Wilkes-Barre organ recitals and Lenten ecumenical services

Dear friends throughout the Diocese of Bethlehem and beyond:

Since the 1920s, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church has been host to an annual ecumenical Lenten series of services and organ recitals for downtown Wilkes-Barre and its surrounding communities.  The tradition will continue this year on Ash Wednesday, March 5th, with an organ recital at 11:30 am, followed by an ecumenical Lenten Service at 12:00 pm.

The theme of this year’s ecumenical services is “Finding Your Way Home.”  As in past years, the 2014 Lenten series will involve clergy, musicians, and laity from congregations throughout Wilkes-Barre and the Wyoming Valley.  A soup-and-sandwich lunch will be served each week following the Lenten Service, with a suggested donation of $4.00 per person.  Members of the participating congregations will be the hosts for these lunches.  Offerings received at this year’s services and lunches will support the Wilkes-Barre Free Medical Clinic.

This year’s organ recitalists include gifted performers from throughout the United States, from as far away as Houston, Texas, Rochester, New York, and Washington, DC.  The Ash Wednesday Organ Recital at 11:30 am will be presented by Michael Smith, Chair of Performing Arts at The Shipley School and Organist and Choirmaster at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, both in Bryn Mawr (Philadelphia), Pennsylvania.  Before assuming these posts, he served as Director of Music at The Groton School in Groton, Massachusetts, where he was awarded the Pratt Chair of Music.  Michael earned his undergraduate degree in organ performance at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama.  While in Birmingham, Michael was assistant conductor of both the Samford A Cappella Choir and the Birmingham Boys Choir, and was choirmaster at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church.  He went on to earn graduate degrees in organ and conducting at Yale University, where he served as graduate assistant conductor to the famed Yale Glee Club.  He has accompanied and conducted choirs on tours throughout Europe, Africa, Russia, and South America.  Mr. Smith’s St. Stephen’s recital will feature works by J. S. Bach, Eugene Bozza, and William Boyce.

The Service at 12 noon will be led by The Reverend Daniel FitzSimmons, Rector of the Episcopal Church of St. Martin in the Fields, Mountaintop.  The preacher will be The Reverend William J. Marshall, Jr., Interim Priest Associate of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Pro-Cathedral, Wilkes-Barre.  Special music will be presented by The Wilkes University Chorus, directed by Dr. Steven Thomas.  Organist and music director for these services will be St. Stephen’s Organist and Choirmaster, Canon Mark Laubach.  Hosts for the lunch that follows the March 5th service will be the Women of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Pro-Cathedral.

A schedule of participants in the remaining Lenten recitals and services follows …

March 12 – Organ recital by Stephen Distad, Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, Houston, TX; The Rev’d Peter Kuritz, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and St. John’s Lutheran Church of Wilkes-Barre (Liturgist); The Rev’d Shawn Walker, The First Baptist Church of Wilkes-Barre (Preacher); special music by Thomas Heinze, oboe; Lunch provided by Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church.

March 19 – Organ recital by John Richardson, The First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, PA; Ms. Caitlin Czeh, Wilkes University Campus Ministry (Liturgist); The Rev’d Msgr. Vincent Grimalia, St. Luke’s Villa, Wilkes-Barre (Preacher); special music by Earl Orcutt, horn; Lunch provided by St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church.

March 26 – Organ recital (starting ten minutes early at 11:20 am) by Robert Poovey, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Rochester, NY; The Rev’d Diane Sickler, Unity of NEPA (Liturgist); Rabbi Larry Kaplan, Temple Israel of Wilkes-Barre (Preacher); special music by The Wyoming Seminary Madrigal Singers, directed by John Vaida; Lunch provided by Unity of NEPA.

April 2 – Organ recital by John Bohl, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, K Street, Washington, DC; The Rev’d William J. Marshall, Jr., St. Stephen’s Episcopal Pro-Cathedral, Wilkes-Barre (Liturgist); The Rev’d Diane Sickler, Unity of NEPA (Preacher); special music by John Michael Vaida, violin; Lunch provided by St. John’s Lutheran Church, Wilkes-Barre.

