Dear Friends,
As I look forward to our first Advent season together in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, I invite you to consider observing this special time of reflection, prayer, and renewal in community. To that end, our diocesan Canon for Faith Formation and Evangelism, the Rev. Natalie Hall, is organizing an interesting program that will allow each one of us to participate and enrich our spiritual lives daily for five minutes via Zoom. Hence, I invite you to take part in 5-Minute Advent on Monday through Saturday evenings from 7:00-7:05 p.m.
Please note that 5-Minute Advent begins on Monday, November 29th, and ends on Wednesday, December 22nd. The series is called Expecting Life and will follow, verse by verse, Isaiah’s prophecy of God with us. Together we will prepare to celebrate the arrival of Jesus Christ into the world. Please share this news with your parish members and others who may be interested in an accessible way to observe Advent together.
Everyone in the diocese is invited to these 5-minute evening moments of reflection, which offer us an easy way to engage together in a meaningful spiritual practice.
Click here for our evening Zoom link. Passcode: Advent
I invite clergy and lay leaders alike to sign up to lead these brief services. Your participation as a worship leader will be a great contribution, and no special credentials are necessary. A faithful heart and a willing spirit are sufficient. What is more, Canon Hall is willing to help anyone who desires some assistance with preparing a reflection and prayer. Please click here to see her instructions on how to prepare, which will consist of writing a 2-3 sentence prayer and a very brief (single paragraph) reflection on the verse of the evening.
Please click here to sign up to lead. You will receive a confirmation email with the verses for your selected date(s).
Advent helps us to focus our attention on the presence of Jesus in our midst and to prepare for a meaningful Christmas celebration. It would be wonderful to share 5 minutes together in community during this Advent season, and to remember how God has given us a great and living hope through the life of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
May God stir in us renewed hope during these four weeks of Advent.
Faithfully,
The Rt. Rev. Ketlen A. Solak, D.Min.
IX Bishop of Pittsburgh