Latest news
Art & Music posted Feb 01, 2012
U2charist
Download the Poster
Come, all are invited to join in Ancient New Worship with a U2charist featuring music from Bono/U2, and Holy Communion, Saturday February 18, at 5:00 p.m. (with music beginning at 4:30).
Art & Music posted Feb 01, 2012
Free Jazz & Joe Concert
- Thursday
- 7-9pm
- Feb 9
Jazz & Joe Concerts will take place at 7pm at St. Dunstan’s Church, Blue Bell, on the second Thursday of each month through May! Last month’s concert was very well received and everyone is looking forward to the February concert, scheduled for February 9.
Around the Diocese posted Jan 29, 2012
Save the Date for Campus Ministry!
Lutheran Episcopal Campus Ministry at Temple University is continuing, and you are invited to learn more our activities. Save the date for our Chaplains Reception at Church of the Advocate on April 21, 2012, 4:00 – 6:00 PM. Please plan to attend and learn about new developments in the ministry. More details will follow.
Governance news posted Jan 22, 2012
Actions of the Standing Committee
November-December, 2011
Download the Actions and Approvals
Art & Music posted Jan 22, 2012
Lift Every Voice: Choral Concert for Black History Month
- Saturday
- Feb 11
- Holy Trinity, West Chester
Download the Poster
Six local choirs, made up of children, youth, and adults, will join together on Saturday, February 11, for the second annual Lift Every Voice concert, a celebration of Black History Month at Church of the Holy Trinity (High and Union Streets, West Chester). The concert, which begins at 7:30 PM in the church sanctuary, features the Chester Children’s Chorus Chamber Choir, the West Chester University Gospel Choir, and children and youth choirs from First Presbyterian Church of West Chester, West Chester United Methodist Church, St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church, and Church of the Holy Trinity.
Around the Diocese posted Jan 12, 2012
Proposed Rites for Blessing Same-Gender Relationships
- Tuesday
- Feb 21
- Philadelphia Cathedral
Download the Flyer
The Liturgical Commission of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, in preparation for General Convention 2012, invites you to explore Proposed Rites for Blessing Same-Gender Relationships, on Tuesday, February 21, 2012, from 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM, at the Philadelphia Cathedral, 3723 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104.
Around the Diocese posted Jan 12, 2012
Celebrating New Ministry at St. Christopher’s, Oxford
St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church
The Wardens, Vestry, and Parishioners of
St. Christopher’s Church
Request your prayers and presence for
The Celebration of a New Ministry and Institution of
~
The Reverend Doctor Mary Ann Brown Mertz
~
as the Rector of St. Christopher’s
on Sunday, January 22, 2012
at four o’clock in the afternoon.
Around the Diocese posted Jan 12, 2012
Celebration of a New Ministry – Good Samaritan, Paoli
Download the Flyer
The Church of the Good Samaritan
The Wardens, Vestry, Staff and Parishioners of
The Church of the Good Samaritan
Request your prayers and presence for
The Celebration of a New Ministry and Institution of
~
The Reverend Richard Thomas Morgan
~
as the eighth Rector of The Church of the Good Samaritan
on Saturday, January 28, 2012
at ten o’clock in the morning
Governance news posted Jan 11, 2012
The State of the Diocese
The State of the Diocese:
The Diocese of Pennsylvania in 2012
The Rt. Rev. Charles E. Bennison, Jr.
The Feast of the Epiphany
January 6, 2012
If you see something, say something.
- Department of Homeland Security
Our little systems have their day;
They have their day and cease to be;
They are but broken light of thee,
And thou, O Lord, art more than they.
- Alfred Lord Tennyson
“If you see something,” blares announcement throughout high-risk areas of our airports and train stations, “say something.” What I see is that the average age of parishes in our diocese, like the Episcopal Church, portends a death tsunami in 10 to 20 years unless we make ministry to, with, and by our children and youth our “Number One” program and budget priority.
Around the Diocese posted Jan 10, 2012
Items from the attic of Church House that can be offered to Churches and other agencies
Revised October, 2011
Please see the full article for the latest list of items.
Jobs posted Jan 10, 2012
St. Martin’s Church, Radnor
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Radnor PA is commencing a search for a music director (organist w/special emphasis on adult/children choir formation). It is being offered initially as a part time position, with the intention of expanding the music program and eventually becoming full-time.
Education & Training posted Jan 09, 2012
Antiracism Training
Learn, Reflect and Be Transformed
- April 24-26, 2012
- St. Raphaela Retreat Center
Download the Flyer
Antiracism Training will be held April 24-26, 2012 at St. Raphaela Retreat Center in Haverford, PA. Pre-registration is required.
