East Liberty Presbyterian Church

Letter from Birminham Jail | Session 3
2022-04-09 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
Are We a Social Club or Justice Seekers?
In his prophetic Letter From Birmingham Jail, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., expressed frustration with white moderates, including clergy who were critical of civil rights efforts. King likened their complacency to the outright hostility of white supremacists, writing, “Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.” King asserted that the white church needed to take a principled stand or risk being “dismissed as an irrelevant social club.”
How and where does that same complacency and belief in “all things being done decently and in order” (a Biblical reference in chapter 8 of the PC(USA) Book of Order) resonate in the church today? When/how/why should we step out of our traditional white culture comfort zones to assure that we are indeed living out being a Matthew 25 church? What should we physically, culturally, and financially divest from in order to invest in a future that fully embraces all of our siblings who enter our building, those who are in our neighborhood and throughout our denomination? Those are big questions that demand our attention and our discernment.
Our very future is at stake. Let us continue the conversation on Zoom on Saturday, April 9, 6 pm, with the third and final deep dive into King’s letter. We will be led by the Rev. Paul Roberts, co-pastor of Eastminster Presbyterian Church, and members of the ELPC Facing Systemic Racism Committee.
Join us in person in the Social Hall or online via Zoom. You also may call in by dialing 301.715.8592 and entering meeting ID 846 9026 2039 and passcode [REDACTED] when prompted.
Join via Zoom

Family Fun @ Liberty Green Playground
2022-04-10 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
Families with kids of all ages are invited to gather at the Liberty Green playground following our Sanctuary worship service on Sunday, April 10.
We lament that our in-person interactions have been so limited over the last two years during the pandemic. We hope that this will be an opportunity for parents and kids to meet in person and have
fun together!
Cheese pizza, drinks, and snacks will be provided, but please let us know that you’re coming so that we have enough to share.
To RSVP, please email Megan Leisher.

Contemplative & Centering Prayer for Lent
2022-04-11 07:30 - 08:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Online, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
During the season of Lent, our Monday morning Contemplative Prayer will involve the reading of a Psalm and Centering Prayer (20 minutes of silence), in community with one another.
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]
JOIN VIA ZOOM

Intermediate SSL Class
2022-04-14 16:00 - 17:00, 2022-04-21 16:00 - 17:00, 2022-04-28 16:00 - 17:00, 2022-05-05 16:00 - 17:00, 2022-05-12 16:00 - 17:00, 2022-05-19 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Our intermediate SSL class meets on Thursdays, 4 pm, via Zoom. We’re finishing up the present tense and preparing to learn the past paradigm.
If you already have some knowledge of Spanish, you are welcome to join this class as we continue to learn about ourselves, our neighbors, and God through the Spanish language!
Join us on Zoom

Good Friday @ St. James AME
2022-04-15 12:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax) | St. James AME Church, 444 Lincoln Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Pastor Randy will be a guest preacher at St. James AME Church’s “Seven Last Words” service on Good Friday, April 15, 12–3 pm. He will be speaking on the First Word Jesus spoke from the cross, “Father, Forgive Them.”
Consider supporting this ecumenical worship service!

Taizé Prayer Service
2022-04-20 19:00 - 20:00, 2022-04-27 19:00 - 20:00, 2022-05-04 19:00 - 20:00, 2022-05-11 19:00 - 20:00, 2022-05-18 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | 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.

LGBTQ Ministry Spiritual Gathering
2022-04-24 12:30 - 14:30, 2022-05-22 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.
GOD CREATED YOU. GOD LOVES YOU. BE YOURSELF.

Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation Retreat
2022-04-30 09:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Join Yamuna Morgenstern and Katrina Woodworth for a day of enjoying yoga in the Sanctuary and learning pranayama (yogic breathing techniques) to facilitate meditation, relaxation, and good health in your daily life. Take time for intentional rest and develop practices that nurture the opportunity to commune with the Divine. The day will include two yoga classes, pranayama instruction, time for reflection and group activity, meditation practices, and lunch.
The retreat will be limited to 15 people. The first yoga retreat filled up fast, so don’t wait to reserve your spot!
The suggested donation is $35–$60 (lunch included). Contact BJ Woodworth with questions.
Register Online

Marathon Sunday Sanctuary Worship
2022-05-01 11:00 - 12:15 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
There will be no in-person Sanctuary worship service on Sunday, May 1, due to the Pittsburgh Marathon. You are invited to worship with us virtually.

