News from East Liberty Presbyterian Church
Sixth week of Easter, May 12, 2010
Christ is always ready to take the fragments of our love and use them to make the world whole. For as we bring willing hearts to Christ, they are transformed into God’s heart.
- Contemporaries: “Establishing Friendship as 1st Century Spirituality,” (part one of one), led by Ann Morris. The spiritual life of 1st century Christians was communal and action oriented. Using Luke’s narrative in the first half of Acts, we will study how the disciples’ evangelism embodied Jesus’ teaching. Second floor parlor.
- Journey with Scripture:
 Acts 16:16–34; Ps. 97; Rev. 22:12–14, 16-17, 20–21; John 17:20–26. Led by Jan Irvin. Second floor library.
- Parenting Circle: We will share a devotion from the book 365 Meditations for Families, discussing themes related to faith and family life. Copies of the devotions will be available in class each week. First floor, Harambe room.
- Seekers: “The New Social Creed,” part two of two. Led by Dr. Ron Stone, retired professor at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, who will present the new social creed, written with an expanded vision for the contemporary global society in the spirit of progressive, social Christianity. Second floor, room 234.
- Soul Food,
 led by the Rev. Cynthia Jackson. May’s theme is “The Heart of the Seed,” as we continue our study of Joyce Rupp’s book Fresh Bread. (Please bring a journal.) Copies of Fresh Bread are available to purchase in class. How do we recognize and break the shell that confines us? Shedding old fears and assumptions, we let go and enter the growth process. Second floor, pastor’s conference room.
Additional worship and prayer opportunities during the week
- Taizé prayer service: Every Wednesday, 7:00 pm in the Chapel. Join us for a simple supper at 6:00 pm.
 Childcare available from 6:45 pm to 8:15 pm. May 12 Taizé service will be followed at 8:15 with “Music on the Labyrinth,” led by Charles Anderson.
- Labyrinth Prayer Walk: Wednesday May 12, 10:00 am - 9:00 pm; Monday, May 17, 10 am - 3pm. In the Social Hall. Note that there will be no labyrinth on Monday May 31 due to the Memorial Day holiday.
- Centering Prayer: Tuesday, May 18, 7:00 pm. Room 250.
Youth and Young Adults
- Spring Young Adult Series, “The Easter Experience,” part four of five, will be held tonight, Wednesday May 12, “I Have the Promise of Eternal Life,” room 234.
- Sunday May 16, 2pm: “youthMoves,” part of newMoves 2010: a showcase of young dancers featuring performances by students from Hope Academy of Music and the Arts, among others. Hope Academy students performing in youthMoves are Angelina Winbush, Dayna Rouse, Candace Burgess, Allie Brown and Mimi Thomas. They have been working together all year, under the direction of Staycee Pearl, as part of HAT Co. Pearl Dance, an artist residency supported by The Heinz Endowments.
ELPC weekly news highlights
Tina Whitehead, “On the Ground in Palestine,” Sunday May 16
Tina Whitehead will present the program On the Ground in
Palestine on Sunday, May 16 at 12:30 pm in Room 234. Over the last 5 years, she has made frequent trips to Israel/Palestine, living in East Jerusalem for several months each time, and working for Sabeel, an organization of Palestinian Christians. Snacks will be served. Sponsored by the Peace Committee. 
Bread for the World: Offering of Letters 2010
If you were unable to participate in the April 25 Offering of Letters when we wrote letters to our two Senators and Congressional Representative (we received about 60 letters), you can still advocate on behalf of poor working families who benefit from the extension of the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. Just use this link to take you to the Bread for the World web site. The page includes instructions and a sample letter. Thank you for your support.
Blankets for Malawi, on display Sunday, May 16
 The Presbyterian Women have made 12 blankets for the women of the Nkhwinimba Prayer House in Balaka CCAP, Malawi. The blankets will be on display in the Sanctuary. Stop by the McKelvy Room after worship to add your prayers and good wishes to a banner that will be sent with the blankets.
Knitting Group, May 20, 1-2:30 pm
Join us for fun and fellowship. The knitting group is making soft caps to go to babies and young children in Haiti. All levels of experience, including newcomers and those who would like to learn, are welcome. Second floor parlor. Questions? Call Diane Jackson, (412) 441-6021.
Do we have your emergency contact information?
 Please identify a family member or friend for the church records who can be contacted in case of an emergency. Fill out the Contact Information Form. Drop completed forms in the offering plate or leave it in the church office. The requested info assists the pastoral staff in providing the care that you need in case of illness and/or hospitalization. Thank you!
Children’s artwork needed
 Calling all parents who are members or friends: We are planning an exhibit of photos, drawings, and paintings from the children and young people of ELPC members and friends for Pentecost Sunday. All artwork will be gently handled and available for you to pick up after the show. On each piece, please include parent name and phone #, and child’s name and age. Bulky items are OK, too. Put your item(s) in a bag clearly labeled for Phil Jamison and bring them to the office no later than May 15.
EECM “Off to College” 2010
The Neighbors Committee will be displaying a Giving Tree for the East End Cooperative Ministry’s Off To College donation drive on Sunday, May 16 and Sunday, May 23. The donations help support high school seniors who are college-bound with needed school supplies, linens, and more. You can select a tag off of the tree with the requested items before and after the 11:00 AM service each Sunday, then bring your item to the church by June 6. For more information, contact Gary Sadler, (412) 661-7935 or by email.
ELPC in the Community
EECM “baby shower,” May 15, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Many baby essentials are costly but not covered by food stamps or WIC.  Please join us on Saturday, May 15, from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm for a “Baby Shower,” and bring a gift. Our wish list includes: diapers (esp large sizes), wipes, new clothing, diaper cream, and baby soap and shampoo. Contact Kate Snyder, (412) 361-5549 x422 for more information. Thank you for your support!
East 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 soup.
East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) Men’s Shelter
During the month of May, the Deacons are collecting razors and skin lotion for EECM’s Men’s Shelter. Donations may be left in the hallway baskets. Thank you for your support! |
