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 Parables for a Reason
Dear Friends in Christ,
The last few Sundays have not been easy on the listener in the pew or the preacher in the pulpit: a lot of Matthew's more dramatic parables of warning and judgment are making me take a sudden interest in the Psalms! The hard edge to these stories is at odds with our preferred portrait of Jesus - the gentle savior with a child in each hand and a lamb on His shoulders. But I'd suggest that we can't have one without the other if we are dealing with the authentic Christ, rather than a Messiah Lite tailor-made to our preferences. Let me try to explain by analogy.
I had a pretty open communication with my mother all the years of my upbringing. I found there were proposals she was willing to entertain from me, and that she even encouraged; getting her help purchasing a guitar, for example, or putting together reasonable outings with friends. But there were other matters that were simply not open for discussion, like whether I could walk home from third grade (there was one stretch of four miles along an expressway, but aside from that the route was pretty benign). It took me years to realize that these closed subjects all had to do with my ultimate welfare and safety. If my mother saw a likelihood that my proposal could put me or someone in danger, or encourage habits that would have a negative impact on my life, or create chaos in our household, well, she was flat not interested. In short, her black-and-whiteness about certain things was an expression of her love for me.
My mother was pretty tough all around ("Get with the program!" was a common family theme), but she had a deeply gentle side, and around some things was a totally soft touch. Only when I embarked on my own great adventure in parenting did I begin to understand how that firm foundation gave her gentleness its value. I knew she was not only kind, but utterly trustworthy and reliable, having my best interests in view even when I couldn't see them.
All of this is most clearly expressed in the power of the Cross. Desperate circumstances call for desperate measures, and the fact is we are, by nature, in desperate need of infinite mercy: God has won that definitively. He has not negotiated with our worst side - He has instead conquered it. He has spoken the huge and ultimate "No!" to our sin and our death. All His gentleness flows from this Rock.
That is the power that fills the churches in our diocese, if we will only claim it: please think of the lives of those around us, in our neighborhoods, who are not yet in our pews. What truth do they need, so they can claim the love they need? And how can we walk with them in that truth and love? There are as many ways to do this as there are parishes: it may start with the smallest reaching out - a Godly Play program at a local library, a monthly dinner for the neighborhood, a class teaching English. These are the first steps in obedience to Jesus who told His weary disciples, "You give them something to eat," (Matthew 14:16) from which they saw greater provision than they ever could have imagined.
May we trust the same Lord for the same results, claiming without fear both His truth and His love for ourselves and for the world. I look forward to being with you for Diocesan Convention as we explore together some of the ways God is making Himself known in southwest Pennsylvania.
Faithfully your Bishop,
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Friday, October 17, 8 p.m. The Saint Andrew's Lecture and Reception: The Rev. Dr. Dwight J. Zscheile will share: The Agile Church: Faithful Innovation in a Changing World. Dr. Zscheile is the author of People of the Way: Renewing Episcopal Identity.
Saturday, October 18, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Responding and Looking Forward, Dr. Zscheile in conversation with Bishop McConnell and the Rev. Dr. Philip Wainwright, with an ecumenical panel of lay ministry leaders, seminarians, and local parish clergy, and with all of us as interested participants.
Sunday, October 19, 4:30 p.m. Ministry in a New Apostolic Era? Choral Evensong and Sermon, Observing James the Just, Bishop of Jerusalem. Preaching will be the Rev. Dr. John Macdonald, Associate Professor of Mission and Evangelism, Trinity School for Ministry.
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 5801 Hampton Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (Highland Park)
Click here for a complete overview of the lecture, details about how Dr. Zscheile's topic and book is an eloquent exposition of the three priorities for our diocese (Public Gospel, the development of Missional Communities, and an emphasis on Leadership Formation) and an invitation to attend from Bishop McConnell.
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Can You Imagine Having No Arms or Legs?
On Sunday, October 19, at 4 p.m., All Saints, Brighton Heights, will host a presentation by author and artist Amy Brooks. Born without arms and legs, and author of Unseen Arms, Amy is a joyful, exuberant, and faithful Christian whose vision is to glorify Christ by testifying to all of His saving grace and by bringing encouragement to those who already know Him. Amy was born and raised in Avalon and graduated from Northgate Jr./Sr. High School. Her inspiring presentation will begin at 4 p.m. in the church sanctuary and will last approximately 30 minutes. A reception will follow in the Guild Room. Amy's book, Unseen Arms, and her artwork will be on display and available for purchase. A free-will offering for the event will be collected at the conclusion of the presentation, and proceeds will benefit Amy. Please invite friends and family to hear this inspirational message. You can learn more about Amy at amybrooks.org. |
An opportunity for prayer, education, discussion, and action
Offered for everyone in the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh,
their families and their friends.
Sponsored by the Social Justice and Outreach Committee
The conversation will include a variety of perspectives from the church, police,
and other organizations sharing the common goal of preventing gun violence:
- The Rev. Chuck Weiss, Social Justice and Outreach Committee
- Shannon Williams, CeaseFire PA
- Detective Joseph Bielevicz, Pittsburgh Police
- Valerie Dixon, Center for Victims
Saturday, October 25
9 a.m.-12 noon
315 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
A continental breakfast will be served.
There is no fee for this event.
Registration is not required but will help us plan food and space.
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14th Annual Free Clergy Workshop "Pastoral Counseling Issues & Techniques"
A Workshop for Clergy and Lay Pastoral Leaders Keynote Speakers: Dr. George D. Moses and Dr. Nancy L. Taylor October 31, 2014, 8:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. Pastoral & Spiritual Care Division, Monongalia General Hospital, 1200 J.D. Anderson Dr., Morgantown WV. Morgantown Pastoral Counseling Center is happy to announce the 14th Annual Free Clergy Lay Leader Workshop scheduled for Friday, October 31, 2014. There are 4 CEU's available for full day participation. The workshop is offered free to clergy and lay leaders, however there is a small fee for food. A brochure with information regarding the speakers and topics as well as a registration form is available by clicking here.
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Bishop McConnell attended the Fall House of Bishops meeting, hosted this year by the Episcopal Diocese of Taiwan.
Following the House of Bishops meeting, +Dorsey had the opportunity to visit with the Rev. Marc Jacobson, an Episcopal missionary working in the Philippines.
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Fall United Thank Offering Ingathering
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Church of the Atonement, Carnegie
618 Washington Avenue, Carnegie, PA 15106
The Rev. Jeff Murph, Celebrant
Luncheon Cost: $15.00 payable at registration
Schedule of events:
Registration w/ breakfast snacks: 9:30 a.m.
Brief ECW business meeting: 10:00 a.m.
Guest Speaker: The Rev. Jeff Murph will share information about his work as a chaplain at
St. Margaret's Hospital.
Holy Eucharist: 11:30 a.m., Luncheon catered by Mike Rago to follow
Call Betty Duckstein at 412-489-5277 to register or with any questions.
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Godly Play: Winter Stories and Materials Workshop
What: This materials workshop will give resources and know how to prepare your Godly Play Winter Stories. This workshop is ideal for those curious about Godly Play, starting to tell stories, or woodworkers and craftspeople who would like to help make Godly Play materials.
Each parish to register will receive:
- The Complete Guide to Godly Play Volume 3
- Advent cards (used for the four weeks of Advent)
- Patterns and materials to prepare six parables
When: Sunday, November 16, 2-4 p.m.
Where: St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 336 East 10th Ave., Homestead, PA 15120
St. Matthew's is located on the corner of 10th Ave and McClure. Parking is available on the street in
front and on the side of the church.
Cost: $30 per parish within the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, $80 per parish outside the diocese.
Each parish that attends will be entered in a drawing to win a wooden nativity set. Parishes that register, but are unable to attend, will receive the materials, but miss out on the instruction and fun!
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2015 Cranmer Forum Seminar: Christ in the Old Testament
The Cranmer Forum Seminar titled "Christ in the Old Testament" will take place on Jan 5-7, 2015 in Dallas, Texas.
This seminar will be led by Dr. Christopher Seitz and Dr. Michael Cover.
The application deadline is November 1, 2104. The seminar is free of charge with meals and accommodations included. The Rev. Daniel Hall, M.D. participated in the working group that led to the creation of this seminar. More information can be found by clicking here. |
 Grace Happens Happenings...
