East Liberty Presbyterian Church

Environmental Book Club
2019-09-26 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Trustees Room, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206-3911, United States
The Environmental Team of the Justice Committee invites you to begin reading a book of your choice about nature or climate change. A list of suggested books is available.
We will meet in the Trustees’ Meeting Room to discuss highlights and relevant actions.
For details, email Nancy Heastings at n.heastings@comcast.net.

Writing a Racial Autobiography
2019-09-28 17:30 - 19:30, 2019-10-05 17:30 - 19:30, 2019-10-12 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Our fall 2019 Facing Systemic Racism series will focus on writing a racial autobiography. We invite you to join us for a three-week, introspective writing workshop, where we will reflect upon, share, and develop our individual experiences with race and create our own racial autobiography. Writing materials are provided. It is optional to bring photos. Attend one or all three sessions—each one stands alone.
The sessions will be held on Saturdays, September 28, October 5, and October 12, 5:30–7:30 pm. The intergenerational workshop is open to all who are high school age or older.
Potluck dinner (bring a dish to share) at 5:30 pm. Reserve childcare by calling 412.441.3800 x140.

Forum on Sudan and South Sudan
2019-10-13 13:30 - 15:00 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Music Room, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
The ELPC Peace Committee, the International Partnership of the Pittsburgh Presbytery, and Crossroads Presbyterian Church invites you to the 7th Annual Forum on Sudan and South Sudan, 1:30 pm. The even will honor Congressman Mike Doyle, Esther Sprague, and the Enough Project.
A light lunch will be provided.

Racial Wealth Gap Simulation
2019-10-20 12:30 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
The next event in our Facing Systemic Racism series will be a Racial Wealth Gap Simulation—an interactive event presented by our mission partner, Open Hand Ministries.
Please join us as we learn more about the connection between poverty, wealth, racial equity, and federal policy. Who has opportunity gains? Who has lost opportunities? Using federal policies that created and perpetuated systemic inequity, this simulation shows the impact of policies on education, income, hunger, and property ownership.
A light lunch will be served.
Childcare is available by reservation. Call Pastor Patrice at 412.441.3800 x140.

Earth Care Challenge Celebration
2019-10-27 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Join the Justice Committee’s Environmental Team for a summary and celebration of our Earth Care Challenge.
Everyone who pledged is encouraged to come and share what you accomplished (small or large) and your experience. A basket of sustainable household articles will be raffled off. All are welcome, even if you have not yet made a pledge to reduce your energy or meat consumption, or plastic usage. It’s not too late to join the effort to avoid climate crisis.
Lunch will be served.

Reducing Gun Violence Address by Ed Gainey
2019-11-17 12:30 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Good Samaritan Room, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
State Representative Ed Gainey will visit ELPC to speak on reducing gun violence. He is the sponsor of House of Representative’s Bill 307, which seeks to ban the possession, purchase, transfer, use, or manufacture of assault weapons. Attendees also will an opportunity to send a postcard to the representative blocking Rep. Gainey’s bill.
His visit is sponsored by the ELPC Peace Committee.

Holiday Shopping in the Name of Love!
2019-12-02 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | Ten Thousand Villages, 5824 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15217, United States
Join us to get your Christmas shopping started early at Ten Thousand Villages (5820 Forbes Ave.) on Monday, December 2, 6 pm. Ten Thousand Villages is an independent nonprofit organization that supports artisans from around the globe by establishing a sustainable market for their products in North America. This special shopping event supports these artisans far away, as well as the ELPC Thanksgiving Food Ministry, which supports those in our midst who are in need. Without this support, some of these artisans would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed.
We need the congregation’s help to make this event a success! ELPC Deacons will be present to offer snacks and refreshments to shoppers. We have had great turnout for this event over the past several years, and we look forward to another busy night.
Questions? Call ELPC Deacon Tucker Ferda at 406.249.9811.

Help Prepare Dinner for Families
2020-02-04 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Four times a year, ELPC provides dinner for families involved with the Open Hand Ministries’ Circles program. These families are working hard on improving their financial situation and reaching their goals. Consider helping them along the way by donating food and/or serving dinner. The dinner is a simple, yet an impactful way to get to know the families.
We are seeking people to donate side dishes or dessert, and to help serve dinner.
For more info, contact Frank Bauerle (817.705.6856; fbauerle52@gmail.com); Henry Petrilli (hlp615@gmail.com); or Doris Dick (dadick629@gmail.com).

