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

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

From Bishop Gutierrez: Covid Guidance Through Christmas

 

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14

During this Advent we continue to wait and to watch. Although the days grow shorter, we watch for the light. That light of hope is coming. It is on the horizon, both in the promise of Christmas and in the vaccines, which should start to be administered in the near future. For now, we must continue to exercise the utmost caution and ground ourselves in our holy obligation to love and care for one another.   I believe that the Church must be the Church. As you know, the numbers in our region are rising and are now much higher than they were in March and April. From the beginning of this pandemic we have known this was a possibility. Throughout the summer and fall I have repeatedly warned that in the event of a surge we would have to prayerfully consider moving back to an earlier phase of the protocols as a short-term measure.  As your shepherd, I have a sacred obligation to care for each person in our diocese. Therefore, after prayerful deliberation, I have determined that for the remainder of Advent all churches in our diocese will return to our newly updated Phase I Protocols.  This means that only virtual worship should be offered 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 be considered on a case-by-case basis. The diocesan services of ordination and confirmation will proceed as scheduled but with additional precautions in place. The service of Lessons and Carols in cooperation with the Diocese of Bethlehem will proceed following the Christmas protocols.  But I also know that Christmas is one of our holiest days on which we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Therefore, remembering that the safest option is always not to gather, churches that wish to hold in-person worship for Christmas may do so in accordance with the guidance issued in my last update. This includes limiting attendance to 5% in Philadelphia. If a church wishes to offer in-person worship for Christmas they should first evaluate their capacity to do so in a way that minimizes the risk for all participants. As you seek to make this determination ask yourself how will you minimize the number of people in attendance and the length of the service while at the same time maximizing spacing between individuals/families and increasing ventilation? How will you instruct visitors who have not previously been introduced to your safety measures? Do you have sufficient volunteers to assist and guide them? If a church cannot come up with a plan to address all these concerns, they should remain virtual. If you decide to hold in-person worship please notify me via email, copying Canons Wamsley and Berlenbach. Whatever you discern we encourage you to be creative. While our traditions are ancient, we know that Jesus is always doing new things and offering new life. So, find new ways to offer those traditions. Be resourceful, be creative. A workshop and list of resources to assist you can be found here. If you have any questions please contact Canon Shawn Wamsley at swamsley@diopa.org or Canon Kirk Berlenbach at kberlenbach@diopa.org. Looking ahead, because we expect numbers to again increase after Christmas, all churches should then plan to revert to Phase I through January 3. I will review the numbers and issue an update during the week of January 4 so that churches may make plans for Epiphany.  To recap, the next several weeks follow this schedule: ·      12/8/2020 – 12/23/2020: Phase I protocol in effect ·      12/24/2020 and 12/25/2020: Updated Phase II protocol in effect ·      12/26/2021 – 1/3/2021: Phase I protocol in effect As you journey through the remainder of Advent, continue to hold firm in your faith and to the knowledge that Jesus Christ is with us always. As one people and one diocese we have persevered through so much, I have faith that together we will continue to do so. Let us press on and offer hope, not only for ourselves but for the world around us, a world filled with fear, division and pain. This year our Christmas celebrations may not take the form we expected but none of that can limit the power of Jesus Christ that will come powerfully and beautifully into our hearts and shine a light into the darkness once more.   Your Brother in Christ, Bishop Daniel

From Bishop Gutierrez: Covid Guidance Through Christmas

 

