Ministries and Resources
New Hope Campaign
New Hope Exceeds $3.6 Million Initial Goal! Strives for $4.1 Million Stretch Goal
photo by Earl Trygar
Being loved by people who are not like us
A Joint Pastoral Letter from Bishop Paul Marshall of the Diocese of Bethlehem and Bishop Anthony Poggo of the Diocese of Kajo Keji in Southern Sudan will be read in churches throughout the Diocese of Bethlehem over the weekend of September 6-7. An excerpt: One of the gifts that the existence of differences in culture and outlook presents all of us is the experience of being loved by people who are not like us and who may not share all of our views on any number of subjects. The grace of learning to receive love from those who are not like us is a gift from God that awakens us to the depth of God’s own love in giving Jesus Christ for the salvation of the world. As we continue our vital work together, it is our prayer that the Holy Spirit will guide us into deeper levels of understanding, devotion, and dedication of the ministry our Lord has given to us in Kajo-Keji and Bethlehem. [Download the Pastoral Letter here.]
Stretching
Contributions and pledges to the New Hope Campaign for a New Sudan and the Needy in Pennsylvania have surpassed our $3.6 million goal by more than $100,000. The campaign has begun to look toward a $4.1 million stretch goal. The intent, at the beginning of the campaign, was that $2.7 million would be designated for projects in the Diocese of Kajo Kei in Southern Sudan and $900,000 for the needy northeastern Pennsylvania. See Charlie Barebo's column on page A5 of the June Diocesan Life for a report on projects that have begun in Kajo Keji. The Social Ministries Committee invites letters of intent for local proposals to be funded by the New Hope Campaign. More info here.
Church School at Trinity, Easton Raises $1850 for New Hope
The Church School at Trinity Easton has a missionary offering every program year. They undertake a small fundraiser or two, but mainly they collect spare change from their alowances, their families and fellow parishioners at Trinity from mid-September through May.
The 2007-08 Church School Missionary Offering was designated for the New Hope Campaign. At both Sunday services, children from the church would take turns collecting small change in two specially made "school houses," made by Trinitarian Carmen LoBaido Wilson to underscore that one of the tasks of New Hope is to rebuild school buildings in Kajo-Keji. At each service, the children would present their gifts at the altar along with the regular offerings of money and food, bread and wine.
During the year in class, they learned about Loopo Primary School, our adopted school, and other activities to learn about the Diocese of Kajo-Keji.
When Bishop Paul came to visit on April 20th, he was presented a check for $664, which was collected up through Easter. But they weren't done. The Church School collected a total $1850 for New Hope through this year's Church School Missionary offering.
American Friends of Sudan hear challenge to act for peace, basic human needs
By Joe Bjordal – June 3, 2008
[Episcopal News Service] "We need you now more than ever," was the message of Sudan's recently enthroned Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul to the fourth annual conference of the American Friends of the Episcopal Church of Sudan (AFRECS), meeting in Chicago May 30 to June 1. The conference participants came from around the Episcopal Church, representing dioceses and congregations with companion relationships with the Episcopal Church of the Sudan (ECS) and those seeking to explore new relationships. One quarter of those attending were Sudanese refugees now living in the United States.
[snip, snip, snip, snip]
A significant part of the conference was devoted to the "nuts and bolts" of companion relationships in Sudan. A series of plenary and small-group sessions provided an opportunity for those already involved in Sudan to share experiences and resources that can lead to effective partnerships. This included the sharing of some remarkable success stories.
Following trips to the Diocese of Kajo Keji in southeastern Sudan by Bishop Paul Marshall, Connie Fegley and others beginning in 2002, the Pennsylvania-based Diocese of Bethlehem launched the "New Hope Campaign." Most of the funds raised will go to building schools and the Canon Benaiah Poggo College. The campaign has now exceeded its $3.6 million goal and is now striving for a $4.1 million dollar "stretch goal."
Fegley, speaking on behalf of Marshall, said the project and the diocese's relationship with the church in Sudan has been exhilarating and energizing. She also noted that Bethlehem has "the same diversity in issues" that other diocese have, but that the mission work in the Sudan "has helped to knit us together."
"Many people believe this is the most vital aspect of our diocese," she said. Read it all here.
