East Liberty Presbyterian Church

PNC Listening Session
2023-08-13 11:30 - 12:30, 2023-08-17 18:00 - 19:00, 2023-08-20 11:30 - 12:30, 2023-08-23 17:30 - 18:30, 2023-08-28 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Fellowship Room, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
As part of our final formal phase of information gathering, the Pastoral Nominating Committee is hosting a series of Listening Sessions on Sundays and weekdays in August.
The purpose of these sessions is to get qualitative feedback on what we most need in terms of leadership for our congregation. These sessions are serving as a complement to the information gathered from the recent survey. We will use the information to guide our process to identify our best fit for pastoral leadership.
Please contact Megan Leisher if you are able to attend one of the following sessions, which will be held in the Fellowship Room, unless noted otherwise:

Wednesday, August 9 | 5:30 pm
Sunday, August 13 | 11:30 am
Thursday, August 17 | 6 pm
Sunday, August 20 | 11:30 am
Wednesday, August 23 | 5:30 pm
Monday, August 28 | 6:30 (Zoom)

An Afternoon of Palestinian Storytelling and Music
2023-08-14 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | PA
Join your friends and neighbors on Monday, August 14, from 3 to 5 PM, as we experience contemporary Palestinian storytelling and music. We will gather at Mifflin Avenue United Methodist Church (905 Mifflin Ave, 15221) in Regent Square. Ethnomusicologist Hanna Salmon will be our guide.

Oral storytelling has a well established history in Palestine. It is a form of entertainment, a didactic tool, a mode of political critique and an arena for navigating communal identity. Contemporary Palestinian storytellers continue this practice with folk tales and and personal tales. A variety of vocal and musical techniques help these storytellers share the story-world with their listeners.

Hanna Salmon is a PhD candidate in Ethnomusicology at the University of Texas at Austin. She is currently conducting fieldwork for her dissertation, which examines the practices of contemporary Palestinian storytellers. Ms. Salmon will explore the power of storytelling in Palestinian communities in the West Bank, the Interior, and in the Diaspora.

Bring your friends. RSVP to Tina at tinawhitehead2@hotmail.com or Eileen at eileeno31@gmail.com.

This event is hosted by Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA) Pittsburgh.

ELPC Connections @ Fridays at Frick
2023-08-18 17:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | PA
Join ELPC’s Connections Group on Friday, August 18, 5 pm, for Summer Fridays at Frick!
There will be live music by Truth and Rites (roots reggae), food trucks, artmaking, and family fun. Bring a chair and your own picnic dinner or purchase from food vendors.
RSVP to connectelpc@gmail.com.

Mission Board Film Series | 42: The Jackie Robinson Story
2023-08-20 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | PA
The Peace Committee will host a screening of 42: The Jackie Robinson Story, following worship on Sunday, August 20, in the Social Hall. A light lunch will be provided.
Starring Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson and Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey, 42 tells the dramatic story of their breaking the color barrier in major league baseball. Facing unabashed racism from every side, Robinson was forced to demonstrate tremendous courage and let his talent on the field win over fans and his teammates. Robinson overcame the controversy of his introduction to the league to win rookie of the year. And for nostalgic Pittsburghers, a quick visit to Forbes Field is included.
Email Russ Walker for details.

Letters to Legislators Event
2023-08-27 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Social Hall, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206-3911, United States
Our Mission Board Committees are hosting a Letters to Legislators event in the Social Hall immediately following worship on Sunday, August 27. Participants will have an opportunity to write to legislators advocating for action on a variety of social justice issues—including driving privileges for immigrants; fair housing and nondiscrimination policies; environmental protections; prisoners’ rights; gun violence; and more.
Learn about these important issues and the role your elected officials and other leaders have in making and changing related laws and policies. Your voice and your calls for action make a difference. Sample letters and emails will be provided and a light lunch will be served. For those unable to attend in person, templates and instructions will be posted to the ELPC website after the event for your use.
Contact Carol Chonoska at with questions.

March to End Fossil Fuels
2023-09-17 | PA
Many world leaders will be gathered in New York City for the U.N. Climate Ambition Summit. On Sunday, September 17, there will be a march to demand that these leaders invest in a clean and just future for all, and calling for an end to fossil fuel financing.
There will be a Pittsburgh bus going to the Climate March. This bus currently has about 45 seats and it will probably fill up fast so if you are interested in going, reserve a seat on the bus by sending an email to fredkraybill@yahoo.com. Please include your name, address, phone number, and email. There will be no cost to ride the bus due to the generosity of the Sierra Club. Firm commitments only. The bus will leave from Monroeville at 2:45 am, on September 17, and return approximately 1 am on Monday, September 18.
Click here to learn more about the March to End Fossil Fuels.
Call Fred Kraybill at 412.335.9449 if you have questions.

