The Reaching Out Newsletter
May 2008

Pastoral Message The Rev. Dr. Randall K. Bush, Pastor Someone once remarked that professional photographers should never become pastors. Those who spend their days trying to get a scene perfect in a viewfinder will always be frustrated given the ever-shifting scenes of church ministry. Imagine trying to capture the chaos of Pentecost in a neat, tidy photograph. We’re told how a rush of strong wind blew through a gathering of disciples –

The Rev. Dr. Randall K. Bush, Pastor

ruffling hair, stirring spirits, filling folks with an energy and power impossible to contain within four walls. So the group poured out into the streets of Jerusalem – touched by fire, spreading
the news, talking in languages foreign to their own experience but communicating nonetheless in a fresh, life-changing way. All that movement and energy could never be captured in a stop-action photograph.It was a day when things were out of control.

Maybe that is part of the miracle of Pentecost. It wasn’t a time of perfect policy makers and problem solvers acting out a prepared plan. It was a day of spirit, of heavenly-inspired insanity descending upon a group of folks crazy enough to admit they were simply partners in something new that God was doing in their midst. It wasn’t a day of carefully-organized control, but rather a new day of faithful collaboration.

At our recent Officers’ Retreat, we spent a lot of time talking about how ELPC truly values diversity. Being a worshiping congregation of diverse ages, races, economic conditions, sexual/affectational orientations, and faith backgrounds adds to the richness and joy of our church life. But being diverse means we are different. We will not see things the same way. We will not move from Point A to Point B all along the same path. We do not presume that one route or solution is the best way to live out our calling as Christian witnesses in the world.

To recognize (and value) our differences means we are a Pentecost church, seeking not so much to be in “control” as to be in “collaboration.” To always ask “How do others experience God today and how does my expression leave room for their perspective, needs and gifts?” It means we don’t claim to have all the answers, but rather we seek to listen for God’s voice amid the cacophony and look for God’s hands waving amid the crowd.

Where are our Pentecost moments right now? You tell me! Look for it at our worship services, especially in the new “Journey” service, in the time of prayer at the Good Samaritan service, at surprising moments as the dappled light shines in during the sanctuary worship. Look on Wednesdays as children and families move though “club 116,” bible study, Hope Academy and Taizé activities or any time a committee is meeting and planning, a group of volunteers is busy around a table or serving a meal downstairs. And look for it as we prepare for another summer of home-rehabilitation work and community outreach.

The more you see Pentecost around ELPC, the more we can affirm God’s Spirit moving in our midst as a church. The more you can see Pentecost in your own life, the more God’s Spirit is truly moving in a fresh way in our world. It will never fit easily into a camera viewfinder, but then, it was never supposed to. Welcome to God’s Pentecost today!

Randy Bush

Bible 116
Wednesday Evening Bible Study at 5:30 pm through May
Given all the words you hear each day, why not spend some time each week encountering God’s Word? From 5:30 – 6:20 pm, Pastor Heather and Pastor Randy will lead an informal, interactive study of the scripture lessons to be used for the Sunday worship.

Vacation Church School
Mark your calendars for our annual summer Vacation Church School.

Church School, Sundays, 9:45 to 10:45 am
Full schedule of classes for Children, Youth and Adults

Church School for Adults

Church School for Youth
Junior and Senior High

Church School for Children
Infants through Grade 5

Baby Lapsit
Infants through 18 months
10 to 10:30 am

Extended Session
3 year olds through Grade 3
Following the Children's Sermon

Church School Offering
Each year, ELPC church school students of all ages participate in an ongoing offering that supports an international mission project. This year, our offering will be donated to the Motherwell Women’s Collective in Motherwell, South Africa.

For more information, visit:
Christian Education

Community Development

Community Development Committee Update
The East Liberty Neighborhood Improvement District
Increasingly, communities around the country are looking to the tool of the improvement district as way to sustain the neighborhood effort without the worry of shifting governmental priorities or over-drawn charitable foundation coffers. A Neighborhood Improvement District (NID) is a resource development tool whereby property owners are given the opportunity to take the neighborhood revitalization effort into their own hands and ensure its ongoing support.

What’s in YOUR Neighborhood?
The ELPC Community Development Task Force, in a continuing effort to keep ELPC membership aware of community events and happenings, proudly announces the opening of the businesses in the East End and encourages you to patronize them.

For more information, visit:
Community Development

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The EECM Food Pantry Needs Our Help!
EECM’s Food Pantry assists those in immediate need of food and deeply appreciates donations. If you can, please leave food donations in the baskets located throughout the church’s hallways. In May, the “Food for the Month” is pasta sauce.

