|
|
|
|
|
 Quicklinks |
|
|
|
|
What is happening in your neighborhood that is breaking the heart of Jesus? How are deacons called to help the Body of Christ respond to this heartbreak?
 |
| | Pittsburgh Deacons, L-R: Linda Wilson, Ann Staples, John Mark Feuerstein, Lorena Ringle, and Jean Chess |
Deacons from all across the U.S., including five deacons from Pittsburgh, gathered to explore these questions and share ideas for engaging with God's mission at the national assembly of the Association for Episcopal Deacons (AED) held in Minneapolis in June.
|
| | |
Deacon John Mark Feuerstein with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
| |
The assembly was opened by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, which can be viewed on YouTube here, and included workshops on the Five Marks of Mission. The Open Space process was used to facilitate discussions on topics of interest including ministering to at-risk children, human trafficking, refugees, environment justice, diaconal formation and preparing for and responding to disasters.
|
| |
Deacon Ann Staples
|
A highlight of the assembly was the Recognition of Diaconal Ministry in the Tradition of St. Stephen. Deacon Ann Staples was one of the deacons being recognized for her ministry with the community and her work with the Coal Country Hangout Youth Center. More here. Interested in exploring further? Contact one of the deacons in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. The AED website (www.episcopaldeacons.org) also contains a wealth of information for anyone interested in learning more about the diaconate. |
|
|
Nomination Deadline for Elections at Diocesan Convention Extended Until July 15
The nominating committee for the elections to be held at Diocesan Convention on November 4-5, 2016, of clergy and lay people to membership on various governing bodies and committees of the diocese has extended the deadline for nominations to be submitted.The new deadline is July 15, 2016. Self-nominations are encouraged and accepted and you do not need to be a deputy to Diocesan Convention to run for election. All positions carry a term of three years, except for the Standing Committee which has a four-year term.
Nomination forms are available on the diocesan web site, along with a brief description of the canonical responsibilities of each of the boards and committees.
We invite all faithful Episcopalians to prayerfully consider volunteering to serve the diocese as best suits their time and talents. The Co-Chairs of the Nominating Committee are the Rev. Nancy Chalfant-Walker and Mr. Russell Ayres. If anyone has questions about any of the work of any of the diocesan committees, feel free to contact Nano at nanojon@gmail.com, or Russ at rwayresiii@gmail.com. |
|
The turnout for the first movie night in June was terrific!
|
 Flea Market in Carnegie
Flea-Market-on-the-Lawn has been scheduled for Saturday, July 23, and Saturday, August 13, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Church of the Atonement, 618 Washington Avenue, Carnegie, PA 15106.
Kitchen & other household items, records, clothing, small furniture, Creative Memory supplies, toys, books, coins, decorations, etc. will be available.
Vendor space is still available for $10.00 by calling Joyce at 412-276-0366. We do all the advertising, you bring your table, blanket & chair. Our lawn is very visible to those traveling Washington Ave. so we get drive-by customers as well. |
 The Classiest Yard Sale in Pittsburgh
Mark your calendars for the Classiest Yard Sale in Pittsburgh!
Friday, August 5, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, August 6, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Two floors of items, plus outdoors. New and gently used items: clothing, antiques, jewelry, furniture, linens, kitchenware, decorative, toys, games, books, sports equipment, collectibles, and much more! Items sorted by department and individually priced.
A well organized and popular sale. 412-364-5974 |
Godly Play Workshop for All
Save The Date
The Basics of Godly Play - a full day workshop - will be held Saturday, August 27, at St. Brendan's Episcopal Church, located at 2365 McAleer Road in Franklin Park, close to I279 and Route 19 North. The workshop will be led by Dawn Stewart, an accredited Godly Play Teacher Trainer from the Diocese of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
The workshop is for anyone who wants to know more about Godly Play. It is an introduction to Godly Play for those exploring resources for children, for new Godly Play mentors, and it is a refresher workshop for those already using this method of spiritual formation with children.
