Companion Diocese: Sao Paulo, Brazil
In 2004, the Diocesan Conventions of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania and the Diocese of Sao Paulo, Brazil approved a companion relationship among the two dioceses. This relationship will allow members of congregations in Sao Paulo and Central Pennsylvania to share in each others' ministries and learn more about the state of the church in other locations.
The Diocese of Central Pennsylvania’s companionship with the Diocese of Sao Paulo recently marked its first anniversary. The many parish-to-parish relationships - exchanges of people, ideas, and gifts - between the two dioceses mark the highlight of this companion-ship. Bishop Creighton has commended the following prayer for your use in remembering this flourishing relationship:
Holy God, Holy and Merciful, we give you humble thanks for our companionship with the Diocese of Sao Paulo. When we were without a global partner you led us to brothers and sisters in Christ in Sao Paulo. They have been an immense gift to our life in Central Pennsylvania, and we give thanks to you, the Giver of all good things, for their presence in our lives. Quicken us in our constant prayer for each other. Guide our parishes who are companions with parishes in Sao Paulo. Visit our Episcopal Church ! Women and our young people who have developed bonds of affection. Bless Bishop Ito who leads and labors for your Kingdom. Encourage equip the fine lay and clergy leadership in the Diocese of Sao Paulo as they plant new congregations and enlarge the community of Christ's love among the people. On this 1st Anniversary of our Companionship we worship with grateful hearts and with hope stirred for our future together. We pray in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
New: Photos from Christingle´s Service, December 5, 2010 - Dancing perfomance, Clown (buffoon), and gifts for children at the Parochial Social Centre
New: Christmas 2010 Letter from Bishop Baxter to the Diocese of Sao Paulo
December, 2010 Newsletter from the Diocese:
Dear Overseas Friends,
The Organ Restoration Project
Thanks to the perseverance of Dean Aldo, Julian Thomas and Priscila Paes, this project was approved recently under the "Lei Rouanet" cultural umbrella. Our own Priscila prepared the project and Elisa Freixo, the Curator of the project, gave an excellent presentation to the church members regarding the many details involving the restoration our 130-year-old French organ. To confirm the importance of this project, articles were published in the "Estadão" and "Vejinha" The organ will now be dismantled and restored by the renowned organ builder Georg Jann in Blumenau.
The "Coral Sol Maior" Choir
A special Sunday service was held on 5th December when this choir was invited to sing Advent hymns and Christmas carols. The recital by this 'best age' choir was much appreciated by all present.
Christmas Bazaar
This annual bazaar was held on Saturday, 4th December and opened by Dean Aldo and his wife, Ana Paula, who thanked all the volunteers for their valuable time and support. The financial result was greater than the previous year and donated to the Instituto Anglicano, which will use these funds to purchase a van to transport food products to the children in the crèches. We take the opportunity to thank everybody who attended and supported this traditional event.
Christmas in the Crèches
As most of the readers know, the church members provide Christmas gifts to all the children of the crèches. The "godparents" each draw a child with their personal information. With this data, they purchase for each child a large sack of toys, clothes and shoes. On Sunday 12th December, half the children come to the 12:00 service and the other half come to the 18:30 service, where they participate and sing and also see Father Christmas. After these services, the children meet their "godparents" and receive their gifts and tender loving care until they are put on the bus. This is a special and magical occasion for all the children.
We take this opportunity to wish all our members and friends a meaningful Christmas and a blessed New Year, Michael and Sandy
Learn more about the Diocese of Sao Paulo.
As part of this companion relationship, more than a dozen parishes in each diocese have formed one-on-one relationships with one another. These companionships include:
Santíssima Trindade (São Paulo city) – St. John’s (Carlisle).
Santo Estevão (Araçatuba) – St. John the Baptist (York)
Sto. André (Pereira Barreto) – St. John’s (Lancaster)
Cristo Salvador (Mauá) – Trinity (Williamsport)
Sto. André (Campinas) – St. Andrews (State College)
Santa Cruz (São Paulo city) – Prince of Peace (Gettysburg)
Todos os Santos (Santos) – Trinity (Jersey Shore)
São João (São Paulo city) – St. James (Lancaster)
Catedral de São Paulo (São Paulo city) – St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Harrisburg
Santa Lídia (São Paulo metropolitan area) – Bangor, Churchtown
Cristo Rei (Registro) & Punto Missão El Dorado (El Dorado) - Northern Tier Parishes (Christ Church - Coudersport; All Saints – Brookland; St. Pauls – Wellsboro; & St. James - Mansfield)
São Lucas (São Paulo) – All-Saints (Hershey)
Campos Elísios (Campinas) – St. Luke (Altoona)
Missão Cálvaro (Mogi das Cruzes) – St. Pauls (Bloomsburg)
Paróquia Os Mártires – St. Luke (Mt. Joy) & St. Paul (Columbia)
Parque Belem (São Paulo city) – St. Luke (Mechanicsburg)
