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Welcome to East Liberty Presbyterian Church,
The Cathedral of Hope

ELPC is a Presbyterian church ministering in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for almost 200 years, committed to serving the East Liberty neighborhood as well as the responding to needs both national and global. We offer a fellowship of faith that worships in multiple distinct services, that prays intentionally, that works diligently, and that laughs and sings readily. As a diverse community of believers, we strive to follow God: the Creator who calls us, Jesus who teaches us, and the Spirit who empowers us. We show God’s unconditional love by providing a refuge for spiritual growth, ardently pursuing justice, and extending Christ’s radical hospitality to all.

Read below to find out what’s happening this week, listen or read sermons, discover our labyrinth, read our vision and mission statements, and more. We look forward to worshipping with you.

East Liberty Presbyterian Church

What’s Happening at East Liberty Presbyterian Church,
the “Cathedral of Hope”
May 21, 2013

Holy One, by your life-giving Spirit, guide us into honesty and compassion so that filled with your peace our dreams and visions may be one with yours.



Spotlight

J.G. BoccellaConversations About Race, Sunday May 26

As part of our commitment to diversity, ELPC welcomes J.G. Boccella who will lead a post-worship conversation about race in America on Sunday, May 26. This short presentation, beginning at 12:30 pm, followed by a time for questions and dialogue, will broach topics such as the “disconnect” between racial-ethnic groups in America and the challenge of “meaningful interactions” between different groups in the larger culture.


Worship services, May 26 Stained glass at ELPC



Christian Education Adult Classes, May 26 | All classes begin @ 9:45
View the complete list of Christian Education classes for all ages

  • Contemporaries: “Cultivating Community,” with Joe Kennedy. (Meets in the Second floor parlor.)Christian Education at ELPC
  • Journey with Scripture: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Psalm 8; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15. (Meets in the Second floor library.).
  • Parenting Circle: Meets next on June 2. Read more or contact the group (Meets in the first floor Harambe Room.)
  • Seekers: “Theologians Who Resisted Nazism,” with special guest PTS Prof. Ron Stone. Part 3 of 3. (Meets in Room 234.)
  • Soul Food: The second half of Chapter 8, “The Resented Banquet,” in Things Hidden: Scripture as Spirituality, by Richard Rohr. (Meets in the second floor Pastor’s Conference Room.)
  • Young Adults: The Young Adults CE class has finished for the spring, but you are invited to learn more about ELPC’s Young Adults Ministry for upcoming fellowship and activities. Read more



More worship and prayer opportunities during the week

  • Centering Prayer: Centering Prayer meets every Tuesday evenings. Join us next week, May 28, 7:00pm! Newcomers welcome. (Meets in the second floor Library.)
  • Labyrinth prayer walk on Mondays and Wednesdays.Labyrinth prayer walk: Come away from the hectic and busy for some quiet, prayerful moments with God: Join us Mondays from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm; or Wednesdays, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Note no labyrinth on Monday May 27 due to the holiday.
  • Prayer Room: Come to sit and pray in silence. Come to listen for the still small voice of God. In the midst of all the good that we do here at ELPC, this quiet space comes alongside to bear witness to who we are as a people of prayer. The prayer room is open anytime the church is open.
  • Taizé prayer service: Every Wednesday at 7pm, in the Chapel. The hour-long service includes sung, spoken, and silent prayers, beautiful music, a time of silence, and opportunity for individual prayer. Join us after the service on May 29 for Celebrations.


News and events

Bible studyBible 116 classes, May 22, 29

Please join Rev. Bush and Rev. Schoenewolf for Bible 116, a Bible Study series, Wednesday evenings in May. The group meets from 5:45 pm to 6:55 pm pm in the Second Floor Parlor. Attendance at each session is not required! Join us as your schedule permits. The Bible 116 class is an informal (adult) gathering in which Pastor Randy and/or Pastor Heather lead a conversation about the scripture passage that is the focus of the upcoming Sunday worship service. Bring your own bible, or bibles provided. A simple meal of soup and bread will be available, and volunteers are encouraged to assist in providing these refreshments.


Youth SundayYouth Sunday, June 2

We rejoice that the Senior High youth will create and lead our Sanctuary worship service on Sunday, June 2. The graduating seniors will share their faith journeys with us. As this is our last day of Church School before summer break, we also will recognize and give thanks for our Church School teachers. Youth who wish to participate in this service are asked to attend Church School in May.


“First Sunday” June 2, 2013 | Music, Poetry and Mandalas and Sister Donna MarieFirst Sunday event, June 2: Music, Poetry, Mandalas

Music, Poetry, Mandalas. Each can be tools for prayer; but what happens when these elements are combined? On Sun., June 2, Sister Donna Marie Beck will guide us in exploring our spiritual depths and enhance our prayer life using the arts. Join us after the 11:00 service. A light lunch will be served. Sister Donna Marie Beck is a trained spiritual director, Professor Emeritus of Music Therapy at Duquesne and Professor at the Music Psychotherapy Center.


Volunteer for Summer VCS Volunteers needed for Summer VCS

Youth in grades 6 and up and adult volunteers are needed to help make our week a success! The success of Vacation Church School rests in the capable hands and hearts of our dedicated volunteers. We are seeking the assistance of men, women, and youth who are willing to volunteer at least 3 hours of their time (a half-day) or as much as the entire week to help nurture our children and share God’s love during VCS. This is a wonderful way to participate in God’s mission for those who are unable to do mission work outside of Pittsburgh! Read more


Memorial DayHoliday closure, Monday May 27

In honor of Memorial Day, the church building will be closed on Monday May 28. Activities normally held at the church during the day or evening on Mondays will not be held. The church reopens Tuesday morning.

Memorial Day honors the memory of the soldiers who died while serving their country, and the men and women who continue to serve. To all in our congregation whose families have borne sacrifice, we extend our thoughts and prayers. “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, says the Spirit. They rest from their labors, and their deeds follow them.” - Rev. 14:13.


See this week's announcementsMore happenings at East Liberty Presbyterian Church

To find out all about what’s going on at ELPC this week, see this week’s announcements.

 


In our community

Food pantryEast End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) Food Pantry
The EECM Food Pantry provides food for individuals and families facing hunger in Pittsburgh. May’s “Food of the Month” is rice.

East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) Men’s Shelter
The Deacons are collecting men’s underwear, deodorant, and shower flip-flops for EECM’s Men’s Shelter. Donations may be left in the hallway baskets. Thank you for your support!


South Highland Bridge closed March 4 South Highland Bridge closed

The Highland Avenue bridge is closed until mid- to late fall 2013 for repairs; detours are posted. View the information sheet | View parking information