Moderator Cynthia Bolbach
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Christian Education at East Liberty Presbyterian Church

Christian Education (CE) offers classes and events for all ages--from infants to adults. It is is the life-long process of learning and living in relationship to God, our neighbors, and ourselves. All CE classes meet for Church School Hour on Sunday mornings from 9:45 - 10:45 from early September through early June unless otherwise noted. (La clase de Escuela Dominical en Español se reúne cada domingo.) You can also sign up for our weekly E-News to get reminders of upcoming classes, or view our calendar.

We encourage you to try different courses and programs to find the best fit for you in your faith walk. 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. If you're not sure where to begin, , Associate Pastor of Educational Ministries.

Adult Christian Education

Contemporaries, second floor parlor

Our ministry in the Contemporaries Adult Sunday school class is designed to formulate a life-long learning community based upon the truth of God's Word as it is amplified by the profound instructional wisdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We believe an atmosphere of invitation and hospitality cultivates a greater opportunity for learning to prevail. We also believe that God intended for every one of us to become a life-long learner. Do you believe that!? We came to this conclusion after recognizing that Jesus spent so much time investing in the adult education and nurturing of his disciples. If learning was that important to Jesus, it should be very important to us, as well. Let the celebration of learning become a defining characteristic for this entire congregation!

Facilitated by Joe Kennedy and Mary Alice Lightle. Meets in the second floor parlor unless otherwise noted.

  • February 5: “The Church of the Savior: Extra-Ordinary Ministry And A Calling For Us?,” with Rev. Tom Menk. We will be looking at the Church of the Saviour, located in Washington DC. We will look at the variety of outreach ministries that are functioning within this vibrant congregation. We will focus on the “evolution” process they go through and how this happens with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. A special emphasis will be given to Jubilee Jobs, one of their ministries, inspiring us to consider this type of employment at ELPC. Overall, the reminder that “nothing is impossible for God” will prevail throughout every aspect of this presentation. Part two of two.
  • February 12: “Who made God?,” with Rev. Heather Schoenewolf. A young child often asks a question during the Children’s Time that resonates with us and helps us honor the questions we each have in our life of faith. Pastor Heather will lead us on an exploration of the questions young children ask, and how their questions and insights help orient us to the deeper truths at the heart of the mystery of our faith. We’ll also discuss how we can continue to learn alongside persons of all ages and stages of their faith journeys. Come with your questions, stories, and insights to share!
  • The Five Love Languages of TeenagersFebruary 19: Special Combined Adult Church School Class, with guest The Rev. Dr. Margaret Aymer. Dr. Aymer is the associate professor of New Testament Studies at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Ga., and is an ordained minister in the PC (U.S.A.). She is also the author of First Pure, Then Peaceable: Frederick Douglass, Darkness and the Epistle of James;  Repairers of the Breach: Five Bible Studies on Social Justice Issues in New Orleans in the Wake of Hurricane Katrina;  Confessing the Beatitudes, the 2011 Horizons Bible Study on the Beatitudes, and is working on a new book called Sojourners' Truths: the New Testament as Migrant Writings.
  • February 26: “The Beatitudes: Living a Blessed Life,” with Rev. Heather Schoenewolf. Continuing the conversation from our time with Dr. Aymer, we will explore how we can put the Beatitudes into action in our daily lives. The poetic language of the words that open Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew’s Gospel may seem as distant as they are familiar. What do the Beatitudes have to do with us? How do they inform our lives and ministry together? We will explore the Beatitudes by delving into the teachings of some ancient and contemporary theologians who have explored these questions as well.

Journey with Scripture, second floor library
For an online bible reference, click to the oremus Bible Browser

Come and read scripture together. We read the Revised Common Lectionary selections while providing time for reflection and response. We read together for many reasons: for the sake of God and the Reign of God; to recognize how we are loved, questioned, commanded, and transformed by God; to journey towards a community of vision, imagination, justice and steadfast love. Facilitated by Jan Irvin. Meets in the second floor library unless otherwise noted.

  • February 5: Feb. 5: Isa. 40:21–31; Ps. 147:1–11, 20; I Cor. 9:16–23; Mark 1:29–39.
  • February 12: 2 Kings 5:1-14; Ps. 30; I Cor. 9:24–27; Mark 1:40–45.

Parenting Circle, Harambe room (first floor)

The Five Love Languages of TeenagersThe Parenting Circle begins its study of “The Five Love Languages” books by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell: The Five Love Languages of Teenagers and The Five Love Languages of Children. We will continue to learn the specific love language of each of our children/teenagers (quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service and touch) and utilize that knowledge to provide them with the love and guidance they desperately need.

