This week at East Liberty Presbyterian Church,
the “Cathedral of Hope”
First Week of Advent, December 8, 2010
O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by Thine advent here.
Highlight
 Special service, “Lessons and Carols,” December 18
All are welcome to join us for a Lessons and Carols service of words and music, featuring our Chancel Choir and guest musicians, the Carnegie Brass. The music begins at 1:30 and the service begins at 2:00. This free program is based on the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, held on Christmas Eve in King’s College Chapel. The Festival was introduced in 1918 to bring a more imaginative approach to worship. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the good news of Christmas through the interplay of scripture passages, words of faith, and seasonal music.
These and other ELPC classes & events are listed on our website calendar. Click here to view the monthly calendar. Or, view just the details on this week’s classes.
- Contemporaries, special joint class with Seekers: “Border Ministry,” with Wil Forrest. Second floor parlor.
- Journey with Scripture with Jan Irvin. In addition to readings from Isaiah and Romans, December’s readings include selections from Psalms, Matthew’s Gospel and the Letter of James. Second floor library.
- Parenting Circle: “Christmas Meditations,” part 2 of 2, with Frances Irvin and Yamuna. First floor, Harambe Room.
- Seekers, special joint class with Contemporaries: “Border Ministry,” with Wil Forrest. Second floor parlor. (Rev. Schoenewolf’s class has been canceled.)
- Soul Food: Joyce Rupp’s Fresh Bread, with Rebecca Cole-Turner. 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. Tonight’s service followed at 8:15 by special Advent evening with carols in German and English. Bring cookies to share if you can. Childcare available from 6:45 to 8:15.- Labyrinth prayer walk: Wednesday, December 8, 9:00 am - 9:00 pm and on Monday, December 13, 9:00 am to 1:30 pm. In the Social Hall.
- Centering prayer: Tuesday, December 14, 7:00 pm. Room 250.
News and highlights
 Advent and Christmas
December is an exciting month at East Liberty Presbyterian Church! “Lessons and Carols,” two Christmas Eve services, a New Year’s Taizé service, and more are coming up. View our seasonal worship page and the online calendar for details.
Taizé Christmas party tonight, December 8
Join us for our Taizé worship service at 7 pm, and stay for our Christmas Party! We’ll sing carols in German and English, and make paper stars. Please bring cookies to share!
 Advent materials available
If you haven’t done so yet, you are welcome to pick up an Advent devotional (on tables in the church hallways), or an advent calendar with devotions and activities for each day of Advent (second floor CE tables). Let’s celebrate this special season together!
 Young adults serving fair trade coffee during December
ELPC Young Adults are serving fair trade coffee during fellowship during the month of December. Find out more about this program and ideas for a Christian response to the migration crisis.
 ELPC Deacons’ “Giving Tree,” gifts due December 12
Wrapped gifts with tags for the Deacons’ “Giving Tree” are due by Sunday, December 12. The Giving Tree benefits children and families from EECM, our ELPC Mission Ministry, Hope Academy, and Educational Ministries. Read more
Volunteers in Ministry (VIM) opportunities
Each week we feature open opportunities where we need your hands. Read more about this week’s volunteer opportunities
Christmas Pageant, December 19
Join us as the children of ELPC tell us the important news of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, Dec 19 at 10 am in the Social Hall. Read more
 Youth programs for December
Youth in grades 6 - 8 are invited to participate in a Christmas-themed Junior High Service project, and youth in grades 6 - 12 are invited to come sing Christmas carols. Read more
Community News
 Renaissance City Choirs Holiday Concert
The Renaissance City Choirs Holiday Concert is Saturday, December 11, 8pm at Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door; however, choir members can sell tickets at $20 if they sell groups of ten. The seating is general admission(Student tickets are $10.) See Carol Chonoska or Ashley Birt for details.
East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) Food Pantry
The EECM Food Pantry provides food for individuals and families facing hunger in Pittsburgh. December’s “Food of the Month” is macaroni and cheese.
East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) Men’s Shelter
During the month of December, the Deacons continue to collect men’s warm socks, and thermal underwear (XL-XXXL) for EECM’s Men’s Shelter. Donations may be left in the hallway baskets. Thank you for your support!
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