East Liberty Presbyterian Church

Connections Group @ the Botanical Gardens
2021-09-11 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens, 799 Pinkerton Run Rd, Oakdale, PA, 15071, United States
Have you been a member of ELPC’s Connections Group in the past? Would you like to reunite with some old friends? We are planning an outdoor gathering at the Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens in Settlers Cabin Park on Saturday, September 11, 11 am. Bring a bagged lunch. We’ll meet in the picnic area and then enjoy a walk through the gardens.
If you have not participated in a Connections Group in the past, you are more than welcome to join us! Connections Groups are small groups that previously met up monthly for coffee, lunch, or dinner at a restaurant or at someone’s home. Since this is difficult to do at this time, we thought it might be nice to get together so we can all remain “Connected.”
The cost is $12, $2 if you have an EBT card. Please email us at connectelpc@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

Clothing Drive for ACJ
2021-09-12 12:00 - 13:00, 2021-09-26 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
As a Matthew 25 congregation, we are committed to supporting our siblings in Allegheny County Jail in a variety of ways, and we have been generous in response by collecting books, magazines, and toiletry items.
Now, the Justice Committee is hosting a clothing drive to provide dignity and clothing to those who are returning to our community. And you can help by donating sweatshirts and sweatpants for men and women in sizes M, L, XL, and XXL (no solid red or orange, please).
You may purchase items and drop them off following Sanctuary worship on Sunday, September 26, at the Highland Avenue entrance, or at the drop box near the security desk during the week. You also may make a monetary donation, designated “Justice Committee–ACJ Sweats,” and the Justice Committee will purchase items.
For more information, contact Judy Mancini at mancinijs@gmail.com.

Stonewall Jackson Window Updates
2021-09-12 12:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Online, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Following Sanctuary worship on Sunday, September 12, the Peace, Property, and Facing Systemic Racism Committees invite you to a conversation on the future of the stained-glass window depicting General Stonewall Jackson, located in our Sanctuary’s East Transept. The window has been the subject of prayerful research by a Session-appointed task force, which is ready to share its findings with the congregation.
Our conversation will include a brief overview of how Confederate monuments and symbols have been used since the Civil War to help create a revisionist history that glorifies Confederates as cultural heroes, rather than the violent defenders of white supremacist ideology. More importantly, the task force will be seeking your input on how ELPC can meaningfully respond—with justice and faithfulness—to the display of this problematic symbol in our church.
If you’re watching our Sanctuary worship service livestream on YouTube or Facebook (beginning at 11 am), you may use the same feed to see the presentation. Or, click here at 12:15 pm.
To listen to the audio portion of the presentation (beginning at 12:15 pm), you may call 301.715.8592. Enter meeting ID 883 0027 9230 and passcode [REDACTED] when prompted.

Church Life Sampler
2021-09-19 12:15 - 14:00 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Social Hall, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
ELPC’s annual Church Life Sampler will be held following Sanctuary worship on Sunday, September 19, outdoors on Whitfield Street (weather permitting). Stop by to learn more about the various ministries that are a part of our church life together!
Every committee and ministry area at ELPC will be on hand to highlight fall programming and share how you can get involved! And a special treat will be provided by the Children and Family Ministry Team for you to enjoy on your way home.

2021 CONSPIRE Conference Simulcast
2021-09-24 10:00 - 18:00, 2021-09-25 10:00 - 18:00, 2021-09-26 12:30 - 18:00 (America/New_York)
Over the weekend of September 24–26, the Spiritual Life Committee invites you to join us in person at ELPC, for a virtual simulcast of the Center for Action and Contemplation’s CONSPIRE Conference, Me/Us/the World: Living Inside God’s Great Story.
In this time of great unknowing, how do we expand our sense of self to include love, healing, and forgiveness—not just for ourselves and those like us, but for the entire world? Join spiritual seekers across the world for an interactive, global gathering to experience God’s love, grace, and compassion. Presenters include James Finley, Barbara Holmes, Jacqui Lewis, Brian McLaren, Fr. Richard Rohr, and Mirabai Starr.

Participate in contemplative sits led by Fr. Richard Rohr each morning.
Connect with other participants around the globe and at ELPC.
Deepen your experience with presentations, workshops, and book talks.
Learn about opportunities to nourish your path of transformation and live into new ways of thinking and being.

