East Liberty Presbyterian Church Staff
Not sure who to talk with? Give us a call at 412.441.3800.
Our office hours are on weekdays from 9 am–5 pm. If you prefer, you also can send us an email and we’d be happy to help answer your questions.
Program and Ministerial Staff
The Rev. Dr. Michael A. Diaz
Senior Pastor and Head of Staff
Contact Information:
Email
412.441.3800 x223
The Rev. Dr. Patrice L. Fowler-Searcy
Pastor for Mission Ministries
Patrice is a native of Indianapolis, Indiana, and has resided in Pittsburgh since 1996. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from Purdue University. A May 2013 M.Div. graduate from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Patrice was awarded The Michael Wilson Keith Memorial Prize in Homiletics, as the senior class member with the highest standing in the department of homiletics. She provides staff support to the ELPC Mission Board, three Mission Committees, and Board of Deacons; and serves on the East Liberty Development, Inc., and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Boards of Directors. Patrice has two sons, Johannon and Ian; two “daughters-in-love,” Kori and Debbie; one granddaughter, Kaylin; and one grandson, Johannon, II!
On staff for 19 years; member of ELPC for 7 years.
Contact Information:
Email
412.441.3800 x230
The Rev. BJ Woodworth
Covenant Pastor for Spiritual Life, Taizé, and Transitional Ministries
BJ has served in the PC(USA) for the last 28 years as a teacher, pastor, spiritual guide, and companion to university students and young adults. He graduated from Westminster College and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (PTS), and received a certificate in Spiritual Transformation from the Transforming Center in Wheaton, Illinois. He is currently completing his Spiritual Direction training at the Hesychia School of Spiritual Direction, which focuses on “the ancient art of Christian spiritual direction in a multi-faith context.” He also is a coach for the PC(USA)’s 1001 New Worshipping Communities initiative. BJ loves to create space for people to cultivate and nurture their inner wisdom for fruitful life and work in the world, as well as for people on retreat to withdraw for times of rest, renewal, and reflection. His own spiritual path has been influenced by the desert mothers and fathers, Richard Rohr, creation, Henri Nouwen, yoga, the Enneagram, Celtic spirituality, Thomas Keating, the Ignatian exercises, brewing beer, solitude, silence and stillness, centering prayer, and living in the city. He has lived in East Liberty since 1994 and is married to Katrina, who is a hatha yoga teacher and yoga therapist. They have four children: Kyra, Elena, Alex, and Zach. He is an avid homebrewer, enjoys playing soccer, and loves to read.
On staff since July 2020.
Contact Information:
Email
412.441.3800 x241
Wil Forrest
Coordinator of LGBTQIA+ Ministry
Wil is a Pittsburgh native who lives in Crafton Heights. He earned a Masters of Arts at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 2009, a Masters of Arts in College Student Personnel Administration at the University of Central Missouri in 1996 and a Bachelors of Science in Psychology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1993. Wil’s first career was working with college students in residence halls, in Greek-lettered organizations and in the classroom. After 15 years of being away while living in West Virginia, Ohio, Missouri, Rhode Island, and Maryland, he returned to his hometown of Pittsburgh. Wil seeks to serve God through his service at ELPC, through mission work around the world, and in every relationship. He joined the staff in 2010. A member of ELPC since 2005.
Contact Information:
Email
412.441.3800 x218
Sara Hackett
Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministries
Sara (she/her) has a degree in Christian Education from Westminster College and a Master’s of Arts from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. The list of things that bring Sara joy while working here at ELPC is endlessly long but includes storytelling, crafts, silliness, shared meals, good questions, the genuine prayers of the kids, the graciousness of the youth, the endless love given by volunteers, and the ability to use glitterglue at work.
Sara has worked at ELPC since August 2012.
Contact Information:
Email
412.441.3800 x220
412.673.2926 (Cell)
Dr. Edward Alan Moore
Organist/Music Director
Dr. Moore joined the staff of ELPC in February 2011, after moving to Pittsburgh from Washington, DC, where he served churches in DC and Virginia as well as being a faculty member of the Catholic University of American School of Music. A native of Girard, OH, Dr. Moore earned the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Organ Performance from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY.
In the past few years Dr. Moore’ performance schedule has included concerts at East Liberty Presbyterian Church, Westminster Presbyterian Church, St. Paul Cathedral, and Heinz Chapel in Pittsburgh, The Presbyterian Church, Sewickley, Stambaugh Auditorium in Youngstown, Ohio, the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, and the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine and the Riverside Church in New York City. As a choral accompanist he has been the featured organist with the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, the Fairfax Choral Society in Virginia, the Bucks County (PA) Choral Society, and the Bach Consort of Washington, DC.
He has teamed up with Pittsburgh pianist Nathan Carterette to form The Arsenal Duo, presenting concerts that unite their respective instruments in a unique and spectacular fashion.
Contact information
Email
412.441.3800 x224
Jim Tinnemeyer
Director of Administration & Facilities
Contact information
Email
412.441.3800 x239
Support staff
Rachelle Calfee
Bookkeeper
Contact Information:
Email
412.441.3800 x234
Jen King
Administrative Assistant for Pastors
Contact Information:
Email
412.441.3800 x222
Norma Meyer
Administrative Assistant to Worship & Music and Communications
Contact Information:
Email
412.441.3800 x211