Beloved of God, In these months following the outbreak of COVID-19, we have been working together diligently as a diocese to continue to “be church” in these unprecedented times, while upholding the safety of our people as our top priority. This priority has been the keystone on which we have built the diocesan guidelines for ...Read More
News Landing Page
Diocese Commits to Racial Justice & Latinx Engagement at Convention
The 149th Diocesan Convention, which was held October 3, was a groundbreaking meeting for the Diocese of Bethlehem. Due to limitations brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s gathering was the first convention of the Diocese of Bethlehem which was held virtually rather than in person. “This COVID moment has compelled us to ‘be church’ ...Read More
Bishop Kevin’s Convention Address 2020
Full video of Bishop Kevin’s address to the 149th Convention of the Diocese of Bethlehem, in which he presents five emerging priorities for the diocese: 1) Vibrant and stable congregations 2) Racial justice and advocacy for the most vulnerable 3) Lay and clergy formation 4) Creating new faith communities 5) Diocesan partnerships. View more videos ...Read More
Bishop Kevin Speaks at Anniversary Celebration of March on Washington
On August 28th, the Bethlehem area chapter of the NAACP held a 57th Anniversary Celebration of the March on Washington, where Bishop Kevin was asked to make an impromptu speech. Read a transcript of his message below My name is Kevin Nichols and I’m the Episcopal Bishop of Bethlehem. I’ve been here for just ...Read More
Transfigured Into Beloved Community: A Message From Bishop Kevin
Read a transcript of the message below. Hurricane Isaias was roaring its way through the diocese. Here in the Lehigh Valley, a storm was raging. The dogs demanded breakfast in bed, or under the bed in Annie’s case. And I know that feeling of terror. You may know it as well. When your only instinct ...Read More
Message from Bishop Kevin: Phase II Guidelines
Read the Phase II Guidelines Fill out your Parish Leadership List Read a transcript of the message below. “’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.’” -Jeremiah 29:1 We heard this familiar passage ...Read More
Racial Justice & Reconciliation Task Force to Hold Inaugural Meeting June 12
Crowd gathered at a vigil for George Floyd held by Lehigh Valley NAACP groups on June 6. Photo provided by the Rev. T. Scott Allen. In his May 29th message, The Primacy of Love Demands Justice and Racial Reconciliation,Bishop Kevin D. Nichols announced plans to form “a Racial Justice and Reconciliation Task Force, as we envision how ...Read More
Message from Bishop Kevin: The Primacy of Love Demands Justice and Racial Reconciliation
Dearly beloved of God, The outrage and horror over the brutal and needless murder of George Floyd, the latest in a string of brown and black people who have died senselessly, brings me to tears once again. The racial injustice that pervades our country and our communities leaves many terrified and in despair. The protests ...Read More
Trinity Soup Kitchen Returns to Roots to Help Those in Need
As the coronavirus continues to spread in the Lehigh Valley, Trinity Soup Kitchen, a ministry of Trinity Episcopal Church in Bethlehem, has been working to serve those in need safely. “The soup kitchen isn’t just soup,” said Elizabeth Russo, Coordinator of Trinity Soup Kitchen. “It is friendships and support-both material and emotional.” When the COVID-19 pandemic led ...Read More
Bishop Kevin’s May 3 Sermon at the Cathedral
Bishop Kevin’s sermon from the Cathedral Church of the Nativity on May 3, 2020, begins at the 29:15 mark. ...Read More
Message from Bishop Kevin: Phase Approach to Re-gathering
Read a transcript of the message below, or view the PowerPoint presentation. Surrender! Have you surrendered, yet? As many of you heard me say in the cathedral live stream Easter Sunday – this particular moment is one where we are called to let go and trust in the Risen Christ –despite our best instincts to ...Read More
A Message from Bishop Kevin: Suspension of Gatherings Until May 3
Assist us mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. As we continue to learn more about the current pandemic, we are discovering that more drastic measures ...Read More
Bishop Kevin to Lead Livestreamed Holy Week Services
