Ecumenical Gatherings for Laity & Clergy
Workshops on Celtic Spirituality and Community in the Church with John L. Bell
Saturday, February 25, 2012
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
600 Pitt Street, Wilkinsburg
Registration: 9:30 a.m.; Program 10:00a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Click here for a registration form. The $35 registration fee includes lunch.
Morning Session: 10:00 a.m.-Noon
Celtic Gifts for Modern Times
The Celtic tradition has recently experienced a resurgence of much attention. Given that there is no church which is its lineal successor, this interest is quite amazing. However, in matters of prayer, scripture, relationship to the earth, and the practice of personal prayer, this tradition – which has been preserved mainly among the laity, particularly in Ireland, Scotland and Wales – has much to offer to contemporary Christians, especially where religious life is in need of refreshment.
Afternoon Session: 1:00-3:00 p.m.
The Prerequisite Called Community
John will look at the historical and sociological background to the church as community and how post WWII this community became more passive; following will be a discussion on how this dynamic can be repaired. The Celtic perspective on community is very strong and will be included. John will incorporate group singing throughout the sessions.
About John L. Bell:
He is an Iona Community Resource worker who lives in Glasgow where he studied arts and theology, and is ordained in the Church of Scotland. With his colleagues, John has produced over 15 collections of songs and octavos, and a wide range of liturgical materials, particularly for use by lay people.
John oversaw the production of a hymnal for the Church of Scotland which, in North America, goes by the title Hymns of Glory, Songs of Praise. John lectures, preaches, and conducts seminars across denominations in Europe, North America, Australasia, and Southern Africa. He is also an author and occasional broadcaster on national UK radio and television, but retains a primary passion for congregational song. John and the work he shares with his colleagues have been honored by the Royal School of Church Music, the Hymn Society in the US and Canada, and the University of Glasgow.
For information contact: The Rev Cynthia Bronson Sweigert at 412-638-0680