East Liberty Presbyterian Church

Tween Night | Pumpkin Painting
2020-10-23 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
We will meet together on Zoom to paint a pumpkin on our kitchen tables (or floor or wherever), chat, and show off our masterpieces.
RSVP with Sara Hackett at SaraH@coh.net or 412.441.3800 x120 by Monday, October 19, to have supplies delivered. Late RSVPs will need to pick up supplies at the church.

Praying with the Elements
2020-10-25 13:00 - 14:00, 2020-11-01 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Amidst this pandemic, many of us are experiencing Zoom fatigue and may feel stuck inside. Let’s Get Out In Creation!
Through Christine Valters Paintner’s book, Water, Wind, Earth & Fire: The Christian Practice of Praying with the Elements, we will discover the call of God’s creation with daily readings of scripture, poets, and mystics—and be invited to explore, connect, and pray with and in God’s creation. We will read, reflect, and pray with the elements on our own throughout the week and then gather on Sundays, October 4–November 1, 1 pm, to share reflections and insights.
Join us as we discover together how “the four elements of air, fire, water, and earth can act as spiritual directors or guides to help us along the sacred journey.”
You may order your own book on Amazon or contact the Rev. BJ Woodworth for assistance.
Click here to participate on Zoom. Enter the Meeting ID, 896 1843 1427, and passcode, Creation, when prompted.

YAMs are Cooking Yaka Mein
2020-10-25 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
Let’s get together on Zoom as Nate Morley teaches us how to cook “yaka mein”—a New Orleans noodle dish.
For the list of ingredients and Zoom link, please RSVP with Nate.

Environmental Book Club: Braiding Sweetgrass
2020-10-29 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
The Environmental Team of the Justice Committee invites you to read Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer (2013, 390 pages), and then join us on Thursday, October 29, 7 pm, for a discussion on Zoom.
The subtitle of the book is “Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants.” As a botanist and professor of Environmental Biology, Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers. She brings these lenses of knowledge together to show that the awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgment and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world.
The book is a New York Times best seller, and people are finding this work to be grounding, calming, and quietly revolutionary.
Please contact Nancy Heastings for Zoom information or for questions.

Youth Mission Project | Baking for Our Neighbors
2020-11-08 12:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
Youth in grades 6–12 will gather via Zoom on Sunday, November 8, 12:30–1:30 pm, to bake cookies for ELPC’s neighbors.
Register with Sara to receive Zoom information, recipe ideas, and ingredients if needed.

LGBTQ Ministry Spiritual Gathering on Zoom
2020-11-15 12:30 - 14:30, 2020-12-20 12:30 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
All are welcome at this monthly spiritual gathering of LGBTQ Christians and their allies.
Contact Wil Forrest at 412.441.3800 X118 or Wil@coh.net to learn more and to get the Zoom info to participate.
God created you. God loves you. Be yourself.

Peace Committee Examines South Sudan
2020-11-19 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
The ELPC Peace Committee invites you to hear an update on the situation in South Sudan and discussion on the world’s newest country and it’s people. Our panelist include:

Sharon Stewart
Sharon is part of Pittsburgh Presbytery’s working group on South Sudan and Malawi, and the co-pastor of the Jefferson United Presbyterian Church
Benedict Killang
Benedict is the former head of the South Sudanese community in Pittsburgh

Click here to join on Zoom on your computer, tablet, or mobile device. Or dial in by calling 646.558.8656 and enter meeting ID 935 624 8828 when promoted.

Virtual Advent Retreat
2020-11-20 18:00 - 2020-11-21 19:00 (America/New_York)
The Spiritual Life Committee invites you to a virtual retreat for Advent, themed Wait Upon the Lord.
The retreat will take place Friday–Saturday, November 20–21. The cost is $25. All supplies will be sent to you in advance.
Please RSVP by Friday, November 6, with Norma Meyer. Contact the Rev. BJ Woodworth with questions.

