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August 13 & 14, 2022, 10th Sunday after Pentecost: Fire and Passion for God, by the Rev. Canon Fred Miller

Aug 14, 2022

In the Name of the Spirit among us Who is One, Holy, and Living within each one of us, drawing us into community, calling us to be one, and sharing love with us all.

Luke writes of Jesus: “I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” When we hear those words from Jesus about fire and how he wishes the fire was already lit. It is alarming, until I link those words with ministry & mission. Unfortunately, if we can admit it, ministry & mission are words heard so often that they are not electrifying until those words are linked to meaning, purpose, & direction, and the meaning Jesus wants for us today, in this place is to loose the bonds of injustice, to lift up the broken hearted, & let the oppressed go free. Another way to hear these words of Jesus from our story might be this way: “I came to bring a passion & a zeal for ministry & mission. That ministry & mission that I have shown with my life is this; to loose the bonds of injustice, to lift up the broken hearted, & let the oppressed go free.” 

Passion & zeal, do we have it? Do we share it? One of my favorite hymns when I was very young that inspired passion & zeal was hymn #293 “I sing a song of the saints of God” because it tells about all the many who have gone before us, but perhaps most especially because it tells about those beside us and around us, “You can meet them in school, or in lanes, or at sea, in church, or in trains, or in shops, or at tea”. Many here within these very walls today, have given a bold witness at times in the face of great opposition and yet they remained true. But most of all, that hymn inspired me at a young age because it ends with a calling, a personal calling, I accepted years ago, “and I mean to be one too.” It is humbling to admit. I want to live out that passion & zeal for which Jesus invites us from the Hebrew Scriptures of Isaiah, those words Jesus read in the synagogue at the very beginning of his ministry, to loose the bonds of injustice, to lift up the broken hearted, & let the oppressed go free. 

May we have the strength of the Spirit bringing love over all the earth. But, good people, my flesh is weak and my will wavers in the face of the mighty winds of opposition. When I see hoards of people flock to the voices of authoritarianism silencing the voices of the poor. I think to myself, my father fought in WWII to bring about a new order in the world leaving behind the authoritarianism in north Africa, & Italy & heading to Japan from the base in Washington state before the bomb dropped on Hiroshima & Nagasaki in this very month of August 1945. Growing up, I was certain it was part of our national DNA to show the world a way apart from authoritarianism. I was taught what America stood for was that all voices were to be counted. I marched in my high school band year after year with the veterans of WWII proud of these who defended the oppressed around the world.

Years earlier when my family moved back from St. Louis to New Jersey I attended an elementary school that only a few years before was forced to eliminate the separate school for people of color. Teresa, a black girl in my class, was assigned “my partner” sitting directly behind me at first, and then our desks were side by side. She was to help me catch up in 4th grade with some of my subjects from Missouri where I was behind, and I found I could help her with math. I was convinced my country was becoming that place where all voices were to be heard & represented. People were marching for civil rights, the kind of equality I saw Jesus lift up. You remember from the Jesus stories; the outcast, women, children, lepers, including those who believed differently, a Gentile Centurion, & a Samaritan woman at the well to name a few. There were terrible & vicious setbacks, even leading to the death of Jesus, but there also were those who carried on.

We are those called to go on with the fire of passion & zeal despite the obstacles. In his day, Jesus was up against the authoritarian rule of the Roman Empire, one of the largest & strongest known on earth. Pontius Pilate gave the order to crucify Jesus who dared to stand against the power of his day because people were cheating the poor in the Temple. It’s hard to imagine such an important shrine, but that Temple money affected the whole economy of the region. 

Today authoritarianism seeks to align with White Power, Christian Nationalism, & antisemitism. Alluring those who wish to throw off all restrictions to polluting our environment, to go back to days when it was easier to discriminate against people of color so they could not purchase the same inexpensive housing or have the same job opportunities, or have their children receive an equal education or even have basic healthcare. Authoritarianism attempts to entice those who would go back to days when women followed the lead of men in all things, spilling over to reproductive rights, back to days when whites of male gender excluded any who identified as LGBTQ. Self-disclosure, I resemble those last two characteristics, white & male. 

