DioBeth newSpin

Happy Anniversary, New Hope

By Charlie Barebo

Gaderu students watch the construction of their new school

Join me in celebrating the second anniversary of the New Hope Campaign! As we pass this milestone, may we join in a prayer of thanksgiving. We have received $3,900,000 in gifts and pledges, $300,000 more than our initial goal and just $200,000 short of our stretch goal of $4,100,000. Of this we have collected over $2,400,000. Despite the troubling economic times, pledge fulfillment rates remain high. Your pledge commitment is a sacred one. You will bring the gift of the Gospel to a child.

Inviting Silence

[From Peter Pearson and Laura Howell]

Come away for a time of quiet listening and a time for your spirit to seek God's Spirit in the spaces between the noise, the activities, the plans, and the stuff of your life. For a few days we will gather together simply to invite silence into our lives. Call it an experiment, call it a retreat, call it whatever you like, but come and share this time with other seekers who will journey together into the silences where God may be found.

When: November 19-21, 2009
Where: St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem
Leaders: Fr. Peter Pearson, CoS and Mo. Laura Howell
Cost: $190. Residential retreat strongly suggested, but we can make arrangements for
commuters if necessary.

For more information, contact Mo. Laura: laura@trinitybeth.org, 610-867-4741 X304.

General Convention Forums

posted by Kat Lehman

[From Anne Kitch]
General Convention Forums
Our Diocesan Deputation to General Convention will present two forums to report to the Diocese the actions of the 76th General Convention. These are in addition to reports that can be found electronically on the Diocesan Website (www.diobeth.org), the Diocesan Blog  Newspin and the printed in the September Issue of Diocesan Life.

Wednesday, September 9th at 7:30 pm at St. Stephen's Wilkes-Barre

Thursday, September 17th at 7:00 pm at St. Andrew's Allentown

Thank you,
Anne Kitch, Deputation chair

The Rev. Canon William T. Warne Retirement

posted by Kat Lehman

[From Warren Shotto, Senior Warden] Announcing the retirement of the Rev. Canon William T. Warne II, priest in residence, the Church of the Good Shepherd.

Please join the Wardens, Vestry, and congregation of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Scranton for a retirement luncheon celebrationg the good works of the Rev. Canon William T. Warne II upon his retirement as priest in residence.

Sunday August 30, 2009
following the 10:30am service

The Church of the Good Shepherd
1780 North Washington Ave.
Scranton, PA 18509

Please R.S.V.P.
the parish office @ 570-347-1760

090826.Spinning some interesting, perhaps useful, news

[Posted by Bill Lewellis]

New Hope Campaign receives UTO grant                                                                                                            The New Hope  Campaign has received a UTO grant in the amount of $48,361 to be used for Gaderu Primary School in our companion diocese of Kajo Keji in southern Sudan.

Lutheran Assembly approves ministries of gays and lesbians in committed relationships
The 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) on August 21 approved opening the ministry of the church to pastors and other professional workers living in committed same-gender relationships. The resolution passed by a vote of 559 to 451 and overturns previous church policy that prohibited participation of gays and lesbians in church ministries unless they were celibate. Read the Episcopal News Service story here ... and more at Episcopal Cafe.

General Convention
A 25-page summary of actions of GC2009 is available as a downloadable, searchable PDF.

General Convention Forums
[From Canon Anne Kitch, Bethlehem deputation chair] Our Diocesan Deputation to General Convention will present two forums to report to the Diocese the actions of the 76th General Convention: Wednesday, September 9, at 7:30 pm at St. Stephen's Wilkes-Barre, and Thursday, September 17, at 7:00 pm at St. Andrew's Allentown These are in addition to reports that have been printed in the September Issue of Diocesan Life.

Senior high missioners rebuild in New Orleans
Story and pictures here.

Communion, Covenant and Our Anglican Future                                                                                                 NewSpin has it on good and trustworthy authority and this is "worth a slow read and quiet reflection."

Elizabeth J. "Betty" Speicher, 69                                                                                                     died August 23. For many years Betty had been a very active member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Mount Pocono where she served as junior and senior warden, long-time vestry member, director of altar guild, member of the building committee, usher, greeter and many other committees and church activities. She served also on the Commission of Ministry of the Diocese of Bethlehem and was a member of the St. Matthew's Society.[Find the obituary here.]

Gilbert E. Peterson, 77                                                                                                                     died August 17. A parishioner at St. Margaret's Emmaus, he was the father of Iris Peterson, ordained in the Diocese of Bethlehem, serving in Danbury CT. [Find the obituary here.]

Bishop's School, Fall 2009
Courses: (1) Book of Common Prayer, taught by Bishop Paul in the morning. (2) Theology, taught by The Rev. John Francis in the afternoon. Dates:  September 26; October 17, 24, 31; November 7, 14, 28; December 5, 12, 19. More info here.

Fall Day Away                                                                                                                                                               Anne Kitch, Canon for Formation in the Christian Faith for the Diocese of Bethlehem, will lead a Fall Day Away retreat sponsored by St. Alban's Sinking Spring, on Sept. 19 at the Jesuit Center in Wernersville. The event, Living Into Our Baptisms: Lifelong Christian Formation, will begin with refreshments at 8:45 a.m. and conclude with Eucharist at 3 p.m. Deadline for registration is Sept. 4. Cost of $25, includes lunch. For more information or to make reservations, call the church at 610-678-7001.

Cycles of Prayer
Find the September cycles of prayer here. 

Registration for Diocesan Convention
The annual convention of the Diocese of Bethlehem will be held at St. Stephen's Pro-Cathedral, Wilkes-Barre, October 9-10. Please register on-line where you will also find more information. On-line registrations will be open only until October 2. An additional $20 late fee will be charged at the door.

Invite us (The Diocesan Peace Commission) to your parish
The Diocesan Peace Commission offers a one hour, interactive forum on peacemaking. Invite us to your parish! We will provide an introduction to our program, Creating a Culture of Peace: Training for Personal and Social Change (CCP). Read more here.

ELCA and UMC enter into full communion
Read the Episcopal Cafe story here.

Centering Prayer retreat
Mother Laura Howell, Trinity Bethlehem, is working on putting together some Centering Prayer groups, following on the Centering Prayer retreat with Fr. Tom Ward in May. A second Centering Prayer retreat with Fr. Tom will be held in May 2010.  Are there other Centering Prayer groups scattered throughout DioBeth?  If so, please email lauramh@gmail.com.

