Spotlight

Ash Wednesday Service, February 17, 12:15
The season of Lent begins today, Ash Wednesday. The liturgical color shifts from green to purple, reminding us to be penitent and prayerful over the coming weeks as we prepare to recall the atoning death of Jesus for all humankind. The Ash Wednesday service is a holy time, marked by the Word, imposition of ashes, silence, and prayer, to set our hearts on the right path as we await the news of Easter resurrection. Join us, in the Chapel, as we enter the season of Lent.

February 21 Worship Services

• 8:00 am: Good Samaritan Worship; the Rev. George Steffey preaching, Chaplain, East Liberty Family Health Care Center. Ground floor dining room.
• 8:45 am: Journey Worship; the Rev. Heather Schoenewolf preaching. Third floor music room.
• 11:00 am: Sanctuary Worship; the Rev. Dr. Randall K. Bush preaching. Sanctuary.

February 21 Christian Education, 9:45 - 10:45

• Contemporaries: What Do Presbyterians Say?, led by Dr. Jim Russ. Traditional Christian language about sin and salvation is far removed from most of what we preach today. We’ll examine two books by Methodist theologian, pastor, and bishop William Willimon: Sinning Like a Christian, and Who Will Be Saved, which asks, who decides if I’m saved: you, me, or God? Second floor parlor.
• Journey with Scripture: Deut. 26:1-11; Ps. 91:1-2, 9-16; Rom. 10:8b-13; Luke 4:1-13. Second floor library.
• Parenting Circle: We continue reading Jan Johnson’s Growing Compassionate Kids: Helping Kids See Beyond Their Backyard. Anyone interested in parenting is welcome to join us. Books available in class. First floor, Harambe room.
• Seekers: Join us as we discuss The Meaning of Jesus by Marcus Borg and (The Right Reverend) N. T. Wright. Led by the Rev. Heather Schoenewolf. Second floor, room 234.
• Soul Food, a new adult class offering. When we neglect our hunger for God, we become spiritually emaciated—starved for forgiveness, peace, and joy. Discover new ways to feed your spirit and live into the fullness that God offers. We will study Joyce Rupp’s book Fresh Bread. (Please bring a journal.) Copies of Fresh Bread will be for sale; call Gloria Knopp (412) 441-3800 x22 to reserve a copy.

Additional worship, classes, and prayer opportunities during the week

• Wednesday Connections, including Bible One Sixteen, will not be held on February 17 due to Ash Wednesday.
• Taizé prayer service: Every Wednesday, 7:00 pm in the Chapel. Childcare available from 6:45 pm to 8:15 pm. February 17 Taizé service will be followed at 8:15 with a class: Sacred Harp/Shape Note Singing. Enjoy singing tunes in three- and four-part harmony from the oldest American song book in print; led by Charles Anderson.
• Labyrinth Prayer Walk: Wednesday February 17, 10:00 am - 9:00 pm, and Monday, February 22, 10 am - 3pm. In the Social Hall.
• Centering Prayer: Tuesday, February 23, 7:00 pm. Room 250.

Youth and Young Adults

• Club One Sixteen, February 17 is cancelled.
• Youth basketball: February 20 is closed so that all may attend Love and All That Jazz.
• Young adults February coffee house: Sundays, February 21 and 28, at 7 pm: Come by to chat or to say hello and enjoy some coffee, ice cream, and waffles at Oh Yeah's.
• Young adults fellowship, Downtown: Young adults who work in the Downtown area are invited to gather for a new “Once-A-Month-Lunch” co-hosted by Glenshaw Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh. the Rev. Kay Balderose for details.
• Scholarship workshop: It’s never too to start planning for scholarship opportunities. Join ELPC Elder Nadine Banks at the Oakland branch of the Carnegie Library on February 27, from 10:30 am–2:30 pm. Library card, RSVP, and permission slip required. Lunch is provided. RSVP to Rev. Schoenewolf by February 17.

ELPC weekly news highlights

“Love and All That Jazz,” February 20, benefits Hope Academy
Coming up on its new date, February 20, 2010, is our red-hot “Love and All That Jazz” show, Hope Academy’s annual benefit performance, held at East Liberty Presbyterian Church. Performers this year include spoken word artist Vanessa German, Flamenco music and dance, our own “Voices of Hope” choir, and more. This year we are celebrating Hope Academy’s tenth anniversary, and honoring our founding director, the Rev. Dr. J. Richard Szeremany. Adult tickets are $10 at the door. Children and youth 18 and under are free. Click to view the event poster (PDF, ~364K). Hope to see you there!

Race: The Power of An Illusion: February 20
As part of our ongoing commitment to bridge the racial divide and build community, ELPC is collaborating with Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church to offer the series Race: The Power of an Illusion. This PBS documentary, originally shown in 2003, has been developed into a series for use in community groups, schools and faith communities. A potluck supper at 5:30 pm will precede each video segment and small group discussion. Second session (February 20) at Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church. View the discussion guide on PBS’ site.

Congregational meeting, February 21, after the 11:00 service
Join us for a simple meal and time of fellowship at our annual congregational meeting. This important gathering is our time to review the annual reports, receive the 2010 budget, and elect officers to their new terms of service. It’s also a time for us to hear about our upcoming Strategic Vision. A $5 donation is requested for the lunch. In the Social Hall.

“Watercolors”
Sue Schneider’s “Watercolors,” on display now in Room 234 and in the Second Floor Parlor through March 7, offers new paintings that explore abstract ideas, melding organic and geometric forms. View the show’s brochure, with a list of titles to be displayed. Greeting cards will also be available for sale, with a portion of proceeds to support the arts exhibition program and the Organ Fund. Join us for a special reception on Friday February 26, from 5:30 - 7:00 pm. For more information on the Watercolors show, contact Sue at (412) 242-6751. For more information about the church’s artwork displays, please .

Caribbean Carnival new date, February 27, 4:30
Carnival fun and frolic are coming your way! Come for dinner with our kids-friendly menu (served promptly at 5:15 pm) as well as some tasty Caribbean treats. Evening includes activities for the whole family! And what could be more Caribbean than you dressed in your most colorful outfit showing off your warm weather Caribbean island wardrobe? RSVP to Norma, (412) 441-3800, x11.

Lenten devotionals
Lenten devotional materials for families, adults, teens, and children are available. These materials are provided courtesy of the Educational Ministries committee so that persons of all ages can deepen their faith throughout the Lenten season.

 

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ELPC in the Community

East End Cooperative Ministries (EECM) Men’s Shelter
During the month of February, the Deacons are collecting deodorant and socks for adult men for EECM’s Men's Shelter. Donations may be left in the hallway baskets. Thank you for your support!

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