Christmas in Kajo Keji A3 a diocesan edition of Bethlehem Diocesan Life episcopal news Vol. 1 No. 10, December 2010/January 2011 ~ diobeth.org monthly So, what is a “Solitary” anyway?? By Sr. pAtriciA MichAeL hAUZe solitude but with the people in interces- As I have explained earlier, I live your heart. The thought or pull becomes On the 28th of September, the Eve of sory prayer, counsel and service. By tra- fi rst, and most important of all, a life of stronger and stronger as time goes on. the Feast of Saint Michael and All An- dition, the latch was always off the door prayer, constant intercessory prayer, as You may fi ght against that urging, but it gels, the Rt. Rev. Paul V. Marshall, bish- and the poustinik’s priority at any time well as keeping the four daily offi ces as becomes so strong that you are overcome op of the Diocese of Bethlehem, received was his neighbor’s need. At times the laid out in the Book of Common Prayer. by it and accept it. That is God’s call to my fi nal vows of profession as a Solitary poustinik would be expected to come I live a life of obedience to God and the your heart. Listen to it. The other part to in this diocese. During this ceremony, I out with a public “word from the Lord” church and my immediate superiors: My understanding the call is very important accepted a ring. The romantic notion is for the community. bishops, Paul V. Marshall and John P. as well: if that urging takes you to a closer that this is a “wedding” ring. For me, it is So, to explain further, I am not a Croneberger; my boss, the Rev. Canon walk with God, follow it. If not, then it is much more. For me it represents a band hermit. Also, each Solitary’s vocation Andrew T. Gerns; my spiritual director not of God. Prayer is the key. Each one of of commitment, a completed circle of a is unique to that person’s calling. Al- and, as best I can, to those around me. us has a vocation. God has a plan and a time of testing, struggle, learning, fall- though I live alone, I do not live an I live a life of chastity, seeking God’s di- path for us all and God walks with each of ing and getting up. The metal represents isolated life, having no contact with vine love—in all things, places and ways us and provides all the tools along the way. strength in faith. The ring is made of the outside world. I live and work in the and living modestly and humbly without We only need to listen and remain open to silver and is engraved with words from world. I am the parish administrator at desiring to place worldly goods before the prompting of the Holy Spirit. the Jesus prayer, “Lord Jesus Christ Have Trinity, Easton where I have spent the God’s will. And, I live a life of stability This may be more than you need or Mercy on Me”. The ceremony of a fi nal last eight years testing my vocation and by remaining still in the knowledge that want to read, but it is for me just a small profession for me is a confi rmation of where I have been formed as a servant I serve as God wills, not how I desire. I nugget of information that encapsulates the life that I have been living for many in this community. I am a spiritual direc- tie all of these vows together with study. who I am and what I do. And so, I con- years as a true and living promise of my tor and companion other souls on their I read and study the Rule of Saint Bene- tinue to pray for all of you, my brothers “Yes” to Christ. It is the realization of to- journey through life. I am an associate dict every day as well as my own Rule of and sisters in the Diocese of Bethlehem tal immersion into a life of prayer, chas- of the Community of Saint John Baptist Life which was approved by Bishop Paul. and throughout the world. Amen. tity, obedience and stability to what God in Mendham, New Jersey, where I lived, I read about the has and continues to set before me. worked, learned and discerned my call to lives of the saints and those who with So, what is a solitary anyway? religious life. My home parish is Trinity, Bethlehem where I’ve been a member wisdom, courage People often come up to me and ask for 25 years and where I grew, matured and faith have gone “what order” am I from. I say that I’m a and was nourished spiritually. And al- before us. And I “Solitary” and the next question is always, though I am “set apart” from the world, read from other “A what?” I tell them that I am a vowed I take care of the day-to-day just like sources those books religious in the Diocese of Bethlehem. everyone else. I do have “down” time: I and articles that are Some have heard me say that I have go grocery shopping, I go out to eat and spiritually enrich- always liked the Russian translation of I spend time with my family and those ing to my own path. the word solitary: “being with every- close to me. I watch television, blog and With all of these body.” Russian people called “poustinik- yes, I am on “Facebook”. I fi nd that Face- vows now fi rmly in ki” were drawn from all walks of life to book is a great way of keeping up with place as the tools for poverty and solitude on behalf of oth- family, friends, the diocese, other vowed my daily living, I go ers. They normally would move to a hut religious throughout the world and the out into the world away from the town and live in solitude, prayer needs of each. Still, I am in my to serve, encourage but not isolation. The poustinik lived in vocation, not “of” the world. This means and pray. that I do not place worldly goods (or I try What is it like to be not to) before the will of God and I do called? not always socialize as others do unless A very dear soul I fi nd it is in keeping with my vocation asked me at my re- as a spiritual companion. What defi nes ception, “How do all of these seemingly “worldly” activi- you know you are ties as part of my vocation is that I am being called? The in constant prayer. Everything I see, ev- most simple ex- ery action and reaction, every detail of planation I could creation, each person on the street, each give, is “It begins word that is spoken is kept in prayer and with a thought”. I I commend all of these into God’s safe add that it is as if and loving hands. some one or some What does a solitary do? thing is pulling at Sr. Patricia Michael poses with an icon of Saint Michael, the Archangel. INSIDE DIOCESAN LIFE St. George’s welcomes new rector [A5] the episcopal church’s executive council passes reduced a 2011 budget, discusses Advent speaks to us [Bishop Paul A2] three pastors Gaeta [A5] church’s governance structures during its recent meeting in Salt Lake city... can we talk about peace [A2] christ church, reading acolytes [A5] religious groups and government bodies 51st annual christmas peace true religion and false religion [A6] often seem at odds over social issues such as preventing teen pregnancy... pilgrimage [A2] Vocare [A6] on the feast of St. Simon and St. Jude [A3] Seamen’s church institute is charting a new calendar/prayer cycle [A7] course in its ministry to the world’s mariners... 7 days for Sudan [A3] INSIDE EPISCOPAL Virginia theological Seminary and the Diocese of northern california, hit by devastating fi res... christmas in kajo keji [A3] NEWS MONTHLY presiding Bishop katharine Jefferts Schori Southern Sudanese children deserve the episcopal Diocese of haiti presents participated in two forums recently to to go to school [A4] the fi rst phase of its reconstruction consider happiness and leadership... and development plan... A2 diocesanlife December 2010

