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Don't miss our new column "In the Moment: One Pilgrim's Attempt to Be Present," by Amy Sander Montanez (at the end of this newsletter).
[Episcopal News Service] Nine members of the Episcopal Church's Executive Council have been appointed to draft the Church's response to the first version of an Anglican covenant.
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Upper SC's Belton Zeigler |
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and House of Deputies President Bonnie Anderson made the appointments as called for in Executive Council Resolution INC021, passed at the council's June meeting in Parsippany, New Jersey. The group is charged with writing a proposed response of the Executive Council to the draft Anglican covenant for the council, to be considered at its October 2007 meeting in Dearborn, Michigan.
The members of the Covenant Response Drafting Group are: Ballentine, Kim Byham (Newark), the Rev. Dr. Lee Alison Crawford (Vermont), the Rev. Dr. Ian T. Douglas (Massachusetts), Canon Victoria L. Garvey (Chicago), the Rev. Canon Mark Harris (Delaware), the Rev. Winnie S. Varghese (New York, Ted M. Yumoto (San Joaquin) and Belton T. Zeigler (Upper SC).
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The Very Rev. Mark Lawrence |
[Episcopal News Service] When the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina’s special bishop election convenes on August 4, the only name on the ballot will be that of the Very Rev. Mark Lawrence. No petitions to add other names to the slate were received by the July 11 deadline, according to an announcement on the diocese’s website from the Standing Committee President, the Rev. J. Haden McCormick.
Bishop Edward Salmon, in a letter earlier this year to the clergy of the diocese, said that the electing convention would be convened "for the purpose of re-electing Fr. Lawrence." On March 15, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori declared that election "null and void," saying that a number of the consent responses did not adhere to canonical requirements.
Salmon reported that the standing committee had concluded that "the Holy Spirit had spoken in the election of Fr. Lawrence" and that "Bishops and [other] Standing Committees had intended to consent to the election even though technicalities had prevented it."
Lawrence, 56, rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Bakersfield, California, in the Diocese of San Joaquin, was first elected September 16 to be South Carolina's 14th bishop.
[Episcopal Relief
and Development]
A summary of
the 2006 work of
Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD),
titled "Empowering Individuals,
Transforming Communities," is available
at www.er-d.org/aboutus_87770_ENG_HTM.htm.
Here are a few accomplishments that
demonstrate ERD's impact around the
world:
To make a contribution to Episcopal Relief and Development, please visit www.er-d.org or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, PO Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116.
Since Bishop Henderson launched the Healthy Church Initiative in spring 2006, 47 Upper SC congregations have come on board and some 14 churches have identified capital projects, totaling $18.5 million.
Healthy Church training is available free of charge to Upper SC congregations, thanks to a generous gift to the diocese to be used at Bishop Henderson's discretion. Leading the initiative in the diocese is Healthy Church creator and congregational development consultant Tony Watkins, who begins his work with congregations by guiding them through an assessment which helps determine their unique core values and paves the way for the development of a plan for mission effectiveness. If a congregational plan requires funding, Watkins assists with fund-raising efforts. Congregations that do raise money to meet their goals they set are then asked to consider tithing the money raised to support Upper SC's Healthy Church Foundation, which will serve as a storehouse of mission funds as well as a depository for planned gifts and bequests.
At the 2006 Diocesan Convention, Bishop Henderson declared: "By the opening gavel of the 85th Convention, I expect every congregation in Upper South Carolina to have participated in a Healthy Church Consultation. Just as personal prayer will change your life, a decision on the part of your congregation to accept this gift will significantly increase the congregation’s effectiveness in mission."
Not on board yet? Contact Canon to the Ordinary the Rev. Mark Clevenger, 803.771.7800. And don't miss St. Matthew's Healthy Church success story in the "Church" section of this newsletter!
It’s time to show the world that the
Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs), a diocesan priority and a
priority of the Episcopal Church, are close to our hearts! And
so is Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation (E4GR, www.e4gr.org), the organization resourcing the movement of
spiritual transformation emerging around the MDGs in the
Episcopal Church. To that end, all Upper SC households will be
receiving an original MDG sticker and a special request that the
sticker be displayed on your car. The stickers will be coming
your way in October—special delivery by your congregational
delegation to Diocesan Convention.
The sticker is the brain child of the Rev. Mary Moore Roberson, associate rector at St. John’s, Columbia. Roberson commissioned the sticker and underwrote printing costs. St. John’s members Brandon Templeton and Gordon Schell donated the materials and created the design respectively. The best thank you to these three will be that sticker on your window!
New for fall 2007!
In response to requests from students, the Diocesan School for Ministry will be offering courses in addition to the usual two-year, twelve-course
core curriculum, beginning this fall.
Additional courses will be offered at one central site, at All Saints church in Clinton, on Saturdays that do not conflict with the core curriculum class meeting dates.
