East Liberty Presbyterian Church

Summer Film Series: We Wear the Mask
2018-07-22 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Social Hall, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
The ELPC Mission Board and Mission Committees invite you to our annual Summer Film Festival on Sundays in July! This year’s documentaries and movies are a continuation of our on-going systemic racism series. Join us in the Social Hall following worship to view the movies, discuss the themes, and enjoy lunch together.
This week’s feature, We Wear the Mask: The Hidden Face of Women in Poverty, explores how the psychological effects of poverty are far-reaching, and why women are more likely to feel the impact. Dominique, Veniecia, and Lou Ann lead vastly different lives, yet their stories intersect and parallel in surprising ways. We Wear the Masks, which was filmed in Pittsburgh, digs deeply into the psychology of poverty to shine a spotlight on an often underestimated segment of society. Tammy Thompson, the film’s producer and executive director of Circles of Greater Pittsburgh, will lead our discussion afterwards.
1 hour | Hosted by the Neighbors Committee

Black Pride Pittsburgh
2018-07-28 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Courtyard, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15206, United States
We are pleased to welcome Black Pride Pittsburgh to ELPC as they hold their Family Game Day!
All ELPC friends and members are welcome and needed to fully demonstrate that ELPC is a place for all of God’s people!
To learn more or to get involved in ELPC’s LGBTQ Ministry, contact Wil Forrest at Wil@coh.net or 412.441.3800 x114.

GOD CREATED YOU. GOD LOVES YOU.
BE YOURSELF.

Summer Film Series: The Canary Effect
2018-07-29 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Social Hall, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
The ELPC Mission Board and Mission Committees invite you to our annual Summer Film Festival on Sundays in July! This year’s documentaries and movies are a continuation of our on-going systemic racism series. Join us in the Social Hall following worship to view the movies, discuss the themes, and enjoy lunch together.
This week’s feature, The Canary Effect, is a 2006 documentary that looks into the effects that the U.S. and its policies have on the Indigenous peoples (Native Americans). Delving deeply into the historic realities of the American Indian, this film details the genocidal practices of our government and its effects on present-day Indian country. Featuring interviews with the leading scholars and experts on Indian issues, the film brings together the past and present in a way never before captured so eloquently and boldly on film.
1 hour | Hosted by the Mission Board

Solar Power and Energy Efficiency
2018-08-19 11:30 - 12:30 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Social Hall, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Solar United Neighbors (SUN) is a non-profit organization that’s dedicated to bringing solar energy to homeowners. Join ELPC’s Justice Committee in the Social Hall to learn more about this exciting new initiative following worship on Sunday, August 19.
SUN will give a presentation on how homeowners can simplify and lower the cost of going solar through bulk purchasing solar panels.
We also will welcome Conservation Consultants, Inc., a non-profit organization that works in the area of energy efficiency and home retrofits. Learn tips, strategies, and the best ways to improve your home.
Refreshments will be served. Contact Lucy de Barbaro at lucyna.debarbaro@gmail.com for more info.

Facing Systemic Racism Series: Uncovering Your Racial Autobiography
2018-09-22 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Social Hall, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206-3911, United States
Join us as we continue our series on systemic racism in our society and how it impacts our lives. The Rev. Dr. John C. Welch, dean of students at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, will lead us as we explore our own racial autobiography.
We will share a potluck meal in the Social Hall at 5:30 pm. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share if you are able. The program runs from 6–8 pm. Childcare is available with a reservation by leaving a message at 412.441.3800 x140.

The Rev. Dr. Welch is vice president for Student Services and Community Engagement, and Dean of Students at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He also is an adjunct professor of Business Ethics at the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz School of Business and an adjunct in Healthcare Ethics for the University of Pittsburgh’s Consortium Ethics Program. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and Economics at Carnegie Mellon University, a Master of Divinity at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate in Healthcare Ethics at Duquesne University.

East Liberty Redevelopment Presentation
2018-10-07 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Halifax) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Join us after Sanctuary worship to learn about exciting redevelopment projects in our community, including a virtual tour of housing projects, led by Kendall Pelling, director of land recycling at East Liberty Development, Inc.
A light lunch will be served.

Facing Systemic Racism: Acknowledging White Privilege
2018-10-20 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Social Hall, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206-3911, United States
What do you take into consideration when moving into a new community? How and how much are people of your own heritage portrayed in media and entertainment? What authors do you read? What do your children learn in history classes? How do you decide where and when to shop? Aside from theology, what do you consider when selecting a worship community? What are three things that you want your children and grandchildren to know when they leave the house? What is your experience with community policing?
How you answer these questions may say more than you think about your racial heritage and experience. Join us as we continue to explore racism as seen through the eyes of privilege.
We will share a potluck meal in the Social Hall at 5:30 pm. The program will run from 6–8 pm. Childcare can be reserved by calling 412.441.3800 x140.