It is right and Advent speaks to us of a good and joyful thing always and longing, darkness and hope everywhere to heart’s fearful dark places that we try so Lord, and come, that by Thy protection give thanks. hard to ignore most of the time, and to cry we may be rescued from the threatening Always and Always

Everywhere out, “Stir up your power, Lord, and come.” perils of our sins.” Advent begins with the idea that his- “Threatening perils of our sins.” Un- By BiShop pAUL V. MArShALL tory is going somewhere, to its fulfi llment less and until we understand that it is Advent, those precious four weeks in Christ. For us that provokes longing. business as usual in the human commu- before Christmas, speaks to us in many Longing nity that defi les our life, unless and until ways. I often fi nd it helpful to think of it we commit ourselves to change, to mak- Hope is what in terms of darkness, longing, and hope. To enter the deep longing of Advent ing straight in the desert a highway for is to know something of the longing of God, there is very little that Christmas, separates the believer Darkness God’s ancient people, who knew bond- that God, can do for us. age, who experienced exile, and whose In the northern hemisphere, Advent The unoffi cial fi fth gospel, Charles comes as the world is darkening, as prophet sang, “O that Thou wouldst from the cynic. rend the heavens and come.” This time Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, reminds things appear to be dying. I am increas- us that for change to happen, detailed ingly aware that someday Advent will of the year is holy because we are asked memory and ruthless self-assessment and that history has the destiny of fulfi ll- arrive and I will not be here to greet it to name in the very center of our hearts our common hope for humanity’s surviv- need to come fi rst. That asks us to work, ment in the Lord. because I will be as dead as the leaves work hard, for as Mary and Joseph knew, al and for its growth into a community of Our sense of where history is going in that swirl around my driveway. You can- there is no easy road to Bethlehem. not think yourself out of death. On the peace and equity. God, our sense that in God our life has road to acceptance of one’s mortality With its memory of John the Baptizer Hope meaning, these are the foundation of there are feelings of futility, of cynicism, Advent reminds us that longing is fi ne, But Advent’s preparation is not sus- hope. Hope is what generates a positive of anger. My light shines so dimly; and that crying out for God is great, but that tained penitence. The same ears that and productive attitude. When every- the darkness, the afternoon darkness, self-assessment and change need to be hear “make straight a highway for our thing around appears to be a shambles, the winter darkness, the last darkness, done to make room for Christ. For it is God” also hear “Comfort, comfort my hope is what keeps us going, carrying on seem likely to overcome it. not God who keeps the fruits of the earth people, says the Lord.” Advent is very until victory comes. So one old prayer for Advent began, from reaching those who starve, it is not much about hope. In the coming of Christ, Christians “Stir up, we beseech Thee, Thy power, God who hoards power and wealth, it is Hope is the belief and the feeling that see God’s total commitment to human- O Lord, and come.” Advent is fi rst and not God who abandons spouse and chil- in the long run, life makes sense because ity, the invitation to lift drooping spirits foremost about humanity in the dark- dren to scratch a mid-life itch. of Jesus Christ. Hope is what separates and intensify resolve to live the longed- ness, longing for light to come, longing I remember then some more words of the believer from the cynic. The scrip- for future in word and deed. for God to act. Advent is permission, the fi rst of those “stirrup” prayers. “Stir tures teach that history – yours, mine, And just around that corner, have a invitation, for each of us to enter the up, we beseech Thee, Thy power, O and humanity’s – is going somewhere, Merry Christmas, too. 51ST ANNUAL Can we talk about peace for a minute? NAZARETH TO BETHLEHEM By Don knApp is a national organization connecting all Remember the beautiful hymn that ex- CHRISTMAS If someone asked you to share your claims, “Let there be peace on Earth and who seek a deliberate response to injus- thoughts about where peace is needed in let it begin with me.” As Christians, we tice and violence and want to pray, study PEACE PILGRIMAGE the world, what would you talk about? can let it begin with our prayer life. Con- and take action for justice and peace in Afghanistan? America’s inner cities? sider the following verses from morning our communities, our church, and the SAtUrDAy, DeceMBer 11, 2010 Your own heart? A shortage of peace prayer, as found in our Book of Common world. You can fi nd them on the web at means there is no shortage of ways to Prayer, “Give peace, O Lord, in all the www.epfnational.org. For 50 years, during the Christmas sea- discuss it. The Peace Commission of the world… For only in You can we live in son, people who believe in the impor- Many of us have found that when we tance of Peace have been gathering in Diocese of Bethlehem invites you to join safety.” To pray each day for peace – be- have read about peace action, or prayed Nazareth to walk the ten miles to Beth- in the work for peace: to meet with oth- tween warring nations, estranged family for peace, or discussed peace with one members, or even quarreling co-workers lehem, Pennsylvania. This pilgrimage, ers to talk about it, and in the process, another, we began to receive peace as symbolic of the journey of Mary and deepen your faith. – can humble us, transform our hearts, a gift in our own hearts, and once that and move us to action. Joseph, provides all of us, those who When daily headlines remind us of seed was planted, we began to envision walk, those who pass us on the highway terrorists, criminals, and others who are If you fi nd yourself moved, we have the possibilities of peace in our families, and even those who just read about the ready to do harm, it’s easy to be cyni- several suggestions for you. You can at- communities, and nations. We invite walk in the Sunday paper, with an op- cal or consider the cause of peace to be tend diocesan Peace Commission meet- you to join us! portunity to think about what Christ- naïve. But again and again, and despite ings and join our conversations. We mas really means. headlines or atrocities, God calls us to be meet together at various places around Participants will meet in the parking missioners of reconciliation and peace. the diocese. You are invited to call Bar- lot at 520 E. Broad Street, Bethlehem To follow Jesus is to oppose war and bara Gessner at 570-460-9335 or Father (corner of Broad & Elm,) before 11:00 weapons of mass destruction, and to ex- Don Knapp at 610-530-8330 for more AM. Buses will transport pilgrims to tend forgiveness and care. “Blessed are information. Or, you might want to be- Nazareth Moravian Church on Center the peacemakers for they shall be called gin your own group within your parish or Square. To help us arrange bus trans- the children of God.” (Matt. 5:9) If we neighborhood, focusing on an aspect of portation, please register at www.Peace- recognize ourselves as God’s children, peace that speaks to you. Peace Commis- walk.org/Registration and include the doesn’t it follow that all the people of sion members would be happy to help names of all people coming with you. the world are God’s children? you in this endeavor. Consider joining For more information visit our website: the Episcopal Peace Fellowship which www.peacewalk.org.

THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH THE DIOCESE OF BETHLEHEM diocesanlife A freely chosen global fellowship of churches in One of 38 self-governing national churches The Episcopal Church in eastern and north- The Diocese of Bethlehem edition of Episcopal News Monthly, communion with one another and with the See within the worldwide Anglican Communion, eastern PA, 63 churches in 14 counties: Berks, the newspaper of the Episcopal Church. Copy deadline is the fi rst of Canterbury in England, some 80 million people 2.4 million members in 7,679 congregations in Bradford, Carbon, Lackawanna, Lebanon, Lehigh, Tuesday of the preceding month. Opinions expressed do not nec- in 38 self-governing churches in more than 160 110 dioceses in the U.S. (95), Mexico and Central Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Schuylkill, essarily represent those of the Bishop or the Diocese of Bethlehem. countries. www.anglicancommunion.org America. www.episcopalchurch.org Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming. Send articles and letters to the editor. www.diobeth.org Editor: Kat Lehman, [email protected] Archbishop of Canterbury Presiding Bishop Bishop Episcopal News Monthly ISSN 1050-0057 USPS#177-940 is pub- The Most Rev. Rowan Williams The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori The Rt. Rev. Paul V. Marshall bpoffi [email protected] lished monthly by The Domestic & Foreign Missionary Society, Inc., Lambeth Palace Episcopal Church Center Assistant Bishop 815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017. Periodical postage paid London, England SE1 7JU 815 Second Avenue • New York, NY 10017 The Rt. Rev. John P. Croneberger in New York, NY and additional mailing offi ces. POSTMASTER: 212-716-6000 • 800-334-7626 Send change of address to Episcopal News Monthly, PO Box Episcopal Seat: Archdeacon The Ven. Howard Stringfellow 2050, Voorhees NJ 08043-8000. Canterbury Cathedral Episcopal Seat: www.archbishopofcanterbury.org [email protected] To change subscription addresses, contact: Episcopal News Monthly The Washington National Cathedral Circulation Department, PO Box 2050, Voorhees NJ 08043-8000, www.episcopalchurch.org/pb 333 Wyandotte St. • Bethlehem, 18015 610-691-5655 • 800-358-5655 elife@afl webprinting.com, 800-374-9510. www.diobeth.org Live God’s love: tell what you have seen and heard www.diobeth.org December 2010 diocesanlife A3 On the feast of St. Simon and St. Jude By Archdeacon Howard Stringfellow We give encouragement to emotion and we ourselves learn exactly how much We find four verses in the Scriptures pain. We kiss the victim when we could God has permitted, how much God has concerning Simon, and two of them be waiting to congratulate the person tolerated, and how much God has for- mention Jude who also has his own men- for taking greater responsibility, and for given. And giving that mercy to anoth- tion in another verse. In the face of such growing into greater maturity and for er person represents the mercy of Jesus scarce biography, why shouldn’t we give transcending victimhood. Christ, the same mercy by which Jesus full rein to hagiography? I think that’s what God does. God cer- forgives sinners over and over again. The collect pushes us along a bit, es- tainly exercises a permissive will: we can Perhaps fondly, I believe Simon and pecially the petition where we ask that sin and make bad choices for ever and a Jude knew these things and made them with ardent devotion, like theirs, we day, and God will permit us to do those truly and deeply their own. And just may make known the love and mercy of things. That permission comes with so, I believe that making Jesus’ love and Jesus Christ. And I take it that that is a many price tags (both God’s and ours), mercy known amount to making him worthy goal of us all. How do we make but God seems to think that freedom is known and amount to maturing “to the Jesus’ love and mercy known? worth it. And giving that freedom to measure of the full stature of Christ” another person represents the love of (Ephesians 4:13). One of my heroes, Ed Friedman, wrote Jesus Christ, the same love by which he Editor’s note: This sermon was preached somewhere that when we push the box allows us to crucify him again and again. of kleenex across the table to someone at Diocesan House on 28 October 2010 struggling with a moment of insight or And following that love, there is mer- during the weekly Eucharist. growth, we give the wrong kind of help. cy, the mercy we ourselves know when 7 days for Sudan Christmas in Kajo Keji By Ed Stark By Jo Trepagnier God tells us, over and over, that our For the third year, our parishes and families are asked to support Kajo Keji by pur- prayers will be answered, if we persist. chasing Christmas gifts for students and clergy. This year, many gifts return with an He has also told us that if our prayers added emphasis on girls and women (Girl’s volleyball uniforms, sewing machines for are founded in our understanding of His each school, material for the Women’s Tailoring Training Center). Our scholarships will, the answers will be consistent with support 20 students and, included this year, extra funds for shoes and books. Goats both His will, and ours. and fruit trees will help schools and parishes earn extra income. Thank you for your Two of St. Paul’s, Montrose, parishioners SAVE THE support and please feel free to call me if you have any questions. Jo Trepagnier 610- have taken God at His word. They are or- DATE 434-0155. ganizing a prayer vigil to deal with a cen- turies-old problem: conflict in the Sudan. GIFTS FOR KAJO KEJI SATURDAY Item cost Qty total name______The Sudan, like other parts of Africa, FEBRUARY 19, Solar Lantern $75 ______Address______has