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Presiding Bishop discusses current issues in Web cast
Listening, Lent and reflection on the recent Anglican Primates' Meeting were among themes addressed as Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori facilitated a 45-minute live Web cast conversation with Episcopalians churchwide on Wednesday, February 28. The program remains online at www.trinitywallstreet.org/calendar/index.php?event_id=40355 for on-demand viewing.
Design Group releases text of draft Anglican Covenant
Presiding Bishop elected to Primates'
Standing Committee
The text of a proposed Anglican Covenant, intended to affirm the cooperative principles that bind the Anglican Communion, was released February 19 toward the end of the Primates' five-day meeting. It is linked to the ENS story found ay www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_82568_ENG_HTM.htm and enclosed with snail-mail-delivered versions of this newsletter.
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Primates of USA and Ireland in Zanzibar. Photo ACNS Parks. |
In other business at the meeting, Presiding Bishop Katharine
Jefferts Schori was elected February 19 to represent the
Americas on the Primates' Standing Committee. Each region
elects its own representative to the Standing Committee, which
operates as the governing board of the Primates.
The Communiqué of the Primates’ Meeting in Dar es Salaam, 19th February 2007 is available at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_82571_ENG_HTM.htm (and also enclosed with snail-mail newsletters.
"A Season of Fasting: Reflections on the Primates Meeting":
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori's reflections
following the February 15-19 meeting of Anglican Primates near
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, are available here
www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_82669_ENG_HTM.htm (and also
enclosed).
About
the Primates’ Meeting in Dar es Salaam
No. 1; February 23, 2007
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to
lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with
all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in
love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
—St. Paul, to the Christians in Ephesus (Eph. 4:1-3).
Beloved, since they have been published earlier this week, I have been studying the following three documents, which I commend to you in their entirety. You may find the full texts as noted in the "National" news section above.
1. The Communiqué Of the Primates’ Meeting in Dar es Salaam, 19 February 2007;
2. The Key Recommendations of the Primates; and,
3.“An Anglican Covenant: Draft prepared by the Covenant Design Group", January, 2007.
That is not to say that the concerns already expressed through the media and the internet are without merit. There certainly are legitimate issues about what it means to be the Anglican Communion; what is meant by “bonds of affection”; about authority, autonomy, and interdependence in Anglican polity; about care, justice and peace for all of God’s people.
But let’s step back from whatever precipice tempts us to schism and precipitous judgment, reaffirming our commitment to remain faithful “in the apostle’s teaching and fellowship” within The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion—“with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”.
More anon.
Diocesan Leadership Conference— 85th DIOCESAN CONVENTION PART I, May 18-19 (yup, Friday evening and Saturday!) at Christ Church, Greenville. Since this conference is the official beginning of our 85th Convention (to conclude on October 26 & 27), clergy and elected delegates are expected to attend. Stay tuned to the diocesan Web site, www.edusc.org, for more information.
SC State Day at National Cathedral will be Sunday, July 15, 2007, with the opportunity to participate in a contemplative pilgrimage on the cathedral grounds on Saturday, July 14. Every Sunday at the National Cathedral one of our 50 states is honored, but every four years there is a great celebration for the state remembered on that day, and 2007 is our year to celebrate. You won't want to miss it.
Go to the diocesan Web site, www.edusc.org, for lots of information, including local and national contacts, registration links and acolyte info. (See the "Clergy" section, below, for a great suggestion—State Day & confirmation prep!)
The Marshall A. Shearouse Center for Wellness at Still Hopes opened
on February 15 with great anticipation and fanfare.
The events of the day began with a dedication service in the Chapel of
the Holy Spirit lead by Bishop Henderson. The keys to the Shearouse
Center were presented to the bishop by Danny Sanford, executive director
of Still Hopes, and Denise Heimlich, director of the Wellness Center. G.
Cameron Todd gave a eulogy in memory of Marshall Shearouse, his friend
and colleague.
Two separate ribbon cuttings marked the official opening of the center.
The first ribbon cutting was held at the center’s connecting corridor
across from the interior entrance to the Chapel of the Holy Spirit.
Bishop Henderson gave the blessing after which Frances Shearouse, widow
of Marshall Shearouse, and son Daniel Shearouse cut the celebratory
ribbon. The Shearouse Center Resident Advisory Group sharing in the
ribbon cutting were: Podie Brunton, Herb Guerry, Flynn Harrell, Marilyn
Maddox, Blackie Meadows, Nancy Self, Anne Smith, and Bill Willoughby.
A second ribbon cutting and blessing were held, as quickly as the
bishop could travel, in front of the ground floor entrance to the
Shearouse Center. Those participating along with the bishop were:
co-chairs of the Shearouse Center Capital Campaign Cameron Todd and
Cravens Ravenel; Patty Johnson, Trustee; Jim Scott, Still Hopes
resident; and Danny Sanford; executive director.
All residents and guests enjoyed self-guided tours throughout the
center. Many comments were made about the exercise equipment, spa
amenities, and especially the 20 x 60ft. warm-water therapy pool. Other
wellness programs include a variety of exercise classes and the most
up-to-date strength and cardio exercise machines tailored to address
balance, strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. The center brings full circle the Still Hopes
commitment to provide wellness of mind, spirit and body for all
residents in our care. We invite you to come and tour the Shearouse Center to experience,
first-hand, the wonderful amenities and offerings this new Center brings
to Still Hopes.
The sermon:
ONE
Where to begin?
Perhaps the eight millennium development goals?
Or the whole idea behind “One”, the idea of 1% for global development, also playing off the idea of being “One” world.
Or with music, the music of a pop band, the sound of my youth, U2? They have adopted the vision of “One”.
Or the Haitian village project? Our village Bois Jolis.
Or all the fun in getting ready for tonight, a true Fat Tuesday celebration?
Where to begin?
All these things, all these people, all these ideas, all these places are all wrapped up together.
Or should we begin with God, who I am pretty sure is the true author and celebrity behind this whole project?
The God in whom we are indeed “One”.
The Christ in whom we find the fullness of our shared humanity, in whom we become the fullness of divinity?
Make no mistake, this is part of God’s project, the project of the kingdom come, when all the colors bleed into one, Love has come to town, excavation has begun.
Perhaps that is why the music of U2 has such lasting appeal, that thinly veiled presence of the Transcendent interrupting our lives.
That is also why U2 is such an appropriate champion of the Millennium Development Goals, it is about God bringing humanity together, about God being our common bond, and the vision of God being the only thing strong enough to inflame our hearts with the love to make such an audacious and fat project possible.
The elimination of Global poverty, it has God written all over it, God’s project, love conquering the great divide. I’m going to catch that train.
St. Michael & All Angels, 6408 Bridgewood Road,
Columbia (corner of N. Trenholm & Bridgewood) is hosting its10th
Annual Sid Britt BOOK SALE and BARBECUE by Jack Dunlap,
Saturday, March 3, 9 a. m. to 1 p.m. Large selection of
books! Puzzles, games, books on tape! Hardbacks for $1,
paperbacks 2 for $1. Chopped Barbecue pound container $7.
Serving at 11 a.m. , barbecue sandwich with chips & drink, $5.
Dessert available at bake sale table. Music by praise choir. All
proceeds will support youth & young adult ministry. Call the
church with questions or for directions 803.782.8080.
The suggested
date for the UTO spring ingathering is March 25. A
letter including information about the ingathering and a packet
of materials from the National UTO Committee have been mailed to
each church. If you have not received these mailings, or you
need additional information, please contact Clara Gillentine,
diocesan coordinator, 803.796.3106,
gillentinelc803@aol.com.
The spring Continuing Education & Training Day for Worship Leaders, Eucharistic Visitors, and those required to take the Safe Church training will take place on April 21, 2007, at Good Shepherd, Greer, and All Souls, Columbia, from 9:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m.
Visit the diocesan Web site (www.edusc.org)
or contact Roslyn Hook at Diocesan House (803.771.7800) for a
registration form.
CADRE (Columbia Area Dialogue on Religious Exploration) will host a presentation by is Imam Omar Shaheed, "Islam and Muslims"on Sunday, March 11th at 2:30 at St. Simon & St. Jude Episcopal Church, 1110 Kinley Road, Irmo.( I-26, exit 102, and Lake Murray Blvd.).
Imam Shaheed has studied at Imam Muhammad Bin Saud University, Riyad, Saudi Arabia, and is currently the Senior Muslim Clinical Chaplain for South Carolina Department of Corrections. He will be addressing the following issues:
* What does Islam have in common with
Western faiths? How is that reassuring to people in the West?
* How have the "Radicals" twisted that
message? How widely is that followed? What will it take to
reverse those beliefs?
* How is the American Islamic community
similar or different to that in the Middle East?
* How do you interpret the situation in the
Middle East (particularly Iraq) and what hope do you have for its
resolution?
From
April 20 to 22, the Convent of St. Helena in N.
Augusta will offer "Art and Spirituality: Connecting with God beyond Words,"
a contemplative retreat led by Bettina Schuller and
designed to help participants connect with God by opening our hearts to the mystery and guidance of art.
The emphasis will be on the process of art making--not on outcome--and on our spiritual journeys. No artistic ability required, just an open heart and the willingness to meet God in a new and unknown way. $170 including lodging, meals, and program; $80 commuters.
Bettina Schuller holds an MA in education from the University of Bremen and is a certified spiritual director. She studied art and spirituality at the School of Theology at the University of the South at Sewanee and spirituality with Dr Kwok Pui Lan and Archbishop Desmond Tutu at the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge. She also studied art at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
Teens and adults are need to make
repairs to the homes of the elderly and the
disadvantaged I the Greater Columbia area. Repairs will
be made to 35 homes! No skill level is required.
There is a dire need for adults.
Two planning meetings are scheduled
at the Benedict-Allen Community Development Center, 2001
Two Notch Road, Columbia, beginning at 6:30 p.m. (Pizza
and soda will be served.) The first meeting will take
place on Thursday, March 22, the second on Thursday,
March 29.
For information, or to help in any
manner, please contact
Hank Chardos, 803.781.4536.
The 10th annual ecumenical Dallas Benedictine Experience Retreat will take place at the Catholic Conference Center in Dallas from Wednesday, June 13, to Sunday, June 17, 2007. This retreat is presented by the Friends of St. Benedict, Washington, DC, and endorsed by the Benedictine Community of the Holy Savior, which meets at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Cathedral. Participants will live at the conference center for five days, forming a temporary monastic community to experience the balanced way of life of the Rule of St. Benedict as it divides each day into private and group prayer, study, work, and leisure. Four Benedictine Offices (Lauds, Sext, Vespers, and Compline) will be sung each day in Gregorian chant. There will also be two classes each day on Benedictine spirituality. Please e-mail dallasbenedictine@yahoo.com or call 214.339.8483 for more information.
The retreat will be led by two nationally known religious figures. Sister Mary Donald Corcoran, O.S.B.Cam., Prioress of Transfiguration Monastery (Roman Catholic) in Windsor, NY, and Brother Abraham Newsom, a Texas native, who is a monk at St. Gregory’s Abbey (Episcopal) in Three Rivers, Michigan. The leaders will also offer spiritual direction for those who wish it. This ecumenical retreat is open to anyone interested in learning Benedictine spirituality.
In September a group will head to Ireland to retrace steps of our ancestors
and visit locations important in the background of the Protestant church.
What's in store is a stop at Knock to visit the religious site which is attracting pilgrims from all over the world, a ferry trip to the Aran Islands, where Gaelic is still the national language, a stop at the Burren Center, where we’ll see the mysterious Celtic crosses and learn about this center for early Christianity and MUCH more.
Anyone interested in obtaining more information is asked to contact Holy Trinity, Clemson, parishioner Sunny Hamill who is leading the group on this exciting 12-day tour of the Emerald Isle. Call 864.944.2817 or write 19 Westwind Court, Salem, SC 29676 for details.
Daily Lenten meditations written by clergy and laity from the Diocese of Texas accompany photographs by the Rev. William Bennett, Carol E. Barnwell, and Bainbridge, TX, photographer Diane Walker. The meditations are based on the daily lectionary for Year One. These photos and reflections are published in the hopes they bring you a moment to contemplate, either at home or at work, and that they will enhance your Lenten journey. Visit www.epicenter.org to view the daily meditation.
The University of the South, popularly known as Sewanee, is seeking a lay chaplain to work as a team member with the chapel staff. Primary responsibilities would include sharing in the design and implementation of chapel programming such as the catechumenate, Bible studies, outreach projects, student-led events, and various other special events; and assisting in the preparation of the liturgy. Participation in the regular round of services is a weekly expectation.
The ideal candidate would have a bachelors’ degree with some experience and/or training in youth ministry. A solid grounding in the life of the Church is vitally important, as well as an ongoing interest in theological education and spiritual development. The interview process will begin April 9, 2007, and continue until the position is filled. Interested individuals should submit a cover letter, résumé, and names and contact information for three references to the Rev. Thomas E. Macfie, chaplain, % Teresa Smith, Personnel Services, 735 University Ave., Sewanee TN 37383-1000. The University of the South is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.
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SC State Day at the National Cathedral will be July
15, 2007. Every Sunday at the National Cathedral one of our 50 states is
honored, but every four years there is a great celebration for the state
remembered on that day, and 2007 is our year to celebrate.
Congregations in the Diocese are encouraged to consider the opportunity for participation in the SC State Day at the National Cathedral as part of a preparation process for confirmation. The Saturday morning pilgrimage opportunity (Saturday, July 14, 2007) is from 9:30 a.m. through the end of a Eucharist about 1:00 p.m. The pilgrimage includes a guided contemplative walk, meditation, and centering prayer, and explores the woods south of the cathedral, and the wonderful gothic stone structure itself. Cost is $25 for adults, $20 for youth and seniors, and $15 for Cathedral Association members.
St. David’s, Columbia,
has often included State Day events in their confirmation program. For
info or with questions, contact the Rev.
Bob Chiles (incidentally also in charge of acolytes for State Day!).
download the flyer
for State Day 2007 now!!
The
Lombard Mennonite Peace Center is offering its seminar "Leadership and
Anxiety in the Church: A Family Systems Perspective" on April 20, 2007,
in Columbia.
Topics to be covered include: "The Road to Damascus: The Church and Change in an Age of Anxiety," "'They Know Not What They Do': The Scapegoat Mechanism and Church Conflict," "The Importance of Not Being Earnest: Reversals, Playfulness, and Paradox," "The Road to Damascus: Lessons for Leadership in Anxious Times."
Those who attend the seminar will be exposed to material that could have an impact in preventing destructive conflict from emerging in churches served by your judicatory. Clergy who are currently in the midst of a challenging conflict situation may particularly want to attend.
Pre-registration fee is $79. For more information, contact the Peace Center, 630.627.0507 or visit the Web site. Download the complete flyer.
From
Alban Institute to you!