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Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's Christmas 2015 message
[December 22, 2015] "As the words were spoken on that night when Jesus was born, peace, good will to all people, God bless you, God keep you," Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry says in his Christmas 2015 message.
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How Faith Inspires Environmental Action
Pat Eagon, a member of the Social Justice & Outreach committee and a parishioner at St. Paul's, Mt. Lebanon, was profiled recently by The Allegheny Front syndicated radio program. "God asks us to help our fellow man. Matthew says, 'Whatever you do for the least of mine, you do for me,'" said Eagon.
After just a few years, she and other volunteers now run nine gardens around Pittsburgh.
"This past growing season, we contributed over 15,000 pounds of fresh produce to the food pantry. So it's been a real success." Read the transcript or listen to the amazing story here.
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 Radical Hospitality
"Everyone should witness the story of our Savior's birth through the eyes of a child at least once a year."
These words were a rector's invitation to his parish to show up for the Christmas pageant at church. Whether your congregation holds a pageant to commemorate the Holy Birth in Advent, Christmas or Epiphany, these words illustrate the importance of this commemoration happening in the context of many generations. And if your congregation doesn't hold a children's pageant during the season, the internet holds many options for viewing that range in staging simple home video style pageantry, to very professional and polished, yet humorous and poignant portrayals.
"Allow the children to come to me," Jesus said. "Don't forbid them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people like these children." -Matthew 19:14 CEB
During Advent, Christmastide, and Epiphany our Christian tradition holds many elaborate rituals which may bring people in our doors who rarely attend or may be experiencing our worship for the first time. Some of our rituals even include more congregational involvement than the traditional liturgical party, like Hanging of the Greens, Lighting of the Advent Candles, singing the Lessons and Carols, ringing bells when the birth of Jesus is proclaimed. Be sure to help newcomers understand why we do what we do.
--Photo of window from Nativity, Crafton, courtesy Andy Muhl

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 Come to St. Paul's, Mt. Lebanon, on January 21-23, 2016, for Trinity Institute 2016. This year's theme is "Listen for a Change: Sacred Conversations for Racial Justice." Registration is now available at www.stpaulspgh.org/trinity-institute. Those registering will have access to additional educational material to share with your parish or other group. Scheduled speakers include:
This year's conference provides a great opportunity to listen to some of America's great theologians, ethicists and others tackle the problem of racism in society in general. Then, join in small group conversations as we discuss how race impacts our lives here in southwest Pennsylvania.
For more information on the program, schedule and speakers, visit www.ti2016.org. For more information on the conference at St. Paul's (including registration costs, scholarships, and additional activities), contact michelle@stpaulspgh.org. |
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Ecumenical Ministerial Eucharist
Hosted by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Thursday, January 21, 2016
St. John's Lutheran Church
715 Lincoln Highway North Versailles, PA 15137
Liturgy at 11:00 am + Lunch at 12:00 pm
Suggested Lunch Donation: $12
GUESTS INCLUDE FULL COMMUNION PARTNERS:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) + Episcopal Church (U.S.A.) + United Church of Christ + United Methodist Church
AGREEMENT OF FELLOWSHIP PARTNER: African Methodist-Episcopal Zion Church
Please reply by Monday, January 11 (including dietary restrictions)
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Courtesy Christopher Horner, Tribune-Review
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St. Brendan's Speaker Series
Proudly Presents
Greg Brown
Pirates Broadcaster "Chasing Your Dream"
January 24, 2016, 7:30 p.m. Ballpark Snacks 6:30 p.m.
Help us Raise the Jolly Roger!
Adults $12; Phone reserved $10; Students $7
412-364-5974
Raffle winners will be announced at the end of the evening
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The Vestry Resource Guide: Updated Edition Available
Vestry recruitment. Burn out. Budgeting. Incorporating new vestry members and 'bringing them up to speed' on strategic goals. Making vestry meetings 'an uplifting experience.' All recent responses to the question "what could your vestry use help with?"
Whether you're a new vestry member or a seasoned veteran, the Episcopal Church Foundation's newly revised Vestry Resource Guide is essential reading. With a deliberate focus on the importance of lay and clergy leadership teams, you'll find comprehensive information and advice about the ministry of the vestry, leading faith communities, stewardship, and navigating clergy transitions.
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2016 Visitation Schedule and Diocesan Cycle of Prayer Now Available
Bishop McConnell's visitation schedule is now available for download and printing by clicking here. The calendar on the diocesan web site has also been updated.
A printable version of the 2016 Diocesan Cycle of Prayer is available here.
These documents, along with many others, are available under the Resources tab on the diocesan web site. |
 Save The Date!
All acolytes and young people are invited to a special Acolyte & Youth Ministry Festival and Eucharist at Trinity Cathedral on Sunday, April 17, 2016.
Each parish will be invited to send their acolyte teams and their children's and/or youth music ensembles. Following the service, participants will cross the bridge and cheer on the 2016 Pittsburgh Pirates. Details to come. |
 Tidbits from the Archives
On December 25, 1904, Church of the Advent takes possession of its new building and holds services although the pews didn't arrive for several more weeks.
The diocese is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. 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 Visitation Schedule:
January 3: St. James, Penn Hills January 10: St. Brendan's, Franklin Park January 17: Trinity Cathedral, Pittsburgh January 31: St. Paul's, Monongahela
Parish leadership is reminded to complete and submit this form at least two weeks in advance of their visitation.
Treasurer Training Workshop: Please mark your calendars for the Treasurer Training Workshop to be held Saturday, February 20th, 2016 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The workshop will be held in the diocesan offices on the 3rd floor of Trinity Cathedral, and will also be broadcast via webinar. Please plan to attend this workshop for all new (and long-standing) Treasurers, Financial Administrators, and others interested in the financial aspects of church governance. Additional details to come.
Job Opening: First Lutheran Church, Downtown Pittsburgh, seeks to hire a part-time Financial Secretary (20 hours per week), $15-$18 per hour, depending on skills and experience. In order to support the mission and ministry of the parish, the Financial Secretary will execute its day-to-day financial obligations, keep records of all income and expenses, administer the payroll, and prepare reports in a timely, thorough, and confidential manner. Required skills include accounting, bookkeeping, the business of a large parish, and the use of current technology. Applicants should submit r�sum�s to the Rev. Brian A. Evans, Senior Pastor, First Lutheran Church, 615 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219, or bae@flcpittsburgh.org.
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Issue dates with deadline for submissions for future issues of Grace Happens through the end of 2016:
January 12 (Submissions due January 5) | July 12 (Submissions due July 5) | January 26 (Submissions due January 19) | August 9 (Submissions due August 2) | February 9 (Submissions due February 2) | September 6 (Submissions due August 30) | February 23 (Submissions due February 16) | September 20 (Submissions due September 13) | March 8 (Submissions due March 1) | October 4 (Submissions due September 27) | March 22 (Submissions due March 15) | October 18 (Submissions due October 11) | April 5 (Submissions due March 22) | November 1 (Submissions due October 25) | April 19 (Submissions due April 12) | November 15 (Submissions due November 8) | May 3 (Submissions due April 26) | December 6 (Submissions due November 29) | May 24 (Submissions due May 17) | December 20 (Submissions due December 13) | June 14 (Submissions due June 7) |
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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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