National & World News

Five primates announce Lambeth Conference boycott

Presiding Bishop says "gathering will be diminished by their absence"

By Matthew Davies

[Episcopal News Service] Five Anglican Primates, four from Africa and one from South America, have publicized their intentions to boycott the 2008 Lambeth Conference in a letter responding to a group of English bishops who had urged them to attend the once-a-decade gathering.

Archbishops Peter Akinola of Nigeria, Emmanuel Kolini of Rwanda, Benjamin Nzimbi of Kenya, Henry Orombi of Uganda, and Gregory Venables of the Southern Cone—who make up five of the 38 Anglican Primates—told the 21 English bishops that they would not attend Lambeth in protest to the invitations extended by the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Episcopal Church's bishops. Akinola, Kolini and Orombi had all previously announced that they intended to boycott the conference.

Neva Rae Fox, the Episcopal Church's public affairs officer, noted that Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori is saddened by the primates' decision not to attend Lambeth.

"The gathering will be diminished by their absence, and I imagine that they themselves will miss a gift they might have otherwise received," the Presiding Bishop said. "None of us is called to 'feel at home' except in the full and immediate presence of God. It is our searching, especially with those we find most 'other,' that is likely to lead us into the fuller experience of the body of Christ. Fear of the other is an invitation to seek the face of God, not a threat to be avoided."

The full story is available at www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_94975_ENG_HTM.htm.

Executive Council concludes four-day meeting in Ecuador

[From the Episcopal News Service report by Mary Frances Schjonberg] In its recent meeting, held February 10-14 in the diocese of Ecuador Central, the Executive Council issued a letter to the Episcopal Church February 14 during the final day of its four-day meeting here praising the transformation of the Diocese of Ecuador Central and saying it gives the members hope in light of the attempt of the leadership of the Diocese of San Joaquin to transfer their diocese to another province in the Anglican Communion. The letter also summarizes the Council's time in Quito, commends Ecuador Central for its mission and ministry, and briefly discusses the financial state of the Episcopal Church.

Council also approved a revised 2008 budget that calls for income of $51.7 million and expenses of $51.2 million. The approval came after the members amended the budget to add $340,000 to the program and mission portion of the budget.

Read the full ENS report, including text of Council's letter and a summary of all business conducted at the meeting at www.episcopalchurch.org/
79901_94951_ENG_HTM.htm.

Windsor Continuation Group appointed by Canterbury

[ACNS]  The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, has announced the formation of the Windsor Continuation Group (WCG), as proposed in his Advent Letter. The WCG will address outstanding questions arising from the Windsor Report and the various formal responses from provinces and instruments of the Anglican Communion.

The members of the group are:

• The Most Rev. Clive Handford, former Primate of Jerusalem and the Middle East (chair)
• The Most Rev. John Chew, Primate of South East Asia
• The Rt. Rev. Gary Lillibridge, Bishop of West Texas
• The Rt. Rev. Victoria Matthews, former Bishop of Edmonton
• The Very Rev. John Moses, former dean of St Paul's Cathedral, London
• The Most Rev. Donald Mtetemela, Primate of Tanzania

They will be joined as a consultant by Dame Mary Tanner, co-president of the World Council of Churches, and assisted by Canon Andrew Norman of the Archbishop of Canterbury's staff and Canon Gregory Cameron of the Anglican Communion Office. Read the complete ACNS story at www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_94854_ENG_HTM.htm.

ERD updates

Episcopal Relief and Development to provide support in wake of Northern Illinois University shooting

Episcopal Relief and Development is providing support to those affected by the February 14 shooting rampage at Northern Illinois University that killed six people and wounded over thirty.

Episcopal Relief and Development has been in contact with the Diocese of Chicago, as well as The Rev. Mark Geisler, Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, located three blocks from the university campus in DeKalb, IL. 

The Rev. Geisler was on the scene immediately after the shootings were reported. Geisler, who is also president of the Board of Directors of United Campus Ministries, an ecumenical ministry partnership serving the Northern Illinois University student body,  has been providing counseling and support over the past several days along with fellow clergy from United Campus Ministries and professional counselors.

Episcopal Relief and Development reaches out to tornado-affected areas (Update)

Diocesan News

Change the date / save the date / book the date (now)!

86th Diocesan Convention now set for October 17-18—business PLUS workshops (18th) AND some good old-fashioned Great Gathering spirit!

The time is DEFINITELY NOW to book your hotel room!

Following a recommendation from the Commission on the Diocese and endorsement by the Diocesan Executive Council, the Leadership Conference for 2008 will be held in conjunction with the business portion of the 86th Convention in October. The leadership training / convention program, which will take place at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, will offer an inspirational speaker, workshops on a variety of topics, and many surprises—AND EVERYONE'S INVITED!! Details coming as they are available, but...

As you may already know, October 17-18 is also weekend of the South Carolina–LSU football game, at home in Columbia. Because hotel space will be limited, it is essential that you arrange for your overnight accommodations NOW. Three hotels have blocked rooms for Diocesan Convention: Hampton Inn, Rodeway Inn, and Comfort Suites. Full info on making reservations is available on the diocesan Web site, www.edusc.org, or by contacting Deacon d'Rue Hazel at Diocesan House: dhazel@edusc.org, 803.771.7800, ext. 24.

Statement of Mission request forms now on the Web

Any group seeking funding from Upper South Carolina’s 2009 Statement of Mission (SOM) must submit a request by the March 14, 2008 deadline. All requests must be submitted to the Diocesan House– using the electronic form on the diocesan Web site, www.edusc.org.  The diocesan staff will be responsible for delivering copies of SOM requests to the convocations for their spring meetings. All five convocations of the diocese will review the 2009 SOM requests received and determine funding priorities. Once all convocation recommendations are received, the SOM Committee, a sub-committee of the Commission on the Diocese, will construct and recommend a balanced preliminary Statement of Mission for submission to the Diocesan Executive Council.

Timeline and other info (including "What does the Statement of Mission fund?") is online at the link above. Those needing hard copy information should contact Cynthia Hendrix at Diocesan House, 803.771.7800.

ECW Convention, February 9, adopts new projects and priorities

The 86th Convention of Upper South Carolina's Episcopal Church Women took place at Christ Church, Greenville, on Saturday, February 9. On the preceding evening, St. Peter's, Greenville, was host to the conventioneers, serving up coffee, desert, and two entertaining and enlightening program offerings: "Healing Oils in Ancient Scripture," facilitated by Pamila Lorentz of Columbia, and "Signs and Symbols in the Church," led by Patrick McKenzzie of St. Peter's.

Saturday's activities included installation of officers, discussion of proposed bylaws, and  adoption of ECW mission projects for 2008. The World Mission Project endorsed is Galapagos ICE Organization, a non-profit dedicated to improving health and education in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Disaster Response in the Diocese of Louisiana, including such ministries as St. Anna's Mobile Medical Unit, the Mobile Respite Unit and Mobile Loaves and Fishes, was chosen National Mission Project. In the Diocese of Upper South Carolina, the new chapel to be built at Bishop Gravatt Center (see the article below) was designated for ECW support.

Ms. Scooty Burch, diocesan representative for Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD), was a special guest and speaker who talked about ERD and how the agency's work supports the Millennium Development Goals.

Two Upper SC youth on EYE design team

EYE—the triennial Episcopal Youth Event—is scheduled for summer 2008 in San Antonio, Texas, on the campus of Trinity University.

Two Upper South Carolinians are on the national design team and already hard at work: Lisa Bailey, from Trinity Cathedral, Columbia,  and Ryan Benitez from St. Bartholomew's, N. Augusta.

Three cheers for the great young people!!! Read all about 'em in the Episcopal News Service article at www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_95052_ENG_HTM.htm.

In the photo at right, above,  Ryan, at the EYE planning meeting in Minneapolis the weekend of February 15-17, directs a scene for the welcome video, which will be one of the first things people see after arriving at EYE.

 

Upper SC clergy spouses catch up and refresh at January Kanuga retreat

And here's a thank you note from them to you!

Dear Diocese of Upper SC parishioners:

Relaxing at the recent clergy spouse retreat are Duncan Ely, Lorelle Schnatterly, and Tal Le Grand. (Thanks to Marcus Goodkind for the photo!)

As clergy spouses, we would like to thank you with all of our hearts for your generous funds to support the clergy spouse retreat. It is a wonderful time once a year where the spouses can come together and fellowship at the most peaceful place in this area, Kanuga Conference Center. Our lives are so busy that we are only able to meet once a year to catch up on each other's families, jobs, and ministries in order to support one another.

Clergy spouses have a unique ministry unlike any other lay spouse. It takes someone who has "walked the walk" to understand and lend an ear. It also is a time for quiet and no agenda in order to "refill our cups" and come back to our beloved parishes refreshed.

We pray you consider continuing to support our annual retreat and encourage each of your clergy spouses to attend so they, too, can be refreshed.

Lovingly,
The Clergy Spouses
2008
 

A letter from Cange, Haiti

By Jackie Williams
            Christ Church parishioner Jackie Williams oversees the Artisan Center at Cange, Haiti, and lives most of the time there.

It was a lively month, this January 2008. The biggest event was the inauguration of the hospital at La Colline. This is the much needed expansion of health care throughout Haiti’s Central Plateau. Dozens of us from Cange crowded into many vehicles for the one-hour ride, very scenic, and once past Mirebalais, down a PAVED road.

Huge tents were set up and folding chairs; so although there was an hour and a half wait for the president to arrive, the thousands there—government officials, philanthropists, etc., chatted happily. Then with a huge roar of approval and a swarm of television cameramen, President Rene Preval was among us. The audience was dressed to the nines—coats, ties, Sunday dresses, but Himself was in tan slacks and a plaid sport shirt.

There were the necessary speeches and thanks. Dr. Paul Farmer spoke of course and Dr. David Walton, the young Chicagoan who has done such a superb job getting this hospital up and running. Then we toured, the gleaming white interior.

Next day the president came to Cange. Dr. Maxi, head of hospital here, had carefully orchestrated his tour and told us in Sant Art (the artisans' center in Cange) that he would stop by only for a friendly wave. But that's not Preval. He came right on in, again surrounded by the TV crew, and he sat down at the work table and fondled the corn rows of a very startled and delighted Adette. Then he chatted a while, asking how much land Father Lafontant has and accepting from us a banner showing Cange and Marmelade (his native village) tied together

Now Lent has begun. The two days of Carnival were full of a youth camp here with teens from each of Father Lafontant’s 16 missions. This is a custom throughout Haiti, for all churches to have camps for the young folks as an alternative to Carnival in the cities which tends to be very raucous. We were very crowded, but it was beautiful at Ash Wednesday 6 a.m. mass to see those idealistic youngsters so enthusiastic for their church. This is Haiti's future.
 

Gravatt news

Gravatt announces building of new chapel

Anyone who is familiar with the history of the Bishop Gravatt Center knows the tragedy Gravatt experienced in 2003 when Cullum Hall and the Chapel of Transfiguration burned. Our staff answers the question weekly, "When are you going to rebuild?"

With great excitement and thanksgiving we announce that this spring we will begin construction on the long-awaited chapel. The Bishop Gravatt Center Board of Directors has been working with LTC & Associates of Columbia to draw up plans for the new chapel, which will seat up to 180 people. Recently Pizzuti Builders, who were responsible for the 2007 remodeling of Cole Lodge and addition of bathrooms to Stewart Hall, were signed on to build the chapel.

The original chapel was completed in 1989 with a generous gift from the Bailey Dixon family to honor his friends at All Saints, Clinton: John Glover, Clyde Ireland and Michael Turner. The new chapel will also honor these three individuals as well as Bailey Dixon. Two major anonymous gifts have already been received to fund the rebuilding of the chapel. The Diocesan ECW has graciously decided to make the chapel one of their mission projects for the year.

While money is in hand for the building itself, additional gifts are being sought for chapel-related projects (furnishings, landscaping, etc.). If you would like to give a gift toward the Chapel Fund, please send your check made payable to the Bishop Gravatt Center, ATT: Chapel Fund, 1006 Camp Gravatt Road, Aiken, SC 29805 or contact Lauri Yeargin at 803.648.1817 for more information.

The new chapel will be situated to the side of the former chapel's location. Nestled in Gravatt's longleaf pines, it's large windows will look over Lake Henry at a cross on the other side of the lake.

A groundbreaking ceremony will be held in April, and all are invited to celebrate this momentous occasion. More information about the groundbreaking will be available soon.

Gravatt seeks "themed baskets," other goodies for April auction

At the staff reunion on April 19, Camp Gravatt will hold an auction with proceeds going to camp programs and scholarships. We are seeking donations from anyone everyone who may have something that others may want to bid on. Specifically, we are requesting that churches work with members to put together and donate themed auction baskets. Ideas for themes might include gourmet, spa, date night, family night, sports lover, artist, camping, "girl", and "boy". This is a great opportunity for ECW groups, EYC groups, men's groups and/or outreach committees. Baskets need to be received by April 7. Of course we are also thrilled to accept donations from individuals too—e.g., vacation homes, original art, and more.

Gravatt Golden Day: "The Trees of the Forest Will Sing," March 18

All adults 55 and older are invited to experience Gravatt at our first ever Gravatt Golden Day on March 28 from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM Our focus verse for the day will be Psalm 96, which challenges us to sing unto the Lord a new song. Even the forest sings praises to God! And so will we, as we start the morning with music and devotion. Our day will continue with a guided nature walk on our Sparkleberry Trail. Finish your morning with a nature craft or go canoeing on beautiful Lake Henry. Lunch will be served as a cookout, enjoy your meal at a picnic table by the lake. Our day will conclude with an educational speaker, Patrick McMillan, Co-creator and Host of Expeditions as seen on SC-ETV and the SC Channel.

The cost is only $25 per person groups bringing more than four receive the fifth registration FREE. To register or receive more information contact The Bishop Gravatt Center at 803.648.1817 or visit our website at www.bishopgravatt.org.


 

Upcoming Events

Lent at Trinity Cathedral

Compline—20 minutes of a capella music, sung by candlelight—Thursday evenings in Lent, February 7, 14, 21, 28; March 6, 13 at 8 p.m.  For more information call 803.771.7300 or visit www.trinitysc.org.

2008 Lenten Noonday Series—Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. at the cathedral.

St. Michael & All Angels book sale, barbecue, March 1

St. Michael & All Angels, Columbia, invites one and all to their 11th annual book sale and barbecue, Saturday, March 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. St. Michael's is located at 6408 Bridgewood Road  (corner of N. Trenholm & Bridgewood).

The day will feature a large selection of books—history, military, mystery, fiction, religious, children's, and much more!! Also books on tape, puzzles, & games! Hardbacks $1; paperbacks 50 cents! Delicious barbecue: $7 for a one-pound container. Serving at 11 a.m., barbecue sandwich with chips & drink for $5. Dessert available at bake sale table and musical entertainment by the praise choir will provide musical entertainment. All proceeds support our Youth Programs. Please join us!! Contact the church with questions, 803.782.8080

St. Bartholomew's Daughters of the King Quiet Day scheduled for March 8

St. Bartholomew’s and the St. Bartholomew’s Order of the Daughters of the King invite you during your 2008 Lenten journey to attend our Lenten Quiet Day. The Rev. Janet Tarbox will be our guest, speaking on the topic “How Do I Truly Forgive Others?”

The Quiet Day begins at 8:30 a.m. with registration and pastries. The program begins at 9a.m.; Holy Eucharist with a healing service at noon, followed by lunch. Cost: $3 without lunch or $10 with lunch. Please contact the church for more information or to register: 803.279.4622.

St. James Center to offer "Illuminating Darkness: Befriending Your Shadow," March 7-8

Thomas Portney to lead this life-changing event

Now taking registrations at retreats@stjamesgreenville.org, 864.244.6358. Please visit the Web site at http://stjamesspiritualitycenter.org.

Of all the inner and outer forces that disrupt our lives and prevent spiritual peace, our shadow is the most powerful. Defined by Carl Jung as the repository of all our denied emotions, fears and gifts, the shadow becomes to us an imagined Pandora's box from which we spend our life fleeing. In the end we become defeated by the leaks that emerge from shadow, attacking self and others and sabotaging our best efforts. In reality, the "beasties" of our shadow are most usable energy that can contribute to strength, creativity, and unitive experience with God. Illuminating Darkness will challenge participants to come back into true balance with self. Further, opportunity to anchor new learnings within a renewed sense of freedom and lightness will occur.

Thomas Portney combines 34 years as a psychotherapist, spiritual director, and alternative healer into a form of experience designed to return each person with whom he works to their original self and their intimate relationship with God. His workshops combine a lively mix of first-hand learning and deep experiential exercises that yield great personal change. Music, movement and humor are vital elements in his workshop expressions and add spice to a paradox of diversity and unity. He is on a 58-year path of discovery himself."

Silent Lenten retreat at Augusta's Convent of St. Helena, March 7-9, to focus on the death and resurrection of Christ

In this 21st century of the Common Era, what does the death and resurrection of Christ mean to you? "For me," says Rosina, "Holy Week is a time to recall what Christ did for me personally, enabling me to focus on sacrifices I have chosen and made in my life. And then Easter is the joyous victory of new life that comes out of real struggle to live my life as best I can!" Come explore your truth, your symbolism, your questions, and your longing with Rosina.

$160 includes program, lodging and all meals. Please pre-register ($60) with the convent by phone or email. Visa and MasterCard welcome. Scholarship funding may be available.

Episcopal Convent of St Helena 3042 Eagle Drive, Augusta, GA 30906 phone: 706.798,5201, X1;  www.osh.org; augustaconvent@comcast.net.

Greenville Connect to offer Equipping Ministries Conference, March 3

GreenvilleConnect and North Greenville University will sponsor a one-day Equipping Ministries Conference on March 31at the NGU campus.  The conference is targeted for anyone serving in a Christian church or service ministry and is a "first" for this kind of comprehensive ministry training in Greenville County.  Dr. Jimmy Epting, president of NGU, will be the keynote speaker.  One hour workshops will feature practical strategies for strengthening Christian ministries.  Registration fees range from $32 to $42 for the day.

Participants may attend any 4 of the 16 one-hour workshops being offered.  These include

Leadership & Administration

Ministry Governance & Executive Leadership

Finding and Developing Leaders in Ministry

Personal Planning & Time Management

Best Practices in Fund Raising

Recruiting and Managing Volunteers

Key Components of a Successful Ministry Organization

Internet & Technology for the Church

Measuring and Managing Staff Performance

Outreach

Workplace Ministry

Reaching Out to Greenville's Inner City

Organizing and Leading  a Successful Mission Team

Ministry to the Elderly

Congregational/Parish Development

Church Growth & Vitality

Sustaining a Thriving Small Group Ministry   

The Joys and Challenges of Being a Woman in Ministry

Equipping Your Congregation for Evangelism

To get more information and register for this conference, go to www.greenvilleconnect.org.