DioBeth newSpin

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The newSpin Newsletter, March 26, 2012
By Bill Lewellis
Published Monday, occasionally also on Thursday 

TopSpin
• Chrism Mass on Thursday: March 29 at Cathedral, 11:00 a.m. ...  See below, under DioBethSpin.

• Church of England rejects Anglican Covenant ... [Episcopal Café] Three of six dioceses voting on Saturday have rejected the proposed covenant, two have voted in favor, one has yet to report its vote. The covenant has been rejected by the Church of England. More here and here.

• Something very significant in the history of the Church of England happened on Saturday ... [The Guardian UK, Diarmaid MacCulloch] An absolute majority of dioceses in the Church of England, debating diocese by diocese, voted down a pernicious scheme called the Anglican Covenant. This was an effort to increase the power of centralising bureaucracy throughout the worldwide Anglican communion. However much the promoters denied it, the principal aim was to discipline Anglican churches in the United States and Canada, which had the gall to think for themselves and, after much prayer and discussion, to treat gay people just like anybody else ... So now Anglicanism needs to move forward and forget this sorry diversion, into which many perfectly well-meaning people poured a huge amount of energy over a decade when they might have been doing something useful. More here.

• Sinking Spring: St. Alban's to get long-awaited home ... [Reading Eagle]  For longer than Moses wandered in the wilderness, members of St. Alban's Episcopal Church, Spring Township, have worshipped in a circa 1963 building that was intended to be the congregation's temporary home. On Sunday, March 18, a groundbreaking was finally held for a new building to be completed in time for Easter 2013 ... The Rev. Karl Kern, rector of St. Alban's, said worship in the old church, with a capacity of 145, often felt crowded and he is hopeful the additional space will make worshippers feel more comfortable. So, members have been raising funds toward construction of a $2.4 million stone and stucco church that will be about 70 percent larger than the current building. The new sanctuary will hold 244 worshippers. More here.

• Diocesan Life, March/April ... Here.

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The newSpin Newsletter, March 19, 2012
By Bill Lewellis
Published Monday, occasionally also on Thursday 

TopSpin
• ABC Rowan Williams stepping down at year's end ... [Episcopal Café]  Here and Here and Here and Here. His decision comes after 10 years as ABC and after accepting the position of Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge, where, the college said he “has the capacity and vision to guide the College in a time of unprecedented change in higher education.” He will be returning to what he always said was his primary calling as a liberal theologian, leaving behind the tangled church politics that require the archbishop of Canterbury to have, as he said Friday, “the hide of a rhinoceros and the constitution of an ox.” More at ENS, AP, RNS, and the NYTimes.

• Agonies of an Archbishop ... [Ross Douthat, NYTimes Op-Ed] Rowan Williams has borne some of the same burdens as Pope Benedict XVI. The outgoing archbishop of Canterbury and the former Joseph Ratzinger differ theologically and in the scope of their ecclesiastical authority. But both men are European academics trying to speak to Western audiences while leading an increasingly global and post-European church. Both have confronted the same issues (Islam, secularism, sexuality) and both have stumbled into public controversies when their soft-spoken styles collided with intractable challenges. These challenges won’t go away, but within a few decades it won’t be elderly Bavarians or Welsh academics who are confronting them. This is probably the last era in which the public face of the world’s major Christian bodies will look the way it did in 1780, or even 1950. The next pope could well be Latin American or African; if not in the next election, then it’s only a matter of time. And one of the favorites to succeed Rowan Williams as archbishop of Canterbury is John Tucker Mugabi Sentamu, the Ugandan-born archbishop of York, whose biography makes a bridge between the old Christendom and the new. A hundred years ago, the idea that one of Western Europe’s most ancient religious offices could be occupied by a black man born in Africa would have seemed like something out of science fiction. By the end of this century, in a globalized Anglicanism and Catholicism alike, it will probably seem like the most normal and necessary thing in the world. More here.

• As Rowan Williams retires, speculation turns to successor ... [RNS] Here.

• Sheltering the homeless ... Below, under ParishSpin.

• Diocesan Training Day: Saturday, March 24 at St. Stephen's Pro-Cathedral in Wilkes-Barre ... The annual Diocesan Training Day is now open for online registration. Twelve workshops from a variety of ministries. Registration and more info here. Vestry members and Finance Commission members are especially encouraged to attend the Wardens/Vestry 101 Workshop led by Bishop Paul and Archdeacon Stringfellow: An introduction for new wardens and vestry members, or a refresher for experienced vestry members to the roles, responsibilities, and realities of parish leadership. We will look at canons, models, strategies, and resources to assist the elected leaders of parishes. 

