East Liberty Presbyterian Church

Palm Sunday Processional
2021-03-28 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
ELPC is hosting a special outdoor Palm Sunday Processional. You may pick up palm branches at the church and then process around our building—wearing masks and maintaining a safe distance. You can also process in your vehicle! Make banners and bring instruments to sing Hosanna and praise God!
If you would like to participate in a Palm Sunday celebration from the comfort of your own home, please let Pastor Heather or Ms. Sara know. You can call ahead to pick up Palm Branches or make Palm branches from construction paper at home.

Schedule and Notes
Please arrive between 1 pm and 1:40 pm to pick up your palm branches.

Those joining the processional on foot are invited to go to one of the corners of the sidewalk around the church, get their palm branches, and pick a spot on some chalk art on the sidewalk. The chalk art will measure out 6 feet of distance, as we ask you (and anyone in your family) to remain 6 feet away from anyone outside of your bubble.
Those driving up to pick up a palm branch without exiting your car, please pull into the Highland Avenue Turn-around to get your palm branch.

Brass Roots Tympanist, Abby, will be playing, starting at 1 pm.

Bring your drums, maracas, bells, shakers, pots and pans…and join her in making a joyful noise unto our Lord!
We will have TWO different processionals around the church. One will start at 1:15 pm, and the second will start at 1:45 pm. Abby will lead the line, beginning at the corner of Highland and Penn, as we circle the building 3 times. Feel Free to march along in the procession, or move to the side and shout Hosanna from one spot. Drop by for one of the processionals, or stay for the whole hour.

Make an Instrument of Your Own
If you’d like to make an instrument of your own to bring along, here are the instructions for a “tambouracca”

You will need two paper plates (of any size, as long as they are the SAME size); dried beans or rice; stapler
Place a 1 tablespoon of beans or rice in the center of a paper plate.
Place the second plate on top of the first, with the center of the plates facing each other.
Staple along the outside to seal the instrument

Make a Banner
Using posterboard, fabric, felt, or paper, make a banner to celebrate Palm Sunday. Write words like “Praise God!” or “Hosanna”—or words of your choice—as we remember Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

High School Church School
2021-03-28 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | PA
The High School church school class is going to meet at the church in March to celebrate and prepare for the all church Palm Sunday processional.
We will be asking kids to stay outside (unless they need to use the restroom), wear masks at all times, and maintain physical distance from one another. Sara Hackett will have a permission/sign in sheet at the church for parents to sign when they drop youth off or you can complete the permission form below.

Kids’ Zoom
2021-03-28 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Online, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Kids in preschool–grade 5 are invited to join Pastor Heather, Ms. Sara, and several of our Church School teachers on Zoom for a time to connect with one another and learn about God.
For more details and the Zoom link, contact Sara Hackett.

Spanish as a Second Language Class
2021-03-25 16:00 - 17:00, 2021-03-18 16:00 - 17:00, 2021-03-11 16:00 - 17:00, 2021-03-04 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Online, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Are you interested in learning Spanish as a second language to be able to better communicate, know, and love our Spanish-speaking sisters and brothers?
If so, join us on Thursdays, 4 pm, via Zoom!
Together, we will explore vocabulary, grammar, and conversation skills, as well as consider language learning as a spiritual practice.
Classes are open for all ages and levels of Spanish skills. Contact Kathryn Ophardt for more details.
Join via Zoom

Lenten Prayer Walk
2021-03-24 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Join us in the Sanctuary for a special guided prayer walk, including several prayer stations throughout the space, accompanied by organ music from Dr. Ed. Download a copy of the prayer guide here.
Please enter the Sanctuary through the Penn Avenue doors. To allow for social distancing, we suggest that you plan your visit around these times, according to the first letter of your last name:

A–G | 7 pm and on
H–O | 7:25 pm and on
P–Z | 7:50 pm and on

Coffee Hour with OHM's Wayne Younger
2021-03-21 12:15 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Online, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Wayne Younger was welcomed as Open Hand Ministries new executive director in September 2020, and he hit the ground running to lead OHM into the next chapter of serving the needs of people seeking just, affordable, and generational wealth-building homeownership in the East End.
The ELPC Mission Board invites you to a virtual coffee hour to meet Wayne on Sunday, March 21, following Sanctuary worship for updates on OHM’s programs, initiatives, and plans for 2021, as well as to learn how you can get involved.
Join Coffee Hour

