News from East Liberty Presbyterian Church
June 23, 2010

Because we have been forgiven much, we are ourselves empowered to forgive others.

Spotlight

Paul Jacobs organ concert at ELPC
Please join us on Thursday, June 24, 8:00 pm for a special organ concert. Professor Paul Jacobs, head of the organ program at Juilliard and a southwest PA native, will perform a concert here in the church. Members of ELPC may attend at no charge. The New York Times has called Jacobs “a brilliant organist,” and among other talents, he has performed the complete works of J. S. Bach on several occasions. Jacobs will be here next week as part of the Organ Historical Society’s annual convention, hosted this year in Pittsburgh. Join us for an evening of memorable music.

Sunday, June 27, Worship Services

• 8:00 am: Good Samaritan Worship; the Rev. Patrice Fowler-Searcy preaching.
• 10:00 am: Sanctuary Worship; the Rev. Dr. Randall K. Bush preaching, “Someone to Fall Back On,” I Corinthians 1:26-31.

June 27 Christian Education

• Adult summer series, special time 9:15 - 9:50. Join us for a special adult summer series, “Landscapes of Faith.” Childcare available. June 27: “Sea Changes,” (Mark 4:35-41, Matthew 14:22-33).  Jesus can command the wind and the waves into silence, but he also has the power to stir them up. Led by Mary Alice Lightle. Second floor parlor.

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. June 23 Taizé service will be followed at 8:15 by a special class: David Goldstein will lead us in Hebrew Chant, using sacred phrases from Psalms, Isaiah, and other sources to dive deeply into prayerful intentions. No experience with singing or with the Hebrew language is necessary. All are welcome! Second floor parlor.
• Labyrinth prayer walk : Wednesday, June 23, 9:00 am - 1:30 pm. Monday, June 28, 9:00 am - 9:00 pm. In the Social Hall.
• Centering prayer: Tuesday, June 29, 7:00 pm. Room 250.

Young adults

A new weekly young adult summer series begins this week: Have you ever wondered why humans in all places and times have yearned for beauty, truth, spirituality, and justice? What does that have to tell us about our Christian faith? Together we'll be looking at these questions and more as we meet to watch and discuss the DVD-based study of Bishop N.T. Wright’s book Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense. All those in their 20’s and 30’s are invited to come join us on Wednesdays from June 23 to August 25 at 8 pm in Room 234. Contact .

ELPC weekly news highlights

Bake sale, June 27 following the 10:00 service
The Board of Deacons will be holding a bake sale this Sunday, June 27, immediately following the 10:00 worship service. Proceeds fund the purchase of a new defibrillator. Stop by and enjoy some treats!

Please join us for two exciting performances from the Hope Academy!

• Hope Academy of Music and the Arts’ 2010 Showcase Performance: Come see “Romeo and Juliet” as never before—remixed, mashed up, deconstructed and re-imagined. Fifty Hope Academy students will sing, dance and act their way through the complexities of the story and themes of one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays. With text straight from the Bard and music from West Side Story, Spring Awakening, Radiohead, Dire Straights, The Proclaimers and more, this 400 year old play takes on a whole new life. Shakespeare scenes are directed by Tonya Lynn, with choreography by Staycee Pearl and Michael Walsh, and music direction by Anna Elder, Devin Flynt and Michael Chapman. Performances will be held Saturday, June 26 at 7pm and Sunday, June 27 at 3 pm. Tickets, $5, are available at the door.
• Staycee Pearl Dance Project: ARRAY: HAT Co. Pearl Dancers (from Hope Academy's teen theater company) perform their end of the year concert on Sunday, June 27 at 7 pm alongside teaching artist Staycee Pearl’s adult dance company (STAYCEE PEARL dance project, SPdp). Each company performs dance works created by artistic director, Staycee Pearl, SPdp artists and HAT Co/SPdc emerging artists. The two groups also perform as one in a range of inspired performances. Hope Academy student dancers include Angelina Winbush, Candace Burgess, Mimi Thomas, Dayna Rouse, and Alexandra Brown. SPdp members include Kerra Alexander, Jamie Murphy, Cassie Shafer, Renee Smith, Amanda Vavra, and Laura Warren. Staycee Pearl’s residency at Hope Academy of Music and the Arts was made possible by a grant from The Heinz Endowments. Admission to this performance is “pay what you can.”

Volunteers needed to help water plants
Especially with all the hot summer weather, our plants really need some extra love! The landscape team is looking or volunteers to help water the container plants in the courtyard and at the entrances. Can you help? Please contact Chuck Lukehart, (412) 782-6447. Thank you!

Congratulations to Bethan Neely!
Bethan Neely, a student of Dr. Szeremany, recently performed at the Carol Teti Memorial Organ Competition, where she was awarded first place! She will use her $1,500 prize money this summer to help pay for expenses for a week-long study at Oberlin Conservatory and a three week study at the Eastman School of Music, Rochester, N.Y., where she has been accepted into the organ studio of the Music Horizons Summer Program for High School Musicians.

Join Grace Memorial for a fun summertime picnic!
Grace has invited us to join them on July 11 for outdoor worship at 11 am and a picnic following at Sunset Beach Park in Claysville, PA. The picnic is catered and includes a covered pavilion at the park. The cost is $18.50 for adults, $16.50 for kids 4-11 yrs. Grace will be chartering a bus to the park for $16 per seat. If you would like to go, reservations need to be made by June 26, 412-681-0229. This will be an opportunity to continue the friendships we began through our RACE series this winter. For more information contact Carol Untch, (724) 272-9722.

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. In June, the requested items are new hand towels (approximately 16x28”) and new washcloths. If you prefer to assemble complete kits, 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.”

Medicines for Haiti
Functional Literacy Ministry of Haiti is asking our congregation to collect infant pain reliever drops, infant vitamin drops, and adult pain relievers. Please leave your donations in the Haiti box in the church office. Thank you!

ELPC in the Community

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

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