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News from the HOB meeting in New Orleans, September 20-25
Episcopal Life Online [ELO] offers comprehensive coverage or the recent House of Bishops meeting at www.episcopalchurch.org/89878_26897_ENG_HTM.htm.
Some highlights:
[ENS] A message from the bishops of the Episcopal Church (September 28): A message to the church describing the context of the New Orleans meeting
We gathered this week in New Orleans in solidarity with the people of the Gulf Coast region as they continue the challenging work of rebuilding lives and communities devastated by Hurricane Katrina. We also gathered with the deep desire to rebuild trust and confidence with our partners in the Anglican Communion. Rebuilding is difficult work, but God invites us through our baptism to the challenging work of reconciliation, in communities and relationships. We have witnessed the remarkable continuing miracle of renewal in the myriad efforts of people from all over the world who are participating in the rebuilding of New Orleans and other communities along the Gulf Coast. We give thanks to God for their witness and pray that the ongoing work of reconciliation within the Anglican Communion can also bear as forceful a witness to the glory and grace of God. Full story at www.edusc.org/episcopalchurch.org/79901_90522_ENG_HTM.htm.
[ENS] "Day of Service" puts bishops to work in Mississippi, New Orleans (September 22)
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Most of the members of the Episcopal Church's House of Bishops, their spouses and their invited guests put down their pens and microphones and picked up work tools September 22 to lend a hand in Gulf Coast recovery efforts.
During the Day of Service, the bishops and their guests worked on nine projects in New Orleans, while another busload headed for various sites in Mississippi. Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori went with the Mississippi crews and her husband, Richard Schori, worked with a house-building crew in New Orleans' Uptown neighborhood. Some 35 bishops and their spouses went to the Mississippi Gulf Coast where, before arriving at their work sites, they took a bus tour of the depopulated Gulf coastline.
[ENS] House of Bishops response "to questions and concerns raised by our Anglican Communion partners" (September 25)
In accordance with Our Lord's high priestly prayer that we be one, and in the spirit of Resolution A159 of the 75th General Convention, and in obedience to his Great Commission to go into the world and make disciples, and in gratitude for the gift of the Anglican Communion as a sign of the Holy Spirit's ongoing work of reconciliation throughout the world, we offer the following to The Episcopal Church, the Primates, the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC), and the larger Communion, with the hope of "mending the tear in the fabric" of our common life in Christ. . . .
Introduction
The House of Bishops expresses sincere and heartfelt thanks to the Archbishop of Canterbury and members of the Joint Standing Committee of the Anglican Consultative Council and the Primates for accepting our invitation to join us in New Orleans. By their presence they have both honored us and assisted us in our discernment. Their presence was a living reminder of the unity that is Christ's promised gift in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Much of our meeting time was spent in continuing discernment of our relationships within the Anglican Communion. We engaged in careful listening and straightforward dialogue with our guests. We expressed our passionate desire to remain in communion. It is our conviction that The Episcopal Church needs the Anglican Communion, and we heard from our guests that the Anglican Communion needs The Episcopal Church.
Complete statement available at:
www.edusc.org/episcopalchurch.org/79901_90457_ENG_HTM.htm; also enclosed
with snail-mail edition of e~DUSC.
Joint Standing Committee submits Report on House of Bishops' meeting
[ACNS] The Joint Standing Committee of the Anglican Consultative Council and the Primates of the Anglican Communion have now submitted their Report on The Episcopal Church's House of Bishops September 20-25 meeting in New Orleans. The Archbishop of Canterbury has sent the Report to all the Primates and to all members of the Anglican Consultative Council and asked them to consult in their provinces on the Report, and respond to him by the end of October.
A PDF of the report is available at www.aco.org/acc/docs/JSC%20Report%20on%20New%20Orleans%20071003.pdf. Also available by contacting Peggy Hill at Diocesan House, 803,771.7800, ext. 18.
‘Episcopal Life Focus' multicast also set for October 11
[ENS] A live webcast with Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori on October 16, and the second monthly edition of "Episcopal Life Focus"— a half-hour video "multicast" featuring church mission, ministries and news – are upcoming program highlights from Episcopal Life Media.
Co-produced with Trinity Church Wall Street, the Web cast will begin at 3 p.m. Eastern time on October 16 and is planned to feature the Presiding Bishop's responses to questions asked via telephone and e-mail during the program. Access will be available through both the websites of the Episcopal Church and Trinity Wall Street..
Meanwhile, the new edition of Episcopal Life Focus, set for release online October 11, will feature coverage of the House of Bishops September meeting in New Orleans, the Archbishop of Canterbury's visit there, and the hands-on post-hurricane rebuilding and pastoral work offered by the bishops and spouses along the Gulf Coast.
