Bishop Kevin announces the following Clergy transitions in the Diocese of Bethlehem. In sharing this news, he spoke of the extraordinary Pentecost Dawns moment that is before us as we welcome over 20 Clergy leaders serving in new calls across the Diocese.
“Please join me in reaching out to our beloved clergy and offering your gratitude for their loving and faithful service. Together we have and will continue to carry out God’s mission and ministry with love, sacrifice and service to our most vulnerable neighbors. To those transitioning to new moments in their ministry, we offer our blessing and gratitude.”
Additionally, we celebrate newly retired clergy who have offered ministry over the last two decades.
Diocesan Staff:
The Rev. Canon Melinda Artman, was called as Northern Canon Missioner, Diocese of Bethlehem, effective November 1, 2020. Canon Melinda continues to serve as Rector of Church of the Redeemer and Pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Sayre.
The Rev. Canon Barbara Harrison Seward was called as Rector of Trinity Church (Easton) effective February 15, 2022. Canon Harrison Seward was also called as Southern Canon Missioner, Diocese of Bethlehem, effective February 1, 2022. Canon Barbara previously served as Rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Harrisonburg VA.
Cathedral Dean & Rector:
The Rev. Jonathan Stratton was called as Dean and Rector of Cathedral Church of the Nativity effective January 1, 2023. Rev. Jon previously served as Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Louis, MO.
Full-time Rectors:
The Rev. Dale Grandfield was called as Rector of Church of the Mediator effective April 1, 2022. Rev. Dale previously served as Canon Missioner at Cathedral Church of the Nativity.
The Rev. Michelle Moyer was called as Rector of St. Alban’s Church effective May 8, 2022. Rev. Michelle previously served as Chaplain at Phoebe Retirement Community in Allentown.
The Rev. Bryce Wandrey was called as Rector of Christ Church (Reading) effective January 1, 2023. Rev. Bryce previously served as Canon Missioner at Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston, SC.
Full-time Priests-in-Charge:
The Rev. Millard Cook was called as Priest-in-Charge of St. Thomas Church effective August 1, 2022. Rev. Millard was Received as an Episcopal priest on August 20, 2022.
The Rev. Bruce Gowe was called as Priest-in-Charge of Christ Church (Stroudsburg) effective August 1, 2022. Rev. Bruce was Ordained a priest on August 20, 2022.
The Rev. Jay O’Rear was called as Priest-in-Charge of Grace Church (Honesdale) effective October 1, 2022. Rev. Jay was Ordained a priest on August 20, 2022.
Full-time Assistants:
Rev. Scott Harvey, was called as Assistant Priest of Church of the Redeemer and First Call Pastor St. John Lutheran Church effective December 19, 2021. Rev. Scott was Ordained a Lutheran Pastor on December 19, 2021.
The Rev. Donna Lockhart was called as Assistant Priest of Trinity Church (Easton) effective November 15, 2022. Rev. Donna previously served as Curate at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, Madison Heights, MI.
The Rev. Maryann Philbrook was called as Curate of Cathedral Church of the Nativity effective June 6, 2022. Rev. Maryann’s Ordination to the priesthood is planned for February 2023.
Part-Time Priest-in-Charge:
The Rev. Elizabeth Grohowski was called as Priest-in-Charge of St. Paul’s Church (Montrose) effective July 29, 2022. Rev. Liz was Ordained a priest on February 26, 2022.
The Rev. Kurt Kovalovitch was called as Priest-in-Charge of Trinity Church (Pottsville), St. James’ Church (Schuylkill Haven), and North Parish (Holy Apostles Church (St. Clair) and St. John’s Church (Ashland)) effective November 1, 2022.
The Rev. Tyler Parry was called as Priest-in-Charge of St. Mark’s Church (Moscow) in April 2022. Rev. Tyler was Ordained a priest on April 24, 2022.
The Rev. Joe Rafferty was appointed as Priest-in-Charge of Trinity Church (West Pittston) effective April 1, 2021. Rev. Joe will continue to serve at Prince of Peace Church.