Additional courses for the fall session are "Modern Theology from 1800 to the present: Making our Way from the Reformation to Post-Modernism," taught by the Rev. Dr. Philip Whitehead and "Religions of the World," taught by the Rev. Clyde Ireland. These classes will meet on September 15, 29; October 13; November 10; and December 1 and 8. For winter term 2008 offerings will be "The Challenge of Culture in Understanding the Bible, or Don't Let Hermeneutics Throw You," taught by Dr. Whitehead, and "Homiletics (Hands-On)," taught by the Rev. Dr. Charles Foss (January 12, 26; February 9, 23; March 8, 29). Spring 2008 classes are still under construction.
Visit the School for Ministry (www.edusc.org/Ministry) Web page for curricula and registration information. Questions may be directed to the Rev. Bob Chiles, chair of the School for Ministry Committee, 803.736.0866, office; 803.665.5352, cell; FRChiles@aol.com.
God Willing, The Right Reverend Dorsey F. Henderson, Jr., Bishop of Upper South Carolina, will ordain Alfredo Pedro Gonzalez to the sacred order of Deacons, Thursday, the 26th of July, Two Thousand and Seven, The Feast of the Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Columbia , South Carolina, 7:00 p.m. Your prayers and presence are requested. Clergy: White Stoles.
Time to mark your calendar for those fall ECW District Meetings!
September 8 |
Eastern District |
Advent, Spartanburg |
September 16 |
Central District |
Good Shepherd, Columbia |
October 7 (Sun.) |
Northwest District |
St. Philip's, Greenville |
October 13 |
Western District |
St. Bartholomew's, N. Augusta |
In the mid 1990s, St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital in Houston, Texas, began a program to train pastoral care workers for churches and institutions. Called the Community of Hope, this program is based upon Benedictine spirituality. Over a period of 14 Saturdays, candidates become part of a circle of prayer, concern, and worship as they receive training in various aspects of pastoral care. This Christian community continues after their commissioning as lay chaplains. In this “Circle of Hope” they share in complete confidentiality events from ministry in their own congregations in order to improve their abilities as caregivers, as well as to continue in regular worship together.
On April 22, 2007 Bishop Henderson commissioned the first Community of Hope class for our diocese in a service at St. John’s in Columbia. Planning is under way for the 2007-2008 class to begin in September 2007. Classes will be held at three different locations: in Columbia, Greenville, and Rock Hill.
For information and application materials contact: Columbia Group: Margaret Jennings Todd, maggiejenn@aol.com; Greenville Group: The Rev. Kathryn Tiede Hottinger, 864.271.8773 ex.155 or Peggy Parham, 864.242.5403, mkparham@charter.net; Rock Hill Group: Jim Welsh, jimwelsh_2000@yahoo.com, Gene and Sarah Meyer, Meyere@asme.org.
The first thing you notice about St. Matthew’s, Spartanburg, is the buzz and excitement swirling about. There are children of many different nationalities giggling in the halls, couples waiting to see the rector Father Rob Brown for marriage counseling, administrative assistants answering phones and fielding questions. Things are happening around here.
Thanks to a generous gift to the diocese, HCI assessments are available free of charge to all Upper SC congregations. During an assessment, Tony Watkins, HCI consultant, helps congregations celebrate what they are already doing well; remember their mission as baptized persons; and listen deeply to the story of the community of faith
After the first survey, St. Matthew's developed a plan for addressing the needs of the church, which included launching a capital campaign that raised approximately $880,000. The money is being used for renovation and new construction to facilitate education and program offerings – two of the congregation's biggest priorities.
When asked how the Healthy Church Initiative is helping his congregation evolve, Father Rob described the HCI as "the framework that helped us build upon our foundation which is our ‘Prayer for Spiritual Growth’." (See prayer below.)
Leslie "Fergie" Horvath, a co-chair of the capital campaign, thinks the best part of the initiative was the surveys and interviews that helped St. Matthew’s identify core values. When asked if she would recommend the initiative to other churches, Horvath said “definitely,” and that "it’s a great way to check the pulse of everyone. The next step is deciding how to respond to the core values—change, stay the same, grow, cut back. The initiative fosters parishioner involvement in a Holy leading—a Holy change—a Holy movement toward something 'other'—how exciting!”
Carol Wishard, also a capital campaign chair, wants other congregations to know how talented and knowledgeable Watkins is: “He was such a breath of fresh air. He knew how to focus on the important things and answer questions that could derail the whole process if left unanswered or answered incorrectly. With his leadership we were able to get everyone involved, which is usually a task that fails. We had a beginning, a middle and an ending goal. We did it and accomplished the largest monetary capital campaign pledge drive St. Matthew’s has ever had. God is soooooooooo good!"
