Pastoral Reflection 2

Fall Conference 2016 Highlights 3 Forty Years and Counting! 5

Reflections from a Fire Chaplain 8

Pennsylvania Society of Chaplains Holds Elections 11

Puzzles and Pastoral Care 12

Love to the Rescue (poem) 15

On Diversity of Ministries 18

News and Notes 21

Upcoming Events 22

Chaplain Chatter Newsletter of the Pennsylvania Society of Chaplains

Fall 2016

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Pastoral Reflection

As the time winds down for me to write this column quarterly, I begin by asking myself, “What might be a good topic to address?” For a while I was stumped, and kept hoping that a theme might present itself in time. Then, as I began to put the articles that members submitted to me into the body of the newsletter, I noticed a definite theme: Diversity! My first editorial piece for each issue either focuses on a past conference (spring and fall issues) or an upcoming conference (winter and summer issues). Our Fall Conference this year focused on diversity, so – little did I realize at that time -- here was the first piece of the puzzle! Next, I was holding on to an article written for an earlier issue by Retired Chaplain David Pflieger. It was on puzzles, and was a reflection that began during the 2016 Spring Conference while he was sharing with another member (see p. 12). It’s nice to see that some of our “retired” chaplains are still very much involved with ministry and with The Pennsylvania Society of Chaplains! Piece Three arrived via e-mail from Fire Chaplain Paul N. Hammaker. This marks only the second time that one of our Fire/EMS Chaplains has submitted an article to us. For those of us who work in healthcare, reading his reflections on p. 8 can be very eye-opening! The final piece of the puzzle arrived just before the deadline, but adds even more flavor to a “Diversity Issue.” It is from Chaplain David Reid, who is a Workplace Chaplain. This is the first time a Workplace Chaplain has even submitted anything to Chaplain Chatter, and I hope it won’t be the last. He speaks of ministering to a very diverse population in his article, which will be found on p. 18. As this year’s worth of newsletters comes to a close, I wish you all blessings for the upcoming times of Christmas, Chanukah, and Kwanza, and look forward to seeing you all in the New Year. Marianne C. Sailus, BCC Publications Editor

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Fall Conference 2016 Highlights

From October 9 – 11, 2016, The Pennsylvania Society of Chaplains, Inc., held its annual Fall Confeence at The Bongiorno Confeence Center in Carlisle, PA. The topic of the event was, “Chaplaincy in a Diverse Society,” and featured excellent speakers who addressed different parts of this theme. The keynote speaker for this event was award winning author and cross-cultural communications Deborah J. Levine, a pioneer in the cultural diversity field. Gender and religion are key elements of her work. Articles of hers have been published in The Harvard Divinity School Bulletin, The Christian Century, The American Journal of Community Psychology and The Journal of Public Management & Social Policy, and many other publications.. Her diversity training clients include: US National Military Park Service, First Tennessee Bank, Erlanger Health System, and Hamilton County TN Public Schools. She created the Women’s Council on Diversity, now Chattanooga, Tennessee’s Lean In-Women GroundBreakers.

Ms. Levine is the founder of the American Diversity Report. For the conference, she will be leading 3 two-hour workshops entitled “Diversity in Service” – each focusing on a different aspect of diversity. In the first workshop, “Diversity in Service: How to Manage Cultural Diversity,” Ms. Levine shared from her own background as a transplant from the British colony of Bermuda to Chattanooga, Tennessee, she explained the differences that one can experience due to culture. This led into her second workshop, “Diversity in Service: How to Manage Religious Diversity,” Ms. Levine is Jewish, the daughter of a World War II liberator, whose life she shares in her book, The Liberator’s Daughter. Her final workshop was, “Diversity in Service: How to Manage Cross-Cultural Communication.” The Rev. Richard Bower, M.Div, BCCC, BCPS, BCC, Director of Pastoral Care at Western Maryland Hospital Center, Hagerstown, MD, offered a workshop for Fire/EMS Chaplains entitled, “Taking Care of Our Own.” The goal of this workshop was to raise awareness of the differences between the emotional, logistical and resource needs of surviving family members, firefighters, related agencies and the greater community following a line-of duty death and to educate how each may receive the support they need through

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proper pre-incident planning and the development of a comprehensive Line-of-Duty Death Plan.