Cathedral News posted Jan 06, 2012
Ordination Invitation to the Diocese
Download the Invitation
By the grace of God the Rt. Rev. Charles E. Bennison, Jr., Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, will ordain Lindsay Marie Hills, Matthew P. Holcombe and, on behalf of the Bishop of Chicago, Katherine C. Spelman to the Sacred Order of Priests, and Marissa Stuart Rohrbach to the Sacred Order of Deacons in Christ’s One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church Saturday, January 14, 2012 ten o’clock in the morning Philadelphia Cathedral 38th Street between Chestnut and Market Streets Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Governance news posted Jan 04, 2012
Letter from the Standing Committee
Christmas 2011
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Friends, it is not our intention to write each month, but we are eager to share news from our December meeting:
With gratitude and anticipation, we have elected the Rev. Sherry Crompton Deets for a one year term on the Standing Committee to fill the vacancy created by the resignation last month of the Rev. Isaac Miller. The Standing Committee received the names of ten candidates, and invited each to submit a brief statement of interest. We elected Sherry from among these highly qualified applicants. If she chooses, Sherry may stand for election for a full term at our next Convention.
Governance news posted Jan 04, 2012
Diocesan Council Minutes
November 19, 2011
Download the Minutes.
Education & Training posted Jan 03, 2012
Safe Church Training has been rescheduled
Dear Clergy, Parish Administrators, and Program Coordinators,
The diocesan Safe Church Training program is now online. In order for your parish to participate, a Safe Church Training Administrator needs to be designated for your parish to authorize access to the program and track your parish’s data.
The next training sessions for Administrators will be held on 01/19/12 at 12:00 Noon. This will be done as a telephone conference call and takes less than an hour.
Around the Diocese posted Dec 20, 2011
Reminder about Your Diocesan Health and Welfare Benefits Trust (DHWBT) Benefits Insurance Billing
Things You Must Do to Continue Your Active Clergy or Lay Employee Coverage
Wrapping up 2011: You have been billed at the beginning of this month for the premiums that cover the December 2011, Insurance that is already in effect with Independence Blue Cross (Personal Choice or Keystone), Delta Dental and the Rider Benefits. It is IMPERATIVE that you pay all balances due to DHWBT by December 31, 2011. If your payment in full is not received by January 31, 2012, your coverage for 2012 will be suspended retroactively. If this creates an insurmountable problem for your parish, you MUST contact the Rev. Tom Wand to work out a payment plan by December 21st. Tom can be reached by email at twand@stmarysardmore.org or by phone at 610-291-4362.
Cathedral News posted Dec 19, 2011
Philadelphia Cathedral Christmas Service Schedule
Christmas Eve
Saturday, December 24
5:00 p.m. – Holy Eucharist
The Very Rev. Judith A. Sullivan, Presider & Preacher
Around the Diocese posted Dec 08, 2011
CFS Christmas Pageant
“Why the Chimes Rang”
CFS, the School at Church Farm warmly invites the community to its annual Christmas Pageant, Why the Chimes Rang. Admission is free to this historic and dramatic pantomime, enhanced by timeless organ and choral music, which dramatizes the meaning of Christmas. The Pageant will take place in the Chapel of the Atonement, 1001 E. Lincoln Highway, Exton, on Sunday, December 11 at 3:00 p.m.
Cathedral News posted Dec 05, 2011
Advent / Christmas Art Exhibition at Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral
Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral is pleased to host an Advent /Christmas Art Exhibition by artist Kathleen Holder from Dec 1 through Jan 6. Viewing times: Mon-Fri | 10am to 2pm. Closed December 26-31. Other times by appointment.
Governance news posted Nov 30, 2011
Letter from the Standing Committee
Advent 2011
November 28, 2011
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Your newly configured Standing Committee (“SC”) is eagerly embarking upon a new season. A full report of actions taken during the past year is available on the diocesan website. The minutes of our meetings are posted each month. If you have hopes or concerns you would like the SC to address please do not hesitate to be in touch with me or any other Committee member.
Around the Diocese posted Nov 29, 2011
The Living Word in Christian Worship, Saturday, March 24, 2012
- 8:30am-3pm
- March 24, 2012
- Archdiocesan Office Center
Download the Brochure
The Philadelphia Liturgical Institute invites you to a day of ecumenical conversations on The Living Word in Christian Worship Saturday, March 24, 2012, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p. m. at the Archdiocesan Office Center, 222 North Seventeenth Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19103.
Around the Diocese posted Nov 21, 2011
Applications now accepted for Episcopal Church Young Adult Service Corps
The Episcopal Church | Office of Public Affairs
[November 17, 2011] The Episcopal Church offers untold opportunities for young adults to provide service and share their expertise worldwide through the Young Adult Service Corps.