Bishop Kevin will be present to lead livestreamed worship at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity for the following services during Holy Week and Easter: Palm Sunday | April 5 at 10am Maundy Thursday | April 9 at 7pm Good Friday | April 10 at noon Holy Saturday | CANCELLED Easter Sunday | April 12 ...Read More
Message from Bishop Kevin: Call to Suspend Worship Through Easter
Dear people of God, After careful consideration of the advice given by government and healthcare professionals, as well as Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and other local bishops and faith leaders, I am compelled to call upon all churches in the diocese to continue to suspend in-person gatherings of any size, including worship, through Holy Week ...Read More
Message from Bishop Kevin: Suspend All Operations, Including Worship
Dearly beloved of God, The health and safety of the people of the diocese is my top priority, and as people of faith, we must be willing to sacrifice in order to care for those in our communities. Through the course of the past few weeks, we have learned that one of the necessary steps ...Read More
A Message from Bishop Kevin: Coronavirus Recommendation Update
March 7, 2020 Dear clergy and people of the Diocese of Bethlehem, Today, I gathered with many in the diocese at the ordination of our newest priest. This wonderful celebration occurred within the context of the uncertainty with which we now gather as the people of God. With four presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 reported ...Read More
Nichols and Barebo Witness Renewed Hope in Kajo Keji
On February 17, Bishop Kevin Nichols and Deacon Charlie Barebo descended from their four-passenger plane in Moyo, Uganda, where they were greeted by Bishop Emmanuel Murye Modi and other representatives from the Diocese of Kajo Keji. It was a bittersweet moment. A 13-year partnership between the Dioceses of Bethlehem and Kajo Keji, dubbed “New Hope,” ...Read More
Bishop Kevin’s Seven New Tools for Ministry
Bishop Kevin shares his Seven New Tools for Ministry at a Eucharist held at the diocesan office Read a transcript of Bishop Kevin’s message below Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen. “Building something that we cannot see or know”—these words that first drew me to the Diocese ...Read More
Bishop Nichols and the Rev. Barebo to Visit Kajo Keji
Bishop Kevin D. Nichols and the Rev. Charlie Barebo will be visiting the Diocese of Kajo Keji, South Sudan later this month. “It’s a privilege to be able to see the partnership that has been forged between our dioceses over many years,” said Nichols. “I’m looking forward to building new relationships with Bishop Emmanuel and ...Read More
2020 Congregational Development Grants Awarded
Each year Congregational Development Grants are awarded to multiple parishes in the diocese. The goal of the grants is to assist congregations which are actively engaged with the diocesan vision of collaboration, connection, and adaptive change. “We want to live out our passions in a way that is life-giving,” said Bishop Kevin D. Nichols. “We’re ...Read More
Coats for the Community Gives Out 1600 Coats to Those in Need
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Montrose helped distribute over 1600 coats and accessories to keep locals warm this winter. This past December marked the 13th consecutive year of the annual “Coats for the Community” program. What was once a small event hosted by the local American Legion post has now become a collaborative effort between St. ...Read More
Stand in Solidarity with Our Jewish Sisters and Brothers
Dear beloved of God, The brutal stabbing at a Hanukkah party in Monsey, NY and the fatal shooting at a kosher supermarket in Jersey City, NJ are the most recent in an increasingly frequent string of attacks on Jewish people and congregations. What has been exceptionally troubling in recent years is the escalation of violence ...Read More
Bishop Kevin’s Christmas Message 2019
Bishop Kevin delivers his Christmas Message from Trinity Episcopal Church in West Pittston, which, after a period of turbulence, is seeking to rebuild and reach out to the community it serves. ...Read More
Making Worship Work for Young Families with Rise and Shine
When Heather Boggs and other leaders noticed a drop in attendance of young families at Christ Church in Reading, they started asking questions. “We had noticed they had been baptizing their children, but not coming regularly. We wondered, ‘What’s the stumbling block?’” The answer has led from sparse attendance from young families to a thriving ...Read More
Bishop Kevin’s Top 7 Thanksgivings: What are YOU Thankful for?