Concurrently, breakout sessions for various diverse groups of chaplains (Hospital, Hospice/Palliative Care, Long-Term Care, and Retired Chaplains) were held, in order for the members who have similar ministries to convene for a sharing session. Another PsoC member, the Rev. Dr. Cletus J. Hull, III, offered a workshop entitled, “Diversity in the Arena of Mental Illness.” Cletus had the benefit of having parents with two different cultural backgrounds and languages. In 1987, he was licensed as a pastor and ordained in the Christian ministry in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1989. He also served as a chaplain at Mayview and Torrance State Hospitals and a campus minister at California University of PA and Indiana University of PA. His ministry has included preaching, pastoral ministry, youth ministry, hospital chaplaincy, campus ministry and teaching in higher education. Traveling to 13 countries and ministering with people in other cultures has expanded his view of God's world.

The final presenter of the day was the Rev. Dr. Felicia Brown-Haywood. She and her husband are the founders of Curtain Called - A community inclusive drama ministry. At the Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg Campus, she is an Affiliate faculty member in the department of Behavioral Sciences and Education. She is a National Certified Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor. In 2011, she received the recognition of Distinguished Women of the Year by the Pennsylvania State Baptist Convention for her commitment to providing education in diverse faith traditions. In 2007, Felicia was awarded the Nguzo Saba Award by Life Esteem Inc. and Harrisburg Area Community College for her diversity and inclusion work in the community following the seven principles of KWANZAA. In 2005, she was presented with the Ella Frazier Award by the Y.W.C.A. for her work in the community to eliminate racism. Dr. Brown-Haywood chaired the Race Against Racism, sponsored by the Y.W.C.A. of Greater Harrisburg, for three consecutive years from 2005 to 2007. Among her most recent publications are “The Intersecting Roles of Religion, Culture and Spirituality – Book Chapter in Feminist Popular Education - Internationally” (2011) (co-authored) and, The Living Colors of Transformation in Education: Multi-dimensional and Cultural Perspective (co-authored). Through music, she presented a two-hour worked entitled, “Exploring the Intersection Between Black Sacred Music and Transformative Healing.”

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Fall Conference 2016 Highlights (cont.) Forty Years and Counting!

It may (or may not!) seem possible to some of our members, but in 2016 we celebrated the 40th Anniversary of our distinguished organization! For those unfamiliar with our history, I offer the description as presented on our website:

The Society of Chaplains of the Hospital Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) began with

an organization meeting May 25, 1976 in Atlantic City, NJ. Charter members signed

the constitution and bylaws at that time and officers were chosen. The Rev. Dr.

Richard B. McCune of Harrisburg Hospital was the first president. Members were all

pastoral care givers in hospitals that were members of HAP and the Society of

Chaplains joined a group of other Societies that represented different professional

disciplines in member hospitals.

In 2002 HAP disbanded their member societies so the PA Society of Chaplains, Inc. was

created to continue the organization.

Advocacy

In the beginning, a primary purpose was to provide information regarding chaplaincy

and promote the growth of pastoral care in healthcare facilities. A packet of brochures

“In consideration of the Hospital Chaplaincy” was produced and included why a

chaplain, reimbursement, types of services, community and program development.

Networking

Newsletters as well as meetings have provided a way to maintain contact.

In order to reach out and attract new chaplains, regions were established fairly soon

after the society was organized in 1976. This provided a way for chaplains (members

and non members) to gather for education and support without the cost and distance

of the state events. Today there are 5 regions, loosely defined by geography, and

including western Maryland.

Education

Meetings of the Society took place in the fall at the annual Fall Hospital Conference

sponsored by HAP. The conference covered several days and provided an opportunity

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for chaplains to attend seminars sponsored by the Society and other disciplines, as

well as hearing keynote speakers for the conference. One of the nice aspects of this

time was the interdisciplinary conversations and relationships that were built.

The first spring retreat was held in 1980 at Villa Maria Retreat Center in Wernersville,

PA. This started a tradition that continues today though the site has changed. For a

time we gathered in Allenbury, PA on the grounds of the playhouse. Concerns

regarding accessibility brought us to Halifax and now to the Bongiorno Conference

Center in Carlisle, PA today.

In 1994 we joined with the eastern region of the National Association of Catholic

Chaplains and the Association of Professional Chaplains to provide a 3 day Fall

Conference. For the next 8-10 years this event was held at hotel conference centers in

Harrisburg or nearby Grantville, PA. A NACC reorganization ended our joint venture,

so the Society decided to continue this event at the site of our spring conference.

