25 January 2021 Update from Bishop Daniel G.P. Gutierrez

 

By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us,  to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,     to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:78-79

My siblings in Christ, The days are starting to lengthen and with it our hope for the days ahead is strengthened and renewed. But the brightest light is Jesus Christ and in him all things will be restored. As I stated in my letter of January 13, we will move into our modified Phase II protocols starting February 6. At that time churches may resume in-person worship at a limited 10% capacity and pastoral services may resume without special permission. (All COVID updates and resources can be found here.) As we previously announced, suggestions for Ash Wednesday can be found here. If you have a particular circumstance that would require exceeding these limits, I will consider them on a case-by-case basis. Please email me directly, copying Canon Shawn Wamsley, swamsley@diopa.org, and Canon Kirk Berlenbach, kberlenbach@diopa.org. We will continue to closely monitor the numbers and update you as to when we may move to a less restrictive phase.  In terms of the vaccine, as you know, our efforts were instrumental in getting clergy classified as essential workers (Phase 1b). Canon Toneh Smyth is continuing to lead our efforts to get clergy registered and vaccinated as soon as possible. However, supplies remain very limited and access to it is taking longer than hoped. We will keep you apprised as we get more information. We have posted updates to the vaccine process here. If you have questions about the vaccine please contact Canon Toneh Smyth at tsmyth@diopa.org. We look forward in hope to the time when we may safely gather in-person again. In the meantime, we journey together faithfully following the light of Jesus Christ. You are in my daily prayers and I am grateful to be your shepherd. In Christ,

Bishop Daniel

25 January 2021 Update from Bishop Daniel G.P. Gutierrez

 

By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us,  to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,     to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:78-79

My siblings in Christ, The days are starting to lengthen and with it our hope for the days ahead is strengthened and renewed. But the brightest light is Jesus Christ and in him all things will be restored. As I stated in my letter of January 13, we will move into our modified Phase II protocols starting February 6. At that time churches may resume in-person worship at a limited 10% capacity and pastoral services may resume without special permission. (All COVID updates and resources can be found here.) As we previously announced, suggestions for Ash Wednesday can be found here. If you have a particular circumstance that would require exceeding these limits, I will consider them on a case-by-case basis. Please email me directly, copying Canon Shawn Wamsley, swamsley@diopa.org, and Canon Kirk Berlenbach, kberlenbach@diopa.org. We will continue to closely monitor the numbers and update you as to when we may move to a less restrictive phase.  In terms of the vaccine, as you know, our efforts were instrumental in getting clergy classified as essential workers (Phase 1b). Canon Toneh Smyth is continuing to lead our efforts to get clergy registered and vaccinated as soon as possible. However, supplies remain very limited and access to it is taking longer than hoped. We will keep you apprised as we get more information. We have posted updates to the vaccine process here. If you have questions about the vaccine please contact Canon Toneh Smyth at tsmyth@diopa.org. We look forward in hope to the time when we may safely gather in-person again. In the meantime, we journey together faithfully following the light of Jesus Christ. You are in my daily prayers and I am grateful to be your shepherd. In Christ,

Bishop Daniel

Blessed Absalom Jones

 

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me         to bring good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives     and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free”  Luke 4:18

My Siblings in Christ, The weekend of February 13th our diocese will celebrate the feast of Blessed Absalom Jones. The Rev. Absalom Jones was born into slavery and became the first black priest ordained in The Episcopal Church - ordained right here in our diocese. This bold and prophetic action testifies to the historic, revolutionary character of our diocese and had a profound impact on the entirety of The Episcopal Church. Our celebration of Blessed Absalom will take place in two parts. The first will be an online service of worship and celebration on Saturday, February 13, from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. The Rev. Canon Jordan Casson and the Absalom Jones Planning Committee will offer an engaging presentation on the legacy of Absalom Jones in our diocese followed by uplifting worship from The Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral. Please register for the celebration here: http://absalomjonesvideo.com/ It is my sincere hope that everyone in our diocese will attend this online service. Not only is it an opportunity to gather for worship, it is also a chance to deepen our understanding of this pioneer of racial justice and reaffirm our commitment to confronting and dismantling the sin of systemic racism. In his Petition to the United States Congress in 1799, Jones wrote, “…the extending of justice and equity to all Classes would be a means of drawing down the blessing of Heaven upon this Land, for the Peace and Prosperity of which, and the real happiness of every member of the Community…” The second part of our celebration of Blessed Absalom continues in our churches on Sunday the 14th as I have requested that his propers be substituted for the normal readings. In this way, even more of us may find inspiration in his legacy.  Through our commemoration of this saint and the ensuing work of the Loving Presence initiative, we are taking vital steps towards becoming the Beloved Community that Jesus Christ calls us to be. Please join me in commemorating this great and beloved son of our diocese.  Bishop Daniel Gutierrez