Joint Statement of Episcopal and ELCA Presiding Bishops:“Prayer and Action for the People of the Sudan”
The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Over the past several weeks, we have watched with great sorrow as the new outbreak of violence in the Sudan has threatened the resumption of widespread conflict in a nation just three years removed from decades of civil war. Our sense of foreboding is heightened because the violence has come in and around Abyei, a town whose history, resources, and proximity to the border between northern and southern Sudan make it a proving-ground for the success or failure of the nation's still-young peace agreement. At the present moment, untold numbers of people have been killed, much of Abyei has been burned to the ground, and as many as 120,000 people have been displaced from their homes. Urgent action from the international community is necessary to address the present suffering and safeguard against the resumption of widespread and de-centralized fighting across a country already destabilized by the unchecked and catastrophic war in its western Darfur region. In the coming days, we urge all Americans to pray for peace in the Sudan and to call for strong action from the international community to restore stability in a land whose people have been entangled far too long in violence.
First, there is an urgent need for humanitarian assistance—both through government agencies like USAID and through private giving—in order to assist those newly displaced from their homes who now suffer without food, clean water, or shelter. Second, increased diplomatic pressure from the international community, including neighbor states and allies of the Sudanese government, is necessary to demand that northern Sudanese military units withdraw from Abyei immediately and allow a comprehensive international assessment of the cause and effects of the conflict. Third, the United States and other parties to Sudan’s 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement should insist on full and immediate implementation of the CPA and subsequent agreements, especially as they relate to Abyei. This includes provisions respecting clear borders, fair sharing of resources, and autonomous local governance in the South. These steps are necessary for the remainder of the peace process to unfold as envisioned by its drafters and to avoid the pitfalls we have seen in other areas of implementation such as the current census.
Recently, each of us has had the opportunity to hear firsthand reports of the situation from Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul, the leader of Sudan’s four million Episcopalians, as well as from members of a joint Episcopal-Lutheran delegation that traveled to southern Sudan last month. We have heard stories of great hope and courage, but also of the fragility of peace and the dire humanitarian consequences a resumption of war would bring. We hope this joint statement may raise awareness of the crisis, and urge Episcopalians and Lutherans to send a copy of it to their elected officials. In these difficult days, we pray that God, whose blessed Son “came to preach peace to those who are far off and those who are near,” would grant wisdom and strength to our brothers and sisters in Sudan, as well as inspiration and purpose to all who watch from a distance and wish to help by heart, hand, or voice.
Anglicans Online Highlights Relationship between Kajo Keji and Bethlehem
This week's introductory essay on the home page of AnglicansOnline deals with companion diocese relationships and highlights "the wonderful one between Kajo Keji and Bethlehem, [in which] there is a deliberate policy of reciprocal enrichment and benefit that really does lead to more informed Christian belief and more effective Christian living."
Read the essay here.
AnglicansOnline is, according to Yahoo Unplugged, "the largest and most comprehensive resource on the Internet for Anglicans and Episcopalians worldwide." This will give you a clue. To be mentioned on and linked from its home page for a week gives our relationship with Kajo Keji and our New Hope campaign high visibility around the world. --Bill Lewellis
Recent Visits by Diocese of Bethlehem Missioners to Kajo Keji
Archdeacon Howard Stringfellow and Charlie Barebo, chair of the New Hope Campaign and member of Diocesan Council, have returned from Kajo-Keji where they visited on behalf of the New Hope Campaign and the Diocese of Bethlehem to strengthen the ties between our dioceses, meet with the person who is to be Bethlehem's representative in Kajo-Keji during the Campaign's construction of schools and the Canon Benaiah Poggo College, and inspect the progress of those constructions. More on page 5 of the March issue of Diocesan Life.
Jo Trepagnier, Char Horst and Father Earl Trygar visited with our sisters and brothers in Kajo Keji in January. See pages one and five of the February issue of Diocesan Life here for a story (with photos) by Jo. View additional photos provided by Jo here. There’s a story by Char about Stella and her baby on pages 1 and 5 of the March issue of Diocesan Life. View additional photos provided by Char here.