Church Extravaganza
2023-09-17 12:30 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Our Membership & Outreach Committee is partnering with our Faith Formation Board to host a church-wide celebration and picnic on Whitfield Ave. Hot dogs (including vegan), fried chicken, and ice cream will be provided – please bring a side dish to share and/or sign up to volunteer. We need help setting up, serving lunch, and cleaning up. Music will play; church tours will be offered; there will be balloon art, face painting, and games for kids. Come and learn more about the exciting ministries of ELPC and greet friends both old and new. This is also a great opportunity to invite folks to come check out our welcoming family of faith.

Would You Like to Volunteer?

Church Extravaganza
2023-09-17 12:30 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | PA
On Sunday, September 17, our Membership & Outreach Committee is partnering with our Faith Formation Board to host a church-wide celebration and picnic on Whitfield Ave.
Hot dogs (including vegan), fried chicken, and ice cream will be provided—please bring a side dish to share and/or sign up to volunteer. We need help setting up, serving lunch, and cleaning up. Music will play; church tours will be offered; there will be balloon art, face painting, and games for kids.
Come and learn more about the exciting ministries of ELPC and greet friends both old and new. This is also a great opportunity to invite folks to come check out our welcoming family of faith.

OHM House Rehab
2023-09-23 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | PA
Help us work with Open Hand Ministries (OHM) to renovate their current property and make it available to a qualified and deserving family!
Volunteers are needed on the first Saturday of each month and weekly on Wednesdays, 9 am–3 pm. No special skills are needed, just a desire to do some manual labor and enjoy fellowship while serving our neighbors. Lunch provided!
For more information about these opportunities for hands on mission, what to bring, volunteer forms, directions, etc., please contact Frank Bauerle (ELPC Neighbors committee) at 817.705.6856 or frbauerle@yahoo.com. And please notify Tim Raufer, director of construction, at 412.999.4267 or traufer@openhandpittsburgh.org if you plan to attend.

Confirmation Class Informational Meeting
2023-09-24 12:15 - 13:00 (America/Halifax) | PA
ELPC’s is offering Confirmation Class for students in grade 8 and up. Confirmation Class is great time for youth to explore what they believe, how they want their faith to shape how they live, and if they want to become a member or friend of ELPC.
Students who are interested in learning more about Confirmation Class, as well as their parents/caregivers, are invited to an informational meeting following Sanctuary worship on Sunday, September 24, to discuss the meaning and purpose of Confirmation, review our schedule, and answer questions.
To RSVP for the initial information session and/or to receive a complete schedule, contact Sara Hackett.

Connections Group @ Asian Lantern Festival
2023-09-24 18:30 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | Pittsburgh Zoo, 7370 Baker St, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15206, United States
Would you like to reunite with some old friends? Our Connections Group will meet at the Pittsburgh Zoo on Sunday, September 24, 6:30 pm, to explore the Asian Lantern Festival: World of Wonders. This year’s festival features a completely new display of lanterns! Explore the Zoo at night among giant luminous handcrafted sculptures while learning about Asian history and culture. The festival also features delicious themed-food and amazing entertainment.
Buy your own ticket online ($21 for adults). We’ll gather at the front gate to walk through together! RSVP to connectelpc@gmail.com.
Buy Ticket

OHM Family TeamWorks Dinner
2023-09-26 16:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | PA
Open Hand Ministries (OHM) is one of our mission partners serving the neighborhoods near ELPC. We will be supplying food for their community dinner on Tuesday, September 26. We are asking for volunteers to provide salads, side dishes, or desserts (to serve 6 to 8 people) for this dinner.
Look for the sign-up tables at the entrances to the worship spaces, or contact Bob Forloines for more info.

Panel on Gun Violence
2023-09-27 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | PA
A panel discussion with local elected and community leaders—co-sponsored by Amnesty International Group 39, CeaseFirePA, and Squirrel Hill Stands Against Gun Violence—will be held on Wednesday, September 27, 7 pm, at Calvary Episcopal Church (315 Shady Ave, 15206).

Too many people in our communities are victims of shootings every year. However, community groups, public health experts, municipalities and members of the state government are pursuing concrete steps against gun violence. Which strategies are successful, and what can we do better in the Pittsburgh region?
Panelists:
Dan Frankel, State Representative
Erika Strassburger, Pittsburgh City Council
Rev. Eileen Smith, South Pittsburgh Coalition for Peace
Richard Garland, Violence Prevention Program
Moderation & Introduction: Josh Fleitman, CeaseFirePA
Visit www.amnestypgh.org for more details.

