LEADERSHIP NEWS 
                                                                               April 10, 2015
In This Issue
Bishop Sean:  "We Do Not Have to Settle"
Bishop Sean Rowe's plenary session. Part One

Earlier this year, Bishop Sean gave several presentations at the convention of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. Watch the video to hear him discuss church structure, the decline of General Motors, the church's addiction to autonomy, and God's call to us to collaborate.

Trepagnier and Dougan Begin Work

On April 1, Jo Trepagnier and Cindy Dougan began work in the Diocese of Bethlehem office.

 

Trepagnier, the new canon for administration and communications, will provide administrative support to the office of the bishop, serve as office and building manager of Diocesan House, organize diocesan convention and other major diocesan gatherings, and manage the communication of the diocese.

 

She can be reached via email or by phone at 610-691-5655 ext. 229Learn more.

 

 

 

 

Dougan, canon for finance and administration in the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania, will act as the Diocese of Bethlehem's interim accounting manager for a year-long term beginning April 1.

In her new position, Dougan will handle the Diocese of Bethlehem's day-to-day accounting and supervise Cindy Bakos, the diocese's bookkeeper. This will permit Bruce Reiner, comptroller, to focus on audits and related financial matters.


 

 She can be reached via email .
The Barnabas Principle:  Stewardship Conference on May 30

On May 30, the Diocesan Stewardship and Evangelism Committee hosts a day-long conference at St. Stephen's Pro-Cathedral in Wilkes-Barre. The Rev. Dr. C.K. Robertson, canon to the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, will lead the day. His topic will be "The Barnabas Principle:  A Practical Approach to Congregational Development."

 

Robertson, a distinguished visiting professor at General Theological Seminary, is a fellow of the Episcopal Church Foundation and has served on the board of the Episcopal Network for Stewardship. He is the author of several books about the life of Barnabas and Paul, including "Transforming Stewardship" and "Barnabas vs. Paul," which will be given to attendees.

 

Date:  Saturday, May 30

Time:  8:30 am-3 pm

Cost:  $15, including breakfast, lunch and two books

 

Registration begins April 15.

Voice of Hope:  Diocese of Kajo-Keji Newsletter
Bishop Poggo with Archdeacon Rick Cluett, Charlie Barebo, and the Rev. Dennis Blauser in Kajo-Keji in January

In the Diocese of Kajo-Keji's new newsletter, Bishop Anthony Poggo writes:

 

The year 2014 was a challenging year for South Sudanese people due the conflict that started on the 15 December 2013. There have been many rounds of peace negotiations that have not yielded the long awaited peace that we have yearned for. Let us double [our] efforts in prayers for peace in this nation and...remember to pray for South Sudan.

 

Read the bishop's column and more in the new issue of Voice of Hope. 

Formation Resources:  Looking Ahead to Pentecost

The Rev. Canon Kimberly Reinholz at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity writes:

 

There is a young man in the pews at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity, who silently sculpts his Sunday bulletin into origami cranes, roses, and other intricately folded art work. This young man occasionally places these sculptures into the offering plate, but more often than not leaves them behind as a blessing for the sexton or a neighboring parishioner. He is one of 4 children in a family which has found their way to our community. He is passionate and funny, he is talented and wonderful, he is God's beloved child and he happens to live with Autism. 

 

Read her entire essay, "Senbazaru, Pentecost, and The Cathedral Cranes"

Planting New Crops After Pentecost

The Rev. Twila Smith at Church of the Mediator writes:

 

Looking through garden catalogs is one of those time-honored traditions, reminding us that there will be spring beyond the cold of winter. Chores of preparation begin long before the days of planting. So, what seeds and tools should we be gathering now for the church seasons ahead? What needs our strategic thinking in order to plant new crops after Pentecost?

 

Now is the time to look ahead to the "ordinary" season that begins in late May. What's on your list?

