East Liberty Presbyterian Church

Middle School Retreat
2016-11-18 17:00 - 2016-11-20 13:30 (America/Halifax) | Camp Crestfield & Conference Center, 195 Taggart Road, Slippery Rock, PA, 16057, United States
for youth in grades 6-8
at Crestfield Camp and Conference Center
The Middle School Retreat is time to join youth from all around Pittsburgh to worship, study scripture, develop friendships and have FUN. Registration and Permission Form and $25 deposit due by MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14.
Schedule:
Meet at ELPC on Friday at 5:00pm
Return to ELPC on Sunday at 1:30pm
Cost:
$100/person
Scholarships are available for youth. If requesting scholarship money, please return the attached scholarship form to Sara by Monday, November 14.

Chancel Choir Rehearsal
2016-11-17 19:00 - 20:30, 2016-11-10 19:00 - 20:30, 2016-11-03 19:00 - 20:30, 2016-10-27 19:00 - 20:30, 2016-10-20 19:00 - 20:30, 2016-10-13 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!

Understanding and Speaking Up for LGBTQ Christians: A Learning & Discussion Series
2016-11-13 12:30 - 15:30, 2016-11-06 12:30 - 15:30, 2016-10-30 12:30 - 15:30 | ELPC – Social Hall, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
All ELPC Friends and Members who want to learn how to better support LGBTQ Christians are invited to this three-part learning and discussion series. These sessions are designed to be an educational and development series (not debates) that provides an environment where authoritative presenters will share information, where attendees will be able to have their questions answered, and where participants will gain competencies related to being an advocate for LGBTQ Christians and issues.
This church-wide series will be on three consecutive Sundays with different stand-alone content each week. A simple lunch will be served. Childcare can be provided with an RSVP at least one week prior to the session you plan to attend. Please RSVP to Wil Forrest at wil@coh.net or at 412.260.2554.
Sun., Oct. 30: Understanding Language and LGBTQ Basics
Led by the Rev. Dr. Randy Bush and Betty Hill, executive director of Persad
Co-sponsored by the Mission Board
Sample Question: “What does the Q mean?”
Sun., Nov. 6: The Bible and LGBTQ Inclusion
Led by the Rev. Heather Schoenewolf and the Rev. Patrice Fowler-Searcy
Co-sponsored by Christian Education Committee
Sample Question: “How do I reply to a family member who asks what the Bible says about homosexuality?”
Sun., Nov. 13: History, Polity, Theology, Oh My!
Led by the Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, the Rev. Mary Lynn Callahan, and Elder Carol Chonoska
Co-sponsored by Spiritual Life Committee
Sample Question: “How can ELPC be fully inclusive of LGBTQ people and some other Presbyterian churches are not?”

Youth Day of Thanks and Giving
2016-11-13 12:15 - 15:00 | PA
for youth in grades 6–12
Come learn about why folks across the world are standing with Standing Rock and join in prayer, advocacy and action to support the Standing Rock Sioux in their continued assertion of sovereignty over their traditional territories and protection of our water.
We will show our thanks for God’s creation by giving our support to those who are fighting to protect it.
Lunch will be served.

Post-Election Support
2016-11-13 12:15 - 13:30 | ELPC – Prayer Room (Room 135), 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15206, United States
In the wake of the election outcome, you are welcome to gather in the Prayer and Meditation Room following Sanctuary worship. Individuals will be on hand to offer prayers and anointing for those who wish to be supported.

LGBTQ Ministry Spiritual Gathering
2016-11-12 16:00 - 18:00 | 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.

Today is Election Day - VOTE!
2016-11-08 07:00 - 20:00 | PA
Here is a list of resources compiled by the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh to help you get to the polls.
Your vote is your voice. Use it! Let’s make some history in Pennsylvania today.
ACLU Voting Rights – Information on legal voting rights and on what to do if you think you have experienced voter intimidation or suppression.
Black Political Empowerment Project – Helps to arrange free rides to your voting location.
League of Women Voters – Greater Pittsburgh – Offers information on policy positions so that voters can make informed decisions.
RockTheVote – Pennsylvania – Provides general information about voting in Pennsylvania, including your polling location. The site has a tool that allows you to look up the candidates and initiatives that will be on your ballot. RockTheVote has a particular focus on providing voter information to college students and young people.
Vote411.org – Sponsored by the League of Women Voters, this site provides detailed information on policy positions; you can even choose candidates and compare their stances side-by-side.
VotesPa.com – Provides general information about voting in Pennsylvania, including how to find your polling location.

All-Church Talent Show
2016-11-05 17:00 - 20:00 | ELPC – Social Hall, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Join us for an evening of fun and fellowship as we celebrate the talents of church members of all ages. Gather in the Social Hall for a potluck dinner at 5 pm. The Christian Education committee will provide chili and rice, but please bring a side dish to share.
All talents are welcome, but please keep your act to less than three minutes. If you’d like to perform, email Sara Hackett at Sarah@coh.net, RSVP on the ELPC Facebook page, or sign up on the Second Floor CE Bulletin Board.

