January, 2012 • Volume 137, Issue No. 1 SPECIAL COUNCIL ISSUE (MSE) Bishop Gray is inviting mem- bers of the diocese to join him in reading through the four gospels during Lent. This bible reading initiative, begun at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania and endorsed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, our Presiding Bishop and a variety of other archbishops and bishops from around the Anglican Communion is an effort to invite a serious and rigorous reading of scripture throughout the year. In Mississippi the initial focus will be on the four gospels in Lent. Participants who register and make a commitment to read one or two chapters a day on an assigned schedule will receive regular comments and reflections from Bishop Gray on the particular passages being read. The emphasis will be on bible reading and less on bible study, so stacks of biblical commentaries will not be necessary. The “lectio divina,” or holy reading approach, will be more the norm. A fuller description of this Lenten discipline will be sent to those who register. Registration will be through the dioce- san website, www.dioms.org or through the local church office if one lacks internet availability. Many churches will also offer for those participating in the Lenten read- ing a time to reflect and respond to what they are reading. To learn more about the origins of this bible reading initiative, visit The Center for Biblical Studies at www.thecen- terforbiblicalstudies.org. Read Scripture with the Bishop in Lent Diocesan ECW elects new officers Looking for a Lenten discipline? The ladies of St. Columb’s, Ridgeland won the Holy Fish for having the most members in attendance at the Fall ECW Conference, November 11 - 12, 2011. ECW Triennial delegates and alternates, pictured with Bishop Gray L-R: Julia Young - UTO Chair, St. Philip’s, Jackson; Jane Wacaster, St. Paul’s, Meridian; Mary Beth Welch, St. John’s, Laurel; Nancey Scott - President, St. Philip’s, Jackson; Grace Steiner, Trinity, Natchez; Lyn Wellons, St. Stephen’s, Columbia; Barbara Brunson - Distinguished Woman Recipient, St. James’, Jackson. February 3-5, 2012 Vicksburg Convention Center Vicksburg, MS THE 185TH ANNUAL COUNCIL of the DIOCESE OF MISSISSIPPI The 2011-2012 ECW Board, pictured with Bishop Gray (top L-R): The Rev. Jennifer Deaton, Chaplain; Brenda Hawkins, Recording Secretary; Mary Beth Welch, Sowashee Convocation Coordinator; Evelyn Gregory, Advisor; Wava Peters, Treasurer; Lollie Everett, Central Convocation Coordinator; Betty Melton, Corresponding Secretary; (bottom L-R) Jo Ann Lee, Church Women United; Elisabeth Scott, Recommended Reading; Emily Everett, Publicity; Julia Young, UTO; Nancey Scott, President; Grace Steiner, Nominating; Lyn Wellons, Historian; Barbara Brunson, CPC; and Ellen Clayton, Delta. Complete Annual Council news begins on page 3
Transcript
January, 2012 • Volume 137, Issue No. 1SPECIAL COUNCIL ISSUE
(MSE) Bishop Gray is inviting mem-bers of the diocese to join him in readingthrough the four gospels during Lent. Thisbible reading initiative, begun at St.Thomas Episcopal Church in FortWashington, Pennsylvania and endorsed bythe Archbishop of Canterbury, ourPresiding Bishop and a variety of otherarchbishops and bishops from around theAnglican Communion is an effort to invite aserious and rigorous reading of scripturethroughout the year.
In Mississippi the initial focus will beon the four gospels in Lent. Participantswho register and make a commitment toread one or two chapters a day on an assigned schedule will receive regularcomments and reflections from Bishop Gray on the particular passages being
read. The emphasis will be on bible readingand less on bible study, so stacks of biblicalcommentaries will not be necessary. The“lectio divina,” or holy reading approach,will be more the norm. A fuller descriptionof this Lenten discipline will be sent tothose who register.
Registration will be through the dioce-san website, www.dioms.org or through thelocal church office if one lacks internetavailability. Many churches will also offerfor those participating in the Lenten read-ing a time to reflect and respond to whatthey are reading.
To learn more about the origins ofthis bible reading initiative, visit The Center for Biblical Studies at www.thecen-terforbiblicalstudies.org.
Read Scripture with the Bishop in Lent
Diocesan ECW elects new officers
Looking for a Lenten discipline?
The ladies of St. Columb’s, Ridgeland won the Holy Fishfor having the most members in attendance at the Fall
ECW Conference, November 11 - 12, 2011.
ECW Triennial delegates and alternates, pictured with Bishop Gray L-R: Julia Young -UTO Chair, St. Philip’s, Jackson; Jane Wacaster, St. Paul’s, Meridian; Mary Beth Welch, St. John’s, Laurel; Nancey Scott - President, St. Philip’s, Jackson; Grace Steiner, Trinity,Natchez; Lyn Wellons, St. Stephen’s, Columbia; Barbara Brunson - Distinguished WomanRecipient, St. James’, Jackson.
February 3-5, 2012
Vicksburg Convention Center
Vicksburg, MS
THE 185TH ANNUAL COUNCIL
of the
DIOCESE OF MISSISSIPPI
The 2011-2012 ECW Board, pictured with Bishop Gray (top L-R): The Rev. Jennifer Deaton, Chaplain; Brenda Hawkins, Recording Secretary;Mary Beth Welch, Sowashee Convocation Coordinator; Evelyn Gregory,Advisor; Wava Peters, Treasurer; Lollie Everett, Central ConvocationCoordinator; Betty Melton, Corresponding Secretary; (bottom L-R) Jo Ann Lee, Church Women United; Elisabeth Scott,Recommended Reading; Emily Everett, Publicity; Julia Young, UTO; Nancey Scott, President; Grace Steiner, Nominating; Lyn Wellons, Historian;Barbara Brunson, CPC; and Ellen Clayton, Delta.
