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"Fresh Anointing" is a group of worship leaders and musicians throughout the Pittsburgh area who answered the call to minister through music. Although we worship in different church homes, our purpose is to magnify God and spread His word through the gift of song to reclaim surrendered ground.
Members: Denise Walker, James Wimberly, Sandra Barlow, Gwen Talkish, Gail Ross, Mike "Stur" Sturdivant, Dennis Mason, Derek Mason.
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 Messiah Sing-along in Franklin Park Sunday, December 15, 2 p.m.
St. Brendan's Episcopal Church, at the corner of Rochester & McAleer Roads in Franklin Park, is presenting its 6th annual Messiah Sing-along conducted by Woody Brown.
The event is free and everyone is invited to join in the fun of singing this great piece or just come and listen! People are encouraged to bring their own music, but scores will be available for purchase at the door. For more information, visit www.stbrendans.org or call 412-364-5974. |
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On December 5, 2013, the Eve of St. Nicholas Day, the service of Choral Evensong included the ancient ceremony of the inauguration and investiture of a Child Bishop. At the opening of the service our bishop, the Right Rev. Dorsey W.M. McConnell, offered the prayer of institution and presented his Pastoral Staff to the Head Chorister of St. Andrew's Church, Maighread Southard Wray. Following the lesson from First Samuel and at the Magnificat, with the words, "He hast put down the mighty from their seat* and exalted the humble and meek," Child Bishop Maighread was escorted to Bishop McConnell, blessed the congregation and community, and was seated in the Sedelia. Bishop McConnell then removed his cope and miter and took a seat in the choir.
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Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols for Christmas
St. Andrew's Parish Choir, Choristers, and Schola Cantorum all join together for this traditional service. Beginning with a chorister singing the first stanza of "Once in Royal David's City." The service includes readings by members from civic and church communities, patterned after the service at King's College, Cambridge.
Unlike King's College, there will not be an outdoor queue lasting five hours, but early arrival is recommended for parking and seating considerations.
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(Psalms 98:4)
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Christmas Hymn Sing in Brackenridge
St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Brackenridge, will hold a Christmas Hymn Sing on Sunday, December. 15 at 3 p.m.
Please join us to sing in the season with beautiful music and fellowship. A Christian group, Divine Ridge, among other local talents will entertain us.
Desserts will follow in the social hall. All are welcome to this free event. St. Barnabas is located at 989 Morgan Street, Brackenridge, PA. Call 724-224-9280 if more information is needed.
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 Youth Service Opportunity The youth of the diocese will again be returning to Shepherd's Heart Fellowship in downtown Pittsburgh to serve a hot meal to individuals in need. It is always a worthwhile and moving experience. When: Sunday, December 15th, 2013; 4:30-7:30 p.m. (you will be home in time for the Steelers game!) Where: Shepherd's Heart, 13 Pride Street. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 What: Serving a hot and delicious Christmas meal to folks who may not otherwise get one without this great ministry to our city As always, individuals or groups looking to attend are invited to bring one portion of the meal (prepare to serve 150-200 people). This year's meal will be holiday themed and will include meat, veggies, fruit, potato, bread, and dessert. Shepherd's Heart also has a drop in center as well as housing for homeless veterans. They are happy to accept donations of toiletries and clothing. If you or your group are able to attend and plan to bring a portion of the meal please let us know. We are looking forward to another great event! If you can help please contact either Brent Hansen at 412-491-9738 or Victoria O'Brien at 412-295-5616 |
December 2013 Newsletter from Children's Ministry Team Available
Featured in this month's issue are many free resources for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany.
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 Friday, February 21 from 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, February 22 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, February 23 from 12:30 p.m.-6 p.m. Christ Church, North Hills 5910 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237
The Rev. Cheryl V. Minor, Ph.D.
Godly Play Foundation Trainer
Early Registration $295, Standard Registration $360. (Early registration are those received four or more weeks before the training date.) To know what Godly Play looks like, visit one of our Godly Play classrooms in the Diocese of Pittsburgh - at St. Michael's of the Valley, St. Andrew's (Highland Park), St. Stephen's, (Wilkinsburg), St. Brendan's (Franklin Park), and Christ Church North Hills.
Six parishes in our Diocese have already signed up. We need to have a minimum of 10 people sign up. Registration links and more information about the training can be found here. |
 Winter Outreach Opportunities
The Social Justice and Outreach Committee of the diocese suggests that parishes consider volunteering to prepare and deliver hot meals to the Severe Weather Emergency Shelter (SWES) operated by Operation Safety Net. During the winter months, the SWES in downtown Pittsburgh opens for the homeless on nights when the temperature falls below 25 degrees or during storm conditions. Volunteer groups are on call for specified dates, and if SWES is open, they are asked to provide and deliver a hot meal of meat, starch, and vegetables for 100 people. Typically, groups are informed at least 48 hours in advance if the SWES is to be open. Additional details and dates can be obtained from Stephanie Chiappini (primary contact) at schiappini@pmhs.org or 412-246-2986.
Great youth activity: In addition, SWES needs breakfast bags to pass out as the guests exit the shelter in the mornings. These bags should contain a serving of real fruit juice, 1-2 energy or cereal bars, dried fruit such as raisins, and possibly a small bottle of water, hand wipe packet, candy, or packaged crackers or cookies. Putting these bags together is a great youth activity. The bags can be delivered with the meal, or can be dropped off at the South Side office of Operation Safety Net at 249 South Ninth Street, 3rd Floor, Trail Lane Apartments. Call 412-246-2980 for more information. The requested number of bags is 100. |
Bishop McConnell Visitation Schedule:
December 15: St. Bartholomew, Scottdale
December 22: Nativity, Crafton
January 12: All Souls, North Versailles
January 26: All Saints, Brighton Heights
Clergy Hold the Date: Ecumenical Ministerial Eucharist hosted by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA. Thursday, January 23, 2014 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4503 Old William Penn Highway, Monroeville, PA 15146. Liturgy at 11 a.m., lunch at 12 p.m. Additional details will be sent to diocesan clergy soon.
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Parting Shot
From Bishop McConnell on December 8: "Coffee hour at Advent in Jeanette. I didn't want to leave!"
-- Photo courtesy John Hose
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All submissions to the Grace Happens newsletter and diocesan web site are welcome and should be sent to info@episcopalpgh.org. Please be sure to include your contact information with any submission.
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