East Liberty Presbyterian Church

Tai Chi: Evening
2016-10-04 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Experience flowing movements and treat your body to a relaxing workout! Tai Chi classes are offered as a 10-week series several times during the year, on Tuesday mornings and evenings. The morning class runs from 10–11 am; the evening class runs from 6–7 pm. You are welcome to take the whole series or take individual classes on a drop-in basis.
Each class is only $3, an outstanding exercise deal! Or purchase ten classes for $25 in advance.
For more information, contact Kate Carlson at 412.441.3800 x16.

Tai Chi: Morning
2016-10-04 10:00 - 11:00 | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States

Modern Mystic & Symbol of a Century
2016-10-02 12:30 - 15:00 | ELPC – Music Room, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
The biographical facts of Thomas Merton’s life are an apt metaphor for the 20th century, but his inner life was shaped by a series of remarkable prayer experiences.
Join us as Bonnie Thurston examines both aspects with a view to what our own lives and prayer might be “saying.”
A light lunch will be served.
About Thomas Merton
Thomas Merton was an American Catholic writer and mystic. A Trappist monk, he was a poet, social activist, and pioneer of Interfaith Dialogue. Merton wrote more than 70 books—mostly on spirituality, social justice, and a quiet pacifism—as well as essays, reviews, and voluminous journals. Among Merton’s most enduring works is his best-selling, spiritual autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain (1948), which appears on National Review’s list of the 100 best non-fiction books of the 20th century. He has been an inspiration to millions.
About Bonnie Thurston
After years as a university and seminary professor, Bonnie Thurston lives quietly in her home state of West Virginia. She wrote her doctoral dissertation on Thomas Merton, helped found and has served as the president of the International Thomas Merton society, has published widely on Merton. Her work on Merton has been translated into Dutch, German, Italian, and Spanish.

Sanctuary Worship
2016-10-02 11:00 - 12:15 | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Every day—but most especially on this World Communion Sunday—we strive to live as a community of mutuality, concern, equality, and love. On this day, we will welcome the Rev. Paul Roberts, president of the Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary, Atlanta, as our guest. Rev. Roberts will lead a combined adult Church School class at 9:45 am, and preach at our Sanctuary worship service at 11 am. We also will receive the Peace and Global Witness Offering, which supports a range of PC(USA) ministries devoted to peacemaking and reconciliation.
This service is held in the Sanctuary on the first floor, with an organ prelude before the service. We extend a warm welcome to our Latino friends and include several prayers in our service bulletin in English and Spanish. This is ELPC’s largest service, offering a traditional worship service with thought-provoking sermons, and the music of 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 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.
SEE DETAILS FOR THIS WEEK’S WORSHIP services HERE.

YAM CE Class: Bible Study
2016-10-02 09:45 - 10:45 | ELPC – Pastor’s Conference Room, 116 S Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
All Sundays in October (2, 9, 16, 23 & 30) from 9:45-10:45am
Spend time with other young adults thoughtfully and completely studying through the Gospel of Mark over this 5 week series as led by a host of special Bible study leaders. See Wil for your study guide booklet which will enhance the experience but is not necessary to enjoy this series. Café Justo coffee served and childcare available.
Oct 2: Intro and the Beginning of the Gospel – Mark 1:1-3:35
Oct 9: Jesus as a Wonder Worker – Mark 4:1-7:37
Oct 16: Jesus the Prophet – Mark 8:1-10:52
Oct 23: The End of Jesus’ Public Ministry – Mark 11:1-14:72
Oct 30: The End of the Gospel? – Mark 15:1-16:8

Community Sing with Ysaÿe Barnwell
2016-10-01 19:00 - 21:00 | ELPC – Social Hall, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Ysaÿe Barnwell, former member of Sweet Honey in the Rock, returns to ELPC after last leading an inspirational Community Sing here in 2013.
Click here to download a poster.
This event is free and open to the public. A freewill offering will be received.

Watch this YouTube video where Dr. Barnwell leads a TED Talk in a Community Sing.

Youth join with Intergenerational Work Day
2016-10-01 09:00 - 12:00 | PA
As part of the October’s focus on mission, youth in grades 6–12 are encouraged to join with others from our congregation to serve with Open Hand Ministries and Garfield Community Farm. Youth will serve from 9pm–12pm, but the work day will continue until 3pm. Families are WELCOME to join us as this is an event for ALL ages. Permission slips and Open Hand Ministry Waiver requires. Please RSVP to Sara Hackett at 412-673-2926 or SaraH@coh.net
ELPC Permission Slip
Open Hand Ministry Waiver

Thomas Merton Book Study
2016-10-01 08:00 - 2016-10-31 17:00 | PA
Thomas Merton was an American Catholic writer and mystic. A Trappist monk, he was a poet, social activist, and pioneer of Interfaith Dialogue. Merton wrote more than 70 books, mostly on spirituality, social justice and a quiet pacifism, as well as scores of essays and reviews. He also left behind his voluminous journals. Among Merton’s most enduring works is his bestselling autobiography The Seven Storey Mountain (1948), which appears on National Review’s list of the 100 best non-fiction books of the 20th century.
Throughout October, we will be conducting an online Merton Book Study, guided by Thomas Merton: Essential Writings (available on Amazon).
Join the conversation on Facebook by clicking here.

