Sanctuary Worship
2025-12-21 11:00 - 12:15, 2025-12-28 11:00 - 12:15, 2026-01-04 11:00 - 12:15 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Join us for worship in the Sanctuary each Sunday, 11 am, or via livestream on YouTube or Facebook. 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. 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.
Children are invited to the chancel steps each Sunday to hear their own message before heading upstairs to Sacred Stories, our Sunday school classes for children. Picture Bibles and activities are in the sanctuary for children who want to stay in worship. The nursery is available for children birth through age 3 to hear stories and play.

Hot Chocolate Reception - for EVERYONE, including families
2025-12-21 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | PA
EVERYONE is invited to a Hot Chocolate Reception following the Christmas Pageant which **NEW THIS YEAR** is part of our 11 o’clock worship.
This is part of our monthly family events hosted by The Children and Families Ministry Team to foster a caring community of families at ELPC, where kids and adults feel loved and empowered to explore their faith.

Contemplative Prayer
2025-12-22 07:30 - 08:00, 2025-12-29 07:30 - 08:00, 2026-01-05 07:30 - 08:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Online, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Contemplation has been described as a long-loving look at the real. Contemplation is about waking up, listening, noticing, and paying attention. In the words of Adele Calhoun, “A contemplative person recognizes that every experience offers more than meets the eye. They know that ‘bidden or unbidden’ God is present.”
This takes practice.
Join the Rev. BJ Woodworth for a time to practice a variety of contemplative prayer practices, utilizing fixed prayers, scripture, music, silence, art, and our bodies to help us start our day in communion with God and 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

Online Prayer Service
2025-12-23 08:00 - 08:20, 2025-12-30 08:00 - 08:20, 2026-01-06 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
2025-12-23 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-12-30 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-01-06 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.

ELPC Ringers Rehearsal
2025-12-23 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-12-30 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
The ELPC Ringers rehearse on Tuesdays, 6–7 pm, in Dr. Ed Moore’s office and rings periodically throughout the year at our Sanctuary worship service on Sundays at 11 am. We ring on a four-octave set of Schulmerich handbells.
Please contact Dr. Ed Moore for more information on joining the ELPC Ringers.

Christmas Eve Friends and Family Service
2025-12-24 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Celebrate the birth of Jesus at our early Christmas Eve service on Wednesday, December 24, 5 pm. This family friendly service will feature an intergenerational celebration of Christ’s birth—featuring many of the families in our congregation, carols, Communion, and a candle-lit version of Silent Night.
The good news of Christ’s birth is a highlight of the church year. Join us in-person or on our YouTube or Facebook pages as we re-tell the wonderfully familiar story, sing much beloved Christmas carols, and rejoice in our Savior’s birth anew this year!

NO Taizé Prayer Service
2025-12-24 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Chapel, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
There will be no Taizé prayer service on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, or New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, December 31. Our regular schedule will resume on Wednesday, January 7, 7 pm.

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.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
2025-12-24 22:00 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Celebrate the birth of Jesus at our traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve service on Wednesday, December 24, 10 pm. Special prelude music will begin at 9:30 pm, and will include The Brass Roots, soloists, and the Adult Choir—along with special readings and lighting of candles while we sing Silent Night.
We also will celebrate the sacrament of Communion.
The good news of Christ’s birth is a highlight of the church year. Join us in-person or on our YouTube or Facebook pages as we re-tell the wonderfully familiar story, sing much beloved Christmas carols, and rejoice in our Savior’s birth anew this year!

NO Journey Praise Team Rehearsal
2025-12-25 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Music Room, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
There will be no Journey Praise Team rehearsal on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25.

The Journey Praise Team rehearses in the Social Hall on Thursdays, 5:30 pm, and leads the Journey worship service on Sundays, 8:45 am.
Gerald Savage, ELPC’s Journey music director, leads the Journey Praise Team.

NO Journey Worship
2025-12-28 08:45 - 09:45 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Social Hall, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
There will be no Journey worship service on Sundays, December 28, January 4, or January 11. Our regular worship schedule will resume on Sunday, January 18.

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 Taizé Prayer Service
2025-12-31 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Chapel, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
There will be no Taizé prayer service on New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, December 31. Our regular schedule will resume on Wednesday, January 7, 7 pm.