Authoritarianism seeks to appease those with wealth & influence for the soul purpose to keep power. Authoritarianism does not create equality as it promotes an atmosphere of scarcity & fear. We would hear the lie that, “Society would break if we cared for all people, so healthcare & education can only be provided to those who with their own funds can afford it. Since children, women, the LGBTQ community, and especially people of color have been historically & systematically oppressed they are the ones who suffer, and we cannot allow that anymore. Jesus saw this in his own time and raised up all people. 

Authoritarians point to sexuality as the greatest threat to our civil society. Authoritarians take rights away from young mothers, and our LGBTQ sisters & brothers, but it won’t stop there. Jesus made no barrier to inviting the woman who had 5 husbands and was now living with another. He paid no attention to those who scolded him for socializing & eating in the presence of prostitutes. Like this societal exploitation of sexuality is solely the responsibility of women. We need to teach the world that our Jesus would have led us away from sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking & sexual exploitation of any kind. 

Our Jesus spent time teaching & making friends among the outcasts. The poor & the outcasts at the far end in Jesus day were prostitutes & tax gatherers. Who are the poor & the outcasts at the far end in our day, that following Jesus, we can raise up?

Jesus warned us that divisions will come when we take this stony path, “father against son and son against father, mother against daughter,” and so on. The south wind Jesus mentioned is already blowing, and the scorching heat is already here. 

Martin Luther King in his, to this day, compelling book “Where do we go from here”, tells how the oppressors will tell lies, and make up stories to divide the people. That book “Where do we go from here” was published the year after he died, but it was clear then and it is clearer today, the lies continue. 

For those moving on: we take heart that we are not alone, across the seas Pacific Islanders raise awareness of rising sea levels & polluting ocean waters, and they continue on. Our nation is reaching out to our historic European allies to protect against the bullying tactics of the mighty against the weak, while Sweden & Finland join our alliance. In our nation we are leading away from gun violence, by enhanced background checks for those under 21, new laws prohibit abusive partners from possessing guns, and we will benefit from expanded mental health services for children & teens. For those continuing on, we are expanding healthcare for 3.5 million veterans. We are anticipating the possible hostage of the semiconductor industry with a $52 billion investment in semiconductor manufacturing, which runs everything from our lighting, our heating, and the transportation many used to get here today. Many are continuing on, and we can join this caring for our neighbor, as love continues to spread.

The work ahead will take fire, passion, & zeal for our mission. We can break down these walls that separate us. We must stand strong as the authoritarian storm is coming. We must stand united because it is a formidable temptation. We must stand united for the cause of love. As Jesus stood in the midst of tyranny many years ago, he shared love, we must stand united with Jesus pointing the way. 

May it be so.“

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Clergy & StaffStuart Scarborough

Property Manager

Rev. Stuart Scarborough, Deacon, joined St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral part-time as a Property Manager after migrating northward from the Diocese of Maryland when his wife, Rev. Anjel Scarborough, was called to be Rector of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Hershey. Prior to relocating, Stuart spent 13 years managing facilities, including three years as Facilities Operations Director for St. John’s Episcopal Church and Parish Day School in Ellicott City, MD and, before that, ten years as Director of Operations at the Claggett Center, Maryland’s Diocesan conference, retreat and camp center in Adamstown, MD. Prior to this, Stuart, who has a BS degree in Chemical Engineering from Virginia Tech, worked for 20+ years in manufacturing. Stuart and Anjel have two adult children; Martin, who lives in Cockeysville, MD and Erin, who lives in Newark, DE.

As Property Manager, Stuart will oversee the care and maintenance of all the Cathedral buildings and property. In addition to this part-time role, Stuart is also serving part-time as Property Manager for the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. In this role, Stuart will look after all buildings and properties that are owned by the Diocese, but are not parishes. Further, Stuart has been assigned as Deacon to Mt. Calvary Episcopal Church in Camp Hill.