Chancel Choir Rehearsal
2016-09-29 19:00 - 20:30, 2016-09-22 19:00 - 20:30, 2016-09-15 19:00 - 20:30, 2016-09-08 19:00 - 20:30, 2016-09-01 19:00 - 20:30 | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
The Chancel Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings from 7–8:30 pm, in the Sanctuary from September through early June. Sunday morning rehearsals are at 10:00 am, in preparation for the worship service. The choir provides musical leadership at our Sanctuary worship service on Sundays at 11 am.
No audition is required, just the desire to learn and have fun as we prepare to lead worship. The choir is open to everyone in high school and older.
Dr. Ed Moore is the director of the Chancel Choir and Gabe D’Abruzzo is the accompanist.
Come join us and make a joyful noise!

Pittsburgh Promise Coach Training
2016-09-22 17:30 - 19:00 | ELPC – Room 244, 116 S Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Calling all folks who want to help Pittsburgh area youth and their families understand the amazing opportunity before them to get a free college education! You are invited to the Pittsburgh Promise Coach Training at ELPC!
New Food 4 Thought volunteers will be attending this event, but all who are interested in knowing more are invited.
Please RSVP to Wil Forrest by emailing Wil@coh.net to secure your seat.

YAM Sampler Scavenger Hunt
2016-09-18 12:00 - 14:30 | ELPC – Ground Floor Lounge, 116 S Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
First attend the Church Life Sampler after worship until 1:30pm in the Social Hall (lunch included) where Wil will provide you with your scavenger hunt task. Spend time visiting tables while getting information and making connections. Then gather with other young adults in the nearby Ground Floor Lounge to share what you have found out. Prizes awarded!!!

LGBTQ Ministry Spiritual Gathering
2016-09-11 12:00 - 14:00 | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
All are welcome at this monthly spiritual gathering of LGBTQ Christians and their allies. Contact Wil Forrest if you wish to attend.

YAM CE Class: Prayer Time
2016-09-11 09:45 - 10:45 | ELPC – Pastor’s Conference Room, 116 S Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Stop by the Rally Day festivities first to get some food & drink and to share some fellowship before connecting with other young adults for a biblical reflection and some group prayer.

Suzuki Music Information Session for Families with Young Children
2016-09-03 13:00 - 14:00 | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Children love music and movement; it’s natural – almost instinctual – for them to sing, clap, make rhythms, and move. But how early should they get started in more formal classes and lessons? What instrument should they play? How do you know if they are ready? To help answer these questions, Patricia Pavlack (President Suzuki Association of Pittsburgh and Registered Teacher Trainer, Piano Suzuki Method), Beth Goldstein McKee (Registered Teacher Trainer, Cello Suzuki Method) and Ken Trautman (Music Director, Suzuki Association of Pittsburgh, Suzuki Piano Teacher) will give a presentation about the Suzuki method and answer your questions.
Please RSVP by filling out this online form.
This information session is presented by the Suzuki Association of Pittsburgh in partnership with Hope Academy of Music and the Arts.
It will be held in room 234 at East Liberty Presbyterian Church.

First Friday @ Wallace
2016-09-02 19:00 - 23:00 | Unity Presbyterian Church, 1146 Greentree Road, Pittsburgh, PA, 15220, United States
Come Share Neighborly Love! This coffeehouse evening will include fellowship, treats and lots of Fair Trade PLUS Café Justo coffee. Participants are asked to bring a poem, song, reading, Scripture, a story or anything creative to share with the group focused on the theme of loving your neighbor, as well as well as to bring a dessert to share. Contact Wil in advance if you want a ride from ELPC at 6:15pm. This is a TRAIL young adult event.

Conversation on Gun Ownership and Gun Control
2016-08-28 11:15 - 13:00 | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
An initial Conversation on Gun Ownership and Gun Control will be held following worship for anyone interested in sharing their stories on this timely justice issue. Our hope is to offer a faithful and respectful dialogue that seeks to find points of commonality and consensus on a topic that is too often divisive for our community.

Learn How to Help at Worship
2016-08-28 11:15 - 12:00 | ELPC – Chapel, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Each week, dozens of volunteers are needed to help make sure our worship services are welcoming, accessible, and effective. You just need to be present and have a servant’s heart to be one of these wonderful volunteers!
Interested in learning how to help? Join us in the Chapel following worship on Sun., Aug. 28, for a brief informational meeting. We will review the ways in which you can volunteer on any given Sunday. Come learn and maybe serve!

