DioBeth newSpin

090923.Spinning some interesting, perhaps useful, news

[Posted by Bill Lewellis]

Xtreme Faith Stories shared at Bishop's Day with Kids ... Story and pics here.

Diocesan Life, October may be downloaded here.

Calendar of Events ... Download it here.

Ordinations to the priesthood
 ... Tuesday, September 29, 7:00 p.m., Cathedral Bethelhem. Timothy Scott Albright, James Douglas Moyer, Christina Nord, Wayne Calvin Sherrer

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. You need not register to join your friends in the diocesan community for Evensong on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and Eucharist on Saturday at 8:30 a.m.

Pre-Convention Meetings meant for clergy and delegates to Diocesan Convention will be held on September 24 at St. Alban's Sinking Spring, on October 1 at Good Shepherd Scranton, and on October 6 at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem. All from 7:00 to 8:15 p.m.

ECW Children's Project ... At Diocesan Convention, the ECW will be collecting sweatpants and sweatshirts (sizes 5 to 18) plus undies for children at risk. Each delegate is asked to bring one package to Diocesan Convention. These items will be distributed to children at risk in northeastern Pennsylvania. After collecting from church members, each parish representative will then distribute the remaining sweatshirts, sweatpants, and undies to a local facility (or facilities) for children at risk. For more information contact: Dorothy Shaw, flamingo@epix.net; Marlene Hartshorne, mhartshorne@netcarrier.com or 610-780-4602.

Pray for our young men and women who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for their families … Bryan D. Berky, 25; Demetrius L. Void, 20; David T. Wright II, 26;  Andrew H. McConnell, 24; Robert D. Gordon II, 22; Bradley S. Bohle, 29; Shawn P. McCloskey, 33,; Joshua M. Mills, 24; Jeremiah J. Monroe, 31; Matthew R. Courtois, 22; Michael S. Cote Jr., 20; Corey J. Kowal; Damon G. Winkleman, 23 ... 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 on the newSpin blog, usually on Tuesdays, with names found over seven days.]

General Theological Seminary has called Grace Allentown rector Father Patrick Malloy to be professor of Liturgics. At the request of the Grace Church vestry and congregation and with the permission of Bishop Paul and General Seminary, he will continue as rector on a halftime basis. [Read more here.]

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

Physically active seniors,  even those who started when they were well into their 80s, are apt to live longer than their couch-potato peers, and are more likely to maintain their independence, new research from Israel shows. [Read more here. H/T to Diana Marshall.]

Health Care is mercy in action ... Health care is front-page news. There are many vested interests, and lots of people whose livelihood depends on what gets decided. People of faith are tempted to jump in and take sides. But before we dive in and take sides, people of faith need to remember what health care means. Health care is mercy in action and we are all called to be merciful and compassionate to anyone in need. [Read Andy Gerns' column published in The Morning Call here.]

Trinity Bethlehem organist Dr. Timothy Smith in recital ... [From Mother Laura Howell] Join us on Sunday, October 4th at 4 p.m. (following the Blessing of the Animals) for an organ recital played by Trinity's organist Timothy Smith. This will be Tim's first recital in Bethlehem since coming to Trinity last February. He will perform music of Bach, the monumental B-Minor Prelude and Fugue; Mendelssohn, the First Organ Sonata; Gigout, Grand Chorus Dialogue, which pits the organ's trumpets against the full ensemble. Also on the program will be several short pieces including works by by jazz pianist George Shearing, Robert Elmore and Dale Wood plus a beautiful Psalm Prelude by English composer Herbert Howells. A reception will follow the program so please join us and bring a friend, or two! [Read more here.]

Music at Trinity Bethlehem ... [From Mother Laura Howell] We invite you to put the following events on your calendars. October 4, 4:00 Organ recital by Dr. Tim Smith. November 15, 4:00  Choral Evensong in Thanksgiving for God's Bountiful Goodness. December 5, 5:00 Yuletide concert and reception by Hesperus (Early Music Ensemble), co-sponsored by the Moravian College Undergraduate Conference in Medieval and Early Modern Studies. All concerts at Trinity Episcopal Church, 44 East. Market St., Bethlehem. More information to come.

Hymn-a-Thon at St. Stephen's Wilkes-Barre ... Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 to 5. More info here.

