2014–2015

2015 marks the 30th anniversary of the Community of Celebration’s move from Scotland to Aliquippa. We chose Aliquippa because we felt a strong call from God to embed our life and ministry among the urban poor. With the demise of the steel industry in the early 1980’s, Aliquippa fell on very hard times - economically, socially and spiritually. Over the course of the past 30 years our presence on the main street has been a sign of hope and encouragement to many. During the past eight years a relationship has been developing with a local ministry that has a most effective outreach to the youth of Aliquippa. Aliquippa Impact, a ministry of Crestmont Alliance Church, recruits college-aged people to spend the summer working in Aliquippa. Some of these young adults have decided to relocate here after finishing their education, to become part of the church ministry which is committed to the regeneration of Aliquippa. In addition to sharing a vision of the Kingdom of God growing in our town, we have shared many of our spaces with Aliquippa Impact, including accommodation in the Row Houses for summer workers, permanent housing for some relocating here, and office space in All Saints’ House. They also use our chapel for regular times of worship and teaching, and we have enjoyed using the backyard for celebrating summer holidays together.

Due to a variety of medical problems, Joe was unable to attend the 2014 conference, but he was able to entertain some overseas visitors while spending a month in a local rehab facility.

Christmas Dinner, 2013: James presenting his recently completed icon of St. George and the Dragon, commissioned by the Community as a farewell gift to the Stanleys

Luke, John and Alison Stanley were received as Companions at the final Saturday Eucharist before their departure for Australia.

Pictured with Bill and Joe are Howard, Jodi, Margaret and Phil (out of sight as the photographer)

In early October, Celebration was pleased to offer overnight hospitality for some fifty walkers on their way to Washington to call attention to the seriousness of climate change. Fellowship in the gathering space

Longtime Companion Mary von Minden died peacefully on August 14, 2014, one month before her 91st birthday, after a very brief illness. A New Zealander by birth, she lived most of her adult life in Texas with her husband, Clinton, and their family. After Clinton’s death, Mary moved to Aliquippa in 2002 to be near her son, James and the Community of Celebration. She lived in the Row Houses and was a regular participant in our worship times and other gatherings. She is survived by her three children, Richard, Margaret and James, and two grandchildren, Rachel and Sarah. A memorial service was held at Celebration’s Chapel of the Holy Spirit. We will miss her faithful presence among us.

Bishop Dorsey McConnell, Diocese of Pittsburgh, preaching at the Saturday Eucharist during his first visit to the Community

An exploration of desert spirituality addressing the practical question “where is God in life’s dry and dark times?” We shall begin with biblical images of the desert, introduce 4th C. desert Christianity, consider the gifts of desert time and the characteristics of the desert guide. Along the way, we shall meet some interesting desert Christians.

Speaker: The Rev. Bonnie Thurston, Ph.D. Bonnie has written or edited 18 theological books and published 5 books of poetry. She taught at the university level for 30 years. In 2002 she resigned a chair and professorship to live quietly near Wheeling in her home state of West Virginia.

James is planning to take a two-month sabbatical September-October 2015. He will be walking the historic El Camino de Santiago in Spain. Donations to support his pilgrimage may be sent to Celebration, memo line: James.

In early August, 2014, former Community members Ruth Wieting and Håkan Joëlson made a quick visit on the way from Sweden to Ruth’s family reunion in Texas.