Regional Discernment
A note from the COM
The Commission on Ministry invites talented, committed, hard-working people to volunteer for consideration as members of our diocesan regional discernment. It is the task of the group to meet no less than a six times with an aspirant to assist in this critical step of discerning an aspirant’s call to ministry. Training will be held soon by teleconference. We would like to get as many prospective members trained as possible so that as aspirants come into the process for discernment, a regional group will be ready. If you are or have been part of regional discernment and would like a refresher, you are more than welcome. If you feel you have the gifts and time for this important ministry and/or would like more information, please contact Monica Lewellis as soon as possible. Thank you.

President Obama and the Vatican
Read NCR columnist Richard McBrien's commentary on a column by the Washington Post's E. J. Dionne here.

Four evangelism videos from the Diocese of Washington
Terry Martin, Evangelism; David Gortner, Transforming Evangelism; Ian Markham, Why Liberals Churches Are Growing; and Brian McLaren, The Episcopal Moment.

Children's Sabbath
Celebrate the Children's Sabbath in your parish this fall. More info here.

Diocesan Life
The September issue of Diocesan Life my be downloaded here.

DKK Highlights
Download the latest issue of Diocese of Kajo Keji Highlights, a newsletter compiled by Stephen Tomor Kenyi, the Diocese of Bethlehem's New Hope representative in Kajo Keji.

Looking for Godly Play materials
St. Anne’s, Trexlertown is beginning to use the Godly Play curriculum this year and is seeking second-hand Godly Play materials that a church might wish to sell at a discounted price. Contact Judith Snyder at 610-398-3321 or by email.

A Moral Case for Health Reform                                                                                                    Health care reform is not an abstract issue. Each day in our congregations and communities we see needless suffering because quality health care is not available to all. This is a grave injustice. The faith community refuses to concede the debate to talk-radio pundits, Washington insiders or special interests defending the status quo. [Read the article by John Gehring in the National Catholic Reporter.]

Sorting out the truth in politics
PolitiFact.com and FactCheck.org

Inhibition of Gregory Malia
Read Bishop Paul's August 13 note to Bethlehem Diocese clergy here. And there's a new development, reported today (Aug. 26) in the Times Leader, Wilkes-Barre, State Agents Search Pharmacy in Pittston.

Pray for ...
our young men and women who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for their families … Leopold F. Damas, 26; Adam F. Benjamin, 34; William Z. Vanosdol, 23; Matthew D. Hastings, 23; Paul E. Dumont, Jr., 23; Clayton P. Bowen, 29; Morris L. Walker, 23,; Jose S.N. Crisostomo, 59; Brian M. Wolverton, 21; Justin R. Pellerin, 21; Matthew L. Ingram, 25; Troy O. Tom, 21, Jonathan C. Yanney, 20; Andrew T. Lobosco, 29;...for the fallen heroes also of our coalition partners ... and for the citizens of Iraq and Afghanistan who have died, unnamed and unknown to us, and for those who mourn ... and for an end to this endless war. [Posted usually on Tuesdays with names found over seven days. Saved here.]

In-Formation in Bethlehem
Find the current issue of Anne Kitch's faith formation newsletter here.

Episcopal Campus Ministry at Penn State (Main Campus)                                                                          [From Canon Dan Selvage, Episcopal Chaplain] Please help us build a successful campus ministry program at Penn State University, University Park, State College, PA. Chaplain Dan Selvage is asking that you forward to his attention the name(s) of anyPSU student who will be attending classes at the main campus this fall. It would be very helpful if you would include any additional information you might have ... campus address, email address, etc. Your kind consideration and cooperation concerning this matter will be greatly appreciated. I may be reached atdls87@psu.edu. Thank you.

Got a question?
Need some info? Check out the Episcopal Church's InfoLine. Contact:  info@episcopalchurch.org or 212-716-6136, 6137; 800-334-7626, x6136, x6137

Episcopal Life Weekly Bulletin Inserts
Find them here. 

News and Notices related to The Episcopal Church
Find them at NewsLine and Episcopal Life Online.

The Episcopal Church
On Twitter, on Facebook, on YouTube.

Bill Lewellis, Communication Minister/Editor (1986), Canon Theologian (1998)
Diocese of Bethlehem, 333 Wyandotte Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Website, Blog, Email (c)610-216-2726, (w)610-691-5655x229, (h)610-820-7673
Be attentive. Be intelligent. Be reasonable. Be responsible.
Be in Love. And, if necessary, change. [Bernard Lonergan]

[Posted by Bill Lewellis]

New Hope Campaign receives UTO grant                                                                                                            The New Hope  Campaign has received a UTO grant in the amount of $48,361 to be used for Gaderu Primary School in our companion diocese of Kajo Keji in southern Sudan.

Lutheran Assembly approves ministries of gays and lesbians in committed relationships
The 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) on August 21 approved opening the ministry of the church to pastors and other professional workers living in committed same-gender relationships. The resolution passed by a vote of 559 to 451 and overturns previous church policy that prohibited participation of gays and lesbians in church ministries unless they were celibate. Read the Episcopal News Service story here ... and more at Episcopal Cafe.

General Convention
A 25-page summary of actions of GC2009 is available as a downloadable, searchable PDF.

General Convention Forums
[From Canon Anne Kitch, Bethlehem deputation chair] Our Diocesan Deputation to General Convention will present two forums to report to the Diocese the actions of the 76th General Convention: Wednesday, September 9, at 7:30 pm at St. Stephen's Wilkes-Barre, and Thursday, September 17, at 7:00 pm at St. Andrew's Allentown These are in addition to reports that have been printed in the September Issue of Diocesan Life.

Senior high missioners rebuild in New Orleans
Story and pictures here.

Communion, Covenant and Our Anglican Future                                                                                                 NewSpin has it on good and trustworthy authority and this is "worth a slow read and quiet reflection."

Elizabeth J. "Betty" Speicher, 69                                                                                                     died August 23. For many years Betty had been a very active member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Mount Pocono where she served as junior and senior warden, long-time vestry member, director of altar guild, member of the building committee, usher, greeter and many other committees and church activities. She served also on the Commission of Ministry of the Diocese of Bethlehem and was a member of the St. Matthew's Society.[Find the obituary here.]