Both fall and spring gatherings have provided renewal of spirit and mind, continuing

education credit, fellowship and worship. Topics have included theology, ethics,

spiritual and personal renewal, leadership, program development and pastoral care

skills led by experts in their fields as well as our own members.

Recognition

The Thomas W. Jackson Innovation in Chaplaincy Award was presented to recognize

programs of excellence or to honor a particular chaplain who has excelled in her/his

work over time. Recipients include Daniel Kratz, Myron Ebersole, Samuel Bourne, Sr. T.

J. Gaines, and James Murr. The last awards were made in 1999 to David Baker and

Sandra L. Morris.

Through the efforts of the Rev. Sandra Morris, a history and photoboard was displayed

at the fall conference. Also, a 40th Anniversary cake was prepared by a local Mennonite

baker for the event. Some of the photos follow.

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Executive Committee meeting

A learning opportunity for members

40th Anniversary Cake

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Reflections from a Fire Chaplain

On August 28, 2016, life in Bullskin Township, Connellsville Township,

and the City of Connellsville was dealt a blow from a storm that dumped

five inches of rain in a two hour period. The first two calls I stayed back,

one was a tree down and the other was basement flooding. Then

everything went crazy! We experienced everything from water rescues

with people trapped in their cars to those who had to be rescued from

their roof. Swift water rescue teams came from Scottdale and North

Huntingdon. However, before the Swift Water Rescue teams arrived on the

scene, our fire fighters had to rescue people from their cars with water

that was rising above the hoods. Bullskin attack was pumping out one

basement and then answered another call just down the road. As they

approached, water came out of nowhere and water was above the hood of

the vehicle instantly. The engineer then feared for the crew and

apparatus.

At this point no lives nor apparatus were lost and all remained in service.

Emergency shelters were opened in Bullskin and at New Haven Hose Co.

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in Connellsville. I received the call for the shelter in Bullskin. After

communication with the Red Cross, we were able to take several victims

to the Holiday Inn Express. I had information to help them get to their

cars. I took other victims to their homes by taking the back roads to

reach Connellsville. I had prayed with and for all of them before I left

them. As daylight broke, reality set in. Where there had been roads and

bridges, they were completely gone…and we still needed to proceed with

rescue operations. There were houses in the affected areas that were

uninhabitable.

This operation lasted for the Fire Services for six days. During this time

the members from the State, Penn Dot Contractors, County EMA officials

and numerous surrounding Fire Companies, as well as hundreds of

volunteers met at the command post each morning. We started off with

prayer. I used my pickup and utility trailer with a crew and we delivered

water, cleaning supplies, shovels, rakes, cleaning rags and numerous

other supplies to victims. My chaplain training really kicked in during the

distribution of materials. This was one of those times that we all learned

a slap on the back and, “You’ll be OK,” was not going to work. In fact, it

might end you down on your backside! Water levels rose above the

counter tops in the kitchens from two to four feet for some residents.

Local restaurants and businesses delivered hundreds of meals to families

and volunteers. Volunteers spearheaded not only cleaning up houses,

but laundering clothing from victims whose homes were flooded.

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I noticed one thing missing were the kids….. Families got the kids to

relatives to ride out this disaster. As for many of our young fire fighters,

I had many conversations on how it was amazing and how GOD watched

over everyone involved. For one elderly couple they were ripping up

carpeting -- just as a volunteer showed up. He was a carpet installer by

trade. God at work! You see I never mentioned loss of life or major

injuries to the hundreds of residents and volunteers. No injuries to the

First Responders. Are there things I would do differently? Of course.

We all find something after a disaster from which we learn. The things I

should have had in place were clergy from different denominations. I

couldn’t stay and listen and talk but for just a short amount of time. So

beginning the first of the new year I am having a meeting with local

clergy, fire chaplains, and our County EMA agency. My hope is to have a

plan in place in the event of any disaster.

Today I spent the morning as Santa for the Sheetz Family Christmas. It is

an event held every year for families having a difficult time. The Sheetz

employees use their own time to shop, wrap, and put together gift bags

for kids. Money is raised through Sheetz employees and customers. I

saw families that lost everything. The outpouring from people near and

far was over the top. Our communities are still a work in progress, but

we are back on our feet and running. May God watch over you as you

deal with disasters of any size.

Chaplain Paul N. Hammaker

Bullskin Twp. Vol. Fire Co.