Complete Annual Council news begins on page 3
ORDINARY CONCERNS
2 The Mississippi Episcopalian Special Council Edition 2012
November 23 - In office for the most of themorning, then travel to Gray Center to preparefor our annual Thanksgiving/family gathering.Special plans have been made to make sure thatmy father has some time with children, grand-children and great grandchildren.
At one time or another almost 50 members ofthe Lloyd and Gray families will be gatheredhere.November 24 - Extended family time at LakeTithelo where another segment of my extendedfamily - the Miller clan - gather for Thanksgivingeach year. I have succeeded my father as chiefliturgist for this family event though in this fami-ly gathering there are, in addition to my fatherand me, four Episcopal priests and onePresbyterian minister.Return to Gray Center in the evening.November 25 - At Gray Center with familyNovember 26 - Family members leave GrayCenter. Kathy and I decide to spend an extratwo nights in the quiet and beauty of this place.November 27 - At Gray Center with Kathy.November 28 - Spend some time in the officecatching up on a few matters. Time with mymother in the afternoon.November 29 - Staff meetings in the morning,then pick up my father for the Annual Bishops’(Retired and Active) Luncheon. This is a specialAdvent fathering with my Methodist and RomanCatholic colleagues and some of their predeces-sors.
Afternoon in the office.November 30 - Leave very early in the morningto drive to Memphis for a meeting of the bishopsof Province IV (mostly the southeastern region ofthe U.S.)All of our Wednesday session is spent with pre-sentations and discussions on the denomination-al health plan that will take effect in 2013.
Evening with bishops and spouses at thehome of the Rt. Rev. Don Johnson of WestTennessee and his wife Jeannie.December 1 - Province IV Bishops Meeting.Discussion of a wide variety of matters through-out the day.December 2 - Province IV Bishops Meeting.Conversation on a variety of matters, particularlyrecent events in the Diocese of South Carolina.Closing eucharist and dinner t St. John’sEpiscopal Church in Memphis.December 3 - I stay in Memphis to host a gath-ering of people from around he country who areinterested in serious reform of our church struc-ture, including General Convention. Keynotersare the Rev. Dwight Zscheile and the Rt. Rev.Stacy Sauls. Lively and productive conversation.
Drive home in the early evening to Jackson.December 4 - Up early to drive to Meridian formy annual visitation to Church of the Mediator. Imeet first with the large confirmation class, thenat the main service I preach, celebrate and con-firm 17. I also commission four members of thecongregation to a ministry of hospital visitation.
Reception follows in the parish hall. I thenhave the opportunity to meet with the vestryover lunch to listen to their hopes and dreamsfor this congregation.
Drive to Philadelphia for the ordination tothe priesthood of the Rev. Watson Lamb. It is avery joyous and happy event as this congregationwelcomes its first full term priest as vicar.
Reception afterwards in a downtown bed andbreakfast, then return to Jackson late.December 5 - Day off spent with parents.December 6 - Staff meetings in the mornings.
Meet with the Standing Committee throughmuch of the middle of the day. Afternoonappointment with the Rev. David Knight.December 7 - Spend much of the morningworking on a presentation I will give this
evening for the Disciples of Christ in Community(DOCC) program at St. Andrew’s Cathedral.
Finance Committee meets through much ofthe day struggling with next year’s budget fordiocesan ministries.
In the evening I join the DOCC programs atSt. Andrew’s for dinner and presentation.December 8 - Morning appointment with theRev. Matthew Rowe. In office the rest of the day.Annual consultation with the Rev. Deacon SteveOwen.December 9 - In the office through the morn-ing. Appointment with Mr. Ralph Maisel aboutthe Order of St. Luke. Discussion later with Ms.Susan Lockard about possible prison ministryinitiatives.
Drive to Gray Center for lunch with BillHorne and a couple interested in helping build anew cabin at Camp Bratton-Green to relievesome of the pressures that have arisen withunprecedented number of campers at our sum-mer and winter sessions.
In the evening Kathy and I join with CatholicCharities (Kathy is the emcee) in the AnnualEmancipation Celebration for foster children inthe Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program.This is the formal acknowledgement of the pend-ing independence of this class of foster children.Our own child, Tabitha Agany, is one of thosebeing honored tonight. It is a very specialmoment.December 10 - In the afternoon Kathy and Idrive to the coast in anticipation of my visitationto Christ Church/Bay St. Louis tomorrow. Overdinner we enjoy the Christmas parade of lightedboats on the Biloxi Bay.
Overnight in Biloxi.December 11 - Visitation to Christ Church/BaySt. Louis. I begin by teaching an adult class onthe mission imperative of the church. Later Ipreach, celebrate and confirm 5. I also blesssome beautiful kneeling cushions for the altarrail. Lunch with a wonderful seafood flavor fol-lows.
Travel in the afternoon to Brookhaven forvisitation to Church of the Redeemer. After visit-ing with the confirmation class before the serv-ice, I preach, celebrate, baptize three and con-firm five in a very special evening service.
Following a lovely dinner in the parish hall, Ireturn to Jackson late.December 12 - Day off. Some Christmas shop-ping and time with my mother. Very earlyTuesday morning I get word that my mother isbeing taken to the hospital from St. Catherine’s.I meet my father at the hospital.December 13 - Much of the nigh at the hospital.Return to the office for remnants of a staff meet-ing, then session with the convocation deans. Inthe hospital for much of evening.December 14 - Briefly in office in the morning.Annual consultation with the Rev. Brian Ponder.I am delighted that he is back in the diocese atSt. Paul’s/Meridian.
