Brian Pavlac ordained to sacred order of priests

Brian Alexander Pavlac was ordained to the sacred order of priests in the Episcopal Church at St. Stephen Pro-Cathedral, Wilkes-Barre, on June 29. He was born and raised in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. While attending Bowling Green State University, he studied abroad in Salzburg, Austria, establishing a deep contact with that country and with Europe, which he renews by visiting as often as possible. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame and directed its study-abroad program in Innsbruck, Austria, for four years. At Notre Dame he met and married his spouse, Elizabeth S. Lott, Ph.D. Together they raised two daughters, who currently attend graduate schools. In 1993, they moved to the Wyoming Valley and joined Grace Church, Kingston, where he later served as senior warden.

Since 1993 Dr. Pavlac has been a member of the History Department of King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, PA, where he teaches courses ranging from the Greeks and Romans, through Knights and Castles, to Nazi Germany. King’s College recently awarded him with the Herve LeBlanc Distinguished Service Professorship. In the past three years Dr. Pavlac has published two books: A Warrior Bishop of the 12th Century: The Deeds of Albero of Trier and Witch Hunts in the Western World: Persecution and Punishment from the Inquisition through the Salem Trials. His third book, A Concise Survey of Western Civilization: Supremacies and Diversities throughout History, will be released in Fall 2010. In his ministry as a priest, Dr. Pavlac hopes to support his fellow clergy through supply work.

"You stand here tonight," Bishop Paul said in his ordination sermon, "in line with thousands and thousands of scholar-priests who have through the centuries fed the minds, hearts and spirits of God’s people, keeping the simple truths of faith in tension with age-old challenges to human understanding." Read the sermon here.

If you missed breakfast.......

you missed quite a few treats, at least two different egg dishes, sweet rolls, fruit and other sweets.
The video which profiled three separate churches in an inner city setting could have been the story of St Stephens, churches that provided much needed services to the community at large and to the congregation on a limited budget.
I remember a funny work saying "We the few, working instead of the unwilling, have become so accustomed to doing so much with so little we are now qualified to do anything with nothing"
We have done anything for everyone for so long on nothing that our building is in danger. Not only the beautiful windows (I have seen a major crack in one of the windows over the choir loft), but some of the hallways and stairways (the stairway at the end of the main hallway past the restrooms is closed off due to crumbling and falling plaster), to say nothing of the bell tower and roof, electrical system, the lights, the kitchen, parish hall carpeting, the _____________(fill in the blank with what you have noticed).
Lois is a wonder, she has found the funding for the dental clinic, reorganized the health clinic, and is now pursuing renovating the old (read ancient) downstairs kitchen to a pharmacy (no, not for controlled substances)but she is only one person.
We are not asking the congregation to do more financially (remember "we are doing so much with so little") what we are asking for is support. Tell St Stephens story - to your friends, neighbors, your doctors, family members - take the basket off the candle and let it shine for all to see.
There are three groups that formed last Sunday:
1. History - those that know something ( you don't need to know all of it) of St Stephens history, where we came from, what we did. If you're interested see Tony Brooks and join that team.
2. What we do - the stuff we do now on a daily basis, the events, the services, the impact we have on the community around us (I have no hard data but I honestly think that the least busiest day at St Stephens is Sunday, don't think that what goes on on Sunday is unimportant or un-needed but that joint is BUSY Monday thru Friday) If you're interested in being a part of this team see Mary Clemm
How much it is worth - the nuts and bolts, and how much it costs to replace it. Our size, the heat, the insurance, the real value of what is contained in our walls or or property lines. If you have knowledge and experience in this field talk to Frank Conyngham.

If you think you have nothing to contribute, I ask you to think of one thing...
Turning off of Northampton Street onto North Franklin Street, seeing First Presbyterian Church, Osterhout Free Library, Westmoreland Club, the Historical Society ..............than nothing, an empty lot, covered in dirt and weeds- a large parking lot for a law firm or bank, or city parking lot. If you don't like that mental image, if it hurts to much to contemplate... than you have something to contribute.

What does a Rector do?? (more like what doesn't he do??)

