East Liberty Presbyterian Church

ELPC Tour: Underground
2023-11-26 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Halifax) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Join our tour guide following worship, as we descend into the bowels of the Cathedral and explore some of our church’s least seen areas. Wander through the “catacombs” and see the organ bellows, furnace, and more. Please gather at the Highland entrance following worship.
Allow 30–45 minutes for the tour and wear comfortable shoes.

Young Adult Holiday Gathering
2023-12-03 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | PA
On Sunday, December 3, all young adults (age 18 through 30s) are baking cookies and building community after worship. Tomato soup and grilled cheese will be served for lunch. Meet us in the Social Hall!
If you have a favorite recipe you want to share email Sara Hackett so she can gather ingredients.
Questions? Reach out to Sara Hackett.

The Pajama Pageant
2023-12-10 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Join us for a special re-telling of the story of Jesus’ birth on Sunday., December 10, 10 am, in the Sanctuary. Led by the children and youth of our church and once again written by the Rev. Ashely DeTar-Birt, this original pageant weaves contemporary questions with the Good News of our faith.
Following the pageant, all are invited to enjoy a hot chocolate reception in the Fellowship Room!
All kids in grade 8 or lower are invited to participate! There will be a dress rehearsal on Saturday, December 9, 9:30 am.

Fighting From the Inside Out: Ending the Death Penalty
2023-12-10 19:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | PA
A free event with author Todd C. Peppers and Martha Conley that reflects on the groundbreaking work of Marie Deans and Russ Ford. Ms. Deans, founder of Murder Victims’ Families for Reconciliation, was forced into the world of capital punishment through personal tragedy. “My mother-in-law’s killing was the crucial element, the key that motivated me to get into this work… I don’t want to see anyone ignored or thrown away by society, whether they’re the victims or the murderers.” she said.
Reverend Ford served as the head chaplain of Virginia’s death row for eighteen years. He stood watch with twenty-eight men, sitting with them in the filthy death house during the final days and hours of their lives. Ford himself almost became an unintended victim of the death chamber in July 1990 as he comforted Ricky Boggs in his last moments.
Deans and Ford have forced us to recognize the humanity in those that we condemn to death.
Todd C. Peppers is the co-author of A Courageous Fool: Marie Deans and Her Struggle Against the Death Penalty (2017) and Crossing the River Styx: The Memoir of a Death Row Chaplain, (2023). Martha Conley will be interviewing Mr. Peppers.
Register

Christmas in East Liberty 2023
2023-12-15 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
ELPC’s Cathedral Concerts series will continue on Friday, December 15, 7:30 pm, with our annual holiday tradition, Christmas in East Liberty.
This special concert will feature The Brass Roots with conductor Daniel Nesta Curtis, the ELPC Chancel Choir, organist/music director Dr. Edward Alan Moore, and organist Ethan LaPlaca.
The concert is free and open to the public. Bring your family and friends!
Click here to download the printed program.

Watch Livestream

Holiday Cookie Potluck
2023-12-17 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | PA
The Spiritual Life Committee invites you to celebrate this Christmas season with a cookie potluck following worship on Sunday, December 17. Please sign up to contribute your favorite holiday cookies on the sign-up sheet or contact Tim Engelhardt.

Tween & Teen Snow Tubing
2024-01-07 12:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | PA
Tweens and teens are going snowtubing at Boyce Park from 12–3 pm. The cost is $10, but scholarships are available.
Lunch will be served at ELPC before heading to Boyce Park. RSVP online or to Sara Hackett.

Living While Black Book Launch
2024-01-28 13:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Social Hall, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
The Facing Systemic Racism (FSR) Committee and the Faith Formation Board are co-sponsoring a book launch of Beverly Harris-Schenz‘s new book, Living While Black: My Experience with Everyday Racism on Sunday, January 28, 1:30–3:30 pm, in the Social Hall.
Beverly is a member of the congregation and active in the FSR Committee. She will present an ”interactive reading” in which she will read personal stories from her book and engage the audience in a discussion of the issues presented.
All congregational members, their children, friends, and the general public are warmly invited.

