|
|
|
|
|
|
 Quicklinks |
|
|
|
|
Mon Valley Parishes Explore a Call to Mission... Together
 Southwest Pennsylvania's Mon Valley was once a land of great prosperity, an industrial powerhouse fueled by the many mills and factories that lined the banks of the Monongahela River. Families flocked there to meet the demand for labor. Towns were bustling with shoppers and passers-by. Opportunity was abundant. And churches, seemingly one on every corner, were nearly bursting at the seams, filled with worshippers Sunday after Sunday, vibrant centers of community.
Times have changed, though. Industrial sites lay bare. Storefronts are vacant. Populations have dwindled. Many of the region's churches have closed their doors, and those that remain share a difficult reality: declining attendance, aging members, and unsustainable finances.
But might we create a different reality? This is what Bishop McConnell has asked the clergy and laity of our Mon Valley parishes to consider.
The Mon Valley Mission kicked off at St. Stephen's (McKeesport) on May 23, with representatives from St. Stephen's, St. John's (Donora), Church of the Advent (Jeanette), St. Paul's (Monongahela), and All Souls (North Versailles) gathering for a day of prayer, study, planning, and fellowship. They were joined by Bishop McConnell, Canon for Formation Jay Geisler, and Canon for Mission Kimberly Karashin, as well as others from across the diocese wishing to contribute to and learn from this collaborative effort. A second meeting was held at St. John's on July 23, with representatives from St. Matthew's (Homestead) and the Mid Mon Valley Lutheran Parish also joining in the conversation.
 Though membership and money are real concerns for our Mon Valley parishes, they are symptomatic of larger issues plaguing these communities, including unemployment, addiction, violence, and a pervading sense of hopelessness. The Mon Valley Mission seeks to address these issues by reaching out to neighbors, listening to their needs, and engaging them in the development and delivery of substantive, long-term solutions. Participants are encouraged to break down the barriers that have traditionally hindered such work, whether racial, cultural, socio-economic, geographic, denominational, religious/secular, etc. While it's clear there are no quick fixes, groundwork is already being laid for some very exciting - and potentially very impactful - initiatives.
Please keep our Mon Valley missioners in your prayers as they continue to discern their role in fulfilling God's plan for the region.
|
|
|
A Full Day Introduction and Refresher Workshop
Saturday, August 27, 2016, 9 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Led by Dawn Stewart, accredited Godly Play�Teacher Trainer.
- Come and learn how to help children and adults experience God's Word through storytelling and wondering techniques.
- Discover how adaptable Godly Play� is to any home or church setting.
- Experience a complete Godly Play� session as a learner. Examine how Godly Play� nurtures a child's spirit.
- Observe and identify the roles of Godly Play� Mentors: Storyteller and Doorperson
This day-long workshop offers an introduction to Godly Play� for those exploring resources for children, new Godly Play� mentors (Storytellers and Door Persons), and a refresher for those already using this method of spiritual formation with children.
Cost: Workshop is free; $10 for lunch. Cash or checks payable to the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh will be collected on the day of the workshop. |
 Church of the Advent, Brookline
Please welcome the Church of the Advent, located in Pittsburgh's Brookline neighborhood, as the parish resumes full and active participation in the Episcopal Diocese after a period of almost eight years.
Advent has a long history and rich heritage serving the South Hills since 1904, including hosting weekly AA and TOPS meetings, supporting the Brookline Food Pantry and participating in Brookline Ministerium programs such as the annual live Christmas manger. A highlight of Advent's current outreach is its annual Christmas Day Dinner served to the greater Brookline community. Last year the parish served nearly 700 meals, with some dining in the church undercroft, some meals carried out, and many meals delivered to homes in the area.
Serving the parish during this time of transition is a ministry team led by the Rev. Dick Pollard and Doug Kinsey, a candidate for ordination. In late spring, Fr. Dick, a priest at Advent ten years earlier, received a call from parishioners concerned that their long-time senior warden, who recently had been placed in hospice care, was receiving no pastoral care. A developing relationship with that family led to wider conversations with Advent members and eventually to the unanimous decision by the congregation to resume its participation in the life of the diocese.
Following a policy and practice approved by Diocesan Convention concerning all parishes that resume active participation, Advent's renewed status comes without penalty or repercussion.
Welcome Home Advent!