Why Retreat? Amidst all that is happening and will be happening in mid-November, why would one go on a 24-hour retreat. Let me offer one metaphor from Ruth Haley Barton’s book, Invitation to Retreat:
“Going on retreat is like a boat entering into the lock in order to rise to new heights. When I don’t enter into the locks at regular intervals my life will just keep sinking to the level of the culture around me and to the level of my own unexamined inner world. However, when I entered the lock, that is retreat, when I allow the doors to close behind me and wait quietly for my soul to be lifted by the presence of God, I find that almost imperceptibly I am buoyed to new levels. When I emerge, I may not be able to say exactly what happened, but I know that I have been lifted to new heights and my sails are straight and ready to catch the wind of the Spirit as it fills my sails.”
Perhaps what we all need after nine months of a pandemic, continued racial injustice, and increasing political division and unrest is to take 24 hours to pull into the locks, rest, be still, attend to our breath, grieve, lament, light a candle, and find our strength in quietness and trust for the continued journey.
Secondly, a retreat at this time helps us prepare for Advent, a season in which we remind ourselves and get in touch with our longings and desires for the coming of God’s kingdom in fullness. It is a season about imagining and seeing what God’s dream is for us and the world. What are you longing, waiting, and hoping for this Advent? A retreat creates space to ponder and prepare our lives for the new thing God may want to birth in and through you.

Advent Gift Box Pick-Up
2020-11-21 10:00 - 12:00, 2020-11-22 12:30 - 14:30, 2020-11-29 12:30 - 14:30, 2020-12-13 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
The Faith Formation board is offering a gift to every family at ELPC—of every age and configuration! Since we won’t get to celebrate this special season together, we are bringing Advent materials to you, so that we might pray, anticipate, and celebrate together.
Your gift will include: materials for an Advent wreath, a devotional book, some items for “Advent Actions,” crafts, treats, and a “Christmas Pageant Scavenger Hunt” so that EVERYONE can participate in our Zoom Christmas Pageant this year!
Stop by the church to pick up your box by Sunday, December 13.
If you need to pick up your box during the week or need it delivered, contact Megan Leisher or call 412.441.3800 x122.

Christmas Pageant Rehearsal
2020-12-12 10:00 - 10:45 (America/Halifax) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Youth in grades 4–8 will meet on Zoom for rehearsal on Saturday, December 12, 10 am. Anyone else who wants to log on, ask questions, or see the platform before Sunday may log on at 10:45 am.
Don’t miss the Christmas Pageant performance on Sunday, December 13, 10 am.

Christmas Pageant: Can You Hear What I Hear?
2020-12-13 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
While we can’t gather in the Sanctuary together, we will still be sharing the story of the Jesus’ birth through our annual Christmas Pageant on Sunday, December 13, 10 am.
Our pageant is titled Can You Hear What I Hear? Middle-Schoolers will serve as narrators. Kids from infancy-grade 5 will dress in costumes and act out the story for us—some through pre-recorded vignettes and others live on Zoom.
This year, you are invited to help us tell the story of Jesus’ birth! Persons of all ages are invited to collect any of these items and participate in the pageant when prompted: bell; flashlight; bathrobe (to be a Shepherd); halo, wings, or white/sparkling shirt (to be an Angel); wooden blocks/spoons or soup cans (to make the sound of donkey hooves); and a sign that expresses “JOY!” (maybe it reads “Christ is born!” or “Glory to God!” or “God is with us!” or “Rejoice!”).
Contact Megan Leisher to receive the Zoom links. And please contact Sara Hackett if you would like to participate, so that we can include everyone!

Cathedral Concert | Christmas ONLINE in East Liberty
2020-12-18 19:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Please join us for Christmas ONLINE in East Liberty and relive some of our favorite Christmas performances by The Brass Roots, organist Dr. Edward Alan Moore, and the ELPC Chancel Choir!
Watch live on our YouTube or Facebook pages. 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).
We offer our Cathedral Concerts free of charge. To help support these concerts, please donate to the freewill offering:
http://tiny.cc/ELPCDonate

PROGRAM
Selections are taken from Christmas in East Liberty 2017, 2018, 2019 and the 2016 CD Christmas in East Liberty.