experienced continuous conflict and 2011 Scholarship $275 ______city/ST/Zip______violence for hundreds of years, engendered Volley Ball Uniforms $10 ______email Address______by family, tribal, national and religious dif- Sewing Machines $130 ______Daytime Phone______ferences. The conflicting groups habitually RENEWAL Classroom Booster $150 ______congregation______ignore a profound truth: we are all created Goat $26 ____ in the image of our creator. ASSEMBLY Fruit Tree $5 ____ Deadline - December 15, 2010 Hoe $3 ____ Soon, the people of the Southern Sudan THE CALL Wooden Table & Chair $95 ____ the Diocese of Bethlehem will vote in a referendum concerning their FOR PRAYER School Uniform Fabric $10 ____ 333 Wyandotte St. future form of government, one nation or Sports Ball $14 ____ Bethlehem, PA 18015 two. Nearly one hundred and fifty years & Bike $99 ____ Attention: Christmas in Kajo Keji ago we had our own similar vote, plunging DISCERNMENT America into the Civil War. Amount Enclosed: ______As Anglicans, we have an inherent FIVE faith in the power of corporate prayer, LOCATIONS but as Christians we are assured also, of AROUND the efficacy and the necessity of indi- vidual prayer. The organizers are asking THE DIOCESE us, especially following the referendum in the Sudan, to pray that God’s will be 9:00 AM~1:00 PM reflected in the outcome of the referen- dum as it determines the future of the Southern Sudan, where Kajo Keji, our Diocesan companion diocese is located. Convention Some hope especially for the Southern Delegates, Parish Sudan to become an independent nation, Lay Leadership, dedicated to maintaining the religious freedom of its inhabitants. The Prayer Vig- and Clergy il will call on the infinite power of prayer to help show us God’s will. INFORMATION Collect for All the People of Sudan & Lord Christ when first you came to earth, you proclaimed the Kingdom of DETAILS God by blessing the poor in spirit and by TO FOLLOW healing the sick: Grant such grace to all the people of Sudan that they may grow to the measure of your full stature; all this we ask in your holy Name. Amen. Editor’s note: This collect was written by Archdeacon Howard Stringfellow for devo- tional prayer for the Sudan. For more information, please contact St. Paul’s, Montrose.

www.diobeth.org Live God’s love: tell what you have seen and heard www.diobeth.org A4 diocesanlife December 2010 Southern Sudanese children deserve to go to school By Charlie Barebo wolo from Romogi. Our travel time is mogi, and meet with college students By the time you read this newsletter, well spent in renewing relationships and in the afternoon. we should have safely returned from our discovering what has been happening On Monday the 15th, we visit the November mission trip to Kajo Keji. Our in Kajo Keji. The road conditions make Victoria Leach Primary School in Ga- trips are carefully planned months in ad- one feel like a well-battered piñata but deru and bless the dedication plaques vance to pack as much business, worship the ride is worth it. from several members of the Cathedral and relationship building in as possible. On Saturday we meet with our good Church of the Nativity. That evening This year Jack Welsch from St. Mark’s, friend and project engineer, Fr. Dan we will discuss the upcoming microfi- Moscow will be joining us. We are Kure and the contractor. The drive to nance portion of the campaign and have scheduled to arrive in Kajo Keji Thurs- Sodogo is an easy two hours in Sudanese a wrap up meeting. day, November 11th. That same day, we time and we look forward to the open- Tuesday the 16th, Missionary Air will will inspect and photograph the site of ing of the Trinity Easton Primary School fly us from Kajo Keji, Sudan to Entebbe, the Richard Earl Secondary School in there. For more on the equivalence of Uganda where we begin the 30 hour, General Moon of the UN. Here is what Romogi and visit the Romogi Primary Sudanese to Western time I direct you to 8,000 mile flight home. John had to say: School. In the late afternoon we meet Archdeacon Stringfellow. On the drive with the construction committee of the back to Romogi, we will stop and inspect Some of you have expressed concern “Good to hear from you. We are praying diocese of Kajo Keji. We will review the the site of the Trinity Bethlehem “Star of regarding the possibility of the outbreak and working for peace. Even if a war does building progress to date and make plans Bethlehem” Primary School in Dwani. of hostilities in the region. We under- break out, areas in the far south like Kajo for the two schools being built next year. Saturday purports to be a very long day. stand this is a risk. I have contacted Keji will not be badly affected. Governance John Ashworth, an Englishman who is will be weak but NGO’s and churches will On Friday, November 12th, we open Sunday the 14th is a day of rest. We the Regional Representative of the Pac continue to provide basic services such as the Helen Wagner Primary School in plan to worship at an English language Christi Horn of Africa Program and an health and education like they did in the last Liwolo. It is a three hour drive to Li- ceremony in Hodo, a town close to Ro- advisor to the Sudan Ecumenical Coun- war. So I would encourage you to continue cil. He has been a steady, building schools, as the country desperately on the ground, expert ad- needs them. We predict there will be no visor throughout our con- widespread destruction or disruption in the struction process. John south. The nay sayers should also realize was visiting the United that southern Sudanese children have a right States with Archbishop to be educated even if there is a war. I think Deng to call on Secretary it’s worth going ahead.” Amen.

