East Liberty Presbyterian Church

ELPC Matters: The More You Know About Times, Cycles and Seasons of Transition
2023-04-30 09:45 - 10:45 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Social Hall, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
As we journey through this time of transition at ELPC, it is important to know that the changes and transitions we are going through are normal and even good and healthy. In fact, all organisms and organizations go through periods and cycles of life and death, fruitfulness, and dormancy—and even Jesus says death and letting go are necessary for new life to come. This is often difficult for humans and organizations who operate out of a more mechanistic mindset. So how can we can navigate these seasons with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love amidst the change and feelings of instability? It is our hope and belief that this transition can propel us to revitalize, renew and redevelop for the hopeful and vibrant future at ELPC.
Join Pastor BJ on Sunday, April 30, 9:45–10:45 am, in the Social Hall for a time of teaching, reflection, and conversation as we seek to navigate this time at ELPC together.

Cathedral Concerts Presents Alan Morrison
2023-04-30 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
ELPC’s Cathedral Concerts series and the Organ Artists Series of Pittsburgh will present organist Alan Morrison in concert on Sunday, April 30, 3 pm, in the ELPC Sanctuary.
Morrison currently serves as chair of the Organ Department at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. He is recognized as one of America’s premier concert organists and enjoys a versatile career as organist, teacher, recording artist, adjudicator and pianist/chamber musician. His concert performances throughout North America, South America, Europe and Russia have all been received with enthusiastic praise for his quality programming, colorful use of the organ and interpretive integrity.
A champion of American composers, Alan Morrison has premiered important new works by William Bolcom, Rachel Laurin, Dan Locklair, Emily Maxson-Porter, Mary Beth Bennett, Eric Sessler, Kyle Smith, Jon Spong, Brent Weaver, as well as the American premier of Dances for Organ and Orchestra by Bob Chilcott.
ELPC members can contact Dr. Ed Moore for tickets.

Online Prayer Service
2023-05-02 08:00 - 08:20, 2023-05-09 08:00 - 08:20, 2023-05-16 08:00 - 08:20, 2023-05-23 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

ELPC Ringers Rehearsal
2023-05-02 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.

Meditation Hour
2023-05-02 18:00 - 19:00, 2023-05-09 18:00 - 19:00, 2023-05-16 18:00 - 19:00, 2023-05-23 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.

Cathedral Yoga
2023-05-03 18:00 - 19:00, 2023-05-10 18:00 - 19:00, 2023-05-17 18:00 - 19:00, 2023-05-24 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 Prayer Service
2023-05-03 19:00 - 20:00, 2023-05-10 19:00 - 20:00, 2023-05-17 19:00 - 20:00, 2023-05-24 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.

Chancel Choir Rehearsal
2023-05-04 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
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!

Pathways to Our Sustainable Future Discussion
2023-05-04 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
The Environmental Team of the Justice Committee is reading Pathways to Our Sustainable Future: A Global Perspective from Pittsburgh by Patricia DeMarco.
The book examines the experience of a single city, with all of its social and political complexities and long industrial history, allowing for a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in adapting to a changing world. Throughout the book, case studies responding to ethical challenges give specific examples of successful ways forward. Inspired by Rachel Carson’s voice of precaution in protecting the Earth, this is a book about empowerment and hope.
DeMarco offers her own analysis of the many pathways open to us to create a sustainable future—an ethic built on cooperation rather than exploitation. It is a realistic exploration of how the living world can be preserved for our children and grandchildren.
Consider reading the book and joining us for a discussion on Thursday, May 4, 7 pm. For details, contact Nancy Heastings.

About the Author
Patricia DeMarco is a native Pittsburgher, with a doctorate in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh. She has spent a 50-year career in energy and environmental policy in both the private and public sectors. She is the director of the Rachel Carson Institute at Chatham University, the VP of the Forest Hills Borough Council, and sits on several local boards (Phipps, Allegheny Land Trust, PA IPL).

