Dear Friends in Christ,

After prayerful consideration and consultation with Diocesan Council and Standing Committee, I wish to announce some changes in the arrangement of the staff at the diocesan office. My purpose in these changes is to build upon the momentum that is present, to increase missional support to our congregations, and to expand and strengthen the ministry of all the baptized as we pursue God’s mission in the Diocese of Bethlehem.

Ms. Sandy Milien will join the Diocesan staff as Missioner for Community Engagement/Assistant to the Bishop. A native of Miami, Florida, Sandy comes to the Diocese of Bethlehem after serving as Project Lead for the Episcopal Church’s Beloved Community StorySharing Campaign. Traveling the wider church, Sandy helped equip Episcopalians to become evangelists by sharing their stories of faith, community involvement, and racial reconciliation. In her new role, Sandy will assist congregations in developing community engagement efforts and provide scheduling, administrative, and canonical support to me as my Assistant. Sandy’s first day will be April 1.

Ms. Paula Lapinski has been promoted to Missioner for Finance and Administration. In this new role, Paula will provide support to congregational leaders in the administration of benefits and financial matters. Working closely with the Consulting Director of Finance & Mission Resources and the Diocesan Bookkeeper, Paula will develop and deliver financial reports; manage financial records and documents; and administer benefits in conjunction with the Church Pension Group (CPG). Paula will continue to support the administration of the diocesan office including the planning and execution of major diocesan events.

The Rev. Megan Dembi will become Missioner for Communications. In addition to her work managing the communications of the diocesan office, Megan will now work more closely with congregations to help them improve and expand upon their own communication efforts and offer support as they prepare for my visitations. She will also play a role in shaping our advocacy narrative. Megan will be in the diocesan office on most Tuesdays and Thursdays and will continue serving as Priest-in-Charge at St. Thomas in Morgantown.

Please be generous with us as we live into these new roles and responsibilities. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact me or any of the diocesan staff.

Together let us celebrate this new moment!

The Rt. Rev. Kevin D. Nichols
Bishop of Bethlehem