Diocesan leaders were at work this week taking up directives set by last month’s diocesan convention and approving additional support for parishes and the communities they serve.
Both the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council met on November 16 with Bishop Kenneth Price, who became Provisional Bishop of the diocese at that same convention.
At its meeting, Diocesan Council approved:
♦ a $5,020 mission grant to St. Stephen’s, McKeesport, to upgrade computers for its five-year old technology training program benefiting the general community.
♦ dividing $2,955 equally among Episcopal Relief & Development (specifically Haiti); the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank; and the severe economic needs of the greater Homewood community. The Social Justice and Outreach Committee recommended the payments as provided by the “Lambeth .7% Resolution” in the 2009 budget. The Homewood grant will be administered by the Rev. Moni McIntyre.
♦ a reduction in the 2009 diocesan assessment of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Mt. Lebanon. A half-dozen parishes have been awarded assessment reductions throughout the year.
At the Standing Committee meeting that same day, Bishop Price appointed the Rev. Dr. Bruce Robison to head up a “Task Force on Collaboration.” Dr. Robison was the original sponsor of a convention resolution calling for an exploration of ways the Pittsburgh diocese could form beneficial partnerships with neighboring dioceses.
The bishop also appointed the Rev. Jeff Murph to lead a group that will coordinate how parishes can study and comment on a proposed Anglican Covenant, as mandated by both the General and Diocesan Conventions; and Celinda Scott, to investigate the revival of the Cursillo Movement within the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh.
This was Bishop Price’s first meeting with Diocesan Council. He told them he was very impressed with the rebuilding efforts made over the last year, adding “There is no reason that moving ahead is not in our future.”
[print_link]