Left to right: John Ashworth (advisor), Rev. Ramadan Chan (Secretary General of Sudan Council of Churches), Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul (Primate of Episcopal Church of Sudan), Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, Bishop Emeritus Paride Taban (retired from Catholic Diocese of Torit), Bishop Daniel Adwok (Auxiliary Bishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Khartoum) at a meeting at the The new cathedral under construction in Kajo Keji. United Nations. Photo provided by Charlie Barebo Photo provided by Bishop Anthony Poggo

Helen Wagner Primary School in Liwolo as of October. Archdeacon Stringfellow and Charlie Barebo Students at Dawani Primary School in their current “classroom” under the trees. officially opened this school on November 12th. Photo provided by Charlie Barebo Photo provided by Charlie Barebo www.diobeth.org Live God’s love: tell what you have seen and heard www.diobeth.org December 2010 diocesanlife A5 St. George’s, Hellertown welcomes new rector By Dana Whedon On Thursday, October 14th, 2010 St. George’s Episcopal Church Hellertown hosted a “Celebration of New Ministry” with the institution of Father H. Jonathan Mayo as rector. The congregation and lo- cal clergy gathered for a special service at 7:00 P.M. that included Holy Eucharist and a visit from Bishop Paul V. Marshall. Mayo is a native of the Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre area, and has returned to Pennsylvania after a thirty year absence. He has served parishes in California, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, before com- ing to St George’s on August 1. He had previously served small churches, and also had a secular career in information technology. He graduated from Wilkes College, Wilkes-Barre, in 1975, and St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Semi- nary at Crestwood, New York, in 1980. He has immediate family living in the Lehigh Valley, the Pocono region, and St. Louis, Missouri. In 2008, St. George’s celebrated 100 years of worship in the Hellertown com- munity. Regular services are held on Sun- days at 9:30 A.M. and Church School is offered for children ages 3-13 years old. The Rev. H. Jonathan Mayo pronounces the blessing at the celebration of new ministry in Hellertown. Photo by Kat Lehman Three Pastors Gaeta join in celebration of 25th anniversary Three Pastors Gaeta, all ELCA Lu- Two former confirmation students theran Pastors, led worship recently at St. from near Gettysburg, families from Mary’s, Wind Gap and St. Joseph’s, Pen New Jersey and Sinking Spring and Argyl to celebrate the 25th anniversary of seven people from the Chinese Church the ordination of the Rev. Jane Gaeta. The in Brooklyn participated. (Jane served a Rev. Gerard Gaeta preached. The Rev. brief interim there. She said she would Sue Gaeta served as Eucharistic Minister. preach a few lines that were then trans- Jane presided at the Eucharist. lated into Chinese.) The Liturgy was Jane serves as priest-in-charge at simultaneously bilingual.) One of the Wind Gap and Pen Argyl. Gerard pictures shows three of the guests play- serves as interim at Christ Church, ing their Chinese instruments. Stroudsburg. Sue serves as develop- A deacon from Long Island NY ment director at the Lutheran Volun- (ELCA) was a very special guest. Both teer Corps in Washington, DC. Jane and Gerard taught him. He had to Deacon Lorraine Cusick (Long Is- leave his home and family in Iran when land NY Episcopal Diocese), a former he felt the call to be baptized. student of Jane, served as deacon at The Rev. Canon Ginny Rex Day, the both worship services. Rev. Charles Day, the Rev. Nicholas Al- A covered dish luncheon prepared by banese and the Rev. Canon Cliff Carr joined in the celebration. both churches followed at St. Mary’s. The Rev. Gerard Gaeta, the Rev. Jane Gaeta and the Rev. Sue Gaeta participated in Jane’s 25th anni- versary of her ordination at St. Mary’s, Wind Gap on October 24, 2010. Photo provided by Jane Gaeta Christ Church, Reading acolytes attend national festival Byv Da id Feick attendance, as well. The farthest were On Friday afternoon, October 8th, from California and the state of Wash- Christ Church, Reading acolytes and ington. The Christ Church procession adults headed for the National Cathe- was led by the Verger and included our dral in Washington, DC to attend the Christ Church “He Lives” banner, two 31st annual Acolyte Festival. processional crosses and four torches. As they approached the chancel, each After a good night’s rest and buffet of the parish groups was greeted by the breakfast, the group left for the Cathedral. Bishop of Washington, DC. Once the group was registered, assem- The sermon was preached by The bly of the various processional compo- Rev. Canon C. K. Robertson, Canon nents was completed in the aisle adja- to the Presiding Bishop. The acolytes cent to our seats. The service began with received a prayer of blessing and re- the organ voluntary and shortly thereaf- dedication from the Bishop and Holy ter, the one hour long Acolyte Proces- Eucharist was celebrated. sion began. There were over 700 aco- lytes in attendance from 19 states and Our Christ Church acolytes were excel- the District of Columbia. In addition to lent and all should be very proud of their Christ Church, Reading the Diocese of dedicated service at the Festival and at our Bethlehem was represented by Epiphany, altar. Along with the Jerusalem Cross, reg- Clarks Summit, Christ Church, Strouds- ularly worn by each of our acolytes, look burg and Trinity, Mt. Pocono. Acolytes for the medallion presented to all acolytes David Feick and Christ Church, Reading acolytes at the festival. Photo provided by David Feick from five other denominations were in in attendance at the Festival. www.diobeth.org Live God’s love: tell what you have seen and heard www.diobeth.org A6 diocesanlife December 2010 True religion and false