April 9 – Organ recital by Thomas Sheehan, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA; The Rev’d Dr. Robert Zanicky, The First Presbyterian Church of Wilkes-Barre (Preacher); special music by Carol A. Tome, mezzo-soprano; Lunch provided by The First Presbyterian Church of Wilkes-Barre.

April 16 – Organ recital by Carl Ruck, Church of Christ Uniting, Kingston, PA; Ms. Caitlin Czeh, Wilkes University Campus Ministry (Preacher); special music by The Marywood University Chamber Singers, directed by Dr. Rick Hoffenberg.

I hope many of you can join us for at least one or more of these recitals and services!

Wishing you and yours a blessed and holy Lenten season ...

Mark Laubach
 
--
Canon Mark Laubach, Organist & Choirmaster
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
Pro-Cathedral of the Diocese of Bethlehem
35 South Franklin Street
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701
Church Phone: (570)825-6653
Church Fax: (570)825-0430
Mark's Mobile Phone: (570)704-7055

Diocesan Life for October 2011

Open publication - Free publishing - More 9-11

You can download the 2.4 MB .pdf here: Download October2011_DiocesanLife_SMALL

Luzerne County Fair

IT'S FAIR TIME AGAIN!

Last year, the Episcopal Churches in Luzerne County joined forces for Project:Presence. Together, we manned a booth at the Luzerne County Fair, handing out balloons and other goodies and letting our neighbors know The Episcopal Church is there for them.

Those of us who were there were all in agreement: we had a lot of fun interacting with visitors and making new friends from other parishes, and it was such a joy to see all those red and blue balloons with the Episcopal shield flying high over the heads of fairgoers.

This year, the fair runs from September 7-11, and you can read more about it here. After the great inaugural effort we had last year by Project:Presence initiators from St. Stephen's Pro-Cathedral, this year's event will be co-chaired by Trinity West Pittston and Prince of Peace in Dallas.

All clergy and laity from the Luzerne County parishes are welcome to join us in handing out balloons and other goodies and sharing fellowship with our neighbors and each other. We'd especially like to invite all of you from outside Luzerne County to stop by, say hello and join in the fun and fellowship.

If you would like to sign up to help or have questions about this fun event, please email [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you at the fair!
Janine Ungvarsky
Trinity, West Pittston

Matt Stretanski
Prince of Peace, Dallas

Co-chairs, Project:Presence 2011

[photo by Janine Ungvarsky]

Christ Church Reading celebrates 40th anniversary of Organist Bruce Bengtson’s ministry upon his retirement

[By John Francis]

On Sunday, July 31, Assistant Bishop Jack Croneberger led the Holy Eucharist and festive celebration of Bruce Bengtson’s 40th anniversary as organist of Christ Church, Reading, upon the day of his retirement. Retired rector Walter Krieger joined current rector John Francis and assistant rector Doug Moyer in thanking Bruce and Ruth Anne Bengtson for their incredible talent, hard work, and joyful dedication to the mission and ministry of Christ Church. His son Keith represented Charles Sutton, Father Krieger’s predecessor. Bruce served under all three rectors during his tenure.
 
The service was filled with beautiful hymns, which included Glorious things of thee are spoken, Austria, and Guide me, O thou great Jehovah, Cwm Rhondda, one of the first Bruce had ever played, and an anthem based on Psalm 150 by Cesar Franck. The service began with a congregational favorite prelude played by Bruce, Prelude on Brother James` Air by Searle Wright, who was one of Bruce Bengtson’s professors at Union, and ended with a postlude favorite of the congregation played by Bruce, as only he could do, the Toccata from Organ Symphony V. Father Francis’ sermon reviewed the incredible blessing Bruce’s extensive and very generous ministry has been for Christ Church and for him personally and how much he will be missed. Bruce and Ruth Anne are looking forward to a well-earned and very enjoyable retirement together.          
 
Following the service, the parish put on a delicious hors d’oeuvre reception in the parish hall for the entire congregation. Then, parish members and friends of Bruce and Ruth Anne attended a lavish by invitation luncheon at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Reading. Speakers included James Wilson, the newly appointed organist and choirmaster of Christ Church, choir member and soprano soloist extraordinaire Runette Gabrielle, Bishop Jack, a colleague and fellow class member of Bruce and Ruth Anne at Union Theological Seminary, where the Bengtson’s first met, Dr. Francis Williamson, who taught at Albright College, and the Bengtson’s children Matt Bengtson and Sallie Mercer. Ruth Anne had put together a wonderful photographic presentation of Bruce’s career, which was presented on power point. The Christ Church Choir, led by Jim Wilson, offered a joyful rendition of, “We are the very Model of Today’s Episcopalian.”

