East Liberty Presbyterian Church

Dog Treat Baking
2024-02-11 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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

Gun Violence Prevention Letter Writing
2024-04-21 12:30 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Join the Peace Committee following Sanctuary Worship on Sunday, April 21, for a social hour to write letters to Pennsylvania legislators regarding gun violence prevention legislation.
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed two bills—HB 714: Universal Background Checks and HB 1018: Extreme Risk Protection Order—which have been proven to save lives. Even though they have bi-partisan support, the chair is unwilling to bring them to the full Senate for a vote.
Sample letters will be available for you to send to Judiciary Chair Senator Lisa Baker and Majority Leader Senator Joe Pittman and your State Senator requesting hearings on these bills. Without hearings in the next few months, these bills will “die” and the process to get gun legislation will have to begin again in January 2025. Bills must be voted on in the two-year legislative session.

All-Church Retreat
2024-05-03 - 2024-05-05
Join us at our All-Church Retreat Friday–Sunday, May 3–5, or come for the day on Saturday, May 4, at Lutherlyn Camp in Prospect, Pennsylvania! Together, we will explore the theme Block Party: a neighborhood of kindness and love. Through worship, rest, workshops, study, and games, we will explore what it means to be good neighbors! Our weekend together will include time to relax and enjoy the great outdoors!
Please join us for this intergenerational weekend of worship, workshops, fellowship and fun!
See pictures of Lutherlyn’s beautiful campus, housing, and dining room, the full weekend schedule, and workshop descriptions in the brochure.
Registrations due April 4
Download brochure

End Gun Violence: Pa. Advocacy Day
2024-05-07
On average, someone is killed with a gun every 5 hours in Pennsylvania.
Your voice needs to be heard by our lawmakers; advocacy is effective! After last years March for Our Lives, PA Advocacy Day—during which 500 Pennsylvanians were in Harrisburg talking with legislators and rallying at the Capitol—the most significant gun safety policies in years passed the House with bi-partisan support.
Unfortunately, that legislation has not been passed by the Senate, and so, it has not reached the governor’s desk. In addition, there are more policies, such as reining in ghost guns, keeping children safe, and stopping straw purchases—which all need final votes in the State House.
Join hundreds of concerned citizens in Harrisburg on Tuesday, May 7! Arrangements will be made for you to meet with your legislators and then join the rally on the front steps of the Capitol. You will hear from survivors, medical personnel, students, school administrators, and others.
CeasefirePA has built a coalition focused on a multi-pronged strategy to cut all forms of gun violence.
For more information and to sign up, visit bit.ly/4cCIQlI.

2024 Festival of Homiletics
2024-05-13 - 2024-05-16
ELPC will be one of the primary host sites for the 2024 Festival of Homiletics, Monday–Thursday, May 13–16, along with Calvary Episcopal Church and the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. The 2024 Festival of Homiletics is an invitation for preachers and pastors to lean into a little self-love, to relearn ways to care for the craft of preaching, and to discover new habits to support the preaching life. We are thankful for an opportunity to host this national event.
For more information, visit FestivalOfHomiletics.com.

Celebrating the Rev. Dr. Patrice Fowler-Searcy
2024-05-17 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
We are pleased to announce that our pastor, the Rev. Patrice Fowler-Searcy, will receive the Doctor of Ministry degree from PTS at the end of this month. We at ELPC are appreciative of her ministry and her dedication and commitment to this significant achievement. To that end, the ELPC Mission Board, along with the congregation, will recognize and celebrate Dr. Patrice during worship on Sunday, June 9, 10 am, in the Courtyard. A lunch will follow the service in the Social Hall.
More than anything, we hope you’ll be able to join us in the celebration. We ask that you RSVP to Gloria Knopp at gloriak@coh.net or call 412.441.3800 x222, so that we can plan for food accordingly.
We will be including a cookie table with homemade cookies. If you would like to make 2–4 dozen cookies (plated and labeled), please contact Shirley Fair at faird11@yahoo.com or 412.613.7729.
If you would like to volunteer to help with set-up or clean-up, please contact Carol Chonoska, carolchonoska@gmail.com / 724.272.9722, or Michele Bossers, michele2285@gmail.com / 412.303.9243.