Join us in person for free at ELPC! Pastor BJ will stream the conference in the McKelvy Room. Please register by Friday, September 17, and indicate the day(s) you will attend. Lunch will be provided each day. You are welcome to join us for any portion or all of the conference. Our schedule is as follows:

Friday, September 24 | 11 am–6:45 pm
Saturday, September 25 | 11 am–6:45 pm
Sunday, September 26 | 12:30 pm–6:45 pm

VIEW COMPLETE SCHEDULE

Environmental Book Club | Walden
2021-09-30 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Highland Room (Room 108), 116 South Highland Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
The Environmental Team invites you to read Henry David Thoreau’s classic nature book, Walden, and join a discussion on Thursday, September 30, 7 pm.
In 1845, philosopher and writer Thoreau built a tiny cabin in the woods near Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts, where he lived alone and self-sufficient for two years. His observations and reflections became the basis of this book. It is an essay collection with the themes of:

Nature as eternal guide and teacher;
Living independently and breaking free from the expectations and conventions of traditional society;
Minimalism or detaching ourselves from a goal-driven, materialistic worldview; and
Self-improvement with a focus on meditation, and understanding our place in the universe.

Katherine Hackney will lead our discussion. For more information, or to tell us you are coming, contact Nancy Heastings at n.heastings@comcast.net.

CANCELED: Creation Spirituality at Garfield Community Farm
2021-10-09 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Garfield Community Farm, Corner of Wicklow and Cornwall Streets, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, United States
This event has been canceled. Check back for updates.

The Spiritual Life Committee invites you to a day of exploration of Creation Spirituality at Garfield Community Farm (GCF).
GCF’s mission is to provide fresh produce and educational opportunities with our neighbors and volunteers, and demonstrate God’s restoration of creation through urban agriculture in the Garfield community. GCF also exists as a natural monastery that invites us into a conversation, a dance with Creation—the Earth—”the Original Cathedral.”
Please join Stephanie and Kevin Bell (www.philoxenialife.com) as they introduce us to GCF and invite us to encounter the wisdom of the trees, ingest the healing powers of the herbal plants, journey within the Sensory Peace Labyrinth, and engage the inner creative spirit within you and in all creation.
What to Bring: Face mask, water bottle, sunscreen, long pants, comfortable clothes and shoes (appropriate for the weather conditions), and a lawn chair (if uncomfortable standing or sitting on benches).

A Conversation on Critical Race Theory
2021-10-17 12:30 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
One of the Facing Systemic Racism Committee’s roles is to inform the congregation of current issues regarding race. This month, we are pleased to present an online conversation on Critical Race Theory (CRT), which has come to the forefront of the racial issues in our country. We will provide an opportunity to learn more about the origin of CRT, what it is, and how it became such an issue—especially in K–12 education.
On Sunday, October 17, 12:30 pm, we are honored to have a keynote speaker, Dr. James Phillip Huguley, associate dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and associate professor at the School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, and a panel of our own ELPC educators who represent early childhood through higher education. They will discuss what CRT is, what it is not, and what the implications are for public school education. The keynote and the panel will be followed by a Q&A session.
We look forward to your participation.
Click the button below to join via Zoom, or call 301.715.8592 and enter meeting ID 892 1999 1165 and passcode [REDACTED].
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Garden Work Day
2021-10-24 12:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
John Kovalak from Davey Tree will be leading a volunteer work day after church on Sunday, October 24, 12:30–3 pm, to teach members of the Gardening Crew how to prune the different varieties of shrubs and bushes around our church grounds. John is a certified arborist and the knowledge he shares will help us become better stewards of our church grounds and our home gardens.
The church will have some pruning tools available, but feel free to bring your favorite hand pruner, hedge shears, or lopper if you’d like. We hope you can join us on the 24th from for this informative and fun volunteer opportunity!
Contact Megan Leisher at MeganL@coh.net if you plan to attend.

YAM Fall Series | Exploring Taizé
2021-10-26 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
All young adults are invited to join us on Tuesday, October 26, 6:30–8 pm, as we continue our fall series to learn about, discuss, and attend Taizé prayer services.
ELPC’s Taizé service is based on a style of worship developed at the Taizé community in France in the 1940s by the late Brother Roger. Come explore as we collectively learn and discuss what Taizé is, its roots, and how we can implement it into the ways we practice our faith. We will use a variety of texts, stories, and images, and welcome a couple speakers.
No prerequisites are needed. Come to one or come to all, just come as you are!

