Here’s what’s happening in worship May 12-18th, 2014.
Worship Services
Taizé – Wednesday 7:00 p.m.
An hour-long service including sung prayers; simple, beautiful music; a time of silence; spoken and silent prayers; and an opportunity for individual prayer and anointing. This week’s after-Taizé class is a time of music on the Labyrinth.
Good Samaritan – Sunday 8:00 a.m.
The Good Samaritan Worship will now meet at the new EECM Community House (6014 Station Street). This week, George Jones, director of the Allegheny County Treatment Alternative program, will speak.
Journey Worship – Sunday 8:45 a.m.
An interactive, energetic service for those seeking a fresh encounter with the gospel of Jesus Christ. At this week’s Journey Worship, the Rev. Heather Schoenewolf will preach.
Sanctuary Worship – Sunday 11:00 a.m.
Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. This week, the Rev. Dr. Randy Bush will preach.
Christian Education Classes
Contemporaries
Poverty/Hunger/homelessness
Led by Eric Vinsel
In a terribly naïve move, Eric decided to sell all of his possessions and ride west on a rickety motorcycle before canoeing down the Mississippi River in a canoe held together by duct tape. He then spent six months living in a New Orleans homeless shelter, receiving services before jumping the fence and administering the same resources he once longed to receive himself. This second week of a 2-week talk sheds light on the complexities of poverty and social location, while providing insights into how the church might better participate in Christ’s redeeming work within our own community.
Journey with Scripture
The psalmist proclaims, “we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a spacious place” (Psalm 66:12). May’s readings tell of the emergence of a new life in the spirit of the risen Christ–participation and mutuality in communal life, patient witness, and proclamation of the gospel. The texts help provide assurance that in this world, and in Christ, God’s love is not limited. With abiding presence, we can embark on new journeys to landscapes unimagined.
Join us as we reflect on Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16; 1 Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14.
Parenting Circle
We use our time together to share our joys and struggles through a facilitated discussion, guided by the week’s lectionary readings. No advance preparation or reading is necessary and copies of the texts being discussed will be available. We welcome babies and toddlers who may not yet be able to leave their parents.
Seekers
Politics and Faith: Christian Realism and Peacemaking
Led by Dr. Ron Stone
From May 11-25, Dr. Stone, a retired ethics professor at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, will share themes from his new book Politics and Faith: Reinhold Niebuhr and Paul Tillich at Union Seminary in New York.
Both Niebuhr and Tillich were political realists and persons of faith who taught that there were wars to fight and wars not to fight. This perspective has characterized Presbyterian social policy for the last 45 years as the church has attempted to represent the peacefulness of the doves and also the wisdom of the serpent. We will also discuss what they considered makes a “just war.”
Soul Food
We will discuss the beginning chapters of Discernment by Henri Nouwen. New participants are always welcome!
YAM Class
Kathy Glass will lead us as we conclude our spring theme of testimony by examining “turning points” through Scripture, personal testimony, and group discussion. Bring your Bible. Café Justo will be served, and childcare will be available.