Diocesan Digest

"The Gospel for Tomorrow"
Convention Countdown

Register online here.  The deadline for registration is May 24.

The 143rd Diocesan Convention will take place at the Ramada Conference Center, State College.
 

Convention hosts: Lancaster Convocation, The Rev. Jonathan Currier and Mrs. Judy Donnelly (conveners)

We want to give thanks for the life and witness of those who have served in past conventions as officers or delegates, or who have served on Bishops' Commissions and have died since June 2012. Download the necrology form here and return it to Canon Linda Arguedas per the instructions given on the form by May 31, 2013.
 

Friday evening, June 7 - Briefings and discussions, Ramada Ballroom, open to all
     Review of new Diocesan website - 7-7:25 p.m.
     School of Christian Studies - 7:30-7:55 p.m.
     Review of Diocesan resolutions - 8-8:25 p.m.

     Review of Diocesan budget - 8:30-9 p.m.
     Compline - 9 p.m.

Materials and Resources

     Review the resolutions here.
     Review Diocesan annual reports here.
     Review Diocesan committee nominations here.
     Review Diocesan finance information here.

              
Saturday, June 8 - Business session begins at 9 a.m.  Read the draft schedule here.

The featured keynote speaker is The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe, bishop of the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Can't Attend Diocesan Convention in State College?  No problem!
 

Log into the live stream link (available on the front page of the website by 8:30 a.m. June 8) and enjoy the business session on Saturday in the convenience of your home.   OR, visit one of the diocesan communication hubs and watch with other diocesan family members.

The following communication hubs will be open for any member of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania to attend with friends and members of surrounding parishes and view the live stream of the business session, Bishop Baxter's Annual Address and the closing Eucharist.

Please email the rector so they know how many people to expect.

Lewistown - St. Mark's Episcopal Church.  Contact The Rev. Canon David Zwifka.

Camp Hill - Mount Calvary Episcopal Church.  Contact The Rev. Dr. Duncan Johnston.

York - St. Andrew's Episcopal Church.  Contact The Rev. Dr. David Robson.

News from the Diocesan Office

Mrs. Carolyn J. Patterson has been appointed to the post of Communications Officer for BEST (Bishops' Executive Secretaries Together).  Read the details here.

Save the Date: Ordination of Deacons

On Sunday, June 2, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. Bishop Baxter will be ordaining our seminarians as Transitional Deacons at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, 221 N. Front Street, Harrisburg. More details will follow. If you plan to attend, please email Carolyn Patterson.

WE Are the Diocese...

Read about new and exciting things that make us proud to be the Episcopal Church in Central Pennsylvania.
 

Read how a group has met at St. Luke's, Mechanicsburg, for fifty years to enter into one of God's greatest mysteries, so they can embrace God's healing love and call it down upon others. Read more here.

Clergy Changes in the Diocese

The Rev. Fred Stevenson (retired) to St. Stephen's Mt. Carmel and Holy Trinity Shamokin (long term supply)

The Rev. Charles Cruikshank (deacon) from St. John's Huntingdon to St. Andrew's State College

The Rev. Fred Miller from St. Luke's Altoona to St. Andrew's State College

The Rev. Patrick Collins from St. John's Huntingdon to St. Benedict's New Freedom (long term supply)

The Rev. Dee Calhoun (retired) to St. John's Huntingdon

The Rev. Daphne Messersmith from Nativity Newport to Diocese of Western New York (June 2013)

Dates to Remember

• Pentecost Celebration - Williamsport Churches, Indian Park, Montoursville, May 19
• Deacon Ordinations - June 2, St. Stephen's Cathedral.
• Diocesan Convention (business session) is June 8.
• Presiding Bishop celebrates Jubilee Ministry in the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, Sept. 6-8

Remember in Your Prayers

Charles Smith, the father of The Rev. Mark Smith, Mechanicsburg, who suffered a stroke last week.

The Rev. Eugene Smith passed away on April 20 of leukemia.  The funeral was held on April 27 at St. Thomas, Lancaster.

Ken Suter, partner of The Rev. Canon David Zwifka, who is recovering at home from surgery.

Jennifer Johnston, daughter of The Rev. Cliff Johnston, who is suffering from advanced congestive heart failure and blood flow reversal owing to a hole in her heart.

Frank Rementer, husband of Deacon Nancy Rementer, continues his cancer treatments.

The complete diocesan prayer list is available on the website.