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 North Carolina Bishop Michael Curry elected as 27th Presiding Bishop
Historic decision will bring first person of color into top leadership office
[Episcopal News Service - Salt Lake City, Utah] The Episcopal Church's General Convention made history June 27 when it chose Diocese of North Carolina Bishop Michael Curry to be its 27th presiding bishop.
Curry, 62, was elected by the House of Bishops from a slate of four nominees on the first ballot. He received 121 votes of a total 174 cast. Diocese of Southwest Florida Bishop Dabney Smith received 21, Diocese of Southern Ohio Bishop Thomas Breidenthal, 19, and Diocese of Connecticut Bishop Ian Douglas, 13. The number of votes needed for election was 89.
Curry's election was confirmed an hour later by the House of Deputies, as outlined in the church's canons, by a vote of 800 to 12.
He will serve a nine-year term that officially begins Nov. 1. On that date, Curry will succeed current Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and he will become the first person of color to hold that position.
A liturgy marking the beginning of Curry's ministry as presiding bishop and primate will be celebrated Nov. 1, All Saints Day at Washington National Cathedral.
The House of Deputies, which was filled with visitors and bishops awaiting Curry, erupted into sustained applause when Jefferts Schori and Curry entered at about 2:30 p.m. His entrance came about 30 minutes after the House of Deputies confirmed his election. Deputies stood on their chairs, holding aloft their phones, tablets and cameras to capture the historic moment.
The rest of this story along with much more information about the Presiding Bishop-Elect is available at http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2015/06/27/north-carolina-bishop-michael-curry-elected-as-27th-presiding-bishop/
--Photo: Lynette Wilson/Episcopal News Service
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General Convention wrap-up: Historic actions, structural changes
First black presiding bishop, marriage equality approved, church governance revamped
[Episcopal News Service] The 78th General Convention, in a series of historic moments, elected the first African-American presiding bishop; approved marriage equality for all Episcopalians; adopted a budget that emphasizes racial reconciliation and evangelism; endorsed the study of fossil fuel divestment; opposed divestment in Israel, Palestine; and made some significant changes to the church's governance.
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Register Today for the Invite-Welcome-Connect Pittsburgh Summit!
Saturday, September 12 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Paul's, Mt. Lebanon
Begin your new program year with a bang! Learn how to re-energize and re-invigorate your parish with proven methods developed by nationally known congregational development consultant and coach, Mary Parmer, and used by an increasing number of Episcopal churches around the country.
The latest research from the Episcopal Church tells us that those parishes that are most intentional and systematic about inviting newcomers, welcoming them to the congregation, and helping to connect them to the parish are more likely to be growing, unlike the majority of Episcopal churches that are declining in size.
You will learn about the theological underpinnings of invite-welcome-connect and receive essential, practical, nuts-and-bolts information about how to make your parish more inviting, welcoming, and connecting. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach - each congregation tailors the tools offered to fit the culture and situation of the parish.
Register today to guarantee a spot. Clergy, vestry members, hospitality chairs, Sunday school teachers, committee chairs and members, and rank-and-file parishioners are encouraged to attend. For maximum impact, bring a team. The registration cost is $10 per person, but parishes that send more than three participants will receive a special discount: each registration beyond three will be half-price, $5.
For more information about Invite-Welcome-Connect, visit www.invitewelcomeconnect.org. You may also contact the Rev. Lou Hays, Rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, at 412-531-7153, ext. 11 or lou@stpaulspgh.org. Lou attended the national Invite-Welcome-Connect Summit held in Texas at the beginning of May.
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 Open Elected Diocesan Positions
Recommendations are now being taken by the diocesan Nominating Committee for leadership positions to be elected at the 150th Diocesan Convention, November 13 & 14, 2015, Trinity Cathedral, Pittsburgh. Positions are open on the Standing Committee, Board of Trustees, Committee on Constitution and Canons, Cathedral Chapter, Disciplinary Board, Commission on Ministry, and the Growth Fund. The recommendation form with submission instructions is here (PDF)Deadline for consideration has been extended to July 31, 2015. |
July 2015 Feed My Sheep Children's Ministry Newsletter
In this issue:
- PA Law requirements for anyone working or volunteering with children and youth.
- Invite-Welcome-Connect on Saturday, September 12 - You won't want to miss this conference if you are interested in growing your ministry!
- Ideas for Christian formation home practices, such as family-friendly table graces.
- Ways to grow in your ministry: resources, conferences and Forma membership.
Click here to download (PDF)
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Youth Kickoff Event
Saturday August 29, 12-3:30 p.m.
Urban Hike to Point State Park with Bishop McConnell, starting at Trinity Cathedral, Downtown
Food, Games, Shirts, Faith, and Fun!
Open to all teens from around the diocese, as well as their friends and family.
Register by August 15 to make sure you get your t-shirt by clicking here!
For questions contact Brent Hansen at 412-491-9738 or bhansen@episcopalpgh.org
 Episcopal Youth are participating in the Homeless Children's Education Fund's Summer School Supplies Drive as part of the high school student outreach team.
The high school student outreach team will gather for service to start stuffing the backpacks full of donated school supplies on Sunday, August 16 at 1 p.m. The group will then go to Kennywood at 5 p.m.
Summer school supplies drive: If your congregation would like to help with the HCEF School Supplies Drive, please email Susy at srobison@homelessfund.org
 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 p.m.
Cost: $22 per ticket, includes a FREE hat, plus kids get a Pirate Parrot pillow!