religion By Laura Howell that religions are all human-made stories, so people can figure it out for gion express itself? And where are the institutions. We can choose to be themselves. There was a wedding ban- dangerous seeds of false religion? good without them.” quet. Someone who had been invited came in and took it upon himself to sit When I explore a little more what Editor’s Note: This sermon was it is that these folks hold against the at the head table. Then the host ap- peared with an important guest—per- preached by the Rev. Laura Howell, Rec- church and other religious organiza- tor of Trinity, Bethlehem, on August 29, tions, I often hear stories of abuse of haps one of the wedding party—and told the first person to give up his seat. 2010 and was originally reprinted in Trin- power, hypocritical behavior, judge- ity, Bethlehem’s October newsletter. The mentalism, lack of kindness, selfish- He was so humiliated that he went off to the worst seat at the table. In a scripture references are the following: ness. Sometimes it’s simply misunder- Jeremiah 2:4-13; Psalm 81:1, 10-16; standing; sometimes it’s because the second version of the story, the guest came in and sat down immediately at Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16; and Luke speaker’s needs weren’t met the way 14:1, 7-14. they thought they should be; and some- the worst seat in the table. The host times they just plain had a bad experi- noticed him and asked him to move ence. I usually remark that the chief up to a better seat. The moral being problem with the church is that there that people who think really highly Vocare #1 are people in it. It would be so peace- of themselves, and who make them- By Hillary Raining ful if not for all those crazy humans. I selves the center of their own religion will be taken down a peg or two. And It is with great pleasure that we are have the feeling that the prophet Jer- announcing the first ever Vocare Young emiah would agree with me. the ones who recognize that they are not the center of the universe will be Adult Retreat in the Diocese of Beth- When people complain about the raised up. lehem. This retreat will be held Janu- church some of the problem is clearly ary 7-9, 2011 at Bryn Mawr Mountain false religion—yes, false religion flour- Following this one-two punch, Conference and Retreat Center in Hon- ishes inside the church, just like it did Jesus has more to add. If you really esdale, Pennsylvania. The Vocare week- Lord of all power and might, the within the nation of Israel. I complain want to exercise true religion, if you end provides a period of time for young author and giver of all good things: about it, too. But when was the last really want to bring forth the fruit of adults, ages 19-30, to intentionally en- time someone who is “spiritual but good works, you should do good for gage with their God-given vocations in Graft in our hearts the love of your a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Led not religious” told you the good things those who have no way to pay you Name; increase in us true religion; by other young adults, the Vocare week- about religion? I decided to come up back—that is true generosity. Tak- nourish us with all goodness; and ing care of your family and peers, so end finds its heart in a series of twelve with a sketch of what is true religion talks, each focusing on a unique aspect bring forth in us the fruit of good vs. false religion. So I went through that they take care of you does not count as a good deed. Caring for the of the Christian faith and life, and each works; through Jesus Christ our today’s Scriptures, and made lists with connecting to an overall consideration a red pen and a black pen. The read- poor, the sick, and the disabled, Jesus Lord, who lives and reigns with you says, will bring you blessings and you of the theme of God’s call to us, here and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever ing from Jeremiah contained entirely and now. Talks may be followed by dis- black Fs for “false religion”. While will be repaid at the resurrection of and ever. Amen. the righteous. Every time the sneaky cussion, contemplation, worship, or any Hebrews had almost entirely red Ts for number of activities – but the weekend’s little question pops into our mind, Whatn a intriguing collect! You true religion. Both the psalm and the ultimate theme is found in the inten- might almost be able to say that this Gospel had a balance of each. “How can I turn this situation to my tional consideration of the themes of collect contains everything we need benefit? What’s in this for me?” we calling and vocation. Briefly, Jeremiah notes that although run the risk of false religion. When to pray about compressed in a few the people of Israel claim to be God’s Please invite all of the young adults lines. It recognizes that God is the we hear our mind say, “I don’t care people, they leave God’s way and fol- whether this act of kindness fur- in your congregation, even if they have powerful being, the creator, and gives low invented gods. They forget how gone to college since this will be held on to us all good things. It asks that we thers my agenda or not,” we are in God cared for them and brought them the “good religion” category. When their winter break. will be grafted into the community through the deadly desert. Once they of faith that loves God’s name, just we do something simply because it For more information, check out were in the land of plenty, they did all is the right thing to do, that’s good www.vocare.org, or contact Sarah Tax: like you graft a branch onto a fruit those things that God considered abom- tree. It then becomes an integral religion. When we do something [email protected] or Rev. Hill- inable. In summary, they abandoned ary Raining: [email protected] part of the living plant. It prays that because it will enhance our image, God, the true source of their life and