East Liberty Presbyterian Church

Environmental Team January Book Study
2026-01-05 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | PA
For its next book, the Environment Team of the Justice Committee has selected Shade: the Promise of a Forgotten Natural Resource by Sam Bloch. The discussion session will be held on Thursday, January 22, 7 pm, via Zoom.
In his new book, environmental journalist Sam Bloch encourages us to look to the past for solutions to our ever-warming urban areas as climate change creates heat waves that are more frequent, hotter and longer lasting. Bloch’s call for more shade in urban areas, with more trees in parks and residential areas and new ways to design public areas and buildings, comes as policy makers grapple with a growing crisis in heat-related illness and death.
For further information and the Zoom link, contact Nancy Heastings.

Impactful Advocacy
2026-01-12 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-01-14 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | PA
We learned at our October Adult Education presentation on Impactful Advocacy that individualized calls and emails to legislators are more impactful than form letters and emails. To facilitate such advocacy, the Environmental Team of the Justice Committee will offer two, identical info sessions on Zoom. The first will be held the evening of Monday, January 12, and the second will be held the morning of Wednesday, January 14.
You will receive examples, tips and tools. We ask you to bring an issue or cause that’s important to you. We will practice on a common issue.
If you are interested in participating, but did not attend our October presentation, you can request the recording link. Contact Nancy Heastings for more information or to register.

Pennsylvanians Against the Death Penalty Postcard Campaign
2026-02-08 12:15 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | PA
The Justice Committee encourages everyone to join Pennsylvanians Against the Death Penalty in the statewide effort to pass legislation that will finally abolish the death penalty in Pennsylvania! On Sunday, February 8, immediately following Sanctuary worship, join us in the Garth Overlook Room, where each person will sign five postcards that will be delivered, along with hundreds of others, to the Harrisburg offices of the Governor, Attorney General, District Attorney, State Representatives and Senators. Let them know your support for abolition!
Contact Vivienne Selia at vselia@comcast.net for more details.

Tree Equity in the Pittsburgh Region
2026-03-08 12:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | ELPC – McKelvy Room (114), 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
As noted in last month’s Reaching Out, the Environmental Team of the Justice Committee is currently focusing on the issue of Tree Equity—ensuring that all communities have equal access and benefits from the presence of trees. Disadvantaged Pittsburgh neighborhoods have 20% fewer trees, which has serious implications for health outcomes.
Join us on Sunday, March 8, 12:30–1:30 pm, in the McKelvy for a presentation by an expert from Tree Pittsburgh and a speaker from the National Religious Partnership for the Environment, who will provide a faith and justice perspective. Refreshments will be provided in the Fellowship Room.
Tree Pittsburgh and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy also will offer advice on tree maintenance, volunteer opportunities, how to get a tree for your yard, and more. See them and our Landscape Subcommittee in the Garth Overlook Room.
Tree activities in underserved neighborhoods will be coming in the spring and fall. The program also will be available online. Contact Nancy Heastings at n.heastings@comcast.net for the Zoom link.

Mid-Term Primary Election Info Session
2026-04-26 09:45 - 13:00, 2026-05-10 09:45 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Are you ready to Vote? The Voting Group under the Justice Committee has information and tools for you. On the ballot this election: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, U.S House of Representative (Allegheny County – Districts 12 and 17), Pennsylvania State Senators, Pennsylvania State Representatives. See us in the Highland Ave entrance on Sundays, April 26 and May 10, before and after our 11 am service.
Registration: Do you need to change your registration (e.g. address)? Did you remember to apply for a mail-in ballot? We can help. You can use pa.gov/vote.
Forum: On Friday, May 1, 6:30–7:30 pm, there will be a forum with Democratic candidates for Pennsylvania Legislative District 24 (ELPC area) in Wilkinsburg. See us for a flyer.
Your Ballot: VOTE411 has your ballot and information submitted by the candidates. We will have copies of the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh Voters Guide. See also the lwvpgh.org for comprehensive, non-partisan election information.
Ballot Drop: Copies of the flyer with the locations will be at our table.

Saturday, May 9 & Sunday, May 10, 10 am–2 pm, for ballot drop and over-the-counter voting.
Friday, May 15, 11 am–7 pm; Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17, 9 am–5 pm; and Monday, May 18, 11 am–7 pm.

Justice Committee Open Meeting
2026-04-26 12:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
The Justice Committee invites you to an in-person meeting following Sanctuary worship on Sunday, April 26, in Room 213. We have four primary focus areas: immigration and integration, human safety and dignity, environmental stewardship, and full inclusion. Please join us to find out more about the work that the Justice Committee does and how you might participate.
For more info, please contact Carol Chonoska at carolchonoska@gmail.com or 724.272.9722.

Spring Planting Day
2026-05-09 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Each spring, a group of dedicated members and friends meet to refresh the Highland Ave entrance with beautiful flowering plants, so it is vibrant and welcoming. This year, we are gathering on Saturday, May 9, 9 am–12 pm, and all are welcome! Green thumbs are not required. Just bring your energy, curiosity, and a pair of work gloves to the Highland driveway around 9 am. Hand tools, gloves, and donuts will be provided.
In addition to planting flowers, we will spend time cleaning up garbage and pulling a few weeds around the grounds. If you’re interested or have questions, please call or text Don Breitbarth at 412.225.7649.

Growing Justice: Tree Care and Equity in Pittsburgh
2026-05-30 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | PA
On Saturday, May 30, 9 am–12 pm, join the Environmental Team of the Justice Committee and our partner Tree Pittsburgh for a morning of weeding, mulching, and watering at Garland Park in East Liberty (Broad St at N St Clair). Tree Pittsburgh will explain how to mulch, and the benefits of our work, and of ongoing tree care. Arrive by 8:45 am to check in and grab your tools and safety gear.
Families are welcome. Registration is required for adults. Children under 18 must be accompanies by a parent/guardian. They will sign up at the park. Parking details and directions will be emailed to you after registration. The park is 4 blocks from ELPC. Transportation will be available from ELPC, sign up requested.
Contact Nancy Heastings (n.heastings@comcast.net) for questions, registration assistance, and transportation sign up. Contact Sara Hackett, she will be coordinating youth volunteers.
Online Registration for Adults