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14

During this Advent we continue to wait and to watch. Although the days grow shorter, we watch for the light. That light of hope is coming. It is on the horizon, both in the promise of Christmas and in the vaccines, which should start to be administered in the near future. For now, we must continue to exercise the utmost caution and ground ourselves in our holy obligation to love and care for one another.   I believe that the Church must be the Church. As you know, the numbers in our region are rising and are now much higher than they were in March and April. From the beginning of this pandemic we have known this was a possibility. Throughout the summer and fall I have repeatedly warned that in the event of a surge we would have to prayerfully consider moving back to an earlier phase of the protocols as a short-term measure.  As your shepherd, I have a sacred obligation to care for each person in our diocese. Therefore, after prayerful deliberation, I have determined that for the remainder of Advent all churches in our diocese will return to our newly updated Phase I Protocols.  This means that only virtual worship should be offered 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 be considered on a case-by-case basis. The diocesan services of ordination and confirmation will proceed as scheduled but with additional precautions in place. The service of Lessons and Carols in cooperation with the Diocese of Bethlehem will proceed following the Christmas protocols.  But I also know that Christmas is one of our holiest days on which we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Therefore, remembering that the safest option is always not to gather, churches that wish to hold in-person worship for Christmas may do so in accordance with the guidance issued in my last update. This includes limiting attendance to 5% in Philadelphia. If a church wishes to offer in-person worship for Christmas they should first evaluate their capacity to do so in a way that minimizes the risk for all participants. As you seek to make this determination ask yourself how will you minimize the number of people in attendance and the length of the service while at the same time maximizing spacing between individuals/families and increasing ventilation? How will you instruct visitors who have not previously been introduced to your safety measures? Do you have sufficient volunteers to assist and guide them? If a church cannot come up with a plan to address all these concerns, they should remain virtual. If you decide to hold in-person worship please notify me via email, copying Canons Wamsley and Berlenbach. Whatever you discern we encourage you to be creative. While our traditions are ancient, we know that Jesus is always doing new things and offering new life. So, find new ways to offer those traditions. Be resourceful, be creative. A workshop and list of resources to assist you can be found here. If you have any questions please contact Canon Shawn Wamsley at swamsley@diopa.org or Canon Kirk Berlenbach at kberlenbach@diopa.org. Looking ahead, because we expect numbers to again increase after Christmas, all churches should then plan to revert to Phase I through January 3. I will review the numbers and issue an update during the week of January 4 so that churches may make plans for Epiphany.  To recap, the next several weeks follow this schedule: ·      12/8/2020 – 12/23/2020: Phase I protocol in effect ·      12/24/2020 and 12/25/2020: Updated Phase II protocol in effect ·      12/26/2021 – 1/3/2021: Phase I protocol in effect As you journey through the remainder of Advent, continue to hold firm in your faith and to the knowledge that Jesus Christ is with us always. As one people and one diocese we have persevered through so much, I have faith that together we will continue to do so. Let us press on and offer hope, not only for ourselves but for the world around us, a world filled with fear, division and pain. This year our Christmas celebrations may not take the form we expected but none of that can limit the power of Jesus Christ that will come powerfully and beautifully into our hearts and shine a light into the darkness once more.   Your Brother in Christ, Bishop Daniel

29 October 2020 ~ Pastoral Letter from Bishop Gutierrez: "How will your vote reflect Jesus Christ?"

How will your vote reflect Jesus Christ?

