Names making news:

 

The Rev. Canon Dr. Catherine M. Brall is now Canon Missioner for the diocese.  Bishop McConnell named her to this post to provide parishes with a resource to help them identify their potential for growth, answer real needs in their communities, and train leaders who will carry forward a new sense of mission.  Since starting this work in early September, she has already begun assisting several congregations with these goals and can be reached at cbrall@episcopalpgh.org.

 

With this appointment, Canon Brall concludes her service as Provost at Trinity Cathedral, where the Rev. Timothy V. Hushion assumes the duties of Priest-in-Charge.

 

The Rev. Eric McIntosh becomes Deacon-in-Charge at St. James, Penn Hills.  He was recently named a 2013 Fellow by the Episcopal Church Foundation, an honor which recognizes and supports emerging leaders in the church. 

 

The Rev. Frank Yesko takes over as Deacon-in-Charge at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Brackenridge, where the Rev. Kamila Blessing is retiring.  He has been working alongside her in successfully revitalizing the parish.

 

Dr. Diane Duntley of Christ Church, Indiana, is now diocesan coordinator for Episcopal Relief & Development.  She replaces Judy Rosensteel, of All Souls, North Versailles, who has chosen to step down. 

 

Vanessa Sterling now coordinates the diocesan Education for Ministry (EfM) theology studies, replacing Ruth Fowler, who has chosen to step down.  Both attend Calvary Church.

 

Dr. Joan Gundersen and the Rev. Howard Gillette have been appointed as disaster planning coordinators for the diocese.  More information will be forthcoming about how they will be working with parishes to create disaster preparedness plans.

 

Prayers and appreciation are offered for all as they take on new ventures or conclude their generous service.

 

The Sam Shoemaker Community Steering Committee is a group of people in the diocese interested in sharing the insights of Dr. Shoemaker.

 

When: Saturdays, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., in the Parish Hall.at Calvary Episcopal Church, 315 Shady Avenue in East Liberty

 

What: Our initial sessions will be introductions and a small group discussion on: a topic suggested by a member of the group, or one of the six spiritual steps taught by Dr. Shoemaker, or a reading from one of the texts we may use for the group (i.e., Courage to Change, selections from Dr. Shoemaker or Breathing Underwater by Fr. Richard Rohr), among other resources. We will begin and end with prayer.

 

Why: Have you ever felt your life was unmanageable? Do you want to re-direct your life toward God's will for you instead of practicing self-will? You are not alone!

 

How: Through group interaction and fellowship based on the spiritual principles of the Reverend Dr. Sam Shoemaker, former Rector of Calvary Church and inspiration to Bill Wilson, founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, millions have solved some of life's toughest problems together. We can, too!

In order to achieve greater spiritual wholeness, our journey may use the founding principles of twelve step programs as a bridge that all can cross and benefit from, those in 12 step programs and those who do not have a church, as well as those in a church looking to take the next step in building a spiritual foundation in their lives.

 

Who: You. Bring a friend. Ask a newcomer. Invite someone who doesn't have a church community but may be curious about our group. Everyone is welcome whether or not you have a religious affiliation.

 

Join us! For more information, contact: The Rev. David Else, 412.653.4585; John Horchner, johnhorchner@gmail.com; or Sondra Krimmel, krimmss@yahoo.com.

 

 

The Finance Committee of the Women of the Diocese of Pittsburgh recommends the following disbursements of income from the Bailey, Fleming, Hartley, Kendig and Phillips Funds totaling $10,171.76 for the fall of 2013.

 

DIOCESE: $1,395.00

Bishop Discretionary Fund $1,000.00

Sheldon Calvary Camp Scholarship Fund $395.00

 

HOME MISSIONS: $6,088.00

Coal Country Hangout Flood Damage $1,000.00

St. Margaret Foundation (New Hymnals and Altar Candles) $500.00

Hearth (Transitional Housing for Homeless Women with Children) $1,000.00

Off the Floor Pittsburgh  $ 588.00

Alle-Kiske Area HOPE Center $1,000.00

St. Stephen's Outreach (Kitchen Facilities) $1,000.00

Neighborhood Youth Outreach (Wilkinsburg) $1,000.00

 

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL: $588.76

Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) $588.76

 

PROPOSED DIOCESAN ECW BUDGET: $2,100.00

UTO Ingathering $600.00

2015 Triennial Fund $1,500.00

 

SUBMITTED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE:

Betty Duckstein, President, St. Paul's, Mt. Lebanon

Debbie Wiles, Treasurer, St. Paul's, Mt. Lebanon

Josie Harmon, St. Paul's, Mt. Lebanon

Dee McGough, Calvary, East Liberty

Jan Stevenson, Christ Church, North Hills

Phyllis Savatt, Outreach, St. Paul's, Mt. Lebanon

Mary Sweeney, Chair, Finance Committee, St. Paul's, Mt. Lebanon

One in a series of occasional reports about international ecumenical endeavors by members of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

 

This summer, the Rev. Dr. Michelle Boomgaard enjoyed a unique opportunity to learn about the Old Catholic Church of Utrecht, based in the Netherlands.  Michelle, the assistant rector of St. Paul's, Mt. Lebanon, worshipped at St. Gertrude's Cathedral in Utrecht and participated in a week-long seminar on the theology and history of the Old Catholic Church.  Thirty students, clergy and lay, from as far away as Australia, the Philippines and Russia, participated.

 

Michelle and Bishop Joris Vercammen

The Old Catholic Church of the Union of Utrecht consists of several dozen parishes spread across Europe, with a handful in the United States as well.  The denomination has been in full communion with the Episcopal Church and other provinces of the Anglican Communion since the 1930s.  This means the two denominations recognize each other's orders and sacraments, allowing Episcopal priests to celebrate the Eucharist in Old Catholic parishes and vice versa.  Like Episcopalians, Old Catholics have bishops in apostolic succession and great respect for sacramental liturgy.  They celebrate communion every Sunday, and their hymnal contains several different sung masses which are used on a regular basis.

 

Michelle and Pastoor Leen Wijkers

At the conclusion of the course, Michelle was invited to assist in the celebration of the Sunday Eucharist at a nearby church.  Michelle, who speaks fluent Dutch, read the Gospel and assisted at the altar.   As the service ended, she offered a bilingual blessing, first in English, then in hastily translated Dutch. 

 

"It was a nice way to conclude the week," Michelle said, "First learning more about our ecumenical partners and then putting that full communion into practice."  Perhaps fittingly, her host rector at St. Vitus Parish in Hilversum had just written in the parish newsletter about "connection," never expecting the parish would soon receive a visitor that would embody that very concept.

Third quarter 2013 endowments will be distributed to parishes by September 30th. 

 

Confused about the Affordable Care Act?  Read the  "New Health Insurance Marketplace Coverage Options: Frequently Asked Questions for Episcopal Church Employees," a PDF available courtesy of the Episcopal Church Medical Trust. 

On Sunday, September 15, 2013, Bishop Dorsey McConnell joined members of the diocesan Social Justice and Outreach Committee, Habitat for Humanity staff, volunteers, and the new homeowners at a dedication of the nearly completed project. Many more photos of the event are available on the diocesan Facebook page.