Taizé Prayer Service: All-Saints Procession
2016-11-02 19:00 - 20:00 | ELPC – Chapel, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Join us at a special Taizé service as we remember those saints in our lives who have gone before us. We will have a candlelight processional into the Sanctuary and Trinity Chapel, where prayers will be spoken and sung. Join us and share in this moving remembrance service.
ELPC offers evening prayers with chants from Taizé every Wednesday at 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. Childcare is usually available, but please call to confirm. For more information, view our Taizé page.

Taizé Prayer Service Live Stream
If you’re unable to attend our weekly Taizé prayer service, but are interested in participating in this peaceful, meditative experience, please listen to our live stream below.

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YAM CE Class: Bible Study
2016-10-30 09:45 - 10:45, 2016-10-23 09:45 - 10:45, 2016-10-16 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

An Un-Halloween Party at Hope Academy
2016-10-29 09:00 - 17:00 | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
NO tricks and NO treats, but lots of fun dressing up for classes and private lessons on Halloween.
This is a dress-up day so use your imagination and come in your favorite costume. Keep it G-rated for all of the little ones (nothing scary, bloody, violent, suggestive or adult-themed); and make sure you can move easily and safely (no boots, flip flops, bare feet, or masks that obstruct vision).
We will have a photographer here to take photos of everyone and the teaching artists will incorporate your characters into the lessons for the day.
Please note: There will be an event on Penn Avenue and Highland Avenue will be blocked off to just before the circle driveway. Give yourselves enough time to navigate around the roadblock.

Tween Campfire
2016-10-28 18:00 - 20:00 | PA
Tweens in grades 4–6 are invited to join us in the Courtyard for games, dinner, s’mores, and a camp fire song or two! We will be outside, so dress accordingly.

PSO Brass Spectacular
2016-10-23 18:00 - 20:00 | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
The Philadelphia Orchestra Brass and members of the Boston Symhony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, and National Symphony Orchestra Brass join the Pittsburgh Symphony Brass in a “A Brass Spectacular” to keep the music going in Pittsburgh.
#musiciansofsteel #themusicwontstop
For more information:
www.musiciansofthepso.org

Writing as a Spiritual Practice
2016-10-23 12:30 - 15:00 | ELPC – Music Room, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Thomas Merton’s first—and one of his most famous—books is his spiritual autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain. Since his death, many books have been published as compilations of, or based upon, the volumes of journals that he left behind.
Join us as ELPC member Dr. Brent House explores with us this practice of spiritual journaling and memoir writing as a way to draw nearer to ourselves and to God.
A light lunch will be served.
Dr. House is a professor of Creative Writing at California University of Pennsylvania.
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.

Follow-up Conversations on Gun Ownership
2016-10-23 12:15 - 14:00 | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Join us as we follow up our faithful discussion on gun ownership and control by educating ourselves on the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and local laws. We will be joined by a Zone 5 Pittsburgh police officer and Bruce Ledewitz, professor at Duquesne University School of Law.
A light lunch will be served.

Autumnal Splendor for YAMs
2016-10-22 10:00 - 18:00 | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Leaf peeping, fresh cider and who knows what else as we enjoy the autumnal splendor.
Meet in the lobby area at 10am and we will go from there planning to be back about dinner time.

Educational Session on Homelessness
2016-10-22 09:00 - 11:00 | ELPC – Second Floor Parlor, 116 S Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Homelessness and affordable housing are discussions that draw much attention and outrage in the East End, as well as in the City of Pittsburgh as a whole—and rightfully so. We are called to care for the most vulnerable among us, those who are without the necessities that so many of us have.
Please join the Mission Board and Mission Committees as we learn about homelessness in our community, the new referral process for shelter assistance by Allegheny County, and the national move to the “Housing First” model.
Our guests will include Abigail Horn from the Allegheny County Department of Human Service.

Pittsburgh CAPA Application Deadline for 2017-18
2016-10-21 17:00 | PA
Applications for Pittsburgh’s Creative and Performing Arts School 6-12 – DEADLINE October 21, 2016 at 5 PM
Students may apply for no more than TWO art forms; and must submit a separate application, essay and letter of recommendation for each.
Use this link (PPS CAPA website) to download the application and to find out more about requirements for those who are not current Pittsburgh Public School students
Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 Application, Essay and Audition Requirements for the 2016-2017 School Year
Coaching and Letters of Recommendation from Hope Academy Teaching Artists
Hope Academy will provide coaching and letters of recommendation to current students, in good standing, who complete an online form by October 10.
Hope Academy CAPA Coaching and Letter of Recommendation Online Form

David Higgs Organ Concert
2016-10-16 15:00 - 17:00 | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Susan G. Whitaker Memorial Organ Recital

Co-sponsored with The Organ Artists Series of Pittsburgh
David Higgs is the chair of the organ department at the Eastman School of Music.
Tickets for this event are $12 at the door. Students with ID are free. ELPC members and friends should contact Dr. Ed Moore following Sunday worship, or Norma Meyer during the week for tickets.