• Chrism Mass: March 29 ... [Bishop Paul] See below, under DioBethSpin

• Draft rite for Same-Sex Blessings and supporting documents released ... [Episcopal Café, Andrew Gerns] The Episcopal Church’s Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music has released excerpts from its “I Will Bless You, and You Will Be a Blessing: Resources for Blessing Same-Gender Relationships,” report, including the text of its proposed rite of blessing. Excerpts from the commission’s report to General Convention are now available for study online. More here.

• Diocesan Life, March/April ... Here.

Important day in West Pittston

Today Fr. John Major and Janine Ungvarsky hosted a combined clergy meeting to review the progress in ministry to flood victims along the Susquehanna, particularly in the West Pittston area. Clergy from Tunkhannock to Honesdale and points north and south of that Rt 6 line were present.

There were several joy-producing moments even in the recollection of devastation. In the first place, Trinity and its friends have been persevering long-term servants of their neighbors, and have found that to be transformative of their life. Secondly, the good people at Episcopal Relief and Development have been nothing but helpful in their conversations. Finally, there was a review of the amount of gifts that have flowed in from you to help in this community rebuilding effort, which will take 3 to 5 years to complete.

As you know, we have a team working to help each place in the diocese be prepared for unexpected large-scale tragedy.

One of the things I have learned is that there is a national registry of volunteers that we can all access to put our skills and interests on tap for future needs. More about this will come to you.

I left the event heartened by the clergy turnout, the persistence of Trinity's priest and people, and the knowledge that ERD knows that we are here and are trying. I want to publicly thank all of them.

Blessings,
+Paul

Step into Spring fashion show

A Resource for Christian/Muslim Dialogue

[From Addison Bross, Co-Chair, Diocesan Peace Commission]

If your parish is contemplating holding an event in line with the resolution to promote Christian-Muslim understanding (passed last fall at Diocesan Convention), you may want to know of the upcoming event.

Dr. Kenneth Cragg, author of Christians and Muslims: From History to Healing and one of the founders of Muslims and Christians United: A Lehigh Valley Initiative has expressed interest in giving presentations and leading study-groups on this interfaith topic for Episcopalians in our Diocese.

The series of meetings he led with a combined Muslim and Christian group some months ago led to the formation of Muslims and Christians United. This was a continuing study-group in which participants looked deeply into each other's faiths. Dr. Cragg is convinced that this format works best for promoting a genuine level of exchange and interaction, where the problems that have divided the two religions can come forward and be addressed frankly, and where these two distinct "peoples of the book" can also discover the ties that bind them in a single Abrahamic tradition.

My impression is that this approach gets beyond platitudes and makes possible a kind of sharing at a deeper level. I have asked Dr. Cragg about helping parishes in our Diocese with such a project. He suggested persons interested in this issue might find profit in attending a meeting in Harrisburg on 31 March, where he will explain to a gathering there just what such a series would involve.

The meeting is scheduled for 3 pm, Saturday, 31 March, at Susquehanna Hall of Elizabethtown College off Route 283 between Harrisburg and Lancaster. The originating group is The World Affairs Counsel of Harrisburg. Additional sponsors are the Muslims and Christians United of Lehigh Valley, Elizabethtown College, and interfaith groups of Harrisburg and Lancaster.

Joy or Control? Let the Joy Happen.

Sermon at Clergy Day
March 15, 2012
Paul V. Marshall
Ps. 95:8

I find myself thinking about four words from the Psalm. “Harden not your hearts.” Not as threat, but as invitation—it is the Invitatory Psalm.

As a teacher of preaching, I have heard a lifetime’s-worth of sermons about why a particular preacher does not like Lent, so I think at last it is my turn. I don’t like Lent for precisely the same reason that I don’t like cleaning the garage or basement. (I say nothing of desks.) Stuff builds up: that is its nature. Even if one is a daily tidiness person, and I respect such people, there needs to be a thorough cleaning now and then if our living spaces are to function well and give pleasure to the eye and heart. Cleaning up after
ourselves is not usually our favorite thing nonetheless.

It is tedious, unexciting…and necessary, or else one drowns in clutter or harbors a fire hazard. Worse still, stuff can pile up to the extent that you forget what the space is actually for, and have to start parking in the driveway instead of the garage.

Chrism Mass, Thursday March 29 at the Cathedral, 11:00 a.m.

[From Bishop Paul]

In most places in the Christian world, the annual renewal of ordination vows and the blessings of oils for baptism and healing are private services for the clergy only. In Bethlehem for 15 years now, our liturgy is public, lay people are urged to be present, and there is a free lunch.

You are cordially invited to come with your parish group or on your own to wonderful moment.

But why should you?