Governance news posted Nov 21, 2011
2011 Parochial Reports to be Mailed Week of Dec. 5th
Download the Parochial Report Form
The 2011 Parochial Reports are currently being printed and will be shipped out the week of December 5th. Depending on the preference you indicated earlier this season (bulk vs. individual), either your office or your churches should expect to receive the packets towards the end of that week (12/5 – 12/9).
Jobs posted Nov 17, 2011
Applicants Sought for Position of Treasurer of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania
Applicants Sought for Position of Treasurer
of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania
The Rt. Rev. Charles E. Bennison, Bishop, invites applications from qualified persons for the volunteer position of Treasurer of the Diocese of Pennsylvania. Applicants who are either CPA’s licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or those possessing a MBA in finance, or who have experience in non-profit accounting and/or auditing are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants must be an active, worshipping member of a parish or mission in the Diocese of Pennsylvania, and live in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Under the Diocesan Canons, the Bishop, with the advice and consent of the Standing Committee, appoints the Treasurer, who in turn has the following responsibilities:
Governance news posted Nov 17, 2011
Diocesan Council Minutes
September 10, 2011
Download the Minutes
Around the Diocese posted Nov 15, 2011
New Organist and Choir Director Appointed
The Reverend Roy Almquist, Rector of Washington Memorial Chapel, has appointed Michael Wayne Smith as the new parish Organist and Choir Director. Mr. Smith played the organ and conducted the choir at his first mass at the Chapel on Sunday, November 6th.
Education & Training posted Nov 10, 2011
Parish Records Workshop
Dear Colleagues in Ministry
As historiographer of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, I invite you and/or your representative(s) to attend a workshop on parish records management that will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at Cathedral Village at 600 East Cathedral Road which is at the intersection of Cathedral Road and Ridge Avenue in the Roxborough neighborhood of Philadelphia. The workshop will begin at 9:00 A.M. and end by noon. It will feature a session on the preservation of parish records and give those in attendance an opportunity to talk with like-minded people from other churches.
Around the Diocese posted Nov 09, 2011
The 228th Convention of the Diocese of Pennsylvania
This year over six hundred delegates representing over one hundred and fifteen parishes attended our 228th Diocesan Convention. Please click on the links below to read the Bishop Bennison’s address and to view the election results.
Read the Bishop’s address.
View the results of the Election.
Memos posted Nov 09, 2011
Address to the 228th Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of Pennsylvania
November 5, 2011
by the Rt. Rev. Charles E. Bennison, Jr.
(BCP Proper for the Mission of the Church: Isaiah 2:2-4; Ephesians 2:11-22; Luke 10:1-9)
Bishop Turner, Bishop Michel, Bishop Lee, Bishop Borsch, Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
We all know that horizons do not actually exist, but are simply the limits of our sight. To exceed such limits, the prophet Isaiah, in our first reading today, imagined Mount Zion topographically elevated above every horizon to such a height that all nations everywhere geographically could see it, come to its architecturally-prominent Temple, learn to turn destructive weapons into productive tools, and find peace.
Cathedral News posted Nov 03, 2011
Art Exhibition at the Cathedral
Oct 25 – Nov 21
“Spirit and Contemplation” – Artist Reception Friday, November 4 in the Cathedral 5 – 8 p.m. Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral is pleased to partner with Taller Puertorriqueño in presenting an exhibition featuring the works of four Latino artists from Philadelphia: Henry Bermudez, Daniel de Jesus, Amalfi Ramirez Finnerty and Tony Rocco.
Around the Diocese posted Nov 03, 2011
Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Diocese of Pennsylvania Distinguished Woman Award
Download the Form
November 1, 2011 / Dear Parish ECW Presidents: The 47th Triennial Meeting of the Episcopal Church Women-ECW will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, July 2012. At the Triennial, a Diocesan Distinguished Woman Award will be presented to a deserving woman in each diocese of the Episcopal Church. This award was formerly referred to as the Honored Women Award.
Art & Music posted Nov 03, 2011
Ecumenical Choir Concert
- Sunday
- Nov 13
- 3pm
- Holy Trinity, West Chester
Download the Flyer
The West Chester Ecumenical Choir will host a free concert featuring choirs from four West Chester Churches on Sunday, November 13, at 3:00 PM, at Church of the Holy Trinity (High and Union Streets in West Chester).
Around the Diocese posted Nov 03, 2011
2012 Vegetable Gardening Educational Series
The Nancy Hollywood Community Garden & Wellness Center will hold registration for their upcoming 2012 Garden Education Series at the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church AngelFest in Exton. This is the second year that the Center is holding the Education Series taught by the Penn State Master Gardeners. The Series is led by Liz Alakszay.
ECS News posted Oct 31, 2011
New ECS Bridge+Builders Inititive Underway
The ECS Bridge+Builders is a new initiative to further deepen ECS’ relationship with parishes throughout the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. The initiative kicked off with a luncheon at the Episcopal Cathedral which drew more than 50 participants to learn about this exciting new program.
