East Liberty Presbyterian Church

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) | PA
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) | PA
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.
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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.
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YAM Friendsgiving | Games & DIY Advent Calendars
2021-11-21 16:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | PA
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) | PA
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.

Foundation of HOPE | Adult Diversion
2022-02-06 12:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | PA
As a Matthew 25 congregation, ELPC is committed to supporting justice efforts in our community related to human safety and dignity. To learn more about some of these efforts, the Justice Committee invites you to a presentation on the Foundation of HOPE’s Adult Diversion Program in Allegheny County following Sanctuary worship on Sunday, February 6.
The HOPE Adult Diversion Program equips law enforcement with intervention approaches that are designed to redirect adults who are involved in low-level offenses into the program and away from a criminal record, prosecution, and incarceration. Services include mental health support, substance use treatment and harm reduction support, medical treatment, housing, food assistance, and more.
We will be joined by Mica Williams, who serves as the director of the HOPE Adult Diversion Program. Mica will discuss their work in the community and opportunities for involvement by ELPC members.
Join us in person or over Zoom. Light snacks will be provided.
To join virtually, click the button below or you may call in by dialing 312.626.6799 and enter meeting ID 813 2173 1297 and passcode [REDACTED] when prompted.
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Book Discussion | All We Can Save
2022-02-10 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | PA
The Environmental Team of the Justice Committee is reading a new book, titled All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis, edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katharine K. Wilkinson. This diverse collection of essays and a few poems are written by female activists, scientists, artists, architects, policymakers, and thinkers of various ages.
We invite you to read some or all of the book, and to join us to talk about your favorite parts on Thursday, February 10, 7 pm, via Zoom. For more details or to RSVP, contact Nancy Heastings at n.heastings@comcast.net.

Climate Change and the Green New Deal
2022-02-13 12:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | PA
The Environmental Team of the Justice Committee invites you to a panel discussion on Climate Change and the Green New Deal following Sanctuary worship on Sunday, February 13.
Together, we will examine the issue of climate change, its implications for racial and economic justice, and how we can combat it by building a mass movement for a Green New Deal. Panelists include Patricia DeMarco, Ph.D.; Claire Cohen, M.D.; and Helen Gerhardt.
Join us in person in the Social Hall. Light refreshments will be provided.
You also may join us online over Zoom or by calling 646.558.8656 and entering meeting ID 827 3760 9292 and passcode [REDACTED] when prompted.
Join via Zoom

Forest Bathing
2022-02-26 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Courtyard, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15206, United States
What is forest bathing? Well, it is not a nature walk or a fitness hike. It is a 60-minute, guided visit into the natural world, where we will slow down, awaken our senses, and nurture our relationship with nature. Through a series of invitations, we will find our own ways of connecting with nature as we relax into being present with the sights, smells, sounds, textures, and tastes of the woods. There’s no rush and there’s no right or wrong way to do it.
Join us in ELPC’s Courtyard to explore the hidden beauty found within the space’s architecture, plants, trees, and flowers—even amidst winter. We will have a fire for warming as we slowly reflect on the beauty of the natural world. We will sit a lot and move slowly, so dress appropriately and consider bringing a blanket.
RSVP to Pastor BJ by Wednesday, February 23.

Letter from Birmingham Jail | Session 2
2022-03-13 12:30 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | PA
Following Sanctuary worship on Sunday, March 13, the Facing Systemic Racism Committee will present our second session on the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s, Letter from Birmingham Jail. Led by Dr. Beverly Harris-Schenz, we will explore a summary of one of the seminal issues in Dr. King’s letter: “just” vs “unjust” laws.
Dr. King explains the use of “legality” in authoritarian societies, as a means to control and discriminate against marginalized people. Such “laws” apply to those groups, but rarely to those in authority. As examples, Dr. King cites laws used by segregationists in Alabama to prevent Blacks from voting; the laws of Nebuchadnezzer, which led Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego to follow a higher moral law; as well as the laws employed by Hitler to discriminate and isolate Jews, and those in Hungary against their freedom fighters.
There is no dearth of other historical examples. However, our discussion will focus primarily on how “unjust” laws have been used in the past and are currently used in our country to discriminate against and marginalize people of color. This presentation will be followed by small group discussions, both in person and on Zoom.
Join us in person in the Social Hall or online via Zoom. You also may call in by dialing 301.715.8592 and entering meeting ID 841 7387 8710 and passcode [REDACTED] when prompted.
Join via Zoom

Lenten Silent Retreat
2022-03-18 17:00 - 2022-03-20 12:00 (America/New_York) | St. Emma Monastery, 1001 Harvey Ave, Greensburg, PA, 15601, United States
In returning and rest you shall be saved.
In quietness and in trust shall be your strength.
We invite you to come away with God, in the middle of the Lenten season, for a quiet weekend retreat at St. Emma’s Retreat House in Greensburg, from 5 pm, on Friday, March 18, until 12 pm, on Sunday, March 20.
The retreat will be a time to rest your body, mind, and spirit; to play and pray; to eat and be still; to walk and sit; to talk and be silent; and to simply follow “the unforced rhythms of grace.”
“Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace… Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”—Matthew 11:28–30 (The Message)
If these words from Jesus ring true in your spirit, join us. The cost is $150. (Scholarships are available. Contact Pastor BJ at BJW@coh.net for details.) Spots are limited, so RSVP by to Norma Meyer at Norma@coh.net by Sunday, March 13.