When asked how the process impacted her congregation, Wishard said “working as one body brought us to know each other better. It also strengthened our belief in the power of prayer. For the past 10 years, 2 to 3 times per week and sometimes more, we pray together our Prayer for Spiritual Growth:""
Gracious Father, we ask spiritual growth for ourselves, our families and friends, and especially for our family St. Matthew’s. Grant us growth in understanding and willingness to be your Body in this world. Empower us to live the mission of Christ: to preach, teach, heal and make disciples. In joyful thanksgiving for the blessing of your presence in our lives, compel us to share you with everyone we meet. May our numbers increase, our commitment deepen, our lives be joyfully yours. Make us a God-centered people. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
St. Peter's, Greenville, youth return from their "Virtuous Voyage"
Junior High youth transition from VBS participants to volunteers
St. Peter's, Greenville sixth graders and youth minister, Lori Hinze, outside the soup kitchen "Project Host"
Seven rising sixth graders at St. Peter's, Greenville didn't just attend Vacation Bible School this year, they volunteered all week. They participated in a program at St. Peter's that helps sixth graders transition from children's ministry to youth ministry. They learn the difference between participating in church events and taking an active role in the planning of events.
The new youth cleaned up church grounds and the education wing, put together art supplies for VBS projects, and set up the closing VBS picnic. They even volunteered at the soup kitchen (pictured above), Project Host . Their efforts throughout VBS fully prepared them to be full-time volunteers next year. Congratulations to Tanner Kohn, Tyler Melson, Riley Ovintgon, Jordan Chamberlain, Keaton Hinze, Tyler Shockley and Jenna Woodman and all of St. Peter's, Greenville on another succesful week of VBS!
The annual meeting in support of Partnership Cange and
diocesan mission work in Haiti will be Friday evening and
Saturday September 21-22nd at Christ Church, Greenville. Father Fritz Lafontant, his wife Yolanda, and daughter Marie-Flore will be here to tell us about the new and exciting developments at Cange.
Partnership Cange is a partnership among us to further His Kingdom. This meeting is to share knowledge and information, to coordinate efforts, and to inspire and involve new people in the mission field. By doing this we support and encourage Father Lafontant in his vision for the church and community at Cange.
For additional information please contact Reggie Brooker at 864.271.0520 or by e-mail to pbroo10157@aol.com.
Education for Ministry (EFM) mentor training will be held August 9-11, 2007, at Trinity Cathedral, Columbia. Both Basic In-Service and Formation Training will be offered.
Basic training enables the mentor to facilitate and guide a seminar group in all aspects of the program, including its administration. In addition, first time participants engage in a process of discernment regarding their call to be a mentor in the program.This training is for: persons who have never been mentors; mentors who have been out of the program for 3 or more years and who wish to mentor again; experienced mentors who want a basic refresher. Enrollment is limited to 8.
Formation training: Choose between "Equipping for Ministry" (enrollment limited to 14) or "Spirituality of Mentoring" (enrollment limited to 18).
Registration begins at noon and training begins at 3 p.m. on Thursday, August 9, and concludes on Saturday, August 11. Attendance is required at the entire training to be eligible for certification.
Cost is $125.00 for mentors in Upper SC; $135.00 for mentors from other dioceses. Fee includes all meals and materials. Lodging is not included. Participants are expected to make their own arrangements for lodging. A suggested list of nearby hotels is included.
Registration deadline is July 20. Register early as space is limited. For more information call or email Betty Hudgens: 803.771.7300 or hudgens@trinitysc.org
The Institute for Spirituality at Palmetto Health is taking applications for the January 2008 class in its Spiritual Guidance Training Program. This two-year, experiential, faith-based program prepares those involved in ministry—clergy, lay ministers, counselors, parish nurses and others—in the art and discipline of spiritual guidance (spiritual direction). Participants work from within the context of their own faith tradition, and, at the same time draw on the wealth of spiritual masters from other traditions as well as the arts, sciences and humanities.
The program includes home study, classroom experience, guided retreats, practicum, and peer groups. Participants are provided a certificate of completion at the end of the course and may be eligible for dual enrollment with the Graduate Theological Foundation to complete a Doctor of Ministry degree in Spiritual Direction. For more information or to obtain an application, contact Dr. Keith Barron at 803-296-5972 or e-mail him at keith.barron@palmettohealth.org. Information is also available on the website at www.palmettohealth.org .
Christianity is both an occidental and an oriental religion, but we in the West have lost a great portion of our oriental roots. Grounded in the Semitic and oriental heritage of the Middle East, Christianity reflects both modes. In this seminar we will explore those roots and the new discoveries that are returning to us the oriental treasures of our faith as they have originated in the teaching and wisdom of Jesus (Yeshua). Many of these are contained in newly recovered documents like the Gospels of Thomas, Mary Magdalene and Philip. Each of these moves us toward the recovery of a wisdom perspective that was the vision of the Christian East. We will examine together these treasures recently recovered from the sands of the ancient Middle East.