More: www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_90596_ENG_HTM.htm
Following the House of Bishops meeting in New Orleans, September 19-25, Bishop Henderson issued the following pastoral letter. See "National & World News" for more about the meeting and a great photo of our bishop.
“I do all for the sake of the Gospel so that I might share in its blessings”—I Cor. 9:23
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Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams addresses the House of Bishops (©2007 Episcopal Life Online) |
Beloved Sisters and Brothers in the Lord, I return exhausted but exhilarated after the meeting of the House of Bishops in New Orleans (19-25 September. There, together, we worshipped God…engaged in Bible study…listened for the voice of the Holy Spirit…heard inspiring accounts of the life and mission of the Church (including one from “our own” Paul Farmer about the work in Cange)…labored physically at sites of Katrina destruction…and—yes—had a little fun, and a little too much food, too.
This was possibly the most congenial and unified meeting of the HOB in my experience—truly a blessing from God. That is not to say that we were all of one mind about the serious issues before us—but throughout our striving I perceive there was a unity of purpose, a unity in spirit. More than once I recalled the words of that hymn, “Surely the Spirit of the Lord is in this place”. Though disappointed that three or four bishops departed after the first two days—their voices, too, needed to be heard throughout the meeting—there was, nevertheless, a remarkable sense of urgency and a remarkable passion for the task which was ours. Bishops with sharp differences of opinion seemed determined, by God’s grace, to respond faithfully to the expectations within our own province and from other Anglican provinces. Commitment to maintain the unity of The Episcopal Church and full partnership within the Anglican Communion was patently obvious.
Read it all on the bishop's blog: http://upperscvii.wordpress.com; also enclosed with the snail-mail version of this edition of e~DUSC.
1957 was a very good year—the year that St. Matthew's, Spartanburg, and St. Michael & All Angels, Columbia, joined the ranks of Upper SC churches. And on September 23 both congregations pulled out the stops to celebrate fifty wonderful years.
At St. Matthew's . . .
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Celebrating at St. Matthew's are the Rev. Rob Brown (right) and the Rev. Dn Joseph Smith, assistant to the rector. |
St. Matthew's, Spartanburg, celebrated its 50th anniversary this month, with rector the Rev. Rob Brown leading the church in events marking the celebration. The church has steadily grown in the last several years—from 120 in attendance on Sunday in 2003 to 260 in 2006. The congregation, with the help of the diocesan Healthy Church Initiative, now has plans to build a 12,000+-square-foot building to house its outreach ministries and Sunday school classes.
Quoted in a September 29 story by Kim Kimzey for the Spartanburg Hearld, Brown said the building will provide enough space to double the size of St. Matt's preschool. It also will house administrative and counseling offices, Christian education classes, a library, conference room and outreach ministries. The new building will have showers, allowing the church to participate with Spartanburg Interfaith Hospitality Network, or SPIHN, and be a Red Cross Evacuation center, Brown said. Meeting space will be provided to people who attend Narcotics Anonymous, Spinal Cord Injury Peer Support Group, and English as a second language classes at St. Matthew's. The church hopes to have the building completed by early May 2008.
At St. Michael's . . .
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Celebrating at St. Michael's are the Revs. Bill Wight, Beth Ely, Chuck Petit, Philip Whitehead, Jim Fenhagen, and Clyde Ireland |
On September 23, St. Michael & All Angels, Columbia, rolled out the red carpet for their 50th anniversary, celebrating with present and former clergy, choristers, musicians, parishioners, and friends. On hand with current priest in charge the Rev. Bill Wight were the Revs. Clyde Ireland and Chuck Petit, former rectors the Very Rev. Jim Fenhagen and the Rev. Dr. Philip Whitehead, and the Rev. Beth Wickenberg Ely, who came to St. Michael's at age four when her parents were founding members. The preacher for this festive occasion, ely is nowvicar of St. Philip's, Greenville.
Heavenly music was provided by the adult choirs of St. Michael's and St. Martins-in-the-Fields, Columbia; the praise choir, past and present, of St. Michael's; and RSCM choristers from both St. Michael's and St. Martin's. Post-service fun included St. Michael's trivia and lots of wonderful food.
St. Timothy's is celebrating its 115th birthday this year. They will have an annual Barbeque on Saturday, October 13th from 11 -2 p.m. Proceeds will go to help fund various outreach projects including St. Timothy’s Adopt-A-Family program and the sponsoring of a child in Africa. Sunday, October 14th they will have a special Sunday School program presented by Crieghton Boggs about the history of St. Timothy's. Creighton is a 5th generation member of St. Timothy's and an 8th grade student at Heathwood Hall. After the 11a.m. service, there will be a reception.