Join us for worship in the Sanctuary each Sunday, 11 am, or via livestream on YouTube or Facebook. If you’d like to join by telephone, call 929.205.6099 and enter Meeting ID 188 135 194 when prompted (press # if asked for a personal ID). Printed copies of the weekly bulletin and announcements are available, or you may download a digital version for viewing on your mobile device or tablet.
Click here to see details for this week’s worship services.

About ELPC’s Sanctuary Worship Service
Our Sanctuary worship service is our largest service, offering a traditional worship experience with thought-provoking sermons and music from our Chancel Choir and organ to reinforce the spirit of praise and reverence. Like many of the great cathedrals of Europe, the compelling power and beauty of our historic, gothic-style Sanctuary enhances the spiritual experience. Children are invited to the chancel steps each Sunday to hear their own message with one of the pastors. The service is led by ELPC’s senior pastor or other members of the pastoral staff. Special guest pastors or speakers periodically lead the service.

Spring Yoga and Creation Contemplation Classes
2022-05-04 08:00 - 09:00, 2022-05-11 08:00 - 09:00, 2022-05-18 08:00 - 09:00 (America/New_York)
In May and June, join Katrina Woodworth for a Hatha yoga class, where we will explore our relationship with the Creation through the four elements: water, wind, earth, and fire. The ancient Yogis understood that our bodies contain all 4 elements. In this class we will explore the elements through movement, posture, breath and meditation.
Each class will end with a contemplative reading and 15 minutes of silent meditation. Hope to see you one the mat!
Please remember, all classes are recorded. If you can’t attend live classes, contact Katrina Woodworth for a link to a recording.
A donation from the heart is appreciated.
Register on Zoom

A Celebration with J. Richard Szeremany
2022-05-08 15:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
The Rev. Dr. J. Richard Szeremany cordially invites you to join the festive celebration of 73 years of ministry of word and sacrament and ministry of music to the glory of God on Sunday, May 8, 3 pm, in the ELPC Sanctuary.
Come be inspired by organists J. Richard Szeremany, Michael P. Frank, Dr. Edward Alan Moore and Jon Tyillian. And enjoy the glorious sounds of the East Liberty Octet singing some of Richard’s favorites, directed by Dr. Moore, and pianist the Rev. Dr. Randy Bush playing Beethoven.
Join us for an interesting, historical narrative of Richard’s life.

Middle School Mission Trip Meeting
2022-05-11 18:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Harambe Room 109, 116 South Highland Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Youth and parents are invited to a Middle School Mission Trip meeting in the Harambe Room or on Zoom (meeting ID 402 081 6710). We will discuss details about the mission work, fun activities, and COVID policies, and youth will help us plan the worship theme and meals for the week.
Our Middle School Mission Trip will be held July 10–15, for youth who have completed grade 6–8. We will be staying at Crestfield Camp in Slippery Rock.

Mission Overnight
2022-05-14 10:00 - 2022-05-15 09:45 (America/New_York)
For youth in grades 8-12 planning on being part of the 2022 Senior High Mission Trip Team. Youth must be vaccinated to participate in this overnight.
Overnight Schedule:
Arrive: Saturday, May 14 @ 10am
10-11am group building
11-3pm service project at Vintage
3-5pm trip planning
5-7pm high ropes course at Dragon’s Den
7pm dinner
9pm hide and seek and other such fun
Sunday, May 15
8:45am Journey Worship
9:45am Church School or Head Home
What is the Mission Overnight?
The overnight is time of service, fun, and planning in preparation for the High School Mission Trip.
Who should come?
All 8th-12th graders are welcome to join us, even if you aren’t thinking about coming to Memphis this summer Participation in the Mission Weekend is required of all youth going on the Mission Trip this summer so youth who think they might want to come on the summer trip should come to this overnight. Talk to Sara Hackett is you need more info about the Memphis Mission Trip Aug 6-13.
What should I bring?
TENT if you have one, sleeping bag, pillow, toothbrush, pajamas and clothes and for painting outside and church Sunday Morning.
to RSVP by completing the permission form below or contact Sara Hackett @ 412-673-2926 or SaraH@coh.net