Those festive moments when we gather. I love Convention, visitations, community events, and dreaming about what the Spring Event will be like. Stories you have shared with me that speak to your resiliency and perseverance. All those who advocate for justice and reach out with compassion to the most vulnerable in our communities. The diversity ...Read More
Cookie Canon & Barista Dean Spread God’s Love in Morning Traffic
Morning commuters traveling on Wyandotte Street outside the Cathedral Church of the Nativity received a pleasant surprise on November 1: free cookies, coffee, and a reminder of God’s love. Early that Friday morning, the Very Rev. Tony Pompa, Dean of the Cathedral, and the Rev. Canon Dale Grandfield, Canon Missioner, handed out cups of coffee ...Read More
Thirsting and the Way of Love at the 148th Convention
“There is a deep thirst for God here in the Diocese of Bethlehem,” said Bishop Kevin D. Nichols in his address to the 148th Convention of the diocese. “For many, though, that thirst has not been quenched.” The first day of Convention began on a somber note, with Nichols discussing how the distrust that pervaded ...Read More
Baker Named Canon to the Ordinary for Mission Resources & CFO
Steve Baker has been named the Canon to the Ordinary for Mission Resources & Chief Financial Officer for the Diocese of Bethlehem. For the past year, Baker has been serving as Consulting Director of Mission Resources to support the work of Diocesan Council in the development of the strategic priorities of the diocese. In addition to his previous ...Read More
New Hope Update: Rebuilding Schools in Kajo Keji
In the midst of turbulence in South Sudan, New Hope Schools continue to educate girls and boys in the Diocese of Kajo Keji. Thanks to a peace agreement signed by President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Reik Machar last September, New Hope representatives report that it is now safer to travel more freely in-and-out of ...Read More
Statement from Bishops Against Gun Violence
Bishops Against Gun Violence, of which, Bishop Kevin is a member, released the following statement repudiating Christian nationalism and systemic racism. AUGUST 6, 2019—Since last weekend, three young white men—all American citizens, all in legal possession of assault rifles—have murdered more than 30 people in cold blood. Most of the precious children of God who ...Read More
A Message from Bishop Kevin: “Baltimore: the Greatest City in America”
“The greatest city in America” by James Cridland is licensed under CC By 2.0 Baltimore – the Greatest City in America As I drove from St. Mary’s Seminary to my favorite restaurant on Loch Raven Boulevard, I saw a bench that announced this truth. I have held that sentiment since arriving in Baltimore, Maryland in ...Read More
A Statement from Bishop Kevin: Reach Out in Love at the Border
I write to you this day broken-hearted. Vulnerable people, especially children are being mistreated, neglected, and are, tragically, even dying at our nation’s border. What is happening at detention centers is inhumane, deplorable and counter to the teachings of Jesus Christ, who tells us, “just as you did it to one of the least of ...Read More
Ramblings With No Destination: An Essay on Grief by Deacon Don Howells
Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans -John Lennon A while back, I received a letter from Ron, an old friend and former co-worker that I had not heard from in years. It was a pleasant surprise After some kind thoughts and “days of old” memories and promises to do ...Read More
Sandy Milien to Cohost “Way of Love” Podcast
Sandy Milien, Missioner for Community Engagement & Assistant to the Bishop, will be cohosting a podcast featuring Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. Hear ideas on how you can incorporate the Way of Love into your life, as Milien and cohost Kyle Oliver discuss the seven practices for a Jesus-centered life: Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, and Rest. “I believe ...Read More
Momentum Builds With Envisioning Retreat in Hazelton
Last month lay and clergy leaders from around the diocese, comprised in largest part by members of the Diocesan Council and Standing Committee, met at St. Peter’s in Hazelton to discuss a vision for the future of the Diocese of Bethlehem. Bishop Kevin D. Nichols called for the Envisioning Retreat in an effort to continue the momentum that ...Read More
Children & Youth of St. George’s Help Fund Navajoland Hogan Project
The Children and Youth of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Hellertown recently raised $1000 for the Hogan Project in the Episcopal Church in Navajoland. The Episcopal Church in Navajoland encompasses parts of Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona, and is unified by the Navajo language and culture. In recent years, the Episcopal Church in Navajoland has ...Read More
Easter Message from Bishop Kevin
A transcript of the message: Though many consider Easter to be a time to eat chocolate and paint beautiful eggs, we who have come to know Christ know that it is so much more. On Easter we celebrate all that God has done for us through Christ’s death and resurrection. This miraculous event, this rising ...Read More
