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 A Prayer for St. Louis
Dear Friends in Christ, The Right Reverend George Wayne Smith, Bishop of the Diocese of Missouri, has asked for our prayers for the City and County of Saint Louis, and especially the town of Ferguson, in the wake of the shooting death of a young African-American, Michael Brown, by an officer of the local police. Mr. Brown was unarmed at the time. Five nights of protests have been met with what many see as an excessive use of force by law enforcement, adding to the tension and frustration of the residents. The region of Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania is no stranger to racial violence; many have seen the cost, and many have personally paid the price, for the history of racial injustice that continues to mark our common life. As we pray for the people and churches of Saint Louis, may we also keep in our prayers the neighborhoods of our own region where violence related to racism and poverty continues to take young lives, shattering families, and deepening despair. Let us also pray for all the men and women who serve in our own police departments, as well as those in Missouri, that God may uphold and guide them in the wise exercise of their authority, correct them in any error, protect them from danger, and make them instruments of His peace. Finally, may the Lord make us all deeply sensible of our own responsibility in addressing the ongoing consequences of racial division in our own cities and communities, and show us what He would have us be about as part of His work of healing in the coming days. Please continue to remember our brother +Wayne and the clergy and people of the Diocese of Missouri as they bear witness to the Prince of Peace in this difficult time. Faithfully, (The Right Reverend) Dorsey W. M. McConnell, D.D.
Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh
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Please come and share in this special ecumenical service to bless our area Educators and those who work with and support them in the Education field.
Worship Leader: The Rt. Rev. Dorsey McConnell
Sponsored by: Trinity Cathedral and the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh in collaboration with Christian Associates of Southwest PA, First Presbyterian Church, First English Evangelical Lutheran Church, Smithfield United Church of Christ, the Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross, and Beth Hamedrash Hagodol-Beth Jacob Congregation.
Trinity Cathedral, 328 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Questions? Contact Steve Fekete at the Cathedral office, 412-232-6404
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Another Great Year...Thanks to You!
The Neighborhood Youth Outreach Program (NYOP) sends a big thank you to all those who contributed financially to enable us to offer a summer arts camp for the first time in three years.
Close to forty youth from Wilkinsburg and Penn Hills participated in the three week camp. Affordable summer activities in these areas are hard to come by. The children had the opportunity to experience Bible lessons, music, art, dance, and drama. In addition we incorporated a physical fitness and healthy eating component. The three weeks culminated in a field trip to Keystone State Park for a cookout, swimming, and games.
The camp got rave reviews. What a blessing your gifts have been!
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Make more summer memories by spending a fun and meaningful weekend along the beautiful shores of Lake Erie at Sheldon Calvary Camp!
Scheduled events include: Camp games, beach hikes, faith building activities, service projects, preparing camp for winter, campfires, camp food, free time, chapel & more!
Who: All Middle and High School Teens Where: Sheldon Calvary Camp, Conneaut, OH
When: Friday afternoon to Sunday Morning, September 12-14, 2014 Cost: $60 (Scholarships may be available)
For more info, or to register contact Brent at 412-491-9738, bhansen@episcopalpgh.org or Victoria at 412-295-5616, vobrien@episcopalpgh.org
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An Afternoon at PNC Park
Come cheer the Pirates with Sheldon Calvary Camp and the Pittsburgh Youth Initiative as the Bucs battle division rival Milwaukee in their final regular season home game.
Who: Everyone, All Ages
When: Sunday, September 21, 1:35 PM
Cost: ONLY $14 per ticket
Make checks payable to The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, Memo: "SCC/ PYI Pirate Game," and mail to 4099 William Penn Highway, Suite 502 Jonnet Building, Monroeville, PA 15146
Be sure to include your name, address, phone number and e-mail! Tickets are limited and are expected to sell out fast!