Flu Updates ... Episcopal Relief & Development has up-to-date info about the possible flu pandemic. Check here and
here.

Diocesan ECW begins 15th year as sponsors for young girls through Child Fund International ... Read more here.

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori will visit the Diocese of Bethlehem Nov. 9-12 ... Find a preliminary schedule here.

Only 36%? Say it ain't so ... Do only 36% of congregations have a clear mission and purpose? In a recent Politics Daily column by Jeffrey Weiss, Religion in America in Decline, the following paragraphs caught my eye: In 2005, 42 percent of congregations strongly agreed that they were spiritually vital and alive. In 2008 that was down to 35 percent.  In 2005, 41 percent of congregations strongly agreed that they had a clear mission and purpose. In 2008, that was down to 36 percent. Don't miss the close correlation (both in the 2005 and 2008 surveys) between congregations that consider themselves "spiritually active and alive" and those who consider themselves as having "a clear mission and purpose."

Fall Festival in Nazareth ... Saturday, Oct. 3, at St. Brigid's (310 Madison Ave, 610-746-3910), 9:00-4:00. Gift baskets, soups, children's cothes and toys, white elephant items, vendors, more.

Archdeacon Stringfellow is serving as supply priest at Good Shepherd Scranton ... Read more here.

Scott Allen on radio ... Scott Allen, priest-in-charge at St. Andrew's Allentown/Bethlehem and a member of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Bethlehem, is a radio personality (of sorts) in the Lehigh Valley as he volunteers to host the National Public Radio  show All Things Considered Mondays, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on WDIY (88.1 FM Allentown). Read more here.

Putting the boots on Bullock ... A recent issue of The Morning Call, included a feature on Gary Jones, a parishioner at Grace Allentown who resides in Saucon Valley with his partner Neal Bell when he is not off in Los Angeles or elsewhere working as a costume designer on major motion pictures.

Episcorific, the latest issue of this 'ezine for and by young adults of the Episcopal Church may be found here.

Broadcast, e-news from the Office of Young Adult & Campus Ministries at the Episcopal Church Center may be found here.

The Reluctant Musician and The Leadership Program for Musicians ... Have you been asked to play the organ at your church. Do you need help? More info here.

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

Happy Anniversary New Hope
[By Charlie Barebo] 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. [Read the story and view pics here.]

Inviting Silence ... Led by Father Peter Pearson and Mother Laura Howell, Nov. 19-21, at the St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem. More info here.

Faith in Public Life ... Sign up here to receive daily "Faith in Public Life" headlines.

John Wagner,  priest-in-charge at St. Mark's/St. John's Jim Thorpe is Lehighton borough manager. Read more here.

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

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 ... is on Twitter, Facebook, and 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]

Xtreme Faith Stories shared at Bishop's Day with Kids ... Story and pics here.

Diocesan Life, October may be downloaded here.

Calendar of Events ... Download it here.

Ordinations to the priesthood
 ... Tuesday, September 29, 7:00 p.m., Cathedral Bethelhem. Timothy Scott Albright, James Douglas Moyer, Christina Nord, Wayne Calvin Sherrer

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. You need not register to join your friends in the diocesan community for Evensong on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and Eucharist on Saturday at 8:30 a.m.

Pre-Convention Meetings meant for clergy and delegates to Diocesan Convention will be held on September 24 at St. Alban's Sinking Spring, on October 1 at Good Shepherd Scranton, and on October 6 at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem. All from 7:00 to 8:15 p.m.

ECW Children's Project ... At Diocesan Convention, the ECW will be collecting sweatpants and sweatshirts (sizes 5 to 18) plus undies for children at risk. Each delegate is asked to bring one package to Diocesan Convention. These items will be distributed to children at risk in northeastern Pennsylvania. After collecting from church members, each parish representative will then distribute the remaining sweatshirts, sweatpants, and undies to a local facility (or facilities) for children at risk. For more information contact: Dorothy Shaw, flamingo@epix.net; Marlene Hartshorne, mhartshorne@netcarrier.com or 610-780-4602.