check us out on Facebook! true religion will grow within us. It sell our product, get us noticed, Jesus success, and decided that they were fine says, “OK. That’s your reward.” begs for goodness to nourish us, and on their own. But what they made was finally, as the harvest of all of these flawed and did not nourish them. Two Everyone who has a life of faith petitions, we pray that we will bear signs of false religion: it denies the im- sometimes has true religion and some- the fruit of good works. Oh, yes, it portance of relying on God, and teaches times has false religion. That is just a sounds wonderful. The temptation that humans can do everything them- human thing. Sometimes we can be is to let the prayer roll over us, settle selves—they don’t need God. entirely selfless and spend hours help- down in the pew, and charge right on ing a perfect stranger, because that is into the reading of the Scriptures. The letter to the Hebrews provides a what God asks of us. And sometimes lengthy list of what it looks like when However, I am tripped up by one we can be surly and snappish to one of people follow the true religion: there the people of God, because they are in- little phrase: “increase in us true re- is mutual love; hospitality to strangers; ligion.” What does that mean? And vading our space. Sometimes we can great empathy for those suffering and be overwhelmed with awe and grati- if there is true religion, is there also in prison; marriage is held in honor; false religion? Probably I noticed it be- tude for all that God has done for us, they are content with what they have, and sometimes our prayer is nothing cause just this week, I have been part instead of grasping after money; they of a couple of conversations where more than a list of demands, kind of a share what they have; and constantly spiritual letter to Santa Claus. someone said—and you’ve all heard it praise God. many times: “I am spiritual, but not re- True religion is not something we ligious.” If the circumstances are right, I am going to suggest that you go work hard for, achieve, and then sit back I like to ask, “Can you explain that? through all these Scriptures when you in satisfaction, feeling smug that we’ve How can you have one without the get home, and mark the signs of true accomplished the task. True religion is other?” The answers range from, “Oh, and false religions, because it would more like tending a garden: there is con- I believe in a higher power, and spirits take far too long in the few minutes stant need for weeding, watering, plant- and stuff. But I don’t like all the rules we have. See which kind of religion ing and harvesting. And when harvest and regulations, and the church telling YOU are following. comes, true religion expresses itself in you what you have to believe.” OR: Typically, Jesus takes a different ap- grateful praise to our Lord and maker. “I believe that Jesus and Mohammed proach. Instead of talking about true I invite you to contemplate your and Buddha were all good people, but and false religion, he tells a couple of own life of faith. How does true reli- Photo by George Loeffler www.diobeth.org Live God’s love: tell what you have seen and heard www.diobeth.org December 2010 diocesanlife A7 Dec. 19: Messiah Sing-Along with Feb. 1: Diocesan Life deadline for Robert Dale Chorale and WVIA, St. March edition Stephen’s Pro-Cathedral, Wilkes- Feb. 1: Clergy Bible Study 6, Holy planAhead Barre 3:00 P.M. Cross, Wilkes-Barre 2:00 P.M. prayFor Dec. 19: Handel’s Messiah, Cathe- Feb. 1: Archdeacon Visit, St. An- dral Classics, Cathedral Church of drew’s, Allentown 6:00 P.M. the Nativity, Bethlehem 4:00 P.M. Suggested donation $10.00. Cathe- Feb. 3: Clergy Bible Study 1, Na- Dec. 2: Clergy Bible Study 1, Na- dral Choir and Cathedral Choral So- tivity, Bethlehem 2:00 P.M. Diocese of Bethlehem tivity, 2:00 P.M. ciety with Russell Jackson, Organist. Feb. 4: Hug and Episcopalian Day www.diobeth.org Dec. 20: Clergy Bible Study 8, December 5: Christ Church, Susque- Dec. 2: Diocesan Council Meet- Feb. 6: Bishop Paul, Prince of hanna: Todd Moffett, Senior Warden ing, Grace, Kingston 6:30 P.M. Christ, Towanda 2:00 P.M. Peace, Dallas December 12: Calvary Church, Tamaqua: Dec. 4: Bishop’s School, St. Peter’s, Dec. 21: Clergy Bible Study 3, St. Feb. 7: Standing Committee Meet- The Rev. Robert K. Gildersleeve, Supply Alban’s, Sinking Spring 2:00 P.M. Hazleton 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. ing, Diocesan House, Bethlehem December 19: Christ Church, Towanda: Dec. 4: Crafters Corner and Dec. 21: Archdeacon Visit, St. 2:00 P.M. The Rev. Maureen AtLee Hipple, Rector Christmas Bazaar, St. Paul’s, Mon- Brigid’s, Nazareth 6:00 P.M. Feb. 8: Clergy Bible Study 7, St. and The Rev. Lawrence Holman, Deacon. trose 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. New Dec. 21: Christmas Concert of Mark’s, Moscow 2:00 P.M. December 26: St. Paul’s Church, Troy: The crafts each month and fabulous Wyoming Valley Band with Mark Feb. 12: Commission on Ministry Rev. Han van den Blink, Priest-in-Charge food! Please stop by. Laubach on organ, St. Stephen’s Pro- Meeting Conference Call 10:00 A.M. and for the World Mission Committee Cathedral, Wilkes-Barre 7:30 P.M. Dec. 5: Bishop Paul, Holy Cross, Feb. 13: Bishop Jack, St. Andrew’s, January 2: St. James’ Church, Drifton: The Rev. Jeffrey L. Funk, Rector and Wilkes-Barre Dec. 24: Bishop Paul, St. Stephen’s, Allentown The Rev. Marion Meiss, Deacon Dec. 5: Bishop Jack, St. Joseph’s, Wilkes-Barre Feb. 13: Bishop Paul, St. Gabriel’s, January 9: Youth Ministry of our diocese Pen Argyl Dec. 24: Bishop Jack, Nativity, Douglassville Dec. 5: St. Peter’s Tunkhannock Bethlehem January 16: St. Anne’s Church, Trex- Feb. 15: Clergy Bible Study 8, lertown: The Rev. Canon Michael Consecration of New Sanctuary, 2011 Christ Towanda 4:00 P.M. Piovane, Rector, The Rev. Judith U. St. Peter’s, Tunkhannock 3:00 P.M. Jan. 4: Diocesan Life deadline