Blessed Absalom Jones

 

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me         to bring good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives     and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free”  Luke 4:18

My Siblings in Christ, The weekend of February 13th our diocese will celebrate the feast of Blessed Absalom Jones. The Rev. Absalom Jones was born into slavery and became the first black priest ordained in The Episcopal Church - ordained right here in our diocese. This bold and prophetic action testifies to the historic, revolutionary character of our diocese and had a profound impact on the entirety of The Episcopal Church. Our celebration of Blessed Absalom will take place in two parts. The first will be an online service of worship and celebration on Saturday, February 13, from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. The Rev. Canon Jordan Casson and the Absalom Jones Planning Committee will offer an engaging presentation on the legacy of Absalom Jones in our diocese followed by uplifting worship from The Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral. Please register for the celebration here: http://absalomjonesvideo.com/ It is my sincere hope that everyone in our diocese will attend this online service. Not only is it an opportunity to gather for worship, it is also a chance to deepen our understanding of this pioneer of racial justice and reaffirm our commitment to confronting and dismantling the sin of systemic racism. In his Petition to the United States Congress in 1799, Jones wrote, “…the extending of justice and equity to all Classes would be a means of drawing down the blessing of Heaven upon this Land, for the Peace and Prosperity of which, and the real happiness of every member of the Community…” The second part of our celebration of Blessed Absalom continues in our churches on Sunday the 14th as I have requested that his propers be substituted for the normal readings. In this way, even more of us may find inspiration in his legacy.  Through our commemoration of this saint and the ensuing work of the Loving Presence initiative, we are taking vital steps towards becoming the Beloved Community that Jesus Christ calls us to be. Please join me in commemorating this great and beloved son of our diocese.  Bishop Daniel Gutierrez

13 January 2021 Update from Bishop Gutierrez

 

"Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7

My siblings in Christ, As we seek to navigate these challenging times it is good to be able to ground ourselves in the truth. Sometimes the most important truths are also the simplest. Perhaps the most important is this- God is love. Nothing could be more important right now. This beautiful truth lifts us and sustains us. It also reminds us of how we should treat those around us.    After consultation with the Health Committee and prayerful consideration, I have determined that we will continue with our modified Phase I restrictions through the end of this month. All churches should continue to offer only virtual worship with a maximum of 10 people physically present. If additional persons, such as musicians, are desired, this may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Exceptions for weddings, funerals and other pastoral services will also continue to be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you have a request you wish me to consider, please email me directly, copying Canons Wamsley and Berlenbach.   I make this decision grounded in the love of Jesus Christ who calls us to love one another as he first loved us. Of particular concern are the following factors: The anticipated post-Christmas/New Year’s surge is beginning to grow. Current data from both the PA Dept. of Health and the CMU Risk Based Decision Support Tool indicate that all 5 counties in our area are at significant risk of the disease. Moreover, the national death toll continues to set terrible new records, now reaching 4,000 people per day. The appearance of a new, much more easily transmissible variant. This variant has spreading across the country and has recently been identified in Dauphin County.  It increases the rate of transmission making controlling its spread more difficult and more imperative. While we are close to a solution in the form of vaccinations, it will be months before the entire population can be vaccinated and we need to hold the line, remaining vigilant, in what we hope will be the last months of the pandemic. We recognize that there are limited medical resources nationally and have a moral responsibility to care for and protect, not just our parishioners but everyone in our community.  I will continue to closely monitor the numbers and update you about this plan the week of January 25. Barring continued rise, it is my hope that churches may resume in-person worship under our modified Phase II protocols starting February 9.  In terms of the vaccine, thousands across our diocese are now receiving this life-saving treatment each day. This gives us great hope for the days to come, days when rates of illness and death will fall, days in which we may safely visit with family and friends, days when we may hug again without worry and gather for meals. In hope we look forward to a day not too far in the future when we might gather for worship in our sanctuaries, pass the peace, share fellowship and sing the praises of God. With that hope in mind, we encourage everyone to get the vaccine as soon as they are eligible. In doing so you not only protect yourself but also those around you.  Each county will have its own system and schedule for offering the vaccine.  We will be sharing more information as to how they can sign up and when those shots may be available as it is made public. In addition, we will be assembling resources to help churches encourage their members to get vaccinated.  We will notify you when they are available and publish them on our website. The diocese has worked with state and local officials to have clergy of all denominations classified as essential workers, now eligible to get the vaccine in group 1B. If you have any questions please contact Canon Shawn Wamsley, swamsley@diopa.org, or Canon Kirk Berlenbach, kberlenbach@diopa.org. We are in the home stretch but we cannot falter. It is not hyperbole to say that lives are at stake. We must hold to the precious truth of God’s love. Grounded in that truth and guided by our faith in Jesus Christ we will continue to love one another as he loved us.

