Book Signing and Reading by Jeanne Marie Laskas
2019-11-10 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | Garth Overlook Room, 116 South Highland Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Pennsylvania native and author Jeanne Marie Laskas will have a book reading and signing after Sanctuary worship in the Garth Overlook Room. Her recent books include an exposé on football injuries (Concussion), the range of blue collar jobs in the U.S. (Hidden America), and the letters received by President Obama from ordinary citizens (To Obama: With Love, Joy, Anger, and Hope). Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Esquire, and other places.
Pastor Randy also will interview Jeanne Marie at a combined Seekers and Contemporaries class during the Church School Hour, 9:45 am–10:45 am, in the McKelvy Room.
Please join us!

Tai Chi @ ELPC
2019-11-12 10:00 - 11:00, 2019-11-19 10:00 - 11:00, 2019-11-26 10:00 - 11:00, 2019-12-03 10:00 - 11:00, 2019-12-10 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Halifax) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
ELPC will offer Tai Chi classes on Tuesdays, September 17–December 10, 10–11 am. Experience flowing movements and a relaxing workout.
The cost is $30 for all 10 weeks, or $3 per session. Please pre-register with Kate Carlson at KateC@coh.net or 412.441.3800 x116.

Tween Night
2019-11-15 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Youth in grades 4–6 are invited to enjoy pizza, bowling, and basketball at ELPC! Friends are welcome too!

Suzuki 2019 Fall Workshop at ELPC
2019-11-16 14:00 - 20:00, 2019-11-17 14:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
A two-day intensive experience with world-renowned Suzuki clinicians and local teachers. Similar to an institute, a workshop can be an incredibly motivating experience for Suzuki students of all ages (4 to 18) and levels.
This fall, the workshop will offer masterclasses, group classes, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, visual art activities, African dance and drumming, chamber music, and much more! As with all Suzuki events, parents are expected to attend with their children up to age 12 and to take advantage of the Parent Seminar. Students ages 12 to 18 can attend alone.
Hope Academy students who have Suzuki violin, viola, cello or guitar private lessons or group classes on Saturdays are invited to attend the Fall Workshop for FREE.
Hope Academy Suzuki students who have private lessons or group classes during the week are invited to participate at a reduced rate of $50.
HOW TO REGISTER
Register online here
Saturday Suzuki Students – skip the payment portion of the registration form. You will attend FREE. This will count as your private lesson and/or group class for the day.
Tuesday thru Friday Suzuki Students – pay the registration fee – $50 – to attend the workshop at a deep discount.
Parents/guardians must attend all activities with their children (12 and under) for the duration of the workshop
If you’ve never attended a Suzuki Workshop or Institute, talk to your teacher about what to expect. If you have any questions, email HopeAcademyArts@gmail.com
Space is limited, so register today!

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.

LGBTQ Ministry Spiritual Gathering
2019-11-17 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 attend.
God created you. God loves you.
Be yourself.

Chamber Music Pittsburgh Concert - Curtis on Tour
2019-11-18 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Carnegie Music Hall, 4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
Hope Academy families are invited to a chamber music concert featuring Curtis on Tour. Tickets have been generously donated to us by our partner, Chamber Music Pittsburgh. This performance is recommended for students whose attention span and behavior is equivalent to an 8 year old .Please read about the performance, so that you know what to expect; and the etiquette guidelines, so that you understand the expectations; then RSVP by Wednesday, November 13 at 12 noon.
Curtis on Tour is the Nina von Maltzahn global touring initiative of the Curtis Institute of Music. Grounded in the school’s “learn by doing” philosophy, it offers students real-world, professional touring experience alongside celebrated alumni and faculty.
To RSVP, click HERE
PROGRAM
Penderecki Duo Concertante for violin and double bass
Beethoven Septet
Penderecki Sexte
PERFORMERS
Sara Han, Clarinet
Doron Laznow, Bassoon
Gabriel Kovach, Horn (Curtis alumni)
Benjamin Schmid, Violin (Curtis alumni)
Haeji Kim, Viola
John Lee, Cello
Marcus Elliott Gaved, Double Bass
Benjamin Krasner, Piano
CURTIS ON TOUR
Curtis Institute of Music
With a small student body of about 175, Curtis ensures that each young musician receives an education of unparalleled quality, distinguished by a “learn by doing” philosophy and personalized attention from a faculty that includes a high proportion of actively performing musicians.
Curtis students hone their craft through more than 200 orchestra, opera, and solo and chamber music offerings each year and programs that bring arts access and education to the community. This real-world training allows these extraordinary young musicians to join the front rank of performers, composers, conductors, and musical leaders, making a profound impact on music onstage and in their communities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg87KRMMZSo
HOW TO BE A GOOD AUDIENCE MEMBER
It is important that audience members remain quiet during the performance. Since music is mostly a listening activity, any extra sounds that are not part of the music can get in the way and will distract and disturb the musicians and other audience members.
Before the Concert