We will study the two books in parallel to increase the applicability of all ages of children and teens. Copies of each book will continue to be available before each session for a nominal cost. The Five Love Languages of ChildrenWe strive to fit the discussion into the context of our Christian faith, and try to incorporate scriptures and Presbyterian based literature into the discussion.by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell, incorporating a Christian perspective and insights from scripture.

We hope you will join us in what is sure to be an interesting and spirited discussion each week. If you have any questions or comments . Facilitated by Pam Walaski, Andrea DeVries and Sandy Edgecombe. Meets in the Harambe Room on the first floor unless otherwise noted. Newcomers are always welcome, even if you have not read the text!

Seekers, room 234

Seekers wish to grow in religious understanding, insight, faith, and practice. ELPC's Seekers classes create a space for spiritual, intellectual, and experiential exploration. Participants have been interested in theological breadth, interfaith understanding, psychological and religious development, and progressive Christian activism. Together we seek a broad, inclusive dialogue, experience, and theology. All viewpoints are welcome and encouraged at our classes. Facilitated by Gwen Puza. Meets in room 234 unless otherwise noted.

  • February 5, “Growing Extremism Among Israel's Ultra-Orthodox Jews and Its Impact on Society,” with Rachel Tabachnik. Previous presentations by Rachel Tabachnick have focused on extremist movements inside Christianity, including the growth of “Dominionism” in the U.S. In this session she will focus on growing religious extremism in Israel, as seen in recently publicized accounts of ultra-Orthodox Jews spitting on young girls in “immodest” dress.
  • February 12, “Troubling Texts,” part one of two, with special guest Rev. Dr. Randall K. Bush, Senior Pastor at ELPC. Reading through the bible can lead to discoveries of passages that are difficult to read, if not troublesome to accept. Is there a way that God’s light can shine through words that appear to be full of darkness and violence? Rev. Bush will discuss the book of Jude, a rarely read, late New Testament epistle that raises the topic of fallen angels and God’s wrathful condemnation. (Read Jude 1:1-25, “The Letter of Jude.”)
  • The Five Love Languages of TeenagersFebruary 19: Special Combined Adult Church School Class, with guest The Rev. Dr. Margaret Aymer. Dr. Aymer is the associate professor of New Testament Studies at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Ga., and is an ordained minister in the PC(USA). She is also the author of First Pure, Then Peaceable: Frederick Douglass, Darkness and the Epistle of James;  Repairers of the Breach: Five Bible Studies on Social Justice Issues in New Orleans in the Wake of Hurricane Katrina;  Confessing the Beatitudes, the 2011 Horizons Bible Study on the Beatitudes, and is working on a new book called Sojourners' Truths: the New Testament as Migrant Writings.
  • The Reverend Dr. Randall K. BushFebruary 26, “Troubling Texts,” part one of two, with special guest Rev. Dr. Randall K. Bush,Senior Pastor at ELPC. Reading through the bible can lead to discoveries of passages that are difficult to read, if not troublesome to accept. Is there a way that God’s light can shine through words that appear to be full of darkness and violence? Rev. Bush will address the topic of holy war with reference to the tension between Israel and the Amalekites that first surfaces in Exodus 17. The Amalekites were one of the tribes of Esau and Eliphaz that lived in the land of Edom. They were nomadic, but on several occasions did battle with the Israelites. They are of note because they are the recipients of Israelite orders to be utterly destroyed by holy war, down to the killing of women and children. (Read Exodus 17 8-16, “Amalek Attacks Israel and Is Defeated” and “1 Samuel 15”)

Soul Food, Pastor’s Conference Room (second floor)

Discover new ways to feed your spirit and live into the fullness that God offers each one of us. Facilitated by Joe Hajdu. Meets in the Pastor’s conference room, second floor.

This year we will be using the book Spiritual Classics, edited by Richard Foster and Emilie Griffin. This book, designed for small groups, focuses on twelve spiritual disciplines and offers stimulating excerpts by spiritual masters that will help us ponder and discuss our own spiritual concerns. Newcomers are welcome, even if you don't have or haven't read the text.
  • January 22, with guest facilitator Rev. Tom Menk: We continue our text Spiritual Classics: George MacDonald: “The Cause of Spiritual Stupidity,” pp. 79-85.
  • January 29, with guest facilitator Doris Dick: We continue our text Spiritual Classics: Lilias Trotter: “The Secret of Leadership,” pp. 86-92.
  • February 5, We continue our text Spiritual Classics: J. B. Phillips: “Three New Testament Serendipities,” pp. 93-98.
  • February 12, We continue our text Spiritual Classics: Phoebe Palmer: “Is There Not a Shorter Way?,” pp. 99-106.
  • February 19, We continue our text Spiritual Classics: Catherine Marshall: “Fasting from Criticalness,” pp. 57-61, or members might attend the Aymer class (see above for details).
  • February 26, We continue our text Spiritual Classics: John Henry Newman: “Fasting, a Source of Trial,” pp. 62-66.