Clergy & StaffMichael Frascella

Facilities Manager

Michael Frascella has served as our part-time Facilities Manager for several years.  He works diligently to see that our campus stays beautiful, our buildings are problem-free, and that there are inviting and welcoming spaces for all who enter our doors.  Michael is a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral and is the father of two adult children and the grandfather of 4. 

Clergy & StaffMicalagh Moritz

Director of Formation for Young Adults and Youth

In 2021, Micalagh transitioned into the role of Director of Youth & Young Adult Formation. She previously served as the Sycamore House Program Director, starting in 2017. She has over 15 years of experience in various community nonprofits in Harrisburg, Belize, and Washington, DC.

She majored in Human Development & Family Science in college, and continued on to receive her Masters in Social Work. She has a counseling and therapy background, which is applicable to many areas of life-both on the job and off. She has worked with youth and young adults in many different settings, including through Harrisburg-based after-school programs, through the Sycamore House, as Director of a study abroad program in Belize, and through teaching college courses locally.

She is passionate about helping to create healing spaces for people to grow and learn, exploring the intersections of faith and justice, and building bridges between people of various backgrounds. She is also passionate about spiritual formation as an integral part of building community.

Micalagh lives in Harrisburg and can often be found riding her bike up Riverfront Park, in a local café, or walking to Broad Street Market. She is married to Joshua Moritz, a middle school Case Manager and farmer at heart, and they have 2 children who attend St. Stephen’s Episcopal School. 

Clergy & StaffFred Miller

Canon Pastor

The Rev. Canon Fred Miller began on staff as Canon Pastor for spiritual care July 2020.

Fred is a MDIV graduate of the Episcopal Divinity School with graduate studies in Congregational Development at Seabury Western Seminary, and marriage and family counseling at Trinity Counseling Center, Princeton. He served 4 parishes in New Jersey before coming to Central PA at All Saints’, Hershey. After receiving certification with the Interim Ministry Network he served in NJ, & Kansas, before returning to this diocese, working in Altoona, State College & Williamsport. Serving with the YWCA as a volunteer, retired Red Cross volunteer and as a previous College Chaplain in two states has opened the possibilities of living into the Episcopal Church becoming a bridge to interfaith relations.

Married to Kris with whom we proudly share three children, now grown. Fred enjoys outdoor activities, simple meals, and quiet conversation.

Service OpportunitiesSt. Barnabas Children's Ministry

Uptown Harrisburg

St. Barnabas was founded by our own Bishop Charlie McNutt and Bishop Guy Edmiston from the Lower Susquehanna Synod. Located in Uptown Harrisburg, St. Barnabas offers children ages 7 – 12 an 8-week summer day camp. A variety of experiences allow spiritual, emotional, physical, educational & social growth. St. Stephen’s provides food for the children, along with volunteers to prepare, serve and clean up.

Service OpportunitiesDowntown Daily Bread

Downtown Harrisburg

Downtown Daily Bread is a soup kitchen located at the Pine Street Presbyterian Church. Their mission is to provide services for the homeless & feed the hungry (40,000 meals/year) 7 days a week including weekends & holidays. On the first Sunday of every other month from approximately noon until 2 p.m., St. Stephen’s serves the food trays and then helps clean up afterward.

Service OpportunitiesSusquehanna Harbor Safe Haven

Uptown Harrisburg

Operated by the ecumenical group Christian Churches United, Susquehanna Harbor is a residence for homeless men. St. Stephen’s, along with other churches and service groups, is responsible for staffing the 25-unit overnight shelter several weeks each year.

Service OpportunitiesArtsFest

Downtown Harrisburg

Artsfest is always held the weekend of Memorial Day, Saturday through Monday, with St. Stephen’s members serving hot dogs, hamburgers, snow cones and beverages, while tours of the Cathedral are offered along with free organ concerts every hour. The profits from our ArtsFest work are all dedicated to a selection of service groups in the city.