Fall Continuing Education Offerings at Moravian Theological Seminary

[From the Office of Continuing Education courtesy of Steve Simmons]
(unless otherwise noted, all are at the Bahnson Center, 60 W. Locust, Bethlehem, PA)

To register, please go to the Continuing Ed site for the Seminary found here:
http://www.moravianseminary.edu/conted/index.html

The Calling: What Is Religious Leadership Now?
Dates: September 13 and 20 (Tuesdays)    7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Fee: Free

Using segments from the PBS series “The Calling,” we will explore the character, challenges, and rewards of ordained and lay leadership in contemporary faith communities. These sessions will be co-facilitated by Deborah Appler, Steve Simmons, and Walter Wagner, who are both ordained clergy and faculty at MTS.
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Ho’oponopono: Practicing Forgiveness, Balance, and the Abundant Life
Date:  September 16-17 (Friday and Saturday)        Time: Friday, 6-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.
Program Fee: $140
Contact Hours: 9 (.9 CEU)

In this workshop, kahuna and master teacher Harry Uhane Jim will introduce traditional Hawaiian practice of managing trauma and transforming chaotic patterns of life into order and profound peace. As Harry puts it, “Live peacefully inside and out instead of exhausted outside, chaotic within. Stop negotiating and start navigating!”
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Theology, Literature and Coffee
Dates: September 19, October 3, & October 17 (3 Mondays)  2:30-4:30 p.m.
Site: Wellness Game Room, Luther Crest Retirement Community, 800 Hausman Road, AllentownProgram Fee: $25 (Early Reg. Discount: $20 by 9/12/11)

Enjoy a time of learning and fellowship as theological themes in selected literature are are presented and discussed.  Beverages will be provided. If you wish, you may buy TLC books from the Moravian Book Shop at a 10% discount.  Selections include: (9/19) The Inferno by Dante Alighieri, (10/3) Tinkers by Paul Harding, (10/17) Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott.
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Scripture Talks: Muslims and Christians Share Cherished Passages

Dates: September 27- November 1 (Tuesdays) 7 p.m. (6:30 on September 27; 7:30 on October 18)
Program Fee: $15
Contact Hours: 10 (1 CEU)

Sharing about key meaningful passages in the Qur’an and the Bible can deepen our mutual understanding of ourselves and of one another. The presenters will provide starting points for frank and respectful roundtable discussions. The Program is co-sponsored by the Pennsylvania Dialogue Center and Moravian Theological Seminary, and will be facilitated by Walter Wagner, Lutheran pastor, adjunct faculty member at MTS and Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, and by Muslim Scholars and Leaders from the Pennsylvania Dialogue Center
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Pastoral Counseling Retreat
Date: September 30 (Friday)     9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Site: St. Francis Center for Renewal , 395 Bridle Path Road, Bethlehem
Program Fee: $70 (incl. lunch)   [Early Reg. Discount  $60 by 9/16]
Contact Hours: 5 (.5 CEU)

The Use of Art Media in Therapeutic Environments

In the context of music, scripture and meditation, we will experience self-directed image making using art media, and also other-directed image making in therapeutic role play, exploring their use in both personal growth and counseling practice.  Studio artist and art therapist Dorothy Heine Rudolph will lead us through the day.
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Making Sense of Our Lives through Story
Date: October 5 - 26   (Wednesdays) 7-9 p.m.
Program Fee: $50 (Early Reg. Discount $40 by 9/21)

It has been said that “We don’t so much have stories. We are our stories.” Using Christina Baldwin’s book, Storycatcher: Making Sense of Our Lives through the Power and Practice of Story, we will explore the narrative shape of our own lives as a source of self-discovery and growth. The sessions will be led by Emily Wallace, MAPC and Spiritual Director.
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The Walter Vivian Moses Lectures in Moravian Studies