Pray for our young men and women who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for their families … Bryan D. Berky, 25; Demetrius L. Void, 20; David T. Wright II, 26;  Andrew H. McConnell, 24; Robert D. Gordon II, 22; Bradley S. Bohle, 29; Shawn P. McCloskey, 33,; Joshua M. Mills, 24; Jeremiah J. Monroe, 31; Matthew R. Courtois, 22; Michael S. Cote Jr., 20; Corey J. Kowal; Damon G. Winkleman, 23 ... 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 on the newSpin blog, usually on Tuesdays, with names found over seven days.]

General Theological Seminary has called Grace Allentown rector Father Patrick Malloy to be professor of Liturgics. At the request of the Grace Church vestry and congregation and with the permission of Bishop Paul and General Seminary, he will continue as rector on a halftime basis. [Read more here.]

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

Physically active seniors,  even those who started when they were well into their 80s, are apt to live longer than their couch-potato peers, and are more likely to maintain their independence, new research from Israel shows. [Read more here. H/T to Diana Marshall.]

Health Care is mercy in action ... Health care is front-page news. There are many vested interests, and lots of people whose livelihood depends on what gets decided. People of faith are tempted to jump in and take sides. But before we dive in and take sides, people of faith need to remember what health care means. Health care is mercy in action and we are all called to be merciful and compassionate to anyone in need. [Read Andy Gerns' column published in The Morning Call here.]

Trinity Bethlehem organist Dr. Timothy Smith in recital ... [From Mother Laura Howell] Join us on Sunday, October 4th at 4 p.m. (following the Blessing of the Animals) for an organ recital played by Trinity's organist Timothy Smith. This will be Tim's first recital in Bethlehem since coming to Trinity last February. He will perform music of Bach, the monumental B-Minor Prelude and Fugue; Mendelssohn, the First Organ Sonata; Gigout, Grand Chorus Dialogue, which pits the organ's trumpets against the full ensemble. Also on the program will be several short pieces including works by by jazz pianist George Shearing, Robert Elmore and Dale Wood plus a beautiful Psalm Prelude by English composer Herbert Howells. A reception will follow the program so please join us and bring a friend, or two! [Read more here.]

Music at Trinity Bethlehem ... [From Mother Laura Howell] We invite you to put the following events on your calendars. October 4, 4:00 Organ recital by Dr. Tim Smith. November 15, 4:00  Choral Evensong in Thanksgiving for God's Bountiful Goodness. December 5, 5:00 Yuletide concert and reception by Hesperus (Early Music Ensemble), co-sponsored by the Moravian College Undergraduate Conference in Medieval and Early Modern Studies. All concerts at Trinity Episcopal Church, 44 East. Market St., Bethlehem. More information to come.

Hymn-a-Thon at St. Stephen's Wilkes-Barre ... Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 to 5. More info here.

Flu Updates ... Episcopal Relief & Development has up-to-date info about the possible flu pandemic. Check here and
here.

Diocesan ECW begins 15th year as sponsors for young girls through Child Fund International ... Read more here.

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori will visit the Diocese of Bethlehem Nov. 9-12 ... Find a preliminary schedule here.

Only 36%? Say it ain't so ... Do only 36% of congregations have a clear mission and purpose? In a recent Politics Daily column by Jeffrey Weiss, Religion in America in Decline, the following paragraphs caught my eye: In 2005, 42 percent of congregations strongly agreed that they were spiritually vital and alive. In 2008 that was down to 35 percent.  In 2005, 41 percent of congregations strongly agreed that they had a clear mission and purpose. In 2008, that was down to 36 percent. Don't miss the close correlation (both in the 2005 and 2008 surveys) between congregations that consider themselves "spiritually active and alive" and those who consider themselves as having "a clear mission and purpose."

Fall Festival in Nazareth ... Saturday, Oct. 3, at St. Brigid's (310 Madison Ave, 610-746-3910), 9:00-4:00. Gift baskets, soups, children's cothes and toys, white elephant items, vendors, more.

Archdeacon Stringfellow is serving as supply priest at Good Shepherd Scranton ... Read more here.

Scott Allen on radio ... Scott Allen, priest-in-charge at St. Andrew's Allentown/Bethlehem and a member of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Bethlehem, is a radio personality (of sorts) in the Lehigh Valley as he volunteers to host the National Public Radio  show All Things Considered Mondays, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on WDIY (88.1 FM Allentown). Read more here.