Prayer and Devotional time. Study time, 8 a.m. Sunday Holy Eucharist, 10 a.m. Sunday Holy Eucharist, Feast Days including Christmas,Holy Week, Easter,etc. Wednesday Noon Holy Eucharist, Evensongs as scheduled, Staff meetings, Staff support and supervision, Vestry meetings, Warden’s meetings, Parish Finance, Parish Building and Grounds, Parish Worship, Parish Stewardship, Altar Guild consultation, other Parish Committees, Parish Archive cooperation, Church School preparations, Women of St. Stephen’s meetings, Reach Board meetings including Executive Committee, Clothing Closet cooperation, Health and Dental Clinic cooperation, Property and buildings oversight, Oversee renovation projects, Sermon preparation, Rector’s Sunday Bible Study, Communications (email, mail, telephone), Parish Guest articles, Review Sunday Bulletins, Baptismal preparation, Confirmation preparation, Wedding preparation, Weddings, Funeral preparations, Funerals (even outside the parish), Coffee Hours, Hospital visits, Nursing Home visits, Home visits, Liturgical scheduling and planning
Preaching Rotation schedule, Supervising three ministry candidates, Spiritual direction(self), Spiritual direction (others), Coordinate Diocesan events at St. Stephen’s, Coordinate Community events at St. Stephen’s, Coordinate concert schedule, Sexton duties as needed, Security duties as needed, Pastoral counseling: Walk-ins and interruptions, Supporting new parishioners, Supporting old parishioners, Speaking to local colleges and other groups, Parish Lenten program, WB Ministerium meetings, Regional Episcopal Clergy meetings, County Homelessness Task force, United Way meetings, Kirby Episcopal House Board meetings, Osterhout Library Board meetings, Osterhout Library Personnel Committee, Wyoming Valley Interfaith Council, Diamond City Partnership, Parish events such as picnic, retreats, etc.Annual Parish meeting and report, Annual Parochial Report, Community Lenten Program including worship and lunch, Diocesan Convention, Diocesan Council,Diocesan Commission on Ministry (past)Diocesan Ecumenical Commission, Diocesan New Hope Executive Committee, Diocesan Social Ministries Committee, TEC NEPA adhoc Advertising Committee, Diocesan Clergy Days, Teaching Bishop’s School, Consult with attorney when necessary, Other things as necessary

Sacred Spaces Pancake Breakfast

This Sunday at 9:00am the Vestry will be hosting a Breakfast of Pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee plus some other goodies donated by a few other members of the congregation.
The purpose of this breakfast (other than to see how early we can get you to the church for breakfast) is to show a 28 minute video on The Partnership for Sacred Places. An organization that assists churches in organizing their resources for maintaining their buildings and community services.
Following is an excerpt from a recent e-mail from the organization, along with their website address

http://www.sacredplaces.org/


Proven Strategies and Experienced Advocates
Today, more than ever, a congregation needs proven strategies and experienced advocates to help care for and sustain its sacred place. Since 1989, Partners for Sacred Places has recognized the realities that community-serving congregations face and designed programs to fit your needs. Partners changes the way congregations view their role so that their sacred place remains a rich and vital part of the social fabric of a community.
Partners leverages the generous support of members to provide a comprehensive array of services and programs to congregations nationwide. With members' support, Partners continues to offer regional activities, technical workshops, training programs and informational resources. When you join Partners today, you enable congregations to receive the vital tools needed to care for their religious properties.
Join other dedicated individuals who care about preserving and sustaining our country's sacred places. With your tax-deductible membership fee, you'll receive:

The Professional Alliance Directory, a listing of firms that are experts in the field of restoration and care of historic religious buildings.
Monthly Sacred Places e-zine, filled with articles, tools and tips to help you care for your sacred place.
Sacred Places magazine, chock-full of informative features and case studies.
Invitations to regional workshops featuring speakers on energy efficiency, stained glass, major donor programs, and more.

Instructional Eucharist -- May 16, 2010

Have your ever wondered why we do what we do during the worship service, and when?
Have you followed along during the service and thought, "What is that for?" ? Than this service is for you.
It is a regular choral Eucharist, but at appropriate times Father Daniel will pause the service and explain what is about to happen, or what just happened and why or where it originates from.

ROAD TRIP to First Presbyterian

It's not far, just down the corner on May 2nd we are joining the congregation of First Presbyterian, 97 South Franklin Street, for the worship service at 10:00 am. Did you read that right TEN am so if you come at 10:30, like usual, you'll be late. If you come at 8:00 am, you'll be way early.
This is a chance to see their church, meet with the congregation and find out how, where and why the GREAT THEOLOGICAL rift that caused St Stephens to move and to relocate to where we are now. That information will be presented by Tony Brooks after the service. So come join us, show that the rift is healed (sorta) and that we can worship together, occasionally...

Susan Jane Matthews recital

Renowned concert organist Susan Jane Matthews will perform an organ recital at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, her hometown of Wilkes-Barre this coming Sunday, April 18, 2010 at 3:00 p.m.. Dr. Matthews has performed throughout the United States and in Europe, including solo organ recitals at the Washington National Cathedral; St.-Sulpice, Paris; and the Himmerod Abbey, Germany. The Wilkes-Barre recital is among several performances scheduled during this summer: San Francisco and Oakland, California; Trier, Maria Laach, and Großlittgen, Germany; and London, England. She has been featured on the radio programs Pipedreams, Organ Loft, With Heart and Voice and Music from St. Stephen's

She is currently Director of Music at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Burlingame, California where she serves as organist, director of the Chancel Choir, and founding director of the St. Paul’s Choir School for boys and girls, the latter affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music. She has served as Director of Music at St. Michael’s Episcopal Cathedral, Boise, Idaho and as Principal Organist of Grace Cathedral, San Francisco. During her four-year tenure at Grace Cathedral, she recorded frequently with the Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys and in September 2004, Gothic Recordings released her first solo organ CD, Chosen Tunes from Grace Cathedral.

A free-will offering will be received at the recital.