Recent Posts
- Congregational Development Grant Applications
- Bishop's School – Fall 2008
- The Designated Lover -- Changing the Game of Life ... By Bishop Paul Marshall
- newSpin 080425
- DOK Retreat
- New Ministry/Carbondale and Forest City
- A Brush with God -- Icon Painting Retreat
- Jubilate, Pentecost Season 2008
- In 600 words or less ... A bishop engages the culture beyond his church
- Sermon at Memorial Service for Henry Pease
Search
- Search
« January 2008 | Main | March 2008 »
February 2008
February 28, 2008
February 27, 2008
New Hope Renewal Sunday: Pastoral Letter of Bishop Paul Marshall
[Pastoral Letter to be read at all services of worship this weekend (Mar 2), except churches where confirmation is being celebrated—for them it will be Mar 9]
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ Jesus,
In a few weeks Easter will have dawned and we will again luxuriate in the light of the Lord’s Resurrection, celebrating the gift of new life that the Cross and Empty Tomb lavish on us.
As I celebrate Easter this year it will be with profound gratitude for what we as a diocesan family are doing. Construction has begun in Sudan and our Social Ministries Committee is preparing to make grants for new social ministries in our parishes. This work is possible because so many hearts have already responded with Christ’s own love for the weak and powerless.
With the active phase of the New Hope Campaign three-quarters over, we have gifts and pledges totaling $3,022,000 (as of February 24), putting us a bit ahead of schedule. Our goal of $3.6 million is well in sight.
Continue reading "New Hope Renewal Sunday: Pastoral Letter of Bishop Paul Marshall" »
IT@Diocesan House #19
From Kat Lehman
What others say about you ... By Bishop Paul Marshall
[This is Bishop Paul Marshall’s March 2008 column for secular newspapers, usually 600 words or less and different from his column in Diocesan Life. The column is sent to newspapers throughout our 14 counties. It is published by The Morning Call, Allentown, on the first Saturday of every month. It usually appears also in six or seven additional papers at some point during the month. The combined circulation of papers that publish the column regularly is about 400,000. Some 120 columns have been published over the past eleven years. If your newspaper does not publish the column and you might consider speaking with the editor about that, please email Bill Lewellis.]
You know the rules. Never eat at a place called Mom’s. Never play cards with a man named Doc. Never date somebody who has more problems than you do.
There is another rule for peace of mind. Don’t Google yourself. I recently discovered this rule by breaking it.
Continue reading "What others say about you ... By Bishop Paul Marshall" »
February 18, 2008
newSpin 080218
Find below both a word and a pdf file. Only the word file, I believe, retains workable links. They don't seem to work in the file converted to pdf from word.
If anyone can clue me in on how to retain the workable links in the pd file, please do so. I'm working with Mac OSX. Thanks. Bill
Daughters of the King at St. Andrew's
(Left to Right): Alana Hercules, Sue Large, Jean Bengenia, Father Scott Allen, Cindy Bowlby, Marge Yarnall and Virginia Hontz
In Montrose: Tiffany windows to be restored
St. Paul's Montrose has embarked on a multi-phased, multiyear project of cleaning and restoring the stained glass windows in the apse and nave of the church. The Tiffany Windows in the apse are the first phase. They have been removed. All of this is in preparation for application for historic designation for the church, since both the building and the windows are outstanding examples of art and architecture of the late 19th Century. The story that may be downloaded below touches on both these factors and includes two photos.
At Mediator Allentown: Children of Abraham, People of the Book
An exploration of how Jews, Christians, and Muslims relate to sacred Scripture. The flyer that may be downloaded below describes Mediator Allentown's Lenten series of worship services, adult forums and visits to the Lehigh County Conference of Churches, Keneseth Israel and the Islamic Center of the Lehigh Valley. The church welcomes all. Anyone interested in participating in the events scheduled outside of Sunday should contact the church office at 610-434-0155 or at Mediatorec@verizon.net.