Mid-Atlantic Region Director

Federation of Fire Chaplains

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you

and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future

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Pennsylvania Society of Chaplains Elects New Officers for 2017 At its 2016 fall conference, members of the Pennsylvania Society of

Chaplains elected several new officers to serve the organization.

Donrico Colden was elected as President-Elect to serve one year in that

position beginning January 2017, followed by two years as President

beginning January 2018. He is the retired Director of Pastoral Care

Services for Pinnacle Health System of Harrisburg. The position entails

serving as the chief executive officer for the Society.

Greg Bidgood Enders was elected to serve as Program Chair Elect for a

two year term followed by an additional two years as Program Chair. He is

currently a staff chaplain with Pinnacle Health System in Harrisburg. The

position is primarily responsible for all aspects of event planning and

production providing continuing education for the organization.

The third person elected is Faith Williams to serve as Membership Chair, a

three year position responsible for all activities related to membership

recruitment and retention. Faith is a staff chaplain for Phoebe Ministries,

Allentown. Congratulations to each of our new officers.

Each member of the Society is invited to serve with our leadership in order

to achieve the goals of the organization. When asked-please say YES.

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Puzzles & Pastoral Care

I was talking with colleague Sue Horst following our evening session at The

Spring Conference. And as we were talking about some things that provide

solace, sustenance, strength that equip us for ministry/life that at times is

overwhelming, exhausting, etc., we noted things like listening to certain kinds

of music. Some other activities that can serve to free the mind from “the

day,” I mentioned doing puzzles. I shared how I recently finished a 1000

piece puzzle of a rising phoenix that I plan to have mounted, framed and will

be given as a gift to my son & his new wife who are residents of Phoenixville.

They will have an appreciation for its significance in more ways than one.

I then expanded on the presence of puzzles in my life to note that in the

Long Term Care Setting where I work, several puzzles are in various stages

of being put together. And since I have been doing them most of my life, I

am comfortable as well as competent around them. The residents have

discovered this and the time I have spent to stop and participate with them

in these projects have often led to opportunities for conversation,

relationship building, and pastoral care. On any number of occasions these

casual conversations have led to identifying issues, concerns, needs, fears,

unfinished business that becomes grist for our conversation. So finding

pieces of a puzzle that fits here and there is like discovering the pieces of

their lives that need to be identified in order to see where they fit.

One person I have known for quite some time and is now a resident, said to

me one day as we were working on a puzzle, “I’m getting married this

weekend. You’re going to be there aren’t you?” It quickly became clear that

she was expecting me to preside. So began a conversation that lasted

several months, often while doing a puzzle together, unpacking what I

gradually discovered was a deep, personal piece of unfinished business that

needed resolution. Conversations gradually included some family members

who were aware of the issue and were quite concerned, staff who were

asked to do things and therefore also knew of the “impending wedding.” Her

pastor and a few members of the congregation also knew and were

concerned as well as other residents. It had become a rather public topic

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that left many with various reactions and feelings. Some were puzzled,

others just concerned and frustrated, knowing that it was “unrealistic” as

they would tell me when the resident was not present, to others who were

just uncomfortable, not knowing what to do or say, because they didn’t want

to cause hurt.

So I wondered for some time if the unresolved issue would ever find

resolution. I was hopeful, but concerned as was the family. But I had chosen

to stay in the moment, responding is a way that kept the conversation open,

keeping responsibility for any decision(s) that were under consideration

within the resident’s purview. So one day I got word from the Nurse

Supervisor that “Today’s the Day. She has put on a special blouse purchased

recently for the occasion. I was asked to cut off the price tag. She’s

dressed and ready to go.” So I go find her. She is sitting in the same room

where there is a table used to do puzzles. There are a few others around.

We greet one another & it quickly becomes clear that the time has come. So

I pull up a chair & we begin to talk about the day. The pieces that need to

be in place for this to happen are not yet in place, including the absence of a

groom (whom I had never met but knew his name as she often referred to

him). I even make a phone call to her congregation to review what she is

expecting to happen so I can confirm what is or is not in place.

