January 28, 2016
In This Issue
Peregrinos on the Journey:  Jeffrey Kemmerer Blogs the Pilgrimage
Jeff Kemmerer wants you to know that he's no Biblical scholar, and when it comes to the scriptures, he probably has many more questions than answers.

"Actually, I am more comfortable discussing chemistry or nuclear physics than I am the Scriptures," he says when asked about his pilgrimage blog, which will run January 25 until February 9. "My biggest contribution is probably my perspective of the world. I have friends throughout the world, so world news is very personal to me."

When contacted one day recently, he already had spoken or emailed with folks in the Netherlands, France, Poland, Sweden, Chile, Brazil, Mexico, India, Serbia and Australia. And the day wasn't nearly over.

Kemmerer is a chemical engineer by training (Lehigh University) and is currently Global Product Manager at PANalytical B.V., a Dutch company. He is a cradle Episcopalian and was baptized at the church he still attends, Grace Episcopal Church, Allentown, more than 60 years ago. He sang in the choir there for 20-plus years, served as an acolyte, and has served several terms on the vestry. He and his wife, Penny, have two children and three grandchildren.

Kemmerer, whose company makes and supplies analytical instruments to a world-wide market, is responsible for an instrument that is used in the cement, lime, copper, iron, nickel and coal industries. Technically, his office is in the Netherlands, near the German border, and the company's factory is in Paris. The upshot: he travels. A lot.

Regional Leadership Training Days:  March 5 and April 9
This spring, clergy and lay leaders in the Diocese of Bethlehem have two opportunities to participate in workshops designed for church leaders. Register now for workshops on Saturday, March 5 at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity and on Saturday, April 9 at St. Gabriel's, Douglassville, including:

Benedictine Spirituality for Leadership, led by Laura Howell
Leadership for Wardens & Vestry, led by Rick Cluett
Best Practices for Parish Finance, led by Charlie Barebo
Making Your Church a Community, led by the Diocesan Stewardship Committee

On March 5, training and certification for lay Eucharistic visitors will be offered, and on April 9, training and certification for lay worship leaders will be offered.

On Pilgrimage for Lent:  New Resources Online
A team of clergy and lay leaders led by the Rev. Scott Allen has produced a series of Lenten pilgrimage resources with ready-to-use materials and ideas for leaders and pilgrims throughout the diocese. 

"With these resources -- designed especially for the season of Lent -- we can travel on this spiritual journey together, while adapting to local context and needs," wrote the Rev. Twila Smith, a member of the team. "This guide is for leaders, shepherds, and all participants who want to know more about our shared travels."

The resources, now available on the website, include:

Lenten Pilgrimage Resources - guide includes background and context for our diocesan pilgrimage, an overview of materials, suggestions for adapting to local use, and more.

* Participant Guides - handouts for five weekly sessions, designed for small groups and adaptable to forums and Sunday school, bible study groups, and more:
 
 
Resources for Children and Youth - ideas for adapting materials for children and youth, with suggestions for activities and conversation

"Called To Be A Pilgrim" - a resource for prayer, worship, and commissioning

"I Am A Pilgrim" - prayer for pilgrimage and the diocesan Collect for Pilgrimage

Stay Connected to the Pilgrimage
During 2016, the pilgrimage page on the website will be updated regularly--you can find it under "Congregational Resources" on the menu--and our newsletters will feature pilgrimage information and news each month. Anyone can sign up to receive our monthly email newsletter and/or our monthly Leadership News, and back issues are available on the website. Please share these links with members of your congregation, encourage them to visit the website and sign up for the newsletter list, and share pilgrimage news and articles in your congregation's newsletter and bulletin.

The Bethlehem Episcopalians Facebook group will also be home to ongoing pilgrimage discussion. Find the group on Facebook and request membership to join the conversation.

To learn more about upcoming plans for the pilgrimage and the work of congregational shepherds, read this letter from pilgrimage leaders the Very Rev. Tony Pompa and the Rev. Charles Cesaretti.

News of the Diocese
Canon Anne Kitch signs books for the Rev. Reed Loy of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, at the FORMA conference in Philadelphia today.


The Rev. Andrew Gerns, Helen Forshaw, and Archdeacon Rick Cluett at Trinity Episcopal Church Easton on January 10.

The Rev. Rebecca Barnes in the Scranton Times-Tribune, Wilkes-Barre Times Leader
"Throughout her life, the Rev. Rebecca A. Barnes heard a calling to God. Until her 30s, she answered with a song. Today, she answers with a sermon."
In Memoriam:  The Rev. Dr. John M. Brndjar
We are sad to report that the Rev. Dr. John M. Brndjar died on Saturday, January 23. He served in many capacities in the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the ELCA until his retirement in 2000. Since then, he has served many churches in the Diocese of Bethlehem, including St. Peter's in Hazleton and St. Barnabas' in Kutztown. Please keep his wife Betty and family in your prayers. May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory. Read his obituary.
The Diocese of Bethlehem newSpin Blog
newSpin is Bill Lewellis' eclectic sampling of religion news from around the Episcopal Church and beyond. Read the January 21 issue and browse past issues. To be added to the new newSpin email distribution list, please email [email protected].
Upcoming Diocesan Events
Save the Dates
Christophany Youth Retreat Weekend:  April 22-24, Bear Creek Camp
Episcopal Church Women Annual Meeting:  May 11, Kirby House
Youth Mission Trip:  June 26-July 2, Grace Mountain, VA

 Visit the website calendar for a full list of upcoming events in the Diocese of Bethlehem.
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