Wear something you might wear to a special event – because it is!.
Please don’t wear anything that might be distracting (light up shoes, clanging jewelry, etc)
Arrive no later than 7:00 pm to get your tickets.

Before You Take Your Seat

Take care of all rest room needs
Leave all food, drink, and gum outside, in the lobby.
Leave all cameras and recording devices outside, as well.
There are strict copyright guidelines about recording concerts.Turn off all cell phones, pagers, ipads, watch sounds, alarms, or anything that might make a noise.
The only sounds that should be heard are the ones that appear in the musical score (and the audience reaction after the music).

Once You Take Your Seat

A parent or guardian must sit next to each child.
Remain seated and quiet while the musicians are playing.
Do not get up during the concert or change seats.
No talking, whispering, sighing, tapping or kicking feet, or rattling of programs or papers.
Be sure to sit without fidgeting so you don’t distract your neighbors or the performers on stage.
Feel free to leave during intermission, if this is a late night for your children; and if they fall asleep during the concert, that’s okay too. This should be an enjoyable experience for them, and you!

Youth Retreat at Crestfield
2019-11-22 17:30 - 2019-11-24 12:30 (America/New_York) | Camp Crestfield & Conference Center, 195 Taggart Road, Slippery Rock, PA, 16057, United States
Youth in grades 6–12 will join youth from other Pittsburgh churches for a retreat sponosred by Crestfield Camp, which includes worship, Bible study, fun, outdoors, and friends—both old and new. This year’s theme is Stand Strong, taken from Ephesians 6:10–13. Chet Fuhrman—father, teacher, and former conditioning coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers—will speak about finding strength in God in the context of school, sports, and relationships.
Please send RSVPs, completed forms, and scholarship requests to Sara Hackett.
ELPC permission form and packing list
Crestfield Release form

Friendsgiving Dinner & Game Night
2019-11-22 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Music Room, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Young adults will join together in the Music Room on the third floor for a potluck dinner and board games. There is a sign-up sheet for food, or contact Kelli Booher to let her know what you’re bringing.

The de Chardin Project
2019-11-23 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Chapel, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
A Love Story About the Origins of the Universe
The de Chardin Project is a play about Jesuit priest, scientist, and philosopher Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881–1955). It won a Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding New Play (Independent Category).
Silenced and exiled by the church, de Chardin, a renowned paleontologist, crossed continents searching for the missing link between his love for God and his love of Science. His groundbreaking discoveries in human evolution transcended barriers between Faith and Science. Today, his work is regarded as having changed the conversation about cosmology, evolution, and theology.
In the play, de Chardin, having suffered a cerebral hemorrhage, finds himself beyond the physical world and engaged with a mysterious guide who leads him on the ultimate adventure: the excavation of himself.
We are delighted to be joined by the playwright, Adam Seybold (son of ELPC members Kevin and Virginia Seybold), and his wife, actress Kate Fenton, for a dramatic reading of this fascinating exploration of life, science and faith!
Click here to purchase tickets online.