Gilbert E. Peterson, 77                                                                                                                     died August 17. A parishioner at St. Margaret's Emmaus, he was the father of Iris Peterson, ordained in the Diocese of Bethlehem, serving in Danbury CT. [Find the obituary here.]

Bishop's School, Fall 2009
Courses: (1) Book of Common Prayer, taught by Bishop Paul in the morning. (2) Theology, taught by The Rev. John Francis in the afternoon. Dates:  September 26; October 17, 24, 31; November 7, 14, 28; December 5, 12, 19. More info here.

Fall Day Away                                                                                                                                                               Anne Kitch, Canon for Formation in the Christian Faith for the Diocese of Bethlehem, will lead a Fall Day Away retreat sponsored by St. Alban's Sinking Spring, on Sept. 19 at the Jesuit Center in Wernersville. The event, Living Into Our Baptisms: Lifelong Christian Formation, will begin with refreshments at 8:45 a.m. and conclude with Eucharist at 3 p.m. Deadline for registration is Sept. 4. Cost of $25, includes lunch. For more information or to make reservations, call the church at 610-678-7001.

Cycles of Prayer
Find the September cycles of prayer here. 

Registration for Diocesan Convention
The annual convention of the Diocese of Bethlehem will be held at St. Stephen's Pro-Cathedral, Wilkes-Barre, October 9-10. Please register on-line where you will also find more information. On-line registrations will be open only until October 2. An additional $20 late fee will be charged at the door.

Invite us (The Diocesan Peace Commission) to your parish
The Diocesan Peace Commission offers a one hour, interactive forum on peacemaking. Invite us to your parish! We will provide an introduction to our program, Creating a Culture of Peace: Training for Personal and Social Change (CCP). Read more here.

ELCA and UMC enter into full communion
Read the Episcopal Cafe story here.

Centering Prayer retreat
Mother Laura Howell, Trinity Bethlehem, is working on putting together some Centering Prayer groups, following on the Centering Prayer retreat with Fr. Tom Ward in May. A second Centering Prayer retreat with Fr. Tom will be held in May 2010.  Are there other Centering Prayer groups scattered throughout DioBeth?  If so, please email lauramh@gmail.com.

Regional Discernment
A note from the COM
The Commission on Ministry invites talented, committed, hard-working people to volunteer for consideration as members of our diocesan regional discernment. It is the task of the group to meet no less than a six times with an aspirant to assist in this critical step of discerning an aspirant’s call to ministry. Training will be held soon by teleconference. We would like to get as many prospective members trained as possible so that as aspirants come into the process for discernment, a regional group will be ready. If you are or have been part of regional discernment and would like a refresher, you are more than welcome. If you feel you have the gifts and time for this important ministry and/or would like more information, please contact Monica Lewellis as soon as possible. Thank you.

President Obama and the Vatican
Read NCR columnist Richard McBrien's commentary on a column by the Washington Post's E. J. Dionne here.

Four evangelism videos from the Diocese of Washington
Terry Martin, Evangelism; David Gortner, Transforming Evangelism; Ian Markham, Why Liberals Churches Are Growing; and Brian McLaren, The Episcopal Moment.

Children's Sabbath
Celebrate the Children's Sabbath in your parish this fall. More info here.

Diocesan Life
The September issue of Diocesan Life my be downloaded here.

DKK Highlights
Download the latest issue of Diocese of Kajo Keji Highlights, a newsletter compiled by Stephen Tomor Kenyi, the Diocese of Bethlehem's New Hope representative in Kajo Keji.

Looking for Godly Play materials
St. Anne’s, Trexlertown is beginning to use the Godly Play curriculum this year and is seeking second-hand Godly Play materials that a church might wish to sell at a discounted price. Contact Judith Snyder at 610-398-3321 or by email.

A Moral Case for Health Reform                                                                                                    Health care reform is not an abstract issue. Each day in our congregations and communities we see needless suffering because quality health care is not available to all. This is a grave injustice. The faith community refuses to concede the debate to talk-radio pundits, Washington insiders or special interests defending the status quo. [Read the article by John Gehring in the National Catholic Reporter.]

Sorting out the truth in politics
PolitiFact.com and FactCheck.org

Inhibition of Gregory Malia
Read Bishop Paul's August 13 note to Bethlehem Diocese clergy here. And there's a new development, reported today (Aug. 26) in the Times Leader, Wilkes-Barre, State Agents Search Pharmacy in Pittston.

Pray for ...
our young men and women who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for their families … Leopold F. Damas, 26; Adam F. Benjamin, 34; William Z. Vanosdol, 23; Matthew D. Hastings, 23; Paul E. Dumont, Jr., 23; Clayton P. Bowen, 29; Morris L. Walker, 23,; Jose S.N. Crisostomo, 59; Brian M. Wolverton, 21; Justin R. Pellerin, 21; Matthew L. Ingram, 25; Troy O. Tom, 21, Jonathan C. Yanney, 20; Andrew T. Lobosco, 29;...for the fallen heroes also of our coalition partners ... and for the citizens of Iraq and Afghanistan who have died, unnamed and unknown to us, and for those who mourn ... and for an end to this endless war. [Posted usually on Tuesdays with names found over seven days. Saved here.]

In-Formation in Bethlehem
Find the current issue of Anne Kitch's faith formation newsletter here.

Episcopal Campus Ministry at Penn State (Main Campus)                                                                          [From Canon Dan Selvage, Episcopal Chaplain] Please help us build a successful campus ministry program at Penn State University, University Park, State College, PA. Chaplain Dan Selvage is asking that you forward to his attention the name(s) of anyPSU student who will be attending classes at the main campus this fall. It would be very helpful if you would include any additional information you might have ... campus address, email address, etc. Your kind consideration and cooperation concerning this matter will be greatly appreciated. I may be reached atdls87@psu.edu. Thank you.

Got a question?
Need some info? Check out the Episcopal Church's InfoLine. Contact:  info@episcopalchurch.org or 212-716-6136, 6137; 800-334-7626, x6136, x6137

Episcopal Life Weekly Bulletin Inserts
Find them here. 