Lynn Bauman is a master teacher and retreat leader, traveling widely throughout the US sharing the mystical Christian tradition and his passion for the ancient perennial wisdom that originally influenced the world's faith traditions. He has written several texts on spirituality, most recently The Gospel of Thomas, Wisdom of the Twin; In Trouble and In Wonder (a commentary on Thomas); and Ancient Songs Sung Anew, The Psalms as Poetry. Thanks to his creativity, in the 1980's he developed the Anglican Rosary. His academic degrees include linguistics, ascetical theology, and a PhD in the hermeneutics of mystical discourse. His work is especially influenced by the spiritual traditions and poets of the Middle East where he and his wife, Jackie, lived for ten years. Program $55. For more information, please contact the convent: 706.798.5201.
Want to make your good marriage great? Your great marriage even better?
Kanuga Conferences is sponsoring two fall Marriage Enrichment retreats to provide opportunities for committed married couples to enhance their lives together. One will be held September 30-Octtober 3 and another November 16-18.
Led by the Rev. Clay Turner and Mrs. Jane Turner of Spartanburg, S.C., certified marriage enrichment specialists, each retreat will enable couples to nurture their invaluable yet constantly changing relationships.
Married in 1961, the Turners have been involved in marriage enrichment since 1974. They currently serve on the training and certification committee for the national board of the Association for Couples in Marriage Enrichment. Clay Turner is a former rector of Church of the Advent, Spartanburg.
For more information on Marriage Enrichment retreats, visit www.kanuga.org or call 828.692-9136.
William Madden Beasley, 6-lb.-9-oz son of Elizabeth and Nicholas Beasley+ (rector of Resurrection, Greenwood), was born July 9. Asher Philip Ireland, seventh grandchild of Clyde+ and Betty Jean Ireland, was born July 16 in Augusta, GA.
Welcome to our brand new e~DUSC
feature, a biweekly reflection on the day-to-day by one of our
own.
Amy Sander Montanez is a writer, teacher,
therapist, retreat leader, and spiritual director who attends
Trinity Cathedral, Columbia. We're very excited to be able to offer
this column. We think you'll be excited too! (You can e-mail us
using the "Feedback" button above.)
I have several favorite prayers in The Book of Common Prayer. One of them is said during the service of Holy Baptism, and ends with these words. “Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give them an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Amen.”
On a recent Sunday, after watching eight soft, pink, noisy babies and one very happy adult receive the sacrament of Baptism, we prayed this prayer, and I thought, “Could we wish anything more powerful and meaningful for our children? Do we really mean these words?”
“Give her an inquiring and discerning mind.” If she (or he) really got this kind of mind, she might disagree with me. She might have her own thoughts and reach her own conclusions and they might be very different from my own. She might end up believing things about God that I don’t believe. She might be more conservative (or liberal, or free, or tolerant, or prejudiced, etc.) than I am. She might take me to task on my own thoughts, my blind spots, my orthodoxies, my own unconscious process, and that might not feel very good. In short, she might be my Zen Master. Is that what I bargained for?
“Give him the courage to will and to persevere.” But only, Lord, if he’s not using that strong will and perseverance to push back against me. We don’t like “strong-willed children.” There are even books published about how to deal with these challenging, high- spirited little ones. And yet, here we are, praying for that specifically. And then, Sweet Jesus, if he really gets to know and love You, he might just want to turn life upside down, just like You did. He might not be orderly and diplomatic. He might not be socially or politically correct. He might even be outspoken at church!
And then there’s the “gift of wonder in all your works” part. Children naturally have the gift of wonder, if we don’t scare it out of them. Maybe we’re really praying that for ourselves, so we don’t dry up and miss what is right before our eyes. Do I still have the gift of wonder? I did enjoy talking to the bird that seemed to be calling to me this morning as I sat on the front porch, tying my sneakers for my early morning walk.
“It’s a beeeautiful day, Miss Amy, don’t you agree? Sparkling! Magnificent! Don’t miss it!”
“Thanks for reminding me, Mr. Bird. But it is only 6:30 you know . . . some people are still trying to sleep.”
“I’m a bird, Miss Amy. This is what I do. I get up early and I sing my heart out. I can’t imagine anyone would take exception to this. You’ve got to be who you are, you know.”
“Good advice, Mr. Bird. I’ve got to be who I am.”
So here’s the prayer for the newly baptized. Be yourself. Grow into the unique God-seed that you are. Never stop being amazed and wondering at the world. And if all of that is a little tough on your parents and those around you, be patient with them. They just need to be reminded of what they prayed for.
©Copyright Amy Sander Montanez, 2007