 |
 Eat-Pray-Learn
We believe in an idea described as "the total ministry of all believers." It is a belief that all people who believe in Jesus Christ are called to minister, not only to each other, but to all the people we meet and live with. And by ministering we don't mean preaching, but caring for and nurturing others, showing God's love not just through words, but also through actions. About forty years ago, people at the School for Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, decided to develop a curriculum which would provide a basic theological education to lay Christians. Thus, Education for Ministry (EfM) was born. EfM is a distance learning certificate program in theological education based upon small-group study and practice. Members of the group meet each week to discuss reading materials which provide a basic education about Christianity and contemporary theological issues. It is a four-year program, but students commit to only one year at a time. The first year is devoted to reading and understanding the Old Testament; second, the New Testament; third the history of the Christian Church; fourth, contemporary theological issues. The discussions are led by mentors who keep the discussions on topic. Each group makes decisions about how the group will be run within a broad set of guidelines. Calvary Episcopal Church in Shadyside hosts two EfM groups at the present time. One meets from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursdays and the other meets Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. By agreement, the groups begin and end each meeting with a brief worship. Each member of the group leads worship several times each year. Please contact Barbara Brooks at tipark4me@aol.com or Diane Santoriello at Dianesantoriello@gmail.com for more information.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Mt. Lebanon will be hosting an EfM group on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9:30 p.m. starting September 21. Contact the Rev. Garrett Yates at garrett@stpaulspgh.org for details. When you are a member of an EfM group, you gather together with other inquisitive souls to Eat, Pray and Learn. The cost of the program is $350 a year and includes all text books. |
 |
| | 2015 Quilt Show in Blairsville |
Quilt Show in Blairsville
St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Blairsville, will be the site of a Quilt Show on August 13, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The show will be part of Blairsville's Annual Knotweed Festival. At least 32 quilts are scheduled to be loaned for exhibition, most belonging to local quilters and/or residents. This event is sponsored by St. Peter's Parish, whose church building is on the National Register of Historic Places. The current church building, erected in 1828, is lovingly supported by a small but vibrant group of dedicated parishioners. St. Peter's is at 36 West Campbell Street, Blairsville, PA 15717. Come visit us - services are every Sunday at 10:30 AM! |
 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.
|
 Transitions
Effective June 1, 2016, the Rev. Timothy Hushion has transferred his canonical residency from the Diocese of Pittsburgh to the Diocese of North Carolina, where he is Rector of Calvary Episcopal Church in Wadesboro and Vicar of All Souls in Ansonville.
Joseph Paul Baird and Alyse Elizabeth Viggiano were ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons by Bishop McConnell at Trinity Cathedral on June 4, 2016. Joe is serving at St. Peter's, Blairsville, where he is a member. Alyse, a member of St. Paul's, Mt. Lebanon, is continuing her studies at Virginia Theological Seminary.
Daniel Joseph Isadore was ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests by Bishop McConnell at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Highland Park, on June 5, 2016. Dan is serving as Assistant to the Rector at St. Andrew's, and holds the same position at St. Thomas, Oakmont. In addition, he represents the diocese as Episcopal Missioner for the University of Pittsburgh. Dan is a graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School and Grove City College. He earned a Master of Divinity degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, where his wife, Hallie, works as a member of the admissions staff.
At their meeting on June 6, 2016, the Standing Committee appointed Karen Slobodian, of St. Stephen's, McKeesport, to the Board of Trustees. Karen will fulfill the uncompleted term of Melanie Kurtz, who has resigned.
Brandon Mozingo has been named Parish Administrator for Trinity Cathedral, effective July 1st. Brandon is a U.S. Navy veteran and a graduate of Sewanee University of the South, where he earned an M.A. in Theology. He is in the process of completing a Master of Sacred Theology degree. Brandon will continue to work for the Seamen's Church Institute, where he is River Chaplain serving the Merchant Marine of the Upper Ohio, Allegheny, Monongahela and Kanawha Rivers. Steve Fekete continues on the Cathedral staff as Building and Events Administrator.
The Rev. Richard Pollard is serving as Regular Supply at the Church of the Advent in Brookline, which has elected to resume full participation in the life and mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh. Father Dick is assisted by Doug Kinsey, who is a candidate for ordination.
In a partnership among Christ Church, North Hills, All Saints, Brighton Heights, and the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the Rev. Charles Hamill has been named Priest-in-Charge of All Saints, effective September 1st. The Rev. Wade Lawrence continues his dedicated service as Deacon there, augmenting the work of Father Charlie, who will continue as Assistant Rector at Christ Church, North Hills.
|
151st Convention
Mark your calendar now for the 151st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh on November 4 & 5, 2016, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Mt. Lebanon, and watch for registration information in September.
Audio of Bishop McConnell's address from last year's convention is available here. |
 National Survey Helps to Determine Social Media Needs
The General Convention Task Force for Leveraging Social Media for Evangelism has developed a short survey to determine steps needed to empower and equip Episcopalians in the use of all new media for evangelism.
The Task Force for Leveraging Social Media for Evangelism is working to empower Episcopalians as evangelists and to equip members to share our faith using new digital tools.
The survey is designed to identify church-wide attitudes, concerns and hopes for using social media for evangelism. What you share here will help us to design materials to prepare a church full of digital storytellers! |
|
Bishop McConnell's Visitation Schedule:
September 4: St. Paul's, Kittanning September 11: St. David's, Peters Township September 25: St. John's, Donora
Parish leadership is reminded to complete and submit this form at least two weeks in advance of their visitation.
Parish Audit Reports for the year ended December 31, 2015 must be submitted to the diocesan office by September 1, 2016. Parishes failing to file Audit Reports will be entitled to seats with voice but no vote at the annual Convention.
Audit Reports should be mailed to: Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, Attention: Judge of Audits, 325 Oliver Avenue, Suite 300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Please contact Kathi Workman, Treasurer, with any questions.
The Commission on Ministry has released revised guidelines for those interested in pursuing diaconal or priestly ministry. "Discerning and Responding to a Call to Holy Orders" is available here.
|
|
Grace Happens upcoming publication dates with deadline for submissions:
September 6 (Submissions due August 30) September 20 (Submissions due September 13)
October 4 (Submissions due September 27)
October 18 (Submissions due October 11)
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. |
|
|
|
|