* Recruiting and developing new formation leaders

* Cleaning up classroom spaces, assessing needs and resources

* Adapting formation programs for summer schedules

* Vacation Bible School; evening family series

* Ecumenical partnerships and neighborhood programs

* Web and social media connections

* Parish picnics, summer camp, and outdoor fellowship

* Mission trips, service days

* Creation-centered formation for the "green season"

* Summer reading lists and book groups

* Inter-generational experiences

 

Resources and Reminders
Diocesan Clergy Family Gathering:  Ideas Wanted, May 3 Dinner Cancelled
How would you imagine the perfect diocesan-wide clergy and family gathering? A formal affair, a day in an amusement park, baseball tickets for everyone? What is the best way for clergy families to celebrate 2015? What is the best venue?
 
Our annual clergy-spouse dinner, previously scheduled for May 3, will not be held this year, but will be replaced with another event(s). If you have some ideas, suggestions from other dioceses or special event venues, please email Jo Trepagnier.
The Diocese of Bethlehem newSpin Blog
newSpin is Bill Lewellis' eclectic sampling of religion news from around the Episcopal Church and beyond. Read the March 31, 2015 edition .
Godly Play Training, Conference at Sewanee in July

At the 2015 North American Godly Play Conference, July 20-August 1 at Sewanee's Beecken Center, leaders can participate in Core and Advanced Training and also attend keynote presentations and evening receptions. Learn more.

Prayers of the People and Jubilate Online
The Rev. Canon Cliff Carr, priest associate at Trinity Episcopal Church in Bethlehem, writes Prayers of the People for each week and prepares a list of hymn selection by season. Find those resources on the Trinity Bethlehem website.
Scholarship Opportunities

Deadlines for three scholarships are approaching:

 

Leonard Hall Scholarships for youth of the diocese pursuing undergraduate studies. Deadline May 15. Learn more.

 

Gressle Scholarships for sons of clergy canonically resident in the diocese who are pursuing undergraduate college degrees. Deadline May 15. Learn more.

 

Shannon Fund scholarships for daughters of Episcopal clergy in Pennsylvania pursuing undergraduate study. Deadline April 30. Learn more.

Dignity:  An Evening with Dr. Donna Hicks

On May 15, Christ Church Reading is co-sponoring an evening with Dr. Donna Hicks, associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University, and author of "Dignity: The Essential Role It Plays in Resolving Conflict." Learn more and download a flyer.

Upcoming Diocesan Events
Regional Confirmations

Sunday, April 12, 2015 at 4 pm, Cathedral Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem 

Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 4 pm, St. Gabriel's, Douglassville 

Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 5 pm, St. Luke's, Scranton 


Christophany: Youth Retreat for 6th - 12th Graders

Date: April 24 - 26, 2015

Location: Bear Creek Camp

3601 Bear Creek Boulevard

Bear Creek Village, PA 18702

(Near Wilkes-Barre)

Cost$125

Download a poster.

Register online by April 15.

ContactChristine Martocchio


Episcopal Church Women Spring Meeting

Date:  May 6, 2015

Time:  9:30 am-2:30 pm

Location:  Kirby House

Speaker:  The Rev. Hillary Raining on "The Wisdom of Proverbs:  Ancient Insignt for our Modern Lives"

Learn more and download a flyer.


Clergy Day

Date: May 12, 2015

Time: 8:30 am - 3 pm

Location: St. Stephen's Pro-Cathedral

35 S. Franklin St.

Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701


Diocesan Stewardship and Evangelism Conference

Date: May 30, 2015

Time: 8:30 am to 3:00 pm

Location: St. Stephen's Pro-Cathedral

35 South Franklin Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Speaker Charles K. Robertson
Cost : $15
Registration:  Beginning April 15

Contact Dan Charney


Mission Trip for 9th - 12th Graders

Date: June 28 - July 5, 2015

Location: Grace Mountain House

5100 Pewter Drive
St. Paul, VA 24283
Cost TBD

Contact The Rev. Doug Moyer

Stay Connected