Godly Play nurtures participants to the larger dimensions of belief and faith through wondering and play. It is a creative imaginative approach to Christian formation and spiritual guidance which models the worship life, stories, symbols and rituals of Christian congregations. Godly Play was created and nurtured by an Episcopal priest, Jerome Berryman, and is now used by many denominations and found in many countries all over the world. For more information visit www.godlyplayfoundation.org The opportunity to sign up will be posted soon, but please mark your calendars. The workshop will be free to participants with only a small cost for snacks and lunch. |
Episcopal Health Ministries Update
Happy Summer Everyone,
Summer has gloriously arrived ... with the spring garden tasks completed, both inside and outside, it's time for body wellness focus! Lots of activities available... walking, swimming, sports, dancing, and even rocking on the porch.
So, let's get moving - be active as you can be! Please do remember to put on the sunscreen and to stay hydrated while you enjoy the sunshine.
One possible summer opportunity for a leisurely garden walking experience is visiting the Rodef Shalom Biblical Botanical Garden in Oakland. This garden is noted to be "among the best in North America," with plants of Ancient Israel, along with Biblical names, new exhibits each year, and open and free to all. Additional information is available at www.biblicalgardenpittsburgh.org. Perhaps you might want to consider a group outing from your parish...
Have a healthy and enjoyable summer season! I would enjoy hearing about your garden this summer via email at waskop@windstream.net.
Paula Wasko, EHM Volunteer Coordinator
|
 Job Opening - IT Specialist
The successful candidate will offer first tier user support to faculty, staff and students, as well as support and maintenance for IT systems (computer, email, phone, and network). Knowledge of Virtual Datacenter is helpful. Education and qualifications include: strong Christian-based faith, an Associate's Degree or better is preferred, three years' experience in computer administration and customer support is helpful. Work schedule is 20 - 25 hours per week, Monday - Friday, with occasional evening and weekend hours.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter, resume, hourly rate requirement, and list of references to elucci@tsm.edu by July 25, 2016.
|
 Alpha Course Starting in September
The Alpha Course is a ten-week class for anyone seeking answers to the tough questions of life or seeking to explore the Christian faith, such as: What is the meaning of life? What happens when we die? What relevance does Jesus have for our lives? How do we deal with guilt?
If you have ever asked yourself these questions then COME, try out Alpha and hear some answers.
An Alpha Celebration Dinner will be held on Sunday, September 11, from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. for anyone desiring just a taste of what the course is like. If you are an Alpha graduate and would like to introduce someone, this would be the perfect event to bring them to. Or if you are simply interested in exploring the course, you may also attend. Alpha Course Founder Nicky Gumble will present "Christianity: Irrelevant, Untrue, Boring?" There is no obligation and no charge for the dinner.
The Alpha Course begins on Wednesday, September 14, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Thomas Church. Dinner and nursery are provided. No charge for the course. The evening begins with dinner, followed by a 30-minute presentation and ends with discussion groups. It ends no later than 8:45. Call 412-828-9680 or stthomasoakmont@verizon.net
Alpha is for everyone! It is especially geared to: Those who want answers to the basic questions of life, people interested in investigating Christianity, new Christians, couples preparing for marriage or Christians who want to brush up on the basics.
|
|
Bishop McConnell's Visitation Schedule:
July 24: St. Thomas, Northern Cambria September 4: St. Paul's, Kittanning
Parish leadership is reminded to complete and submit this form at least two weeks in advance of their visitation.
|
Parting Shots
Deacon Ann Staples was informed of her Recognition of Diaconal Ministry in the Tradition of St. Stephen award from the Association of Episcopal Deacons by Bishop McConnell during a recent visitation by Bishop McConnell at Calvary Episcopal Church in East Liberty.
Ann Staples spearheaded the founding of the Coal Country Hangout Youth Center in Northern Cambria, in 1996 and has served as its executive director ever since. Coal Country is a full service youth center providing programs otherwise unavailable to the youth of this economically depressed and geographically isolated region of Appalachia where 14.9 percent of the population lives in poverty. Coal Country provides a day care and preschool serving more than 40 children.
For more than 20 years, Ann has been an exemplary example of living out the calling of deacons to embody the church in the community.
--Photos courtesy Ken Smith
|
|
Grace Happens upcoming publication dates with deadline for submissions:
August 9 (Submissions due August 2)
September 6 (Submissions due August 30)
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. |
|
|
|
|