Putting the boots on Bullock ... A recent issue of The Morning Call, included a feature on Gary Jones, a parishioner at Grace Allentown who resides in Saucon Valley with his partner Neal Bell when he is not off in Los Angeles or elsewhere working as a costume designer on major motion pictures.

Episcorific, the latest issue of this 'ezine for and by young adults of the Episcopal Church may be found here.

Broadcast, e-news from the Office of Young Adult & Campus Ministries at the Episcopal Church Center may be found here.

The Reluctant Musician and The Leadership Program for Musicians ... Have you been asked to play the organ at your church. Do you need help? More info here.

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

Happy Anniversary New Hope
[By Charlie Barebo] 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. [Read the story and view pics here.]

Inviting Silence ... Led by Father Peter Pearson and Mother Laura Howell, Nov. 19-21, at the St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem. More info here.

Faith in Public Life ... Sign up here to receive daily "Faith in Public Life" headlines.

John Wagner,  priest-in-charge at St. Mark's/St. John's Jim Thorpe is Lehighton borough manager. Read more here.

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

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 ... is on Twitter, Facebook, and 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]

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 ... is on Twitter, Facebook, and 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]

090728.Spinning some interesting, perhaps useful, news

[Posted by Bill Lewellis]

General Convention
Though an August issue of Diocesan Life will not be published, you will receive –– perhaps you have already received –– the August issue of Episcopal Life which will include much about GC 2009. Click here for an excellent 6:22 video wrapup of General Convention. Read Father Gerns' "simplified and painless round up here. Read the PB's letter to the church here. "Above all else," she wrote, "this Convention claimed God's mission as the heartbeat of The Episcopal Church." View GC 2009 legislation here, and Communion, Covenant and our Anglican Future, reflections on GC 2009 from the Archbishop of Canterbury for the Bishops, Clergy and Faithful of the Anglican Communion. And reactions to the ABC's reflections here.

Bishop Paul Marshall, Charlie Barebo (deputy), Connie Fegley, Mark Laubach (deputy), Ty Welles (deputy), Michael Kiju Paul, Anne Kitch (deputy), Bishop Jack Croneberger, Jan Charney (deputy), Howard Stringfellow, Jane Teter (deputy) and Rick Cluett (deputy).

Hellertown parish partners with Betlehehem's Victory House
St. George's Hellertown has expanded its mission focus to include a partnership with Victory House, a long term shelter in Bethlehem where men are helped to rebuild their lives. Parishioners have provided occasional weekend meals for the residents. They plan to continue the dinners as often as possible and have scheduled the next one for September. If you would like to help, please contact St. George's, Hellertown at 610-8383-9355.

William T. Warne
Canon William T. Warne, priest in residence at Good Shepherd Scranton, will retire at the end of August. Read more here.

How many people can you feed on a lawmaker's $158 per diem?
It was quite a haul –– 155 items in all. Took two shopping carts to wheel it out to the car. "A lot of folks are going to enjoy a wonderful meal as a result of this little venture," the Rev. Canon William Warne said as he closed the stuffed trunk. [Read it all here.]

Bishop's Day with Kids –– The Exodus Games: "Xtreme Faith Stories" –– August 15 (9:30-2:30)
With Bishop Jack at the Cathedral, Bethlehem. Please use our online event registration program to register. The event is for children in grades 1-5 The required forms referenced in the online registration, separate forms for adults and for children, may be downloaded here.

Charlie Barebo on Diocesan Staff
Charlie Barebo has joined Bishop Paul Marshall's staff as Development Officer. "Charlie is doing this as a gift to the diocese, as part of his discipleship, for which I am most grateful," Bishop Paul said earlier, announcing the appointment. "Charlie is the backbone of our New Hope Campaign and has much to bring us. Please join me in gratitude to God for this unique appointment to the staff." [Read more here.]

Your Faith Your Life
Find here a review by the executive editor of The Living Church of this new book by Jenifer Gamber and Bill Lewellis.

New on Cathedral staff
The Rev. Mariclair Partee and Ann Mickus

At Prince of Peace Dallas
Parish administrator Jenn Martin tells us that they "have been working on a mini-capital campaign for the past few months to restore and repair our main Chancel Windows. (the “Restore the Glory” campaign).  We were blessed with a very successful campaign. Work has begun on the windows and I will be blogging the progress. We will wrap up this project with a celebration and rededication with Bishop Jack on September 27. I invite anyone who is interested to visit the blog and follow the progress of the project."

