, please complete the brief (only 5 questions!) survey. While brief, the questions are important and will help shape the planning agenda. We also will carefully observe confidentiality and never link a person’s name with any statement submitted in response to the survey. So please be thoughtful and candid. Preliminary survey results will be discussed at the All Church Launch after the 11:00 service on March 7. Thank you in advance. We all look forward with enthusiasm as we seek to continue to be excellent stewards of our many blessings and to discern God’s will for our beloved church.

“Watercolors”
Sue Schneider’s “Watercolors” are on display now in Room 234 and in the Second Floor Parlor through March 7. View the show’s brochure, with a list of titles to be displayed. 25% of any sales will be donated to support arts programming at ELPC. Greeting cards will also be available for sale, with a portion of proceeds to support the arts exhibition program and the Organ Fund. Join us for a special reception on Friday February 26, from 5:30 - 7:00 pm. For more information on the Watercolors show, contact Sue at (412) 242-6751. For more information about the church’s artwork displays, please .

Presbyterian Women Horizons Bible Study, March 2, 10 am
Join us for our March Horizons Bible Study as we continue our journey through Joshua. Kay Shissler leads our lesson: “God’s Concern for Justice: The Cities of Refuge,” (Joshua 20:1-9; 21:13-41). A potluck lunch follows; please bring a salad or snack to share and a place setting. Beverages and soup are provided. Call Mary Alice Lightle, (412) 682-1504 for details. In the second floor parlor.

Free CPR Training, February 27
Join us on Saturday, February 27, from 9:30 to 11:30 am for a free CPR training class, sponsored by the Health Ministry. If you are interested in attending this class, please contact Amanda Nolan (412) 441.3800 x34. Class size is limited; pre-registration is required. In the McKelvy Room.

What’s new in ELPC’s library?
The Armchair Theologians series provides accurate, concise, and witty overviews of moments and theologians in church history. Look for these two new books in the ELPC Library:

• Jonathan Edwards by James P. Byrd surveys the life and work of this Puritan preacher.
• Heretics by Justo L. Gonzalez and Catherine Gunsalus Gonzalez, focuses on some of the great debates among early Christians regarding the core beliefs of the faith., edited by John Gattuso.

 

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ELPC in the Community

EECM “Have a Heart for Hunger” Campaign
Thousands of men, women, and children in our community don’t know where their next meal is coming from. EECM’s Hunger Programs provided meals and groceries to over 4,000 individuals just last year alone. Through the end of March, any donations you make to the EECM will go twice as far! ELPC will also be having a special food drive in the coming weeks. Find out more about the Have a Heart Campaign.

Looking Back to Go Forward, Pittsburgh’s Black History Celebration
“Looking Back to Go Forward” is the theme of this city-wide black history celebration hosted by Central Baptist Church (2200 Wylie Ave, (412) 566-1437) on Sunday, Feb 28 at 3:30 pm. Guests include Harold Hayes of KDKA who will serve as Master of Ceremonies; Dr. Ralph Proctor, Sala Udin, the Macedonia Church Choir and many others!

Documentary screening, A Foundry for Conscience
The Thomas Merton Center will screen A Foundry for Conscience, a new documentary about the nearly forty-year history of the Thomas Merton Center. From its roots in the civil rights movement through the Vietnam War and continuing to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Center has played a key role for Pittsburghers concerned with peace and justice. Join us at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 1 at Community House Presbyterian Church (120 Parkhurst Street, North Side). In addition to the screening, Thomas Merton Center board president Michael Drohan will present news of current Center happenings. A donation of $5 is requested, and food and drink will be provided. For more information, call (412) 361-3022.

East End Cooperative Ministries (EECM) Men’s Shelter
During the month of February, the Deacons are collecting deodorant and socks for adult men for EECM’s Men's Shelter. Donations may be left in the hallway baskets. Thank you for your support!

East End Cooperative Ministries (EECM) Food Pantry
The EECM Food Pantry provides food for individuals and families facing hunger in Pittsburgh. February’s “Food of the Month” is macaroni and cheese.