Review of the De Chardin Project from NOW Toronto (excerpted)
Science and religion are often on opposing sides, especially around something like the creationism vs. evolution debate. Adam Seybold’s The De Chardin Project offers up a fascinating real-life figure who defies any reductive labels.
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin was a Jesuit priest, a paleontologist and a geologist. When we first meet him, he’s stuck in a sort of limbo and being visited by a mysterious Death figure. Then we flash back to moments in his peripatetic life: digging for fossils in Egypt, fighting the Hun during WWI and, in Zhoukoudian, China, taking part in the expedition team involved in the historic Peking Man find. (The Death Figure) is present in each of these scenes, morphing effortlessly from a series of mothers to a frightened soldier to, in one of the most moving sequences, an American artist in love with de Chardin as the Japanese invade Peking.
Seybold’s beautifully detailed and suggestive script touches on biographical moments, but not in a pedantic way. It’s open-hearted and open-minded and complex, befitting a man with so many dimensions.
By Glenn Sumi
NOWToronto.com
December 3, 2014

Giving Thanks Feast
2019-11-24 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Social Hall, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206-3911, United States
Our “Giving Thanks” Feast will be held following Sanctuary worship on Sunday, November 24. This year, let’s celebrate fellowship and give thanks for each other by bringing a dish that represents you! It could be your favorite dish, a dish from your culture or an old family recipe. You will have a chance to read about other’s dishes and tell about your own by filling out a label for your dish. Labels can be filled out the day of the feast, or can be picked up at the church (by the information screen in the Highland hallway). A main course and salad will be provided.
Volunteers are Needed
Our meal together in November is one of our largest attended meals here at ELPC. We could not host such a great time together without all of you! There are different times throughout this day to volunteer. We need volunteers to help set up, greet, serve, tear down, clean up, and wash dishes. If you’re able to help, contact Kelli Booher at KelliB@coh.net or 412.441.3800 x114.

43rd Annual East End Interfaith Service
2019-11-26 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Temple Sinai, 5505 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15217, United States
All are welcome to the 43rd annual East End Interfaith Service at Temple Sinai. The speaker will be the Rev. Liddy Barlow, Executive Minister of Christian Associates of SW Pennsylvania.
Please contact Cantor Laura Berman (412.421.9715; cantorberman@templesinaipgh.org) if you can add your voice to the community choir that night.

NO Club One Sixteen
2019-11-27 15:30 - 19:30 (America/Halifax) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
We will not meet on Wednesday, November 27, so that we all can enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with our families. Our regular schedule will resume on Wednesday, December 4.

Youth in grades 1–12 are welcome to attend an evening of fellowship, study, and worship. Programming includes homework help, open gym, educational workshops, dinner, and Bible study each week.
Participation requires a completed Enrollment Form 2019–2020.
SCHEDULE:
3:30 pm: Gathering time, homework help, and open gym
4:30 pm: Opening worship and welcome
5:00 pm: Dinner
5:30 pm: Bible study, gym, and crafts
7:30 pm: Dismissal
Weather reminder
Club One Sixteen follows the City of Pittsburgh school closings, so if Pittsburgh schools are closed due to inclement weather, Club One Sixteen also will be closed.

Thanksgiving Day Movie Night
2019-11-28
Need a break from the day’s festivities (or stress)? Looking for something to do on this day? Join your Young Adult friends for a movie night at Waterworks Cinema (930 Freeport Rd., Aspinwall). We will vote on a movie and buy tickets by Monday, November 25, so please RSVP ASAP!
For any questions or RSVPs, please contact Kelli Booher at kellib@coh.net or 412.441.3800 x114.

NO Mindfulness Meditation
2019-11-28 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Prayer Room (Room 135), 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15206, United States
There will be no Mindfulness Meditation. We will resume our schedule next Thursday, December 5.

Join us and Susan Spangler as we learn more about Mindfulness Meditation and engage in this ancient prayer form together.
Mindfulness is the moment-to-moment awareness of our experience with an accepting, non-judgmental, kind attention. In this ongoing practice, we’ll explore and deepen our experience of mindfulness. Our weekly time together will include meditation instruction, guided meditations, and practices for supporting mindfulness in everyday life.
Both those who are new to meditation and those with meditation experience are heartily welcome.

Wholistic Wellness Ministry
2019-12-01 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – McKelvy Room (114), 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Looking for a healthy alternative to soda pop? Join the “Kefir Chicks” in the McKelvy Room following Sanctuary worship to learn about a fermented beverage called “water kefir.”
You also will have an opportunity to sample the different flavors of this natural probiotic.