Make checks payable to: Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh
Mail to: Brent Hansen, St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 4048 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15227
ALL TICKET ORDERS AND PAYMENTS ARE DUE BY AUGUST 15, 2015
For more info contact: Brent Hansen at 412-491-9738 or bhansen@episcopalpgh.org
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 Vintage Fashion Show and Tea in Oakmont
The Women of St. Thomas Church in Oakmont will sponsor a Vintage Fashion Show and Tea on Saturday, September 12 at 1 p.m. in the Parish Hall.
Cost is $15 per person. Deadline for reservations is September 8th. Some tickets will be available at the door, but space is limited. Sandwiches and other delicious snacks will be served plus there will be a silent auction and door prizes. Call 412-828-9680. |
  Please join The Church of the Holy Cross as they celebrate their 140th anniversary on Saturday, September 12, at the Double Tree Hotel in Monroeville. Cocktails are at 5:00 p.m. and dinner is at 6:00 p.m.
Tickets are $60.00 and are available by calling 412-242-3209 or from any church member. Your support of this historic occasion is appreciated and important for the vital urban ministries provided by Holy Cross. |
Farmers Market @ St. David's
A ministry of St. David's Episcopal Church in Venetia, the Peters Township Farmers Market provides an opportunity for residents of the South Hills to buy local, fresh products for their families directly from the farmers and artisans that produce them. Their mission is to encourage relationships between producer and consumer and to limit the distance food and goods travel from farm to table. The market is designed to provide a place for neighbors to meet and relate, while they shop for excellent, locally grown food. If you share a passion for sustainable farming and fresh, local goods, you are encouraged to visit more than 33 vendors, ranging from artisan specialty foods to locally made gifts and personal care products, on Wednesdays from 3-7 p.m. through September.
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Acclaimed Choir to Perform in Pittsburgh
 The Choir of Trinity College Cambridge, directed by Stephen Layton, will appear in concert at Calvary Episcopal Church on Monday, September 14 at 7:30 p.m. One of the greatest performing ensembles in the world, the choir will bring the flower of Britain's 500-year choral tradition to Pittsburgh. The choir was the recipient of the 2013 Gramophone Classical Music Award for the world's best recording of choral music. Tickets are $40 for premium seating and $25 for standard seating. Students with ID can enjoy free seating in the side aisles. Tickets: www.trinitycambridgepittsburgh.com. 
"Stephen Layton's choir is without doubt the finest in the country." --Sir John Tavener
"Layton's choral scholars sing...with absolute purity of tone, perfection of intonation, and depth of feeling. Time and again I simply stopped writing, frozen in place by the sheer otherworldly beauty of what I was hearing." --Fanfare USA "Layton's performances inspire the soul as they break the heart with their intense beauty." --American Record Guide
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Tidbits from the Archives
In July 1912, St. Matthew's vestry purchased stone and stained glass windows from St. Andrews in the strip district to use with windows from the old St. Matthew's in the new building they were constructing.
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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 Diocesan Office Address
The diocesan offices have moved to the third floor of Trinity Cathedral and the new mailing address is:
The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh 325 Oliver Avenue, Suite 300 Pittsburgh, PA 15222 The phone number remains 412-721-0853 and staff members now have direct extensions and private voicemail.
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Bishop McConnell's Schedule:
July 19: St. Barnabas, Brackenridge
July 26: St. Stephen's, Wilkinsburg
August 30: St. Thomas, Northern Cambria
September 6: St. John's, Donora
Parish leadership is reminded to complete and submit this form at least two weeks in advance of their visitation.
Understanding Addiction Workshop for Clergy: Wednesday, September 16, 7 pm - Thursday September 17, 3 pm. This workshop is sponsored by the Widows Corporation and is being held jointly with the diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania in Foxburg, PA. Contact The Rev. Canon Dr. Jay Geisler at 412-414-3337 for details.
Fall Clergy Conference: Wednesday, September 30 to Friday October 2 at Antiochian Village in Bolivar, PA.
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Parting Shots I
St. Barnabas Episcopal Church had a joyful celebration of the Feast of St. Barnabas on Thursday, June 11th. It began with a 5:30 service and celebration of the Holy Eucharist by a guest preacher, the Rev. Bert Daly from St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Kittanning, and supported by the Rev. Dr. Frank Yesko of St. Barnabas. The service was followed by a picnic in the side yard with lots of food, fun and fellowship. It was wonderful to see so many in attendance including parishioners from various parishes in the Allegheny Valley and some former parishioners added to the festivities. St. Barnabas plans to make this celebration an annual event.
--photos courtesy Karen Davidek
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Parting Shots II
Almost 30 teen and adult missioners from St. Paul's, Mt. Lebanon traveled to McDowell County, WV to help rebuild homes and work in the community. They worked through the Highland Education Project, a part of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia and Episcopal Appalachian Ministries.
--Photos courtesy Paul Barker
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Parting Shots III
Members of the Pittsburgh deputation to the 78th General Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, show their Pittsburgh pride and pose with the Presiding Bishop Elect, Michael Curry.
L-R: Bruce Robison, Mary Rohrich, Michael Braxton, Jon Delano, Joan Gundersen, Jamie McMahon, Michael Curry, Scott Quinn, Bishop Dorsey McConnell, Steve Stagnitta, and Jim Simons.
The "And Also with Yinz" short sleeve tee shirts are now available at the Bookstore at Calvary, 315 Shady Avenue at Walnut Street in East Liberty in gold with black lettering for summer. Sizes small to extra-large at $20, and extra-extra large at $23. The shirts have "episcopalpgh.org" on the back. The regulation black with gold lettering in short sleeves is also back in stock in all sizes, as well, same prices.
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The deadline for submissions for upcoming issues of Grace Happens:
August 25, 2015 - Submissions due Aug 18
September 8, 2015 - Submissions due Sept 1
September 22, 2015 - Submissions due Sept 15
October 13, 2015 - Submissions due Oct 6
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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