Canceled: Lenten Book Study: White Awake
2020-03-01 12:00 - 13:30, 2020-03-08 12:00 - 13:30, 2020-03-22 12:00 - 13:30, 2020-03-29 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | ELPC – McKelvy Room (114), 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Lent is a holy time for lament, repentance, and change. Many approach Lent with a commitment to “give up” a special treat, behavior, or habit. As part of our focus on Facing Systemic Racism, the Mission Board encourages ELPC members and friends to embrace all aspects of Lent by engaging in an intentional read and weekly discussion of Daniel Hill’s book, White Awake: An Honest Look at What It Means to be White.
In the book, Pastor Hill reflects on a personal journey toward greater recognition of white privilege and white culture, as well as how to effectively seek reconciliation among racial groups. This faith-based resource helps white people come to grips with the reality of privilege and institutional racism within ourselves, our country, and our churches.
Join us in the McKelvy Room. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and a light lunch will be served. Our discussion schedule is as follows:

March 8 | Forward and Chapters 1–3 (45 pages)
March 15 | Chapters 4–6 (53 pages)
March 22 | Chapters 7–8 (44 pages)
March 29 | Chapters 9–10 (44 pages)

Childcare is available with reservation one week prior. Email Sara Hackett at SaraH@coh.net for details.

Environmental Book Club: The Story of Stuff
2020-03-12 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Trustees Room, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206-3911, United States
The Environmental Team of the Justice Committee invites you to read The Story of Stuff: How Our Obsession with Stuff is Trashing the Planet, Our Communities, and Our Health – and a Vision for Change, by Annie Leonard (2010, 352 pages). Available on Amazon
We have a problem with stuff. With just 5% of the world’s population, we’re consuming 30% of the world’s resources and creating 30% of the world’s waste. If everyone consumed at U.S. rates, we would need three to five planets! In her sweeping, groundbreaking book, Leonard tracks the life of the stuff we use every day—where our cotton t-shirts, laptop computers, and aluminum cans come from; how they are produced, distributed, and consumed; and where they go when we throw them out. Like Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, The Story of Stuff is a landmark book that will change the way people think—and the way they live.
Leonard’s message is startlingly clear: we have too much stuff, and too much of it is toxic. It is a system in crisis, but Leonard shows us that this is not the way things have to be. It’s within our power to stop the environmental damage, social injustice, and health hazards caused by polluting production and excessive consumption, and Leonard shows us how. Expansive, galvanizing, and sobering yet optimistic, The Story of Stuff transforms how we think about our lives and our relationship to the planet.
We hope you’ll read the book and join us for discussion on Thursday, March 12, 7 pm, in the Trustees Room. For more information or to tell us you are coming, contact Nancy Heastings at n.heastings@comcast.net.

Canceled: Lenten Book Study: White Awake
2020-03-15 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | ELPC – McKelvy Room (114), 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
This Sunday, March 15, our 8:45 am Journey worship service, all Church School classes, extended session, and after worship meetings are CANCELED.
Out of an abundance of caution, we are encouraging members and friends to access our 11 am Sanctuary worship service online.
Download this week’s bulletin and announcements. To stream our Sanctuary worship service, subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on Facebook and you will receive a notification when streaming begins.
You’re also encouraged to read about the protocols ELPC leadership has established in response to COVID-19 concerns.
For more information or to check the status of all scheduled events, please visit ELPC.church.