News and Notices related to The Episcopal Church
Find them at NewsLine and Episcopal Life Online.

The Episcopal Church
On Twitter, on Facebook, on YouTube.

Bill Lewellis, Communication Minister/Editor (1986), Canon Theologian (1998)
Diocese of Bethlehem, 333 Wyandotte Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Website, Blog, Email (c)610-216-2726, (w)610-691-5655x229, (h)610-820-7673
Be attentive. Be intelligent. Be reasonable. Be responsible.
Be in Love. And, if necessary, change. [Bernard Lonergan]

In-Formation in Bethlehem
Find the current issue of Anne Kitch's faith formation newsletter here.

Episcopal Campus Ministry at Penn State (Main Campus)                                                                          [From Canon Dan Selvage, Episcopal Chaplain] Please help us build a successful campus ministry program at Penn State University, University Park, State College, PA. Chaplain Dan Selvage is asking that you forward to his attention the name(s) of anyPSU student who will be attending classes at the main campus this fall. It would be very helpful if you would include any additional information you might have ... campus address, email address, etc. Your kind consideration and cooperation concerning this matter will be greatly appreciated. I may be reached atdls87@psu.edu. Thank you.

Got a question?
Need some info? Check out the Episcopal Church's InfoLine. Contact:  info@episcopalchurch.org or 212-716-6136, 6137; 800-334-7626, x6136, x6137

Episcopal Life Weekly Bulletin Inserts
Find them here. 

News and Notices related to The Episcopal Church
Find them at NewsLine and Episcopal Life Online.

The Episcopal Church
On Twitter, on Facebook, on YouTube.

Bill Lewellis, Communication Minister/Editor (1986), Canon Theologian (1998)
Diocese of Bethlehem, 333 Wyandotte Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Website, Blog, Email (c)610-216-2726, (w)610-691-5655x229, (h)610-820-7673
Be attentive. Be intelligent. Be reasonable. Be responsible.
Be in Love. And, if necessary, change. [Bernard Lonergan]

State agents search pharmacy in Pittston ... Business run by former Episcopal Church priest

Posted: August 26, Times-Leader, Wilkes-Barre
Updated: Today at 3:56 AM
State agents search pharmacy in Pittston
Business run by former Episcopal Church priest
By Edward Lewis elewis@timesleader.com
Staff Writer

PITTSTON – Agents with the state Office of Attorney General’s Insurance Fraud Division searched a specialty pharmacy on Tuesday run by Gregory Malia, a former priest with the Diocese of Bethlehem Episcopal Church.

Agents were observed removing boxes and at least one filing cabinet from New Life Home Healthcare and loading the items into a large box truck.

Kevin Harley, spokesman for the attorney general, said he couldn’t comment as to why agents were removing items from the pharmacy because search warrants are sealed.

New Life, located on the fourth floor in the Penn Park Building at 48 S. Main St., specializes in providing medications and other products to those suffering from bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia.

The pharmacy is the target of a lawsuit that was filed in Luzerne County Court in October 2007 by Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, which alleged New Life officials improperly billed the insurer for medications provided to its employees.

According to the lawsuit, New Life had a contract to dispense medications to Blue Cross subscribers and was a customer of Blue Cross through a group health insurance contract that covered New Life’s employees.

The lawsuit alleges Blue Cross paid New Life nearly $3.6 million in medical coverage for two employees and Gregory Malia, while the two employees and Malia had primary medical coverage by other insurance carriers.

Malia, 44, of Laflin, is identified as the president and chief executive officer of New Life, earning a salary of $120,000 plus expenses, according to a divorce petition filed by his ex-wife, Ann Marie Morreale-Malia, with the county Prothonotary’s Office.

Malia couldn’t be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon.

It was unknown if the pharmacy was open, or if Malia was present when agents executed the search warrants at the pharmacy.

In an unrelated case, Malia is facing charges that he brandished a handgun during a fight involving his two estranged daughters and their boyfriends outside a Jenkins Township tavern on July 7.

Jenkins Township police alleged in arrest records that they found a loaded .38-caliber handgun in Malia’s Jaguar after the fight.

Malia was charged with five counts of reckless endangerment, four counts of aggravated assault and two counts each of simple assault and disorderly conduct. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 6 before District Judge Diana Malast in Plains Township.

After the charges were filed against Malia, the Episcopal Diocese suspended him from conducting priestly ministries or presenting himself as a priest.

Malia first ran afoul of the diocese in December when articles in the New York Daily News described him as “a big spending, champagne swilling, club-hopping priest from the coal fields of Pennsylvania” who frequents trendy Manhattan clubs “in the wee hours and spends thousands on top shelf liquors, doling out five-figure tips like silver dollars.”

Inhibition of Gregory Malia

August 13
From Bishop Paul Marshall to the Bethlehem Diocese Clergy

Dear Colleagues,

It has been complained by the Standing Committee, in a letter received
this week, that The Rev. Gregory Malia has by certain publicly known
 actions and failures to act, abandoned the Discipline and Worship of
 this Church.

I have affirmed their finding and according to canon, issued today a
 new inhibition that gives him six months to make matters completely
right (Title IV Canon 10 outlines the possibilities). If at the end of six
 months matters remain as they are now, formal deposition will take 
place.

Part of the inhibition forbids his using ecclesiastical titles or 
holding himself out as a priest; I wish to be made aware of any 
violations that may occur. Thank you for your cooperation.

Blessings,

+Paul

A Matter of Pride ... in the Park

A Matter of Pride
By T. Scott Allen

Scott Allen and Andy Gerns welcome visitors to Pride in the Park

On Sunday, August 16, parishioners and clergy from six congregations plus a few retired clergy staffed an information/welcome tent on behalf of the Episcopal Church at Pride-In-The-Park, held annually at Cedar Beach Park in Allentown. The largest Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered (GLBT) gathering in Northeastern Pennsylvania, it drew an estimated 5500 people this year.

Handing out flyers listing many Episcopal church’s and their contact information as well as Sunday service times, the tent volunteers spoke with many GLBT people and their allies who were seeking spiritual communities or wanted to tell us how glad they were we were there. The tent was emblazoned across the front with a banner which proclaimed “The Episcopal Church Welcomes You!”

