Following is a letter published today in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. I sent this letter three weeks ago but it was published only today having been held up by letters concerning all the hoopla surrounding the mid-term elections. Ironically the real 145th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Pittsburgh convenes today.
About congregation
I read with interest and affection Ann Rodgers' article "Episcopalians Calm in Rough Sea" (Oct. 15) on the gathering of the Episcopalians in convention on October 15-16. I was heartened to read Bishop Ken Price's encouraging words concerning his relationship with Archbishop Robert Duncan and the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh. I would contend that the facts about the composition of the new gathering in South Fayette, All Saints, are a bit inaccurate.
The article states the congregation "was formed in 2009, largely from people who wanted to remain Episcopalians after their former parishes left the denomination." I would contend the congregation was formed largely from members of St. Paul's Church in Mt. Lebanon for various and sundry reasons, none of which had to do with leaving the denomination.
The majority of the congregation continues to be composed of former members of St. Paul's. Note also, the pastor of All Saints, the Rev. Richard Pollard, is a former staff member of St. Paul's. Nonetheless, best wishes for success are extended to the clergy and people of All Saints.
REV. DAVID WILSON
St. David's Anglican Church
Peters
I think you're about right in terms of the composition of the Bridgeville congregation. What will be interesting will be the possibility of congregational development and mission in the area of Southpointe and Northern Washington County, which is a region of such substantial population growth in recent years. Ultimately congregations made up of "disaffected" folks from other congregations won't thrive. (See the difficult story of Resurrection, Mars, for example.) You may start that way, but you need to get beyond that.
ReplyDeleteMost of our Churches--Episcopalian and Anglican--are situated in the old towns (Canonsburg, Washington), while the population is sprawling out in a low-density kind of pattern. You guys in Peters Township are situated pretty well for one extended South Hills quadrant of this, but I think we'll need to think carefully about 21st century ministry in the wider area. Something of the same situation, though not quite as acute, in the North Hills/Butler County/Cranberry/Wexford sprawl.
Bruce Robison
And by the way, have a good convention. +Todd Hunter is a very interesting guy and a great speaker. Maybe I should put on a pair of sunglasses and a fake mustache and sneak in at the back to listen from the gallery . . . .
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
BruceR
When St David's was planted in the early 1950s Peters Twp was mostly farmland and coal mines. Fortunately the suburbs grew out to us in the 1980s.
ReplyDeleteYou should have heard +Todd speak last night -- very winsome and insightful