Joy to the World (CD)
Anthony DiLorenzo

Suite from the Nutcracker (2019)
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
March
Tea – Chinese Dance
Cafe – Arabian Dance
Trepak – Russian Dance

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (2019)
Robert Lewis May/arr. Rana Jurjus

Twelve Days of Christmas (CD)
Bill Holcolmbe

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (2018)
Hugh Martin/arr. Rana Jurjus

Little Drummer Boy (2018)
Henry Onorati and Harry Simeone
arr. Philip Sparke/adapted by Michael Dorato

Carol of Bells (2018)
Trans-Siberian Orchestra/arr. Michael Dorato

Hark, the Herald Angels Sing (CD)
Anthony DiLorenzo

Dawning Light of Our Salvation (2018)
arr. Mike Tomaro

I Wonder As I Wander (2018)
arr. Mike Tomaro

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (2017)
Anthony DiLorenzo
Jim Cunningham, narrator

O Magnum Mysterium (NEW 2020)
Morten Lauridsen

White Christmas (2018)
arr. Mike Tomaro

Toccata on Antioch (CD)
Craig Phillips

Free Flu Shot Clinic
2020-12-20 12:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Need a flu shot? The ELPC Property & Mission Board Committees are partnering with Birmingham Free Clinic to host a FREE flu shot clinic on Sunday, December 20, 12–4 pm. If you need a flu shot, stop by the semi-circle driveway on Highland Ave. No appointment is necessary.

YAM | Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
2020-12-24 22:30 - 2020-12-25 00:30 (America/New_York)
ELPC will have prerecorded Christmas Eve services available at 5 pm and 8 pm, but YAMs also will gather and lead a Virtual YAM Candlelight Service. If you would like to help, please contact Kelli Booher at KelliB@coh.net.

Music of Christmas Eve
2020-12-25 11:00 - 12:20 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Online, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Please join us for this special Christmas Day broadcast of all the music from our Christmas Eve services. Watch below, or on our YouTube channel or Facebook page, and share it with your family and friends!
Featuring performances by:

Organist/Music Director: Dr. Edward Alan Moore
Quartet: Adrianna Cleveland, Robin Schmeider, Michael Painter, Todd Farwell
Soloists: Adrianna Cleveland, Todd Farwell, David Jennings-Smith, Gail Novak Mosites, Robin Schmeider, Denise Sheffey-Powell, Michael Warren
Handbells: Keith Irvin
Violinist: Cody Conley
The Brass Roots

Click here to see the program
In Dulci Jubilo, BWV 729 | Johann Sebastian Bach
Dr. Edward Alan Moore
Carol – O Come, All Ye Faithful
In the Bleak Midwinter | Mary E. Caldwell
Robin Schmeider
In the Bleak Midwinter | Gustav Holst
Cody Conley, violin
Do You Hear What I Hear? | arr. Harry Simeone
Denise Sheffey-Powell
Carol – Away in a Manger
A Song of Peace | Teresa Jennings
Michael Warren
O Holy Night | Adolphe Adam
Cody Conley, violin
Carol – Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Sweet Little Jesus Boy | Robert MacGimsey
David Jennings-Smith
O Come, All Ye Faithful | Adeste Fideles
Cody Conley, violin
Who Would Imagine a King | Marvyn Warren/Hallerin Hilton Hill
Adrianna Cleveland and Michael Warren

Carol – What Child Is ThisChristmas Bell Medley | Christine D. Anderson/Daniel Kramlich
Keith Irvin
The Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth | as recorded by Bing Crosby and David Bowie
Todd Farwell and David Jennings-Smith
Carol – The First Nowell
Christmas Lullaby | Jason Robert Brown
Adrianna Cleveland
In Dulci Jubilo | Marcel Dupré
Dr. Edward Alan Moore
O Magnum Mysterium | Morten Lauridsen
The Brass Roots
O Holy Night | Adolphe Adam
Gail Novak Mosites
Carol – Silent Night
Carol – Joy to the World
Toccata on ‘Antioch’ | Craig Philips
Dr. Edward Alan Moore

YAM's Virtual Game Night
2021-01-08 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
This Game Night will begin with trivia followed by other games on the Jack Box platform. Everyone can play along on their own mobile devices by using a browser. Two devices do make it easier but you also can go between Zoom and browser. Grab your snacks and settle in for a night of fun!
Questions? Contact Kelli Booher at KelliB@coh.net.