This is added to other pieces that are also not coming together until it

becomes as clear as it has ever been, that what has been desired for a very

long time is not going to happen today, and that this is a realization that

what was hoped for many years earlier and had not happened then, is not

going to happen now. The grief gradually becomes palpable as this

realization sets in, the tears become very evident, the shoulders droop

showing disappointment and an inner emptying of the spirit can almost be

heard if not seen. A puzzle that was missing more than one piece and was

not going to be finished. She had on a beautiful white blouse with diamond-

like gems over the bodice and a black pants suit. After a time of pondering,

she said, “I guess these clothes will be my mourning clothes,” she said with

tears in her eyes. We stayed in the moment for some time, giving her an

opportunity to voice whatever feelings were inside that needed to come out.

This was only broken by the realization that the noon meal for the day was

ready. I walked with her down the long hall until we reached her dining room

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table. I did take some time afterwards to bring appropriate staff and

family up to date so they would be aware of what had transpired and be able

to support her out of a frame of reference of understanding.

There are some parallels in life like that of putting a puzzle together.

Sometimes the pieces one looks for come easily and are added quickly, while

others remain elusive, and try as one might, remain disconnected and are a

part of a maze that is just there. Sorting them out, getting the frame in

place so there is a context, and adding the individual pieces is like doing a

life review, that when done well, leaves one with a sense of completion,

accomplishment, joy and peace. And when this is shared with others, it

heightens or intensifies these feelings.

Puzzles can be so much more than just a past-time. Casual conversation,

when listening with an ear to possible open doors to concerns that are on

that persons table, can yield opportunities for pastoral care that can go

down a variety of paths. With time, sensitivity, insight, patience and

persistence, no telling how many puzzles can be assembled with a sense of

joyful accomplishment or at least a coming to peace with unfinished business

and a puzzle that comes together differently than one might have wished.

The time does come when the words “It is finished!” are appropriate.

David H Pflieger, R.B.C.C.

Chaplain, Lutheran Home at Kane, PA

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Love to the Rescue!

‘Twas the night of Thanksgiving, and all through the city

Not a shopper was resting, and that was a pity.

Instead, on the roads, the traffic was awful!

Why, what drivers were doing was downright unlawful!

The dishes were stacked from the feast they devoured,

While the wills of those shoppers were deeply empowered

To make sure that they made it the first into line

And get presents in hand, shouting, “That one is mine!”

There were folks of all ages, from toddlers to elders

Enriching the merchants and all other sellers.

The cash, it went flying; the credit cards, too.

ATMS – emptied fast, were replenished anew.

The lines – they were massive! The tempers – they flared

As some shoppers got nasty, and knuckles they bared

So to get that last item before it was taken,

For to make one more trip? That – they weren’t takin’!

When one mother just happened to turn her attention

To getting a gift. Then she happened to mention

The name of her six-year old daughter, Marie,

Who had vanished the scene. Oh my! Where could she be?

Marie had a mission she needed to do,

So she ran ‘cross the mall with her cent shining new

To give to the man who was ringing a bell

And smiled at her. He had nothing to sell

But a heart full of joy at that young child’s penny

That he saw as the total of the gifts of the many

Who had much more to give, yet ‘twas hidden away

In their handbags and pockets, in order to pay

The merchants who gleefully snatched up their cash

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And who, off to the bank, they ran in a dash.

The man with the bell in hand looked at the child

With a whimsical smile. He appeared quite beguiled

As he asked why she wanted to give him her cent

When there were other places it might have been spent.

“Oh, that is easy,” she said with a smirk.

“I know there are mommies who just work and work

To get their kids clothing and something to eat.

I really don’t need it.” Then she took a seat

By the man with the kettle, as a tear he had shed

That made other folks stop. Then one of them said,

“This child’s an example of what we should be,”

And took ten dollars out, and placed it with glee

In the kettle that, up until now, seemed quite hollow.

And it wasn’t too long before others would follow

And take out their ones and their twenties and tens

To share with the needy. While others took pens

And wrote checks to the “Army,” that November day,

And drove home from the mall, having little to say

As they noticed the poor much more kindly thereafter,

Sharing smiles and concerns, and even some laughter.

And to think it began with a child and a penny,

As her “giving bug,” filled with love, infected the many.