For more information contact Brent at 412-491-9738, bhansen@episcopalpgh.org or Victoria at 412-295-5616, vobrien@episcopalpgh.org
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 EfM Enrollment Open
The EDUCATION for MINISTRY (EfM) groups in Pittsburgh are recruiting new members for the Wednesday evening seminar, starting in early October, and the Thursday morning seminar, starting in mid-September. Both meet at Calvary Episcopal Church in East Liberty. The Wednesday seminar meets weekly from 6-9 p.m. the Thursday seminar meets 9:30 a.m.- Noon. What is EfM? EDUCATION for MINISTRYEDUCATION for MINISTRY is NOT a college or seminary class. It has: No papers; No tests; No grades; No instructor; No diploma; No credit. EfM IS a Christian Formation program, offered for over 40 years by the School of Theology, University of the South (Sewanee). It is NOT a Bible Study Group. It is NOT a catechumens process. It is NOT a therapy or 12-step group. EfM IS a weekly seminar that uses Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience to reflect theologically on the Christian life. Trained mentors lead seminar groups in local meetings and online as well. EfM IS NOT for discernment of a priestly or diaconal vocation. EfM IS for discernment of ministry as a baptized Christian person, in whatever circumstances one is. EfM IS NOT for "professional," or even particularly devout Christians. EfM IS for sincere seekers after understanding, insight, and appreciation of the experience of God in everyday life. EfM IS NOT a four-year commitment. EfM IS a one-year commitment, which can be renewed for four years. EfM IS NOT expensive. Yet, EfM IS NOT free. Tuition is necessary for curriculum development, training, materials, and administrative costs. The Diocese of Pittsburgh is a member diocese of EfM, offering discounted tuition rates. Scholarships are available for those for whom tuition would be prohibitive. For more information contact Vanessa Sterling, Diocesan EfM Coordinator, at 412-551-2042 or vmsterling@gmail.com |
The monthly newsletter supporting the diocesan Children's Ministry Team is now available. This edition is a special "Back To School" issue.
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The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) established the Memorial Membership Fund to aid students with educational grants. The fund was begun in 1927 to be used for two missionary training scholarships. In the 87 years of its existence, the scope of the fund has widened to include nursing, theology and other humanitarian fields of study.
Funds are raised through gifts from individuals or groups in memory of a loved one or friend. This money is invested and the interest used for the granting purposes.
Full details and application instructions are available at www.episcopalpgh.org/ecw-fall-2014-scholarships/
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The Diocese of Pittsburgh's Episcopal Church Women (ECW) will be making outreach grants in the Fall.
The ECW particularly seeks to support hands-on ministries that help children, adults and families in need of assistance with food, nutrition, health care, housing, education and counseling.
The grants are primarily designed for ministries within the diocese and with the goal of even distribution across all districts. It is hoped that these small grants will enable the continuation of existing ministries on the local level. However, the ECW will continue its policy of also awarding grants to some national and international ministries such as Episcopal Relief & Development.
Click here for the grant application and submission instructions.
Applications for the Fall 2014 grants must be submitted before September 1, 2014.
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Episcopal Appalachian Ministries Mountain Grace Conference
New Seasons In Appalachia "Rooted together through communications..."
September 12-13, 2014, Morehead State University Conference Center, Morehead, Kentucky
Episcopal Appalachian Ministries (EAM) is a coalition of Episcopal Dioceses, including the Diocese of Pittsburgh, that serves the Appalachian region. EAM is a clearinghouse for those seeking ministry opportunities in Appalachia. EAM sponsors mission opportunities and provides small grants to aid individuals, parishes and groups in covering start-up costs for grass-roots ministries. EAM co-sponsors the Mountain Grace Conference on Ministry in Appalachia each year.
Rideshare Opportunity If you are considering attending but are unsure about transportation, the Rev. Ann Staples is planning to attend and would welcome the opportunity to carpool. Call the diocesan office at 412-721-0853 for more information.
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Request from Province III
The diocesan office has been contacted by the Province III coordinator who is looking for folks involved in these specific ministries:
- Individuals or groups engaged in ministry protecting victims of human trafficking, or those who would be interested in this work.