The Rev. Betsy Sentigar is called as Priest-in-Charge of Christ Church (Towanda). Rev. Betsy will be Ordained a Priest on November 19, 2022 at Christ Church (Towanda).
The Rev. Howard Stringfellow was called as Supply Priest-in-Charge of St. James & St. George Episcopal Church, Jermyn as of June 26, 2022. Rev. Howard will continue to serve at Church of the Good Shepherd (Scranton).
The Rev. Charlie Warwick was called as Priest-in-Charge (Supply) of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church effective June 1, 2022. Rev. Charlie will continue to serve at St. Clement and St. Peter’s Church and St. Andrew’s Church (Nanticoke).
Deacon Assignments:
Deacon Fran Hlavacek concluded her ministry as Deacon at Trinity Church (Easton). Deacon Fran is currently on Pastoral Leave.
Deacon Midge Pendergast has been assigned at St. Gabriel’s Church effective November 27, 2022. Deacon Midge previously served at Christ Church (Reading).
Deacon Christine Sutton has been assigned as Deacon of Trinity W. Pittston, effective June 1, 2022. Rev. Chris will continue to serve as Deacon at Prince of Peace Church.
Retirements / Resignations:
The Rev. Van Bankston retired as Rector of Good Shepherd Church (Milford) on July 31, 2022.
The Rev. Jane Bender has returned to retirement after serving as Priest-in-Charge at St. Margaret’s Church. Her ministry concluded September 30, 2021.
The Rev. John Francis retired as Rector of Christ Church (Reading) on August 1, 2021.
The Rev. Bill Martin will return to retirement after serving as Priest-in-Charge of St. Mark’s and St. John’s Church (Jim Thorpe) effective December 31, 2022.
The Very Rev. Anthony Pompa retired as Dean and Rector of Cathedral Church of the Nativity on November 28, 2021.
The Rev. Dennis Reid resigned as consultant to the Diocese of Bethlehem, leading the launch of our Convocations. Rev. Dennis was called as Rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Boise, ID effective May 1, 2022.
The Rev. Lexa Shallcross has returned to retirement after serving as Priest-in-Charge at St. John’s Church (Palmerton). Her ministry concluded September 25, 2022.
Interim & Supply Ministry:
The Rev. Cliff Carr has returned to retirement having concluded his ministry as Interim Supply Priest at Trinity (Easton). His ministry concluded February 15, 2022.
The Rev. Dr. Sidnie Crawford will return as Assistant Priest at Christ Church (Stroudsburg) effective March 1, 2023. Rev. Sidnie served as Priest-in-Charge at Christ Church (Stroudsburg) from February 8, 2021, to May 15, 2022.
The Rev. Jeffrey Funk has returned to retirement after serving as Supply Priest at St. James’ Church (Schuylkill Haven). His ministry concluded February 20, 2022.
The Very Rev. Barry Harte was called as Interim Dean and Rector at Cathedral Church of the Nativity, effective March 2, 2022. His ministry will conclude December 31, 2022. Rev. Barry previously served as Rector of The Church of St. Asaph, Bala Cynwyd, PA.
The Rev. Elizabeth Haynes has returned to semi-retirement after served as Supply Priest at St. Peter’s Church (Hazleton). Rev Beth will continue to serve as Chaplain to the Retired Clergy.
The Rev. Doug Moyer has returned to retirement after serving as Interim Priest at Christ Church (Reading) effective September 13, 2021. His ministry concluded October 1, 2022.
The Rev. Nancy Packard has returned to retirement after serving as Interim Priest at St. Alban’s Church. Her ministry concluded May 1, 2022.
The Rev. Peter Pearson has returned to providing supply ministry and leading retreats after serving as Interim of St. Mark’s Church (Moscow).
The Rev. John Wagner has returned to retirement after serving as Priest-in-Charge of St. James’ Church (Drifton). Rev. John has relocated to Albany, NY to be closer to his grandchildren.