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.

Tween Night | Craft Night
2019-12-06 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Tweens in grades 4–6 are invited to enjoy crafts and pizza. If you are working on a project, bring it with you. There also will be craft supplies here—some of which will make great Christmas gifts. Friends are welcome! RSVP required.
Contact Sara Hackett at SaraH@coh.net or 412.441.3800 x120 to RSVP or ask questions.

Dinner at the Manse
2019-12-06 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Young Adults, we are invited to a dinner hosted by Pastor Randy at the manse. You’re welcome to bring along a dessert or cider to share! Come join in a time of conversation, fellowship and good food.
RSVP with Kelli Booher at KelliB@coh.net or 412.441.3800 x114 by Wednesday, December 4.

LGBTQ Ministry Advent Day Retreat
2019-12-07 09:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
All are welcome at this annual day retreat of LGBTQ Christians and their allies. This year we will again focus on Advent and will return to the home of Michele and Henk Bossers. Contact Wil Forrest at 412.441-3800 X118 or Wil@coh.net to learn more and to attend.
God created you. God loves you.
Be yourself.

Annual Toymakers' Sale
2019-12-08 12:15 - 14:00 (America/Halifax) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
The Toymakers’ annual Toy Sale will be held following Sanctuary worship. Our special project this year is a fleet of Noah’s arks, each complete with Mr. and Mrs. Noah, a small herd of animals, and a handy carry-all bag. The sale also will feature some seasonal decorations.
This sale enables us to buy wood, paint, and tools that keep us going for the whole year.
ELPC members have always been most generous. We appreciate your support!

Book’em Volunteer Night
2019-12-09 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Thomas Merton Center, 5129 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, 15224, United States
Volunteers at Book’em read letters from prisoners requesting books and search the shelves of their library. Once they have found two or three books, they complete an invoice and wrap the books in brown paper for shipping. YAMs will sponsor a packing session—covering the cost of packing materials and postage—and help pack and send the books! Meet up at the Thomas Merton Center (5129 Penn Ave.).
Contact Kelli Booher at KelliB@coh.net or 412.441.3800 x114 to RSVP.

Club One Sixteen: Christmas Play
2019-12-11 15:30 - 19:30 (America/Halifax) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
This week, parents and families are invited to join us for dinner and a Christmas Play at 6 pm. Youth should still arrive at the regular time after school.

Youth in grades 1–12 are welcome to attend an evening of fellowship, study, and worship. Programming includes homework help, open gym, educational workshops, dinner, and Bible study each week.
Participation requires a completed Enrollment Form 2019–2020.
SCHEDULE:
3:30 pm: Gathering time, homework help, and open gym
4:30 pm: Opening worship and welcome
5:00 pm: Dinner
5:30 pm: Bible study, gym, and crafts
7:30 pm: Dismissal
Weather reminder
Club One Sixteen follows the City of Pittsburgh school closings, so if Pittsburgh schools are closed due to inclement weather, Club One Sixteen also will be closed.

Middle School Mission Project @ Target
2019-12-14 11:30 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Youth in grades 6–8 are invited to go shopping and help choose gifts for children who are spending the holiday season in foster care. We will eat lunch together after pageant rehearsal and then walk together to Target. A permission slip is required.
Contact Sara Hackett at SaraH@coh.net or 412.441.3800 x120 to RSVP or ask questions.

RCC Holiday Concert
2019-12-14 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Hear the Renaissance City Choir perform their 2019 Holiday Concert, The Many Moods of the Holidays!
The holidays mean many things to many people. This year, Pittsburgh’s Renaissance City Choir is delighted to explore the many different emotions that this time of year elicits from people of different backgrounds and experiences. You are warmly invited to join us as the choir, led by new Artistic Director, S.C. Toe, presents holiday standards many know and love like “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” as well as moving pieces like “Ani Ma’amin” that will quickly earn a place in your heart. A sign language interpreter is provided.
A cookie reception will follow the performance in the Social Hall.
Click here for more details and ticketing information. No one will be turned away due to inability to pay. We look forward to spending the evening with you!
