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 All are invited to join Bishop McConnell at Trinity Cathedral this Wednesday, December 19, for a special noontime service to remember the children and families of Newtown, Connecticut. The bishop will preside at a Eucharist of the Resurrection and preach on the search for mercy and hope in the aftermath of the murders. "Those are the two things everyone seeks at all times in life," said Bishop McConnell, "but this crime, and those victims, at this time of year, makes our search for meaning all the more challenging, and the need to feel the saving love of God all the more important." The service begins at 12:05 p.m. Trinity Cathedral is located at 328 Sixth Avenue, between Smithfield and Wood Streets. |
 2013 Frank E. Bolden Literary Contest
Each year the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh celebrates the life and work of Absalom Jones (1746-1818), the first African-American priest ordained in the Episcopal Church. In conjunction with this event, the diocesan Commission on Racism sponsors a literary contest named for the late Frank E. Bolden, a noted Pittsburgh-based African-American journalist. The contest is open to all middle and senior high school students in Southwestern Pennyslvania. A cash prize of $100 will be awarded to the author of the winning entry at the Absalom Jones Day Celebration to be held at Trinity Cathedral on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013.
The contest is on the subject of racism with a specific theme. This year's theme is:
"Reconciliation and Healing Through Knowledge"
Students are invited to submit a literary work that describes or gives an example(s) of the theme, either from the past, present or future. Entries may be essays, poetry, fiction or non-fiction, and will be judged on originality, clarity, and composition. The maximum length is 200 words and should be typed double-spaced.
Entries should include the following information: author's name, age, grade, school, teacher's name. Also include the author's home address, phone number, e-mail address, hobbies and interests, extra-curricular activities, and plans for the future. Entries may be submitted by email to dpowell2010@hotmail.com or by regular mail to Literary Contest, PO Box 419, Oakmont, PA 15139. Entries must be post marked no later than January 23, 2013. If you have any questions about the contest, please call one of the following: Al Mann at 412-661-5947; Nancy Travis Bolden at 412-683-8888; or Darrell Powell at 412-828-0502.  |
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 Preacher for Absalom Jones Day Announced
The Rev. Canon Angela F. Shepherd, canon for mission in the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, is the guest preacher at the Diocese of Pittsburgh's 2013 Absalom Jones Day.
Absalom Jones Day will be celebrated at Trinity Cathedral on Saturday, February 2, 2013, starting at 10:00 a.m. Additional details about the celebration, including agenda and registration information will be available soon.
Angela is a priest, social justice advocate, gospel based strategist, lover of God and God's people. Her position as canon for mission includes: encouraging and supporting congregations in their mission and outreach initiatives, convening the Public Policy team, organizing and co-chairing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that focuses on race relations, staff liaison to the Education task force, preaching in congregations, leading mutual ministry reviews and retreats.
She devotes time to the following boards: Baltimore International Seafarers' Center, Episcopal Service Corps, Camp Amazing Grace, Episcopal Community Services of Maryland, Episcopal Ministries to the Aging, and Episcopal Service Corps.
Ordained 16 years, she served 11 years as rector in a suburban setting and three years as an urban vicar. She has served as Deputy to General Convention: 2003, 2006, and 2009; Standing Committee (one year as president), Commission on Ministry, and Diocesan Chaplain to Daughters of the King.
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 Holiday Showcase Join the
Neighborhood Youth Outreach Program
(NYOP) for their Performing Arts Holiday Showcase
"Peace in myself, Peace in the community, Peace in the world"
Reception immediately following the program |
The Faure String Trio presents "Christmas Memories" on Friday, December 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Old St. Luke's at 330 Old Washington Pike in Scott Township.
The concert features classical and contemporary Christmas Carols.
All are invited to this free event. Call 412-489-3795 for more information.
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 Calvary Camp Skating Party!
Dear Camp Families,We hope that this finds everyone well and ready for this busy time. We know for many of you, it wouldn't be the holiday season without a slice of camp at the end of the month and so we wanted to officially invite you to the first ever Calvary Camp Skating Party!We will be heading to Bladerunner's Ice Complex in Bethel Park (305 Church Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102) from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday December 29. While this is a public skate time, we have been offered entrance to the rink and skate rental at a discount rate of $6.00. Just let them know you're from Calvary Camp and you're all set. This event is open to all current, former, and future Calvary campers and their families. Some of our staff will be there as well and we hope you can join us for what is sure to be a great afternoon.In order to get a rough estimate of attendance, if you and your family plan on being there, please RSVP to Neil Johnston at neil@calvarycamp.org to let us how many people will be skating with us.Happy Holidays!-The Calvary Camp Staff- |
 Around the Diocese
Bishop McConnell's Visitation Schedule
December 23: Church of the Nativity, Crafton
December 24: Calvary, East Liberty, 4:00 p.m. (Christmas Eve)
December 24: Trinity Cathedral, Downtown, 10:00 p.m. (Christmas Eve)
January 6: All Saints, Brighton Heights
Diocesan Office Holiday Schedule
The diocesan office will be closed from Noon on December 20 until January 2, 2013. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the entire diocesan staff.
From the Treasurer
Carl Hockenberry, the diocesan Treasurer & Director of Administration, would like all parishes to know that fourth quarter Pool 1 distributions are being sent shortly and should be received before the end of the year.
 Local Episcopal Priest Authors New Book
For Those Who Are Alone, by the Rev. Dr. Kamila Blessing, is a collection of 52 Bible based meditations addressing many forms of emotional and physical aloneness. For each meditation, Blessing reflects on Old or New Testament biblical figures who are alone, the unique type of aloneness they experience, the fear and pain their aloneness causes, and how their experience ultimately brings them closer to God and their fellow human beings. More here.
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Parting Shots
On Saturday, December 15, Bishop McConnell ordained five new priests to serve in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. They are below, L-R, the Rev. Charles Brent Wagner Hamill, the Rev. Gwendollynn Gettemy Santiago, the Rt. Rev. Dorsey W. M. McConnell, the Rev. Terence Lee Johnston, the Rev. Todd Thomas Schmidtetter, and the Rev. John Robert Schaeffer.
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All submissions to the Grace Happens weekly newsletter are welcome should be sent to asmuhl@episcopalpgh.org. Material should be sent before the close of business on Monday to be considered for inclusion in the current week's newsletter. Please be sure to include your contact information with any submission.
Submissions for publication of items on the diocesan web site and calendar should also be sent electronically to asmuhl@episcopalpgh.org.
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