Instructions for Body and Soul:  Moravian Pastoral Care in the 18th Century
Oct. 13  (Thursday)    9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Program Fee: Free
Contact Hours: 2 (.2 CEU)

In these lectures, Dr. Katherine Faull of Bucknell University will discuss pastoral care through the life cycle as practiced by Moravians in the 18^th century in their individual and corporate life at “the intersection of care for the body and soul,” drawing out some of its implications for our own life in community.
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The Challenges of Being an Ethical Therapist
Date: October 14 (Friday)   Time: 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Program Fee: $50 in advance; $60 at the door (All tuition monies will go to Moravian Counseling Scholarships.)
Contact Hours: 3 (.3 CEU)

 The purpose of this workshop is to enable practitioners in the caring professions to cultivate an awareness of their own need to establish clear ethical boundaries while maintaining an empathic and helpful relationship with clients. 

Andrew H. Johanson, Jr., D.Min., LMFT, Adjunct Professor at Moravian Theological Seminary in the Department of Pastoral Counseling, and is a psychotherapist in private practice in Lansdale, and Bethlehem.
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Irene Marold Lectures in Biblical Studies

White Fire: Biblical Texts and Folkloric Tradition
Date: October 25 (Tuesday) 4:00 – 8:30 p.m.   (Lecture 1: 4:00 p.m.; Lecture 2: 7:00 p.m.)
Site: Prosser Aud., Haupert Union Building, Moravian College
Program Fee: Free

In these lectures, Dr. Howard Schwartz, three-time winner of the National Jewish Book Award and Professor of English at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, will introduce us to a rich tradition of Jewish folklore involving biblical characters and themes, and invite us to let it broaden and deepen our own readings of the Bible.

Pastoral Care Week Lectures

Health and Wealth: A Widening Gap?
Date: October 28 (Friday)   Time: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Program Fee: $25
Contact Hours: 3.5 (.35 CEU)

  A large and growing body of evidence suggests that there is a direct and decisive correlation between one’s socioeconomic status and one’s state of health and longevity.  Using clips from the PBS documentary, Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick?, area health professionals and community leaders will discuss disparities in health access and outcomes across social and racial/ethnic lines, and lead us in a conversation about how we as a society can improve the health and well-being of all our citizens.
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Couillard Memorial Lectures

A New Pentecost: A Theology of the Spirit for the Third Millennium
Date: November 4 (Friday)                     Time: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Site: Prosser Aud., Haupert Union Building, Moravian College
Streaming Video Available
Program Fee: Free
Contact Hours: 3.5 (.35 CEU)

Pentecostalism has exploded in recent decades as the vanguard of a world Christian movement. These lectures will provide an overview of the pentecostal theology and pneumatology (the doctrine of the Holy Spirit) that has emerged in the last twenty years,  and discuss the nature and role of theology considered from a Pentecostal and pneumatological perspective.

Amos Yong, PhD, is J. Rodman Williams Professor of Theology at Regent University School of Divinity in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
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Vital Worship in the Smaller Church
Date: November 12  (Saturday)  9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Site: Bahnson Center, Moravian Theological Seminary, 60 W. Locust, Bethlehem
Program Fee: $15 ($50 for congregational teams of 4 or more)
Contact Hours: 3.5 (.35 CEU)

In this workshop, we will look at principles and resources for worship in the smaller congregation (many of them available for free or at little cost), and share our own experiences with creative and transformative worship in the “compact” (70 or fewer in worship on a typical Sunday) church. 

David De Remer, DMin, is senior pastor of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Nazareth, and serves as an adjunct faculty member at Moravian Theological Seminary and Princeton Theological Seminary.
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Seminary Information Session
Date:  November 12 (Saturday)   10-12 a.m.
Fee: Free

Faculty, staff, and students offer an overview of our Master’s and Dual degree programs, our Graduate Certificate in Formative Spirituality, and information on the admissions process, scholarships, and financial aid.
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MAPC Professional Counseling Day
Date: November 18                  12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m.
Program Fee: Free
Contact Hours: 2  (.2 CEU) (Lunch included)

Social media are everywhere, yet their impact on personality and relationships (including therapeutic relationships) is only beginning to be understood.  Barbara Keller, Consultant for Misconduct Prevention, Vocation and Education Unit, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and a panel of area counselors will help us explore some of the possibilities and challenges that Facebook, Twitter, and other social media pose to counselors and clients.
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Words and Whispers of God: A Spiritual Formation Workshop with Bishop Kay Ward
Date: Saturday, December 3    9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Fee: $30 (Lunch included)

Come and explore how we use words to speak of God and how God may use those same words to speak to us.  Through written words, by our own hand, we may read the whispers of God.  No previous experience is necessary. If you can write a grocery list, you are qualified for this workshop.

