Taizé Prayer Service
2025-04-30 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-05-07 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-05-14 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.

Youth Group
2025-05-01 16:30 - 19:00, 2025-05-08 16:30 - 19:00, 2025-05-15 16:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | PA
Thursday Nights is Youth Group for 7th-12th grade students. Together with Sixth Presbyterian church we share dinner, pray, play, and explore faith with the flexibility to do service projects, ‘field trips’, and whatever else we dream up! Register Online.
Teens in grade 7th-12th also meet for Breakfast on the first Sunday of the month from 9:45-10:45am and after church one Sunday a month for lunch and programing – see the full schedule here.

Embodying the Spirit Retreat
2025-05-02 18:00 - 2025-05-04 11:00 (America/New_York) | Villa Maria Retreat Center, 2067 Evergreen Rd, Pulaski, PA, 16143, United States
Join us for a weekend of quiet, rest, prayer, community and embodiment, Friday–Sunday, May 2–4. We will head up to Vila Maria Retreat Center, just an hour or so away, for a time of pondering and experiencing the gift and challenges of our human bodies. In the Easter season, we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection as the foretaste and preview of what God has always planned for of us—the union of body and spirit and human and divine. That is what we will explore in our bodies, the place of divine encounter. We will paint, walk, dance, sing, lament, sleep, eat, chant, swim, bend, and bow.
RSVP to Norma Meyer at 412.441.3800 x 211 by Easter Sunday, April 20.
Costs Options (Contact Pastor BJ to discuss scholarships)

One Night: (Fri.-Sat. or Sat.-Sun.) Private Room with Common Bath | $100
One Night: (Fri.-Sat. or Sat.-Sun.) Private Room with Private Bath | $125
Two Nights (Friday-Sunday) Private Room with Common Bath | $150
Two Nights (Friday-Sunday) Private Room with Private Bath | $175
Saturday Day, $50

Our retreat leader is Joanne Spence, D.Min. She is an award-winning author, yoga teacher, and spiritual director. She holds a Doctor of Ministry in Creative Writing and Public Theology, and a Master of Arts from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from James Cook University in Australia. With over 30 years of experience teaching and training in clinical settings worldwide, Joanne specializes in integrating mental health, gentle movement, breathwork, Christian contemplative practices, and yoga. She is passionate about helping people reconnect with their bodies, believing that the embodiment of gentle yoga practice, combined with Christian contemplative traditions, can deepen one’s relationship with God while promoting nervous system regulation. When she’s not reading and writing, she loves to walk, dance, and cook—just not all at the same time. To learn more about her books and courses, visit www.joannespence.com.

NO Journey Worship
2025-05-04 08:45 - 09:45 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Social Hall, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
As a reminder, there will be no services or Church School on Sunday, May 4, due to the route of the Pittsburgh Marathon. Our regular schedule will resume next Sunday, May 11.

Join us for Journey worship in the Social Hall each Sunday, 8:45 am, or via livestream on Zoom on your computer, mobile device, or tablet. If you’d like to join by telephone, call 929.205.6099 and enter Meeting ID 824 2903 4526 when prompted (press # if asked for a personal ID).
Click here to see details for this week’s worship services.

About ELPC’s Journey Worship Service
Our Journey worship service is a lively service of spirit, hope, and praise in which we encounter God’s word in a fresh, compelling way. The blending of contemporary music, Gospel songs and hymns, introspective worship, and interactive communal praise helps to reflect the diverse, creative spirit that is at the heart of ELPC. The service is led by ELPC’s pastoral staff.

NO Sunday Church School
2025-05-04 09:45 - 10:45 (America/Halifax) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
As a reminder, there will be no services or Church School on Sunday, May 4, due to the route of the Pittsburgh Marathon. Our regular schedule will resume next Sunday, May 11.

