SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

July 27, 2023

 

Dear members of the Episcopal Church in Central PA,

 

Please scroll through for information regarding diocesan happenings, events, helpful resources, and Stevenson School for Ministry class information.

Evangelism from around the Diocese

 

Watch below for a short video from our Evangelism Committee member, Sarah Reid, from Trinity Episcopal Pro-Cathedral in Williamsport!
To view, you can go to <a href=https://youtu.be/b8DZg2pZvXA" class="CToWUd" data-bit="iit" style="display:block;height:auto;max-width:100%">

A NOTE FROM THE DIOCESAN DISASTER PREPAREDNESS COORDINATOR - ED ROBERTSON

Dangerous Heat & Strong Storms Possible

 

Please be sure to check on your neighbors and those who are vulnerable.

 

For more information, click here.

SAFE CHURCH UPDATES

Updated Website

 

Please see our updated website for information about the transition from Safeguarding God's People to Safe Church, Safe Communities. There are updated requirements and instructions for accessing the new training through Praesidium listed online.

 

For information, click here.

Become a Trainer!

 

We will hold regular trainings to equip individuals to facilitate Safe Church trainings. Attend one of these sessions to be certified as a trainer- please spread the word.

 

Thursday, August 17, 12pm - 2 pm (Zoom). You can sign up here for the August meeting.

Safe Church Lunch Series will resume in Fall 2023

 

Each session will count for completing a module and will include reviewing the material and discussion.

 

These trainings will resume in the Fall and information will be emailed and posted here.

Have questions regarding Safe Church?

 

mmoritz@diocesecpa.org" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(158, 26, 29);font-size:16px;font-weight:bold">Canon Micalagh Moritz is the Safe Church Administrator and holds monthly Safe Church Office Hours on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. The next upcoming office hour date is August 15th. This is an open time for questions and troubleshooting regarding Safe Church. Sign up here. 

CYF UPDATES
  • Click here for the application for the soon-to-be formed Youth Advisory Board. Each convocation will be represented by one youth and one adult. Please consider who you might recommend for this position in your parish or Convocation. 

 

 

Have ideas for CYF programs or events in the Diocese, or looking for support? Contact Canon Moritz: mmoritz@diocesecpa.org" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-size:16px;font-weight:bold">mmoritz@diocesecpa.org" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(167, 6, 46);font-size:16px;font-weight:bold">mmoritz@diocesecpa.org or 717-236-5959 ext. 1111.

INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE

EPISCOPAL CHURCH FOUNDATION'S PIVOT PROGRAM

 

The Episcopal Church Foundation invites rural congregations to apply for a transformative year-long cohort-based learning experience. The Pivot program expands upon the successes of ECF's former Congregational Leadership Initiative program (CLI) to support underserved and underrepresented communities. This online program will provide parish teams access points and lessons to explore their faith community, neighbors, and mission. There is a stipend for participation, so it helps defray access and technology costs for any church team.

Questions or to apply - contact ECF and Haley Bankey, hbankey@ecf.org" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(167, 6, 46);font-size:16px;font-weight:bold">hbankey@ecf.org.

The Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing is a church-wide resource which is primarily supported by the Diocese of Atlanta and The Episcopal Church, charged with providing tools and experiences to engage in racial healing, dismantling racism, and other social injustices in our communities. 

 

Join The Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing and its Staff by:

  • placing the Center logo with a link to its webpage on your website; 
  • sharing a few words about the Center in your weekly announcements; 
  • encourage you parishioners to subscribe to the Center’s e-newsletter, which offers engaging information on its various activities including webinars highlighting key cultures, bringing awareness to racial issues and ways to address them, impactful programs, a blog and podcast with Dr. Catherine Meeks, executive director of the Center, and inspirational quotes; 
  • visiting the Center’s website to tap into its many resources; and 
  • exploring with us the possibility of becoming a formal partner with the Center.

 

Additionally, the Center’s website includes a page titled “The Work of the Church” where you can find ideas from parishes that have implemented programs to dismantle racism and where you can share the work of your parish. 

 

If you have any questions, suggestions or ideas, or would like more information on The Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing, contact CenterforRacialHealing@episcopalatlanta.org" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(167, 6, 46);font-size:16px;font-weight:bold">CenterforRacialHealing@episcopalatlanta.org.

HAPPENINGS

Pride Festival

Soldiers Grove, Harrisburg, PA

Sat., July 29, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

 

Stop by the Diocesan booth to show your support.

