Volunteers with Open Hand Ministries work on rehabilitating an abandoned house
  WorshipProgramsAbout ELPCHope AcademyNewsELPC Mission ActivitiesCalendar
 
 

Mission Ministries

“Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundation of many generations; you shall be called the repairers of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in” (Isaiah 58:12) is the guiding scripture and principle of the Mission Ministry of East Liberty Presbyterian Church. The Mission Board’s commitment to local, national and international ministry is manifest through the work of four Committees: Peace, Poverty, Justice and Neighbors. The committees are involved in feeding, mentoring, serving, advocating and housing through active participation, education and information sharing, engagement with partners, creating connections, strengthening families and a commitment to a diverse community. View our upcoming activities to get involved.

See information below describing the four committees of the Mission Board and their focus areas. For questions, please see the Mission contact information listed below.

Justice

The mission of the Justice Committee is to promote and advocate for justice in our local community, our church, the PCUSA, and the rest of the world. Chair is Carol Chonoska. View the Mission Activities page to see upcoming events.

  • Domestic Violence
  • National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT)
  • Full Inclusion (including Covenant Network, More Light)
  • Women and Children Advocacy
  • Human Trafficking
  • Environment Advocacy

Neighbors

The Neighbors Committee of the ELPC Mission Board strives to engage the congregation in service to our local community in a manner that responds to God’s command to “love our neighbor as ourselves.” We endeavor to connect the congregation with the local community in a way that uplifts, informs, and ultimately transforms. Chair is Emily Rosenthal. View the Mission Activities page to see upcoming events. The Neighbors Committee invites all members of the congregation to share in our work and the joy it brings!

Our three main areas of focus are:

  • Housing ministry, which partners with Open Hand Ministries (OHM) and Garfield Community Farm in East Liberty and Garfield;
  • East End Cooperative Ministries (EECM) and the Council of Congregations;
  • Community development group involvement, such as East Liberty Development Inc. (ELDI), East Liberty Gardens Apartments, and East Liberty Neighborhood Investment District (EL NID).

Peace

The Peace Committee is connected to our local, international, and interfaith relationships/ partnerships through education, involvement, advocacy and prayer, in response to the Gospel. Chair is Peta Harrigan Cole. View the Mission Activities page to see upcoming events.

  • International Partnerships/Relationships
  • Interfaith Relationships
  • Local and National Peace Issues

Poverty

The Poverty Committee provides support and advocacy for people who are striving to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty at the local, national and international levels by partnering with organizations that share our goals and values. Chair is Tom Kerr. View the Mission Activities page to see upcoming events.

  • At-risk children and youth
  • Food Ministries
  • Employment
  • Shelter Grants

The Director of Mission Ministries oversees the day-to-day operations; the Mission Board and four committees are dedicated members of the congregation who volunteer their time and energy. Please prayerfully consider becoming involved in or financially supporting these ministries.

For more information about ELPC’s mission ministries, contact The Rev. Patrice L. Fowler-Searcy, Director of Mission Ministries, or phone, (412) 441-3800 x30; or Kate Carlson, Administrative Assistant for Business Office, by or phone, (412) 441-3800 x16.

Mission Partners