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 to come.

EfM in the Diocese of Bethlehem
From Canon Anne Kitch. There are at least five DioBeth Education for Ministry groups. More info 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.

Pray for our young men and women who have died this week in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for their families … Gregory Owens Jr., 24; Anthony M. Lightfoot, 20; Andrew J. Roughton, 21; Dennis J. Pratt, 34; Raymundo P. Morales, 34; Joshua J. Rimer, 24; Randy L.J. Neff, Jr., 22; Ryan H. Lane, 25; Herberth A. Berrios-Campos, 21; Donald W. Vincent, 26; Justin D. Coleman, 21  ... 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. [Emailed usually on Tuesdays, with names found over seven days. Saved on the newSpin blog.]

God and the Recession
How will the Prosperity Gospel ride out the hard economic times? [Read it here.]

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]

Your Faith Your Life
Find here a review by the executive editor of The Living Church of this new book by Jenifer Gamber and Bill Lewellis.

New on Cathedral staff
The Rev. Mariclair Partee and Ann Mickus

At Prince of Peace Dallas
Parish administrator Jenn Martin tells us that they "have been working on a mini-capital campaign for the past few months to restore and repair our main Chancel Windows. (the “Restore the Glory” campaign).  We were blessed with a very successful campaign. Work has begun on the windows and I will be blogging the progress. We will wrap up this project with a celebration and rededication with Bishop Jack on September 27. I invite anyone who is interested to visit the blog and follow the progress of the project."

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 to come.

EfM in the Diocese of Bethlehem
From Canon Anne Kitch. There are at least five DioBeth Education for Ministry groups. More info 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.

Pray for our young men and women who have died this week in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for their families … Gregory Owens Jr., 24; Anthony M. Lightfoot, 20; Andrew J. Roughton, 21; Dennis J. Pratt, 34; Raymundo P. Morales, 34; Joshua J. Rimer, 24; Randy L.J. Neff, Jr., 22; Ryan H. Lane, 25; Herberth A. Berrios-Campos, 21; Donald W. Vincent, 26; Justin D. Coleman, 21  ... 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. [Emailed usually on Tuesdays, with names found over seven days. Saved on the newSpin blog.]

God and the Recession
How will the Prosperity Gospel ride out the hard economic times? [Read it here.]

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]

090725.Spinning some interesting, perhaps useful, news

[Posted by Bill Lewellis]

At General Convention: Our Bishops and the Bethlehem Deputation

(Front Row) Bishop Jack, Rick Cluett, Anne Kitch, Jan Charney and Jane Teter (Back Row) Ty Welles, Charlie Barebo, Bishop Paul, Scott Allen and Mark Laubach

Video wrapup of General Convention
Click here for an excellent 6:22 video wrapup of General Convention.

Father Gerns' simplified, illustrated and painless round-up of General Convention ... with spin 
Read it here.

PB writes the church about General Convention
[Episcopal News Service] Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has issued a letter to the church about General Convention. "Above all else, this Convention claimed God's mission as the heartbeat of The Episcopal Church," Jefferts Schori says. Read it al here.

View legislation
Find General Convention 2009 legislation here.

A place that offers life
Your congregation? Read more here. A congregation that is truly being church brings people into a loving, life-giving relationship with God and others that is transformational. When we talk about congregational renewal, we mean a renewal of the people's ability to notice and experience God in their midst, a renewal of the congregation's desire to partner with God in achieving God's aims for the world.

Blackburn Cathedral offers clean bread
Worshippers at a Church of England cathedral are being offered a two-track Communion service with a separate supply of “untainted” Communion bread for those who object to its being consecrated by a woman priest. Read it here. Don't miss the paragraph that begins: "Blackburn has for decades been a seat of opposition to women’s ordination."  Who makes up the "seat of opposition?" The bishop, the dean and 3% of the attending congregation.

California court ruling favors Episcopal Church and Diocese of San Joaquin 
Read about the Fresno Superior Court decision here. Read the statement from the Presiding Bishop's office here.