When I joined the diocesan staff in August, the Bishop asked me to work with the staff to review the communications infrastructure and processes of the diocese. It is truly amazing to look at the journey our processes and infrastructure have taken over the past 6 years. Grace Happens is just one example.
- March 12, 2009 - Our 1st Grace Happens was sent to 111 email addresses
- May 27, 2009 - Our 3rd Grace Happens was sent to 867 email addresses
- October 14, 2014 - Our 222nd Grace Happens is being sent to more than 2,200 email addresses.
Our communications infrastructure goes well beyond Grace Happens of course, but we need to start somewhere. Grace Happens offers us an important way to share our stories of how Christ is at work in the world and to invite others to participate in making real the Kingdom of God. It also provides an effective method for communicating the business of the diocese (the recent pre-convention issue).
I am focused on putting in place a process that can do the best job possible in serving the needs of the diocese within the resources we have available. We cannot be all things to all people. Our diocese ranges from parishes that have no computer access at all to parishes that have extensive computer-based systems and professional communications staff. It will be an ongoing process to balance all these factors to best support our diocesan mission.
We are working on a new process for Grace Happens which includes a pre-planned publication schedule and material submission guidelines. These guidelines will allow us to reduce the work spent readying material for publication and I believe the schedule will enable us to be less reactive and more thoughtful about serving the needs of the whole diocese. The end of each GH will include details about the next date along with submission instructions.
I look forward to learning together through this pilot phase how we can best serve God and you. I am glad to hear your comments and I will provide an update at the end of December as to how we need to adjust this process going forward based on our experience.
In the Name of Christ the Servant,
 The Ven. Jean Chess, ArchdeaconDirector of Administration |
 In Memoriam
Barbara Frey, wife of our former Assisting Bishop Bill Frey, died on October 1 after a long illness. Barbara and +Bill lived here in Pittsburgh during the 1990s after Bill had retired from his position as Bishop of Colorado in order to serve as Dean and President of the Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry.
Your prayers are requested for Bishop Frey and his family as they grieve their loss. Condolences may be sent to the Right Rev'd William C. Frey, 23315 Eagle Gap, San Antonio, TX 78255.
May Barbara rest in peace and rise in glory.
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Personnel Changes in the Diocese
- Victoria O'Brien has left her position as co-director of youth ministry for the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh. Vickie was one of the founding members of the Pittsburgh Youth Initiative and a Co-Director along with Brent Hansen for the last 3 years. Vickie has done a great deal for the youth in her own parish and around the Diocese and we owe her a debt of gratitude. Thanks Vickie!
- The Rev. Ben Dehart has accepted the call to be the Associate Minister for Pastoral Care & New Members Ministries at the Parish of Calvary-St. George's in New York City.
- The Rev. Scott Russell is now serving as the District 1 representative to Diocesan Council.
- Steve Stagnitta has been appointed to the Board of Trustees to fulfill a vacant position.
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Bishop McConnell's Visitation Schedule:
October 19: St. Peter's, Blairsville
October 26: St. Michael's of the Valley, Ligonier
November 2: Christ Church, Indiana
November 9: St. Thomas Memorial, Oakmont
Leadership at these parishes are reminded to complete and submit this form at least two weeks in advance of their visitation.
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.
Spaghetti Dinner: St Paul's Episcopal Church, 130 W. Main St., Monongahela, PA 15063. Saturday, November 1, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Take out will be available.
Save the Date I: The Fall Assembly of the Pittsburgh Daughters of the King, Saturday, November 1, 2014, at St. Thomas in the Fields, 4106 St. Thomas Dr., Gibsonia, PA 15044. Click here for registration information and driving directions. Deadline for registration is October 24.
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.
Save the Date III: Retired Clergy & Spouses Lunch,Tuesday, December 2, 12:00 Noon, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, McKeesport.
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 The next issue of Grace Happens is scheduled for October 28, 2014 and the deadline for submissions is October 21, 2014.
Future issues:
November 11 - Submissions due 11/4
November 25 - Submissions due11/18
December 9 - Submissions due 12/2
All submissions to the Grace Happens newsletter and the diocesan web site are welcome and should be sent to info@episcopalpgh.org. When possible, the copy should be in a Word document and all original logos, pictures and artwork should be attached separately. Please be sure to include your contact information with any submission.
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