YAM | Do the Write Thing
2021-01-13 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
One Wednesday every month, we take a different approach to “writing,” whether it is reflecting, drawing, meditation, visual art, social justice, or communicating to others. Whether you write, type, voice text, use communication symbols, or draw, please join us!
Questions? Contact Kelli Booher at KelliB@coh.net.

MLK Day of Service Sock Collection
2021-01-17 13:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
This year marks the 26th anniversary of the Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service (January 18), celebrating the life and legacy of the civil rights leader. Observed each year on the third Monday in January as “a day on, not a day off,” MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer in their communities.
In observance of MLK Day, to fulfill the theme of “a day on, not a day off,” and to live into being a PC(USA) Matthew 25 Church, ELPC is hosting a Drive-by Sock Collection on Sunday, January 17, 1–3:30 pm, to serve one of the needs of our vulnerable neighbors who are experiencing homelessness. You may drop off sock donations at the Highland Avenue half-circle driveway.
Typically, people living in homelessness spend their days walking in their community—and we all know and appreciate that when your feet are cold, your entire body is cold. Socks are the most requested items of clothing from ministries and organizations that serve individuals who are experiencing homelessness.
Please purchase warm socks in sizes for men, women, and children to be donated to local shelters.
This ministry opportunity is sponsored by the ELPC Mission Board, Neighbors Committee, and the Board of Deacons. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Patrice at PatriceFS@coh.net.

The Notorious Trial of Joe Thomas
2021-02-07 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Online, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Join the ELPC Mission Board and Facing Systemic Racism Ministry Team following Sanctuary worship, as Tony Norman and Steve Mellon, journalists at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, speak about their joint project, “The Notorious Trial of Joe Thomas.”
This is the story of events that took place here in Pittsburgh in 1922, regarding the treatment of a Black man accused of murdering a white woman. This project illustrates the injustice of our criminal justice system, which has mistreated persons of color for centuries—and sadly continues today.
Click the button below to join via Zoom or call in by dialing 301.715.8592. Enter meeting ID 879 3121 3685 and passcode [REDACTED].
Join Via Zoom

Petitions to End Solitary Confinement and No-Knock Warrants (Breonna’s Law)
2021-02-07 13:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
The Alliance for Police Accountability (APA) is organizing to put two binding ballot questions on the May ballot for Allegheny County and Pittsburgh. The first petition seeks to end solitary confinement in Allegheny County Jail, and the second petition pertains to banning “no-knock” warrants (Breonna’s Law) in Pittsburgh. To be added to the May ballot, these petitions require many thousands of signatures from Allegheny County and/or Pittsburgh residents by February 16.
Stop by the Highland Ave. driveway on February 7, 1:30–3 pm, to sign the petitions. You also can download the Solitary Confinement and No-Knock Warrant petitions and mail them to APA prior to the deadline.
Contact Stephanie Creasy at screasy16@gmail.com if you need to coordinate signing at another time.
Important! You must be a registered voter in the city of Pittsburgh to sign for “Breonna’s Law.” You must be a registered voter in Allegheny County to sign for the solitary confinement initiative.

Virtual Lenten Retreat | A Journey into the Desert
2021-02-19 18:00 - 2021-02-20 19:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Online, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Join us for a time of personal and communal Lenten preparation. On this 24-hour retreat, we will journey with Jesus into the desert, considering our belovedness and the temptations we face, as well as set our own Lenten intentions for the season.
We will have opening and closing Zoom time with each other and optional times in between for embodied and spoken prayers and meditations, as well as prompts for your own time of solitude.
Register by emailing Norma Meyer by Sunday, February 7. The cost is $25 and the retreat is limited to 24 participants. You can mail a check to ELPC to Norma’s attention or pay online with our PayPal account designating “Lenten Retreat” in the note. Retreat materials will be ready for you to pick up on Sunday, February 14, 12:30–2:30 pm. If you need them mailed or delivered, please note that in your registration.
Questions? Contact the Rev. BJ Woodworth.