for Feb. 15: Archdeacon Visit, St. Snyder, Priest Associate and The Rev. Dec. 5: Advent Lessons and Car- February edition Mark’s, Moscow 6:00 P.M. Bernice Reichard, Deacon ols, Trinity, Pottsville 4:00 P.M. Jan. 4: Archdeacon Visit, Christ, January 23: St. Luke’s, Lebanon: The Feb. 17: Clergy Bible Study 2 & 4, Rev. Terrence Wible, Rector Dec. 6: Standing Committee, Frackville 6:00 P.M. St. Stephen’s, Whitehall 2:00 P.M. Diocesan House, Bethlehem 2:00 January 30: St. James’ Church, Schuylkill Jan. 7-9: Vocare #1, Bryn Mawr Feb. 19: Renewal Assembly, five P.M. to 3:30 P.M. Haven: The Rev. John H. Heffner, Rector Mountain Retreat Center, Hones- locations in the diocese 9:00 A.M. to Dec. 7: Clergy Bible Study 6, dale. Cost is $100 per person. For 1:00 P.M. See more information on Anglican Communion Holy Cross, Wilkes-Barre 2:00 P.M. more information about Vocare, visit page A3. www.anglicancommunion.org www.vocare.org . Registration will Dec. 7: Archdeacon Visit, Good Feb. 22: Clergy Bible Study 3, St. December 5: The Lusitanian Church (Por- Shepherd, Scranton 6:00 P.M. open November 15th online at www. tugal): The Rt. Rev. Fernando Soares diobeth.org. Alban’s, Sinking Spring 2:00 P.M. Dec. 11: Bishop’s School, St. Peter’s, December 12: The Reformed Episcopal Jan. 9: Organ Birthday Recital, Ca- Feb. 22: Archdeacon Visit, Sts. Hazleton 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Clement and Peter, Wilkes-Barre Church of Spain: The Rt. Rev. Carlos thedral Classics, Cathedral Church López-Lozano Dec. 11: Commission on Minis- of the Nativity, Bethlehem 4:00 P.M. 6:00 P.M. try Meeting, Trinity, Mt. Pocono Suggested donation $10.00. Russell Feb. 27: Bishop Paul, St. Mark’s, December 19: The Falkland Islands: The Rev. Dr. Richard Hines 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Jackson, Organist Moscow December 26: The Anglican Church in Dec. 11: Concert by the Choral Jan. 16: Bishop Paul, St. Brigid’s, Feb. 27: Bishop Jack, Trinity, Bethlehem Aotearoa, New Zealand & Polynesia Aote- Arts of Luzerne County, “Christmas Nazareth in New England”, St. Stephen’s Pro- Mar. 1: Diocesan Life deadline for aroa: The Most Rev. William Brown Turei Cathedral, Wilkes-Barre 7:30 P.M. Jan. 16: Bishop Jack, St. Margaret’s, April edition January 2: Lahore (Pakistan): The Rt. Emmaus Dec. 12: Bishop Paul, St. Mary’s, Mar. 1: Clergy Day, Good Shepherd, Rev. Dr. Alexander John Malik Reading Jan. 18: Archdeacon Visit, St. Scranton 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. January 9: Leicester, England: The Rt. Mary’s, Wind Gap 6:00 P.M. Rev. Timothy John Stevens Dec. 12: Bishop Jack, Good Mar. 3: Clergy Bible Study 1, Na- Shepherd, Scranton Jan. 21: Incorporated Trustees, Na- tivity, Bethlehem 2:00 P.M. January 16: The Most Rev. Nicholas tivity, 10:00 A.M. Mar. 6: Bishop Paul, St. Clement’s Dikeriehi Okoh Archbishop, Nigeria Dec. 12: NEPA Choral Society and Bishop of Abuja presents a Ceremony of English Jan. 21-22: Bishop’s Night with and St. Peter’s, Wilkes-Barre Youth, St. John the Divine, New January 23: Louisiana: The Rt. Rev. Carols, St. Stephen’s Pro-Cathe- Mar. 6: Community Choral Con- York City. Registration will open on- Charles Edward Jenkins dral, Wilkes-Barre 4:00 P.M. cert, Cathedral Classics, Cathedral line November 22 at www.diobeth. Church of the Nativity, Bethle- January 30: The Most Rev. Thabo Cecil Dec. 14: Clergy Bible Study 7, org Questions? Contact Kim Rowles, hem 4:00 P.M. Suggested donation Makgoba Archbishop of Capetown and St. Mark’s, Moscow 2:00 P.M. 610-751-3931 $10.00. Choirs from Central Moravi- Suffragan Bishop of Cape Town, The Rt. Dec. 15: UTO Grant Application Jan. 25: Archdeacon Visit, St. Ga- an Church, Trinity Episcopal Church Rev. Garth Quinton Counsell Deadline briel’s, Douglassville 6:00 P.M. and the Cathedral. Dec. 15: Advent Lessons and Diocese of Kajo Keji Jan. 30: Bishop Jack, St. Mary’s, Mar. 8: Clergy Bible Study 7, St. www.kajokeji.anglican.org Carols, St. Stephen’s Pro-Cathe- Wind Gap Mark’s, Moscow 2:00 P.M. dral, Wilkes-Barre 6:00 P.M. Fea- December 5: SOMA Partners and the tures two new compositions a cho- Jan. 30: Bishop Paul, North Parish Mar. 9: Ash Wednesday Rev. Sadoka Toe ral introit by Chris Prestia, the (Holy Apostles), St. Clair December 12: Trinity Parish Partnership organ scholar at St. Stephen’s and and the Rev. Canon Yoasa Wurube Mogga a new organ voluntary by David The Bakery and electronic newsletters –– The online Bak- December 19: Lino Baba Area School Briggs, Fantasia on “Mendelssohn” and for peaceful referendum campaigns. which was commissioned by St. ery includes news, ideas, opinions and conversation related to our di- Stephen’s to commemorate Mark ocesan community, the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Commu- December 26: Mother’s Union: Jane Laubach’s 25th anniversary as a nion. Consider becoming a baker in the House of Bread. Bethlehem, Poggo, Rev. Mary Basa and Rev. Siliv- ian Kiden church organist. you know, means “House of Bread” in Hebrew. There are a wealth of Dec. 16: Clergy Bible Study 2 & 4, January 2: Jalimo Parish: The Rev. electronic newsletters available on our diocesan web site, www.diobeth. John Wani Mulai and The Rev. Norah St. Stephen’s, Whitehall 2:00 P.M. org. Complete the bit of information requested in the “Get Connected” Pita Wani Dec. 18: Bishop’s School, St. Peter’s, box, in column on the right to join either Bakery or any of the other January 9: Jondya Le: The Rev. Aggrey Ludoru Hazleton 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. resources listed. Thank you for becoming a baker in the House of Bread. January 16: Kajo Keji Secondary School: Dec. 19: Bishop Paul, St. Alban’s, The Rev. Tom Ezbon Sinking Spring www.diobeth.org Live God’s love: tell what you have seen and heard www.diobeth.org A8 diocesanlife December 2010 When they saw the star they were overjoyed ~Matthew 2:10

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