Celebrating the Bushes
2022-05-15 12:30 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Social Hall, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Please join us following Sanctuary worship on Sunday, May 15, for a farewell celebration in honor of our departing Senior Pastor Randy Bush, his wife Beth, and children Ian and Charlotte.
We’ll gather in the Social Hall for fellowship and to say “thank you” and send our prayers as they begin a new journey in their ministry and lives.
A box will be available to collect cards, sharing reflections and best wishes for the Bushes. Cards also can be mailed to ELPC, c/o Wil Forrest.
Beginning June 1, Pastor Randy will be serving as the interim Head of Staff for Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park, MD. The church’s address is 611 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Severna Park, MD 21146. He also has a gmail.com account with the user name of Revrandykbush for email messages.

Jan Kraybill Organ Concert
2022-05-15 15:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Organist Jan Kraybill will perform a concert in the ELPC Sanctuary on Sunday, May 15, 3 pm. The concert is co-sponsored by ELPC’s Cathedral Concerts series and the Organ Artists Series of Pittsburgh.
Join us in the Sanctuary, or watch the livestreams on YouTube and Facebook.
Dr. Kraybill is principal organist for the Dome and Spire Organ Foundation, an affiliate of the international headquarters of Community of Christ, in Independence, Missouri, and organ conservator at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City. Her recording of The Orchestral Organ was nominated for a Grammy as Best Classical Instrumental Solo Album in 2020.
ELPC members should contact Dr. Ed for complimentary tickets.

Neighborhood Earth Care Workday
2022-05-21 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Join Tree Pittsburgh and your ELPC friends and neighbors to care for and beautify our East Liberty neighborhood! We’ll be making a difference together by mulching, trimming, weeding, and tending.
We’ll be meeting at the corner of S. Highland and Penn Avenues. Sign up required. Contact Nancy Heastings for details.
Sponsored in partnership by the ELPC Environmental Team of the Justice Committee and the ELPC Neighbors Committee.

GCF Sidewalk Seedling Sale
2022-05-22 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Garfield Community Farm will be hosting a Sidewalk Seedling Sale on Penn Avenue in front of ELPC on Sunday, May 22. Stop by after Sanctuary worship and get started on your garden while supporting a local neighborhood community farm!
For more information, contact Nancy Heastings.
Brought to you by the ELPC Environmental Team of the Justice Committee in partnership with the ELPC Neighbors Committee.

Making a Difference Together Panel Presentation
2022-05-22 12:30 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – McKelvy Room (114), 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
In accordance with our 2022 ELPC Earth Day theme, Invest in Our Planet: Turn Hope Into Action…Together, find a partner—a friend, family member, neighbor—and commit to taking action steps together to invest in the well being of our planet and your community.
Pledge to support a local environmental group, start a garden, buy less, evaluate and reduce your 2022 carbon footprint, plant a tree, support legislation for green energy and infrastructure, eat local… Make a difference, together!
And, join the Environmental Team of the Justice Committee on Sunday, May 22, 12:30 pm, for our Making a Difference Together panel presentation, led by Local Active Hope Innovators!

Building an Eco-Friendly Community
Presented by
Stefani Danes, founder of Rachel Carson Ecovillage
Engaging Principles of Community Permaculture
Presented by
John Creasy, founder of Garfield Community Farm
The Solution to Pollution is Renewable, It’s Doable!
Presented by
Fred Kraybill, renewable energy advocate

Attend in person in the McKelvy Room or online via Zoom. Light refreshments, stimulating ideas, good company, and inspiration will be provided! For more information, contact Nancy Heastings.
Join Via Zoom
If you’d like to call in, dial 301.715.8592 and enter meeting ID 816 0056 3547 and passcode [REDACTED] when prompted.