1) Besides the fact that it is a stunning and uplifting liturgy, it is your chance to be with other members of the diocese as we support and pray for our clergy as they re-commit themselves to their service to us. It is also the time when together we pray over the oils that are used with the sick and at baptism and confirmation--each time those oils are applied, they represent the prayers of the entire diocese. Those of you with special ministries of healing and teaching will particularly want to be present.

2) The music for the liturgy will be sung by a choir of professionals, including voices from the Metropolitan Opera. A mass setting by Haydn will be complimented by Renaissance pieces, and just a touch of Wagner at the end--and it all fits together.

3) This is yet another opportunity to connect with sisters and brothers from around the Diocese as we share lunch and visit. The more connection we have, the better we function.

4) Pilgrimage
In some ways, those who travel the longest for this event will reap the most benefit. When we travel to do something, we change as we go; this is why the ancient practice of pilgrimage still has so much meaning. But whether you are crossing the street or crossing the Endless Mountains, consciously making the effort to be present, being mindful of your movement, will bless you.

To let us know how much lunch to make, your priest (or sr warden if there is no priest or deacon) will need to know how many are coming,so if you won't be there on the next two Sundays to raise your hand at announcement time, let him/her know otherwise, as we will need a count on Monday, March 26th. Of course we will make a little extra for walk-ins, but please do let us know if you can.

Blessings,
+Paul

PS There will be modest but fun prizes for the children of the church that comes the farthest, the church that has the largest percent of its Average Sunday Attendance present, and for the largest number of attendees.

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The newSpin Newsletter, March 12, 2012
By Bill Lewellis
Published Monday, occasionally also on Thursday 

Peter Pearson, rector of Good Shepherd Scranton,
recently posted this on Facebook.

TopSpin
• Sheltering the homeless ... Below, under ParishSpin.

• Diocesan Training Day: Saturday, March 24 at St. Stephen's Pro-Cathedral in Wilkes-Barre ... The annual Diocesan Training Day is now open for online registration. Twelve workshops from a variety of ministries. Registration and more info here. Vestry members and Finance Commission members are especially encouraged to attend the Wardens/Vestry 101 Workshop led by Bishop Paul and Archdeacon Stringfellow: An introduction for new wardens and vestry members, or a refresher for experienced vestry members to the roles, responsibilities, and realities of parish leadership. We will look at canons, models, strategies, and resources to assist the elected leaders of parishes. 

• Bracing for backlash ... [NYTimes] American officials in Afghanistan are bracing again for another backlash, this time following the massacre of at least 16 Afghan civilians, mainly children and women, by a U.S. Army sergeant. The incident follows the accidental burning of a Koran and other religious texts by U.S. personnel, which led to outrage and violence. [h/t Religion News Service Daily Roundup]

• A suicide car bomber  ... attacked a Catholic church Sunday in the middle of Mass in the Nigerian city of Jos, killing at least 10 people. The latest attack, perhaps by the Islamic sect Boko Haram, sparked retaliatory violence later Sunday. [h/t Religion News Service Daily Roundup] 

• Chrism Mass: March 29 ... [Bishop Paul] See below, under DioBethSpin

• Draft rite for Same-Sex Blessings and supporting documents released ... [Episcopal Café, Andrew Gerns] The Episcopal Church’s Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music has released excerpts from its “I Will Bless You, and You Will Be a Blessing: Resources for Blessing Same-Gender Relationships,” report, including the text of its proposed rite of blessing. Excerpts from the commission’s report to General Convention are now available for study online. More here.

• Diocesan Life, March/April ... Here.

Pray For...

Pray for our young men and women who have died in Afghanistan, and for their families:

Staff Sgt. Jordan L. Bear, 25, of Denver, Colo.
 Pfc. Payton A. Jones, 19, of Marble Falls, Texas.
Cpl. Conner T. Lowry, 24, of Chicago, Ill.

Pray also for the fallen heroes also of our coalition partners, and for the citizens of Afghanistan who have died, unnamed and unknown to us, and for those who mourn ... and for an end to this endless war.

Culled from various web pages, including:
U.S. Department of Defense news releases
In Remembrance, at legacy.com
Honor the Fallen, from Military Times

Want to receive this in your email box? Subscribe to our "Pray For..." list via our "Get Connected" box on our web site: www.diobeth.org

Wondrous Love Concert on March 24th at St. John's, Palmerton

Trinity, Bethlehem Spring Artist-in-Residence Organ Concert March 18

[From Trinity, Bethlehem]

ARAM BASMADJIAN, Artist-in-Residence at Trinity Episcopal Church in Bethlehem, will herald both spring and Trinity’s newly refurbished Aeolian-Skinner organ on March 18. His recital at 3 P.M. will feature music by the best known composers of music for the “king of instruments,” including Handel, Bach, Bingham, Schumann, Vierne, and Widor.