PROGRAM
Variations de Concert
Joseph Bonnet
(1884-1944)
Three Chorales: No. 2 in B minor
César Franck
(1822-1890)
Variations on a Noel
Marcel Dupré
(1886-1971)
Intermission
From Gospel Preludes: What a Friend We Have in Jesus
William Bolcom
(b. 1938)
Bolero de Concert
Louis-James-Alfred Lefébure-Wély
(1817-1869)
Three Impressions Op. 72, No. 1:
1. Harmonies du soir
Sigfrid Karg-Elert
(1877-1933)
Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H
Franz Liszt
(1811-1886)
BIOGRAPHY
One of America’s leading concert organists, David Higgs is also Chair of the Organ Department at the Eastman School of Music. He performs extensively throughout the United States and abroad, and has inaugurated many important new instruments including St. Stephan’s Cathedral, Vienna; the Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas; St. Albans Cathedral, England; St. Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny, Ireland; and the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola in New York City. His performances with numerous ensembles have included the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Orpheus Ensemble, Chanticleer, and the Empire Brass. For more than twenty years the San Francisco Symphony featured his holiday organ recitals at Davies Symphony Hall, and now the Los Angeles Philharmonic/Hollywood Bowl continues that tradition each year at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Mr. Higgs performs, teaches, and adjudicates at festivals and competitions throughout the world, including the International Organ Festivals and Competitions of Bremen, Germany; the Leipzig Bach Competition, Germany; the Gottfried Silbermann Competition in Freiberg, Germany; Calgary, Canada; Dublin, Ireland; Odense, Denmark; Varzi, Italy; Redlands and San Anselmo, California; and the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival. In England he has appeared several times at the Oundle International Festival and Organ Academy, the St. Albans International Festival and Competition, and the Cambridge Summer Festival; in France, at the Xavier Darasse International Competition in Toulouse; and in Japan, at several venues, most recently an all-Bach recital for the composer’s birthday at Izumi Hall in Osaka. His performances for colleagues include national, regional and pedagogy conventions of the American Guild of Organists, as well as national conventions of the American Pipe Organ Builders Association, the American Institute of Organbuilders, the Westfield Center, and the Organ Historical Society; and in London, the Annual Congress of the Incorporated Association of Organists, and the International Congress of Organists.
A native of New York City, Mr. Higgs held his first position as a church organist at age ten; as a teenager, he performed classical music as well as rock, gospel, and soul music. He earned the Bachelor and Master of Music degrees at the Manhattan School of Music, and the Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music. His teachers have included Claire Coci, Peter Hurford, Russell Saunders, and Frederick Swann. In New York City, he was Director of Music and Organist at Park Avenue Christian Church, and later Associate Organist of the Riverside Church, where he also conducted the Riverside Choral Society. After moving to San Francisco in 1986, he became Director of Music and Organist at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Berkeley, Director of Church Music Studies at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, and Organist/Choir Director at Temple Emanu-El in San Francisco.
In addition to his significant performing career, Mr. Higgs has distinguished himself as a pedagogue. He was appointed to the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music upon graduation from that institution, and has been a member of the faculty of the Eastman School of Music since 1992. His students have won prizes in prestigious international competitions, and hold important positions in leading academic and religious institutions.
Mr. Higgs has recorded for Delos International, Pro Organo, Arsis, Loft, and Gothic records.

Holy Spirit Breakfast Team
2016-10-16 08:00 - 09:00 | PA
The ELPC Holy Spirit Breakfast Team is growing by leaps and bounds! Join us on the second and fourth Sunday of each month as we cook and serve breakfast for the residents at EECM’s Community House.
To sign up for the Breakfast Team or for more information about the Holy Spirit Breakfast Team, please contact Jim Eng at james.eng@sru.edu or the Rev. Patrice Fowler-Searcy at 412.441.3800 x30.

LGBTQ Ministry Day Retreat
2016-10-15 09:00 - 21:00 | PA
Members and friends of ELPC’s LGBTQ Ministry are invited to get away from it all and spend the day with your church family while we ponder the theme of transition through activities, reflections, guest speakers, worship and fellowship. This will be a fun and safe place to explore and to laugh. Cost will be $10 per participant, but scholarship support is available. Payment can be made at the retreat or before. All food and activities are included in the price for the day. Please contact Wil with any questions, desire for scholarship, accommodations, ideas, need for ride or RSVP. Hope you can make it.
Tentative Schedule for the day:
8:30am: church van leaves ELPC (sign up in advance with Wil for your seat)
9-10am: Gathering time, breakfast and welcome activity
10-11am: Introduction to one another and to the topic
11a-noon: Spiritual Reflection
Noon-1pm: Lunch
1-3pm: Afternoon reflection and activity
3-5pm: Guest speaker
5-6:30pm: Dinner
6:30-8pm: Evening reflection activity
8-9pm: Closing worship
RSVP by October 1 requested. Contact Wil at wil@coh.net or 412-260-2554 for more detail.