 

To volunteer or for more info, contact Michael Taylor, taylor3770@comcast.net" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(167, 6, 46);font-size:16px;font-weight:bold">taylor3770@comcast.net

Grant Applications

 

Applications for Shaped by Faith grants for the next quarterly cycle are due no later than September 1, 2023. 

 

The online form may be found and completed at this location on our website. Please contact the kbarron@diocesecpa.org" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(167, 6, 46);font-size:16px;font-weight:bold">Rev. Kevin Barron with any questions.

St. Luke's Church is

Searching for Hand Chimes!

 

St. Luke's Church in Mechanicsburg is searching for a set of Suzuki Hand Chimes. If your church is no longer using your set of chimes, we would like to purchase them, at a discount of course. Contact the church administrator, Dee, at admin.st.lukes@verizon.net" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(158, 26, 29);font-size:16px;font-weight:bold">admin.st.lukes@verizon.net OR by phone 717-766-5182.

 

Thank you!

Tickets on Sale for

The Rose Gold Love Gala

Sunday, September 17th

Harrisburg, PA

2:00 - 4:00 pm

 

Tickets for the Rose Gold Love Gala, benefitting the Dr. George H. and Mrs. Hettie S. Love "Love of Learning" Scholarship are on sale today! The gala is sponsored by the Bishop Nathan Baxter Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians and will be held at Manor at Mountain View, 2201 Fishing Creek Valley Road in Harrisburg, PA 17112.

 

To purchase tickets, please click here. If you are interested in learning more about the event and how to become a sponsor, you can go to https://www.drlovescholarship.org.
spring_forest_sunrise.jpg

Hayhoe on Faith and

Climate Change

 

Do you think that

  • climate scientists are nerdy and dull?
  • evangelicals do not care about climate change?
  • there is nothing you can do to stop climate change?

 

If so, you need to meet Katharine Hayhoe. Katherine Hayhoe, a climate scientist at Texas Tech University, has become well known for her accessible and inspiring presentations on climate change. Her main message is that we need to talk about climate change. And if you are inspired by her message, think about what you can do in your own parish to help save God’s creation. For questions, connect with Sylvia Neely, who attends St. Andrews’ Episcopal Church in State College and is a member of the Diocesan Creation Care Committee.

Fall 2023

Convocation Meetings

 

 These meetings will be held on Zoom.

 

Sept. 28, 6 PM

Susquehanna & Harrisburg

 

Oct. 4, 6 PM

Southern & Lancaster

 

Oct. 5, 6 PM

Northern Tier, West Branch & Altoona

 

Zoom meeting links will be sent via email to clergy, convention delegates and alternates during the month of August.

 

For questions, please contact aguszick@diocesecpa.org" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(167, 6, 46);font-size:16px;font-weight:bold">Canon Guszick.

Diocesan Convention

 

The 153rd Annual Diocesan Convention will begin in person on Friday, Oct. 20 & Saturday, Oct. 21, at The Penn Stater in State College, PA.

 

If your parish has not submitted your Lay Delegates to Diocesan Convention form, click here to submit the information.

 

For Convention questions, please visit the diocesan website at https://diocesecpa.org/diocesanconvention/ or email aguszick@diocesecpa.org" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(167, 6, 46);font-size:16px;font-weight:bold">Canon Alexis Guszick.

Save the Date

Statewide Rally Day

November 15, 2023 | 10am-3pm

Harrisburg, PA

 

Bishop Scanlan has scheduled a statewide rally day for November 15, 2023. Time is of the essence for us to meet and organize advocacy efforts, leading up to and continuing in November. 

 

To get involved or for more information, please contact jennifer.e.mattson@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(158, 26, 29);font-size:17px;font-weight:bold">The Rev. Jennifer Mattson, Committee Chair. For more information, visit https://diocesecpa.org/saving-lives-ending-gun-violence/

Free Parish Retreat Space

 

The Well of Grace is open to individuals and small group daytime retreats.

 

Your first parish, including vestry and/or youth group, retreat is FREE. For more information or to schedule a retreat, visit

https://forhealingandhope.com/service/well-of-grace/

Parish Visitation Schedule to Resume

 

Bishop Scanlan will resume all parish visitations on Sunday, September 10, 2023.

 

To view the updated Visitation Schedule by parish, click here.
From The Stevenson School For Ministry
 

Fall Course Registration now open!

The Fall Term: August – October 2023

Classes are 10 weeks long unless otherwise noted. All course descriptions are on Populi and the SSFM website. All courses meet online for 1-hour per week and have an online course space for readings and community interaction.