Seed Distribution
2023-10-01 09:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | PA
As you may have heard, our iconic Monarch butterflies are in trouble. These seemingly fragile creatures have the longest known migration of any insect, wintering in Mexico and then migrating north across North America, some flying as far as 3,000 miles! But these beautiful and intrepid insects are now being decimated by a combination of loss of habitat, pesticide use, and climate change. Their Eastern population has decreased by 84%, and they have been listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The sole food for Monarch caterpillars is the milkweed plant. Once plentiful along roadsides and farms, the widespread use of herbicides like Roundup has eradicated much of this critical Monarch habitat.
The good news: An easy way we can make a difference for Monarchs is to plant milkweed seeds. Planted in the fall and very easy to grow, all they need is a sunny spot in your yard. The Environmental Team of the Justice Committee will be distributing, with the assistance of ELPC youth, packets of common milkweed seeds (Asclepias syriaca) on Sunday, October 1, after our Journey and Sanctuary worship services. We invite you to join us this autumn in a simple act of hope and caring.
Contact Mary Barr with questions.

Young Adults Bowling & Pizza
2023-10-01 12:30 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | PA
All young adults, age 18–30s, are invited to join us after worship on Sunday, October 1, in ELPC’s original 1930s duck pin bowling alley on the ground floor for bowling and pizza. Friends and visitors are welcome!
Hosted by Sonia Degenholtz. Queestions? Reach out to Sara Hackett.

Voter Registration Drive
2023-10-07 10:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | PA
On Saturday, October 7, 10:30 am–1 pm, he ELPC Justice Committee, the League of Women Voters, and the Black Political Empowerment Project will host a voter registration and informational event to cover a number of topics, including:

Registering as a new voter
Updating your voting info (address, name, party)
Checking your registration status (includes polling location)
Applying for a mail-in ballot
Understanding the roles and duties of elected officials
Knowing your rights

Stop by Penn Ave. between Highland and Whitfield.
Questions? Contact Michele or the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh.

Family Kindermusik Class, Playtime, & Lunch
2023-10-07 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | PA
Join Kindermusik educator Christa Beck for a family musical experience for parents/caregivers and their young children (geared at children up to age 7).
After the joy of singing and moving we will have open play in the nursery and gym along with lunch.
RSVP to Sara Hackett. This is the first in our monthly events for families with children. We’ll next gather on Sunday, November 19, for a swim party at Shaler Area’s indoor pool.
Sponsored by the Children and Families Ministry team to build a caring community of families at ELPC, where kids and adults feel loved and empowered to explore their faith.

Connections Potluck Lunch
2023-10-15 12:15 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Music Room, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Join us for a potluck lunch following Sanctuary worship on Sunday, October 15, 12:15 pm, in the Music Room on the third floor.
Click the button below to sign up and indicate what food you can bring to share.
Sign up for the Potluck Lunch

Updates on Our Community Partners
2023-10-22 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Social Hall, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Join the ELPC Neighbors Committee in the Social Hall following Sanctuary worship as they welcome representatives from our community mission partners East Liberty Development, Inc., and Open Hand Ministries, as they give updates on their important work and ministries in the East End. A light lunch will be served.

Dinner and a Film
2023-10-27 17:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | PA
On Friday, October 27, 5:30–8 pm, the Spiritual Life and Justice Committees invite you to an evening of fellowship, food, and formation around the ancient practice of Sabbath.
We will gather for a simple meal together and then view the documentary, SABBATH: An Ancient Practice Meets the Modern World. This collection of short stories explores the history of one of the world’s most important spiritual practices and its timeless relevance for a stressed-out, modern world. From the Biblical accounts of Creation, to the 10 Commandments, to the Puritans landing in the New World, to the contemporary practice of a “tech-sabbath,” SABBATH ties together our collective history, our health practices, our response to God’s invitation, and the search for a more sustainable way of life.
RSVP to Norma Meyer at 412.441.3800 x211 by Sunday, October 22, and include any food allergies.
Watch the trailer

Cathedral Concerts Presents Thomas Ospital
2023-10-27 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | PA
ELPC’s Cathedral Concerts series will kick off its 13th season on Friday, October 27, 7:30 pm, with organist Thomas Ospital.
Titulaire of the grand organ at St. Eustache Church in Paris, Ospital is a young artist who has quickly earned a place amongst the world’s finest concert organists. He has won prizes at several international competitions, including the Chartres Competition, Xavier Darasse Competition, and Saragossa and Angers competitions.
Dedicated to the art of improvisation in all of its forms, he typically includes improvisations in his concerts and frequently accompanies silent films as well.
The concert will be co-presented with the Organ Artists Series of Pittsburgh in the ELPC Sanctuary. Tickets are free for our ELPC community. Contact Dr. Ed for more details.
PROGRAM – Download a PDF of the program