Around the Diocese posted Oct 31, 2011
Important Reminder from the Commission on Clergy Salaries and Pensions About Health Insurance Programs for Active Clergy and Lay Employees
Note: If you are retired clergy or lay employee on Medicare, none of this applies to you! Unless you want to make changes to your insurance, you need do nothing! There are no changes in your health or dental insurance for 2012.
Cathedral News posted Oct 31, 2011
Cathedral’s Director of Music Honored
Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral Director of Music Thomas Lloyd has been recognized as one of seventy-six Creative Connectors in the Philadelphia region selected from over 3,000 nominations received by Leadership Philadelphia, the region’s premier community leadership organization. With support from the Knight Foundation and WHYY, Leadership Philadelphia seeks to identify leaders in the community who “get things done below the radar…who use art, culture, and design to build community and economic vitality.”
Around the Diocese posted Oct 31, 2011
St. Luke’s Celebrates Its 150th Anniversary
On October 15th, the Memorial Church of St. Luke the Beloved Physician celebrated their 150th anniversary with the Rt. Rev. Charles E. Bennison, Jr. in attendance as the celebrant at the 4:30 pm service, which was well attended as was the dinner that followed in the Parish Hall. The Rev. Timothy Griffin, the church’s rector and who assisted Bishop Bennison during the service, said in a profile on the parish for the Northeast Times, “For it to survive so many years is a real testament to the people who have been here.”
Memos posted Oct 28, 2011
Diocesan Convention Information for All Attendees
The 2011 Diocesan Convention will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, Saturday, November 5, 2011. Registration will begin 7:30 a.m., Eucharist will be 8:30, and Convention business will begin 9:45. If you did not pre-register online by October 24, you may register the morning of Convention beginning 7:30; registration will close at 11:00 a.m.
Cathedral News posted Oct 21, 2011
Dr. Carl MaultsBy, Guest Musician at the Cathedral’s Sunday Eucharist
You are invited to worship with us at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral (located on 38th Street between Market & Chestnut Streets) this Sunday, October 23 for the 10 a.m. Eucharist as we welcome Dr. Carl MaultsBy as our guest musician. Dr. MaultsBy is a renowned, composer, organist, conductor, leading musician in the church and the author of Afro- Centric Liturgical Music. Much of the music at today’s Eucharist was composed by Dr. MaultsBy. One of his works entitled Praise – A Sacred Jazz “Te Deum” will be premiered this afternoon at 4 p.m. when the 100- voice Bucks County Choral Society performs at the Cathedral.
Memos posted Oct 20, 2011
Our 228th Diocesan Convention is rapidly approaching… Have you pre-registered?
Online pre-registration for Convention will close 4:00pm Monday, October 24th. If you are not pre-registered, you are still welcome to attend Convention and will register the morning of Convention from 7:30 to 11:00. Pre-registering gives you the benefit of a hassle-free check-in and helps us determine accurate seating and food quantities for the Convention Center.
Memos posted Oct 11, 2011
Convention Ushers Needed
Dear Friends of the Diocese of Pennsylvania;
In preparation for Convention each year we seek willing volunteers from across the Diocese to assist our brethren in their duties during this important day of business and discernment for our Church. Inasmuch as possible, we try to have represented the full spectrum of communities that make up our diverse and historic Diocese.
Around the Diocese posted Oct 11, 2011
The Memorial Church of St. Luke the Beloved Physician celebrates 150 Years
The Memorial Church of St. Luke the Beloved Physician on 1946 Welsh Road in the Bustleton section of Philadelphia will be celebrating its 150th anniversary. On Saturday, October 15th at 4:30pm there will be a special eucharist celebrated by Bishop Bennison. Some past rectors of the church are expected to attend.
Art & Music posted Oct 04, 2011
Celtic Folksinger to Give Concert at St. Dunstan’s
- 7pm
- Oct 7
- St. Dunstan’s, Blue Bell
On Friday, October 7 at 7 PM Charlie Zahm will perform a concert at St. Dunstan’s Church, Blue Bell. Charlie is well known throughout the New England and Middle Atlantic region as a Celtic balladeer, with a repertoire including not only Scottish and Irish songs, but also early American songs and songs of faith. Samples of his recordings may be heard on his web site, www.charliezahm.com
Around the Diocese posted Oct 02, 2011
St. Alban’s Offers Party Rental Space
“Alban’s Garden” is the parish hall of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, Newtown Square, located just off Rt. 3 (West Chester Pike) on Rt. 252N. The church is nicely situated on five acres of ground. The hall was renovated a few years ago to be used as a party rental space for birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, wedding receptions, bat and bar mitzpahs, baby and wedding showers… and the list goes on.
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