Clase de Escuela Dominical en Español

Nos reunimos cada semana para descubrir lo que la Biblia nos dice. Por favor únete a esta jornada con nosotros. Nos reunimos cada domingo de 9:45-10:45. Todos están bienvenidos, y la clase está en español. Bilingual bibles available. Facilitated by Joaquin Anabe Lopez. Meets in Room 217.

Bible 116 with the Revs Bush and Schoenewolf, Mondays, 12:00 pm

Please join Rev. Bush and Rev. Schoenewolf for a lunchtime Bible Study; every Monday, from noon to 1:00 pm in the Second Floor Parlor. Bring a bag lunch and a Bible and be a part of the conversation as we explore the scriptural text that will be central to the worship service the following week.

We will gather at noon and begin our discussion at 12:15 PM. Please note the time change--this lunchtime Bible 116 will be instead of the Wednesday evening Bible Study. Same format, different time.

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Youth (6th though 12th grade)

  • Junior High Youth: Youth in grades 6-8 are invited to join teachers Maurice Gordon and Carolyn Russ in room 341 for Biblical study based on the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum, which focuses lessons on readings from the Revised Common Lectionary.
  • Senior High Youth: Youth in grades 8-12 are invited to join teachers Nicole Molinaro-Karaczun, Ericka McIlroy and Wil Forrest in room 343 for a topical exploration of our faith using We Believe, the PC(USA)’s denominational curriculum for youth.
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Children (Kindergarten through 5th grade) and young children (infant through pre-K)

  • Young Children’s Ministry: Children from birth through age 3 (who have not started pre-school) gather in the nursery for a simple faith lesson and a time of free play. Our Young Children’s Ministry team, including parents and staff, serve the youngest children at ELPC by creating a loving environment that nurtures each child’s faith through developmentally appropriate activities. Jane Anabe and Candice Zawoiski are our ELPC Childcare Workers. The nursery is open from 8:30-12:30 each Sunday. During Extended Session, 11:30 to 12:00, teachers will include faith-based programming. We are pleased to offer a new curriculum this year, “Wee Believe.”
  • Preschool: Preschool age children (age 3-5) join teachers Jan Pressman, Mary Ruth Johnson and Vanessa Johnson in Room 240 for an interactive exploration of Biblical stories with the help of the Gospel Light curriculum. A light snack is served.
  • Kindergarten and first graders: Join teachers Valire Carr Copeland, Roberta London, and Judy Menk in Room 336 to explore Biblical stories through the use of the Godly Play curriculum. A light snack is served.
  • Second and third graders: Join teachers Carol Hoehn and Joyce Martinelli in room 338 to explore Biblical stories through the use of the Godly Play curriculum. A light snack is served.
  • Fourth and fifth graders: Join teachers Linda Benedict and Kay Shissler in room 335 to explore the Biblical stories based on the Revised Common Lectionary through the use of the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum.

Children’s activities during the 11:00 am service:

  • All children are invited to the Chancel steps for their special time with a member of our Pastoral staff during the 11 am service each week. Children hear a special lesson and have prayer time together.
  • After the children’s time on the steps, those in preschool through first grade are welcome to participate in our Extended Session program, where they are excused from the Sanctuary. The scripture for each week is explored through story and craft activity and a light snack is shared. Classes are led by a group of ELPC parent volunteers and are coordinated by ELPC Educational Ministries Assistant Katie Mohr. Children are asked to bring a green “ticket” (available at the 11:00 service) with them each week to Extended Session so that our volunteers are aware of their names, parent/caregiver, and any special needs. New families are asked to accompany their children to Extended Session for the first time and complete a registration form.
  • Children who are younger than preschool age are invited to go to the Nursery following the Children’s message. The nursery is available from 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Parents or caregivers are asked to accompany their child to the nursery in person and drop the child off before returning to worship.
  • Kids’ Corner: Children in second grade or older (or younger children who choose to stay in worship for the entire service) are invited to visit our “Kid’s Corner” near the East Transept doors. There are activity sheets that will engage older children in the service, as well as Youth Bulletins and Bibles for readers of all ages.
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Young adults (20’s & 30’s)

Young adults in their 20’s & 30’s are an important and dynamic part of our church life. Whether you are single or married, living alone or in a group, working, job hunting, in college, or a little bit of everything, we welcome you! This can be a time of great change in your life, and so we offer a range of small and large group activities especially for those in this exciting (and sometimes scary!) time in your lives.

Young adults may choose from any of the adults Sunday School classes. For information on young adult-specific offerings, please click to the young adults page. If you’re a young adult and not sure where to start, , Coordinator of the Young Adults Ministry, for more information or view the Young Adults’ Facebook page.

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