Footage from Chrism Mass (Including Bp. Kevin’s Sermon) Now Available
If you missed this year’s Chrism Mass, you can still watch the livestreamed footage. The service begins around the 12 minute mark. Bishop Kevin’s sermon begins 30 minutes and 30 seconds in. ...Read More
Grace Montessori School Hosts Annual Scholarship Fundraiser
Grace Montessori School in Allentown will be hosting its annual Field Day Scholarship Fundraiser on Saturday, May 4 from noon to 3pm. Since it was founded in 1992, Grace has made it its mission to provide quality education to students in the Allentown area, regardless of their economic background. 30 percent of students who attend ...Read More
Canon Kitch Called to St. Luke’s in Phillipsburg, NJ–Special Service on April 7
A Letter from Canon Kitch: Dear friends and colleagues, I write to share the good news that I have accepted the call to become the next rector of St. Luke’s Church in Phillipsburg, NJ, Diocese of Newark. While I enter with joy this next season of my ministry, it is with a heavy heart that ...Read More
Ash Wednesday Message from Bishop Kevin
Bishop Kevin’s Ash Wednesday Message Transcript of the message: We are invited to a Holy Lent. We hear the words, “I invite you, therefore, in the name of the church…by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting and self-denial; reading and meditating on God’s Holy Word.”* “To Make a Right Beginning.”** During Lent we consider ...Read More
Letter from the Bishop: Staff Changes
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 ...Read More
Lehigh Valley Churches Create Formation Coalition
Episcopal Churches in the Lehigh Valley are banding together to offer more adult education programs to their members. The goal of Lehigh Valley Episcopal Adult Formation, or LEAF, is to pool resources and create opportunities for learning and fellowship among different Episcopal Churches. The Rev. Maria Tjeltveit, rector of Church of the Mediator in Allentown ...Read More
Christmas Message from Bishop Kevin
Christmas Message from Bishop Kevin from Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem A transcript of the message: I’m bringing you good news of great joy—born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. And suddenly there was with the angel a heavenly host praising God and singing, “Glory to ...Read More
Refugee Community Center Creates Partners for Ministry
Though new U.S. policies are limiting the number of refugees entering into the country, the Refugee Community Center at Church of the Mediator in Allentown is still providing a vital ministry to the community. “The low admission cap for refugees, and even less funding, means there just aren’t the new arrivals we had become accustomed ...Read More
Thanksgiving Message from Bishop Kevin
As I celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with my family, I have been reflecting on how spending the holidays with family can seem like a rerun of a special Thanksgiving episode of a TV series. Our families often have interesting characters that show up just around the holidays. We have difficult and uncomfortable conversations. And a ...Read More
Watch Footage of the Seating of the Bishop
Bishop Nichols was officially seated in the Cathedral Church of the Nativity on Friday, October 12, at the Convention Eucharist. Watch full footage of the service below. Bishop Nichols’ sermon begins at the 42 minute mark. ...Read More
Designer Who Created Bishop’s Pectoral Cross Explains Symbolism
Bishop Nichols’ pectoral cross, which was gifted to him at his consecration by the clergy of the diocese, was created by local designer Curtis Dretsch. Dretsch, the Director of Design and Technical Theater at Muhlenberg College, created the cross with designs and materials that carry special regional and theological significance. The following is an explanation ...Read More
Convention 2020 Videos
Watch the full Diocesan Convention livestream recording on Facebook Opening Worship Bishop’s Address Envisioning Team Presentation: Convocations, Church Fellowships, & Ministry Fellowships Treasurer’s Report Resolution 1: Clergy Salary Schedule for 2021 Diocesan Budget Presentation Resolution 2: Diocesan Budget for 2021 New Hope Update from Kajo Keji Resolution 3: Diocesan Racial Justice and Reconciliation Task Force ...Read More
Virtual Rules of Order
Login information The Diocese shall send by e-mail the link and/or URL and codes necessary to connect to the Internet meeting service at least one week before the date set for Convention to: all clergy entitled to vote pursuant to Article V of the Constitution, and Title I, Canon 1, Section 1 of the Canons ...Read More
LGBTQ+ Stories from the Diocese
To celebrate the unique beauty and diversity LGBTQ+ Episcopalians bring to our branch of the Jesus Movement, and as the Lehigh Valley celebrates Pride 2020, some LGBTQ+ members of the Diocese of Bethlehem will share stories of their pride in faith and identity. Para celebrar la belleza y diversidad única que los Episcopales LGBTQ+ aportan ...Read More