Dear Brothers and Sisters,
IT IS STILL ALLELUIA TIME!
Bringing two separate dioceses back together is a HUGE, one might even say GARGANTUAN, job!
If you have any questions about that, talk to one of the folks who are on the front line, on committees, creating a new financial structure, dealing with property owned by each legacy diocese, personnel and clergy affairs, and so much more. But still, the new Diocese of the Susquehanna is speedily moving ahead. Two weeks ago, we had the first clergy conference, where we were joined not only by our own bishops (Bishop Audrey Scanlan and Bishop Kevin Nichols), but by other bishops.
On May 15, the Diocese will sponsor a Social Justice Summit in Camp Hill, “geared toward practitioners of justice ministries across the diocese as well as anyone eager to learn more. Come to engage with, plan, and learn about intersections between social justice issues and diocesan committees, such as:
- Beloved Community Commission
- LGBTQ+ Committee
- With One Voice: United in Ending Gun Violence
- Creation Care
- Indigenous Justice
- and more.”
“The program for the Social Justice Summit begins at 4 p.m. with a variety of short presentations and discussions about diocesan justice ministries. Dialogue will continue through dinner with guided discussion cards at each table. At 7 p.m., the Rev. Carla Christopher will present a keynote address and facilitate a workshop on practices for individuals related to justice ministry. Friday will conclude with worship and prayer beginning at 8 p.m., to include examples of incorporating “singing as resistance” into ministry.”
On May 16, the Diocese will be sponsoring a new version of Gather, also in Camp Hill. “It is the annual lay formation event for the diocese, primarily for members of the lay order, although all are welcome to attend. The day is comprised of hour-long workshops that participants register for based on interest. Sessions include a variety of topics:
- imagining your building as a community resource
- children and worship
- what the Prophets have to say about justice and righteousness
- how the Book of Common Prayer informs ministries of justice
- learning about diocesan resources available to your church
- and much more.
Think of the schedule like a day at high school: at least four classes (workshops) throughout the day, a break for lunch, and an opening (keynote by Rev. Christopher) and closing (worship) class that all attend.
Check-in for Gather is from 8-8:45 a.m. At that time, participants will receive their day’s schedule based on the interest indicated in their registration. The Bishops’ welcome and opening keynote start at 9 a.m., lunch will be around noon, and Saturday will conclude with worship starting around 5 p.m.”
From June 9-11, Bishop Scanlan will be in residence in our region. We don’t have a schedule yet, but there will be public service and a dinner. Watch for more details.
And then, on June 12, at 10:00, the parishes local to us will gather in Convocation at St. Barnabas, Kutztown, where our own Doreen Tobin will be speaking about Shared Ministry.
To register for the Social Justice Summit and Gather, go here. No need to register for the Convocation, but please let me know if you’d like to attend, so we have an idea of how many folks to expect.
So many chances to get to know our brothers and sisters from around the glorious Diocese of the Susquehanna!
ALLELUIA INDEED!
Mo. Laura+
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COMING UP!
- May 10: Groceries Plus In-gathering
- June 7: Gift Cards Orders Due
- July 6-10: Ellie Escher’s Music Camp I
- August 10-14: Ellie Escher’s Music Camp II
- Mondays, Book Study via zoom at 7:00 p.m.
- Every other Tuesday, Girl Scouts, Parish Hall, 6:00-7:30
- Wednesdays, noonday prayer via zoom at 12:00
- Wednesday evenings, yoga class at 6:00 (discount for St. M members)
- Saturdays, Iglesia Luz de Esperanza, 9:00-3:00