A Wintering Retreat
2024-02-02 18:00 - 2024-02-04 11:00 (America/New_York) | PA
Join us for a time of rest and retreat, community and conversation, and play and prayer at the Villa Maria Retreat Center in Pulaski, Pennsylvania, Friday–Sunday, February 2–4. Lean into the simple, slow, and still rhythms of winter. Our retreat schedule will flow naturally with morning, midday, and evening prayers that gather us together and scatter us in time alone; inviting us into community; and sending us into solitude, stillness, and silence.
RSVP to Norma Meyer at 412.441.3800 x211 by Sunday, January 21. Cost Options:

1 Night: (Friday–Saturday or Saturday–Sunday) Shared Bath | $70
1 Night: (Friday–Saturday or Saturday–Sunday) Private Bath | $110
2 Nights (Friday–Sunday) Shared Bath | $85
2 Nights (Friday–Sunday) Private Bath | $135

Consider the gift and invitation of winter in the words of Katherine May: “Plants and animals don’t fight the winter; they don’t pretend it’s not happening and attempt to carry on living the same lives that they lived in the summer. They prepare. They adapt. They perform extraordinary acts of metamorphosis to get them through. Winter is a time of withdrawing from the world, maximizing scant resources, carrying out acts of brutal efficiency and vanishing from sight, but that’s where the transformation occurs. Winter is not the death of the life cycle, but its crucible.” (Source: Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times)
Here are some reflections of the gift of retreat from others:
This was the perfect opportunity to carve out a space for peace and reflection at the beginning of an always-busy time of year. The combination of solitude and community was exactly what I needed to disengage from my “shoulds” and re-engage with the blessings in my life for which I am deeply grateful. ELPC retreats are a great blend of structured and unstructured time, and that gives each person permission and opportunity to truly customize their experience; and Villa Maria is beautiful during every season.
“I am learning to change obligations, responsibilities into opportunities for which I am grateful. I am so grateful for the silence and beauty of the retreat experience.”
“On retreat at Villa Maria, I can’t help but encounter God; the beauty of its extensive land and woods, and the peace of its indoor spaces are ideal for contemplation. As an introvert, I often forget that I most frequently encounter gratitude in community. I remain grateful to have attended this retreat with this particular community. One practice from the retreat has really expanded my framework: seeing my daily obligations as opportunities. Rather than “having to” get through a daily (or weekly, etc.) to-do list, I “get to” engage in these activities. Simply rewording my obligations has immense power. This practice has made me not only grateful for my daily graces, but has highlighted the privileges I experience routinely. I look forward to the next retreat.”

Lift Every Voice
2024-02-03 19:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | PA
On Saturday, February 3, 7 pm, join the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and special guests for an evening that pays tribute to the spirit and richness of Black music in America—and its enduring strength in times of tumult and trouble. The concert features GRAMMY® Award winner Oleta Adams and the Lift Every Voice Unity Choir.
Learn more and buy tickets at PittsburghSymphony.org.

Connections @ Blues is the Roots
2024-02-10 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | O’Reilly Theater, 621 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15222, United States
Join ELPC’s Connections Group on Saturday, February 10, 7:30 pm, for Blues Is The Roots, presented by New Horizon’s Theater, written by Charles Dumas, and directed by Herb Newsome. The performance will be in the Helen Wayne Rauh Rehearsal Hall at the O’Reilly Theater (621 Penn Ave.) downtown in the Cultural District.
Tickets are available online at newhorizontheater.org. Please buy your own ticket in advance. They cost $35 general admission; $30 for seniors and students. We also are organizing dinner at a nearby restaurant before the show. RSVP to connectelpc@gmail.com so we’ll know to look out for you.
Buy Tickets

Dog Treat Baking
2024-02-11 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | PA
Children, Youth, and Families are baking and decorating dog treats in the Good Samaritan Room following Sanctuary worship on Sunday, February 11 from 12–2 pm. We’ll be making peanut butter dog treats for Ellie’s Pet Pantry, a program at Humane Animal Rescue. Pups and their humans will be thrilled to receive the homemade treats and the love we will put into them!
This event is open to children of all ages with a parent/adult and youth in grades 4-12 may come on their own. Lunch will be provided.
Call Sara Hackett at 412.673.2926 with any questions.