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. 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.
Adult Church School
Classes for adults meet on Sundays, 9:45–10:45 am, from September through May, unless otherwise noted.
View this Week’s Adult Church School Offerings

Youth Sunday School
The Nursery, for children up to age 3 is staffed from 8:30am-12:30pm on Sunday mornings for children to sing songs, tell stories, and play.
Children age 4- 3rd grade go to Sunday School: Sacred Stories for Kids after the Moments with our Children in the Sanctuary (11:15am) and parents pick kids up after worship in room 206.
Tweens in grade 4th-6th go to Sunday School: Sacred Stories for Tweens after the Moments with our Children in the Sanctuary (11:15am) and parents pick kids up after worship in room 207.
Teens in grade 7th-12th meet for Breakfast on the first Sunday of the month from 9:45-10:45am. Teens also meet after church one Sunday a month for lunch and programing – see the full schedule here.

NO Sanctuary Worship
2025-05-04 11:00 - 12:15 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
As a reminder, there will be no services or Church School on Sunday, May 4, due to the route of the Pittsburgh Marathon. Our regular schedule will resume next Sunday, May 11.

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.

Online Prayer Service
2025-05-06 08:00 - 08:20, 2025-05-13 08:00 - 08:20 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Online, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
ELPC offers an online prayer group each Tuesday morning, hosted by ELPC member Steve Evrard. These 20-minute sessions feature scripture readings, responsive prayer, and interactive dialogue. All are welcome at this opportunity for fellowship and prayer.
Join us by clicking the link below, or you may call in by dialing 929.205.6099. Enter meeting ID 896 9680 6662 and passcode 116 when prompted.
Join via Zoom

Meditation Hour
2025-05-06 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-05-13 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Chapel, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
“The ladder leading to the Kingdom is concealed within you, that is, in your soul”—Saint Isaac of Syria.
Meditation is the practice of “looking deeply.” In silence and withdrawal from the world of everyday concerns, we turn our attention inward and calm our bodies and minds. In this emptiness, we may see the world as if for the first time. We may see others as they are and we may find that the Kingdom of Heaven is truly within us; that we are living in God and God in us.
The Spiritual Life Committee invites you to join John Benedict in the Chapel on Tuesdays, 6–7 pm, for an hour devoted to meditation. The session will include an opening reading, silent sitting, and walking. No experience necessary, all are welcome.
John Benedict is a retired psychologist and a longtime student and practitioner of Insight Meditation.

Labyrinth Prayer Walk
2025-05-07 10:00 - 19:00, 2025-05-08 10:00 - 19:00, 2025-05-14 10:00 - 19:00, 2025-05-15 10:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – McKelvy Room (114), 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
The labyrinth is an ancient, sacred symbol found in many religious traditions throughout the world. Today, modern pilgrims walk the labyrinth as one of many ways to pray and meditate. The winding path into the center and back out again is a metaphor for the journeys of life and faith. Unlike a maze, which has many paths and is a puzzle to solve, the labyrinth is a single path in and a single path out, and is designed to quiet the mind for prayer and meditation. Members and non-members welcome.

The Labyrinth is available on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 am–7 pm, in the McKelvy Room.

Club 116
2025-05-07 16:30 - 18:30, 2025-05-14 16:30 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | PA
Kids in 1st-6th grade gather for Bible study, crafts, games in the gym, and dinner together.
Registration is required and can be completed online.

Cathedral Yoga
2025-05-07 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-05-14 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Yamuna Morgenstern offers Cathedral Yoga class on Wednesdays, 6–7 pm! Join her and others in the ELPC Sanctuary or your own home via Zoom (Meeting ID:893 0942 2894; password: [REDACTED] as she guides you through gentle poses. No yoga experience is necessary to enjoy the class, which Yamuna continues to offer with joy, light, and her uplifting playlists and spirit. Have a strap, scarf, or belt handy and experience time to heal your body, mind, and spirit.
Commune with the Divine through breath, gentle stretches, mindful music, and guided meditation. See you on the mat! Om shanti and Namaste.
A donation from the heart, to the church, is very much appreciated.
Join via Zoom

Taizé Social Gathering
2025-05-07 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Join us on the first Wednesday of each month following our Taizé prayer service for a time of fellowship with some light refreshments in the Narthex.
Taizé is a unique spiritual community at ELPC, and we desire to have time for those who gather to get to know one another, converse, and move from solitude into community and expand the connection that exists amidst our prayerful songs and quiet meditation.

