We trust in that life can come from death, and that sins can be forgiven. But we struggle with the day-to-day... we live in the place between the reality of what is and the reality of what will be.
Spotlight
Rev. Dr. Brian Blount guest preacher, March 21
We look forward to welcoming the Rev. Dr. Brian Blount, President of Union–PSCE Theological Seminary, to our church. Prior to Union–PSCE, Dr. Blount served as a professor of New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary. He has written, co-authored, and edited over seven books, including volumes on New Testament ethics in an African-American context. He will speak at the Seekers Adult Education class and preach at the 11 am worship service.
Contemporaries: Preparing for Easter and All It Means, led by Dr. John Burgess, James Henry Snowden Professor of Systematic Theology at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. We will explore images and explanations that the Bible and church have used to portray heaven, hell, and life after death. Are they consistent? Where do they leave us with questions? What kind of hope does Easter offer us? Second floor parlor. - Journey with Scripture: Ps. 118:1-2, 19-29; Luke 19:28-40. Led by Jan Irvin. Second floor library.
- Parenting Circle and Seekers combined class: “Mark and the Book of Revelation,” led by Rev. Blount. Rev. Blount will share his extensive research on the gospel of Mark and the book of Revelation, and also lead a discussion about how one reads scripture through an African-American lens. Second floor, room 234.
- Soul Food, a new adult class offering, led by the Rev. Cynthia Jackson. We will continue our study Joyce Rupp’s book Fresh Bread. (Please bring a journal.) Copies of Fresh Bread are available to purchase in class.
Additional worship, classes, and prayer opportunities during the week
Wednesday Connections, March 17: Join the Revs. Bush and Schoenewolf in the second floor parlor for an adult bible study, discussing this week’s bible scripture.- Taizé prayer service: Every Wednesday, 7:00 pm in the Chapel. Childcare available from 6:45 pm to 8:15 pm. March 17 Taizé service will be followed at 8:15: sacred harp, shape note singing with Charles Anderson.
- Labyrinth Prayer Walk: Wednesday March 17, 10:00 am - 9:00 pm; Monday, March 22, 10 am - 3pm. In the Social Hall.
- Centering Prayer: Tuesday, March 16, 7:00 pm. Room 250.
Youth and Young Adults
- Club One Sixteen, March 17: “God's Love for Us: A Journey to Easter.” Come enjoy free Hope Academy classes and more!
- Youth basketball: For young men, grades 9–12; Saturday evening March 20, from 6 - 8 pm. In the gym.
- Young adults March coffee house: Sundays, March 21 and 28, at 7 pm: Come by to chat or to say hello and enjoy some coffee, ice cream, and waffles at Oh Yeah’s.
ELPC weekly news highlights
Easter Lily Orders, due March 28
Won’t you consider donating one or more 6.5” potted lilies? These beautiful flowers will be placed in the chancel for the 11am service on Easter (April 4) Sunday. You’re welcome to take your plant home after the service, or leave it in the chancel for delivery to hospitalized or homebound members. The names of those honored and memorialized will appear in a bulletin insert. Order forms are available on tables throughout the church. Return order forms with $10 payment (check or cash) to the church office by March 28.
Race: The Power of An Illusion, March 20
As part of our ongoing commitment to bridge the racial divide and build community, ELPC is collaborating with Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church to offer the series Race: The Power of an Illusion. This PBS documentary, originally shown in 2003, has been developed into a series for use in community groups, schools and faith communities. A potluck supper at 5:30 pm will precede each video segment and small group discussion. In the Social Hall. View the discussion guide on PBS’ site.
Jane Parker-Smith Concert, March 21, 4 pm
International concert organist Jane Parker-Smith will perform a recital at ELPC this coming Sunday. Ms. Parker-Smith made her
London debut at age 20, and has since performed all over the world as a recitalist and concerto soloist. Her recital is being co-sponsored by the Organ Arts Series. Admission is $12; students $5. She also will be giving a Master Class on our church’s organ on Mon., March 22, at 8 pm.
Pittsburgh youth artworks
Our third exhibit will feature youth artwork from students at the Neighborhood Academy and the Schumann Youth Detention Center. Displays in Room 234 and the Second Floor Parlor, March 14 - 28. Exhibit coordinated by ELPC member Sue Bailey. For details,
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Lenten crosses
Lent is an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God. The Spiritual Life Committee invites you to imagine what you want to give to God during Lent. Offerings can be expressed on paper; there is no limit to what you can give to God: prayers, concerns, celebrations, and more.
Greeting cards needed
The deacons request donations of greeting cards to send to ELPC members who are ill, grieving, or unable to attend church. Cards for all occasions are appreciated, but the most frequently used are get well, thinking of you, and sympathy. Cards may be left in the church office. Thank you in advance for your gift–you can be sure you will help brighten someone’s day!
And... best wishes to you today for a bit of the luck of the Irish!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
ELPC in the Community
World Mission Initiative Conference, March 19-20
Find out what God is doing in the world and how you can share in that work at the World Mission Initiative Conference at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Be inspired through worship, plenary sessions, workshops and networking. For details, contact the World Mission Initiative office, (412) 924-1441.
East End Cooperative Ministries (EECM) Men’s Shelter
During the month of March, the Deacons are collecting razors and men’s underwear (M-XL) 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. March’s “Food of the Month” is jelly, jam.
the Rev. Dr. Brian Blount preaching: “Point Jesus Out,”