Drive to Como in the afternoon, my daughterTabitha as my companion, to ordain to thepriesthood the Rev. Don Chancellor. Lots ofexcitement and joy in this moment at HolyInnocents. Because of the condition of my moth-er, Tabitha and I must leave immediately follow-
ing the service, foregoing the reception.We return to Jackson late where we join
Kathy, my father, brother Lloyd and son Peter atthe hospital.December 15 - All appointments at the officeare rescheduled as I spend the morning withfamily at the hospital.
My mother dies around noon surrounded byfamily. It has been a very long journey these lastfew years, but her life was one of great joy andgrace. I will miss her greatly, but I have beengiven so much.
My sisters arrive shortly afterwards fromTennessee. The circle is complete. We say ourfinal goodbyes.
With family the rest of the day.December 16 - Both my father and I end up inthe hospital today as a vicious viral infectiontakes us down. It is not the best way to spendthe day after your mother’s death.
My son Duncan arrives and is given hospitalwatch duty for his namesakes.December 17 - I am released from the hospital.With family in preparation for funeral.December 18 -With family at home. Initial visita-tion is held in the afternoon at St. Andrew’s.December 19 - Visitation and funeral for mymother. Interment in Canton. Family gathersafterwards at the home of my Uncle Lloyd Spiveyand wife, Ebbie.December 20 - At home with family.December 21 - Come into the office to checkon correspondence and do a few things beforethe Christmas break.
Drive to Canton in the afternoon to visit theburial plot.December 22 - At home with family. See myfather off with my sister as he will spendChristmas in Tennessee.December 23 - At home with family. Some lastminute shopping.December 24 - Celebrate at the 5:00 p.m.Christmas Eve eucharist at the Cathedral in themidst of lots of happy families, children andsquealing babies. I was scheduled to preach, buthad asked the dean to take my place for this onenight. It was a good and holy moment.
After the service Kathy and I load up the carand drive to Oxford where we will spendChristmas with Duncan, IV, and his family.Arrive in Oxford at about the same time as Santa.December 25 - Christmas with Kathy, Duncan,IV, Amber, Harper and Sadie. Very special day.December 26 - In Oxford with family as office isclosedDecember 27 - Office closed. Return to Jacksonwith Kathy.December 28 - In office all day catching up withmany things.
I so appreciate the expressions of care andlove that have come to us over these past 2weeks. Words are inadequate to express whatthey have meant, so a simple “Thank You” mustsuffice.December 29 - Office all day.December 30 - In New Orleans with my family.December 31 - In New Orleans with my family.
The Bishop’s Journal
The Mississippi Episcopalian (USPS 024755) is published monthly by the Episcopal Diocese ofMississippi, 118 N. Congress St., Jackson, MS 39201. Periodical postage paid at Jackson, MS.POSTMASTER: Send change of address to the Mississippi Episcopalian, P.O. Box 23107,Jackson, MS 39225-3107. In giving changes of address send the old address as well as thenew. We cannot be responsible for the return of manuscripts or photographs.
Official news organ of the Bishop and the Diocese of Mississippi118 N. Congress Street - P.O. Box 23107
Jackson, Mississippi 39225-3107
The Rt. Rev. Duncan M. Gray IIINinth Bishop of Mississippi
The Rev. Scott LenoirEditor
Continually published for 132 years in the Diocese of Mississippi
The Mississippi Episcopalian 3Special Council Edition 2012
185TH ANNUAL COUNCIL
FRIDAY, February 32:00 - 6:30 p.m. REGISTRATION
Council Committee meetings
4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Hearings on Council Resolutions, Main Hall
5:30 p.m. Rehearsal for acolytes and servers, Main Hall
6:30 p.m. OPENING SERVICE OF EVENING PRAYER
Evening PrayersCommissioning of newly licensed worship leadersBishop’s Address
FIRST BUSINESS SESSIONReport of the Credentials CommitteeDispatch of Business CommitteeWelcome by host churchesNominations and Elections Committee
DIOCESAN RECEPTION - Ticket included in registration packet; cash bar
SATURDAY, February 47:30 - 10:30 a.m. REGISTRATION continues
8:30 a.m. MORNING PRAYERSBUSINESS SESSIONS
9:00 a.m. First BallotPresentations and Committee reportsBudget 2012
10:15 a.m. Break - approximate
12:00 p.m. NOONDAY PRAYERS
12:15 p.m. CLERGY SPOUSES’ LUNCHEON -Anchuca
COUNCIL LUNCHEON - Ticket included in registration packet
2:00 p.m. Diocesan Choir Rehearsal,location to be announced
2:00 p.m. BUSINESS SESSIONBallot, if necessaryPresentations and Committee reports
3:15 p.m. Break - approximate
CLOSING PRAYERS Commissioning of newly elected officers
5:00 p.m. Business Session adjourns
7:00 p.m. DINNER and DANCE with Patrick Smith Band - Ticket in registration packet
SUNDAY, February 58:00 a.m. Choir Rehearsal - Main Hall
8:30 a.m. Rehearsal for acolytes, ushers and altar party - Main Hall
9:00 a.m. Hold for business10:00 a.m. Closing Eucharist
Reading of the Memorial RollBenediction and Adjournment
Dear Diocesan Family,
“A city set on a hill cannot be hid.” Matthew 5: 14
Before we know it, the time will be here for us to gather and celebratewho we are as a diocesan family: one body, under one Lord, one faith, one bap-tism. It is our pleasure to invite you to Vicksburg, a historic old river city, set ona hill, where we plan to let our light shine as we come together as one aroundthe theme of our 185th Annual Council, “Celebrating One Church.”