A Brass & Organ Spectacular
2024-05-24 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
The 13th season of ELPC’s Cathedral Concerts series wraps up on Friday, May 24, 7:30, with a special concert featuring The Brass Roots, organist Dr. Edward Alan Moore, and conductor Daniel Nesta Curtis.
The free concert will feature the premiere of a new piece for brass ensemble and organ by Pittsburgh composer Nancy Galbraith in honor of the 10-year anniversary of The Brass Roots in residence at ELPC.
Click to view a PDF of the printed program.
If you are able to assist with ushering at the concert, please contact Dr. Edward Alan Moore.

Attending to Wilderness Day Retreat
2024-06-01 09:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
When we spend time immersed in nature, noticing, and attending to both the detail and grandeur of our outer world, we simultaneously notice and attend to our inner world. Join us for a contemplative retreat on Saturday, June 1, 9 am–4 pm, as we wander, reflect, explore, and share together at Jennings Environmental Center (2951 Prospect Rd., Slippery Rock, PA 16057).
There will be time in groups and in solitude, time for creative expression, prayer, and integrating what we discover within ourselves and our natural environment. Hiking options will be available for all skill levels—including a longer more challenging hike, a hike on short easy terrain, and a very mild, mostly stationary option.
We will be led by Megan Shelly, a spiritual director and the founder of bewilderpgh, where she designs and leads retreats and contemplative backpacking trips. You can learn more about her work at bewilderpgh.com.
The cost is $40. Beverages, snacks, and lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to Norma Meyer at 412.441.3800 x211 by Sunday, May 19.

ELPC Celebrates Pittsburgh Pride 2024
2024-06-01 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Downtown Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
ELPC is a proud co-founder and participant in LAMP – LGBTQIA+ Affirming Ministries of Pittsburgh – see https://sites.google.com/view/inclusivepcusapgh/home?authuser=0. We are excited to again celebrate Pride in Pittsburgh this summer as we seek to reflect God’s love for all to local LGBTQIA+ people and allies. While there are many Pride events sponsored by different groups and in different neighborhoods, the two Pride events LAMP will be participating in this year are: Pittsburgh Pride March & Festival on Saturday, June 1 in Downtown & Allegheny Commons Park West – see https://pittsburghpride.com/, We will also participate in People’s Pride PGH March & Festival on Sunday, June 30 in Wilkinsburg with LAMP – see https://www.sisterspgh.org/2024-peoples-pride-presents-wilkinsburg-pride.. We are excited that ELPC will also be participating in the Disability Pride Pittsburgh Festival at Schenley Plaza on Saturday, August 24 from 11am to 4pm – see https://www.disabilitypridepa.org/dp-pgh.
You are welcome and needed to participate!! The ELPC van will be driving in both June marches as will people from our congregation be marching and volunteering at the LAMP info booths at the festivals. There will be a post-worship Pride Informational Fellowship in the Fellowship Space on May 12. Please stop by to pick up a march route map, enjoy a snack, and to get your questions answered. Contact Wil Forrest at wil@coh.net or at 412-441-3800 X218 for more information.
Come out and celebrate while we share God’s love with all God’s people!

ELPC Connections @ Stars at Riverview
2024-06-15 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Join ELPC’s Connections group for the free Stars at Riverview concert on Saturday, June 15, 7–8:30 pm, at Observatory Hill in Riverview Park. Music will be provided by The Dark Matter Trio.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Pack a meal for yourself or buy food from the vendors. Come enjoy music and each other’s company. Please RSVP to connectelpc@gmail.com, so that we can let you know where to find us.

Preparing Our Church for VCS
2024-06-18 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Want to support kids, families, and volunteers? Join us Tuesday, June 18, anytime between 5–8 pm, to help lovingly prepare craft materials, set up rooms, hang up signs, and get ELPC ready for a week of learning, fun, and worship.
RSVP to Sara Hackett.

VCS Volunteer Training
2024-06-23 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Halifax) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Adults and youth who signed up to volunteer for Vacation Church School are required to attend a training session following worship on Sunday, June 23, 11 am–2 pm, in the Social Hall. Lunch will be provided.