Kay Ward, D.Min., educator and author, is a bishop in the Moravian Church and former MTS faculty member.  Her books include Of Seasons and Sparrows, Heading Home, and Hoping for Spring.

 

Blue Grass Mass at St. James', Dundaff

[From Deacon Lou Divis]

On a still Saturday evening, people gathered at St. James, Dundaff, for a toe-tapping, hand-clapping, leg-slapping deacon’s Mass with blue grass style hymns.  The people sang “Shall We Gather at the River”, “Amazing Grace”, “In Canaan’s Land”, “I’ll Fly Away”.  The musicians, John and Dave, led the group with great fervor.  The congregation included folks from 5 parishes across 4 counties (Montrose, Susquehanna, Forest City, Clarks Summit, Tunkhannock, Carbondale, Dallas).

After the service, many people stayed to hear the musicians continue to play outside and all enjoyed coffee and cookies and talking together.

This service was possible with great thanks for funding from a Congregational Development Grant from the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem.

The Coal Town Rounders will lead the congregation at St. James', Dundaff in singing blue grass hymns on Saturday, August 6 at 6.30 pm. Other Blue grass services will be offered on September 3 at 6.30 pm.  The entire collection will be donated to the local Habitat for Humanity endeavors.

Regular Sunday morning services are at 10.00 am.  Call Rev. Divis 570-878-4670, or Bob S. 570-222-2366 for more information.  Please give us a try.  We are located on Route 247 near Crystal Lake, on the way to Forest City.  We would like to meet you!

Check us out at stjamesdundaff.weebly.com

Milford Jewish-Christian Community to share Passover Seder

[Received from Good Shepherd/St. John's Milford]

April 20^th, 2011 is going to be a very special night, at the Church of the Good Shepherd and St John the Evangelist in the middle of Milford. For on that night, the three thousand year old Hebrew question will ring out: “What is it that makes this night different from all others?”

Wednesday, April 20th, a traditional Passover supper will be shared by members of the Jewish and Christian communities in the parish hall of the Good Shepherd Church at Fifth and West  Catherine Streets in Milford, at 7:00 p.m.

The idea was first conceived by Chefs Peter and Sharon Daniels of the Fork Restaurant in Shohola, and the Rev. Canon Elizabeth R. Geitz of the Good Shepherd Church, following a joint Healing Service in the fall. As hosts, Peter, Sharon and Elizabeth are sponsoring the event and refer to it as the ‘First Annual Interfaith Passover Seder’, in Milford. 

The goal of the evening is to bring local people of different faiths together to share a real Seder meal, which will comprise several courses of traditional Passover foods prepared by Chefs Peter and Sharon Daniels and wine. Participants from both communities will gather for what will be both a social and deeply religious event.

The Passover Seder is a ritual held at the beginning of Passover, the Jewish holiday which marks the Exodus of the Jewish people from slavery in ancient Egypt. Passover begins this year at sundown on Monday, April 18, and continues through April 21. 

The word “seder” is Hebrew for “order.” It relates to the order of events during the evening. The story of the Jews’ Exodus from Egypt is told with foods and stories. The Seder celebrates the triumph of freedom over bondage. Through ritual, readings, song, and a shared meal, the Seder offers a message of hope, justice, transformation, and light.  

“It’s beautiful to see members of both Jewish and Christian communities come together to share a Passover Seder, a ritual which seems to stand at the very intersection of the two great religions.  God calls all people out of darkness into light.” 

While Jews will be affirming their beginnings as a Chosen People, Christians  will recognize the oneness of God’s salvific plan for all people, culminating with their own story.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Ecumenical Food Pantry, a local cause supported by all sections and denominations in the community.