Gardening Crew Workday
2025-05-10 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Each spring, a group of dedicated members and friends refresh the Highland Ave. entrance with beautiful flowering plants, so it is vibrant and welcoming, and the Courtyard, so it is a lovely setting for summer worship and weddings.
If you enjoy outside yard work, and want to help clean up our church grounds, please join Don Breitbarth and the Garden Crew on Saturdays, April 12 & May 10.
Green thumbs are not required—just bring your energy, curiosity, and a pair of work gloves to the Highland driveway around 9 am. We typically wrap up around noon.
Questions? Email Don Breitbarth or call 412.225.7649.

Getting to Work at GCF
2025-05-11 12:15 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | PA
Families are invited to join us after worship on Sunday, May 11, 12:15–2 pm, to volunteer at Garfield Community Farm. Lunch will be provided at the farm. Please bring a water bottle filled with water. Tools and gloves will be provided.

Community Meal
2025-05-16 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Good Samaritan Room, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
The ELPC Neighbors Committee is piloting a Community Meal for our neighbors on Friday, May 16, 5–7 pm.

If you are interested in volunteering, or learning more about this new ministry, please contact Gerald McClendon.

JourneyDance Class
2025-05-16 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Halifax) | PA
Join Yamuna Morgenstern for JourneyDance on the third Friday of every month from 7–8:30 pm.
Come experience one of ELPC’s unique spiritual practices and offerings. JourneyDance takes you on a journey within through playful dance in a non-judgmental environment. The playlists are designed to open up your chakras, move your Spirit, experience positive vibes, and have fun! JourneyDance is all about responding to music the way you want to respond—no rules, no groping, no ugly lyrics. Join us and dance in healthy community to release tension, feel good, relax, restore, and renew your body, mind, and spirit.
All ages and bodies are welcome. No dance experience necessary, just a joy of moving. Young children should be accompanied by their care givers. Wear comfortable clothing, and you may want to have a water bottle handy!
A donation from the heart, to the church, is very much appreciated.

Alternative Transportation Challenge
2025-05-18 | PA
The Environmental Team of the Justice Committee would like to challenge the ELPC congregation to lower its transportation carbon footprint, which is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions. We can make an impact by working together to care for God’s creation, and help reverse inequities caused by climate change.
Join the challenge on Sunday, May 18, by getting to ELPC biking, walking, carpooling, using public transportation, or driving a hybrid or electric vehicle. If you are already doing this, great! Your carbon savings will be included! If you can’t do one of these, we have alternate ways that you can participate. Information will be available after services on Sunday, May 11, to assist you in making a plan or sign up to carpool with others in your area.
On Sunday, May 18, we will gather data as people arrive, and report on the total carbon emissions saved compared to single occupancy gas vehicles. Secure indoor bicycle parking will be available in the Harambe Room. Members with electric vehicles and a biking champion will be present to demonstrate and provide information.
Contact Nancy Heastings for more information

May LGBTQIA+ Ministry Spiritual Gathering
2025-05-18 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 LGBTQIA+ Ministry to share food and fellowship at the church. Allies and LGBTQIA+ folks alike are welcome.
Contact Wil Forrest at 412.441.3800 X218 or Wil@coh.net to learn more, to RSVP, and/or to participate. A Zoom option will be available if expressed need is communicated to Wil before the Friday preceding the gathering.
GOD CREATED YOU. GOD LOVES YOU. BE YOURSELF.

Pastor Michael’s Installation Service
2025-05-18 15:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | PA
All are invited to the installation service of Rev. Dr. Michael Diaz on Sunday, May 18, 3 pm, in the Sanctuary, when the Pittsburgh Presbytery will officially install him as Senior Pastor of ELPC. A Pittsburgh Cookie Table reception will follow the service in the Fellowship and Garth Overlook Rooms.

Members and friends are invited to sign up for cookie contributions, sweet or savory, or you can also elect to bring other light snacks. Should your contribution have nuts as an ingredient, please note that as well.If you would like to donate your favorite cookies to the reception and/or if you are able to assist with setup/cleanup, please contact Jen King at JenK@coh.net or 412.441.2800 x222.