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.

NO Journey Praise Team Rehearsal
2026-01-01 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Music Room, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
There will be no Journey Praise Team rehearsal on New Year’s Day, Thursday, January 1.

The Journey Praise Team rehearses in the Social Hall on Thursdays, 5:30 pm, and leads the Journey worship service on Sundays, 8:45 am.
Gerald Savage, ELPC’s Journey music director, leads the Journey Praise Team.

NO Chancel Choir Rehearsal
2026-01-01 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
There will be no Chancel Choir rehearsal on New Year’s Day, Thursday, January 1.

The Chancel Choir rehearses in the Sanctuary on Thursdays, 7–8:30 pm, from September through early June (unless noted otherwise). Sunday morning rehearsals are at 10 am, in preparation for the worship service. The choir provides musical leadership at our Sanctuary worship service on Sundays.
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.
Come join us and make a joyful noise!

NO Journey Worship
2026-01-04 08:45 - 09:45 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Social Hall, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
There will be no Journey worship service on Sundays, January 4 or 11. Our regular worship schedule will resume on Sunday, January 18.

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.

Youth Sunday School
2026-01-04 09:45 (America/New_York) | PA
7th-12th grade teens meet on the first and third Sunday of the month from 9:45-10:45am in the Second Floor Parlor.
Also check out Youth Group for 7th -12th graders happening Thursdays from 4:30-7pm with dinner, games, conversation, God talk, service projects, and a lot of laughter. Contact Sara Hackett for more information.

Open Gym for Families
2026-01-04 09:45 - 10:45 (America/New_York) | PA
Parents and kids are welcome to hang out, drink coffee or juice, eat a donut, and play in the gym on the first Sunday of every month from 9:45-10:45am. If you want to meet other parents or just love basketball or scooters – this is for you! This is also perfect for parents of older teens (7th-12th grade) who have Sunday School breakfast at the same time – the first Sunday of every month at 9:45am.
Kids must be supervised by their adult during open gym times.

Un-hanging of the Greens
2026-01-04 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
We’re looking for volunteers who would like to help take down and put away our Christmas decorations following our Sanctuary worship service this Sunday, January 4. Even if you can only stay to help for a few minutes, it would be a tremendous help. Thank you in advance!

January LGBTQIA+ Ministry Spiritual Gathering
2026-01-04 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 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.
GOD CREATED YOU. GOD LOVES YOU. BE YOURSELF.

Cathedral Concert | Cody Conley and Friends
2026-01-04 15:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Cody Conley, violin
Devin Arrington, violin
Grace Burns, piano
Featuring a new violin duo composed by Devin Arrington for Cody and Devin.
Program
Click here for a PDF of the printed program.
Scherzo in C minor (violin and piano)
Johannes Brahms (1883-1897)
Sonata for Two Violins, Op. 17 – Devin Arrington 2025 (premiere)
III. Sicilienne
IV. Finale con brio
Cody Conley, violin
Devin Arrington, violin
Violin Sonata No. 7 in C minor, Op. 30 No. 2 (Violin and piano)
Ludwig van Beethoven
(1770-1827)
I. Allegro con brio
II. Adagio cantabile
III. Scherzo: Allegro
IV. Finale: Allegro; Presto
Intermission
Sonata for Violin and Piano
César Franck
(1822-1890)
I. Allegretto ben moderato
II. Allegro
III. Ben moderato: Recitativo-Fantasia
IV. Allegretto poco mosso

Environmental Team January Book Study
2026-01-05 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | PA
For its next book, the Environment Team of the Justice Committee has selected Shade: the Promise of a Forgotten Natural Resource by Sam Bloch. The discussion session will be held on Thursday, January 22, 7 pm, via Zoom.
In his new book, environmental journalist Sam Bloch encourages us to look to the past for solutions to our ever-warming urban areas as climate change creates heat waves that are more frequent, hotter and longer lasting. Bloch’s call for more shade in urban areas, with more trees in parks and residential areas and new ways to design public areas and buildings, comes as policy makers grapple with a growing crisis in heat-related illness and death.
For further information and the Zoom link, contact Nancy Heastings.