- An individual engaged in altar guild ministry who may be interested in representing the province on the National Altar Guild council.
For more information, interested parties should contact Judi Rogers in the diocesan office at
jrogers@episcopalpgh.org
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 Joint Nominating Committee Issues Call for Discernment and Profile for 27th Episcopal Presiding Bishop
[The Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs] The Episcopal Church Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop (JNCPB) has issued the Call for Discernment and Profile for the election of the 27th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church.
The Call for Discernment and Profile is located here.
Between now and September 30, any member of The Episcopal Church may submit a name of a bishop to JNCPB whom they believe should be considered for nomination through the email listed in the Call for Discernment and Profile. JNCPB will inform bishops whose names have been presented and advise them that if they wish to engage the discernment process, they must submit their materials, as specified in theCall for Discernment and Profile, between October 1 and October 31. The JNCPB will announce its nominees in early May 2015.
According to JNCPB, the Call for Discernment and Profile is intended to paint a picture of the skills, qualities and gifts the Church seeks in its next Presiding Bishop in light of what the Church may look like in the next decade, to assist bishops, deputies and prospective nominees in discerning which bishops may be called to the ministry of Presiding Bishop and to assist JNCPB in discerning potential nominees. To assist in that process, last year the JNCPB crafted and circulated a church-wide survey. The synthesis of the more than 5,200 responses helped develop the Profile.
The JNCPB is comprised of a lay member, a priest or deacon, and a bishop elected from each of the nine provinces of the Episcopal Church, plus two youth representatives, appointed by the President of the House of Deputies, the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings. The General Convention Deputies and bishops serve a three-year term to conclude at the close of General Convention 2015 in Salt Lake City.
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Seeing the Face of God in Each Other
Anti-Racism Workshop
October 3 & 4, 2014, at Church of the Redeemer, 5700 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 (Squirrel Hill) 412-422-7100
Friday, October 3 - 3:00 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, October 4 - 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. To meet canon requirements, attendance is mandatory both days. The workshop is FREE.
Click here to register online.
The Anti-Racism Commission would like to remind you that all elected leaders, both diocesan and parish, are required by resolutions passed at both our Diocesan Convention and General Convention to have completed Anti-Racism Training.
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St. Barnabas Episcopal Church will participate in Brackenridge Borough's Community Yard Sale on Saturday, August 16, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.. There are many items to choose from...something for everyone! All proceeds go to outreach causes. St. Barnabas is located at Morgan Street and Freeport Rd. in Brackenridge, PA. For more information call 724-224-9280.
Renaissance Sunday in Highland Park: To celebrate the completion of their Opening Doors capital campaign and the launch of the new focus on outreach, St. Andrew's, Highland Park has designated. Sunday, September 7, as Renaissance Sunday. More here.
Cursillo Ultreya: Saturday, September 20, 3 p.m. at St. Michael's of the Valley, Ligonier.
2014 Diocesan Convention Documents Available: The 149th Convention of the Diocese of Pittsburgh will meet November 7 & 8, 2014 at Trinity Cathedral. Documents related to convention are available on the diocesan web site at www.episcopalpgh.org/2014-diocesan-convention.
Diocesan Pre-convention Information Sessions Scheduled: Tuesday, October 21, 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Church of the Redeemer, Squirrel Hill; Thursday, October 23, 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, North Hills; Sunday, October 26, 2:00-3:30 p.m. at St. Michael's of the Valley Episcopal Church, Ligonier.
Save the Date: The Clergy Conference will be held at Antiochian Village October 8 - 10, 2014. The Clergy Association is in the midst of solidifying a speaker and a schedule. Details will be released as soon as they are available.
Save the Date II: The Social Justice and Outreach Committee has scheduled a work session at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank in Duquesne for Saturday, November 22. Additional details to come.
Diocesan Office Summer Hours: The office will be closed at Noon on Fridays through Labor Day.
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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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