Betty Speicher

[Obituary, Pocono Record]

Elizabeth J. "Betty" Speicher, 69, of Cresco, died Sunday evening, Aug. 23, at Pocono Medical Center, East Stroudsburg. She was the widow of Russel E. Speicher with whom she shared 44 years of marriage at the time of his death on Sept. 16, 2002.

Peace Commission and Adult Forums

Posted by Kat Lehman

[From Fran Hlavacek]

INVITE US!

The Diocesan Peace Commission offers a one hour, interactive forum on peacemaking.  Invite us to your parish!  We will provide an introduction to our program, Creating a Culture of Peace: Training for Personal and Social Change (CCP).

CCP responds to General Convention resolutions to develop a culture of peace and nonviolence and to make nonviolence training and peace education available throughout the Episcopal Church.

CCP trained facilitators present an engaging, eye-opening program for your adult forums, teen groups, coffee hour, etc. CCP applies to many issues of conflict and controversy, personal and social.

Give your church members a taste of what it's like to make changes for peace.

For more information to schedule a CCP forum or for information on the Peace Commission, please contact Addison Bross at acb2@lehigh.edu ( 610-691-2684) or Janet Chisholm at jgchisholm@aol.com (845-641-3648)

Looking for Godly Play Materials

Posted by Kat Lehman

[From Judith Snyder] Subject:  Request for Godly Play Materials

St. Anne’s, Trexlertown is beginning to use the Godly Play curriculum this year and is seeking second-hand Godly Play materials that a church might wish to sell at a discounted price.
Please contact Judith Snyder at 610-398-3321 or email at Judith.snyder@stannesepiscopal.net.

The Rev. Judith U. Snyder
Priest Associate for Christian Formation St. Anne's Episcopal Church, Trexlertown, PA 610 398-3321

judith.snyder@stannesepiscopal.net

"Embrace hope with all your heart."

090816.Spinning some interesting, perhaps useful, news

[Posted by Bill Lewellis]

How might one 'get ready' for the Archbishop of Canterbury?
Connie Fegley, upon being told in General Convention's Exhibit Hall that she should 'get ready' because the Archbishop of Canterbury was about to come to the American Friends of the Church of Sudan (Afrecs) booth she was taking care of, she wrote: "Quite honestly, all I could think of to do was to put on a little lipstick."  Read it all here.

General Convention
Find an excellent summary of GC2009 actions here. And the General Convention office has produced a 25-page summary of actions of GC2009 available as a downloadable, searchable PDF. Read reflections on GC2009 by our deputies: Scott Allen, Jan Charney, Anne Kitch, Charlie Barebo, Jane Teter, Rick Cluett and Ty Welles.

Senior high missioners rebuild in New Orleans
[By Kimberly Rowles] Our encore performance as missioners in the Diocese of Louisiana ran from July 25 through August 1. In roughly 80-90% humidity and heat, 25 missioners from the Diocese of Bethlehem sheet-rocked, machete-d and painted their way around the Gentilly area of New Orleans. Twenty youth from ten congregations from all over the Diocese put their sweat and tears into the Louisiana homes, churches and community meeting spaces where we did the work of Christ. Story and pictures here.

Missioner for Youth Kimberly Rowles                                                                                                                      Effective July 2009, Bishop Paul named Kimberly Rowles to Diocesan Staff as Missioner for Youth. More info here.

Episcopalians urged to support affordable health care                                                                                      Read the Episcopal News Service article here. And General Convention passed the following resolution: D088 Health Care in the U.S.: "Urges Congress to pass, and for the President of the United States to sign, legislation by the end of 2009 guaranteeing adequatehealth care and insurance for every citizen of the United States of America."

Bishop's School, Fall 2009
Courses: (1) Book of Common Prayer, taught by Bishop Paul in the morning. (2) Theology, taught by The Rev. John Francis in the afternoon. Dates:  September 19, 26; October 17, 24, 31; November 7, 14, 28; December 5, 12; Snow Date, December 19. More info here.

ECW Picnic                                                                                                                                                            Saturday, August22nd at 10 a.m. Pack a lunch and bring a lawn chair. For more information contact Marlene Hartshorne (H  610-395-2583, Cell-610-780-4602) or Dorothy Shaw (H-1-570-836-2049). Download directions and the brochure here.

Cycles of Prayer
Find the September cycles of prayer here. 

Registration for Diocesan Convention
The annual convention of the Diocese of Bethlehem will be held at St. Stephen's Pro-Cathedral, Wilkes-Barre, October 9-10. Please register on-line where you will also find more information. On-line registrations will be open only until October 2. An additional $20 late fee will be charged at the door.

Invite us (The Diocesan Peace Commission) to your parish
The Diocesan Peace Commission offers a one hour, interactive forum on peacemaking. Invite us to your parish! We will provide an introduction to our program, Creating a Culture of Peace: Training for Personal and Social Change (CCP). CCP responds to General Convention resolutions to develop a culture of peace and nonviolence and to make nonviolence training and peaceeducation available throughout the Episcopal Church. CCP trained facilitators present an engaging, eye-opening program for your adult forums, teen groups, coffee hour, etc. CCP applies to many issues of conflict and controversy, personal and social. Give your church members a taste of what it's like to make changes for peace. For more information to schedule a CCP forum or for information on the Peace Commission, please contact Addison Bross at acb2@lehigh.edu ( 610-691-2684) or Janet Chisholm atjgchisholm@aol.com (845-641-3648)

Centering Prayer.How do you talk about silence?
[By Dave Howell] “How do you talk about silence?” This question by Father Tom Ward shows the problem of describing centering prayer. Prayer, of course, is something personal that differs for each of us. The method of centering prayer is less concerned about asking God for something than it is about letting Him enter the center of our being. Read more here.

Centering Prayer retreat
Mother Laura Howell, Trinity Bethlehem, is working on putting together some Centering Prayer groups, following on the Centering Prayer retreat with Fr. Tom Ward in May. A second Centering Prayer retreat with Fr. Tom will be held in May 2010.  Are there other Centering Prayer groups scattered throughoutDioBeth?  If so, please email lauramh@gmail.com.