Meet the Music Teaching Artists
2016-08-27 14:00 - 16:00 | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
If you are interested in taking piano, cello or flute lessons at Hope Academy, some of our teaching artists will be available to demonstrate their instruments and talk with you about scheduling lessons with them. You can drop in any time between 2 and 4 pm and meet us in the Music Room on the 3rd floor.
Gabriel D’Abruzzo – Piano
Helga Scheibert – Piano
Ana Diaz – Cello
Beth Goldstein – Cello and Suzuki Cello
Kristine Rominski – Flute and Flute Choir.
Read more about them, and our other teaching artists, here.

Happy Wanderers Trip
2016-08-27 | PA
Our senior members and friends are invited to join the Happy Wanderers group for a trip to Shaker Woods Festival and an early dinner at the Dutch House in Columbiana, Ohio.
For more info, and the cost, please contact Martha DeMarzi at 412.362.2058.

YAM Latin Mass Service
2016-08-23 19:00 - 21:00 | St. Boniface Church, 2208 East Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, United States
Come experience this age-old tradition of worshipping God as Christians did for centuries – entirely in Latin. Learn more at http://stjohnxxiiiparish.org/.
To attend, RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/260575950998152/

Summer 2016
Concept: Spend the summer with other young adults exploring the intersections of Christianity with other faith traditions and other cultures. We will be seeking how to interact with and learn from other traditions while concurrently respecting them and honoring our own beliefs. Each event will include time to explore but also time to reflect as a group.
Plan: A full complement of programs will be offered while allowing for a balance of structure and choice to the schedule. Young adults are invited to express interest in a selection of summer programs by RSVPing via Facebook (or via Wil if not on Facebook).
Individuals will carpool or, if need or noted, group transportation will be supplied from the church. Otherwise, individuals will meet at each location noted. At the end of gathering there will be a time to debrief and pray together.

Lunch with the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh
2016-08-21 11:15 - 13:00 | ELPC – Social Hall, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
The ELPC Mission Board has entered into a collaborative interfaith relationship of learning and friendship with the members of the local Muslim community. Many of the gatherings have been offered at the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh (ICP), where people of all faiths have been greeted with warm hospitality and a genuine desire to get to know and support one another.
Now, we have an opportunity to return the same radical hospitality that we have received from our sisters and brothers at ICP. On Sun., Aug. 21, members of ICP will join us for worship in the Courtyard and lunch in the Social Hall. Following lunch, Kelcey Sharkas, outreach coordinator at ICP, will facilitate a seminar, entitled “How to Be a Muslim Ally.”
The Mission Board cordially invites and encourages all ELPC members and friends to offer a warm, radically hospitable welcome to our guests and to extend their Sunday at church by participating in lunch and the seminar.
For more information, contact Michele Bossers or Pastor Patrice.
“God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.”—1 John 4:16

Summer Celebration of Service
2016-08-18 18:00 - 19:30 | ELPC – Courtyard, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15206, United States
All who have served in our church and community this year are invited to our annual Summer Celebration of Service and Volunteers in the Courtyard. Main dish and drinks will be provided, but you may bring a side dish or dessert to share. Please label containers with your name. No serving utensils are needed. Come for a few minutes or stay the entire time.
For more info, contact Wil Forrest at Wil@coh.net.

Coffee with Wiccans
2016-08-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Panera Bread Oakland, 3401 Blvd of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
During the young adult summer exploration of different faiths, come to share a cup of coffee and a conversation with members of Luna Rising while seeking an understanding of Wiccan and other pagan practices. Learn more at http://lr-pwt.org/.
Please RSVP via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/1668443493481589/ or directly to Wil Forrest. The plan is to meet there, let Wil know if you would like to carpool from the church (have a ride or need a ride).

Inner Awareness Through Hebrew Chant
2016-08-14 13:00 - 17:00 | ELPC – Courtyard, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15206, United States
In the half-day workshop, 6 Passages for Re-Opening Inner Awareness through Hebrew Chant, led by David Goldstein, we will learn 6 passages for staying focused on what is important in our lives. We will deeply engage in sacred texts from the Hebrew Bible and other sources, connect energetically with one another, and gain wisdom from ancient traditions. We will draw on our memory and imagination and experience the rich depth of silence after the chant.
Although Hebrew is the primary language of the texts that are chanted, this workshop is fully inclusive and is open to people of all faith traditions. No prior knowledge of chanting, meditation, or the Hebrew language is required.
The cost is $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Click here to register.

Spiritual Gathering for LGBTQ Ministry
2016-08-14 12:00 - 14:00 | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
All are welcome at this monthly spiritual gathering of the LGBTQ Ministry members. We share food, stories and prayer during these times. Contact Wil Forrest to attend.

Business Meeting for LGBTQ Ministry
2016-08-14 11:00 - 12:00 | ELPC – Room 234, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
All are invited to this periodic business meeting of the LGBTQ Ministry members. During this one-hour meeting we will discuss important ministry issues and plan the upcoming schedule. Please contact Wil Forrest to attend.
