Seasonal services and celebrations
ELPC offers special services and events during the Christmas, Holy Week, and Easter seasons to help celebrate the wonder and awe of these holy days. These special programs are also listed on our calendar.
Lent
Ash Wednesday services, Wednesday February 22, 12:15 pm
 On Wednesday February 22, the season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. We
will celebrate with a quiet service at 12:15 pm, in the Chapel with prayer,
scripture and the imposition of ashes.
Following the service, all are invited to gather for
a simple lunch as we hear a presentation from the
Rev. Dr. Don Dawson and the Rev. Jennifer Haddox.
The Revs. Dawson and Haddox are the director and
associate director, respectively, of World Mission
Initiative (WMI), a fellowship of Presbyterians dedicated to developing
mission vision, nurturing missionary vocations, and cultivating missional
congregations, with the goal of equipping pastors to lead the church in our
mission calling.
Later that evening, the Taizé Prayer Service , at 7 pm, will continue the
focus on preparing our spirits and souls for Lenten reflection and quiet selfexamination.
This will be a good way to begin the season that leads up to Easter Sunday,
and be a reminder of how the risen Christ calls us into service both here
and around the world.
, Easter and Holy Week
Holy Week, the week preceding Easter Sunday is a critical final chapter in this story of our Christian faith.
Holy Week is a sequence of events that allows us to walk beside the first disciples, imagining what it was like to live through those final hours of confusion, anxiety and darkness. Having re-traced that sacred journey, we are better able to experience the fullness of grace and joy that Easter resurrection truly means. Check back to this space in late February or early March for more details.
Our Christmas 2011 celebrations were joyous and diverse. We will usually post the Christmas 2012 information by November.
Advent and Christmas, 2011
Information for our 2011 Advent and Christmas services is listed here; read or click further down to view information on additional seasonal events (church tour, pageant). Details are also available in the December 2011 Reaching Out newsletter (PDF) We hope you will be able to join us!
December 18, 11:00: “Advent/Christmas Hymn Festival” special service
 ELPC’s Chancel Choir, along with a brass quartet and handbells, presents Savior of the Nations, Come, an Advent/Christmas Hymn Festival by Michael Burkhardt, during the 11 am worship service on Sun., Dec. 18. The hymn festival includes readings by Dietrich Bonhoeffer and congregational participation in the singing of Advent and Christmas carols. Invite your friends and family for this very special service of music! View the event flyer
December 24, Christmas Eve worship services
with celebration of the Lord’s supper (Communion) at both services
Join us for a Friends and Family Service on December 24 at 5:00 pm, in the Sanctuary: This early service, with communion, is a time of familiar carols and a re-telling of the Christmas story, shaped for people of all ages and families of all types. Come share in this time of Christmas cheer and good news!
We will also offer a Candlelight Communion Service on December 24 at 11:00 pm, in the Sanctuary. Within the hush of evening, gather for a time of wonder, beauty, and joy as the birth of Christ is celebrated just prior to the dawn of Christmas Day. The sacrament of communion, the hearing of familiar scripture readings, and sharing in the music of the season make this one of the most memorable services of the year. Special prelude music begins at 10:30 pm.
 December 25, Christmas Day worship services
Join us Christmas morning at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary. Come sing your favorite carols and welcome the birth of the Christ-child during this worship service on Christmas Day. Early risers are welcome at the Good Samaritan service at 8:00 am. (Note no 8:45 am Journey worship on Christmas morning).
December 31, 6:45 am - 8:00 am World Healing Day | New Year’s labyrinth walk
 Since Dec. 31, 1986, men, women and children around the world have gathered to participate in the most comprehensive prayer activity in history: a planetary affirmation of peace, love, forgiveness and understanding involving millions of people in a simultaneous global mind link. Join us for World Healing Day in body or spirit, and add your love and prayers to this moment of oneness. The Labyrinth will be available in the Social Hall. For details, call Judy Burke, (412) 571-1223 or visit the World Healing Day website.
December 11, 12:30: Christmas Caroling for grades 4 - 12
Youth in grades 4 through 12 are invited to participate in an afternoon of Christmas caroling on Sun., Dec. 11. We will meet at 12:30 pm, at ELPC for lunch in Room 51, and to rehearse our carols. Then, we will head to Shadyside Nursing home to lead caroling and a Bingo game. We will return to ELPC by 3:30 pm. Note: A permission slip is required for this event. Please RSVP to Anthony Williams by December 7, (412) 292-7935.
December 17, 12:30: Junior High Church School Service Project
All youth in grades 6 8 are invited to participate in an afternoon of Christmas shopping on Sat., Dec. 17. We will purchase gifts for children who are spending the holiday season in foster care. We’ll eat lunch together right after rehearsal for the Christmas Pageant, then head to the store. We will wrap up our time by 2:30 pm.
 December 18, 9:45: Christmas Pageant
Join us in the Social Hall at 10 am, on Sun., Dec. 18, as the Church School Kids tell the story of Jesus’ birth. What happens when the Middle School narrators “direct” the show? How do the kids tell the Christmas story, a story they have heard since they were little, the story at the center of our faith? This year’s pageant is written and directed by ELPC member Ashley Birt.
December 18, 12:30: Church Tour and meaning of Christmas decorations
Have you ever wanted to learn more about our Cathedral building and the
ministries housed here? Join us after the 11 am service on Sunday December 18, as
tour guides offer a one-hour tour exploring our church and the meaning of the
Christmas decorations. Please wear comfortable shoes for walking and standing.
December 22, 6:00 pm: Young Adults Celebrate Christmas
The young adults (those in their 20’s and 30’s) will share an evening of fun, including a visit to Clayton, the Frick Mansion, a drive to enjoy local lights, and dinner. We will leave ELPC at 6 pm. Please bring money for dinner.
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