Regional Discernment
A note from the COM
The Commission on Ministry invites talented, committed, hard-working people to volunteer for consideration as members of our diocesan regional discernment. It is the task of the group to meet no less than a six times with an aspirant to assist in this critical step of discerning an aspirant’s call to ministry. Training will be held soon by teleconference. We would like to get as many prospective members trained as possible so that as aspirants come into the process for discernment, a regional group will be ready. If you are or have been part of regional discernment and would like a refresher, you are more than welcome. If you feel you have the gifts and time for this important ministry and/or would like more information, please contact Monica Lewellis as soon as possible. Thank you.

A diverse minority
The Islamic holy month of Ramadan begins on or about August 22, and the fasting and abstaining and feasting that accompany the observance are among the most prominent markers of North America's growing Muslim population. But few may realize how diverse the Muslim community is. Read more here.

Understanding Islam: From Sunnis to Shiites and beyond
Iraqis celebrated the June 30 start of the American troop withdrawal as a national holiday, but fears remain that sectarian tensions could spike as more troops leave over the summer and episodes of violence erupt. That makes understanding religious differences in Iraq and elsewhere in the Muslim world as critical as ever. Read more here.

Children's Sabbath
Celebrate the Children's Sabbath in your parish this fall. More info here.

Diocesan Life
The September issue of Diocesan Life my be downloaded here.

DKK Highlights
Download the latest issue of Diocese of Kajo Keji Highlights, a newsletter compiled by Stephen Tomor Kenyi, the Diocese of Bethlehem's New Hope representative in Kajo Keji.

Marlene Hartshorne, 'Honored Woman'
Story and photo here.

Marion Hatchett
An eminent and revered liturgical scholar in the Episcopal Church, Dr Marion Hatchett died on August 7. Find more info here.

Bishop John Coburn
Retired bishop of Massachusetts, 1977-1986, leader of House of Deputies during the 1976 General Convention and the debates over women's ordination and a new Prayer Book, Bishop JohnCoburn died August 8. Read more here and here.

Lutherans to vote on gay clergy
Read it at Episcopal Cafe.

Animal Food Bank seeks new home
The Animal Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley has helped a lot of pets find food and a home. But now the Food Bank needs a new home of its own, for storage and office space. Read more here.

EAM seeks part time coordinator
Episcopal Appalachian Ministries is seeking a part time coordinator to begin work January 1, 2010.  The successful candidate will be an Episcopalian with strong interest and commitment to the people of Appalachia and the issues that confront the region. More info here.

In-Formation in Bethlehem
Find the current issue of Anne Kitch's faith formation newsletter here.

Episcopal Campus Ministry at Penn State (Main Campus)                                                                          [From Canon Dan Selvage, Episcopal Chaplain] Please help us build a successful campus ministry program at Penn State University, University Park, State College, PA. Chaplain Dan Selvage is asking that you forward to his attention the name(s) of anyPSU student who will be attending classes at the main campus this fall. It would be very helpful if you would include any additional information you might have ... campus address, email address, etc. Your kind consideration and cooperation concerning this matter will be greatly appreciated. I may be reached atdls87@psu.edu. Thank you.

Got a question?
Need some info? Check out the Episcopal Church's InfoLine. Contact:  info@episcopalchurch.org or 212-716-6136, 6137; 800-334-7626, x6136, x6137

Episcopal Life Weekly Bulletin Inserts
Find them here. 

Christmas-at-Sea
Jane Teter reminds us to take some yarn and knitting needles or a crochet hook on our summer vacations to make an item for mariners on the high seas who cannot be home for Christmas. We will collect these items at our Convention in October. Items may also be dropped off at Diocesan House anytime. Find patterns here; go to  to "how you can help."  There are some new patterns for those who like to crochet and a few new patterns for knitters as well. Jane is going to try the new 
"Oliver's Cap" for a change of pace.

Bill Lewellis, Communication Minister/Editor (1986), Canon Theologian (1998)
Diocese of Bethlehem, 333 Wyandotte Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Website, Blog, Email (c)610-216-2726, (w)610-691-5655x229, (h)610-820-7673
Be attentive. Be intelligent. Be reasonable. Be responsible.
Be in Love. And, if necessary, change. [Bernard Lonergan]

[Posted by Bill Lewellis]

How might one 'get ready' for the Archbishop of Canterbury?
Connie Fegley, upon being told in General Convention's Exhibit Hall that she should 'get ready' because the Archbishop of Canterbury was about to come to the American Friends of the Church of Sudan (Afrecs) booth she was taking care of, she wrote: "Quite honestly, all I could think of to do was to put on a little lipstick."  Read it all here.

General Convention
Find an excellent summary of GC2009 actions here. And the General Convention office has produced a 25-page summary of actions of GC2009 available as a downloadable, searchable PDF. Read reflections on GC2009 by our deputies: Scott Allen, Jan Charney, Anne Kitch, Charlie Barebo, Jane Teter, Rick Cluett and Ty Welles.

Senior high missioners rebuild in New Orleans
[By Kimberly Rowles] Our encore performance as missioners in the Diocese of Louisiana ran from July 25 through August 1. In roughly 80-90% humidity and heat, 25 missioners from the Diocese of Bethlehem sheet-rocked, machete-d and painted their way around the Gentilly area of New Orleans. Twenty youth from ten congregations from all over the Diocese put their sweat and tears into the Louisiana homes, churches and community meeting spaces where we did the work of Christ. Story and pictures here.

Missioner for Youth Kimberly Rowles                                                                                                                      Effective July 2009, Bishop Paul named Kimberly Rowles to Diocesan Staff as Missioner for Youth. More info here.

Episcopalians urged to support affordable health care                                                                                      Read the Episcopal News Service article here. And General Convention passed the following resolution: D088 Health Care in the U.S.: "Urges Congress to pass, and for the President of the United States to sign, legislation by the end of 2009 guaranteeing adequatehealth care and insurance for every citizen of the United States of America."

Bishop's School, Fall 2009
Courses: (1) Book of Common Prayer, taught by Bishop Paul in the morning. (2) Theology, taught by The Rev. John Francis in the afternoon. Dates:  September 19, 26; October 17, 24, 31; November 7, 14, 28; December 5, 12; Snow Date, December 19. More info here.

ECW Picnic                                                                                                                                                            Saturday, August22nd at 10 a.m. Pack a lunch and bring a lawn chair. For more information contact Marlene Hartshorne (H  610-395-2583, Cell-610-780-4602) or Dorothy Shaw (H-1-570-836-2049). Download directions and the brochure here.

