May 19, 2016
In This Issue
Claiming the Spirit:  Updates from the Pilgrimage
Participants at the Northern Region pilgrimage gathering at St. Peter's, Tunkhannock on April 24
When Bishop Sean Rowe asked Dean Tony Pompa and the Rev. Canon Charles Cesaretti to lead the diocese on a pilgrimage into its future, none of them knew how the diocese would respond. The answer, as it turned out, was: well.

Almost 170 people representing 46 of the diocese's 59 congregations attended one of four regional meetings held around the diocese between April 24 and May 7. The meetings, designed by Pompa, Cesaretti and a group of volunteer leaders, were aimed at helping to shape a set of common values.

"I am surprised at the number who really participated, especially here in the northern part of the diocese," said Cesaretti, who lives in New Milford. "I think that was an amazing evening when all of a sudden almost 40 people showed up at St. Peter's in Tunkhannock from the widespread areas of the north here. The other surprise is the lay leadership. The lay voices have been well heard here, very much so."


Pilgrimage Guest Blogger: Rebecca Beal
Rebecca Beal from St. Luke's, Scranton has begun our season after Pentecost on the Pilgrimage Blog. "When Canon Anne Kitch called to ask if I would write a pilgrimage blog, I was sitting on a table in a physical therapy facility," says Beal in her first post. "Did she really want someone who could walk only with difficulty writing about pilgrimage? She did, and here I am, some months later, with a faulty knee working much better because I've strengthened its supporting muscles." Read more on the Pilgrimage Blog
Education for Ministry (EfM) Welcoming New Colleagues
by Cathy Bailey

All aspects of our lives require choices that can seem bewildering, and spirituality is no exception. As Christians, we need practical tools for reaching others with the Good News, growing in our faith, and becoming more effective in our lives.

Education for Ministry (EfM) is one such tool, or actually, a whole toolkit. A four-year program developed and overseen by the School of Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, EfM provides study materials and trained leadership to help us "grow up in every way into Christ." No background is necessary, and the course is open to all adults.

Next September, EfM groups will meet on Wednesday mornings at Cathedral Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem and Wednesday evenings at St. Stephen's, Whitehall. New groups are forming in Easton, Lebanon, Reading, Stroudsburg, and Tunkhannock, and groups in other areas may form if there is enough interest. To find out more about EfM or express an interest in joining a group, please talk with Cathy Bailey at 610-442-1189 or via email.

St. Mary's, Reading Offers Recording of Liturgy
St. Mary's in Reading received a 2016 Congregational Renewal Grant to assist the parish ministry in providing CD recordings of the Sunday liturgy to people who cannot read the printed page or attend Sunday church services. Each week for the Sundays after Pentecost, St. Mary's will send a pre-recording of the Holy Eucharist, Rite Two with lectionary lessons. Parish leaders may identify and provide St. Mary's with the names and addresses of parishioners who would like to receive the free recording each week. Please send written requests to St. Mary's Episcopal Church, attention Fr. Bruce, P.O. Box 13685, Reading, PA 19612-3685.
High School Mission Trip
June 26 - July 2, 2016

This summer, youth from the Diocese of Bethlehem who have completed grades 6-12 will travel together to Grace House on the Mountain, a ministry of the Diocese of Southwest Virginia that serves people who live in the coalfields of Appalachia. Youth will meet new people, assist in repairing homes, gain valuable skills and help people in need. 
 
Learn more and register.
Annual "Tossed and Found" Yard Sale 
Taking place at Church of the Mediator in Allentown Friday, June 17 and Saturday June 18, 8:00 am - 2:00 pm., and Sunday, June 19, 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (during the annual Art in the Park event in West Park), the yard sale features a huge array of low-priced items. Rain or shine. 
Pilgrimage Resources for Congregations
The Diocese of Bethlehem's pilgrimage began on January 6. In his video pilgrimage message, Bishop Sean says, "The Diocese of Bethlehem has been bold in conceiving its future ... This planning process is deeply rooted in both what is personal to us, and what is good for our entire diocese and our entire region."


Staying Connected to the Pilgrimage
The pilgrimage page on the website is 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.
Summer Learning Opportunities
Pittsburgh Theological Center Being Church Conference: Taking place June 5-11 at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

e-Formation Conference: Taking place June 6-8 at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia

Christian Formation Conference: Taking place June 13-17 at Kanuga Conference Center

SUMMA Camp: Student Theological Debate Society's summer camp will take place July 18-26 at University of the South, Sewanee, TN

Network of Biblical Storytellers Int'l (NBS) Festival Gathering: Taking place August 3-6 at the National 4-H Center near Washington, DC
News of the Diocese
In April and May, pilgrimage leaders met in regional gatherings for conversations that will help shape a set of common values for the Diocese of Bethlehem. 
Pilgrimage Meeting at St. Luke's, Lebanon
Pilgrimage Meeting at Prince of Peace, Dallas
Regional confirmations took place at St. Stephen's, Whitehall on May 1. See more photos on Facebook
Congratulations to Dale Grandfield, on his graduation from the School of Theology at the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee
In Memoriam

Neil Criste-Troutman, choral conductor for Twins River Choral Society and a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Mount Pocono, died on Tuesday, May 10. A Mass of Christian burial took place on Saturday, May 14 at 10:30 am at Trinity, Mount Pocano. Read more.

Nicole Sutton, the daughter of Deacon Chris and Dave Sutton, died suddenly of a heart attack on Friday, May 13 at the age of 41. A memorial service took place on Wednesday, May 18 at Prince of Peace, Dallas where her mother serves as deacon. Read more.

The Rev. Sara Dover, known to all as Sally, died on Friday, May 13. She has been retired for 10 years living in Florida. She was a beloved, long-time member of St. Anne's, Trexlertown and last served there as an honorary associate. A memorial service was held at Holy Trinity, Fruitland Park, FL on Monday, May 16. Read more.

May light perpetual shine upon them. 
The Diocese of Bethlehem newSpin Blog
newSpin is Bill Lewellis' eclectic sampling of religion news from around the Episcopal Church and beyond. Read the May 12 issue.
Upcoming Diocesan Events
Save the Dates

Ordination of Dale Grandfield to the Transitional Diaconate Saturday, June 4, 11 am, Trinity Church, Easton
Clergy Day Tuesday, June 7, 9:30 am-3 pm, Cathedral Church of the Nativity
Youth Mission Trip June 26-July 2, Grace Mountain, VA--Registration now open
Creating a Culture of Peace: Non-Violence Training May 20-22, Christ Church Stroudsburg 

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