The Reaching Out Newsletter
April 2008

Pastoral Message The Rev. Dr. Randall K. Bush, Pastor Kwame Anthony Appiah is a professor of philosophy at Princeton University. He shares this anecdote: When he tells a stranger on a plane that he is a philosopher, he often gets the question, “So, what’s your philosophy?” He answers, “My philosophy is that everything is more complicated than you thought.” (New York Times Book Review)

The Rev. Dr. Randall K. Bush, Pastor

Here I am in the season immediately following on the heels of the triumphant good news of Easter, and I find myself drawn to a troubling comment made by a noted professor of morality and ethics: “Everything is more complicated than you thought.” Shouldn’t the power of life over death and the promise of resurrection held out to a broken and fearful world make things simpler? Shouldn’t the post-Easter message provide the answers we seek instead of raising more questions in our minds? Well, yes and no.

We love to keep things “simple” because then we feel like we understand them, that we can “wrap” our minds around them. So we love simple things like adding 2+2, admiring the colors in a rainbow, or counting the eight notes on a piano that make up a major scale. But even the simple things of life are more complicated than we imagine. Try organizing the rainbow colors into Monet’s water lilies, the notes of the scale into a Beethoven symphony, or getting any column of numbers to add up properly on an income tax return!

To “wrap” our minds around things is part of our natural desire to be in control at all times, the master / mistress of worldly knowledge. Yet being in control shouldn’t be our life goal; being in relationship with the Source / Savior / Sustainer of life is our goal. That means we step back from simple answers and open ourselves to the humble realization that life is deeper, richer and more complicated than we can ever fully fathom. By faith, we step away from easy answers and profess that whatever is, is grounded in God, who is loving and whose purposes (however complex) are fully trustworthy. In that moment of vulnerability, of letting go of our desire always to be in control, we discover the inner peace and healing grace that makes all the difference in the world.

I wouldn’t want a simpler version of Monet’s art or Beethoven’s music. Easter complicates things. The One who was dead is alive and shall live forever. And I wouldn’t want it any other way.

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.

Nursery Open House
Sunday, April 6
Members, friends and visitors to ELPC with children age 2 and under are invited to a Nursery Open House on Sun., April 6, from 10:00 to 10:30 am

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 soup.

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

Congratulations to Hope Academy Students
Hope Academy students have excelled again. Read about three students who are in the spotlight now.

Hip Hop on Lock Graduation, Performance and CD Release Party
Saturday, April 26, at 7 pm
Hope Academy singer/ songwriter students have been working on a recording project with Ya Momz House Studio. On Sat., April 26, at 7 pm there will be a public performance and raduation ceremony where the students can present their work to family, friends and the entire community. This is a free event and everyone is invited.

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

"For the Bible Tells Me So"
Wednesday, April 23rd, at 7pm
On Wed., April 23, ELPC will join with Community House Presbyterian Church to host the showing of this engaging film about the intersection of scripture, homosexuality, and how Christian families come to (or fail to) understand their gay children.

• 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

Horizons Bible Study
Tues., April 1, at 10 a.m.
Join us as we continue our Horizons Bible Study, “Above and Beyond: Hearing God’s Call in Jonah and Ruth.” Brenda Johnson will lead a discussion of “In God We Trust?” as we study Ruth 3.

Women's Retreat
April 25 and 26
The women of the church are invited to get away to Camp Crestfield. We will explore “Friendship” with our leader Rev. Ann Morris. Of course, there will be plenty of time to relax, walk the camp grounds and get to know each other better.

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

Writing Workshop, led by Pen Lytle: April 2, at 8:15 pm

Sacred Harp, led by Charles Anderson: April 9, 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: April 16, 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.

Writing Workshop, led by Laurie Arnold: April 23, at 8:15 pm
What’s Springing in You? A creative writing workshop to celebrate emerging life and the beauty and opportunity of Spring.

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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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. Our Lenten theme will be: Great Prayers of the Bible. Feb. 10th - Gethsemane. Feb. 17th - Psalm 51. Led by seminary intern Brian Diebold, Sundays at 9:45am in the Pastor's Conference room.

For more information, visit:
Youth and Young Adult Ministries

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). Note: No club one sixteen on March 19 in observance of Holy Week.

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

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 — Faith and Film Series
Join us as we explore some key themes of our faith, with Bible study and contemporary film imagery as our tools to jump-start our discussion. Prior to each session, you are invited to view the assigned film.

For more information, visit
Young Adult Ministry

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More News

Reminder to Vote
Remember to vote in the Pennsylvania Primary on Tues., April 22.

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.

Chef J's Cathedral Catering
As of this month, our own Chef Jay Ritter will begin expanding his dining service offerings beyond ELPC. While continuing to provide for our fellowship and church event culinary needs, Jay will be branching out as an independent caterer. Doing business as “Chef J’s Cathedral Catering,” he will be available to provide a full menu from entreés to award-winning desserts for individuals, non-profit, business or special events. He will continue to offer our Cathedral Café four days a week, Tuesday through Friday, with expanded lunchtime hours. For more information, talk to Chef Jay by calling 412-441-3800, ext. 27.

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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Thanks

Mrs. Norma Noden wishes to express her sincere thanks to the ELPC staff, members and friends for their prayers, concerns and good wishes during her recent hospital stays.