Fall Food Drive to Benefit EECM
2018-11-04 09:00 - 12:00, 2018-11-11 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax) | PA
On Stewardship Sunday, November 11, the Mission Board and Christian Education will once again sponsor a food drive to benefit the Food Pantry at East End Cooperative Ministry. Bags with a shopping list attached will be distributed on Sunday, November 4. Please return filled bags on Sunday, November 11, so they can be brought forth during Sanctuary worship as our offering to assist community members who are in need.
Requested items include:

Canned fruits and vegetables
Canned soups and pastas
Brown and white Rice
Rice-A-Roni type meals
Hamburger Helper type meals
Instant mashed potatoes
Mac ‘n cheese
Oatmeal
Ramen noodles

Facing Systemic Racism: Where Do We Go From Here?
2018-12-02 12:30 - 14:00 (America/Halifax) | PA
Please join us for the final event in our Facing Systemic Racism series as we discuss where we as a church go next to address systemic racism. Your reflections and input will help guide future events, action, and programs at ELPC.
A light lunch will be served. Childcare is available by calling 412.441.3800 x140.

Facing Systemic Racism Series Planning Session
2019-02-07 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | Garth Overlook Room, 116 South Highland Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
We are planning our 2019 Facing Systemic Racism series and welcome all input. Join us at an Open Meeting on Thursday, February 7, 5:30–8 pm, in the Garth Overlook Room.
Please come and share your thoughts!
Contact Pastor Patrice at patricefs@coh.net or Becky Gloninger at rag15@verizon.net for more info.

ELPC Winter Food Drive
2019-02-10 08:45 - 13:00, 2019-02-17 08:45 - 13:00, 2019-02-24 08:45 - 13:00 (America/Halifax) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
ELPC Deacons are sponsoring a Winter Food Drive in cooperation with the EECM Have a Heart for Hunger Campaign to assist our neighbors who experience food insufficiency during the winter months. The list of requested, non-perishable canned food items will be distributed on Sunday, February 10 and 17.
Items are due back at the church on Sunday, February 24. Thank you for having a heart.

Facing Systemic Racism Lenten Series
2019-03-06 17:00 - 19:00, 2019-03-13 17:00 - 19:00, 2019-03-20 17:00 - 19:00, 2019-03-27 17:00 - 19:00, 2019-04-03 17:00 - 19:00, 2019-04-10 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Please join us for a six-week study of The Belhar Confession on Wednesdays, 5–7 pm, during Lent.
This series will provide a theological grounding for our congregation’s anti-racism work, and provide an opportunity for the congregation to learn about the Presbyterian Church’s newest confession that addresses unity, reconciliation, and justice.
A light meal of soup and bread will be provided.
Childcare is available through reservation by calling 412.441.3800 x140.
Read The Belhar Confession. Download the Book of Confessions.

Series Dates and Topics
Download our Study Guide, which will guide our sessions.

March 6 | Introduction: Setting the Stage (see pg. 3)
March 13 | Apartheid and The Belhar Confession: It Happened in Church (see pg. 11)
March 20 | What Does it Mean for a Church to Confess? (see pg. 21)
March 27 | The Belhar Confession and the Book of Confessions (see pg. 27, 54–57)
(Download the Theological Declaration of Barmen and The Confession of 1967)
April 3 | The “Liturgy” of Belhar and What That Means for the Unity off the Church (see pg. 33)
April 10 | Belhar, the Unity We Seek, and the Mission off the Church (pg. 44)
(Download The Nicene Creed)

Earth Care Challenge Kickoff Event
2019-03-10 12:15 - 14:15 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Social Hall, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Want to help to protect our Earth for future generations? The Environmental Team of the Justice Committee invites you to the Social Hall to learn about steps you and your family can take now to help save our planet from the harsh effects of climate change.
Environmental activist and documentary filmmaker Mark Dixon will speak about actions we can take to make a difference in climate change. He is currently working on Inversion: The Unfinished Business of Pittsburgh’s Air. Pastor Randy will shine a light on environmental stewardship as “Faith in Action.” You will be challenged to join other ELPC members and friends who are pledging to take personal actions over the next six months.
Lunch and childcare provided. For more information, contact Nancy Heastings at n.heastings@comcast.net.

Hopeful Conversations on Mass Incarceration
2019-03-21 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Halifax) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Join Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania, the Center for Loving Kindness and Civic Engagement of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, and East Liberty Presbyterian Church for an interfaith evening of inspiration and conversation with neighbors, clergy, public officials and those impacted by mass incarceration. This event is open to people of all faiths and hope no matter your background.

