Having trouble viewing or want to print or link to this newsletter? Click here. | | Shared Diocesan Lectio Divina for May, 2026 | | |
Scripture:
Do not remember the former things
or consider the things of old.
I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.
--Isaiah 43:18-19, NRSV
Questions:
- Where do you see God doing something new in your life or the life of your congregation or community?
- What "things of old" might God be calling you or your congregation to leave behind?
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Dear Friends,
Communal prayer is foundational to the Church's mission in Scripture, serving as a catalyst for unity, divine guidance, empowerment by the Holy Spirit, and effective evangelism. We pray communally throughout our shared liturgies, including a distinct collect for each week. I would ask that we take a further step in praying together as a means of discernment. We will be offering a short scripture each month, and I ask you to use lectio divina with your congregation as a means of hearing God's guidance, using the questions provided.
I would ask you to do the following:
-
Do a brief period of lectio divina on the selected scripture at each of your vestry meetings,
- Encourage others to do the same at other appropriate meetings,
- Invite your congregation to incorporate the practice into their personal devotions,
- Pray for discernment about what comes out of these sessions, and
- Share with me what you think God might be saying, to the congregation and/or to the Diocese.
I know you all have a lot on your plates, and I am grateful for your faithfulness. My own prayer is that this collective prayerful discernment will be a sip of cool water, not just "one more thing," and that it will point us forward in our shared ministry. I look forward to whatever God reveals!
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
--1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NRSV
Faithfully,
| | A note about Lectio Divina from St. Paul's, Kittanning | | |
I’ll be honest: when the idea of introducing a shared practice of Lectio Divina across our Diocese first surfaced, I had my doubts. I’ve seen how even in seminary settings, people can struggle with it, particularly in distinguishing it from simply reading Scripture. It can feel unfamiliar at first, and I wondered whether folks in the pews might run into the same hesitation.
As it turns out, I underestimated them.
At St. Paul’s, Kittanning, the practice was not only received, it was embraced, and with real enthusiasm. In preparing our usual Lenten devotional, I chose to follow our Bishop’s encouragement by including a simple introduction to Lectio Divina along with daily Scripture passages. What began as an experiment quickly took on a life of its own. Demand was strong enough that we ended up printing the booklet three times during Lent, and we made one for the Easter season as well.
What struck me most was how people responded to the rhythm of it. They found the practice both accessible and deeply engaging, simple enough to begin, yet rich enough to sustain reflection and growth. It created space for Scripture not just to be read, but to be received, pondered, and prayed.
I am grateful to Bishop Solak for encouraging the Diocese to reclaim this ancient discipline. At least in our corner of the Church, it has borne good fruit, quietly, steadily, and with more eagerness than I expected.
--The Rev. Brandon Cooper
| | An Update from Church of the Incarnation | | |
As this Easter season hits its stride, we at Church of the Incarnation are learning the ins and outs of being a new congregation.
We continue to fill out the life of the church organically as we look toward summer, implementing new ideas as the energy to cultivate them emerges.
We've also made strides in building out the administrative and structural bones of our mission, implementing a new software for donation acceptance and financial management.
On a formation front, our candidates for Confirmation continue to meet for class with Rev. Briody in anticipation of Bishop Ketlan’s visit in June. Please pray for those preparing for Confirmation or Reception, and consider joining us for worship sometime this spring! We are at 819 Washington Ave, Monaca, PA 15061. www.incarnationbc.org
| | Holy Hikes of Southwestern Pennsylvania 2026 Schedule | | |
St. Michael’s of the Valley, Ligonier, and St. Francis in the Fields, Somerset, are partnering again this year to host Holy Hikes of Southwestern Pennsylvania, an official chapter of Holy Hikes. Last year, representatives of other congregations in the Diocese joined us for a number of hikes, and St. Thomas Memorial, Oakmont is organizing some hikes near their location this year.
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The hiking season runs from May to October on the third Saturday of each month, starting at 10 a.m. This gives folks coming from farther away in the Diocese time to get to the trailheads. Look for announcements with details about each hike on the Diocese’s Facebook page a week or two before each hike. The 2026 schedule is available here.
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St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, 139 North Jefferson Avenue in Canonsburg, will open its doors for ‘tour and tea’ on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 1 to 4 p.m. in honor of the parish’s 160 years of ministry.
Much more here.
| | Easter Joy at Holy Cross in Homewood | | |
Holy Cross Church in Homewood and the Episcopal Education Initiative welcomed dozens of children and their families to a fun-filled Easter Egg Hunt. After gathering in the sanctuary, children spread out across the grounds to find more than 500 colorful eggs - along with a few special golden eggs, which could be redeemed for special prizes from the Rev. Charles Fischer III.