Men’s Shelter Donations
In ELPC’s continuing commitment to the EECM Men’s Shelter located in our church, the Deacons are collecting donations for May 2008. The requested donations are M, L, XL and XXL t-shirts. Please drop these items in the basket located in the Highland Avenue hallway. Your continued support in the form of donations and of prayer for the Shelter and for the men who stay there is appreciated.

Hope Academy

Hope Academy Performances and Recitals

• Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Creative Movement and Pre-Ballet
  Sat., May 3, at 1:30 pm in the Gym
  Classes will be combined for observation by family and friends. A reception will follow.
• Voices of Hope Concert
  Wed., May 14, at 6 pm in the Music Room.
  Our mulitcultural choir for children and youth will perform songs of joy, inspiration and peace.
• Private Music Recitals
  Sat. and Sun., May 17-18, at 3 pm, in the Music Room.
  Piano, strings, clarinet, flute, guitar, percussion and voice students in their end of the year recitals.
• Musical Theater Showcase Performances
  Sat., May 31, at 7 pm and Sun., June 1, at 3 pm at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater
  Tickets are $5 each and will be available at the door.

Wednesday Connection
Sing. Dance. Eat. Pray
Something for Everyone (of all ages) on Wednesdays at East Liberty Presbyterian Church
FREE Hope Academy classes (for kids and teens in grades 1 thru 12), homework help and snacks, gym activities, club one sixteen dinner and Bible study for teens, and worship during our Taizé Sung Prayers service (childcare will be provided during the Taizé service).

Club One Sixteen
Sing. Dance. Eat. Pray
Wednesdays from 3:30 to 8:00 pm
For youth in grades 6 through 12
Homework help and open gym, “Voices of Hope” urban vocal ensemble, Step Team, club one sixteen dinner, and club one sixteen Bible Study for teens.

30-Hour Fast: Save the Date!
Our annual 30-Hour Fast event will be held Sat., May 3 through Sun., May 4, at ELPC where youth in grades 6-12 will fast (abstain from eating solid food) for 30 hours to raise money to fight world hunger.

For more information, visit:
Hope Academy web page

• Book Review: Readings for Diversity and Social Justice: An Anthology on Racism, Sexism, Classism, Anti-Semitism, Heterosexism, and Ableism, by Maurianne Adams, Warren Blumenfeld, Ximena Zuniga, Madeline Peters, and Heather Hackman, eds.; reviewed by Ashley Birt.
   
• Book Review: Religion Gone Bad: The Hidden Dangers of The Christian Right, by Mel White; reviewed by Wayne Benson.

For more information, visit:
Justice and Global Concerns

Help Prevent Malaria with Mother’s Day Cards
Sunday, May 4
Net Workers is a malaria prevention program established by the Presbyterian Church (USA). By purchasing a Net Workers’ Mother’s Day card to honor mothers, daughters or friends, you can help safeguard the health of mothers and children in Africa.

Horizons Bible Study
Tues., May 6, at 10 a.m.
Join us on Tues., May 6, in the second floor parlor as we continue our 2007-2008 Horizons Bible Study, “Above and Beyond: Hearing God’s Call in Jonah and Ruth.”

The Synod of the Trinity
Jesus Sent Them...Why Are We Here Now?
June 4-6
The annual summer conference of The Synod of the Trinity is June 4-6, at Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA. Since it moves across the state each year, this is a good year to attend and not have too far to travel.

For more information, visit:
Spiritual Life Ministry

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Stephen Ministry

For more information, visit
Stephen Ministry

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Taizé Prayer

Cultivating the Garden, led by Laurie Arnold: May 7, at 8:15 pm
Join us for a creative writing workshop to explore our inner and outer gardens. How does what we grow on the inside and foster on the outside mesh?

Sacred Harp, led by Charles Anderson: May 14, at 8:15 pm
Enjoy singing tunes in three- and four-part harmony from the oldest American tune book in continuous print (since 1844). Joining in this joyful American singing tradition is easy and enjoyable. All tunes are carefully taught, one part at a time. Beginners welcome!

Flute Circle, guided by Charles Anderson: May 21, at 8:15 pm
The Flute Circle is an encounter for all levels of flute players and enthusiasts — even if you have never played before. Discover your own unique song on a flute and hear it blend with others around you. Hand-crafted bamboo flutes will be available for trial and purchase.

Celebrations: May 28, at 8:15 pm
If you celebrate a birthday, milestone or anniversary in May, please write down your information and put it in the collection plate so we can celebrate with you!

