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 Lifting Families Up The diocesan Social Justice and Outreach (SJO) Committee asks parishes to consider how they can support a local organization whose programs lift families out of poverty through education. Calvary, East Liberty, and Christ Church, North Hills, already support the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council in various ways, and the committee invites other parishes to join them.
The Literacy Council has various programs that offer the basic skills of reading, writing, math, and English as a second language. Volunteers provide much of the instruction.
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Peggy O'Rourke, a volunteer from Calvary,
East Liberty, works with a student.
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According to the council, more than 150,000 adults in Allegheny County lack a basic education, so the need is very great. Ways that parishes can get involved include offering meeting rooms for tutorials and classes and recruiting volunteers to teach the many students waiting for help. Speakers are also available to explain the program in more detail.
The Literacy Council is directed by Don Block, a member and former senior warden at St. Stephen's, Wilkinsburg. Parishes and their members may contact him directly at dblock@gplc.org. The Council's website is www.gplc.org.
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 Neighborhood Youth Outreach Program Spring Showcase
It will take place on Friday, June 5, from 7 - 8 p.m. at the Neighborhood Academy, 709 N. Aiken Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206.
NYOP, an afterschool program for elementary school children at
hosted by St. Stephen's, Wilkinsburg, provides an arts-based curriculum that includes instrumental music, singing, dance, art, poetry, and photography, all in a Christian context. The program provides a safe place, mentoring relationships, and an atmosphere that promotes personal growth and a sense of belonging.
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 The Good Earth: Creation and Ministry in an Ecological Age
June 7, 7 p.m. - June 10, 2015, 1 p.m.
Join Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Norman Wirzba, Professor of Theology and Ecology, Duke Divinity School, and Fred Bahnson, Director of the Food, Faith, and Religious Leadership Initiative, Wake Forest University School of Divinity, on June 7-10, 2015, for the 74th annual Henderson Summer Leadership Conference.
This year's event will focus on "The Good Earth: Creation and Ministry in an Ecological Age." In addition to keynote presentations from Drs. Wirzba and Bahnson, guests will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of workshops and conversations with community leaders on themes relevant to sustainability and stewardship of the earth. There will be a Farm to Table Banquet and optional field trips to sites related to the conference's theme.
Free Public Lecture During the Conference
On Monday, June 8, 2015, at 4:30 p.m., the keynote speakers will present the J. Hubert Henderson Lecture on Church and Ministry entitled,"From Nature to Creation: What Difference Does it Make?" In this conversation Bahnson and Wirzba explore how the way we treat the natural world has everything to do with how we think about it. Too often we take the world for granted. Discovering the world as God's creation opens the possibility for a more beautiful, healthy, and just life.
This lecture is free and open to the public. Registration for the lecture only is greatly appreciated. Those attending the Conference do not need to register separately for the lecture.
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, 616 North Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh , PA 15206
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 Safeguarding Information Available on Web Site
Recent changes in the Pennsylvania child protection laws will have a significant impact on all parishes, institutions, and agencies of the diocese.
Effective July 1, 2015, Pennsylvania law requires that adults who volunteer for a position responsible for the welfare of a child, or which has direct contact with children must first submit adequate clearances relating to any potential criminal record or child abuse history.
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Show Pittsburgh Support for Episcopal Relief & Development's 75th Anniversary Campaign
Prior to attending the General Convention in Salt Lake City in June, the Rev. Bill Geiger from Christ Church, Indiana, will be part of a 12-member team of Episcopalians, called the Steeple Chasers.  They will be running a 194-mile, 36-hour relay race through the Wasatch Mountains along the Idaho-Utah border to help raise $75,000 for ER&D on its anniversary. Fr. Bill has completed 12 marathons, including the original Athens Marathon last November, but this rugged mountain race presents a whole new challenge. Right now, ER&D is responding with initial relief operations focused on meeting urgent basic needs of people who were displaced or otherwise impacted by the earthquake in Nepal. Your gift supporting this effort will help make a difference.
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 Youth Corner
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Come cheer the Pirates in their final Sunday home game of 2015 with the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh's Youth Initiative & Sheldon Calvary Camp
Who: Everyone, All Ages
When: Sunday September 13, 1:35 PM
Cost: $22 per ticket, includes a FREE hat, plus kids get a Pirate Parrot pillow!
For more info contact: Brent Hansen at 412-491-9738 or bhansen@episcopalpgh.org
PYI on Facebook
Keep tabs on what the youth of the diocese are up to by checking out the Pittsburgh Youth Initiative's newly updated Facebook page. Feel free to explore and share photos (new or old), comments, upcoming events, and maybe even some inspiration. Please only share photos with consent of those in the picture.
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 Media Hub for the 2015 General Convention of The Episcopal Church
June 22 to July 3, 2015
Tune in for live-streaming from Salt Lake City of legislative sessions from both houses, daily worship, press round-ups, and on-demand features. Plus you'll find links to coverage from Episcopal News Service and a complete calendar of events.
Visit www.episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/gc
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Tidbits from the Archives
On June 6, 1866, St. Michael's, Wayne Township, incorporated after building its second church building.
The diocese will celebrate its 150th anniversary this November at convention. To help get us all in the proper historical spirit for the occasion, the archive has provided small historical tidbits from the appropriate month for each Grace Happens. Watch to see if your parish shows up in one of them!
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Bishop McConnell's Schedule:
June 21: Redeemer, Squirrel Hill
July 19: St. Barnabas, Brackenridge
July 26: St. Stephen's, Wilkinsburg
Parish leadership is reminded to complete and submit this form at least two weeks in advance of their visitation.
Retired Clergy Luncheon: Tuesday, June 2, at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 4048 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15227
Hold the Date: Invite Welcome Connect Workshop, Saturday, September 12 at St. Paul's, Mt. Lebanon
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Parting Shots
In the spotlight: St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Blairsville. The Indiana (PA) Gazette featured the parish and t he Rev. Arthur C. Dilg, vicar, on May 23. Click here for the full article.
--photos by The Indiana Gazette |
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The deadline for submissions for upcoming issues of Grace Happens:
June 9, 2015 - Submissions due June 2
July 14, 2015 - Submissions due July 7
August 25, 2015 - Submissions due Aug 18
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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