 

If you'd like to register for the three continuing education courses, you can find them on the Diocesan EventBrite page.

Lay Preaching and Lay Worship Leader Training

Are you interested in training to be a lay preacher or lay worship leader? The SSFM year-long training begins with the fall term! The training includes Introduction to the New Testament, Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures, Prayer Book Studies, Homiletics 1 (for lay preachers), and Becoming Beloved Community training. Students also participate in three learning workshops that provide more connection and depth to our learning community.

 

Find more information on the SSFM website: https://diocesecpa.org/stevensonschoolforministry/lay-ministry/ or email ssfm@diocesecpa.org" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(167, 6, 46);font-size:16px;font-weight:bold">ssfm@diocesecpa.org.

Please note, the Diocesan Office no longer uses the PO Box.

Please update your address records accordingly.

101 Pine Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 + 717-236-5959 + fax 717-236-6448 + www.diocesecpa.org
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  
The Episcopal Church in Central Pennsylvania | 101 Pine Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101

 

 

 

 
For more information, contact Mary Ellen Kilp, cpayouthcom@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255);font-weight:bold">cpayouthcom@gmail.com
or (717) 475-2785. Scholarships are available for youth and children’s programs.
For scholarship information, contact Dean Robyn Szoke-Coolidge, rszoke@diocesecpa.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255);font-weight:bold">rszoke@diocesecpa.org

 

Facebook Join My List Logo


Separator11

 

 
 
FROM THE VESTRY
 
 
BEGINNING IMMEDIATELY AND AT LEAST UNTIL EASTER, NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE CHURCH OFFICE UNLESS IT IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.  IF YOU NEED TO GO TO THE CHURCH OFFICE, YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AHEAD OF TIME WITH HELEN AT 717-657-8583.  PLEASE DO NOT JUST "DROP IN."
 
ANYONE ENTERING THE CHURCH OFFICE MUST BE MASKED.
 
 
 
 
 
 Separator11
 
 
 
 
 
ST. ANDREW’S DURING A PANDEMIC
 
The past 10 months have been like no other! And we don’t know what the next 10 months will bring.
But at this time (the beginning and end of the year—both on the church calendar and the secular calendar), it seems like a good time to look both backward and forward.
 
Looking backward, even though it has been a time of great stress, trials, and change, we have had some spectacular successes.
 
1.     We have distributed 13 Thanksgiving baskets, 13 Christmas baskets, sent out college student boxes, continued our outreach with the Stephens’ Ministry Program, and held our annual Yard Sale
 
2.     We have survived the temporary halting of our public services TWICE
 
3.     We have created a successful on-line alternative worship service that is held weekly for anyone who prefers to stay in—and they are shared far and wide (internationally, even)
 
4.     We have reshaped our worship services TWICE and continue to provide safe worship opportunities for those who would like to attend
 
5.     We have begun holding a very successful 4 PM Saturday service
 
6.     We have successfully weathered the opening of a new daycare facility and the loss of income during the transition
 
7.     We have successfully met and slightly exceeded our expected income for 2020
 
8.     AND SO MUCH MORE………..
 
But this has also been a time of concern, trial and error, and great stress for many of us and for St. Andrew’s.
 
1.     We have struggled with if and how our services and eucharist should be safely held
 
2.     We have all felt the isolation of being away from our families—related and church
 
3.     We worry about our own health, that of others, and that of St. Andrew’s
 
4.     We have had to learn to be more flexible and open to change than we ever imagined
 
5.     We have learned that we need to love our neighbors—REGARDLESS!
 
Please know that your staff and vestry are working together to share the word and love of Christ each and every time that we gather—even if only 2 or 3 of us.
 
The safety policies that we have put in place have been successful—although several members of St. Andrew’s have gotten COVID-19, NONE of those cases were contracted at church and NONE of those people who became ill had any contact with St. Andrew’s while they were contagious.
 
Looking forward, please do your part to come out of this pandemic stronger than before it started.
 
1.     Continue to pray for an end to this virus.
 
2.     Continue to show the love of Christ to anyone you encounter—in person, on the phone, in emails, even in the cars that pass by you!
 
3.     And continue to worship as you are comfortable—in person, on the internet, over the radio, or in private. God loves each and every one of us and is pleased by our prayers and worship—no matter what form it takes.
 
Nelson+
Betsy

 


© 2023 Saint Andrew's In The Valley Episcopal Church
Connected Sound - Websites for the Barbershop Community