News highlight

Randy Bush Sermon Series
One of the most vexing topics for the church today is that of human sexuality. Too often, a few scripture verses are taken out of context and used as weapons to harm and diminish the church as the Body of Christ. Believing that it is important to speak faithfully on this subject, Rev. Bush will present the second in a two-week Sunday sermon series: July 26, S-E-X and Being God's Family. Re-examining some difficult passages from I Corinthians 6 and Romans 1, this sermon series seeks to present a fuller exposition of the God-given gifts reflected in our human sexuality and loving relationships.

Sunday services and classes

July 26 Services

• 8:00 am: Good Samaritan Worship; The Rev. J. HOward Cherry preaching.
• 10:00 am: Sanctuary Worship; the Rev. Dr. Randall K. Bush preaching.

July 26 Christian Education

• Contemporaries: Last session--"A Wideness in God's Mercy," from Multitude of Blessings, led by Joe Kennedy and Mary Alice Lightle. Join us in the Parlor (second floor) for a six week summer session around Dr. Cynthia M. Campbell's book, A Multitude of Blessings.
• Journey with Scripture, Parenting Circle, Seekers: Classes will resume on Rally Day, September 13.

Youth and Young Adults

• Young Adult Ministries Summer Sunday School Series (last Sunday): Spiritual Gifts. What counts as a spiritual gift? How do we discern what gifts we have? Join us on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am in the second floor Pastor's Conference Room as we take up these questions and more.

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 7:15 pm. July 22 service followed by a time of "Sharing our Gifts"--bring your poems, writings, songs, music, and art to share with others.
• Labyrinth Prayer Walk: Mondays, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, and Wednesdays, 10:00 am - 9:00 pm.
• Centering Prayer: Tuesdays, 7:00 pm, room 250.

ELPC News

Presbytery Night with the Pirates, July 31, 7:05 pm
Come see the Pirates take on the Washington Nationals. A portion of the ticket sales support the mission of Pittsburgh Presbytery. Tickets must be purchased from the Pirates box office by Fri., July 24. Remember to mention Pittsburgh Presbytery Night with the Pirates. See you at the ballpark!

This comfy chair is for you
Our summer worship schedule continues, and we're holding the 10:00 service outside in the courtyard during the months of July and August. The Session is aware, however, that some are not comfortable sitting outside, and that the courtyard is not fully accessible. To accommodate these needs, we're projecting on the screen in the third floor Music Room, which is near the elevator. Hope to see you!

Bake Sale, August 2!
The Board of Deacons will be holding two bake sales and a bulb sale, benefiting the Deacons' Thanksgiving Basket Project which feeds local hungry families. The first bake sale is coming up on August 2. Stop by, enjoy homemade treats, and support a great cause.

Hope Academy Fall Term Registration Open
Hope Academy's fall 2009 term begins on September 19! Course brochure, registration form and scholarship applications are available online. Print them out and mail them in. The deadline for scholarship applications is August 15, 2009. Preference is given to previously enrolled Hope Academy students who are in good standing. Auditions are required for our new Hope Academy Theater Company - HAT Co (see Hope Academy page for more information). We continue to offer Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre dance classes (Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet and Ballet 1), Musical Theater, Shakespeare, Voices of Hope Vocal and Drumming Ensembles, private music instruction for piano, composition, violin, viola, cello, classical and electric guitar, bass, clarinet, flute, organ, percussion and voice.

ELPC in the Community

East End Cooperative Ministries Men's Shelter
The EECM men's shelter needs your help. While their need is consistent, donations have declined. Requested items for July are: deodorant, bar soap, flip flops, shower shoes. Thank you.