"Signs: The Gospel of John" performed at Cathedral Church of the Nativity April 16th

Bowl Auction, Apr. 10, St. Stephen's Wilkes-Barre

12:00 pm til all bowls are auctioned  off

St Stephens Episcopal Church
35 S Franklin St
Wilkes-Barre, Pa
570-825-6653
ststephenswb.blogspot.com
email: [email protected]

Additional Info; Registration is $2.00 or a donation of a dry/canned good

Join Us for an action packed auction featuring bowls painted by the members of the church, along with items by local artists including Jean Adams of Wilkes University, Lyn Carey of earth and wares, Christine Pocono, Mary Lou Steinburg, Kathy Redmond, Debra Kellerman and Wayne Harley.

All proceeds to benefit REACH.

Download article and poster.

Download Bowl Auction Article

Download Bowl Auction Poster

 

Prince of Peace Dallas to host fashion show

"A new effort," rector John Major says, "to step into our community and into a new season."

Here's the article from the Times-Leader/Dallas Post.

And here's more from Father Major:

Ready to put away the winter sweaters and check out the new spring apparel trends for women and children?  Then you're invited to the “Step into Spring Fashion Show” hosted by Prince of Peace in Dallas. The show will be held at the Appletree Terrace at Newberry Estate on Pioneer Avenue in Dallas on Sunday, April 3 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.  Featured will be the latest spring fashions from area retailers including Buca, Dress Barn, Humphrey’s, Shooze, Snooty Fox and Yukis. [Merchants of Wyoming Valley and Back Mountain Areas].

Hors d’oeuvres and desserts will be served during the show, which will also feature a raffle of beautiful themed baskets. Reservations are required and will be accepted through March 25.  Tickets are $20 for ages 13 and older, and children 12 and under are free. For information and reservations, call the Prince of Peace office at 675-1723.

Here's a flyer.

Kutztown's Outstanding Citizen Event

[From Pat Brown, St. Barnabas Kutztown]

This past Saturday evening St. Barnabas Kutztown hosted an event that we hope to make an annual celebration. Our first Outstanding Citizen Celebration honored Dr. Arnold Newman, a long-time resident of Kutztown and member of St. Anne's, Trexlertown. Most of us in our tiny congregation have known Arnold and his wife Barbara for many years and felt that he exemplifies the characteristics of a truly caring citizen of our community and the world.

The event was a great success with over 100 people in attendance and I wanted to share news of it with you and others in our Diocese. I though perhaps it might be of interest to readers of New Spin.

Some of the members of St. Anne's congregation were there to help celebrate, including Rev. Michael F. Piovane who was one of our guest speakers offering remarks during the tribute in praise of Arnold and the way he has lived his life. I am including a link to Berks-Mont News, publisher of the Kutztown Patriot. They were present to cover the celebration and posted the story to their website as well as running it in this week's edition of the Patriot.

Thanks and God bless-
Pat Brown
St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Kutztown
[email protected]

New locally commissioned hymn to celebrate Christian unity

By David Howell

Three center city Bethlehem churches have joined together to commission a new hymn.  Moravian Seminary, Trinity Episcopal Church, Salem Lutheran Church, and Central Moravian Church have asked noted hymn writer Brian Wren to pen a new hymn to reflect the joy of their union. The new work will debut March 11 at Moravian’s College’s Foy Concert. Brian Wren will be in Bethlehem to present the Weber Memorial Lecture. (See below)

Bethlehem is the focus of an historic event as the Episcopal Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (the largest U.S. Lutheran church) and the Moravian Church in North America celebrate full communion agreements that allow the three bodies to share clergy and minister together in significant ways.

The Rev. Dr. Steve Simmons, director of Moravian’s Continuing Education program, writes, “A good new hymn may surprise and delight us with its theology, poetry and music. Sung often, it can lull us into inattention, or surprise us with sudden relevance. With this in mind, Brian Wren, one of the most significant and popular hymn writers of our time, will introduce some of his own recent work, as well as new hymns by Richard Leach and Shirley Murray, and invite us to converse about them and sing them. In the process, he will discuss the history, practice, and future of congregational singing in a time of rapidly changing styles of worship.”

Dr. Wren says, "Perhaps one or two will catch our imagination and become familiar enough to express our deepest needs and beliefs, yet still be able to surprise."

