Volunteers with Open Hand Ministries work on rehabilitating an abandoned house
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Mission Activities

“Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundation of many generations; you shall be called the repairers of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in” (Isaiah 58:12). The Mission Board Committees of East Liberty Presbyterian Church are dedicated to be repairers of the breach and to minister to and in local, national and international communities. This commitment is faithfully carried out through ministry opportunities connecting ELPC members with the community through active, hands on participation, cultural exchanges, financial support, and in-kind resources. The Mission Ministries are engaged in advocating, feeding, housing, mentoring, and serving. We are organized into four committees: Peace | Poverty | Justice | Neighbors.

Special summer event: Film Festival

Brought to you by the Committees of the Mission Board. Each film will be shown after 10 AM church service and a light Potluck lunch in room 234. Look for more information on the bulletin board and watch for more films in August!

  • Sunday, July 14, 11:15 am | “Solitary”

    “Solitary” is the National Geographic documentary about solitary confinement prison in the Colorado system. It follows the experiences of several men in that prison and brings in the viewpoints of prison staff as well as outside psychologists and psychiatrists. There is a recent psychological study conducted on segregated inmates at this prison so there is the possibility for some discussion of how prisoners were affected. 45 minutes. Sponsored by the Justice Committee.

  • Sunday, July 21, 11:15 am | “The Line”

    “The Line” is a film about those living below the poverty line. What makes the film particularly interesting is that, while it addresses those one might expect to be living below "the line," it also focuses on persons whom one might not expect to be there: small businessmen hurt by environmental disasters and corporate employees who have been "downsized." It's a thought provoking film. 45 minutes. Sponsored by the Poverty Committee.

  • Sunday, July 28, 11:15 am | “Devil's Miner”

    “Devil's Miner” is a PBS film. Living in poverty with their mother and little sister in the mountains of Bolivia, 14-year-old Basilio and his 12-year-old brother, Bernardino, brave deadly conditions while working long shifts in the Cerro Rico silver mines to earn enough money to attend school. “The Devil's Miner” follows the brothers into the underground mining tunnels where they tempt fate to gain a better life. Has subtitles for the Spanish and closed captioning. 84 min. Sponsored by the Mission Board.

Volunteer opportunities below.

  • Saturday, June 1, 8am - 12pm | Box & help at food pantry

    The Poverty Committee is organizing a volunteer opportunity at Valley View Presbyterian Church’s food pantry. Valley View hosts a food pantry, and we need some extra hands for boxing and carrying food for recipients. For more info, contact ELPC member & Poverty Committee chair , (412) 784-8048.

  • Saturday, June 1, all day or partial day | Neighbors Work Day

    The Housing Ministry, part of Neighbors Committee, sponsors Saturday work days in the East Liberty and Garfield neighborhoods. The first Saturday of each month (except January) is a mission work day in the East Liberty and Garfield neighborhoods with our partners Open Hand Ministries and Garfield Community Farm. Projects include house rehab for first time homeowners, clearing of abandoned property, and maintenance of fruit and vegetable gardens that yield produce for the neighborhood. No special skills needed; all ages are welcome! For more info, contact ELPC member & Mission Board co-chair Emily Rosenthal, (412) 963-0139, or .

  • Thursdays in the summer | Volunteer with Garfield Community Farm

    The Garfield Community Farm is conducting a farmer’s market every Wednesday from 3 - 7 pm at Valley View Church, 601 N. Aiken, starting in June and continuing through September. Stop by for fresh produce grown in the farm fields! The farm is also offering weekday work opportunities each Thursday from 5 pm to dusk; the evening concludes with a liturgical evening prayer time at the spiral garden. For more information contact John Creasy at (412) 979-7764 or at garfieldcommunityfarm@gmail.com.

  • Ongoing: Weekdays, 3pm to 5pm | K-8 Tutoring

    The Poverty Committee sponsors a K-8 tutoring volunteer opportunity. Tutoring at Sojourner House (MOMS) for grade school students in kindergarten through 8th grade is an ongoing outreach effort. For more info, contact ELPC member & Poverty Committee chair , (412) 784-8048.

  • Ongoing: Volunteer’s availability | Serve in the Soup Kitchen

    The Poverty Committee works with EECM to serve in the soup kitchen, serve shelter meals, or to deliver meals-on-wheels. EECM serves meals to the Men’s Shelter, runs a Soup Kitchen, and coordinates Meals on Wheels. Volunteers are needed to prepare, serve, deliver food, etc. For more info, contact ELPC member & Poverty Committee chair , (412) 784-8048.

The Director of Mission Ministries oversees the day-to-day operations; the Mission Board and four committees are dedicated members of the congregation who volunteer their time and energy. Please prayerfully consider becoming involved in or financially supporting these ministries.

For more information about ELPC’s mission ministries, contact The Rev. Patrice L. Fowler-Searcy, Director of Mission Ministries, or phone, (412) 441-3800 x30; or Kate Carlson, Administrative Assistant, by or phone, (412) 441-3800 x16.