Annual Council is a time when Episcopalians come together to worshipand to visit, much like a large family reunion. All communicants of the dioceseare invited and encouraged to attend. Blocks of rooms at various hotels and bedand breakfast establishments have been reserved at special rates for the event.
The opening session will begin Friday evening at the Convention Center asparticipants gather to enjoy food and fellowship prior to the Saturday businessmeeting, The bishop’s address and Evening Prayer will also take place Fridayevening. Saturday will be a day of continuing business meetings and exploringthe sights and sounds of Vicksburg. Saturday’s activities will culminate with aDown South Catfish Dinner at the Convention Center while enjoying the musicof the Patrick Smith Band. The weekend will conclude Sunday morning with aCelebration of the Holy Eucharist, a service that brings the entire diocesetogether for worship and praise.
Register now and make your reservations ahead of time in order not tomiss out on the hotel or bed & breakfast of choice.
The host churches, Saint Mary’s, Christ Church, Holy Trinity, and SaintAlban’s, are working to prepare for your visit and look forward to your arrival.Please join us as we come together to work, relax, catch up with each other andworship as one.
Faithfully in Christ,
The Very Rev. Billie Abraham, Rector of Saint Alban’s Church The Rev. Denny Allman, Regular Supply Priest of Saint Mary’s Church Mr. Rich Cooper, Senior Warden of The Church of the Holy Trinity The Rev. Sam Godfrey, Rector of Christ Church
185th Annual CouncilCelebrating One Church
February 3-5, 2012
Locations listed are at the Vicksburg Convention Center in Vicksburg
Reflections from the RoadBy Duncan M. Gray, III, Bishop of Mississippi
Our annual Diocesan Council is preparing to meet for the 185th time this year in Vicksburg. It is a remarkable moment in our common life, this annualevent. I think it’s safe to say that Diocesan Council is both a product of our common life and a significant contributor to making us uniquely who we are in theDiocese of Mississippi. For those new to Mississippi from other dioceses, as well as for those who attend Council for the first time, this gathering is a remark-able surprise in both its spirit, size and its length.
“How can you get your people to stay the entire weekend?” I am constantly asked by bishop colleagues who are hard pressed to find a quorum to conductdiocesan business on a Saturday morning. I respond that it has something to do with the quality of life in this church. It has something to do with the quality ofworship throughout the weekend that culminates in the great liturgy of the eucharist on Sunday morning. But it also has everything to do with the Holy Spiritthat has bound us together in this diocese in relationships that have transcended the divisions of theology, politics, churchmanship, liturgical preference andethics that forever appear to threaten our unity in Christ.
For many, Council resembles more a large house party than a church gathering (which may say something significant about our stereotype of church gath-erings!) The renewing of friendships, the deepening of our spiritual life through worship and prayer are the context in which we do the business of the church.
Whether or not you are an official delegate, I invite you to consider a visit to the Sunday morning Eucharist of Diocesan Council to participate in thechurch gathered. The Eucharist is at 10:00 a.m. on February 5th at the Vicksburg Convention Center. I think you’ll be renewed by the experience as we cele-brate the unity that is ours in Christ Jesus.
Council Convenes In Vicksburg
4 The Mississippi Episcopalian Special Council Edition 2012
TREASURERElect one lay person for one-year term
PAGE, Mr. Fred H. All Saints’, Tupelo; Tombigbee Convocation
Certified Public Accountant. Local Church Involvement: Vestry; SeniorWarden (two terms); Finance Committee Chair; Stewardship CommitteeChair; Capital Campaign Committee; Search Committee; Adult ChristianEducation Teacher. Community and Civic Involvement: Treasurer - SAFE,Inc.; Catch Kids, Inc.; Cultural Alliance; former Board Member - UnitedWay; MS Society of CPA’s; Boy Scout leader for 25 years. DiocesanInvolvement: Finance Committee member for years. National ChurchInvolvement: None.
Special Gifts: 40+ years experience advising clients regarding finance and business operations.
Expectations: To assist the Bishop, Canon for Finance and Administration, Trustees and ExecutiveCommittee regarding diocesan financial matters.
TRUSTEE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH Elect one lay person for three-year term
LAY
TENHET, Mr. TimSt. George’s, Clarksdale; Northern Convocation
Director of Sales and Marketing for The KBH Corporation. Local ChurchInvolvement: Current Senior Warden (has served before in that capacity);Sunday School teacher; Choir Member; Lay Reader; Search CommitteeMember; Day School Board Member. Community and Civic Involvement:Participant in many organizations through church involvement; President,Clarksdale Country Club; Board Member, Ward Lake Land Company.Diocesan Involvement: Cursillo; Vocare staffer. National Church
Involvement: None.
Special Gifts: Tim is a graduate of the University of the South (a two-time All-Conference quarter-back there, though he would not want me to mention that!). He has served as Chair of his class’s 25thReunion and as Class Agent for his class. It is evident then that Sewanee is a place that is important tohim and to which he has remained connected in meaningful ways. Tim is a consensus-builder, athoughtful leader, a good listener, a good decision-maker. As a former senior warden at St. George’s, Iwas privileged to work with him in many capacities and through many issues. I found his ideas wellthought out, his willingness to work and volunteer helpful. He is decisive without rushing to judg-ment. I think his leadership abilities coupled with his deep love for Sewanee make him an excellentcandidate.
Expectations: I know that Tim would expect to be an active trustee and that he would have the uni-versity’s best interests at heart. I know he is supportive of the mission to look for ways to makeSewanee continue to be affordable to a diverse student body
TRUSTEE OF THE DIOCESEElect one lay person for four-year term
* STROJNY, Mr. MikeSt. Mark’s, Gulfport; Coast Convocation
Senior Partner Strojny & Strojny Financial Services. Community and CivicInvolvement: Board of Directors Coast Transit Authority; act as Advisor toMayor of Biloxi; served in many civic organizations. Diocesan Involvement:past member of Diocese Trustees.
Special Gifts: 30 years accounting senior partner, 25 years investment advisor .
Expectations: Attempt to help the Diocese make wise decisions with its trust money. Also to makesure investments are securely invested and receive an excellent rate of return.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEElect two lay persons for three-year terms Elect two clergy for three-year terms
LAY
✝ STRANGE, Mr. Charles FosterRedeemer, Greenville; Delta Convocation
Retired Educator. Local Church Involvement: Lay Reader; Senior Warden. Community and CivicInvolvement: Greenville Symphony Board; City of Greenville Election Committee. DiocesanInvolvement: Second Appointment to the Executive Committee. National Church Involvement:None
Special Gifts: My leadership at my local church over the years.
Expectations: To serve my church and learn more of the workings of the church.
STANDING COMMITTEEElect one lay person for four-year term Elect one presbyter for four-year term
PRESBYTER
* McMILLAN, The Very Rev. Bruce D. Christ, Holly Springs; Northern Convocation
Priest. Local Church Involvement: Rector of Christ Church, Holly Springsand Dean of Northern Convocation . Community and Civic Involvement:Chairman of Holly Springs Housing Authority; Friends of the Library;Literacy Council. Diocesan Involvement: Former member of ExecutiveCommittee; Finance Committee; Episcopal Committee; Dean of NorthernConvocation. National Church Involvement: Attended meeting ofProvince IV at Kanuga.
Special Gifts: Experience. Service at all levels of diocesan mission and ministry
Expectations: To continue to give counsel and advice to my Bishop and work with my fellow com-mittee members for the good of our Church.
Nominations To The 185th Annual Council Of The Diocese Of Mississippi* Nominated Incumbents eligible for Re-election
✝ Nominee whose appointment expires; nominated for an elected term.
COUNCIL NOMINATIONS
A date to remember: Monday & Tuesday, February 6-7, 2012The Allin House will be closed
The Mississippi Episcopalian 5Special Council Edition 2012
The budget below was approved by the Executive Committee as a "budget in progress." At publication time, there were many churches who had not reported their 2012 Voluntary Proportionate Giving, thus other funding options were being considered. Most funding requests for 2012 were reduced to the 2011 expense level which is how funds will be distributed until the Executive Committee approves a final budget on March 8, 2012.
WEST POINT, Incarnation 15.00% 24,341 22,436 15.00% 23,753
WOODVILLE, St. Paul's 0.00% 1,500 1,125 -
YAZOO CITY, Trinity 10.00% 3,800 2,972 10.00% 3,350
1,674,988 1,486,419 1,630,670
Make Stewardship Best Practices Part of Your New Year’s Resolutions
By Kristine Miller Best Practices, Congregational Leadership
Now is a great time to start the year off by implementing some stewardship best practices. For example..,
1. Annual meeting — Your annual meeting is coming up and you want to share the church budgetwith the congregation. Rather than a series of power point slides and charts, why not show photos ofall the ministries in which you are involved? People are much more interested in how your ministriesare impacting the lives of those whom you serve than they are in increasing utility costs. Make sureyour presentation reflects how your parish is responding to God’s call. Better yet, create a ministry-focused budget which shows your budget in terms of ministry support. (Send me an email if you areinterested in a template.)
2. Thanking your givers—as a part of your pledging process, be sure to communicate with those whoare funding your important ministries. Send a personal and sincere (handwritten, if possible) thankyou note to all those who made a pledge or are contributing to your annual budget. Remember thatpledges are more likely to be fulfilled if you regularly (at least quarterly) communicate with giversabout how their generous gifts are enabling ministry through your parish.
3. Provide multiple opportunities to contribute—making a pledge to the annual budget is not theonly way members can contribute! Some members are willing and able to give more. Make sure youprovide a list of “special projects” and associated costs (i. e. computer software $250, upgrade soundsystem $1250, etc.) Post the list on your website, print it in the bulletin and newsletters so membersknow what is needed. Be sure to include how each of these projects will enhance your ability to domore ministry.
4. Provide multiple vehicles for making a contribution—if the majority of your members are contribut-ing through the offering plate ONLY, you are not raising as much as you could. Electronic funds trans-fers, stock gifts, online giving, gifts-in-kind and other methods of contributing should be high on yourlist for the New Year. In my experience, those who are resistant to these “new” methods typically say,“people want to put something in the offering plate” and “we tried that and no one chose to partici-pate”. New processes take time and churches are notorious for being late adopters. In churches where
Stewardship, Continued on page 22
COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS
The Mississippi Episcopalian 9Special Council Edition 2012
All SaintsNovember accomplishments• Continue to repair/replace hot water storage tank in Green Hall• Winterized campus and buildings
December plans• Finish replacement of hot water storage tank in Green Hall• Replace old florescent light fixtures in old library
The budget request for December is $41,446, with cash on hand ofapproximately $5,000.