Democracy Under Duress | The 18th Annual Walter Rodney Symposium
2021-03-21 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | PA
All are invited to attend the 18th annual Walter Rodney Symposium. This year’s theme is “Democracy Under Duress.”
The symposium will explore the fragility of the democratic state and strategies for creating and protecting a true democracy. Internationally renowned scholar, activist and educator Angela Y. Davis will Keynote the 18th Annual Walter Rodney Symposium.
Schedule:

10:30–11:45 am | “Walter Rodney, Human Rights and Decolonization”
12–1:15 pm | “Imperialism, State Violence and the Assassination of Walter Rodney”
1:30 pm | Keynote Speaker Angela Davis

The 18th Annual Walter Rodney Symposium is co-hosted by The Walter Rodney Foundation and the Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library. For more information, visit www.walterrodneyfoundation.org or contact walterrodneyfoundation@gmail.com.
Register for Free

Walter Rodney (1942-1980) was a historian, intellectual, scholar-activist, educator, pan-Africanist, and revolutionary. His scholarly works and political activism engendered a new political consciousness, challenged prevailing assumptions about African history, provided a new construct for development theory and established a framework for analyzing current global socio-economic and political issues. Rodney & Davis’ lives intersected when they met at the University of Dar-es- Salaam in Tanzania; they are both grounded in historical truth, and in their commitment to human dignity, liberation, resistance and scholar-activism.

YAM | Tiny Campfire
2021-03-19 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Online, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Gather around your screens and join us for storytelling, games, and s’mores. No mosquito repellent needed.
RSVP to Kelli Booher for this online camping experience and to receive your camping kit.

PW's Drive-by Diaper Drive
2021-03-14 13:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
One-third of families have trouble paying for diapers. Parents may miss work because they cannot provide a supply of disposable diapers for their children at day care. Lack of clean diapers can adversely affect a child’s health and socialization.
Presbyterian Women will host a drive-by Diaper Drive on Sunday, March 14, 1:30–3 pm, at the half-circle driveway on Highland Ave. Disposable diapers (especially sizes 5 and 6) and baby wipes are requested. All donations will support the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank.
If you prefer to make a monetary donation, make checks payable to “PW in ELPC” and write “Diaper Drive” in the memo line. Checks may be mailed to the church.
Questions? Email PW.ELPC@gmail.com.

LGBTQ Ministry Spiritual Gathering on Zoom
2021-03-14 12:30 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | PA
All are welcome at this monthly spiritual gathering of LGBTQ Christians and their allies.
Contact Wil Forrest at 412.441.3800 X118 or Wil@coh.net to learn more and to get the Zoom info to participate.
GOD CREATED YOU. GOD LOVES YOU. BE YOURSELF.

This Life That Is Ours Q&A
2021-03-14 09:30 - 10:45 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Online, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Are you involved in parenting? If so, join our Parenting Circle Church School class on Sunday, March 14, 9:30 am, for a special question and answer session with Lauren Burdette, author of This Life That Is Ours.
The book is a great resource for parents to “explore the ways they can encounter God within their parenting.” The class has been reading and discussing her book during their weekly class time. Prior class attendance or reading is not required.
Burdette works as a spiritual director in Pittsburgh, and is a mother of three.
Email Megan Leisher for Zoom details.

Tween Night | T-Shirt Making
2021-03-13 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | PA
Tweens in grades 3–6 will gather on Zoom to make t-shirts.
RSVP to Sara Hackett with your shirt size.

NO Taizé Prayer Service
2021-03-10 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Chapel, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
There will be no Taizé prayer service stream this week. Plan on joining us next Wednesday, March 17, 7 pm, for a live service with Pastor BJ and our Taizé musicians.