Joyful Noise: A Creative Writing Salon
Thursdays, 7-9 pm, starting May 8 for 6 weeks
As an expansion of the After Taizé class, join us for an opportunity to travel the rich spiritual terrains of our lives through the creative process. We will use the text: “Joyful Noise: An Anthology of American Spiritual Poetry,” edited by Robert Strong, to explore our own spiritual journeys and discoveries.

Taizé Prayer
Taizé Prayer services are held on Wednesdays at 7 pm. Everyone is invited to a simple supper at 6 pm before every Wednesday service; a free-will offering of $2.50 is appreciated.

After-Taizé Classes
Wednesdays at 8:15 pm, following the 7 pm Taizé Prayer service.

For more information, visit:
Taizé Prayer

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Worship, Music and the Arts

Koinonia
Second Sunday of each month -- 7 pm
Koinonia, an uplifting contemporary service led by ELPC youth and young
adults, will be held on Sun., Mar. 9, at 7 pm. Elder Kathleen Kyle will preach.

Let’s All Sing Like the Choir
You can help make that happen! There are at least a dozen wonderful voices—male and female—out in the congregation every Sunday morning. Sure, you are needed “out there” to support and to encourage congregational singing. However, we could always—or at least from time to time—use your voice(s) up front with the Chancel Choir.

Ring a Bell?
Bells are ringing, and they will ring even more stirringly when we have three or four additional ringers join our happy throng. Handbell ringing is great physical activity for the upper arms; it provides wonderful mental stimulation and challenge; it provides a most pleasing social opportunity to engage with a dozen other like-minded/spirited folks who enjoy making music together. No previous handbell ringing experience is necessary; however, being able to read music—either treble or bass clef—puts you at the head of the line.

Call for new All Heart Choir members!
After an Easter break following the All Heart Choir’s premiere performance several weeks ago, practice will resume on Sunday April 6 in the Third Floor Music Room following the 11:00 worship. If you enjoy singing even though it may not be your greatest gift (or a gift at all), please join the founding members of the All Heart Choir as we lift our voices on high - and then pray for divine intervention! If you are interested, please call or e-mail Norma (412.441.3800 x11; NormaM please add the extension "@coh.net"). The choir’s practice schedule will be determined based upon everyone’s availability.

ELPC Audio Gallery
Sermons offered by Pastor Randy Bush.

• Subscribe to our podcast and hear selected Sunday sermons.

Sermons
Featuring the sermons of the Rev. Dr. Randy Bush in downloadable/printable format.

Sermon Copies
Printed copies of most sermons preached at the weekly 11 am service (10 am service during the summer) are available in the sermon rack by the Highland entrance or by downloading a copy from the Sermons web page. Tapes of services can also be requested.

Sunday Service Leaders and Sermon Titles

For more information, visit:
Worship, Music and the Arts

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Youth Ministry

Club One Sixteen
Join us on Wednesdays for an afternoon of music, learning, food and fun
for people of all ages. From 3:30 to 4:30, stop by and shoot some hoops during our open gym. Or come by anytime between 3:30 and 6:30 for
homework help, board games and snacks from Whole Foods. And if you are already registered, participate in Hope Academy free classes
(Tango, Voices of Hope Vocal Ensemble, Step Team, Sing and Dance to a Latin Beat).

Youth Basketball
Saturdays, 5 to 8 pm.
For young men in grades 9 through 12, Saturday evenings from 5 to 8 pm at ELPC.

Church School Classes
Sundays, 9:45 to 10:45 am (Sept to mid-June).

For more information, visit
Youth Ministry

Young Adult Ministry

Young Adults Cookout
Sunday, May 18
On Sun., May 18th, from 3-6 pm we will be holding a cookout in the ELPC courtyard. All young adults are welcome to come and join us for a time of fellowship and good food as we kick off events for the summer. Please bring a side-dish or desert to share. RSVP to Gloria Knopp at 412-441-3800 x22 by Wed., May 14, to ensure that we have enough burgers for everyone!

Life in the Spirit Young Adult Sunday School Class
Come join us for this Sunday School class tailored for young adults in their 20's and 30's. Through discussion, prayer, and Bible study we will explore together the blessings and challenges we face as young adults seeking to live by the Spirit. During the month of March we will continue a series on the season of Lent. Led by seminary intern Brian Diebold, the group meets at 9:45am on Sunday in the Pastor's Conference room.

20/30s Tuesday Evening Study Group
20/30s Tuesday Evening Study Group will meet May 6 from 7-9pm in Room 234 to hear Wil Forrest’s reflections on his recent pilgrimage to Palestine and Israel. We will meet again on May 20 for Bible study in the Second Floor Parlor.

For more information, visit
Young Adult Ministry

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More News

Reminder
The church offices will be closed on Mon., May 26, in observance of Memorial Day.

