Episcopal Bishop to visit Yardley

The Rt. Rev. Daniel G.P. Gutierrez, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, will bring his emphasis on the church’s role in a changing world to Yardley at 10:15 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 29, when he visits St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, at 47 W. Afton Ave., to preach and lead confirmations in a service open to the entire local community.

The Rev. Hilary Greer, rector of the Yardley church, said Gutierrez is known for “flinging open the doors and resources of the church to serve all, helping Episcopal churches across the Philadelphia area transform into vibrant hubs of spiritual learning, health care, social services, and community life.

“St. Andrew’s has such a history of building justice and being a hub for the local community – from making and distributing thousands of meals every year through our Aid for Friends program, to helping refugees from Syria and Bosnia settle in the U.S., to hosting hundreds of people every week at one of the many recovery meetings held at the church – and pretty much everything in between,” said Greer.

“We are delighted to have the bishop with us on Sept. 29, to inspire and challenge us to consider how God is calling us to act in the face of some of the greatest challenges of our day. This is the heart of what it means to live our faith. We invite the entire community to join us.”

Gutierrez is the co-convener of Bishops United Against Gun Violence, a group of nearly 100 Episcopal bishops who have come together to explore means of reducing the “appalling levels of gun violence in our society, and to advocate for policies and legislation that save lives.”

“Living in Philadelphia,” said Gutierrez, “I see the scourge of urban gun violence in our community, and as a native of the West with family members who are in the military and serve as police officers, I have a particular perspective to offer on this issue.”

Gutiérrez serves as the 16th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. Before Gutiérrez was named to his current position in 2011, he had an extensive career in public service — including serving as chief of staff to the mayor of Albuquerque and as director of the Bernalillo County Economic Development Department.

The service will be followed by a block party on the stretch of church property near Lake Afton, with games and food available for all.

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