Cycles of Prayer
Find the September cycles of prayer here. 

Registration for Diocesan Convention
The annual convention of the Diocese of Bethlehem will be held at St. Stephen's Pro-Cathedral, Wilkes-Barre, October 9-10. Please register on-line where you will also find more information. On-line registrations will be open only until October 2. An additional $20 late fee will be charged at the door.

Invite us (The Diocesan Peace Commission) to your parish
The Diocesan Peace Commission offers a one hour, interactive forum on peacemaking. Invite us to your parish! We will provide an introduction to our program, Creating a Culture of Peace: Training for Personal and Social Change (CCP). CCP responds to General Convention resolutions to develop a culture of peace and nonviolence and to make nonviolence training and peaceeducation available throughout the Episcopal Church. CCP trained facilitators present an engaging, eye-opening program for your adult forums, teen groups, coffee hour, etc. CCP applies to many issues of conflict and controversy, personal and social. Give your church members a taste of what it's like to make changes for peace. For more information to schedule a CCP forum or for information on the Peace Commission, please contact Addison Bross at acb2@lehigh.edu ( 610-691-2684) or Janet Chisholm atjgchisholm@aol.com (845-641-3648)

Centering Prayer.How do you talk about silence?
[By Dave Howell] “How do you talk about silence?” This question by Father Tom Ward shows the problem of describing centering prayer. Prayer, of course, is something personal that differs for each of us. The method of centering prayer is less concerned about asking God for something than it is about letting Him enter the center of our being. Read more here.

Centering Prayer retreat
Mother Laura Howell, Trinity Bethlehem, is working on putting together some Centering Prayer groups, following on the Centering Prayer retreat with Fr. Tom Ward in May. A second Centering Prayer retreat with Fr. Tom will be held in May 2010.  Are there other Centering Prayer groups scattered throughoutDioBeth?  If so, please email lauramh@gmail.com.

Regional Discernment
A note from the COM
The Commission on Ministry invites talented, committed, hard-working people to volunteer for consideration as members of our diocesan regional discernment. It is the task of the group to meet no less than a six times with an aspirant to assist in this critical step of discerning an aspirant’s call to ministry. Training will be held soon by teleconference. We would like to get as many prospective members trained as possible so that as aspirants come into the process for discernment, a regional group will be ready. If you are or have been part of regional discernment and would like a refresher, you are more than welcome. If you feel you have the gifts and time for this important ministry and/or would like more information, please contact Monica Lewellis as soon as possible. Thank you.

A diverse minority
The Islamic holy month of Ramadan begins on or about August 22, and the fasting and abstaining and feasting that accompany the observance are among the most prominent markers of North America's growing Muslim population. But few may realize how diverse the Muslim community is. Read more here.

Understanding Islam: From Sunnis to Shiites and beyond
Iraqis celebrated the June 30 start of the American troop withdrawal as a national holiday, but fears remain that sectarian tensions could spike as more troops leave over the summer and episodes of violence erupt. That makes understanding religious differences in Iraq and elsewhere in the Muslim world as critical as ever. Read more here.

Children's Sabbath
Celebrate the Children's Sabbath in your parish this fall. More info here.

Diocesan Life
The September issue of Diocesan Life my be downloaded here.

DKK Highlights
Download the latest issue of Diocese of Kajo Keji Highlights, a newsletter compiled by Stephen Tomor Kenyi, the Diocese of Bethlehem's New Hope representative in Kajo Keji.

Marlene Hartshorne, 'Honored Woman'
Story and photo here.

Marion Hatchett
An eminent and revered liturgical scholar in the Episcopal Church, Dr Marion Hatchett died on August 7. Find more info here.

Bishop John Coburn
Retired bishop of Massachusetts, 1977-1986, leader of House of Deputies during the 1976 General Convention and the debates over women's ordination and a new Prayer Book, Bishop JohnCoburn died August 8. Read more here and here.

Lutherans to vote on gay clergy
Read it at Episcopal Cafe.

Animal Food Bank seeks new home
The Animal Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley has helped a lot of pets find food and a home. But now the Food Bank needs a new home of its own, for storage and office space. Read more here.

EAM seeks part time coordinator
Episcopal Appalachian Ministries is seeking a part time coordinator to begin work January 1, 2010.  The successful candidate will be an Episcopalian with strong interest and commitment to the people of Appalachia and the issues that confront the region. More info here.

In-Formation in Bethlehem
Find the current issue of Anne Kitch's faith formation newsletter here.

Episcopal Campus Ministry at Penn State (Main Campus)                                                                          [From Canon Dan Selvage, Episcopal Chaplain] Please help us build a successful campus ministry program at Penn State University, University Park, State College, PA. Chaplain Dan Selvage is asking that you forward to his attention the name(s) of anyPSU student who will be attending classes at the main campus this fall. It would be very helpful if you would include any additional information you might have ... campus address, email address, etc. Your kind consideration and cooperation concerning this matter will be greatly appreciated. I may be reached atdls87@psu.edu. Thank you.

Got a question?
Need some info? Check out the Episcopal Church's InfoLine. Contact:  info@episcopalchurch.org or 212-716-6136, 6137; 800-334-7626, x6136, x6137

Episcopal Life Weekly Bulletin Inserts
Find them here. 

Christmas-at-Sea
Jane Teter reminds us to take some yarn and knitting needles or a crochet hook on our summer vacations to make an item for mariners on the high seas who cannot be home for Christmas. We will collect these items at our Convention in October. Items may also be dropped off at Diocesan House anytime. Find patterns here; go to  to "how you can help."  There are some new patterns for those who like to crochet and a few new patterns for knitters as well. Jane is going to try the new 
"Oliver's Cap" for a change of pace.

Bill Lewellis, Communication Minister/Editor (1986), Canon Theologian (1998)
Diocese of Bethlehem, 333 Wyandotte Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Website, Blog, Email (c)610-216-2726, (w)610-691-5655x229, (h)610-820-7673
Be attentive. Be intelligent. Be reasonable. Be responsible.
Be in Love. And, if necessary, change. [Bernard Lonergan]

In-Formation in Bethlehem
Find the current issue of Anne Kitch's faith formation newsletter here.