13 January 2021 Update from Bishop Gutierrez

 

"Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7

My siblings in Christ, As we seek to navigate these challenging times it is good to be able to ground ourselves in the truth. Sometimes the most important truths are also the simplest. Perhaps the most important is this- God is love. Nothing could be more important right now. This beautiful truth lifts us and sustains us. It also reminds us of how we should treat those around us.    After consultation with the Health Committee and prayerful consideration, I have determined that we will continue with our modified Phase I restrictions through the end of this month. All churches should continue to offer only virtual worship with a maximum of 10 people physically present. If additional persons, such as musicians, are desired, this may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Exceptions for weddings, funerals and other pastoral services will also continue to be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you have a request you wish me to consider, please email me directly, copying Canons Wamsley and Berlenbach.   I make this decision grounded in the love of Jesus Christ who calls us to love one another as he first loved us. Of particular concern are the following factors: The anticipated post-Christmas/New Year’s surge is beginning to grow. Current data from both the PA Dept. of Health and the CMU Risk Based Decision Support Tool indicate that all 5 counties in our area are at significant risk of the disease. Moreover, the national death toll continues to set terrible new records, now reaching 4,000 people per day. The appearance of a new, much more easily transmissible variant. This variant has spreading across the country and has recently been identified in Dauphin County.  It increases the rate of transmission making controlling its spread more difficult and more imperative. While we are close to a solution in the form of vaccinations, it will be months before the entire population can be vaccinated and we need to hold the line, remaining vigilant, in what we hope will be the last months of the pandemic. We recognize that there are limited medical resources nationally and have a moral responsibility to care for and protect, not just our parishioners but everyone in our community.  I will continue to closely monitor the numbers and update you about this plan the week of January 25. Barring continued rise, it is my hope that churches may resume in-person worship under our modified Phase II protocols starting February 9.  In terms of the vaccine, thousands across our diocese are now receiving this life-saving treatment each day. This gives us great hope for the days to come, days when rates of illness and death will fall, days in which we may safely visit with family and friends, days when we may hug again without worry and gather for meals. In hope we look forward to a day not too far in the future when we might gather for worship in our sanctuaries, pass the peace, share fellowship and sing the praises of God. With that hope in mind, we encourage everyone to get the vaccine as soon as they are eligible. In doing so you not only protect yourself but also those around you.  Each county will have its own system and schedule for offering the vaccine.  We will be sharing more information as to how they can sign up and when those shots may be available as it is made public. In addition, we will be assembling resources to help churches encourage their members to get vaccinated.  We will notify you when they are available and publish them on our website. The diocese has worked with state and local officials to have clergy of all denominations classified as essential workers, now eligible to get the vaccine in group 1B. If you have any questions please contact Canon Shawn Wamsley, swamsley@diopa.org, or Canon Kirk Berlenbach, kberlenbach@diopa.org. We are in the home stretch but we cannot falter. It is not hyperbole to say that lives are at stake. We must hold to the precious truth of God’s love. Grounded in that truth and guided by our faith in Jesus Christ we will continue to love one another as he loved us.

4 January 2021 ~ Update from Bishop Gutierrez

 

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

My siblings in Christ,

As we celebrate the Epiphany, we come to our Lord on bended knees and with open hearts.  We offer our gratitude for the awakening of hope in the coming year.  We are uplifted by the hope of a vaccine and the eventual end to this terrible pandemic.  But as we look forward in excitement for God to transform our pain and loss into joy, we must temper our expectation with wisdom. 

We have been in a modified Phase I restrictions since mid-December. After prayerful consideration we will continue these restrictions through January 15.  Barring an additional rise, it is my expectation that churches may resume in-person worship under our modified Phase II protocols starting January 16.  I also give permission to those of wish to observe the Feast of the Epiphany in-person to transfer its celebration to that weekend.

All churches should continue to offer only virtual worship with a maximum of 10 people physically present through January 15.  If additional persons, such as musicians, are desired, this may be considered on a case-by-case basis.  Exceptions for weddings, funerals and other pastoral services will also continue to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

If you have any questions please contact Canon Shawn Wamsley at swamsley@diopa.org or Canon Kirk Berlenbach at kberlenbach@diopa.org.

2021 is filled new possibilities.  In Jesus Christ all things are made new.  As one diocesan family let us hold onto this hope and continue to press forward.  Let us persevere in caring for one another so that together we may rejoice in the light of our greatest hope, Jesus Christ.

The Rt. Rev. Daniel G. P. Gutiérrez

XVI Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania