|
|
[ENS] Archbishop of Canterbury announces Covenant Design Group members
[Source:
Lambeth Palace] The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan
Williams, announced January 9 the members of the Covenant Design
Group that he has appointed in response to a request of the
Joint Standing Committee of the Primates' Meeting and of the
Anglican Consultative Council. The group will meet under the
chairmanship of the Primate of the West Indies, Archbishop
Drexel Gomez, and includes experts in canon law, the nature and
mission of the church and ecumenical relations from around the
Communion. In addition to a small core group, Williams is also
appointing a wider circle of corresponding members, who will be
assisting the Group's work.
Presiding Bishop responds to President Bush's speech on Iraq
[ENS] Noting that "the road to peace goes through Jerusalem not Baghdad," Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has responded to President George Bush's January 10 speech on and related U.S. military activity. The complete text of Jefferts Schori's statement follows.
While I welcome President Bush's recognition that the situation in Iraq is unacceptable, I am deeply saddened by his failure to address peacemaking in the context of the whole region. It is a mistake to view Iraq only through the prism of terrorism. Others have pointed out that the road to peace goes through Jerusalem, not Baghdad. In order to bring peace to the Middle East, not just Iraq, and the land we Christians call holy, there must be a comprehensive regional plan that culminates in a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians. Our country must engage diplomatically not only the U.N., European Union and Russia, but all the nations in the Middle East, including Iran and Syria. Diplomacy, built on a foundation of mutual respect and interest among people of good will, not more troops, can bring an end to this tragic conflict. We continue to pray for our soldiers and their families, as well as for all the people of the Middle East, seeking God's wisdom in the search for peace with justice, for shalom and salaam.
Bishop Henderson, Diocesan Executive Council and Standing Committee endorse bishops' proposal for "Alternative Primatial Oversight"
At a meeting on January 13, the Diocesan Executive Council of the Diocese of Upper South Carolina, in its role as council to the Bishop as well as in its role as Standing Committee of the Diocese, passed a resolution in support of the November 26, 2006, proposal for Alternative Primatial Oversight produced by a group of bishops of the Episcopal Church who met at the suggestion of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The resolution, which has been distributed as directed in paragraph 5 below, reads as follows:
Whereas, a group of bishops of the Episcopal Church have asked the Archbishop of Canterbury to provide their dioceses “Alternative Primatial Oversight” in their letter titled "An Appeal to the Archbishop of Canterbury;" and,
Whereas, a group of bishops of the Episcopal Church has met with the Presiding Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori, and, on November 27, 2006, has drafted a preliminary response to that request; and,
Whereas, the Archbishop of Canterbury has expressed interest in knowing the minds of as many Bishops and Dioceses of the Episcopal Church as possible concerning the proposal of this group of Bishops;
Therefore, be it resolved that we, the Diocesan Executive Council of the Diocese of Upper South Carolina, in our role as Executive Council as well as in our role as Standing Committee of the Diocese, go on record with the Archbishop of Canterbury via this resolution as supporting the proposal developed in November 2006 by the aforementioned group of bishops as a reasonable set of proposals that addresses the requests for "alternative Primatial oversight” in a way that moves the discussion in a positive direction; and,
Be it further resolved that this resolution be shared also with the Presiding Bishop, the House of Bishops, the President of the House of Deputies, Episcopal News Service, Anglican Communion News Service, Episcopal Life, and The Living Church.
Two Upper South Carolina youth to serve on national committee
 |
 |
Lisa Bailey and Ryan Benitez have been chosen to serve on the
leadership committee for EYE 2008. EYE (Episcopal Youth Event) to be held in late July or early August 2008, is a national
event held every three years for Episcopal youth around the
country. EYE 2005 was held in Berea, KY.
Lisa is a member of Trinity Cathedral, Columbia, and an active
member of the Diocesan Youth Leadership Team. Lisa has attended
and served on the staffs of many diocesan events. She attends Heathwood Hall and is in the
11th grade. Ryan is member of
St. Bartholomew’s, North Augusta, and an active diocesan youth.
He participated in the Gulf Coast Summer Mission trip and
recently attended Happening #56. He attends North Augusta High
School and is in the 10th grade.
The EYE design team is composed of adults and youth who
make all the plans for this national event. Lisa and Ryan will
attend design team meetings over the course of the next year.
This is a huge responsibility and a great honor for them. Please
keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they plan this
phenomenal event.
85th ECW Convention February 9-10
All
women and clergy in the Diocese of Upper South Carolina are
cordially invited to the 85th Convention of the Episcopal Church
Women of the Diocese of Upper South Carolina on February 9, at
Still Hopes, West Columbia, and February 10, at All Saints',
Cayce. As in years past, the convention will celebrate the many
and varied ministries of the women of our diocese. The theme
this year is “Sharing the Water at the Well, "inspired by Jesus'
encounter with the Samaritan woman.
The weekend begins on Friday, February 9, with an evening of celebration at Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community in West Columbia. Evening Prayer is at 7:00 pm., followed by a time for sharing stories from 85 years together in the ECW of Upper South Carolina. Be sure to invite long-term, short-term, and new members of your church family to come to the party.
Saturday, February 10, we convene at All Saints, Cayce, with registration and fellowship, followed by Morning Prayer. The guest preacher is the Rt. Rev. William J. Skilton, bishop suffragan of the Diocese of South Carolina. Bishop Skilton, born and raised in Havana, Cuba, has served parishes in South Carolina and the Dominican Republic. He serves as chair of the Standing Committee on World Mission of the National Church, president of the Board of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge/USA, and on the Board of the Episcopal Church Missionary Community. In addition he serves as the Province IV consultant for Companion Dioceses of the Church and is convener of the Iglesia Anglican de la Región de Centro American. Bishop Skilton will share his enthusiasm and charm, as well as his passion for mission and ministry.
Bishop Henderson consecrates Heathwood Hall's
new chapel
On January 5, Bishop Henderson consecrated the new Chapel of the Epiphany at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School.
He is pictured here knocking on the door as the service begins.
Ground was broken for the Heathwood chapel in September 2005.
Photo by Jim Covington, courtesy of the Columbia Star.
Camp Gravatt registration now under way
Register your child now for Camp Gravatt 2007. At Camp Gravatt campers make
friends, share in an affirming, Christian community, experience
unconditional love, and have fun! Activities include archery,
arts-and-crafts, canoeing, swimming, challenge course, campfires, singing,
Bible study, worship and more. Staff members work to nurture and develop
campers' self-esteem. Faith camp is an important part of your child's
Christian formation.
Gravatt will offer five 5-day sessions for elementary-aged campers and two
10-day sessions for junior high-aged campers. Discounts are being offered
for siblings and multiple session registration. Some sessions fill quickly,
so register early for best selection of dates. Visit the Gravatt Web site,
www.bishopgravatt.org,
for registration information or call 803.648.1817.
Staff applications being accepted:
Applications are being accepted for permanent staff and junior counselor
positions at Camp Gravatt through February 8. Visit the Web site, or contact
Lauri Yeargin, camp director, at 803.981. 9108,
campgravatt@mindspring.com
for application information.
Statement of Mission process for
2008 getting under way
The
2008 Statement of Mission (SOM) process is now getting under
way. The process, designed last year in response to Bishop
Henderson's call for an SOM that developed "from the pew up," is
rooted in the diocese's five convocations, which receive
requests from those seeking funding, prioritize the requests,
and make recommendations to the Commission on the Diocese, the
Diocesan Executive Council, and, eventually, to Diocesan
Convention.
Convocation meetings have been scheduled for this month to review the process and get the ball rolling. Meeting dates published so far are: January 21, Reedy River Convocation (2:00 p.m. at Redeemer, Greenville); January 28, Catawba Convocation (3:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s, Chester); Gravatt Convocation (2:30 p.m. at Our Saviour, Trenton); and Midlands Convocation (2:30 p.m. at Good Shepherd, Columbia).
The process, which continues to be refined, is an exciting on
because it allows all Upper South Carolinians, through input
from congregational convention delegates at the convocation
meetings, to take part in the formation of the diocesan SOM. Questions? Contact
Julie Price or
d'Rue Hazel at Diocesan House, 803.771.7800.
Home Works of SC returns to Louisiana, March 3-11
Home Works volunteers will be returning to Covington, Louisiana, to repair homes in surrounding areas, March 3 through March 11. To volunteer or to donate funds or help in any manner, please contact
Hank Chardos, 803.781.4536.
Quito Quest Pre-Trip to Quito, Ecuador with Bishop Henderson,
August 29–September 4, 2007
This is your invitation to go on a "pre-trip" to visit diocesan missionary
Cameron Graham and her work with Quito Quest, the short-term team module
of Youth World missions in Quito, Ecuador, Wednesday August 29 through
Tuesday September 4, 2007. A minimum of twelve persons are needed to
make the trip; maximum twenty.
A "pre-trip" is designed for youth leaders, clergy, and other interested
persons to learn first-hand about short-term team ministry experiences
in Quito by visiting potential ministry sites and experiencing the
food and lodging that your future ten- or twelve-day mission trip from
your congregation or organization would experience.
Missionary Cameron Graham and her husband Roberto will be with us,
leading us around to the various Episcopal churches in the area. There
also will be sight-seeing and shopping opportunities for members of the
pre-trip as well; and we will have some time with the new bishop of
Central Ecuador, The Rt. Rev. Alfredo Ramos.It's your opportunity to check things out personally before taking a
group—an ideal way to ensure the success of a future mission trip that you
might want to lead.To keep costs as low as possible, the pre-trip offers a direct flight
from Hartsfield Airport in Atlanta. Total cost for the airfare, lodging,
meals, etc., should be around $800-900.
If you would like to go on the Quito Quest pre-trip, please send a $150
deposit ASAP to the Rev.Timothy Dombek, St. James Episcopal Church,
301 Piney Mountain Road, Greenville, SC 290609-3035. Make your check
payable to "St. James" and put "Quito Quest pre-trip" in the memo.
Questions? Contact Timothy Dombek at 864.244.6358, ext. 203, or by e-mail
to timothy@stjamesgreenville.org. Join us for a truly life changing
experience that will help you set up a short-term team trip for your
group!
Organist position available
St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, located at 103 Campus
Drive, Hartsville, SC, is accepting applications for the position
of part-time organist. The position includes on Sunday morning
service and Wednesday evening choir rehearsal as well as other
special services as needed. The salary will be based on
experience and qualifications. Direct inquiries to:
Father Michael Ridgill, Rector
P. O. Box 427
Hartsville, SC 29551
Bishop Duvall to lead retreat at
Augusta's Convent of St. Helena
"Hearing the Biblical Word through Midrashim" is the
subject of the retreat scheduled for February 2- 4.
The Rt. Rev. Charles F. Duvall, retired bishop of Central
Gulf Coast who assists Bishop Henderson with confirmations in
our diocese, will lead a silent retreat entitled "Hearing the
biblical word through Midrashim" at the Convent of St. Helena in
Augusta, GA. The program begins Friday, February 2, in the
evening and concludes on Sunday, February 4 with lunch.
A rabbi's favorite style of teaching the Scripture is by telling
a story called a midrash. Bishop Duvall has learned from rabbis
to listen to God's Word through stories or midrashim. His
weekend will be structured around four presentations with quiet
time following each: God's intention: A lovely garden; Human
reality: Rebellion; Calling the People of God; Sending the Son
of God. Bishop Duvall's sermon at Eucharist on Sunday morning
will center on "God's call to you and me."
Bishop Duvall, a South Carolina native and current Columbia
resident, emphasized the teaching office while serving as
bishop, and he continues to teach and preach on congregational,
diocesan, and national levels. He is a storyteller and a teller
of "The Story." Tapes of his Bible stories interpreted for the
modern ear have been recorded by the Episcopal Media Center in
Atlanta.
The cost for the retreat is $160, including lodging, meals &
program; $80 for commuters. Pre-registration required with $60
deposit. Contact office manager, Laura Ann Whitaker, at
706.798.5201, ext 1, Monday-Friday between 9:00 and 2:00, or
e-mail her at augustaconvent@comcast.net.
Hein-Fry Lecture at Lutheran Seminary, February 1
The Hein-Fry Lecture at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, 4201
North Main Street, Columbia, will take place on Thursday,
February 1, at 9:30 a.m. in Stavros Lecture Hall at the Casey
Education Center. The lecture, "Living Faithfully in the 21st
Century: The State of the Bible in North America," will be given
by Dr. Donald A. Hagner, professor of New Testament at Fuller
Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California. A response will be
offered by the Rev. Dr. Brian K. Peterson, associate professor
of New Testament at Lutheran. Further information: visit
www.ltss.edu/campus_events.php or call
803.461.3256.
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral presents
'Visions of Flowers," February 10
Trinity Cathedral, Columbia, is offering a one-day workshop,
"Visions of Flowers," on February 10, from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m., with
presenters Carolyn Yarborough and Terry Ritchen of Grace Episcopal
Church Flower Guild in Charleston. Come one, come all for ideas,
inspiration, and tips on flower arranging for church and home. Visit
the Trinity Cathedral Web site,
www.trinitysc.org,
for more information.
U2 Eucharist to be celebrated at Grace Church, Anderson,
February 20
The Irish rock band
U2 has gotten behind the
Millennium Development
Goals (MDGs), and throughout the Episcopal Church "U2 Eucharists"
are being celebrated as a means of exploring the
Christian faith in the context of lead singer Bono's passion for
social activism. General Convention 2006 featured a U2Eucharist
not to be forgotten.
Grace Episcopal Church, Anderson, announces that at 7:00 pm on Fat Tuesday (also
known as Shove Tuesday), February 20, 2007, we
will host a U2 Eucharist in support of our congregational
and diocesan commitment to the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs). This service will feature the performance of
well-known U2 songs and will focus upon the
One
Episcopalian project, designed to let us know how
significant the action of "One" of us can be in the campaign
to eradicate extreme global poverty by the year 2015.
The U2Eucharist also the culmination of the U2 adult study being offered at Grace Church every Wednesday before the beginning of Lent entitled "Religious Nuts and Political Fanatics." All are welcome and invited to attend a truly exciting experience. For more information, please contact the church, 864.225.8011, gracech@mindspring.com. U2 Eucharists have been reported in USA Today and ABC's 20/20.
Don't miss this Lenten Quiet Day sponsored by St.
Bartholomew's Daughters of the King.
The guest speaker is Brother Bernard Delcourt of the Order
of the Holy Cross from Holy Cross Monastery in
West Park, NY. Holy Cross Monastery is part of
the Order of the Holy Cross, a Benedictine Community in the
Anglican Communion / Episcopal Church, USA. Brother Bernard was raised in Belgium, was an investment banker for JP
Morgan and then ran a private practice
as a business and life
coach in Manhattan. He entered his
religious life in April 2004 and made his initial
profession of the religious vows in the Order of
the Holy Cross in November 2006.
Brother Bernard will be speaking on “Finding the Christ in Everyone,” from 9 a.m. to 11a.m., and on “Life in the Order of the Holy Cross Monastery,” from 1p.m. to 2:30p.m . Registration begins at 8: 30 a.m.; Brother Bernard will speak at 9:00 a.m. Following are Holy Eucharist with a healing service (11:00-noon), lunch (noon.-1 p.m.), and Brother Bernard's remarks on religious life in Episcopal Church and life in the Order of the Holy Cross Monastery. Cost is $10.., including lunch. With questions or to RSVP, Please call 803.279.4622, ext 307. Please indicate in your RSVP if you are coming for the entire program, morning half only or afternoon half only and whether you will be eating lunch.
Holy Land study tour and faith pilgrimage offered by Lutheran Seminary, May 21-June 6
"The Apostle and the Apocalypse," a Holy Land study tour and faith pilgrimage led by the Rev. Dr. Brian Peterson, associate professor of New Testament at Columbia's Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, will be offered May 21 through June 6, 2007.
The Aegean region of Greece and Turkey is where Paul spent much of his ministry, working in the cities there
to proclaim the gospel and nurture newly born churches. The
western part of Turkey is also where the prophet John
preached, and it was to those churches that he wrote the
book of Revelation.
Come and explore places that will give you new understanding of these parts of the Bible and experience along the way Turkish and Greek culture, including their rich Islamic and Orthodox traditions. Register early to insure accommodations. Immediate registration recommended. Contact Dr. Peterson at bpeterson@ltss.edu or 803.461.3225.
January convocation meetings coming up
Please remember that all clergy and delegates to Diocesan Convention are asked to be present at the convocation meetings. The Statement of Mission process for 2008 will be reviewed along with other convocation agenda items.
| January 21 | Reedy River | 2 p.m. | Redeemer, Greenville |
| January 28 | Catawba | 3 p.m. | St. Mark's, Chester |
| January 28 | Gravatt | 2:30 p.m. | Our Savior, Trenton |
| January 28 | Midlands | 2:30 p.m. | Good Shepherd, Columbia |
| TBA | Piedmont | TBA | TBA |
ERD Lenten resources now available
Order by February 9 to guarantee delivery.
Episcopal Relief and Development's 2007 Lenten Devotional
Series is titled "ESSENTIALS: Lenten
meditations on necessity and abundance." It is designed
to help church members prepare themselves spiritually for Easter
by focusing on the world around us, God’s impact, and how
together we are making a difference.
Lenten materials are
free—with a minimum shipping and handling charge applied to all
orders. Additional shipping costs will be applied to large orders,
overnight or second-day delivery. Order early as supplies may be
limited. Placing an order is easy and convenient! Call Episcopal
Books and Resources at 1.800.903.5544.
World Mission Sunday set for February 18
Proclaim God’s Wondrous Deeds!” is the theme of World Mission Sunday
2007, to be observed February 18. Based on Psalm 71:17 “O God, from my
youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds,” the
theme celebrates the participation of youth and young adults in world
mission and demonstrates to people of all ages the potential of engaging
a new generation in global mission efforts.
Though World Mission Sunday offers a different
theme every year, materials aren’t dated so that you may use any theme
that is most relevant for your congregation. Find previous years’ themes
and materials, as well as a wealth of resources for 2007, at
www.episcopalchurch.org/79706_21541_ENG_HTM.htm.
For more information about World Mission Sunday 2007 contact Mary Brennan, World Mission Interpretation and Networks Officer, 212.716.6223, mbrennan@episcopalchurch.org.
Good Friday offering destined for Jerusalem and the Middle East
In
her Epiphany letter to all congregations Presiding Bishop
Katharine Jefferts Schori has asked that Episcopalians continue
to pray for their sisters and brothers in the Holy Land and to
support the Good Friday Offering as an opportunity to
demonstrate our solidarity with Anglicans and all Christians in
that troubled region of the world. For the past 85 years the
Episcopal Church has taken up a Good Friday Offering to be sent
to the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East,
symbolizing unity with and passionate concern for those who
witness to Christ throughout that region.
More information, including a Good Friday Offering poster and other materials is available online at www.episcopalchurch.org/79705_21285_ENG_HTM.htm. The site also has information for submitting your offering.
Let's get organized for SC State Day at National Cathedral, July 15
A
reminder to all parochial clergy to gather acolytes and
congregation members and appoint your local organizers for SC
State Day at National Cathedral, July 15. An energetic committee
is working on plans for this grand occasion, and more
information is forthcoming soon. Local congregations will have
an important role in implementing plans, so it's not too soon to
get ready!
In the meantime, with questions, please contact State Day chairperson, Nell Barr, 803.796.0981.
And don't forget the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
Both the national Church and our diocese have formalized our
commitment to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Please continue
to educate your congregations and to take advantage of the many
excellent resources that are available, starting with the
Web site of Episcopalians for
Global Reconciliation, www.e4gr.org, and including the series of MDG bulletin inserts—10 in all!—available
through Episcopal News Service, www.episcopalchurch.org/ens.
Questions about the MDGs? Planning an MDG event? Please contact our diocesan liaison, Angela Daniel, 803.343.0400, ext. 234.