Lent is a holy time for lament, repentance, and change. Many approach Lent with a commitment to “give up” a special treat, behavior, or habit. As part of our focus on Facing Systemic Racism, the Mission Board encourages ELPC members and friends to embrace all aspects of Lent by engaging in an intentional read and weekly discussion of Daniel Hill’s book, White Awake: An Honest Look at What It Means to be White.
In the book, Pastor Hill reflects on a personal journey toward greater recognition of white privilege and white culture, as well as how to effectively seek reconciliation among racial groups. This faith-based resource helps white people come to grips with the reality of privilege and institutional racism within ourselves, our country, and our churches.
Join us in the McKelvy Room. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and a light lunch will be served. Our discussion schedule is as follows:

March 8 | Forward and Chapters 1–3 (45 pages)
March 15 | Chapters 4–6 (53 pages)
March 22 | Chapters 7–8 (44 pages)
March 29 | Chapters 9–10 (44 pages)

Childcare is available with reservation one week prior. Email Sara Hackett at SaraH@coh.net for details.

Canceled: Meatless Monday Spaghetti Dinner
2020-03-23 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Social Hall, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206-3911, United States
Our previously scheduled Meatless Monday Spaghetti Dinner, which was scheduled for March 23, has been canceled.

The Justice Committee’s Environment Team invites the congregation to share a meatless spaghetti dinner in the Social Hall.
The Committee will provide spaghetti and drinks. Please bring a meatless side dish or dessert to share. All are welcome to join us and learn about the movement to help the environment by cutting meat consumption.

Earth Day @ 50 Commemoration
2020-04-26 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
The global theme of Earth Day’s 50th anniversary is Climate Action. More than a day, Earth Day 2020 (Wednesday, April 22) is called to be an historic movement as citizens of the world rise up in a united way for the creativity, innovation, ambition, and bravery we need to meet our climate crisis and seize the enormous opportunities of a zero-carbon future.
ELPC will commemorate Earth Day during our worship services on Sunday, April 26. Join us as we recognize this special anniversary, celebrate ELPC’s movement towards environmental stewardship, and acknowledge the “fierce urgency” of the climate crisis.
The Environmental Team of the Justice Committee also will launch the ELPC tree planting initiative.

Environmental Book Club: To Speak for the Trees
2020-05-14 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | PA
The Environmental Team of the Justice Committee invites you to read To Speak for the Trees by Diana Beresford-Kroeger. Available on Amazon
Plan on joining us for discussion on Thursday, May 14, 7 pm, on Zoom. Click here to participate on your computer, tablet, or mobile device. Or, call in on your telephone by dialing 929.205.6099 and entering the Meeting ID, 929 3768 8567, when prompted.
For more information and Zoom meeting details, contact Nancy Heastings at n.heastings@comcast.net.

Forum with the ACLU and Burkit Bail Fund
2020-05-18 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | PA
The Justice Committee is hosting a virtual discussion on cash bail at the Allegheny County Jail since the COVID-19 outbreak.
Speakers will include a representative from the Bukit Bail Fund and Terrell Thomas, senior field organizer for the ACLU of Pennsylvania’s Campaign for smart Justice in Allegheny County.
For Zoom access information, please contact Carol Chonoska at Carolchonoska@gmail.com or Pastor Patrice at Patricefs@coh.net.

The Ephesus Project Prayer Gathering
2020-05-23 12:15 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | PA
The ELPC Mission Board invites members to participate in The Ephesus Project Prayer Gathering on Saturday, May 23, 12:15–1:30 pm.
In this COVID-19 environment, there is a prolific call for prayer across the land and the ground is perhaps more fertile than it has been in most of our lifetimes. Prayer is an essential element to outreach and ministry and we must use it!
Join us at the Franklin Parklet behind West Penn Hospital as we pray for essential workers who are putting their lives on the line each day during this pandemic, and for the broader community that is suffering through the effects of COVID-19.
Please note, this is a NON-CONTACT event and is limited to no more than 25 participants. Appropriate PPE and safe distancing will be practiced.

Anatomy of Disparities in Health Care
2020-06-20 17:00 - 18:30, 2020-06-27 17:00 - 18:30, 2020-07-11 17:00 - 18:30, 2020-07-18 17:00 - 18:30, 2020-07-25 17:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | PA
Are you aware that America has a racial disparities issue that sickens millions of people each year? ELPC’s Facing Systemic Racism team invites you to join us for study and discussion in a Zoom program, called Anatomy of Disparities in Health Care.
Through this program, we seek to increase awareness, explore ideas, and create plans to address the preventable differences and disparities in health care for African Americans in the U.S.
This program is appropriate for all ages and we encourage parents and children to participate together!
Our schedule and topics are as follows:

Saturday, June 27, 5 pm | Historical stories of Health Disparities
Saturday, July 11, 5 pm | A Historical Timeline
Saturday, July 18, 5 pm | Documentary – “Power to Heal” and Panel Discussion
Saturday, July 25, 5 pm | Where Do We Go From Here?