AmeriCorps continues to have only a few teams (at times only 1- or2-team members) on campus. All teams are to return on December 5-6for the second transition. The solution to the hot water storage problemin Green Hall was to purchase a large commercial electric water heater Itwill also provide back-up hot water if the main water heater goes down.With this tank, exhaust vents did not have to be installed saving us con-siderably on the purchase and installation costs. We have the $10,000requested last month but need an additional $2,500 to cover installation,which is in this month’s request.
AmeriCorps has resolved their problems with the security contrac-tor. They hired a new supply technician, filling the position that Wadeused to be in, who started on the 16th. He has rented the green houseand is now living on campus. They are conducting interviews for Joy’sreplacement, but are not sure when that person will be starting.
Paula will be retiring at the end of December. We will be having aluncheon for her that will be combined with the regular Christmas holi-day social for the All Saints staff. Paula’s replacement is already on board.
Center for Formation and MissionYou are invited...
The renewed Center for Formation and Mission (CfFM) is delightedto have completed a second year of programming, inviting congregations,individuals, friends and neighbors to engage and explore and experiencethe Spirit of God as we seek to be One Church in Mission, Inviting,Transforming, Reconciling. We are deeply grateful for our collaborationwith the Center for Ministry, created by the Mississippi Conference of theUnited Methodist Church and Millsaps College. The diocese already col-laborates with the Center for Ministry in offering Journey Partners, a two-year course in the art and practice of spiritual direction; in 2011, Centerfor Ministry staff also assisted the CfFM Program Committee in planningand implementing a variety of other conferences and retreats.
A women’s retreat entitled “Sanctuary” invited participants to reflecton finding sanctuary in God and discovering God in the sanctuary of ourdeepest selves. A series of quiet days entitled “A Day Apart” offered aspace of silence, beginning and ending with prayer. A longer guidedsilent retreat entitled “Who are You, God, and Who am I?” invited partici-pants into a rhythm of silence and gathered prayer, exploring our imagesof God and God’s images of us. Our annual retreat for knitters andneedleworkers reflected on the story of Mary and Martha, and in the busyseason of Advent, invited Jesus to help us choose the better part.
For the first time, the CfFM offered a men’s retreat, co-sponsoredwith the Brotherhood of St. Andrew from Chapel of the Cross, Madison.The Reverend Patrick Gahan came from Texas to lead this event entitled“Does God Have a Plan for Me, or Is Destiny Overrated?” Another firstwas the inaugural offering of Sewanee at Gray Center, a series of confer-ences that will bring faculty from Sewanee’s School of Theology to teachand reflect on their areas of expertise and interest. This event was enti-tled “The Anglican Perspective of C.S. Lewis,” keynoted by the ReverendDr. Robert MacSwain, Associate Professor of Theology and ChristianEthics at Sewanee.
You are invited... You are invited to lay down the fullness of a day -perhaps even the fullness of a couple of days - to join us for an event in2012. We will continue to offer quiet days, a silent retreat, retreats forwomen and men, and a weekend for needleworkers. New in 2012 willbe a conference on healing ministries co-sponsored by Order of St. Lukethe Physician, as well as a second offering of Sewanee at Gray Center.That event will take place in March, keynoted by the Reverend Dr. BillBrosend, Professor of Homiletics and President of the EpiscopalPreaching Foundation. He will reflect with us on how Jesus has preparedus all to tell the good news...
I remain deeply grateful to the members of the CfFM ProgramCommittee for their vision and creativity. We look forward to servingindividuals and congregations in the Diocese of Mississippi and beyondin 2012. We are one church in mission, inviting...and you are invited...
Respectfully submittedThe Reverend Jennifer Deaton, Program Committee Chair
Commission on MinistryThe Commission on Ministry (COM) continued to carry out its
canonical responsibility to assist Bishop Gray in all matters related to theministry of priests, deacons, and laypersons in the Diocese of Mississippi.The COM is responsible for making recommendations to the Bishop con-cerning aspirants, postulants, and candidates for holy orders at all stagesof the process leading to ordination. It is this work that takes up thebulk of the COM’s time together. The COM also helps the Bishop thinkcreatively about the emerging needs of the Episcopal Church inMississippi, and how the COM can respond to these new needs in helpfulways. Bishop Gray typically meets with the Commission for a period oftime at each gathering.
The full COM meets three times a year - in March, in August, and inOctober. The Presbyter Discernment Committee, a subcommittee of theCOM, meets in early January with aspirants for the priesthood and theirspouses. The Presbyter Discernment Committee welcomed its newestmember In January 2011— the Rev. Shannon Manning. The DiaconalDiscernment Committee meets as needed, and is made up of COM mem-bers and others. It did not meet in 2011.
January 3 - 5, 2011, the Presbyter Discernment Committee met withfour aspirants sent to us by the Bishop. They reconvened on January 8thto interview a fifth aspirant. Spouses of several aspirants were also inter-viewed. The Presbyter Discernment Committee made its recommenda-tions to the Bishop. Bishop Gray accepted two new postulants for thepriesthood: Laurence Wainwright of St. Alexis, Jackson, and Sarah Mosesof St. Peter’s, Oxford. Sarah already has her M.Div., so her training willbe a little different from the traditional seminary track.
The full COM met at Gray Center in March. We met with LaurenceWainwright (new presbyter postulant) and Dr. Billy Walton (All Saints’,Tupelo), (diaconal postulant). The results of the General OrdinationExams (GOEs) were discussed at length with respect to the five candi-dates for the priesthood: Van Bankston, Don Chancellor, Watson Lamb,Clelie McCandless, and Seth Wally. The COM recommended all five forordination to the transitional diaconate.