Marianne C. Sailus, BCC

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On Diversity of Ministries

On November 2, 2016: In my capacity as a volunteer Port Chaplain for the Seamen’s Church Institute, I visited onboard the m.v.1 AS Felicia – a feeder container vessel that was in the process of discharging Containers at the Packer Avenue Terminal in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I met Captain Mykola Kolyakin from the Ukraine and learned that they had just arrived from Alta Mira, Mexico and would be departing late afternoon for Newark, New Jersey. There were four different nationalities among the seventeen serving onboard – Ukrainian, Panamanian, Peruvian and Filipino. The AS Felicia had been built eight years ago in China and is owned by Ahrenkiel Steamship Company based in Hamburg, Germany. Capable of carrying 1296 teu2, the vessel is currently serving on a time charter between Central America and the USA. In November they were slated go off charter and will head across the Atlantic to Spain for drydocking. Time in port is very short for the crew of these vessels. Captain Kolyakin shared with me the extent of the communications that he is constantly receiving and answering from many sources over a wide span of time zones, resulting in intensive days. This is in addition to the traditional work of taking care of his vessel. We reminisced about the days past and how much life onboard has changed, some for the better and some for the worse, as Captain Kolyakin explained there is much to be said for paper charts and the list of lights that is missing on screen based systems. I also spent time with the Cook, Rommel Gordula. I sensed that he was upset and as we talked he told me that his son’s birthday would be a few days away on Friday November 4th. His son, Dhan, had passed away on February 14th at the age of just sixteen months having succumbed to Dengue Fever. The illness took Dhan’s young life within a week. I understood Rommel’s grief journey and shared with Rommel that this week was also significant for me as well, my son Colin had been born on October 31st and he died at three days old on November 3rd. In my case, this was 37 years ago. Rommel opened up about his feelings and I explained that I had travelled the same road as him and felt the same emotions. We both shared a tear as we reflected on the lives of our sons and how this

1 Motor vessel

2 Twenty-foot equivalency unit

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changes who we are as people. We had a moment of prayer before I left. I met many more of the Officers and crew during my time onboard. I was delighted to present a recent copy of a Seaways Magazine to Captain Kolyakin.

Chaplain David Reid AFNI with Captain Mykola Kolyakin

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Editor’s Note: I asked Chaplain Reid if he might share something with our members about his role as a workplace chaplain. He wrote back:

As a workplace chaplain, I interact with people at their place of work. My business background as a former CEO means that I have an understanding of the work environment and the impact of stress from within the workplace, and stress that individuals carry with them into the workplace from their everyday lives outside of work. As a chaplain, being available and present provides an opportunity for fellowship and conversation that allows a conduit for listening and potentially easing the burdens by having a nonpartisan listener. This offers a sounding board for sharing and is very much the domain of the workplace chaplain. The workplace is familiar territory and the hierarchical structure of employment is understood such that we can operate with a level of understanding as we listen to each individual. In my work with the Seaman’s Church Institute in Philadelphia, my eight years of service in the Merchant Marine as a Senior Officer enable me to comprehend the working environment for a seafarer, regardless of the flag or nationality of the crew. This allows me to ‘step into their space’ and be ready to listen to their story. I also volunteer at Hospice and serve Veterans who are under hospice care through the Veteran to Veteran program. This opens yet another window into hearing the stories of how these individuals served. Unfortunately, there is more and more stress and ‘burnout’ evident in the workplace, and enlightened companies are realizing that a “Spiritual Care” component is part of a smart Holistic Wellness program in today’s workplace. This has been highlighted by recent books such as, Mindful Work – How Meditation is Changing Business from the Inside Out, written by David Gelles of The New York Times.

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Notes and News

Marianne C. Sailus, BCC recently had her fifth book published through

Eastern Christian Publications of Fairfax, VA.

Tea with the Theotokos: Meditations on the Mother of God features sixty-two

meditations on Mary, derived from the Sacred Scriptures, the Tradition of the Eastern Church, and the Fathers of the Church. It is an introduction to the Mother of God from the Byzantine/Orthodox perspective, as used in liturgical services, iconography, and the sacred

poetry of the Early Church.

This, as well as all of her books are available on her website:

http://meditationsbymarianne.com or at the Publisher’s website:

http://ecpubs.com/product-category/spirituality

Marianne also writes “minitations” on her Facebook page, Meditations by

Marianne, several times a week and invites you to follow her on that page.

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Upcoming Events

SAVE THE DATE!!!

Event:: PA Society of Chaplains Annual Spring Conference -- 2017 Topic: In Process (TBA) Date: Thursday and Friday, April 27

th and 28th

Presenter: TBA Location: Bonjourno Conference Center, Carlisle, PA More information to follow in subsequent newsletters and on the website.

If you have an event you would like listed in our next newsletter, please

send it to the editor by March 1st at: jhchurchlady@gmail.com and we will

be sure to list it.