Lack of stewardship tackled at CofE Synod
The Church Times wins the award for "Best Headline of the Week" with a report on the stewardship debate at the recently concluded Church of England Synod. The article headline? Stewardship: Let’s talk about wallets, not willies. Read it all here.

Horace Boyer 1935-2009
Horace Boyer, editor of the Episcopal Hymnal, Life Every Voice and Sing, a beloved musician who loved teaching others to sing with passion, enthusiasm and excellence, has died at age 74. Read it here.

Phyllis Edwards, first woman deacon
The Rev. Phyllis Edwards, the Episcopal Church's first woman deacon, died in Forks, WA of age-related causes. She was 92. Edwards was a civil rights activist who marched with Martin Luther King Jr. and fought for the ordination of women in the Episcopal Church. She was ordained by Bishop Pike. Read more here.

Walter Cronkite memorialized
At St. Bart's NYC. Read the Episcopal News Story here.

Marguerite Kirkpatrick Gressle
Marguerite K Gressle died July 2 at The Greens in Wilton, CT. She was 90 years old. Mrs. Gressle was the wife of the late Rt. Rev. Lloyd E. Gressle, former bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem, PA, from 1973 to 1985. Mrs. Gressle was born in Pittsburgh, PA and was a graduate of Oberlin Conservatory of Music where she majored in music. She played piano and organ all her life, even arranging concerts for two pianos in her home in Bethlehem. She taught English in the Wilmington, Delaware public school system and after retirement to eastern Long Island, Mrs. Gressle was at various times a museum docent, a church organist, and host of a classical music program for a local radio station in Southampton. She was also an avid gardener and book club enthusiast. Mrs. Gressle is survived by her three children, Richard Gressle of Nyack NY, Katherine Gressle of Boston, MA and Mark Gressle of Wilton, CT, and seven grandchildren, Lara Macdonald, Dylan Gressle, Anna Capalbo, Emma Haritos, Juliet Gressle, Jack Gressle and Matthew Gressle. For more information, contact Mark Gressle at 203-761-1326.

Jimmy Carter writes about leaving Southern Baptists
After 60 years of membership. Read more here.

If I had 10 billion dollars
"What I would do if somebody offered me a blank check to spend on some project in American Catholicism," asked NCR journalist John Allen. "The more I think about it, the more my reply would be, Hire a nurse for every parish in the country. Read more here.

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]

Phyllis Edwards, first woman deacon
The Rev. Phyllis Edwards, the Episcopal Church's first woman deacon, died in Forks, WA of age-related causes. She was 92. Edwards was a civil rights activist who marched with Martin Luther King Jr. and fought for the ordination of women in the Episcopal Church. She was ordained by Bishop Pike. Read more here.

Walter Cronkite memorialized
At St. Bart's NYC. Read the Episcopal News Story here.

Marguerite Kirkpatrick Gressle
Marguerite K Gressle died July 2 at The Greens in Wilton, CT. She was 90 years old. Mrs. Gressle was the wife of the late Rt. Rev. Lloyd E. Gressle, former bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem, PA, from 1973 to 1985. Mrs. Gressle was born in Pittsburgh, PA and was a graduate of Oberlin Conservatory of Music where she majored in music. She played piano and organ all her life, even arranging concerts for two pianos in her home in Bethlehem. She taught English in the Wilmington, Delaware public school system and after retirement to eastern Long Island, Mrs. Gressle was at various times a museum docent, a church organist, and host of a classical music program for a local radio station in Southampton. She was also an avid gardener and book club enthusiast. Mrs. Gressle is survived by her three children, Richard Gressle of Nyack NY, Katherine Gressle of Boston, MA and Mark Gressle of Wilton, CT, and seven grandchildren, Lara Macdonald, Dylan Gressle, Anna Capalbo, Emma Haritos, Juliet Gressle, Jack Gressle and Matthew Gressle. For more information, contact Mark Gressle at 203-761-1326.

Jimmy Carter writes about leaving Southern Baptists
After 60 years of membership. Read more here.

If I had 10 billion dollars
"What I would do if somebody offered me a blank check to spend on some project in American Catholicism," asked NCR journalist John Allen. "The more I think about it, the more my reply would be, Hire a nurse for every parish in the country. Read more here.

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]