Service OpportunitiesCommon Ground Cafe

Allison Hill - Harrisburg

When is a breakfast more than just a meal? When it is a community center, a kids’ craft session, a book nook for adults, a reading program and book giveaway for children, an opportunity for family members and neighbors to visit in a warm, welcoming place.

Please join the volunteers and community members who make all of this happen on the last Saturday of every month at the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg at 1508 Market St. We serve about 250 people at each breakfast, so we need cooks, waiters, greeters, coffee servers, readers, a set up crew, dishwashers, piano players, and anyone who just wants the best breakfast in town!

Service OpportunitiesLittle Free Food Pantry

Jessica McClard launched the grassroots mini pantry movement on May 2016 in Fayetteville, AR, when she planted the Little Free Pantry Pilot, a wooden box on a post containing food, personal care, and paper items accessible to everyone all the time no questions asked.

Service OpportunitiesRMMS

We participate in an organized program to support and encourage refugees hoping to make the U.S. their home.

Serve in WorshipLay Worship Leader

Do you have an interest in leading prayer and worship services that do not require ordained clergy? By receiving a license as a Lay Worship Leader from the Bishop of Central Pennsylvania, you will be able to lead the congregation in Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, and other prayer services. This ministry requires significant study and preparation, and is open to all baptized and confirmed members of the church. 

Serve in WorshipLay Eucharistic Minister

Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEMs) assist the clergy at the altar by distributing Holy Communion to members of the congregation. LEMs are scheduled based on their availability to serve one or more Sundays each month. This ministry is open to all baptized and confirmed members of the church, after attending two hours of training and receiving a license from the Bishop of Central Pennsylvania.

Serve in WorshipTechnical Guild

Are you looking for a behind-the-scenes way to get involved? Consider joining our technical crew and learning to operate our sound and light systems. Sound and Light Technicians facilitate worship services by ensuring that sound levels and amplification are appropriate, and that lighting is used to highlight the liturgical action. Some training is required.

Serve in WorshipGreeter

Greeters are the public face of the Cathedral on Sunday mornings. Our greeting team welcomes guests and members alike, and helps guests find a seat and matches them up with a member to assist them in the service.

Serve in WorshipUsher

One of the primary functions of an usher is to guide guests and members to various parts of the Cathedral (restrooms, parlors, nursery, etc.) and to assist with any special needs (e.g. wheelchair access). Ushers are also trained to summon help in the case of any emergencies.

Serve in WorshipPrayer Leader

Prayer Leaders lead the Prayers of the People during worship services. Prayers are led from among the congregation, with prayer leaders adding a prayer of their own choosing to reflect the needs of the moment. All persons are eligible for this ministry — a brief orientation session is available to help prepare you for leading prayers.

Serve in WorshipLector

Lectors proclaim the Word of God by reading from the Old Testament and the New Testament during worship services. Lectors are scheduled based on their availability. All interested persons are eligible to become lectors by attending a 30-minute orientation session.

Serve in WorshipAcolyte

Acolytes carry the cross and torches at processions and help the priest prepare for Holy Communion. This ministry is ideal for youth (grades 7 and up), and is also open to adults. A brief training session is offered to help you learn the job. Acolytes are scheduled on a rotating basis.

Clergy & StaffGene Schofield

Parish Nurse

Gene was born and grew up on family farm in MN. After getting her Bachelor’s degree in nursing, she worked at a Navy hospital where she met and married her husband, Mike. The mother of 4 (Kirsten died of CP complications at age 40) she keeps busy with her children, her 9 grandchildren and her great-granddaughter. Gene returned to work in nursing after her children were in middle school with her last position being a Hospice nurse until her retirement in 2008. Gene is available to assist the newly diagnosed, helps with securing durable medical equipment and checks in with those on our prayer list on a weekly basis.