Living Water: Gushing in Bethlehem, Flowing in Kajo Keji
Archdeacon Howard Stringfellow and Charlie Barebo, chair of the New Hope Campaign and member of Diocesan Council, visited our companion Diocese of Kajo Keji in Southern Sudan on behalf of the New Hope Campaign and the Diocese of Bethlehem to strengthen the ties between our dioceses, meet with the person who is to be Bethlehem's representative in Kajo-Keji during the Campaign's construction of schools and the Canon Benaiah Poggo College, and inspect the progress of those constructions. Find an initial story here, text and photos by Howard Stringfellow.
New Hope Rededication Sunday Pastoral Letter read on March 2nd
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ Jesus,
In a few weeks Easter will have dawned and we will again luxuriate in the light of the Lord’s Resurrection, celebrating the gift of new life that the Cross and Empty Tomb lavish on us.
As I celebrate Easter this year it will be with profound gratitude for what we as a diocesan family are doing. Construction has begun in Sudan and our Social Ministries Committee is preparing to make grants for new social ministries in our parishes. This work is possible because so many hearts have already responded with Christ’s own love for the weak and powerless.
With the active phase of the New Hope Campaign three-quarters over, we have gifts and pledges totaling $3,022,000 (as of February 24), putting us a bit ahead of schedule. Our goal of $3.6 million is well in sight.
Since last September I have been spending a few hours each week at the Trinity Soup Kitchen in Bethlehem, trying to be of use to some of Trinity’s guests for whom life has been harsh. I come away from Trinity each Monday and Friday more convinced than ever that our New Hope decision to assist parishes with seed money for social ministry is God-pleasing and necessary. I am aware of plans in Mt. Pocono and Scranton to undertake ministries of compassion, and know there are more being formulated. My own commitment to New Hope has increased because of this hands-on experience. I share this story as one paltry example of the grand truth that caring for others changes us, takes us out of ourselves, transform our souls. I know that many of you have had similar experiences of feeling that you have received a gift when you made an effort for those in need.
On this New Hope Renewal Sunday, I ask that you take a moment to listen silently to what God is calling you to do. If you are still waiting to make your commitment to New Hope, now would be the perfect time.
It is my growing hope that on Easter morning, 2008, we will have met our goal, and this is my heartfelt invitation to each of you to be as much a part of this ministry as God has enabled you.
This comes with my best wishes for the holy days ahead.
Faithfully yours,
+Paul
Charlie Barebo ( C ), and his daughter Ashley, accept a check of $1,200 from the Finance Committee of St. Paul’s, Montrose, for the New Hope Campaign. The Parish pledged its 2007 Christmas Offering to New Hope.
St. Paul's Montrose donates Christmas offering to New Hope campaign
[From St. Paul's Montrose] On Sunday, February 10, St. Paul’s, Montrose presented Mr. Charlie Barebo with a check for $1,200.00 for the New Hope Campaign. The parish had committed its Christmas 2007 offering to the Campaign for projects in Kajo Keji and Northeast Pennsylvania. Mr. Barebo was visiting the parish to acquaint the parishioners with the needs and the plans for the $3.6 million mission outreach.
“We are thrilled to make this contribution to our diocesan campaign,” said Richard Schwab, chair of the parish’s finance committee. “Our goal is to share 10% of our 2007 contributions to the campaign. The wonderful news is that we have almost reached that goal and expect to accomplish it before the end of the five-year campaign.
In December, the Women of St. Paul’s contributed the total proceeds of $1,4000.00 from their annual bazaar to New Hope at the time of Bishop Paul’s visitation. “This was the largest amount of money we have ever raised,” reported Jane Chandler, chair of the effort. “There is no doubt in my mind that our decision to have the annual fundraising event benefit New Hope helped with its outstanding success.”
“We are in the final laps of our campaign,” Mr. Barebo told the parishioners of St. Paul’s, “and I am very confident that individuals and parishes from around our diocese will be joining with you in reaching our goal. I really believe, in fact, that we will oversubscribe it."
A Brief History of Mission Trips to Kajo Keji
Mission Trips to Kajo Keji
By Bill Lewellis, Jan. 1, 2008
Since 2000, 13 missioners of the Diocese of Bethlehem have visited our sisters and brothers in southern Sudan. Some have made the journey several times.
