January 13, 2014

Dear Friends in Christ:

I write to remind you that on Saturday, February 1st at Trinity Cathedral, the diocese will observe our annual celebration of the life of Absalom Jones, the first African-American ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church. This year's theme is "Celebrating Diversity in New Ways: Inside the Church and Out."

We are very pleased to welcome the Rev. Dr. Canon Sandye A. Wilson as our guest preacher for the day. Canon Wilson is currently rector of St. Andrew and Holy Communion Church in South Orange, New Jersey, and is truly a remarkable woman. She was the first black woman to serve as rector in the worldwide Anglican Communion, and the first woman priest elected to the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church, where she served for 18 years. She was also the first woman priest to address the opening session of the General Convention and the first woman priest to serve as National President of the Union of Black Episcopalians.

Our Absalom Jones Day events will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a Missa Luba African Mass featuring our guest preacher. A number of workshops will be held after lunch, including one on creating liturgy with Canon Wilson. Other groups will center on a panel discussion with representatives from the Union of Black Episcopalians and a viewing of a diversity video with group conversation. A workshop for acolyte training will also be offered, focusing on primary duties and general knowledge. The day's activities will conclude by 3:00 p.m.

I am very much looking forward to this very special day, and I strongly encourage you to join me in this celebration.

Faithfully your bishop,

(The Rt. Rev.) Dorsey W. M. McConnell, D.D. The Bishop of Pittsburgh

Absalom Jones Day Celebration 2014

A Celebration of the Life and Ministry of the First African American to be Ordained in the Episcopal Church

"Celebrating Diversity in New Ways:

Inside the Church and Out"

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Trinity Cathedral
328 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Celebration Day Events:

Missa Luba African Mass w/Holy Eucharist - Bishop McConnell, Celebrant, the Rev. Dr. Canon Sandye A. Wilson, Preacher
Luncheon - $8.00 per person or $15 per family
Performance by youth of The Neighborhood Youth Outreach Program
Five Focus Groups:
1. Creating Liturgy with The Rev. Dr. Canon Sandye A. Wilson
2. Panel Discussion with Representatives from the Union of Black Episcopalians
3. Diversity video with panel discussion
4. Focus on Youth for Youth
5. Exploring Being an Acolyte

If possible, please register online below and then pay at the door.

Questions? Call Nancy Travis Bolden at 412-683-8888 or nltbolden@yahoo.com

Registration Deadline: January 27, 2014.

Click here for online registration

Click here for printable bulletin inserts (PDF)

Click here for a printable flier (PDF)

Click here for a pastoral note from Bishop McConnell about Absalom Jones Day 2014

Guest Preacher for Absalom Jones Day:

The Rev. Dr. Canon Sandye A. Wilson

First black woman to serve as rector in the world wide Anglican Communion (Currently: Rector of St. Andrew and Holy Communion Church, South Orange, NJ)
First woman priest elected to the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church (served 18 yrs)
First woman priest to address the opening session of the General Convention
First woman priest to serve as National President of the Union of Black Episcopalians
Member of the Episcopal Church's National Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music
Only priest to serve as a deputy to General Convention from five different dioceses.
2013 Recipient - Rev. Dr. Pauline Murray Distinguished Humanitarian Service Award

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.