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)
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!

Taizé Prayer Service
2021-10-27 19:00 - 20:00, 2021-11-03 19:00 - 20:00, 2021-11-10 19:00 - 20:00, 2021-11-17 19:00 - 20:00, 2021-11-24 19:00 - 20:00, 2021-12-01 19:00 - 20:00, 2021-12-08 19:00 - 20:00, 2021-12-15 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) and 1 more date | ELPC – Chapel, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
ELPC offers evening prayers with chants from Taizé every Wednesday, 7 pm, in the Chapel. The hour-long service includes sung prayers, beautiful music, a time of silence, spoken and silent prayers, and opportunities for individual prayer and anointing. For more information, view our Taizé page.
Download this week’s bulletin.

About ELPC’s Taizé Prayer Service
Our Taizé prayer service is based on a style of worship developed at the Taizé community in France founded in the 1940s by the late Brother Roger. Originally a refuge during the war, Taizé has developed into an ecumenical prayer center for visitors from all over the world. Today, the Taizé community is made up of over a hundred resident brothers, both Catholics and from various Protestant backgrounds/traditions. Taizé wants to be a sign of reconciliation between divided Christians and between separated peoples.

Canceled: Mindfulness Meditation
2021-10-28 08:00 - 08:30 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Prayer Room (Room 135), 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15206, United States
This week’s Mindfulness Meditation has been canceled. Our regular schedule resumes next Thursday, November 4.

“Meditation means to be in the process of realizing that God is wholly present in each step along our way. It is to be slowly awakening to the divine destination of our journey manifesting itself in the divinity of our own breathing, our own beating heart, our simply being who we are.”—James Finley
Mindfulness meditation is the practice of resting in present moment awareness without judgment, opening to the heart of love and compassion for ourselves, others, and our world. Each Thursday evening, Susan Spangler and Ted Cmarada will guide us in these practices and offer support for practicing meditation in everyday life. Those new to meditation and those with experience are welcome.
Click the button below at the scheduled time to join via Zoom or call in by dialing 312.626.6799 and entering meeting ID, 959 8065 3992.

Passcode: [REDACTED]

Dial-in Passcode: [REDACTED]
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About Susan Spangler and Ted Cmarada
Susan and Ted began practicing Mindfulness Meditation in 1990 with the beloved Vietnamese Buddhist teacher Thich Naht Hanh. Over the years, their practice and appreciation of mindfulness and related meditation practices has deepened through relationships and study with teachers from various meditation traditions. They bring to their teaching the warmth, humor and compassion modeled for them by these teachers, a caring presence cultivated through the practice of psychotherapy, and loving hearts nurtured through their deep and life-long commitment to the Christian path.

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)
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 (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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LGBTQ Ministry Spiritual Gathering
2021-11-21 12:30 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
You are invited to the next Spiritual Gathering of ELPC’s LGBTQ Ministry to share food and fellowship at the church. Allies and LGBTQIA+ folks alike are welcome.
Contact Wil Forrest at 412.441.3800 X118 or Wil@coh.net to learn more, to RSVP, and/or to participate.
NOTE THAT THIS IS A NEW DATE (changed from the original 11/14/21 date).
God created you. God loves you. Be yourself.

Youth Ice Skating
2021-11-21 14:30 - 17:15 (America/New_York)
6th-12th grade students are going ice skating at The Rink at PPG Place. Fully vaccinated students can meet at the church at 2:30pm and travel together in the van. We will be back at the church for pick up at 5:15pm.
Any 6th-12th grader is welcome to meet us downtown at the ice skating rink from 3- 4:45pm.
Bring $10, scholarships are available.
Please RSVP to SaraH@coh.net as a limited number of tickets have already been purchased.

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

Environmental Book Club | Finding the Mother Tree
2021-12-02 19:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Online, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
The Environmental Team of the Justice Committee invites you to read Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest by Suzanne Simard.
Learn about the complexity of sustainable forestry and the puzzle of deciding which trees to harvest and which to retain, and how this practice influences a forests’ ability to recover and remain healthy. And then join the book club on Thursday, December 2, 7 pm, for a discussion via Zoom.
For more information, or to tell us you are coming, contact Nancy Heastings at n.heastings@comcast.net.

Adventus Retreat | Joining a Hope that has Come
2021-12-03 18:00 - 2021-12-04 19:00 (America/New_York)
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)

Youth Mission Project | Christmas Shopping
2021-12-05 12:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Youth in grades 6–12 will meet at ELPC to do some online shopping for Christmas gifts for kids who are in foster care this holiday season. We also will be eating pizza. RSVP to Sara Hackett at SaraH@coh.net.

NO Sunday Church School
2021-12-12 09:45 - 10:45 (America/Halifax) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Our Church School classes will not meet on Sunday, December 12, so that we all can enjoy our Christmas Pageant, The Perspective Pageant. Classes will resume next Sunday, December 19.

The ELPC Christian Education (CE) Committee offers Church School classes and events for all ages—from infants to adults. CE is the life-long process of learning and living in relationship to God, our neighbors, and ourselves. Church School classes meet on Sundays, 9:45–10:45 am, from early September through early June, unless otherwise noted.
Through the study of scripture and the practice of prayer, we begin to understand our life experiences as they relate to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Come and join us! Your questions, insights, doubts, and concerns are welcome.
Click here to see details for this week’s worship and Church School offerings.

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.

LGBTQ Ministry Spiritual Gathering
2021-12-19 12:30 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
You are invited to the next Spiritual Gathering of ELPC’s LGBTQ Ministry to share food and fellowship at the church. Allies and LGBTQIA+ folks alike are welcome. This month, we will meet in person and via Zoom. Contact Wil Forrest at 412.441.3800 X118 or Wil@coh.net to learn more, to RSVP, and/or to participate.
God created you. God loves you. Be yourself.