Montrose donates Christmas offering to New Hope Campaign
On Sunday, February 10, St. Paul’s, Montrose presented Mr. Charlie Barebo with a check for $1,200 for the New Hope Campaign. The parish had committed its Christmas 2007 offering to the Campaign for projects in Kajo Keji and Northeast Pennsylvania. Mr. Barebo was visiting the parish to acquaint the parishioners with the needs and the plans for the $3.6 million mission outreach. Download the story and view photo below.
Download 080210parish_gives_christmas_offering_to_new_hope.pdf
John M. Garber
John M. Garber, 52, Reading, formerly of Tamaqua, died Feb. 5, 2008, in his home.
John grew up in Tamaqua and was a son of William A. Garber, Tamaqua, and the late Carol (Steidel) Garber. While residing in Tamaqua, he worked for Children and Youth Services of Schuylkill County. He was working for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center at its Shillington office. John was a 1973 graduate of Tamaqua High School and received his master's degree from Gettysburg Seminary.
He was a member of St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church, Douglassville, where he was organist/choirmaster for 19 years. He was a member of the American Guild of Organists, the Association of Anglican Musicians and a founding member of the local chapter of Integrity in the Diocese of Bethlehem. He was a major participant in the redesign of the worship space at St. Gabriel's and the church's acquisition of a new Allen organ.
Surviving in addition to his father are a brother, William R. Garber and his wife, Carolanne, Tamaqua; nieces, TaraBeth and Karri; nephew, Billy; and grandfather, Maurice Garber, Tamaqua.
Services will be Monday at 1 p.m. in Christ Church on Field Road in Rush Township, Tamaqua, with the Rev. Canon Calvin C. Adams officiating. Friends may call noon until time of services in the church. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Memorial services will be Feb. 16 at 11 a.m. in St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church, 1188 Benjamin Franklin Highway East, Douglassville. www.stgabriels.us
Donations in his name may be made to the church.
Harold Wharton Black, Jr.
Harold Wharton Black, Jr., 87, Wyomissing, died Feb. 11, 2008, in Wyomissing Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Reading. A member of Christ Episcopal Church, Reading, he was the husband of Deborah (Gibbs) Black. Born in Bluefield, W.Va., he was a son of the late Harold Wharton Black and Annie (Sanders) Black.
Harold was a typographer for CBS and Black Inc., both in New York City. He also was a freelance typographer in both New York and Berks County, retiring in 1987. He was a 1942 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a bachelor's degree in journalism. He was a veteran of the Army, serving in the Signal Corps and stationed on the USS Rocky Mount in the South Pacific during World War II.
He was past president of Friends of Berks County Libraries and was widely known for the articles he wrote for the organization, which went well beyond his years as president. Harold also served at the Emergency Shelter (now known as Opportunity House) for 10 years.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Melissa A. Black, Wyomissing; and his four sons: Timothy L., husband of Denise Black, Old Bridge, N.J.; Philip L. Black, Fleetwood; Andrew M. Black, Pleasanton, Calif.; and Matthew G., husband of Theresa Black, Tinton Falls, N.J. Other survivors include eight grandchildren and a stepgreat-granddaughter. He was predeceased by a brother, Joseph.
Memorial services were held at Christ Church on Saturday, February 16.
Diocesan Life/March 2008
Stories and features include: Bishop's Day with Youth in NYC. Bishop Paul's column on visit with youth to St John the Divine Cathedral for Nightwatch program. Reflections by youth. What is Stella's future and what will become of baby Laura in Kajo Keji? Father Gerns named Canon Pastor to the Bishop. Three new deacons. Debra Kissinger accepts position with Diocese of Indianapolis.New Hope column by Charlie Barebo. ASapp's Fales. A Spiritual Journey in Recovery from Alcohol. Calendar. Cycles of Prayer. Triduum, by Father Pat Malloy.
Download the March issue of Diocesan Life below.
