Read the Episcopal News Service story here. Then, the note below from Bishop Paul.
Just a couple of notes.
The budget may be slightly understated. There is a subsidy of 270k from
815 and up to 500k in privately donated (but hopefully not used) legal
fund.
Yours truly organized the PA bishops to attend, and Bethlehem was
represented by a bishop, priest (Archdeacon Cluett) and lay person
(Andrew Reinholz). All we needed was deacon (fortunately, Bp Baxter of CPA
was accompanied by one such cleric.) Pastor Philip Pfatteicher (ELCA),
formerly of Stroudsburg, was a welcome surprise. He has a parish down
the street from Trinity Cathedral in the burg. He is one of the chief
experts on liturgy in the ELCA and has published the official
exposition of its liturgy.
The president of the Pbgh Standing Committee delivered an address that was both scholarly and relevant. His emphasis was on incarnational fellowship and ministry rather than logomachy. I hope it will be published. If not, I will originate it.
I met several former Bethlehemites there, including a son of Nativity's Pat Hurd.
Anent our Cathedral, a lady who had visited the diocese for an event told me that she has never quite gotten over the striking impression Nativity's rood screen and reredos made on her. She called it a "jewel." I have to confess that the picture of my daughter and son-in-law coming down from their marriage under that screen is one of my top five images, so I know how she feels.
For me the event was a striking lesson. Neither I nor any other visitors had a public word to say, but for an evening and a day we got to demonstrate our love by presence an informal conversation. Bishop Jones, who has been their advisor, told us visitors that our presence was worth a hundred times our travel costs. In my law school days I had a professor who insisted that "the world is run by the people who show up." I am beginning to think that he is right--therein lies a Christmas Sermon. Tony, be warned.
Like all who have participated in New Hope, I find myself continually grateful to serve in ways that will be little noted nor long-remembered :-) but ways that make make a difference.
Best
+Paul
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