Mr. Basmadjian has released three solo recordings, including the first classical recording on the world's largest Wurlitzer pipe organ in Barrington, Illinois. He toured for six years with Community Concerts, with performances in over fifty cities each year.

A reception will follow the recital at the church at 44 E. Market Street, Bethlehem. There is a suggested donation of $15; children under 12 are admitted free.   Tickets are available at the door.

For more information: info@trinitybeth.org, 610-867-4741.

Spring into Family Health and Wellness with Grace, Kingston March 31

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The newSpin Newsletter, March 5, 2012
By Bill Lewellis
Published Monday, occasionally also on Thursday

Vocatus atque non vocatus, Deus aderit. [Inscribed over the front door of Carl Jung's house, as well as on his tombstone] Invoked or not, God is here.

TopSpin
• Sheltering the homeless ... Various churches throughout the Bethlehem Area continue to shelter the homeless. More volunteers are needed to help shuttle people in the mornings and evenings. Recently one person had to drive, Friday night, Saturday morning, Saturday night, Sunday morning, Monday night, and Tuesday morning. If you can help, please sign up here.  

• Diocesan Training Day: Saturday, March 24 at St. Stephen's Pro-Cathedral in Wilkes-Barre ... The annual Diocesan Training Day is now open for online registration. Twelve workshops from a variety of ministries. Registration and more info here. Vestry members and Finance Commission members are especially encouraged to attend the Wardens/Vestry 101 Workshop led by Bishop Paul and Archdeacon Stringfellow: An introduction for new wardens and vestry members, or a refresher for experienced vestry members to the roles, responsibilities, and realities of parish leadership. We will look at canons, models, strategies, and resources to assist the elected leaders of parishes. 

• Chrism Mass: March 29 ... [Bishop Paul] What will feature a professional choir, a new organ stop, and music by Haydn, Palestrina, Byrd, and…Wagner? And a free lunch. Yes, the Chrism Mass, March 29, at 11 a.m at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity.  Reverent, moving, and just a hint of fun. Stay tuned for details. Blessings, +Paul

• Diocesan Life, March/April ... Here.

• General Convention 101 ... [Scott Allen] This coming July, eight Deputies and two Bishops will travel from the Diocese of Bethlehem to Indianapolis to be part of the triennial decision-making body of the Episcopal Church called the General Convention.  This is the first in a series by your elected Deputies to set a context for that journey so that you may better be part of this important decision making body of the Church. More here.

• Resources for Christian/Muslim dialogue ... [DioLife, Canon Mariclair Partee] Here, on page three.

• Christians and Muslims: From History to Healing ... [DioLife, Book Review by Addison Bross] Here, on page five. [Dr. Bross is a member of Grace Allentown and co-chair of the Diocesan Peace Commission.]

• Five women in religion to watch in 2012 ... [CNN Belief Blog, Sarah Sentilles] Kecia Ali, a feminist scholar who focuses on Islamic jurisprudence and women in early and modern Islam, is one of the organizers of “Muslim Women and the Challenge of Authority,” a conference that will be held at Boston University in March. Nadia Bolz-Weber is changing what church looks like — and she’s changing what ministers look like while she’s at it. Anthea Butler models what engaged scholarship looks like in the 21st century. She is an associate professor of religious studies and graduate chair in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, brings a scholar’s eye to contemporary politics and decodes the work religion is doing in the public square. Esther Fleece, assistant to the president for millennial relations at Focus on the Family, was hired to bring the so-called “millennials” back to the conservative Christian movement. Karen King is the first woman appointed as the Hollis Professor of Divinity at Harvard Divinity School, the oldest endowed chair in the United States, and she is at work on a book about “martyrdom and its discontents” that rethinks the role of violence in the formation of Christianity. More here. [h/t Leadership Education at Duke Divinity]

Pray For...

Pray for our young men and women who have died in Afghanistan, and for their families:

Sgt. Joshua A. Born, 25, of Niceville, Fla.
Cpl. Timothy J. Conrad Jr., 22, of Roanoke, Va.
Lt. Col. John D. Loftis, 44, of Paducah, Ky.
Maj. Robert J. Marchanti II, 48, of Baltimore, Md.
Sgt. Allen R. McKenna Jr., 28, of Noble, Okla.

Pray also for the fallen heroes also of our coalition partners, and for the citizens of Afghanistan who have died, unnamed and unknown to us, and for those who mourn ... and for an end to this endless war.

Culled from various web pages, including:
U.S. Department of Defense news releases
In Remembrance, at legacy.com
Honor the Fallen, from Military Times

Want to receive this in your email box? Subscribe to our "Pray For..." list via our "Get Connected" box on our web site: www.diobeth.org