Around the Diocese posted Mar 09, 2010

Sacred Mysteries: Enriching the Celebration

Presented by The Philadelphia Liturgical Institute

• Oct 9
• 9am – 3pm
• Rosemont College

In addition to the Keynote, the day will include an opening and closing prayer event and three afternoon interactive presentations on liturgical presiding, music and architecture.

Around the Diocese posted Feb 28, 2010

Our First Atom Bomb

March 2010

by Bishop Borsch

[Editor’s note: It has been a privilege these past three plus years to be the editor of this theological column. Now I am pleased to pass the editorship on to the Rev. Dr. Storm Swain. Originally from New Zealand, Storm is now the Director of Anglican Studies at the Lutheran Theological Seminary here in Philadelphia and Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care and Theology. She has a delightful mind and heart, and I know readers will appreciate the columns in the months and years to come. In this my last contribution, I thought I would tell you about something rather different—a historical novel that tries to help readers become involved in the ethical and moral issues of the first use of an atomic weapon. If you would like to read more, go to www.firstatombomb.com. Or you can order the book through Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Don’t be too shocked!]

This story of the dropping of the first atom bomb got going for me again when the fight broke out at the National Air and Space Museum. It happened when they were preparing to unveil the restored forward fuselage of the Enola Gay and an exhibit to go along with it.

Around the Diocese posted Feb 24, 2010

Elizabeth Miller's Memorial Service Rescheduled

As you all know, the blizzard of the century forced the postponement of Elizabeth Miller’s memorial service in February. A new date has been set for Saturday, March 27 at St. Peter’s Church, Glenside. The service will take place at 11am and will be followed by interment in the Memorial Courtyard and a reception in the Parish Hall.

Around the Diocese posted Feb 24, 2010

Intimate ear for inmates

[The following article by Phil Gianficaro appeared in the “Our Towns” section of The Intelligencer on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010.]

“I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.” —Matthew 25:36

We call them prisoners or inmates. Or worse. The Rev. Glenn Matis calls them residents because he sees them differently. Because he has to. Because somebody has to. “These men committed crimes, and they deserve to be in prison, but they’re still human beings,” said Rev. Matis, 62, chaplain at the Bucks County Correctional Facility.

Around the Diocese posted Feb 22, 2010

Retired Clergy, Spouses and Widows Spring Gathering

• May 6
• Cathedral Village

Retired Clergy, Spouses and Widows Spring Gathering, Thursday, May 6 at Cathedral Village, 600 E. Cathedral Road (Roxborough) Philadelphia. We gather for fellowship and tea and coffee 9:30am. The program begins at 10am. Bishop Michel will bring the greeting of the Diocese followed by our speaker. Chaplain Winter will also share updates from the Church Pension Fund. At 12:00 noon we will have Lunch in the Main Dining Room of Cathedral Village.

Around the Diocese posted Feb 18, 2010

Upcoming events & summer programs

Download Upcoming Events

Greetings! It has been a great year of Youth Ministry so far in the Diocese of Pennsylvania! We have seen participation in Nightwatch at Philadelphia Cathedral, the AIDS Walk, Bishop’s Bash, and Diocesan Convention. But the year is not over yet! There are still more opportunities for young people to join in the excitement. Below you will find a list of upcoming events, as well as information about summer programs, including CAMP ARROWHEAD!

Around the Diocese posted Feb 10, 2010

Conference explores Episcopal Church's response to issues of Domestic Poverty

• April 28-30
• Newark, NJ

Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori will present the keynote address at a special conference focusing on The Episcopal Church’s response to the pervasive issue of Domestic Poverty. Called to Serve: The Episcopal Church Responds to Domestic Poverty will provide an in-depth exploration of the nature of domestic poverty and the Church’s role in addressing this ubiquitous national issue on Wednesday to Friday, April 28-30 in Newark, NJ.

Around the Diocese posted Feb 04, 2010

What would it take to shut a church?

February 2010

by The Rev. Dr. Storm Swain

In the course of preparing to teach a course on ‘The Theology and Practice of Disaster Spiritual Care’ I have been wondering what it would take to close a church. This thought was sparked by an examination of the differing responses of the cities of Philadelphia and St. Louis to the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918.

Around the Diocese posted Jan 20, 2010

Come to the Alpha Marriage Course

• Feb 21-Apr 11
• 6-8:30pm
• Good Samaritan, Paoli

The Church of the Good Samaritan in Paoli will be hosting The Marriage Course starting February 21st. This eight week course is designed to build, strengthen, and even mend marriages.

Around the Diocese posted Jan 20, 2010

Intercessions Prayer Calendar

Jan 24, 2010 – Jul 24, 2010

Download the Prayer Calendar

In an effort to eliminate printing costs and paper waste, the new edition of the Intercessions Prayer Calendar is being emailed to everyone who has access to email with hard copies being printed out by request only.

Around the Diocese posted Jan 14, 2010

Haiti Appeal from Bishop Michel

14 January, 2010

Dear Fellow Believers, In Romans chapter 15 we read of the relief that first century Christians provided for fellow believers in Jerusalem who were having a rough time of it. Modern day believers are called to this high challenge and work of mercy as well. We can do no less.

Around the Diocese posted Jan 14, 2010

Emergency Update: Earthquake in Haiti

Download a Letter to Parishes

Donate now to ERD’s Haiti Fund.

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church has issued the following statement concerning the January 12 earthquake in Haiti: "The people of Haiti have suffered a devastating earthquake, and it is already clear that many have died and many more are injured. Even under “normal” circumstances, Haiti struggles to care for her 9 million people."