Winter Food Drive
2022-03-20 12:30 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
As a Matthew 25 Congregation, ELPC actively seeks to engage in the world and make a difference in the lives of our neighbors. And one of the Matthew 25 principles that we strive to live into is to eradicate systemic poverty. One of the ways we do so is by feeding our neighbors who are living with food insecurity.
Following Sanctuary worship on Sunday, March 20, the Neighbors Committee will host a Winter Food Drive in the Staff Parking Lot on Baum Blvd. Requested donations include: canned or dried fruit, canned vegetables, cereal, crackers, individual fruit cups, jelly, peanut butter, pasta and sauces, rice, soups and broth, salt, seasonings, and spices.
Questions? Contact Tim VanFleet at tavanfleet@gmail.com or Pastor Patrice at patricefs@coh.net.

Letter Writing Event
2022-03-27 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Fellowship Room, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
The Environmental Team of the Justice Committee will offer an in-person letter-writing and advocacy time on Sunday, March 27, following our Sunday Church School classes and our Sanctuary worship service. Topics address environmental and social justice components of the Build Back Better Act, as well as the Hopes for Homes Act.
Please join and contribute your voice to advocate for these issues. Legislators need to know that their constituents care about and want solutions to the climate crisis. If unable to join in person, sample letters, fact sheets and your representative addresses are linked below. Please write your name and address at the bottom of the letter and on the envelope.

Sample Letter for Build Back Better Act
Build Back Better Environmental Justice Fact Sheet
Sample Letter for Hope for Homes Act
Hope for Homes Act Fact Sheet
Legislator Contact Information

Contact Nancy Heastings if you have questions.

Lenten JourneyDance
2022-04-08 18:30 - 19:45 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Chapel, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Experience Lent in a unique way this year. Join Yamuna for her Lenten JourneyDance in the Chapel on Friday, April 8, 6:30 pm–7:45 pm. Take a musical, dancing journey as we approach the end of Lent, with songs from Godspell among other songs including “Guide me God,” “Song of the Pharaohs,” “Joyful Joyful,” and “Prayer of St. Francis.”
All ages and body types welcome. Wear comfortable clothes and come with an open heart to dance your Lenten journey.
A donation from the heart very much appreciated.
Call or text Yamuna with any questions at 412.728.8645.

Letter from Birminham Jail | Session 3
2022-04-09 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | PA
Are We a Social Club or Justice Seekers?
In his prophetic Letter From Birmingham Jail, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., expressed frustration with white moderates, including clergy who were critical of civil rights efforts. King likened their complacency to the outright hostility of white supremacists, writing, “Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.” King asserted that the white church needed to take a principled stand or risk being “dismissed as an irrelevant social club.”
How and where does that same complacency and belief in “all things being done decently and in order” (a Biblical reference in chapter 8 of the PC(USA) Book of Order) resonate in the church today? When/how/why should we step out of our traditional white culture comfort zones to assure that we are indeed living out being a Matthew 25 church? What should we physically, culturally, and financially divest from in order to invest in a future that fully embraces all of our siblings who enter our building, those who are in our neighborhood and throughout our denomination? Those are big questions that demand our attention and our discernment.
Our very future is at stake. Let us continue the conversation on Zoom on Saturday, April 9, 6 pm, with the third and final deep dive into King’s letter. We will be led by the Rev. Paul Roberts, co-pastor of Eastminster Presbyterian Church, and members of the ELPC Facing Systemic Racism Committee.
Join us in person in the Social Hall or online via Zoom. You also may call in by dialing 301.715.8592 and entering meeting ID 846 9026 2039 and passcode [REDACTED] when prompted.
Join via Zoom

Family Fun @ Liberty Green Playground
2022-04-10 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | PA
Families with kids of all ages are invited to gather at the Liberty Green playground following our Sanctuary worship service on Sunday, April 10.
We lament that our in-person interactions have been so limited over the last two years during the pandemic. We hope that this will be an opportunity for parents and kids to meet in person and have
fun together!
Cheese pizza, drinks, and snacks will be provided, but please let us know that you’re coming so that we have enough to share.
To RSVP, please email Megan Leisher.