Clergy & StaffJordan Markham

Director of Music

Jordan R. Markham studied at The Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University and Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. He is a classically-trained lyric-baritone, pianist, organist, and conductor, having previously studied under the Grammy-winning baritone, William Sharp and soprano Susan Solomon Beckley of Bucknell University. For two years he was a professional chorister at The Washington National Cathedral, and was a paid chorister and soloist in The Handel Choir of Baltimore. While with the Handel Choir, he sang the tenor solo role of Apollo in Handel’s Semele, the tenor solo in Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy (both with full orchestra), and the tenor solo in Benjamin Britten’s Rejoice in The Lamb. Prior to this, he sang the baritone solo in Rossini’s  Petite Messe Solennelle with the Peabody Singers and most recently has been heard singing the baritone solo in The Seven Last Words Of Christ by Theodore Dubois, accompanied by a full orchestra.

Throughout the past decade, Mr. Markham has performed at The Meyerhoff Symphony Hall with The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Nobuo Uematsu, composer of the soundtracks for the Final Fantasy Games. He has also sung at Carnegie Hall, The Boston Symphony Hall, and the Jackie Gleason Theatre. He has been active in the musical theatre scene for over a decade directing, accompanying, and acting in theaters throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland. Mr. Markham has most recently been seen in South Pacific with The Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, as “Jimmy” in Reefer Madness, “Peter” in Bare: A Pop Opera, and as “Chip” in The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee, for which he was also the music director and whose cast received a nomination by Broadway World for Best Ensemble. He has also performed onstage with the Peabody Opera in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte and  Cosi fan tutte, Verdi’s La Traviata, and Leoš Janáček’s The Cunning Little Vixen.

Mr. Markham is currently the Artistic Director and Conductor of The Central Pennsylvania Womyn’s Chorus, and a co-founding member of Allegro con Fuoco, a keyboard duo with Tyler A. Canonico, and proudly serves as the Director of Music and Organist at St Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 

Clergy & StaffCindy Harbert

Administrator | Email: charbert@ststep.org

Cindy Coombs Harbert joined the staff at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral in 2017.  Most of Cindy’s professional career has been centered around non-profit administration.  Cindy holds a BA in social work and education from West Virginia Wesleyan College and has completed graduate coursework in counseling at Messiah University. The mother of two adult children, she enjoys traveling, volunteering in the community, watching field hockey, and exploring new places that she hasn’t visited before.

Clergy & StaffMichael Nailor

Deacon

Michael was born and raised in Mechanicsburg, PA as a member of First Evangelical United Brethren (United Methodist) where he was active throughout childhood and as a young adult.  He came to the Episcopal Church while he was in college at the University of Pennsylvania.  The pioneering women of the “Philadelphia Eleven” had just been irregularly ordained and the church was struggling with the role of women in leadership. Michael was drawn to a church that was willing to deal with – sometimes successfully, sometimes not – the important social justice issues of the day. 

Agreeing to disagree but still staying in communion around the Holy Table appealed to this English teacher and debate coach throughout his 41-year career in education.  Michael serves the Diocese of Central PA as a deacon at St. Stephen’s Cathedral as he has since his ordination in 2018. He also works at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral.

Clergy & StaffAmy Welin

Dean | Email: adwelin@ststep.org

The Very Rev. Dr. Amy D. Welin has been serving as the Dean of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral since August 2017.

Prior to her priestly ordination, Amy worked as an instructor of medieval and world history, an insurance claims processor, and a pastoral associate in a large mid-western church. Before accepting the call  of the Cathedral Church of St. Stephen in Harrisburg, she served a variety of parishes in the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, as a member of the Standing Committee and the Chapter of Christ Church Cathedral.

One of the founding members of the Episcopal Clergy Association in Connecticut (ConnECA), and a prior board member of the Network of Episcopal Clergy Associations (NECA), Amy devotes her energy to issues of clergy and parish wellness.

Married to Greg Welin, who is also an Episcopal priest, and mother of four young adults, Amy likes to garden and practice yoga in her free time.