The Role of Educators in Affirming Racial Identity
2021-10-31 09:45 - 10:45 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Critical Race Theory in schools is a hot-button topic today. Not long ago, it was bussing Black kids into white neighborhoods. Before that, it was school segregation. The topics of race and education are—and have always been—inextricably intertwined. So, let’s talk about it! Let’s discuss the connections. Let’s discuss the problems. And let’s discuss the future and how to make it better.
Join the Facing Systemic Racism Committee during the Church School hour on Sunday, October 31, for an intergenerational conversation through story. Dr. Beverly Harris-Schenz will share a personal vignette that addresses the intersection of race and education. Dr. Linda Lane will help facilitate a discussion about why this personal recollection from Dr. Harris-Schenz’s youth is relevant to each of us today.
If you are interested in learning more about racial identity in the classroom from the lived perspective of Dr. Beverly Harris-Schenz, join the Facing Systemic Racism Committee for this vignette on race.
Click the button below to join via Zoom, or call 301.715.8592 and enter meeting ID 810 5099 0117. Please note, this link is different than the one used for your normal Church School class.
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YAM Fall Retreat | "Champing"
2021-11-05 17:00 - 2021-11-07 12:00 (America/New_York)
You may have heard of “glamping,” but this year’s retreat is unique in that it is “champing”—camping at a church that is no longer used for services. We will travel outside of Pittsburgh to a historic church built in 1903. We will have access to the main sanctuary, balcony, kitchen, and yes, hot showers! Tents, camping mats, and/or cots are provided, but you may bring your own. There is more than 3,000 square feet of space, so plenty of room for us to spread out safely.
Our theme will be Being Comfortable with the Uncomfortable, and we will welcome speakers who will discuss how to be comfortable in the moments of our life when we might find discomfort: being uncomfortable with ourselves, in community, and bearing witness to suffering and change.
The cost is $30/person (scholarships are available). Please RSVP by Friday, October 29. Contact Kelli Booher at KelliB@coh.net for details.

Church Tour
2021-11-14 12:00 - 13:00, 2021-11-28 12:00 - 13:00, 2021-12-12 12:00 - 13:00, 2021-12-26 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Join us following our Sanctuary worship service for a tour of ELPC’s Gothic Sanctuary and Romanesque Chapel. The tour will highlight Church history, architectural contrasts of the Chapel and Sanctuary, as well as explore the Narthex, Trinity Chapel, and Chancel.
Meet at the Highland Lobby following worship.

Telling the Truth with Dr. George Yancy
2021-11-14 12:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Social Hall, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Truth telling is a basic moral value. We interpret it to be the communication of what is known to be believed with no deceit or falseness. How then, do we factor in unintentional or intentional self-deceit, bias, and prejudice? How do we account for long-held false narratives that we are exposed to everyday in private and public agendas that suppress the “whole truth and nothing but the truth?”
Following Sanctuary worship on Sunday, November 14, the Facing Systemic Racism Committee is honored to have Dr. George Yancy help us consider these questions. Our discussion will consider the courage, vulnerability, painful listening, dangers of truth telling, and the importance of trust and love in teaching truth. Participants may view the presentation in the Social Hall or via Zoom at 12:30 pm.
Prior to our discussion, please read a letter by Dr. Yancy, titled “Dear White America,” which was originally published in The New York Times, December 24, 2015.
Click the button below to join via Zoom or call in by dialing 312.626.6799 and entering meeting ID 872 4009 7178 and passcode [REDACTED] when prompted.
Join via Zoom

About Dr. George Yancy
Dr. Yancy is professor of philosophy at Emory University and is a distinguished scholar at Dartmouth College. He is a revered author and speaker on racism in America and the impact of white backlash in conversations about race.

ELPC Cooks International
2021-11-21 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
The Board of Deacons was unable to host our International Luncheon this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, we will be presenting a video, titled ELPC Cooks International, at a virtual coffee hour following Sanctuary worship on Sunday, November 21.
The video features five recipes prepared by ELPC members.
We also have an updated International Recipe Book with ethnic/cultural recipes for you to enjoy at home. Bon appétit!
Click the button below to join via Zoom. You call in by dialing 301.715.8592 and entering meeting ID 854 5639 0917 and passcode [REDACTED] when prompted.
Join Via Zoom

YAM Friendsgiving | Games & DIY Advent Calendars
2021-11-21 16:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Our annual catered dinner and game night will be happening in-person this year! In addition, there will be an opportunity to create your own Advent calendar. Bring your favorite group card/board game and be ready to eat good food, be creative, and give thanks for the friendship and fellowship within our Young Adult Ministry.
RSVP to Kelli Booher at KelliB@coh.net on or before by Tuesday, November 16.

45th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Gathering
2021-11-23 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Beth Shalom Congregation, 5915 Beacon St, Pittsburgh, PA, 15217, United States
Join members of Pittsburgh’s many different faith communities in a gathering to reconnect us with each other, hosted by Congregation Beth Shalom. Our theme this year is: Doing Good Work. Connect with opportunities to get involved in advocacy, non-profit, and volunteer organizations in our community. Meet, schmooze, volunteer.
Please bring your COVID-19 vaccination card with you and be prepared to show it. Be advised that Beth Shalom requires all those that enter the building to be vaccinated and wear a mask at all times other than when eating or drinking.
Light refreshments served.
Questions? Contact Rabbi Mark Asher Goodman at mgoodman@bethshalompgh.org or Rev. Karie Charlton at karieanncharlton@gmail.com.