Save These Dates

• The Young at Heart luncheon will be held Sun., June 22, after the 11am service. Plan to join us for good food and good fellowship.
• Presbyterian Women will hold a Baby Shower for the East Liberty Family Health Care Center on Sat., June 14, from 1:30-3:30 pm. Watch the PW Bulletin Board for details.

Property Committee
Do you have a green thumb? Are you interested in landscape design? The
Property Committee is looking for volunteers to help develop a master plan for ELPC’s landscaping. This team will work with a landscape architect to develop the plan this winter, and starting this spring they will begin realizing the plan. Please contact Chuck Lukehart at chas321@aol.com or 412-782-6447 for more information. Help us make
our church grounds a beautiful and welcoming part of our neighborhood.

Cathedral Café
East Liberty Presbyterian Church's lunchtime Cathedral Café is located inside the church building on the first floor. The Café is open to the public year round, serving delicious lunches Tuesday-Friday from 11:45 am to 1:15 pm, and, lunches/brunches on some Sundays from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm (contact Kate Carlson for Sunday schedule).

At Your Service: Sunday Office Volunteers
Since March, several members of the Personnel Committee have been staffing the main office on Sunday mornings. Each Sunday, from 9 to 11 am and from 12:15 to 12:30 pm, you will find one of the volunteers in the office, ready and eager to help those who come in for various reasons. The Sunday volunteers, trained by Church Business Administrator Pam Kimmel, are: Nadine Banks, Clara and Bob Hoon, Heather Lawrence, Mary Lenox, Libby Parker, and Fran Wilson, coordinator.

Bookstore Hours
Just a reminder: The ELPC Bookstore is open every Wednesday at 5:30 pm before Taizé, as well as every Sunday from 9 to 10:45 am and from 12 to 1 pm. Visit and see the ever-changing collection of books, jewelry and what-not — including texts needed for fall classes. Stop in to browse and say, “Hi!”

Do We Have Your Current Information on File?
Fall is often a time for many of us to have new beginnings. Let us know if you have changes in any of the following information: new address, home phone number, email address, name change, changes in other information. Please contact Kate Carlson directly with your changes—by phone: 412-441-3800 x17, or email: katec (please add the extension "@coh.net"); or submit your change(s) on paper (please type or print clearly) and put it in her mail folder in the church’s front office.

Staying Connected — ELPC Pastor Visitation Program
One of the aims of our Pastor Visitation Program is to keep those members who find it difficult to attend Sunday worship, because of life's circumstances, connected to the congregation. Some who found it difficult to attend services every Sunday, are now able to attend occasionally with the help of the Deacons who supply transportation. If you know someone who needs transportation or an occasional visit, please contact the Rev. Miriam Chamberlain at 412-441-3800 to let her know of these needs.

Deacons Sunday Morning Pastoral Point Persons
A rotating schedule of Deacons serve as "Pastoral Point Persons" on Sunday mornings. They will help the office volunteers, security, ushers and staff in managing unexpected situations that arise during the 10 am worship service.

ELPC Website’s “Multimedia” Gallery
The “multimedia” link on our website provides access to sermon audio files, photo galleries, and videos of recent special concerts and worship services. We have over 40,000 weekly website downloads—so log on and check it out!

ELPC Audio Gallery
Sermons offered by Pastor Randy Bush.

• Subscribe to our podcast and hear selected Sunday sermons.

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Good News
Congratulations to our new members and friends who joined on March 9. We welcome James Dixon, Stephen Michael, David and Elizabeth Gates, Carol Schaef, Denna Clark, Sara Fest, and Patricia Lewis by transfer of letter and Kevin Mason as a friend

Erik and Kim Ness and their son Ben are pleased to announce the arrival of Katherine Marie Ness (Kate), who was born on Tues., March 13.

Congratulations to Matthew Anderson was recognized from the ELPC Men’s Woodworking Club as a Designated Apprentice Toy Maker on March 19.

Congratulations to our resident Youth/Young Adult seminary intern, Brian Diebold, who will receive his Master of Divinity degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary as part of the seminary graduation held at ELPC on Thurs., May 22.

Prayers
Our prayers and sympathies are with the family and friends of Dr. Edward A. Brethauer, Jr., who passed away on March 4. He had been a member of ELPC for 57 years and served as an elder in 1965. A private committal service was held on March 10. A Memorial Service will be held Fri., May 23rd at 1 pm in the chapel at ELPC.
 

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"...inviting all to join our diverse, inclusive family of faith,
transcending all boundaries of race, class, ability, culture, gender
and sexual identity to become one in Christ."

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Contact the ELPC Webmaster info@cathedralofhope.org.

updated 2008-04-28