Lenten Soup & Sustenance
2024-02-15 17:30 - 18:45, 2024-02-22 17:30 - 18:45, 2024-02-29 17:30 - 18:45, 2024-03-07 17:30 - 18:45, 2024-03-14 17:30 - 18:45, 2024-03-21 17:30 - 18:45, 2024-03-28 17:30 - 18:45 (America/New_York) | PA
Join us during Lent on Thursdays, February 15–March 28, 5:30–6:45 pm, to share soup and bread (provided). If you’d like to bring a soup to share, contact Pastor BJ at BJW@coh.net. And bring canned food items to share with our neighbors who are food insecure.
“The COVID pandemic taught us a lot about hunger. It reminded us that food isn’t just about eating. A meal is in merely consuming the calories needed to sustain life. Food is meant to be shared. Meals are things that bring people together and create relationships. On the one hand, those who live in families had more meals together than we’d had in years. On the other hand, those who live alone experienced the profound absence of companionship—others with whom to share bread.
The pandemic also revealed to us that many people in the U.S. are one step away from food insecurity. When so much of the economy shut down in the spring and summer of 2020, people lined up at food distribution sites. Long lines of people in nice cars drove through church parking lots to get a couple bags of groceries. Especially with schools closed and free breakfasts and lunches gone, it turns out that lots of families in this nation live very close to the edge where food is concerned. This is deeply troubling. As one of the richest nations on earth, it just doesn’t seem right that so many people could be so close to being hungry. Surely, we can do better. Surely, we want to do better.” (Cynthia M. Campbell and Christin Coy Fohr, Meeting Jesus at the Table).

Rev. Dr. Henry Highland Garnet Weekend
2024-02-16 18:00 - 20:30, 2024-02-17 11:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | PA
You are invited to join in celebrating the very first Henry Highland Garnet Weekend in Pittsburgh Presbytery. Together, we’ll honor the man who went from slavery to freedom, and who served as a pastor, educator, abolitionist, orator, ambassador, and the first Black Presbyterian minister in Pittsburgh.
There will be dinner and dialogue on Friday, February 16, 6–8:30 pm, and lunch and discussion on Saturday, February 17, 11 am–2:30 pm. Speakers include Rev. Gavin Walton, Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, and B. Marshall. Both events will be at Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Register Online

Sunday Social Hour
2024-02-18 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | PA
Join us after Sanctuary worship on Sunday, February 18, for a Social Hour hosted by the Environmental Team of the Justice Committee.
During the time, you will be able to express your feelings about climate change, ideas about potential actions, and priorities for ELPC. Your contribution is important to help the Environmental Team and ELPC focus its efforts. Enjoy good food, warm drinks, meet the Team, and have lively conversations.

Singing Our History
2024-02-25 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | PA
ELPC’s Cathedral Concerts series continues on Sunday, February 25, 3 pm, with Singing Our History, a special performance commemorating Black History Month with with Robert Ray’s timeless Gospel Mass and Women’s History Month with solo works by women composers and arrangers.
The concert is free and a freewill offering will be received.
View the Program

Necessary Risks
2024-03-09 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | PA
Anyone who seeks a more just and equitable world is invited to a day of worship, learning, discussion, and good food on Saturday, March 9, 9 am–3 pm, at ELPC. Come for hospitality and sign-in at 8:30 am. If you prefer, you may participate on Zoom.
Rev. Dr. Teri McDowell Ott will be our guide. She is the author of Necessary Risks: Challenges Privileged People Need to Face. This book grew out of her experiences as a college chaplain and volunteer at a men’s prison. Her work is informed by authors, theologians, and scholars of color. She is the editor and publisher of Presbyterian Outlook.
This gathering is sponsored by Presbyterian Women in ELPC for anyone who dares to take the risks to pursue a more loving community. You do not have to be Presbyterian or a woman to participate! Bring your friends.
Register following Sanctuary worship on Sunday, March 3, where you may purchase a copy of Teri’s book. Registration must be received by noon, Wednesday, March 6, so we can reserve lunch for you or send you a Zoom link.
For more information or to return a registration form, email PW.ELPC@gmail.com.
Download a Registration Form