February 05, 2008
Workshop at Mediator Allentown
[From Maria Tjeltveit] The Way of Communion: Spiritually Minded Eating for Carnally Minded Americans, is a workshop offered at the Episcopal Church of the Mediator, on Friday and Saturday, February 15 and 16. It will be led by John and Mary Granger, who are Orthodox Christians. John is a member of the Orthodox Speakers Bureau, and writes and lectures extensively on Harry Potter. He grew up as an Episcopalian. Mary does therapeutic cooking for people with cancer and other health issues. They and their seven children are active in their Orthodox Church in Trenton, New Jersey. Please see the attachment for more details on this unusual workshop, which is very timely for those of us who embrace disciplines like fasting and frequent Communion during Lent. Call 610-434-0155 to register. Download more information below.
Debra Kissinger accepts position with Diocese of Indianapolis
On Bishop Paul's staff, Debra has had a ministry of oversight and development of diocesan children’s ministries, birth through grade 6. She consulted with parishes regarding child-friendly worship, Christian education and formation development with an eye to congregational development. She represented the Diocese of Bethlehem in local, state and national advocacy work with various child advocacy organizations. Her ministry also included oversight and development of diocesan-wide children’s event and various teacher training events and oversight of child abuse prevention training. She served also as staff liaison to diocesan evangelism and stewardship Committees.
February 02, 2008
Ordination of Deacons.080202
God now calls you to a special ministry of servanthood directly under your bishop. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are to serve all people, particularly the poor, the weak, the sick, and the lonely. [Book of Common Prayer, p.543]
View photos by Bill Lewellis from the ordination of deacons, February 2, 2008, at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem: Rodney Conn, Hillary Dowling Raining, and Bernice Reichard. Photos may also be downloaded from this site.
Download Bishop Paul's sermon below.
February 01, 2008
Diocesan Life.February 2008
Highlights include ...
Cover: (1) Missioners visit with Kajo Keji families (2) Cathedral youth visit Grace Allentown
Page 2: Bishop Paul's sermon at the institution of Mother Laura Howell as rector of Trinity, Bethlehem.
Page 3: Good news from New Hope and a letter from Bishop Anthony
Page 4: Youth events, including Christophany, EYE 2008, the JrHigh Mission Trip and the youth campaign to raise $7,000 for the sisters and brothers in Kajo Keji.
Page 5: Arts on the Mountain, Trinity Mt. Pocono ... and continuation of stories from Page 1
Page 6: (1) Father Patrick Malloy's new book, (2) Diocesan Training for Ministry Conference, (3) Might you be an evangelism consultant?
Page 7: Diocesan Calendar, Cycles of Prayer
Back Cover: Dwelling in the word: reflections on the Ash Wednesday and the first three Sundays of Lent by Laura Drum, Jenifer Gamber,Bertrand Delanney and Barbara Caum.
Palms and Ashes at Grace Montessori School
From The Morning Call, Feb. 1, 2008
Allentown -- At Grace Episcopal Church's Grace Montessori School Thursday, January 31, Father Pat Malloy burns palms for kids in 1st and 2nd grade. The group burned palms from the previous Palm Sunday and made the ashes that will be used on Ash Wednesday. This is a centuries-old tradition, but it is the first time kids at this school did this. (DON FISHER/TMC / February 1, 2008)
Click on the photo to view a larger image.
A Spiritual Journey in Recovery from Alcohol
By Anonymous
The great success of Alcoholics Anonymous is that it is a fellowship which provides a sense of family, connectedness and safety for those who desire to live sober lives. Not everyone makes it to AA, however, for a multitude of reasons. There is no judgment upon anyone regarding a resistance to that path of recovery.
Some of us in recovery from alcohol have had this very experience in our own lives. In light of this -- and yet realizing the power of fellowship for those with the common denominator of alcohol problems in our lives, whatever they are -- we decided to start an early morning non-AA affiliated group that meets twice a month. We wanted to open a new and meaningful way to discuss the God of our understanding. We know from experience that healing from alcohol, as with most things, requires a spiritual solution, and that God is the great healer. We also know that there are many paths that lead to the Road of Recovery……..
Please join us ...
What: A Spiritual Journey in Recovery
When: 1st and 3rd Wednesday mornings from 7:30 to 8:30 AM
Where: Fellowship Hall (side door), Trinity Episcopal Church, Market St., Bethlehem
Download more below.