If you have any questions, please call Kris Copeland, 115th Celebration Committee Chair at 238-2296.
Rally to build new hope for peace in Darfur, October 6, 2 to 5 p.m., at the State House in Columbia
The
people of the Darfur region of western Sudan are victims of a ruthless
genocide. This genocide began in early 2003 when armed opposition groups
emerged in the Darfur region of western Sudan in response to economic,
political and social marginalization of the African population of Darfur.
Rather than combating these rebel military forces, the Sudanese government
chose to attack innocent women and children in a scorched earth campaign.
The suffering and destruction continue.
If you would like to organize members of your
congregation, here’s a great opportunity to provide a visible witness of our
support for stopping the brutal violence against civilians, such as:
We have an opportunity to make a resounding statement of our support for arresting what can only be described as one of the most significant and clear examples of evil in our world today.
For more information about this rally and the situation in Darfur, consult the Web site sponsored by the Darfur Action Group of SC: www.dagsc.org (note: there are some images of victims of the violence on this site).
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 .
The Fall Forum will focus on Religion and Political Moderation, using Robert Calhoon's forthcoming book on that subject as its starting point. The featured presenters will be Dr. Calhoon, who teaches American History at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro (and is a member of the Center's Advisory Council) and Professor Jack Maddex, history professor at the University of Oregon. They will get the discussion started with brief presentations and will invite dialogue with forum participants. Responding to the presentations and moderating the discussion will be Dr. Mary Anderson, pastor of the Lutheran Church of the Incarnation in Columbia. Pastor Anderson has served on the national staff of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and has a Doctor of Ministry degree in Preaching from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago.
After a break for lunch, a short session will feature brief presentations by two doctoral students (in history) at UNC-Greensboro: Jack Davidson and Joseph Moore, who are also Presbyterian ministers and have had personal experience with political moderation and immoderation. Their stories will lead the audience to broader discussion of the issues.
The Center on Religion in the South is a program of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, a seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. For more information, contact Dr. Susan W. McArver at (803) 461-3227 or email at smcarver@ltss.edu.
Stand–Up and Speak Out - Against Poverty and for the MDGs:
November 16 & 17
Last year Episcopalians across the country took part in setting a
Guinness World Record by Standing-Up to Fight Poverty. This year the
organizers want to exceed the 23.5 million who Stood Up last year.
Your church can take part—learn more at: www.standagainstpoverty.org.
MDG Sunday
The 2006 General Convention set the last Sunday after Pentecost as
"ONE Sunday" for the Episcopal Church. If you don't have the
liturgical calendar superimposed on your day planner (even I don't!)
– that date is November 25. Get it on your church calendar. We'll
have samples of services, prayers, bulletin inserts and more in the
coming weeks – plenty of lead time for November.
Hendersonville, NC – Fall and winter programs at Kanuga present opportunities for marriage enrichment, Advent and Lenten retreats and the chance to hear from speakers such as author Bruce Feiler.
Besides conferences, workshops and retreats, there are guest periods for the fall color season, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Check out the full Kanuga Events calendar
at www.kanuga.org.
October 20 – From Surviving to Thriving, The Journey of Healing for Women Survivors of Cancer, with Dr Jacqueline Fincher, Kath Engler, and the Rev Harriette Simmons. A day for women who know the shock of diagnosis, the pain of treatment, and who face the call to a challenging new life. On this day, we take time for listening, for sharing with others, and time for our inner selves to "speak" creatively. We will close with a service of healing to be touched by the hand of God. Bring a friend with you to the convent, a place of encouragement and joy. Program with lunch $45.
December 7-9 – Lo, God Comes! an Advent silent retreat with the Rt Rev Charles F Duvall, retired Bishop of the Diocese of Central Gulf Coast. Advent is traditionally a time to consider the first and second comings of Christ. Yet God comes into the history of planet earth and its creatures in other ways as well. Using the narratives of Scripture and the experiences of people of faith, Bishop Duvall will look at many of the ways God comes into the world. The weekend will be structured around four presentations: God coming as creator, coming through a family of faith, coming in person as Jesus, and coming through each of us.
Charles Duvall, a South Carolina native and Columbia resident, emphasized the teaching office while serving as bishop, and he continues to teach and preach on congregational, diocesan, and national levels. Tapes of his Bible stories interpreted for the modern ear have been recorded by the Episcopal Media Center in Atlanta. When the sisters remarked on his wonderful smile, Bishop Duvall replied, "Everyone's looks are enhanced by a smile; and I smile a lot as there is a lot of joy in Christianity."
