News from East Liberty Presbyterian Church
July 28, 2010

Precious Lord, wherever we look we see the grandeur of your creation. All that we have is a gift of your grace. You fill each day with bountiful blessings and keep us mindful of how you care for our needs.

Sunday, August 1 Worship Services

with Celebration of the Lord’s Supper

• 8:00 am: Good Samaritan Worship; Rev. Chad Collins preaching, Pastor, Valley View Presbyterian Church.
• 10:00 am: Courtyard Worship; the Rev. Dr. Randall K. Bush preaching: “New Life in Christ, Part I,” Colossians 3:1-11.

Additional worship and prayer opportunities during the week

• Taizé prayer service: Every Wednesday, 7:00 pm in the Chapel. Childcare available from 6:45 pm to 8:15 pm. July 28 Taizé service will be followed at 8:15, “Celebrations!” Did you celebrate a birthday, milestone or anniversary in July? Write it down and put it in the Taizé collection plate so we can celebrate with you.
• Labyrinth prayer walk: Wednesday, July 28, 9:00 am - 9:00 pm; Monday, August 2, 9:00 am to 1:30 pm. In the Social Hall.
• Centering prayer: Tuesday, August 3, 7:00 pm. Room 250.

Youth and young adults

Trinity Youth Conference, Registration due tomorrow
Youth who have completed grade 9 are invited to attend the Trinity Youth Conference. This year’s theme is “Out of the Shadows, EXPOSED by the Light.” The conference runs from Sunday, August 1 to Saturday, August 7 at Camp Living Waters in Schellsburg, PA. The conference focuses on spiritual and leadership development, discipleship and evangelism through worship, activities and workshops. Registration forms are available on ELPC’s youth ministry bulletin board or on the conference website. Please contact the Rev. Schoenewolf for info on scholarships and transportation, (412) 441-3800 x21.

Young adults study session
All those in their 20’s and 30’s are invited to come on Wednesdays from June 23 to August 25 (except for July 21) at 8 pm to watch and discuss the DVD-based study of Bishop N.T. Wright’s book Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense. in Room 234. Contact .

ELPC weekly news highlights

Last class on Palestinian Quest for Just Peace, meets after worship.
Join us for a the final class based on the curriculum prepared by The Israel/Palestine Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The classes, coordinated by Dr. Ronald Stone for the Peace Committee, will utilize perspectives from the four ELPC members who have visited Palestine in the last three years and the curriculum that contains presentations of Palestinian and Israeli perspectives, and the Peacemaking Theology of the Presbyterian Church. Location: Room 244 or the Session Room on the first floor.

Inquirers’ class, after the August 1 courtyard service
Are you or someone you know thinking about joining ELPC as a member or as a friend? This is a great opportunity to find out more about our church community, who we are, what we do, what we believe, and more. Please call Gloria Knopp to register, (412) 441-3800 x22. Lunch is included; let Gloria know if you need childcare.

Hey, did you see that article in the newspaper?
From time to time, ELPC or those close to us are featured in the media, and we are happy to feature those stories on our website. Click to the “ELPC in the News” page and get the latest scoop.

August Reaching Out available on website
The August “Reaching Out” newsletter is now available on our website, including Rev. Bush’s pastoral message, excerpted here: “No statistic can capture the true spirit of a congregation: the way that people minister to and pray for one another, the nurture of mind and body provided by worship and education, the life-giving choices made each day as a direct expression of one’s faith in Jesus Christ.” Read more.

Hope Academy Fall 2010: registration, brochures, scholarships
Hope Academy’s course brochure, registration form, policy info form, and scholarship applications are now available to download as pdfs. In an effort to cut costs (and save some trees) we will be mailing postcards to let everyone know that they can download everything here. If you would like a complete printed brochure, they are available at the front desk. For more information, click to the Hope Academy’s blog.

Hygiene Kits for Disaster Victims
Hygiene kits are one way to share in a hope-filled tomorrow. Your support truly makes a difference in the lives of children and families the world over. Through Labor Day, Presbyterian Women are collecting hygiene kits for disaster victims around the world. Individual items and/or complete assembled kits are welcomed. Pick up instructions on the PW bulletin board outside the library. Please leave items or completed kits in the church office. If you wish to make a monetary gift, used for kits or shipping costs, make checks payable to “Presbyterian Women in East Liberty Presbyterian Church.”

ELPC in the Community

Neighborhood party, August 3
Our neighbors at East Liberty Gardens (Broad St and Larimer Ave, across from the new Target construction site) are having their annual community night of games, music and ice cream on Tuesday, August 3 from 6 to 9 pm. ELPC helps to sponsor this event by providing supplies for ice cream sundaes. Please plan to attend and bring ice cream, toppings, bowls or napkins. It is always a fun time. If you can’t join us please consider donating items. For more info, contact the Rev. Patrice Fowler-Searcy (412) 441-3800 x30 or Kate Carlson (412) 441-3800 x17.

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

East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) Men’s Shelter
During the month of August, the Deacons are collecting razors and deodorant for EECM’s Men’s Shelter. Donations may be left in the hallway baskets. Thank you for your support!