Click here to join the meeting, or participate via telephone by calling 312.626.6799 and entering meeting ID# 827.8715.9714 when prompted.

Interfaith Vigil for Black Lives
2020-07-01 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | PA
Stand united with ELPC and more than 20 other local faith and community groups for an Interfaith Vigil for Black Lives on Wednesday, July 1, noon–1 pm, at the intersection of Fifth Ave. and Desoto St. Please wear a mask and bring a sign that calls for justice, remembers our fallen brothers and sisters, and proclaims that Black Lives Matter. Learn more

2020 Summer Film Series | Taking Root
2020-07-26 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | PA
We invite you to watch Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai, and join us to discuss the film on Sunday, July 26, following Sanctuary worship. Click here to participate on Zoom or call 929.205.6099. Enter meeting ID# 819.8076.6834 when prompted.
Planting trees for fuel, shade, and food is not something that anyone would imagine as the first step toward winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Yet with that simple act, Wangari Maathai, a woman born in rural Kenya, started down the path that reclaimed her country’s land from 100 years of deforestation, provided new sources of food and income to rural communities, gave previously impoverished and powerless women a vital political role, and ultimately helped end Kenya’s 24-year dictatorship.
Please watch Taking Root prior to our discussion. The movie is available to watch for free at takingrootfilm.com/earth-day-2020.

About ELPC’s 2020 Summer Film Series
Each year, the Mission Board and Mission Committees sponsor and host a summer film series. As we live into our designation as a PC(USA) Matthew 25 Congregation, this year’s movies and documentaries will challenge us to continue our work as an anti-racist community and highlight the importance of environmentalism.

2020 Summer Film Series | Just Mercy
2020-08-02 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | PA
As we continue our 2020 Film Series, the ELPC Mission Board and Mission Committees invite you to watch Just Mercy. We will gather on Zoom to discuss the film on Sunday, August 2, following Sanctuary worship. Click here to participate on Zoom or call 929.205.6099. Enter meeting ID# 819.8076.6834 when prompted.
Based on the life of civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, Just Mercy places a spotlight on the systemic racism that plagues our society. The film urges viewers to be part of the change that is needed in our justice system and society, as well as to learn about our collective, yet unequal past, and the countless injustices that continue and have led us to where we are today.
The movie is available to watch at JustMercyFilm.com.

About Our 2020 Film Series
As we live into our designation as a PC(USA) Matthew 25 Congregation, the Mission Board and Mission Committees selected movies and documentaries for our 2020 Film Series that will challenge us to continue our work as an anti-racist community and highlight the importance of environmentalism. Please watch the selected films and join our discussions after worship on Sundays, June 26; August 2, 9, and 16.

2020 Summer Film Series | I Am Not Your Negro
2020-08-09 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | PA
As we continue our 2020 Film Series, the ELPC Mission Board and Mission Committees invite you to watch I Am Not Your Negro. We will gather on Zoom to discuss the film on Sunday, August 9, following Sanctuary worship. Click here to participate on Zoom or call 929.205.6099. Enter meeting ID# 819.8076.6834 when prompted.
A documentary directed by Raoul Peck, I’m Not Your Negro, is based on James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript, “Remember This House.” Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, this film takes us on a journey into Black history, connecting the civil rights movement to today’s #BlackLivesMatter movement. This visual essay explores racism through the stories of Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and the Rev. Martin L. King, Jr.
Watch at tiny.cc/IamNotYourNegro. (Warning: Use of the “N” word.)

About Our 2020 Film Series
As we live into our designation as a PC(USA) Matthew 25 Congregation, the Mission Board and Mission Committees selected movies and documentaries for our 2020 Film Series that will challenge us to continue our work as an anti-racist community and highlight the importance of environmentalism. Please watch the selected films and join our discussions after worship on Sundays, June 26; August 2, 9, and 16.
