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October 5-10, 2008
Bishop Claggett Center
3035 Buckeystown Pike
Buckeystown, MD 21717
Scholarships are available for members of parishes in the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem --contact Diana Marshall.
Continue reading "Education for Episcopal Health Ministry and Parish Nursing" »
[From Warren Shotto, senior warden at Good Shepherd, Scranton] We are having a celebratory service for The Rev. Dr. Fred Mauger. After many years of service to the Diocese of Bethlehem, having served in many capacities at many of our parishes, Father Fred recently retired from active ministry at the age 85. In recognition of that and as a special thank you from Good Shepherd, we are hosting A Celebration of Thanksgiving for his ministry . The service will take place on Sunday August 10th at three o’clock in the afternoon at Good Shepherd with a dinner to follow in the parish hall.
Continue reading "Celebrate The Rev. Dr. Fred Mauger –– August 10" »
Twelve of our young people and three adult chaperones joined nearly 850 youth and more than 300 adult chaperones and resource persons to represent the Diocese of Bethlehem at the Episcopal Youth Event in San Antonio, July 8-13: [Youth] Jensen Appleman of Trinity Easton, Rebekah Beers of St. Mark's Moscow, Annie Bonenberger of St Gabriel's Douglassville, Kayla Farley of St. Brigid's Nazareth, Antonia Harewoord-Harris and Corey Mars of Christ Stroudsburg, Katie Kolepp of Cathedral Bethlehem, Sophie Neumann and Vanessa Segaline of Trinity Bethlehem, Ryan Ochse of St. Paul's Montrose, Brittany Radcliffe of St. John's/Good Shepherd Milford, and Rachel Salmon of Trinity Mt. Pocono. [Adults] Mother Demery Bader-Saye, diocesan missioner for youth, Trica Bonenberger of St. Gabriel's Douglassville, and Andrew Reinholz of Grace Allentown. Browse the EYE website here. More to come.
[From Cathy Bailey and Janet Kolepp] Education for Ministry (EfM) is a four year theology course that includes study of the Old Testament, New Testament, Church History and Theological Choices. Every baptized person is called to ministry. This program, through study, discussion, guided reflection, prayer, worship and fellowship, helps Episcopalians and others to carry out that ministry. Participants register for one year at a time, meet weekly in groups of 6-12, and are led by a trained mentor. If you have completed any part of the EfM course of study, this is a perfect opportunity to continue toward graduation.
In the morning ... Wednesdays, 9:30-noon starting September. More info: Cathy Bailey 610-261-1106, cbnnp@rcn.com.
In the evening ... Thursdays, 6:00-830 p.m., starting September. More info: Janet Kolepp, 610-954-9582, jkolepp@msn.com.
Under One Roof (the partnership of the parishes in the Northern Tier of the Diocese of Bethlehem) will offer a special workshop to explore the role that money plays in our daily lives and in our faith. The workshop is scheduled for late September (Sept. 20, from 9:30 to 2:00, at St. Paul's Montrose) in time to assist, guide, and resource parishes for their stewardship programs.
We live in a money-dominated culture. We are constantly told that the amount of money we earn determines who we are. We are promised that having more money will make us happy. Yet the relentless focus on money and accumulation of wealth can fill us with anxiety and self-doubt that rob us of the peace and contentment that Jesus promises in his Sermon on the Mount.
As Christians, we must wrestle with some of life’s most basic questions: How much money is enough? Who is master: my money or me? What do I truly rely on for security: money or God? By examining our beliefs about money, and what Jesus had to say about money and wealth, we can start to live in ways that are connected, passionate, meaningful, and -- most importantly -- free. We can learn how to help our communities of faith engage in the work of changing lives and challenging the status quo, just as our Lord did on this earth. We can participate in building the kingdom of God.
Join Dan Charney and Char Horst, Missioners for Stewardship and Development, respectively, in open and frank discussion about the meaning of money and its role in life and ministry. All are most welcome. There is no charge for this workshop. Lunch and refreshments are included. Please register by September 15 with Brenda Allen at St. Paul’s Montrose by phone 570-278-2954, or email. Please put UOR in the subject line.
A brief essay by Bill Lewellis
The Dalai Lama arrived in Bethlehem on July 10 for six days of talks. There's a lot about the visit at the website of The Morning Call.
For years I have wondered why so many Christians have been drawn to the Dalai Lama and his teachings. What's the deal? I have asked that question, with some skepticism, perhaps also with a modicum of cynicism, each time I have read one or another of his talks, his books, books on Buddhism and stories about the Dalai Lama. No need to point to hubris in my personal wonderment. I have already indicted myself many times. I have closely questioned and accused myself each time I have thought about this ... and continued to wonder. I believe, however, that I have discovered an answer, sufficient at least for me. I found it in the Wednesday, July 9, issue of The Morning Call, in an op-ed by Lehigh University chaplain Lloyd Steffen that may be found here.
June, 2008
TO: Parish clergy, wardens, Congregational Development
Parish Transition guidelines
Diocese of Bethlehem
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
This document summarizes the policies and practices of the Diocese of Bethlehem from the time a priest first meets with me to discuss retirement or a new call through the settling and first year of the new priest. I am grateful to the Diocese of Washington, which has provided on its website bits of the boiler plate in the pages that follow. There will be many places where what is unique in our common life will stand out. It is best to start with one such place:
Everything depends on the search process being conducted not only in or with prayer, but as prayer. Consciousness that one is doing a holy thing for the good of the whole congregation and the sacrifice of personal agenda are the two essential qualities in all those involved in the decision. Inability to make those commitments indicates that person has a different ministry in the parish.
Those of you who have participated in a search before will find the contents of this document familiar.
As you know, transition times are a mixed bag of loss, stress, challenge, and discovery. The single most important factor in the time of transition is the steady calm of the wardens and search chair(s).
As you perhaps do not know, parishes in transition or seeking new leadership are prayed for by name every day at Diocesan House and remain in my own prayers. If it should ever seem to you that communication is not what it should be, the wardens should contact me directly, preferably by telephone.
Archdeacon Stringfellow, Canon Teter, and I stand ready to assist you in any way we can.
May God bless your search.
+Paul
Download the Parish Transition Guidelines below.