Dr. Brian Wren studied at Oxford, taking degrees in Modern Languages and Theology, including a D. Phil for work on the Hebrew prophets. After ordination, he pastored a Congregational church in Essex, served as consultant to the British Council of Churches, and worked in the student-based world poverty campaign, Third World First. Since 1983, Brian has followed a freelance ministry, helping worshippers, ministers, educators and musicians to improve skills, and deepen spirituality. Recently retired as John and Miriam Conant Professor of Worship at Columbia Theological Seminary, he currently lives in upstate New York with his wife Susan Heafield, a United Methodist pastor.

 

 

Weber Memorial Lectures in Pastoral Ministry
Surprise Us by the Words We Sing: New Hymns to Sing and Ponder
March 11, 2011 (9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.)
Foy Concert Hall, Payne Campus, Moravian College
Free, but registration is recommended.
3.5 CEUs
Visit here for more information or to register: http://www.moravianseminary.edu/conted/Spring11/weber.html

"An Evening with Margie and Dave" Benefit Concert

[From Fr. Scott Allen]

“An Evening with Margie and Dave”
 
Recording artists Margie DeRosso and David Lang will perform their original Christmas songs in addition to
your favorite holiday standards.
 
Saturday December 4th, at 4:00pm.
In the sanctuary of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
1900 Pennsylvania Ave., Bethlehem, PA
 
A “Meet and greet” with the artists will follow the concert in the church’s Social Hall.
Refreshments will be served.
 
All proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania Avenue Interfaith Food Pantry
 
Admission is $5.00 with a non-perishable food item donation at the door. Please call Craig @ 484-892-1589 for details.
 
This Concert is being sponsored in part by:
Giant Food Markets
Weis food Markets
Michael Thomas Floral Design Studio

Montrose Crafters Corner and Holiday Bazaar

On Saturday, December 4^th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., St. Paul’s will merge two holiday events.  The December Crafters Corner will be expanded to include St. Paul’s Holiday Bazaar. Download the file below.

Download 1012.Crafters Corner and Holiday Bazaar.doc

 

Kazzrie Jaxen and The Drummers

At Grace Honesdale
Kazzrie Jaxen and The Drummers
Saturday, Nov. 27, at 2:00 p.m.
Thanksgiving to Mother Earth

The Drummers (Robin Rabii, Elai Tubo, Renis Rabii, Watoii Rabii, Venis Kevii, and Ed Gonzalez) are a unique all-drum ensemble with an eclectic musical style.  The compositions are based on themes that invoke liberation, inspiration, self-examination, and transformation.  The conga drum is the primary instrument of the ensemble and it is a powerful vehicle for transmitting the message of harmony on planet Earth.
 
Kazzrie Jaxen is an international artist, improviser, and composer.  As an improvising pianist and singer she has performed, recorded, and taught for over thirty years.  Known for her originality, virtuosity, and ability to transport an audience, her musical expression ranges from free improvisation to jazz standards, from original songs to vibrational journeys into the dreamtime.
 
This concert is intended to be a joyful celebration of our community and an expression of Thanksgiving to Mother Earth.  We will celebrate our friends and our earth through the magic and majesty of music.

Download poster in pdf below.

Download The Drummers Concert 11-10

Three Pastors Gaeta join in celebration of 25th

Three Pastors Gaeta, all ELCA Lutheran Pastors, led worship recently at St. Mary's Wind Gap and St. Joseph's Pen Argyl to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the ordination of the Rev. Jane Gaeta (center). The Rev. Gerard Gaeta preached. The Rev. Sue Gaeta served as Eucharistic Minister. Jane presided at the Eucharist.

Jane serves as priest-in-charge at Wind Gap and Pen Argyl. Gerard serves as interim at Christ Church Stroudsburg. Sue serves as development director at the Lutheran Volunteer Corps in Washington, DC.

Deacon Lorraine Cusick (Long Island NY Episcopal Diocese), a former student of Jane, served as deacon at both worship services.

A covered dish luncheon prepared by both churches followed at St. Mary's.