How does mass incarceration affect neighborhoods and neighbors here in Southwest Pennsylvania?
What’s it like on the inside? What challenges do returning citizens face?
How can we interrupt the school-to-prison pipeline and work for real justice reform?

​Study texts from holy scriptures and renowned contemporary authors, hear from faith leaders and community experts, and converse with your neighbors. Our speakers include:

Dr. James Huguley, University of Pittsburgh
Rev. Dr. Ronald Peters, formerly of the Metro-Urban Institute
Rev. Richard Freeman, Resurrection Baptist Church, Braddock

Register to attend at CASP.org.

Earth Care Challenge Pledge
2019-03-24 10:45 - 13:00, 2019-03-31 10:45 - 13:00, 2019-04-07 10:45 - 13:00 (America/Halifax) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Are you ready to pledge to a personal action/s to help save the planet? Consider what you can change or take on as in the areas of transportation, energy, food, yard and garden, home, education and advocacy.
The Environmental Team of the Justice Committee will be available to record your pledge and take your picture in the Garth Overlook Room after today’s 11 am service, and in the Fellowship Room before the 11 am service. You can record your pledge on Sundays, March 24, March 31, and April 7.

DG2! Good Deeds Day BINGO
2019-04-07 12:00 - 15:30 (America/Halifax) | Charles Morris Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 200 JHF Dr, Pittsburgh, PA, 15217, United States
ELPC and Rodef Shalom youth in grades 4–12 will be showing acts of loving-kindness by assisting in BINGO with the residents of Charles Morris Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Meet in the Harambe Room for lunch immediately following Sanctuary worship. We will return to ELPC at 4:00pm.
PERMISSION SLIP required

Environmental Book Club Discussion
2019-05-16 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Halifax) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
The Environmental Team of the Justice Committee invites you to a discussion of The Uninhabitable Earth, Life After Warming by David Wallace-Wells. We will discuss the second half of the book on Thursday, May 16, 7 pm.
Email Nancy Heastings for more information.

Keep Families Together: Out of Cages & In Their Homes!
2019-07-02 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Immigrant families face separation constantly, this time thanks to Ben Carson and his Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). A new proposal would evict mixed-status families from subsidized housing, requiring everyone except senior citizens to prove citizenship. This would mean that if a woman living in subsidized housing has her brother who is applying for asylum temporarily staying with her, both would face eviction unless the brother moved out. More than 100,000 families would face eviction if this rule is put in place.
HUD admits its mixed-status rule will NOT reduce wait lists, but WILL reduce the quality and quantity of housing. This is clearly another attack on immigrants and poor people, and we will let the government know why we will not stand for it.
Join us to take part in the federal public comment period to oppose this rule change and take a stand against family separation. Public comment periods are an incredibly effective way to influence federal policy.
This event is part of Just Harvest’s Power of the Pen series—monthly events to write letters to public officials to create real world change. Dinner will be provided.

2019 Film Festival | Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
2019-07-14 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Good Samaritan Room, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
This documentary paints a portrait of the philosophy and work of cardigan-wearing children’s entertainer Fred Rogers, star of the popular show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
A former minister, Fred Rogers creatively communicated themes of empathy and acceptance, race relations, kindness, and tolerance using a colorful cast of puppets and friends for more than 30 years.
Along with archival footage, Rogers’ contemporaries and cast-mates reflect on his legacy.

Sponsored by the Neighbors Committee
Runtime: 94 minutes

About the 2019 Summer Film Festival
Each year, the ELPC Mission Board and Mission Committees sponsor and host a summer film series. This year’s themes are a continuation of our ongoing focus on facing systemic racism. Everyone is invited to stay after worship on Sundays, July 14, August 4, and August 18, and join us in the Good Samaritan Room to view the movies, discuss the themes, and enjoy a light lunch together.

2019 Film Festival | Urban Roots
2019-08-04 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Good Samaritan Room, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Once an industrial powerhouse of a lost American era, Detroit has been devastated by the loss of half its population due to the collapse of manufacturing. By the looks of it, the city has died. But now, in the empty lots, in the old factory yards, and in-between the sagging blocks of housing, seeds of change are taking root.
Dedicated citizens have started an urban environmental movement with the potential to transform not just a city after its collapse, but also a country after the end of its industrial age. Urban Roots shows Detroiters working to fulfill their vision for locally-grown, sustainably farmed food in a city where people—as in much of the county—have found themselves cut off from real food.

Sponsored by the Justice Committee
Runtime: 94 minutes

About the 2019 Summer Film Festival
Each year, the ELPC Mission Board and Mission Committees sponsor and host a summer film series. This year’s themes are a continuation of our ongoing focus on facing systemic racism. Everyone is invited to stay after worship on Sundays, July 14, August 4, and August 18, and join us in the Good Samaritan Room to view the movies, discuss the themes, and enjoy a light lunch together.