Tie Dye T-Shirt Sale
2024-03-10 09:45 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | PA
We’re selling ELPC rainbow tie-dye t-shirts. The front says “East Liberty Presbyterian Church” and the back says “God created you. God loves you. Be yourself.” They’re perfect for upcoming June Pittsburgh Pride marches or for wearing around as you share God’s love for all in a colorful, stylish way. Shirts are available in short- and long-sleeve options, in sizes ranging from S–4XL.
Purchase one at tiny.cc/elpcpride from March 1–17, for $16 ($15 plus a convenience fee) paid by credit card, or in person right after our Journey and Sanctuary services on Sunday, March 10, for $15 paid via cash/check.
You will be contacted when the shirts are ready for pick up at the church. For more details, please contact Wil Forrest at 412.441.3800 x218.
Buy Online

Mendelssohn Choir Performs
2024-03-10 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Critically acclaimed as one of the finest choruses in the country, The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh returns to ELPC on Sunday, March 10, 3 pm, for their first post-Covid Cathedral Concert, Coming Home, along with their new music director, Daniel Singer.
Home. It’s a state of mind, a physical place, a yearning inside each of us to find a place we can call home. This musical journey will explore this shared human condition—from our physical home on earth to a spiritual home beyond the stars and everywhere in between.
The concert is free. Contact Dr. Ed for more details.
Reserve Free Tickets

Every Kid’s Birthday Party
2024-03-22 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | PA
The Children and Family Ministry team is hosting a Birthday Party for families with kids at the Toy Lending Library (5401 Centre Ave. 15232) on Friday, March 22, 5:30–7:30 pm. If you would like to help plan the birthday party or bring a game or treat, please let Sara Hackett know.
The Children and Families Ministry team is hosting monthly family events to foster a caring community of families at East Liberty Presbyterian Church where kids and adults feel loved and empowered to explore their faith.

RCC 2024 Cabaret
2024-04-06 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | PA
The RCC continues its homage to the natural elements this season with its Cabaret 2024: Earth, Wind, & Choir on Saturday, April 6, 7:30 pm, and Sunday, April 7, 2 pm, at ELPC.
This concert highlights the grounding force of the earth, the motivating power of the wind, and the boundless joy of joining together in song. You’ll “Feel the Earth Move” with celebrated songwriter Carole King; stand on “Top of the World” with Benj Pasek and Justin Paul of Dear Evan Hansen and LaLa Land; and take a ride in the sky on the ship “Fantasy” with Earth, Wind & Fire. Learn more and buy tickets at RCCpittsburgh.com.

Clean Energy Standard Proposal Letter Writing Event
2024-04-14 09:45 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | PA
Pennsylvania is one of the five worst states when it comes to the amount of clean, renewable energy that’s used to power our homes and businesses. Governor Shapiro has released a slate of major energy policies that would increase that to 35% by 2035. It will plug abandoned gas wells, and includes investments in underutilized technologies like hydropower and geothermal.
The Environmental Team of the Justice Committee invites you to send a thank you letter to Governor Shapiro. Join us for a letter writing event in the Fellowship Room on Sunday, April 14, after our Journey and Sanctuary services. A sample letter and a fact sheet will be available.

Young Adult Ministry Walks Highland Park
2024-04-20 09:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | PA
Come along on Saturday, April 20, as we walk and talk at Highland Park. We will be at Tazza D’oro in the Highland Park neighborhood from 9:30–10 am, and then walk through Highland Park starting at 10 am.
This was a beloved Young Adult Ministry event a few years ago, and Earth Day weekend felt like the right time to bring it back