29 October 2020 ~ Pastoral Letter from Bishop Gutierrez

My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare they will give you. Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them round your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart…. Proverbs 3:1-35 How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. 1 John 3:17-18   On November 3, both as individuals and as a country, we will make fundamental decisions about our values and morals. As Christians, we do not have the luxury of separating the two. We are called to vote our faith, conscience, and hearts as they have been formed by Jesus Christ. We have the gift to live in this country and the freedom to express our values. However, we cannot forget that our faith must inform every decision we make - including voting. I am reminded of a two-line poem: "Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last." Through our democracy, we are choosing the compass point that will guide our moral journey into the future. As citizens and as Christians, we must express our constitutional right. The faithful and loving people of our diocese span the political spectrum. I am asking that when you vote that you endorse, not a party or a candidate, but your faith; pray and discern how your vote will reflect the words, life, and heart of Jesus Christ. How will your vote create a society that follows the greatest of all commandments: Love God and love your neighbor? Few can deny that our country is currently a house divided, and a house divided cannot stand. We are also suffering through a worldwide pandemic. People are agonizing if they will have a job or be able to feed themselves and their families. Racial violence and hate are normalized. The evils of violence and white supremacy have come out of the shadows and now brazenly display disregard for human dignity and life. We must also remember the lives lost to gun violence, suicide, and the widening economic and educational disparity in our communities that lead to the marginalization of many in our human family. In order to heal these wounds and overcome these evils, we must be personally and spiritually courageous. As followers of Christ, we can make a difference. In order to do so, we must stop acting like the Gospels are simply a recommendation - they are the actual Declaration of Independence from this world's broken and selfish ways. As Christians we have a monumental task; to vote in a way that expresses the heart and love of Jesus Christ. Following Christ is not for those with a faint spirit. Our faith calls us to live and act based solely on the truth of the Gospel.  I am asking you to reflect, discern, pray, and look into your heart as to what being a Christian means to you in your daily life and not just on Sunday. We must hold his words, “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters” (Lk. 11:23), in mind. If Jesus Christ informs and moves each moment of your day, we must follow him and his teachings at this crucial moment.  Which will come first - political party or Jesus Christ? As you discern and pray over your vote, compare the policies of the various candidates. Then ask yourself which candidate(s): •       Align with our Baptismal Covenant and value the dignity of every human being.  •       Will lift up all people without distinction as to race, color, ethnicity, economic status, sexuality or place of origin (Genesis 1:26-27, Romans 2:11, Ephesians 2:14, Deuteronomy 10:17-35, Leviticus 19:33-34, John 13:34, Luke 14:13-14, Colossians 3:10-11, 1 Samuel 16:7, James 2:1-4, Galatians 3:26-29, Matthew 25:31-46, Revelation 7:9-10 ) •       Promote peace (Matthew 5:9, Matthew 5:38-42, Ephesians 4:3, John 16:33, Ephesians 2:14, 1 Corinthians 14:33, Colossians 3:13, John 14:27) •       Will unite and not divide (Romans 16:17, Colossians 3:12, Philippians 2:3-4, 1 Peter 3:9-4:14, Romans 12:10, Luke 11:17, Matthew 18:15-18) •       Will not separate, demean, destroy or tear down any of the Holy One’s children Ephesians 4:29-32, Proverbs 11:17, Romans 12:10, Romans 12:15-18, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Hebrews 12:14-15, Proverbs 11:17) •       Care for the poor, lost, hungry, lonely, and the suffering. (James 1:27, Luke 14:12-14, Jeremiah 22:3, Jeremiah 22:16, Proverbs 17:5, Luke 6:20-21, Matthew 25:40, Zechariah 7:10) •       Promote healing for all people (Isaiah 38:16-17, Matthew 4:23-24, Matthew 10:1-8, Luke 5:17-24, Luke 13:11-13, Luke 14:1-6, Luke 10:30-37) •       Value the sanctity of all life. (Genesis 1:27, Genesis 9:6, Exodus 20:13, Psalm 139:13, Job 31:15, Luke 12:6-7) •       Respect God’s wondrous creation (Genesis 2:2-3, Number 35:33-4, Job 12:7-10, Psalm 95:5, Psalm 104:25-30, Isaiah 11:6-9, Isaiah 24:4-6, Isaiah 43:20-21, Colossians 1:16-7) •       Does not promote or empower any individual or system that advocates racism, violence, hatred or the division among the children of the Holy One (Proverbs 24:23, Exodus 22:21, Acts 10:34, John 17:21-23, Jude 1:19, 1 John 4:20, Romans 10:12, James 2:8-9, James 2:4, John 14:15, John 7:24 •       Will sacrifice self for good of all people and society rather than our individual wants and needs. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7, John 15:13-17:15, Proverbs 22:16, Ephesians 4:2) •       Builds up systems of justice rather than tearing them down. Isaiah 1:17, Isaiah 10:1-2, Isaiah 40:29, Proverbs 31:9, Micah 6:8, Psalm 82:3, Proverbs 28:27, Luke 4:18-19, Matthew 25:40, Luke 11:39-42, Mark 11:15-17 I pray that as the family of the Holy One, we also seek peace after the election. No matter the outcome, many in our country will be angry and will believe the only way to express that anger is through social unrest. I ask that we seek and demonstrate the peace of Christ. Christ’s church must be a sacred, calming and healing place. No matter the results, we are all siblings in Christ. It is essential that we remain in dialogue so that our bonds of love and faith remain strong despite differences in perspective. We must show the world a better way through our words, actions and lives.  In order to remind us of this holy peace, I would like each of our churches to incorporate the Prayer of St. Francis into their worship on November 1 and November 8. Some may take this pastoral letter as a political statement. If you choose to view it as such, I ask for your prayers. I have no allegiance to any candidate or party. I do not view the world through a political lens. My heart and my only allegiance is to Jesus Christ. I cannot preach the Gospel unless I am willing to live it. I cannot claim the name of Christ as a Christian unless His words inform every decision. If I do not do so, I know that when my time on earth is at an end, I will have to stand before the Lord and answer for it. Paul repeatedly reminds us that we must be covered with Christ, think with the mind of Christ and always have Christ within us. As you cast your vote, remember the heart of Christ; the heart that beats for everyone, without distinction, in this world. With Christ, all things will be made new. Until we can be together again, I leave you to pray and discern. I leave you in the loving, hopeful, merciful and compassionate hands of our Creator. I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them; I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, Ezekiel 11:19. Bishop Daniel  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