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 Livestream
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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Gentrification in Pittsburgh: History, Effects, and What We Can Do About It
2021-03-10 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | PA
The Real Estate Law Association (RELA) at Pitt Law invites you to an in-depth panel discussion on one of Pittsburgh’s most prominent issues: gentrification.
Our diverse panel, moderated by Pitt Law’s very own Jerry Dickinson, will dive into the history of gentrification in Pittsburgh, the effects, and what you (and we) can do about it. The first hour will be a panel discussion with 30 minutes for Q&A.
Panelists Include:

Carl Redwood, Community Organizer at Pittsburgh Hill District Consensus Group
Felicity Williams, Esq., Programs & Policy Manager and Special Assistant to the President & CEO at Hill CDC
Michael Kostiew, Esq., Partner – Real Estate Group at Reed Smith
Waverly Duck, PhD, Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Pittsburgh

Register Online

Youth Mission Project | JereBears
2021-03-07 12:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | PA
Youth in grades 6–12 will gather on Zoom to make JereBears for Jeremiah’s place. Don’t know how to knit, crochet, or sew? No problem! We also need some no-sew blankets.
RSVP to Sara Hackett to receive supplies ahead of time. Learn more at JeremiahsPlace.org/you-can-help/jerebears.

Book Discussion | Banished from Johnstown
2021-02-28 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Online, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Author Cody McDevitt will be with us to discuss his book, Banished from Johnstown: Racist Backlash in Pennsylvania. The book examines one of the worst civil rights injustices in the history of Pennsylvania, which took place in 1923. Join us for two opportunities to engage with Cody: once during the adult Church School hour with the Seekers class, and again following Sanctuary worship.
Banished from Johnstown chronicles a virtually unknown, tragic episode in African American and Johnstown history. Samuel W. Black, director of the African American Program at the Senator John Heinz History Center states, “Recalling the national debate about race and constitutional rights and the willingness to express dictatorial rule over Black lives by white elected officials was not just a scene in large urban areas, but the small, mid-American heartland as well.
This opportunity is sponsored by our Adult Church School classes and the Facing Systemic Racism Ministry Team. You are encouraged to read the book in preparation for the discussion.
To borrow a book or ask questions, contact Pastor Patrice at PatriceFS@coh.net or Gwen Puza at gpuza9@gmail.com.
Click the button below to join the session via Zoom, or you may call in by dialing 301.715.8592. Enter meeting ID 876 5634 9138 and passcode [REDACTED].
Noon Session

Book Discussion | Banished from Johnstown
2021-02-28 09:45 - 10:45 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Online, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Author Cody McDevitt will be with us to discuss his book, Banished from Johnstown: Racist Backlash in Pennsylvania. The book examines one of the worst civil rights injustices in the history of Pennsylvania, which took place in 1923. Join us for two opportunities to engage with Cody: once during the adult Church School hour with the Seekers class, and again following Sanctuary worship.
Banished from Johnstown chronicles a virtually unknown, tragic episode in African American and Johnstown history. Samuel W. Black, director of the African American Program at the Senator John Heinz History Center states, “Recalling the national debate about race and constitutional rights and the willingness to express dictatorial rule over Black lives by white elected officials was not just a scene in large urban areas, but the small, mid-American heartland as well.
This opportunity is sponsored by our Adult Church School classes and the Facing Systemic Racism Ministry Team. You are encouraged to read the book in preparation for the discussion.
To borrow a book or ask questions, contact Pastor Patrice at PatriceFS@coh.net or Gwen Puza at gpuza9@gmail.com.
Click the button below to join the session via Zoom, or you may call in by dialing 301.715.8592. Enter meeting ID 850 1891 1556 and passcode [REDACTED].
Church School Session

YAM Craft Night
2021-02-22 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | PA
Take a break from the week and get creative. Each of our craft nights require no previous craft experience. It’s a time to relax, socialize, and make something.
Supplies and materials will be provided, so please RSVP to Kelli by Thursday, February 18. More details will be sent via email or text.

Police Reform and Public Safety Discussion
2021-02-21 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | PA
You are invited to a Police Reform and Public Safety online panel discussion, presented by the Social Justice and Outreach Committee, and the Commission on Race and Reconciliation of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh. The event is co-sponsored by ELPC, the Church of the Redeemer (Squirrel Hill), and a number of other faith groups.
Panelists include Erika Strassburger, member of Pittsburgh City Council for District 8, and Summer Lee, Representative for Pennsylvania House District 34. The speakers will discuss legislation that has passed, is in progress, and/or will be proposed, as well as respond to questions and comments from the attendees.
Join the discussion via Zoom at tiny.cc/2-21-21-discussion or call 312.626.6799. Enter meeting ID 875 2350 4622 and passcode [REDACTED] when prompted.

Rich Heritage of African Americans in the PC(USA)
2021-02-20 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | PA
All are invited to attend the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus’s second annual African American Heritage Event on Saturday, February 20, 1 pm, via Zoom.
The guest speaker will be the Rev. Warren Lesane, the synod executive and stated clerk of the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic. Discussion topics will include the contributions of African Americans in the PC (USA) in the past, present, and post pandemic times.
Register online

YAM Bingo Night
2021-02-19 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | PA
Play Bingo from the comfort of your own home! Get your virtual daubers ready to have some fun and win some prizes! You will be emailed a link to get your cards, so be on the look out for more details on how to participate.

Tween Night | Bingo
2021-02-19 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Online, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Tweens in grades 3–6 will gather on Zoom to play Bingo and other games.

Virtual Lenten Retreat | A Journey into the Desert
2021-02-19 18:00 - 2021-02-20 19:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Online, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Join us for a time of personal and communal Lenten preparation. On this 24-hour retreat, we will journey with Jesus into the desert, considering our belovedness and the temptations we face, as well as set our own Lenten intentions for the season.
We will have opening and closing Zoom time with each other and optional times in between for embodied and spoken prayers and meditations, as well as prompts for your own time of solitude.
Register by emailing Norma Meyer by Sunday, February 7. The cost is $25 and the retreat is limited to 24 participants. You can mail a check to ELPC to Norma’s attention or pay online with our PayPal account designating “Lenten Retreat” in the note. Retreat materials will be ready for you to pick up on Sunday, February 14, 12:30–2:30 pm. If you need them mailed or delivered, please note that in your registration.
Questions? Contact the Rev. BJ Woodworth.

Ash Wednesday | Walk-Through Anointing with Ashes
2021-02-17 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Ash Wednesday, February 17, marks the beginning of our Lenten practice. It is a time when we reflect on not only our own mortality and sinfulness, but also on our need for a Savior.
Taizé instrumentalists will perform, as ELPC congregation members once more have a chance to walk through our Sanctuary. Stations will be set up for you to complete a short prayer walk, ending with the imposition of ashes.
Attendees are asked to line up along the Penn Avenue sidewalk. All participants must be masked and practice social distancing.
Download Bulletin

Ash Wednesday | Drive-Through Imposition of Ashes
2021-02-17 15:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Ash Wednesday, February 17, marks the beginning of our Lenten practice. It is a time when we reflect on not only our own mortality and sinfulness, but also on our need for a Savior.
Pastors Patrice and Heather will be in the Highland Avenue half-circle driveway to preside over the imposition of ashes. The service will be fully outdoors and at a safe distance.

Ash Wednesday | Zoom Service
2021-02-17 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Online, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Ash Wednesday, February 17, marks the beginning of our Lenten practice. It is a time when we reflect on not only our own mortality and sinfulness, but also on our need for a Savior.
Pastors Patrice and Heather will lead a special Zoom service with an opportunity for you to anoint yourself with ashes, which can be picked up at the church or delivered to you.
Click here to livestream the service, or you may call in by dialing 312.626.6799 and entering meeting ID 889 4980 1468 when prompted.
Download Bulletin

Petitions to End Solitary Confinement and No-Knock Warrants (Breonna’s Law)
2021-02-07 13:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
The Alliance for Police Accountability (APA) is organizing to put two binding ballot questions on the May ballot for Allegheny County and Pittsburgh. The first petition seeks to end solitary confinement in Allegheny County Jail, and the second petition pertains to banning “no-knock” warrants (Breonna’s Law) in Pittsburgh. To be added to the May ballot, these petitions require many thousands of signatures from Allegheny County and/or Pittsburgh residents by February 16.
Stop by the Highland Ave. driveway on February 7, 1:30–3 pm, to sign the petitions. You also can download the Solitary Confinement and No-Knock Warrant petitions and mail them to APA prior to the deadline.
Contact Stephanie Creasy at screasy16@gmail.com if you need to coordinate signing at another time.
Important! You must be a registered voter in the city of Pittsburgh to sign for “Breonna’s Law.” You must be a registered voter in Allegheny County to sign for the solitary confinement initiative.