The full COM met again at Gray Center August 10-12, 2011. TheCOM approved the candidacy of rising senior seminarian John Kellog(General Seminary). It was learned that new postulant LaurenceWainwright had chosen Seminary of the Southwest and was enrollingthere as a junior.
There was an energetic and wide-ranging discussion of deploymentissues in the diocese, including staffing solutions for small churches thatcan no longer afford full-time clergy and the vacancies in the MississippiDelta. David Johnson reported on the Iona Initiative out of the Seminaryof the Southwest. David is on the organizing committee for this program,which would be available to laypersons in the Diocese of Mississippi whomight be bi-vocational priests or vocational deacons. Mississippi wouldbe one of seven charter dioceses for this program, which plans to launchby September 2012.
The balance of the COM’s time at this meeting was spent reviewingthe files of the current postulants, and meeting with all three rising mid-dler seminarians, Will Lowry (Sewanee), C.J. Meaders (Seminary of theSouthwest), and Lyn Stabler (Sewanee) and assorted spouses. We alsomet with James DeDeaux, the most recent postulant for the vocationaldiaconate.
The final COM meeting of the year took place October 15, 2011, atSt. Andrew’s Cathedral. The COM approved four transitional deacons forordination to the priesthood - Don, Clelie, Seth, and Watson. The COMreceived a report from Shannon Manning on the Young AdultDiscernment program in the Diocese of Mississippi. The COM was updat-ed on the Iona Initiative by David Johnson. The COM made some minoramendments to the Presbyter Discernment Handbook. There was contin-ued discussion of creative solutions for serving the liturgical, pastoral,and sacramental needs of small churches in the Mississippi Delta andelsewhere in the state.
Chancellor’s ReportThe Chancellor of the Diocese attended the meetings of the
Trustees of the Diocese and the Executive Committee, and assisted asrequested.
Conducted research, rendered legal opinions and conferred withthe Bishop, the Canon to the Ordinary, and the Canon for Administrationand Finance and lay leaders on a variety of issues affecting or involvingthe Diocese.
Studied and reviewed Roberts Rules of Order, the Council Agenda,and attended the Diocesan Council held at the Jackson ConventionCenter in Jackson, Mississippi, assisted as requested and served on theConstitution and Canons Committee.
Coordinated the filing of a sales tax registration application with theMississippi State Tax Commission for vendor sales at the DiocesanCouncil.
Coordinated the submission of a non-profit corporation filing forthe Trustees with the office of the Secretary of State of Mississippi.
Reviewed the bi-monthly issues of Church Law and Tax Reportregarding court decisions involving churches, parishes, dioceses, etc., andcalled to the attention of the Bishop and the Canon for Administrationand Finance the matters of importance to this Diocese.
Studied, reviewed, conferred and met with the Bishop, the Canonfor Administration and Finance, the Trustees and representatives ofMerrill Lynch and Vector Money Management, Inc. involving the manage-ment of the Diocese’s investment portfolio.
Conferred with the Bishop, Trustees and others, especially theCanon for Administration and Finance, and worked extensively with rep-resentatives of AmeriCorps/NCCC and their legal counsel and other rep-resentatives, on contract, leasehold and related legal issues concerningthe All Saints Episcopal School in Vicksburg, for which the Trustees are acreditor.
Conferred with the Bishop, Trustees and the Canon forAdministration and Finance on financing matters involving the existingfinancing relationship between the Trustees and Trustmark National Bankinvolving the indebtedness incurred by the Trustees for congregations onthe Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina and separate obligations of AllSaints Episcopal School.
Conferred with the Bishop and Trustees on matters involving theGray Center Special Maintenance Fund, including a timber sale proposalinvolving real property held and administered by the Trustees for thebenefit of that Fund.
Conferred with the Rector of St. James Jackson concerning a vestrymatter.
Evaluated the applicability of the Mississippi Charitable Solicitationregulations to Gray Center.
Reviewed and responded to an inquiry concerning the effect of abankruptcy filing by a vendor who provides services to a Diocesan min-istry.
Conferred with the Bishop, Canon for Administration and Finance,the Trustees and the Rector and Vestry of St. Mark’s Gulfport and pre-pared correspondence and related documentation relating to the finan-cial obligations of St. Mark’s to the Trustees arising out of the sale in2010 of the beachfront property at St. Mark’s.
Worked on real property transactions and related matters forRedeemer Biloxi; Redeemer Greenville; St. John’s Leland; a propertyinquiry concerning Mediator McComb; issues involving construction war-ranties for St. Patrick’s Long Beach; a donation to the Trustees of proper-ty located in Northeast Jackson; and a construction project for St.Christopher’s Jackson.
Conferred with the Bishop, the Canon to the Ordinary, the Canonfor Administration and Finance, and the Standing Committee and assistedin the consummation of a real property sale transaction to KeeslerFederal Credit Union involving four acres of property at St. Patrick’s LongBeach, the closing proceeds from which enabled the Trustees to makefurther principal reductions on the indebtedness incurred by the Trusteesfor congregations on the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina.
Granville Tate, Jr.Chancellor
COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS
10 The Mississippi Episcopalian Special Council Edition 2012
Cooperative College for Congregational Development (CCCD)
CCCD enters its third year this summer. The two-year originatingcycle of the program was completed in the summer of 2011. During thepast two years of CCCD, the program was a combined effort of theDioceses of Alabama, Arkansas, East Carolina, Mississippi, Tennessee andUpper South Carolina. It was administered in the Diocese of Mississippi.In 2012, CCCD will divide into CCCD West and CCCD East, with theWest conference being hosted at Gray Center. Sponsoring dioceses forCCCD West will include Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee.The Dioceses of West Tennessee and Louisiana have agreed to join theprogram.