Episcopal Campus Ministry at Penn State (Main Campus)                                                                          [From Canon Dan Selvage, Episcopal Chaplain] Please help us build a successful campus ministry program at Penn State University, University Park, State College, PA. Chaplain Dan Selvage is asking that you forward to his attention the name(s) of anyPSU student who will be attending classes at the main campus this fall. It would be very helpful if you would include any additional information you might have ... campus address, email address, etc. Your kind consideration and cooperation concerning this matter will be greatly appreciated. I may be reached atdls87@psu.edu. Thank you.

Got a question?
Need some info? Check out the Episcopal Church's InfoLine. Contact:  info@episcopalchurch.org or 212-716-6136, 6137; 800-334-7626, x6136, x6137

Episcopal Life Weekly Bulletin Inserts
Find them here. 

Christmas-at-Sea
Jane Teter reminds us to take some yarn and knitting needles or a crochet hook on our summer vacations to make an item for mariners on the high seas who cannot be home for Christmas. We will collect these items at our Convention in October. Items may also be dropped off at Diocesan House anytime. Find patterns here; go to  to "how you can help."  There are some new patterns for those who like to crochet and a few new patterns for knitters as well. Jane is going to try the new 
"Oliver's Cap" for a change of pace.

Bill Lewellis, Communication Minister/Editor (1986), Canon Theologian (1998)
Diocese of Bethlehem, 333 Wyandotte Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Website, Blog, Email (c)610-216-2726, (w)610-691-5655x229, (h)610-820-7673
Be attentive. Be intelligent. Be reasonable. Be responsible.
Be in Love. And, if necessary, change. [Bernard Lonergan]

Marlene Hartshorne, Honored Woman

Every triennial year, a search is conducted by the ECW in each diocese of the church to identify one "honored woman" who models the Christian life using her God-given gifts in all she is and in all she does. Their biographies and photographs are then submitted to the National ECW and they are included in a printed booklet of the Honored Women for that year. Their names are read and they are presented with a certificate during the Triennial meeting. In the Diocese of Bethlehem, Marlene Hartshorne has been recognized as our ECW Honored Woman.

The following is from the proclamation: Marlene Hartshorne spends endless hours and effort working for the Church and the Diocese of Bethlehem. She is an acolyte, lay reader lecturer, altar guild member, pastoral visitor, volunteers in the church office and serves as co-president of the diocesan Episcopal Church Women, and has been a member of the national nominating committee for Province III. She is a member of the World Mission Committee, working to build a relationship with the Mothers Union of the Diocese of Kajo Keji in southern Sudan. Jesus Christ is the center of her life and work. She is a joy.

EAM seeks part time coordinator

Episcopal Appalachian Ministries is seeking a part time coordinator to begin work January 1, 2010.  The successful candidate will be an Episcopalian with strong interest and commitment to the people of Appalachia and the issues that confront the region.

 

DKK Highlights

Download the latest issue of Diocese of Kajo Keji Highlights, a newsletter compiled by Stephen Tomor Kenyi, the Diocese of Bethlehem's New Hope representative in Kajo Keji.

Download July-September 2009 Issue.pdf

In-Formation in Bethlehem

Find Anne Kitch's faith formation newsletter here.

ECW Picnic at St Matthew's Stevensville

Saturday, August 22nd at 10 am. Pack a Lunch and Bring a lawn chair. For more information contact Marlene Hartshorne (H  610-395-2583, Cell-610-780-4602) or Dorothy Shaw (H-1-570-836-2049). Download directions and the brochure below.

Download DirectionsStMatthew's.pdf

Download ECW 2009 Summer Picnic.doc

September Cycles of Prayer

In the Diocese of Bethlehem
www.diobeth.org
Sept. 6: St. Paul’s Church, Montrose, The Rev Janet C. Watrous, priest-in-charge, www.stpaulschurchmontrose.org
Sept. 13: Christ Church, Stroudsburg, The Rev. Elizabeth Haynes, rector, www.christchurchstroudsburg.net
Sept. 20: Christ Church, Towanda, The Rev. Maureen Hipple, rector, www.christchurchtowanda.org
Sept. 27: The Church Seminaries and those preparing for the ordained ministry

Anglicans Around the World
www.anglicancommunion.org
Sept. 6: The clergy and people of the Church of South India and South Karala
Sept. 13: The clergy and people of the Church of Southern Highlands (Tanzania)
Sept. 20: The clergy and people of the Church of England
Sept. 27: The clergy and people of the Scottish Episcopal Church

The Diocese of Kajo Keji
Sept. 6: Ajira Parish, The Rev Joseph Lomuja
Sept. 13: Akuboro Parish, The Rev Stanley Rumbe
Sept. 20: Andejo Sub Parish, The Rev Nelson Wolyan Adaria
Sept. 27: Andesire Parish, The Rev Cosma Lo’dong Kwoji

Animal Food Bank seeks a new home

The Animal Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley has helped a lot of pets find food and a home. But now the Food Bank needs a new home of its own, for storage and office space.

The organization provides food and other supplies such as litter, collars, carriers, and flea and tick spray to low-income pet owners and shelters. It provides quarterly low-cost immunization shot clinics with volunteer veterinarians. They educate adults regarding the importance of spaying and neutering, and speak to students about responsible pet ownership.

Centering Prayer.How do you talk about silence?

How do you talk about silence?
Letting God enter the center of your being
By David Howell

“How do you talk about silence?” This question by Father Tom Ward shows the problem of describing centering prayer. Prayer, of course, is something personal that differs for each of us. The method of centering prayer is less concerned about asking God for something than it is about letting Him enter the center of our being.

Centering prayer has been used since ancient times, and is a form of meditation.  This definition comes from the www.centeringprayer.com web site: “Centering Prayer is a method of prayer, which prepares us to receive the gift of God’s presence. It emphasizes prayer as a personal relationship with God. At the same time, it is a discipline to foster and serve this relationship by a regular, daily practice of prayer. Centering Prayer is drawn from ancient prayer practices of the Christian contemplative heritage, notably the Fathers and Mothers of the Desert, Lectio Divina, (praying the scriptures), The Cloud of Unknowing, St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila. It was distilled into a simple method of prayer in the 1970s by three Trappist monks, Father William Meninger, Father Basil Pennington and Abbot Thomas Keating at the Trappist St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts.”