Advent Kickoff Event
2021-11-28 12:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Social Hall, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Youth in grades 6–12 will host an Advent Kickoff event for our faith family on Sunday, November 28, 12:30–1:30 pm, in the Social Hall. Join us on the first Sunday of Advent to make a wreath, be together, and share some of our hopes for this season.

Adventus Retreat | Joining a Hope that has Come
2021-12-03 18:00 - 2021-12-04 19:00 (America/New_York)
The Spiritual Life Committee invites you to take part in an Advent Retreat from Friday, December 3, 6 pm, until Saturday, December 4, 7 pm. We will have opening and closing time in community with each other on Zoom, as well as optional times in between to join together for the prayer liturgies and meditations included in the retreat experience. Everything you need will be prepared for you in advance and be able to be picked up on Sunday November 28, for you to prepare a space internally and externally to be on retreat.
The cost is $25. RSVP to Norma Meyer at Norma@coh.net by Sunday, November 21. Contact Pastor BJ with questions at BJW@coh.net.
If you are interested in physically getting away to participate in this virtual retreat, contact BJ Woodworth to explore options. We have up to 10 rooms available at Camp Crestfield for $75 per night. Meals are available for $14/meal.
“Advent is a season of wondering and waiting; a season where much of the movement is looking deep within for the call and our response. Advent shows up on the church calendar post-Autumn equinox when there is less daylight and more nighttime and ends just after the winter Solstice when night begins to get shorter, and daylight once again starts its return.
Spiritually speaking, the season of Advent is much like a womb-time, at least for people in our area of the world who are snugly wrapped in the long hours of darkness. As Christians, we wait together anticipating Jesus’ birth while simultaneously looking toward the future reign of Christ. Advent ends on the eve of Christmas; it ends with the birth of Jesus—the Light of the World who broke through the darkness with a new way of seeing.” (adapted from TheWorkOfThePeople.com)

The Perspective Pageant
2021-12-12 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Since the angels first announced that Mary would be the mother of God’s special son, the good news of Jesus’ birth has been told by countless voices in a wide range of expressions.
Through narration, scripture, costumes, song, and art, the children and youth of ELPC will lead us in a hybrid retelling of this joyful story at the center of our faith.
Some narrators and actors will be leading us “live” in the Sanctuary, while other actors will be joining us virtually. But, it doesn’t matter where we are—ALL will tell this important story. YOU can view this production in person at ELPC or watch the pageant on Sunday, December 12, 10 am, via Zoom.
Contact Megan Leisher at MeganL@coh.net for the Zoom link.

Helping from Home | MLK Day of Service
2022-01-16 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Online, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
You are invited to join us for our MLK Day of Service: Helping from Home on Sunday, January 16, 1–2 pm, via Zoom. we will be using art to educate, build community, and reflect on Rev. Dr. King’s call to service.
This is an intergenerational event and all ages are invited.
Supplies needed: paper and envelopes, crayons or markers, as well as other art supplies you have for making posters or notecards. If needed, supplies can be picked up from the church.

Yoga Retreat
2022-01-29 09:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Note: The retreat is currently at capacity. Check back to see if spots open.
Start 2022 with a journey within at the first-ever Yoga Retreat at ELPC with Yamuna Morgenstern and Katrina Woodworth!
We will begin the day with yoga, followed by moments for movement, reflection, meditation, and lunch. We also hope to offer the experience of “kirtan” (sacred call and response chanting in Sanskrit) and the labyrinth. We will end the day with a restorative yoga class to send you on your way with a divine sense of renewal. Join us regardless of your experience level. It promises to be a day for self-care!
The suggested donation is $35–$60 (includes lunch).

A Letter from the Birmingham Jail: Remembrance and Reflection
2022-01-30 09:45 - 10:45 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Social Hall, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
During the Church School hour, Pastor Randy, the Facing Systemic Racism Committee, and the Faith Formation Board invite all adults and students in grade 6 and up to participate in a discussion of the Rev. Dr. King’s prophetic letter. For this first installment of a three-part series, Pastor Randy, who has done substantive research on the letter as part of his dissertation, will serve as the principal presenter. Pastor Randy’s remarks also will be recorded.
Join us in person in the Social Hall or via Zoom (using the same link used for Journey worship). If you’d like to join by telephone, call 929.205.6099 and enter Meeting ID 188 135 194 when prompted (press # if asked for a personal ID).
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Trinity Chapel Tour
2022-02-06 12:00 - 12:45 (America/Halifax) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Join us for a tour of the Trinity Chapel following Sanctuary worship.
It may be small, but the Trinity Chapel is filled with symbolism and features a unique, one-of-a-kind stained glass window.
Meet at the Highland Avenue entrance following worship.
