East Liberty Presbyterian Church

Taizé Prayer Service
2024-03-06 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-03-13 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-03-20 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.

Lenten Soup & Sustenance
2024-03-07 17:30 - 18:45, 2024-03-14 17:30 - 18:45, 2024-03-21 17:30 - 18:45, 2024-03-28 17:30 - 18:45 (America/New_York) | PA
Join us during Lent on Thursdays, February 15–March 28, 5:30–6:45 pm, to share soup and bread (provided). If you’d like to bring a soup to share, contact Pastor BJ at BJW@coh.net. And bring canned food items to share with our neighbors who are food insecure.
“The COVID pandemic taught us a lot about hunger. It reminded us that food isn’t just about eating. A meal is in merely consuming the calories needed to sustain life. Food is meant to be shared. Meals are things that bring people together and create relationships. On the one hand, those who live in families had more meals together than we’d had in years. On the other hand, those who live alone experienced the profound absence of companionship—others with whom to share bread.
The pandemic also revealed to us that many people in the U.S. are one step away from food insecurity. When so much of the economy shut down in the spring and summer of 2020, people lined up at food distribution sites. Long lines of people in nice cars drove through church parking lots to get a couple bags of groceries. Especially with schools closed and free breakfasts and lunches gone, it turns out that lots of families in this nation live very close to the edge where food is concerned. This is deeply troubling. As one of the richest nations on earth, it just doesn’t seem right that so many people could be so close to being hungry. Surely, we can do better. Surely, we want to do better.” (Cynthia M. Campbell and Christin Coy Fohr, Meeting Jesus at the Table).

Necessary Risks
2024-03-09 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | PA
Anyone who seeks a more just and equitable world is invited to a day of worship, learning, discussion, and good food on Saturday, March 9, 9 am–3 pm, at ELPC. Come for hospitality and sign-in at 8:30 am. If you prefer, you may participate on Zoom.
Rev. Dr. Teri McDowell Ott will be our guide. She is the author of Necessary Risks: Challenges Privileged People Need to Face. This book grew out of her experiences as a college chaplain and volunteer at a men’s prison. Her work is informed by authors, theologians, and scholars of color. She is the editor and publisher of Presbyterian Outlook.
This gathering is sponsored by Presbyterian Women in ELPC for anyone who dares to take the risks to pursue a more loving community. You do not have to be Presbyterian or a woman to participate! Bring your friends.
Register following Sanctuary worship on Sunday, March 3, where you may purchase a copy of Teri’s book. Registration must be received by noon, Wednesday, March 6, so we can reserve lunch for you or send you a Zoom link.
For more information or to return a registration form, email PW.ELPC@gmail.com.
Download a Registration Form

Tie Dye T-Shirt Sale
2024-03-10 09:45 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | PA
We’re selling ELPC rainbow tie-dye t-shirts. The front says “East Liberty Presbyterian Church” and the back says “God created you. God loves you. Be yourself.” They’re perfect for upcoming June Pittsburgh Pride marches or for wearing around as you share God’s love for all in a colorful, stylish way. Shirts are available in short- and long-sleeve options, in sizes ranging from S–4XL.
Purchase one at tiny.cc/elpcpride from March 1–17, for $16 ($15 plus a convenience fee) paid by credit card, or in person right after our Journey and Sanctuary services on Sunday, March 10, for $15 paid via cash/check.
You will be contacted when the shirts are ready for pick up at the church. For more details, please contact Wil Forrest at 412.441.3800 x218.
Buy Online

Tween Scavenger Hunt
2024-03-10 12:30 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | PA
Youth in grades 4–6 will be dusting off the Polaroid cameras for a scavenger hunt around East Liberty following Sanctuary worship on Sunday, March 10. RSVP to Sara Hackett.

Mendelssohn Choir Performs
2024-03-10 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | ELPC – Sanctuary, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Critically acclaimed as one of the finest choruses in the country, The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh returns to ELPC on Sunday, March 10, 3 pm, for their first post-Covid Cathedral Concert, Coming Home, along with their new music director, Daniel Singer.
Home. It’s a state of mind, a physical place, a yearning inside each of us to find a place we can call home. This musical journey will explore this shared human condition—from our physical home on earth to a spiritual home beyond the stars and everywhere in between.
The concert is free. Contact Dr. Ed for more details.
Reserve Free Tickets

Online Prayer Service
2024-03-12 08:00 - 08:20, 2024-03-19 08:00 - 08:20, 2024-03-26 08:00 - 08:20, 2024-04-02 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
2024-03-12 18:00 - 19:00, 2024-03-19 18:00 - 19:00, 2024-03-26 18:00 - 19:00, 2024-04-02 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.

Club 116
2024-03-13 16:30 - 18:30, 2024-03-20 16:30 - 18:30, 2024-03-27 16:30 - 18:30 (America/Halifax) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Youth in grades 1–12 are welcome to attend an evening of fellowship, study, and worship. Programming includes homework help, open gym, educational workshops, dinner, and Bible study each week.
Participation requires a completed 2024–2025 Enrollment Form.
SCHEDULE:
3:30 pm: Gathering time, homework help, and open gym
4:30 pm: Opening worship and welcome
5:00 pm: Dinner
5:30 pm: Bible study, gym, and crafts
7:30 pm: Dismissal
Weather reminder
Club One Sixteen follows the City of Pittsburgh school closings, so if Pittsburgh schools are closed due to inclement weather, Club 116 also will be closed.

Cathedral Yoga
2024-03-13 18:00 - 19:00, 2024-03-20 18:00 - 19:00, 2024-03-27 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

JourneyDance Class
2024-03-15 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.

March LGBTQIA+ Ministry Spiritual Gathering
2024-03-17 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.

Every Kid’s Birthday Party
2024-03-22 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | PA
The Children and Family Ministry team is hosting a Birthday Party for families with kids at the Toy Lending Library (5401 Centre Ave. 15232) on Friday, March 22, 5:30–7:30 pm. If you would like to help plan the birthday party or bring a game or treat, please let Sara Hackett know.
The Children and Families Ministry team is hosting monthly family events to foster a caring community of families at East Liberty Presbyterian Church where kids and adults feel loved and empowered to explore their faith.

Stations of the Cross Taizé Prayer Service
2024-03-27 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | ELPC – Chapel, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Pastor BJ will lead us as we journey through the 14 traditional Stations of the Cross, with readings, sung prayers, and silence.
Download a copy of the bulletin.

Youth Volunteer
2024-03-28 12:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | PA
7th through 12th graders can volunteer at Garfield Community Farm. We will have pizza for lunch, work outside at the farm, and then get ice cream to celebrate our work. RSVP by completing the form below or contacting Sara Hackett.