All programs are $160 for full weekends including meals and lodging. Some scholarship funding is available.
For more information, contact the Episcopal Convent of St Helena by phone at 706-798-5201, email augustaconvent@comcast.net. Online at www.osh.org.
Upon recommendation of the Commission on the Diocese, at its September meeting the Diocesan Executive Council (DEC) adopted a Building or Renovation Procedure that applies to all missions and parishes of the diocese. ply to all missions and parishes of the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina.
A subcommittee of the Commission on the Diocese, the purpose of the Planning, Architecture and Construction Committee is to serve as advocate for a mission or parish in the process of renovation and/or new construction and to assist in achieving the best outcome possible for the project. The committee consists of laypersons and clergy who have experience and expertise in the various areas of renovation and construction and the various contractual safeguards necessary to protect a church’s assets.
Copy of the procedure, including an application form, is available from d'Rue
Hazel at Diocesan House, 803.771.7800, ext.24.
The 2006 General Convention set the last Sunday after Pentecost, November 25, as "ONE Sunday" for the Episcopal Church. The Episcopal Public Policy Network Web site, www.episcopalchurch.org/eppn will offer samples of services, prayers, bulletin inserts, and more in the coming weeks – plenty of lead time for November!
Calvin+ and Regina are new (1st time) grandparents to little baby Aaralyn Elizabeth Julian, born September 26, 2007, 6 lbs 7oz. The parents are Dr. Jason P. and Mrs. Victoria E. Julian.
If you’ve ever been away on retreat or to a religious weekend, you may know the feeling of being full and deeply energized. When I come home from something like this, it always takes a few days, sometimes weeks, for the integration and assimilation to take place, for all that I’ve experienced to settle in to my body and mind so that I can talk about it and share it.
In August, I went on a retreat with Companions on the Inner Way, an ecumenical group sponsored by Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church and San Francisco Theological Seminary. The location was at the Zephyr Conference Center in South Lake Tahoe, certainly one of those places we call “God’s Country”. I managed to miss the 108 degree heat here in Columbia and received instead brisk mornings of 45 degrees and afternoons no higher than 85. The lake is indeed emerald green in the shallow areas and a deep indigo at its deepest. There is relatively little development around it, just mountains and white cedars.
Our lead speaker for the week was Mark Yaconelli, truly one of the most gifted presenters I’ve ever experienced. He had us alternately laughing and crying as he so vulnerably shared his spiritual journey and his deep belief that the renewal of the church, and especially of our youth, can only come from a place of deep contemplation. We cannot “program” our way to renewal or entertain and exploit our youth into renewal. Only through a real relationship with God can the church be renewed and remade. Our studies focused on the scriptures that dealt with the kingdom of God and the offerings of God. Mark often translated this into “the reality of God.”
I began to resonate with and am still buzzing with the paraphrase “the reality of God”. What is God’s reality? “Seek ye first the reality of God, and God’s righteousness. And all these things shall be added unto you.”
God’s reality. It’s not a place, and isn’t that helpful? Many people get hung up on the “ kingdom of God” being a place like the heaven of the after life. But God’s reality is right here in the present.
What is God’s reality in my life, today, right now? I know and was reminded anew that God’s reality is not always what meets the eye. God’s reality often lies beneath the surface of things, and might look very different than what our ordinary eyes can see. I may need to slow down, maybe even shut my eyes to tune in to God’s reality. Amidst the confusion and striving of my day, God’s reality may be a few deep breaths away, a few moments of silence and listening away. I cannot always access it if my senses are too attuned to the immediacy of what is going on.
In the midst of what seems like total chaos, God’s reality may be something like “Be still, and know that I am God.” In the center of tragedy or trauma, when we call out “Lord, save me!”, God’s reality might be the immediacy of a sense of support. On a day when surely there is more to do than hours in day, God’s reality may look like “Do not be anxious, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you His reality.”
Very often for me, God’s reality is a remembering (a re-membering) of who I am. I am a part of a community of faith. I am not alone and there are many who can help me if I need it. I am a child of God, beloved and enough, just the way I am. Life is abundant, and there is enough to go around; enough time, enough money, enough love, enough joy, enough support, enough strength, and enough resources. Jesus lived that we might have life, and have it abundantly. These are the realities of the Divine One. This is the kingdom of God, right here, right now, if we just seek it and claim it as the free gift that it is.
©Copyright Amy Sander Montanez, 2007