Two former confimation students from near Gettysburg, families from New Jersey and Sinking Spring and seven people from the Chinese Church in Brooklyn participated. (Jane served a brief interim there. She said she would preach a few lines that were then translated into Chinese.) The Liturgy was simultaneously bi-lingual.) One of the pictures shows three of the guests playing their Chinese instruments.

A deacon from Long Island NY (ELCA) was a very special guest. Both Jane and Gerard taught him. He had to leave his home and family in Iran when he felt the call to be baptized.

The Rev. Canon Ginny Rex Day, the Rev. Charles Day, the Rev. Nicholas Albanese and the Rev. Canon Cliff Carr joined in the celebration.

 

One Community/One Voice

A national day of mourning and solidarity for the LGBT community. Come together on November 12 at 6:15 p.m. at St Mary's Church in Reading and walk down Windsor to Centre Ave and then down Centre Ave to Calvary UCC where All Souls Church is hosting a 7:00 p.m. service of remembrance. The walk is less than a mile. No banners. No music. No rainbows. No stereotypes. No shouting. As a show of unity, please wear all black clothing. See poster below.

 

Montrose Crafters Corner

[News Release from St. Paul's Montrose]

St. Paul’s Crafters Corner is back for another season with a move to the first Saturday of October, November and December. The event offers unique shopping opportunities through the original creations of area crafters and will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., commencing on October 2nd and returning on November 6th and December 4th.

New crafters will be joining some of the long standing favorites to further expand the variety of merchandise, with the list of participants growing each month.

Hellertown welcomes new rector

[News Release from St. George's Hellertown]

St. George’s Welcomes New Rector 

On Thursday, October 14th, 2010 St. George’s Episcopal Church Hellertown will
have a “Celebration of New Ministry” with the institution of Father H. Jonathan
Mayo as rector.   The congregation and local clergy will gather for a special service at
7:00 P.M. that will include Holy Eucharist and a visit from the Bishop of the Diocese of Bethlehem, The Rt. Rev. Paul V. Marshall.

Father Jonathan is a native of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area, and has returned to
Pennsylvania after a 30-year absence.  He has served parishes in California,
Minnesota, and Wisconsin, before coming to St George’s on August 1.  He had
previously served small churches, and therefore had a secular career in Information
Technology.  He graduated from Wilkes College, Wilkes-Barre, in 1975, and St
Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, Crestwood, NY, in 1980.  He has
immediate family living in the Lehigh Valley, the Pocono region, and St Louis, MO.  
 
In 2008, St. George’s celebrated 100 years of worship having been a part of the
Hellertown community since 1908.  Regular services are held on Sundays at 9:30
A.M. and Church School is offered for children ages 3-13 years old.  

 

Cathedral invited to lead worship at Musikfest, August 15

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord [Psalm 100]

The Nativity Church of the Cathedral is exicited to announce our first invitation to lead worship at the 2010 Bethlehem Musikfest, Sunday August 15 at 10:00 a.m. Nativity's Jazz band will perform a Plaza Tropical, located between Main and Spring streets in Bethlehem. We welcome all to join in this toe-tapping, joyful morning. Light refreshments will be served after the service.

The Jazz band is intergenerational and interdenominational and has been performing together for the past three years. Ages range from ten to seventy-five years old. Led by Carol Yale, who teaches locally and performs with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, the band has played at various churches and locations in the Lehigh Valley. The music for Sunday morning will include “Deacon Jack’s Gospel Shack” by Paul Murtha and “The Gospel Truth” by Carl Strommen. The congregation will be invited to join in with various uplifting hymns.

For some, the idea of Jazz and an Episcopal worship service may seem strange. Anglican worship is often associated with the great European composers of the last 500 years. But like the Episcopal Church, Jazz is known for its careful balance of the individual and group voice, and both are given the chance to shine. Also like Jazz, the Episcopal Church is native to America and open to people of different ideas and talents.

The Rev. Canon Mariclair Partee will officiate and preach. Mariclair is originally from Atlanta, Georgia, and joined the Cathedral last year. The Gospel for August 15 is Luke 12:49-56, and Canon Partee will commemorate Jon Daniels, an Episcopal martyr shot and killed 45 years ago for his work in the American civil rights movement.

As Herbie Hancock said, “Jazz is about being in the moment”. Come be “in the moment” and worship with Nativity Cathedral.