Additionally, the trip that launched the Diocese of Bethlehem’s missionary journeys to Africa was Bishop Paul’s visit to Swazilandin 2000. Another, not counted among the six, was a July 2007 meeting in London of Bishop Paul with Bishop Anthony Poggo, then the newly-elected Bishop of Kajo Keji. Read it all here.
New Hope Reaches 75% of Goal
By Charlie Barebo
Our Diocesan Convention marked the coming of age of the New Hope Campaign and our relationship with our companion Diocese of Kajo Keji. To date we have received approximately $2,700,000 in pledges, 75% of our goal. And pledges have come in from only 6.5% of the families in our Diocese.
Convention, for me, was a celebration of the maturity in our relationship with Christ. As a Diocese we have moved past our anxieties of scarcity and forward into celebrating the abundance to be found in Christ. This can be evidenced in the reactions from the early days of the feasibility study to the calm happiness effaced at Convention.
Let me share a few motivational quotes from convention weekend with you. “History is in the making in the Diocese of Bethlehem,” said Bishop Anthony Poggo. “You are giving your all so that we might survive. We may not eradicate but we can alleviate. We alleviate by attacking the root causes of poverty and isolation with education. You are giving New Hope to the hopeless.”
My favorite quote came from Mrs. Pril Hurd. “All of us take up space on earth. We pay our rent by doing good works. Some of us take up a lot of space and pay little rent. I prefer to be with those who take up little space and pay much rent. Stretch out your arms as far as you can. Now stretch them a little farther. That is what it feels like when you know you have given the proper amount.”
Mounting a capital campaign is a little like climbing a mountain. The early going is mentally strenuous as you strategize the climb. But the last 25% of the mountain is the most difficult to climb. We are in the final quarter of our climb. If you have pledged, ask you friends and loved ones if they will consider giving New Hope to the hopeless by making a pledge. If you have not yet pledged, I pray that you will contemplate joining us. As a wise man once said, “All that is needed for evil to thrive is for good people to do nothing.” Join us in making history. Amen.
Pray for New Hope
Ignite our hearts, O Holy Spirit, with the love of Jesus Let his compassion for the poor burn in us as we respond joyfully to his call to serve the least of his sisters and brothers. Let our participation in the work of New Hope transform us as individuals and as a community. May our unity of purpose and love for your creatures witness to the world the truth you have revealed to us in Christ. Receive our work as praise for our creation, redemption, and the call you have given us; receive it as our response to your eternal love.
On What Floor Do You Live Your Life?
By Priscilla Payne Hurd
[Download the talk Mrs. Priscilla Payne Hurd gave at the 15th annual Souper Day Luncheon to benefit New Bethany Ministries, October 16, 2007, at the Candlelight Reception and Conference Center.]
New Hope Youth
The diocesan youth council has decided to give its full support to the New Hope Campaign, with a program we are calling New Hope Youth. If you have any questions, please email Demery Bader-Saye.
Our New Hope program is Bethlehem’s extra mile along the MDG journey
By Bishop Paul V. Marshall. Find it here.
Giving Globally
How to Heal the World
Those whom most of us will never see. Commentary by Bill Lewellis. Read it here.
Mission Trip to Kajo Keji. Check it out here.
Op-Ed by Bishop Anthony Poggo
The Church Times, London, Dec. 7, 2007, published an op-ed by Bishop Anthony of Kajo Keji. Find it here.
New Logo! Check it out here.
Bishop Anthony's Greetings to the 136th Diocesan Convention. Check it out here.
Bishop Anthony's Sermon at the 136th Diocesan Convention Eucharist. Check it out here.
Bethlehem and Kajo Keji: Our Partnership by The Rev. Canon Bill Lewellis
[The following is a portion of a larger document which you can download as a .pdf file here. For full text and photos, please see our blog here.]
Something Unique Read more here. And read the Presiding Bishop’s letter about our New Hope campaign here.
For more information, please read the article by Charlie Barebo found here.
New Hope Pastoral Letter by Bishop Paul Marshall found here.
Sermon by Canon Gwendolyn-Jane Romeril
New Hope Sunday, Sept. 23, 2007
Campaign Brings Renewed Hope for War Torn Africa, article in the Pocono Record Times on Trinity, Mt. Pocono's New Hope efforts.
Information on Bishop Anthony Poggo
As we develop the campaign, please check back frequently for information, news, and resources.
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