In addition, we were delighted to partner with the Early Learning Hub and the Story Mobile this month, offering a lively and engaging experience for young children and their families. The morning included storytelling, music, play, and healthy snacks, creating a welcoming space for joy, learning, and connection.
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These gatherings are part of our ongoing commitment to build relationships, offer free, age-appropriate activities for young children, and provide connections as we continue exploring the development of a tuition-free Episcopal school in Homewood. If you are interested in learning more about the Episcopal Education Initiative, please contact the Rev. Charles Fischer III at frcfischer@gmail.com or Eileen Sharbaugh at sharbaugh@verizon.net.
Have a Knack for Marketing?
We’re seeking volunteers with marketing and communications experience to help us tell this story - by launching a website, creating a monthly e-newsletter, and expanding our outreach in creative ways to connect with the wider community
| | EfM: Gathering Interest for 2026–27 | | |
Most of us long for a place where we can talk honestly about faith, life, and the questions that don’t always fit neatly into Sunday mornings. EfM (Education for Ministry) creates that kind of space — a small, steady community where we listen to one another, learn together, and notice how God is at work in our everyday lives. It’s not a class in the traditional sense; it’s a circle of people who show up for one another with curiosity, courage, and care.
Each week, our group gathers for conversation, prayer, and reflection. We read, we wonder together, and we make room for the questions that come up. People often say EfM helps them see their own lives and faith with more clarity because they’re exploring these things in the company of others who are doing the same.
EfM is a four‑year curriculum offered one year at a time, developed by the School of Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee. Each year focuses on a different part of the Christian story — scripture, history, theology, ethics, and spiritual practices — but the real transformation happens in the group itself.
We are gathering interest for the 2026–27 program year now through July.
Our current group meets on Monday evenings via Zoom, and we are open to forming an additional group — either online or in person — depending on interest. If you’re curious, let’s talk and see what might be a good fit.
Contact: Wendy Lomicka, wenlom@gmail.com or 412-334-0981
| | A Retreat at St. Michael's, Ligonier | | |
Christianity is about testimony, people sharing the story. The story of Jesus Christ, passed down by his disciples around the world in every generation, and the stories of God’s love and power experienced by our neighbors which makes the Gospel real here and now.
We'll be joined by the Rev. Robert Heaney, professor of Theology and Mission at Virginia Theological Seminary. Dr. Heaney is a priest and theologian with experience teaching and ministering on three continents. Please register here. There is no charge, and lunch will be included!
For more information, please call 724-238-9411 or jbrownfield@stmichaelsligonier.org.
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Bishop Ketlen's Schedule:
May 17: Church of the Redeemer, Squirrel Hill
May 24: Christ Church, North Hills (Pentecost)
May 31: Trinity Cathedral (Trinity Sunday)
June 7: St. Thomas, Oakmont
Parish leadership is reminded to complete a form, available in PDF or Word, at least two weeks in advance of their visitation.
Bishop Ketlen’s visitation schedule for January – August, 2026 is available here.
The Diocesan Cycle of Prayer for January – August, 2026, is available here.
To schedule time with Bishop Ketlen, contact Andrea Rath at 412-721-0853, ext. 251, or arath@episcopalpgh.org.
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A New Bishop in Western Massachusetts
Bishop Ketlen was in the Diocese of Western Massachusetts for the ordination and consecration of the Rt. Rev. Miguelina Howell as their 10th bishop on April 25 at Christ Church Cathedral in Springfield. While there, she spent some time with the Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely, Bishop of the Diocese of Rhode Island and the former rector of St. Barnabas, Brackenridge.
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Community of Celebration in Aliquippa
On Saturday, May 2, Bishop Ketlen spent time with our friends at the Community of Celebration.
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Bishop Ketlen Visited Christ Church, Indiana
On Sunday, May 3, Bishop Ketlen joined the Rev. Jamie Samilio and our friends at
Christ Church in Indiana.
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Province III Synod
The Rev. Bandon Cooper, Steve Stagnitta, Jon Delano, and Bishop Ketlen represented the Diocese of Pittsburgh at the annual synod of Provence III of The Episcopal Church on Sunday & Monday, May 3 & 4, in Martinsburg, WV.
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B+E+S+T Conference
Bishop Ketlen was joined by the Rt. Rev. Susan Haynes of the Diocese of Southern Virginia, the Rt. Rev. Audrey Scanlon of the Diocese of the Susquehanna, and the Rt. Rev. Carrie Schofield-Broadbent of the Diocese of Maryland. They were guests at the annual B+E+S+T (Bishops Executive Secretaries Together) Conference in Alexandria, VA, held May 4-8. Executive Assistant Andrea Rath represented the Diocese of Pittsburgh at the conference.
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Has your parish been featured in the news? Do you have an event or content to share?
Please let us know via email at info@episcopalpgh.org
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