Passacaglia, BWV 582
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

Fantaisie in A
César Franck (1822-1890)

Suite Pélleas et Mélisande (transcription Louis Robilliard)
Prélude
Fileuse
Sicilienne
Mort de Mélisande
Gabriel Faure (1845-1924)

Dieu parmi nous – La Nativité du Seigneur
Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992)

Evocation IV
Thierry Escaich (b. 1965)

Improvisation
Thomas Ospital (b. 1990)

Young Adult Lunch
2023-11-05 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | PA
All young adults, age 18–30s, are invited to join us for lunch across the street from ELPC at Patron Mexican Grill following our Sanctuary worship service on Sunday, November 5.
Come to tell and hear stories, make friends, and suggest future young adult events. Friends are welcome!
Questions? Reach out to Sara Hackett.

Fall Youth Retreat at Lamppost Farms
2023-11-11 10:00 - 2023-11-12 12:00 (America/New_York) | PA
Our Confirmation Class will be participating in a fall retreat at Lamppost Farms in Columbiana, Ohio, Saturday–Sunday, November 11–12. And any youth in grades 7–12 who would like to hear and explore some of Jesus’ stories about birds, and farmers, and growing grapes are welcome to attend.
Named after the lamppost in the The Chronicles of Narnia, Lamppost Farm exists to provide meaningful learning opportunities by engaging in purposeful and productive work, contagious relationships, and the celebration of “good ordinary food.” Their goal is to use agriculture and its fruit to build individuals and groups in deeper relationship with themselves, one another, God, and God’s creation. Whether raising and processing chickens; growing, making and canning salsa; milking the cow; or turning clay into a pizza oven; experiences at Lamppost Farm enable guests the chance to see with their eyes, hear with their ears, explore with their hands, and understand with their hearts.
Learn more at LamppostFarm.com.

Cathedral Concerts | Violinist Cody Conley
2023-11-12 15:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Cody Conley, violin
Grace Burns, piano

ELPC’s own Cody Conley presents his first solo Cathedral Concert.
Download Program
Violin Sonata No. 1 in G Minor, BWV 1001
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
I. Adagio
II. Fuga
III. Siciliana
IV. Presto
Caprice 15 in E Minor
Niccolò Paganini (1782-1840)
arr. Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
Violin Concerto in D Minor, Op. 47
Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)
I. Allegro moderato
II. Adagio di molto
III. Allegro, ma non tanto

A freewill offering will be received. http://tiny.cc/elpcdonate

The concert will also be streamed on YouTube and Facebook.
Stream on YouTube
Stream on Facebook

Gratitude Retreat
2023-11-17 18:00 - 2023-11-19 18:00 (America/New_York) | Villa Maria Retreat Center, 2067 Evergreen Rd, Pulaski, PA, 16143, United States
As we approach Thanksgiving, look towards Advent, and ponder the end of 2023, it is a great time to take a weekend in community with others and slow down, reflect, pause, pray, and “forget not all of God’s benefits.” Join us for a Gratitude Retreat at the Villa Maria Retreat Center in Pulaski, Pennsylvania, Friday–Sunday, November 17–19.
The retreat will flow in the simple rhythm of Stop… Look… Go… We will gather in prayer & reflection and then scatter for time alone and quiet, in the morning, at noon, and in the evening. Friday night, we will STOP, get quiet, be still, and build stop signs in our lives. On Saturday, we will LOOK, listen, smell, taste, and hear the richness, notice the connections, drink in the beauty, smell the goodness, and savor what is being graciously given to us in this moment or season of our life. Then on Sunday, we will GO! We will ponder what gratitude practices we want to incorporate into our lives so we may stay awake to God’s goodness in our everyday, ordinary lives.
RSVP to Norma Meyer at 412.441.3800 x211 by Sunday, November 5.
Cost Options:

Friday–Saturday | Shared Bath @ $70
Friday–Saturday | Private Bath @ $110
Friday–Sunday | Shared Bath @ $85
Friday–Sunday | Private Bath @ $135

Tween Bowling
2023-11-18 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Bowling Alley
Youth in grades 4–6 are invited to an afternoon of bowling, pizza, and fun. Friends are welcome!
RSVP to Sara Hackett by email or 412.673.2926