Attaining Resurrection Retreat
2023-05-05 19:00 - 2023-05-07 13:00 (America/New_York) | Villa Maria Retreat Center, 2067 Evergreen Rd, Pulaski, PA, 16143, United States
In Philippians Paul says he yearns “to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead” (3:11).
Join us for a post-Easter retreat at the Villa Maria Retreat Center in Pulaski, Pennsylvania, Friday–Sunday, May 5–7, to explore ways we too can “somehow” find resurrection life amid the challenges and sufferings we face each day. Led by facilitator and host Rev. Jeff Eddings, we will explore this through art, silence and solitude, reading, reflection, prayer, and conversation with one another. You are invited to journey with us to consider how this promise of resurrection can infuse our everyday lives with meaning, hope, and joy.
Spots are limited. RSVP by Friday, April 21, online at tiny.cc/attaining-resurrection. Questions? Contact Pastor BJ.
Cost Options:

Friday-Saturday Shared Bath | $70
Friday-Saturday Private Bath | $110
Friday-Sunday Shared Bath | $85
Friday-Sunday Private Bath | $135

REGISTER ONLINE

About Retreat Facilitator and Host Rev. Jeff Eddings
Jeff is the Spiritual Formation and Coaching Associate for 1001 New Worshiping Communities of the PCUSA. He was co-founder of Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community in Pittsburgh and has over 30 years of church leadership experience. He is trained in contemplative spirituality through the Shalem Institute and is a spiritual director for The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. He is a certified ICF coach and is an Enneagram Coach with iEQ9. www.jeffeddings.com

NO Journey Worship
2023-05-07 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 Journey worship service this Sunday due to the route of the Pittsburgh Marathon. Please plan on joining us next Sunday, May 14.

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.

Sunday Church School
2023-05-07 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 Church School classes this Sunday due to the route of the Pittsburgh Marathon. Classes will resume for learners of all ages next Sunday, May 14.

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. Church School classes meet on Sundays, 9:45–10:45 am, from early September through early June, unless otherwise noted.
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.
Click here to see details for this week’s worship and Church School offerings.

NO Sanctuary Worship
2023-05-07 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 Sanctuary worship service this Sunday due to the route of the Pittsburgh Marathon. Please plan on joining us next Sunday, May 14.

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.

JourneyDance Class
2023-05-12 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Join Yamuna Morgenstern in the Sanctuary 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.

Across the Channel - Music for Brass and Organ from England, France, and Spain
2023-05-19 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Our Cathedral Concerts series will present The Brass Roots, organist Dr. Edward Alan Moore, and conductor Daniel Nesta Curtis in concert on Friday, May 19, 7:30 pm. Join us in the Sanctuary. The concert also will be streamed on YouTube and Facebook.
A freewill offering will be received.
Download Program
PROGRAM
Earle of Oxford’s Marche – Byrd/arr. Allen
Siete Canciones Populares – De Falla/arr. Moose
La Puerta del Vino – Debussy/arr. Allen
The Girl with the Flaxen Hair – Debussy/arr. Allen
Prelude on Rhosymedre – Vaughan Williams
Toccata from Symphony V for Organ – Widor/arr. Bishop
Fanfare for La Peri – Dukas/arr. Hirschman
Andaluza from 12 Spanish Dances – Granados/arr. Allen
English Folk Song Suite – Vaughan Williams/arr. Villanueva
Symphony No. 3 – “Organ” – Saint-Saens
Adagio – arr. Fox
Finale

Congregational Meeting
2023-05-21 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
The Session of ELPC is calling a Special Congregational Meeting on Sunday, May 21, immediately following our 11 am worship service. The sole item of business will be to vote upon the Session’s recent action that ELPC sell its manse. This meeting will be held-in person in the Sanctuary.
Click the button below to read a letter from the Property Committee about the manse.
Read letter

May LGBTQIA+ Ministry Spiritual Gathering
2023-05-21 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.
GOD CREATED YOU. GOD LOVES YOU. BE YOURSELF.

Passive House Tour
2023-05-21 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Join the Environmental Team of the Justice Committee on a tour of one of the most energy efficient homes in the region: Passive House-certified Squirrel Hill Duplex, located at 2883 Fernwald Rd. Finished in 2017 by ELPC congregants Lucy de Barbaro and Ayres Freitas, this home reduces heating and cooling by 80% compared to traditional construction, manages all rainwater on site, has a small green roof and is fully powered by solar energy. The home holds a gold label from the National Green Building Standard.
There will be something of interest for those well versed in these various environmental initiatives and those new to these topics, and takeaways for your own environmental action at home.
The tours will be offered on Sunday, May 21, 2 pm, and Sunday, June 4, 4 pm. Please text Lucy at (412) 320-0567 to indicate your interest and reserve a spot. Families with children are welcomed.