Rich Heritage of African Americans in the PC(USA)
2021-02-20 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
All are invited to attend the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus’s second annual African American Heritage Event on Saturday, February 20, 1 pm, via Zoom.
The guest speaker will be the Rev. Warren Lesane, the synod executive and stated clerk of the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic. Discussion topics will include the contributions of African Americans in the PC (USA) in the past, present, and post pandemic times.
Register online

Police Reform and Public Safety Discussion
2021-02-21 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
You are invited to a Police Reform and Public Safety online panel discussion, presented by the Social Justice and Outreach Committee, and the Commission on Race and Reconciliation of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh. The event is co-sponsored by ELPC, the Church of the Redeemer (Squirrel Hill), and a number of other faith groups.
Panelists include Erika Strassburger, member of Pittsburgh City Council for District 8, and Summer Lee, Representative for Pennsylvania House District 34. The speakers will discuss legislation that has passed, is in progress, and/or will be proposed, as well as respond to questions and comments from the attendees.
Join the discussion via Zoom at tiny.cc/2-21-21-discussion or call 312.626.6799. Enter meeting ID 875 2350 4622 and passcode [REDACTED] when prompted.

Book Discussion | Banished from Johnstown
2021-02-28 09:45 - 10:45 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Online, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Author Cody McDevitt will be with us to discuss his book, Banished from Johnstown: Racist Backlash in Pennsylvania. The book examines one of the worst civil rights injustices in the history of Pennsylvania, which took place in 1923. Join us for two opportunities to engage with Cody: once during the adult Church School hour with the Seekers class, and again following Sanctuary worship.
Banished from Johnstown chronicles a virtually unknown, tragic episode in African American and Johnstown history. Samuel W. Black, director of the African American Program at the Senator John Heinz History Center states, “Recalling the national debate about race and constitutional rights and the willingness to express dictatorial rule over Black lives by white elected officials was not just a scene in large urban areas, but the small, mid-American heartland as well.
This opportunity is sponsored by our Adult Church School classes and the Facing Systemic Racism Ministry Team. You are encouraged to read the book in preparation for the discussion.
To borrow a book or ask questions, contact Pastor Patrice at PatriceFS@coh.net or Gwen Puza at gpuza9@gmail.com.
Click the button below to join the session via Zoom, or you may call in by dialing 301.715.8592. Enter meeting ID 850 1891 1556 and passcode [REDACTED].
Church School Session

Book Discussion | Banished from Johnstown
2021-02-28 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Online, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Author Cody McDevitt will be with us to discuss his book, Banished from Johnstown: Racist Backlash in Pennsylvania. The book examines one of the worst civil rights injustices in the history of Pennsylvania, which took place in 1923. Join us for two opportunities to engage with Cody: once during the adult Church School hour with the Seekers class, and again following Sanctuary worship.
Banished from Johnstown chronicles a virtually unknown, tragic episode in African American and Johnstown history. Samuel W. Black, director of the African American Program at the Senator John Heinz History Center states, “Recalling the national debate about race and constitutional rights and the willingness to express dictatorial rule over Black lives by white elected officials was not just a scene in large urban areas, but the small, mid-American heartland as well.
This opportunity is sponsored by our Adult Church School classes and the Facing Systemic Racism Ministry Team. You are encouraged to read the book in preparation for the discussion.
To borrow a book or ask questions, contact Pastor Patrice at PatriceFS@coh.net or Gwen Puza at gpuza9@gmail.com.
Click the button below to join the session via Zoom, or you may call in by dialing 301.715.8592. Enter meeting ID 876 5634 9138 and passcode [REDACTED].
Noon Session