CCCD West will be an intense five-day program in congregationaldevelopment and will be led by trained representatives from participatingdioceses. This summer’s program at Gray Center will begin on Sundayevening, June 24 and will conclude on Friday, June 29. It is anticipatedthat lay and ordained representatives from six dioceses will participate.Representatives of four Mississippi parishes participated in 2010 and2011. Parish development programs have emerged in those congrega-tions during the past two years.
The curriculum for the two-year course of study is grounded inorganizational development and is aimed at training lay and ordainedleaders to lead and develop their congregations by a deeper understand-ing of parish dynamics.
Deacons’ CouncilDeacons of the diocese continued working in a wide variety of min-
istries, primarily focused on “the poor, the weak, the sick, and the lonely”(BCP, p. 543). There were several areas of focus by deacons during theyear that included prison ministry, racial reconciliation, public schoolministry, hospital chaplaincy, and advocacy (acting as a voice for thosethroughout the state that have no voice).
The new deacons were ordained in January at St. Andrew’sCathedral: Patricia Cantrell (Incarnation, West Point), Deborah Hanson(St. Philip’s, Jackson), Lynn Phillips-Gaines (Resurrection, Starkville), andJosie Williams (St. Alban’s, Bovina).
The annual retreat for deacons was held at Gray Center in April.The spiritual retreat was led by Gay Yerger (St. James’, Jackson), who alsoserves as Formation Director for the Deacons’ School.
The Discernment Committee for the Diaconate met in May and rec-ommended one new postulant.
The Rev. Dr. Bryan Owen serves as Dean of the School for theDiaconate, coordinating classes, faculty and students. Two postulantsbegan academic and formation work in September.
The Day on the Diaconate, a day of providing information to thosewho are interested in learning more about a diaconal ministry, was heldin the spring in Jackson and in the fall in Hattiesburg.
We look forward to continuing our work in the diocese as we striveto serve Christ by serving the helpless.
The Rev. Bill Hanna, ChairDeacons’ Council
Committee on Ministry with LGBT Persons
The Mission: Our mission is to continue Christ’s work of reconciliationand the unity among all persons by attaining full inclusion of LGBT per-sons in the life of the Church.
The committee met on three occasions during the year (12 March, 25June and 1 October 2011). A summary of accomplishments, ongoing proj-ects and new initiatives follow:1. Retreat 2012: I am very pleased to announce that The Rt. Rev. MaryGlasspool, Bishop Suffragan of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles hasaccepted Bishop Gray’s invitation to conduct the 2012 retreat. BishopGlasspool was elected the eighth bishop suffragan of the EpiscopalDiocese of Los Angeles on 5 December 2009 after serving nine years ascanon to the ordinary to the bishops of Maryland. She is the secondwoman to be elected bishop in diocesan history. Bishop Glasspool’s areasof specialization include ecumenical and interreligious ministries, dioce-san schools and LGBT ministries. The seventh annual retreat will be heldat Gray Center 24-26 August 2012.2. Retreat 2011: The sixth annual retreat was held at Gray Center 26-28August. There were 65 attendees from five states including many parishesfrom the Gulf Coast to Southaven in the north and Vicksburg to Meridianin central Mississippi. Of that number, seven were clergy includingBishop Gray. The leader of the retreat was The Rev. Deacon JoannaSeibert, MD, from St. Margaret’s Church, Little Rock, AR. Her theme was:A Spiritual Journey with Psalms, Harp and Stories. Drawing from severalof her publications she conducted periods of meditation, discussiongroups and music, which she played on the harp. The three areas pre-sented were: (1) How God cares for us in times of suffering; (2) HowGod heals and speaks to us in community; and, (3) How help came whenwe thought solutions were impossible.3. Youth Counseling Program: The Youth Counseling Program wascompleted in the summer and submitted to the Bishop for review and approval. He hasasked for certain changes, which are now in the process of being made. Iam happy to report the The Rev. Janet Ott has been asked to coordinatethis project with the help of other committee members. It is expectedthat this will be accomplished in the spring of 2012. One of the aspects ofthe program will be familiarization training, which is being planned for2012.4. Inclusive Statement of Welcome: Some years ago the Bishop pro-vided the following statement to each parish/mission and asked that it bedisplayed in a prominent place in each parish/mission and be printed innews letters and bulletins: “We respect the dignity of all persons regard-less of national origin, race, gender, age, or sexual orientation, and wel-come and encourage them to participate fully in all areas of parish/mis-sion life.” It is recognized that there has been limited success with thisinitiative, and for that reason the committee plans to readdress this in2012 with the hope of offering a fresh approach that will facilitate moreprogress.5. Work with the MS Department of Mental Health: The chairman ofthe committee, with the approval of the Bishop, worked with the MSDepartment of Mental Health in planning and participated in a confer-ence to identify and describe services and support for LGBT youth. Theconference titled “Integrity in Services and Supports for LGBT Youths:Dispelling Myths, Creating Safe Environments” was held in October andattended by 450 employees of state governmental departments withresponsibility for youth services. A number of community organizationsmade presentations that described their services. The reason that thecommittee was asked to become involved was in recognition of our faith-based initiatives in support of LGBT persons. The chairman has beenasked to continue to work with the Department as a resource person.6. Committee Membership: The committee has decided to identify twotypes of membership: Active Members-These are persons who have com-mitted to attend meetings and actively participate in the initiatives of thecommittee. Emeritus Members-These are persons who are committed toand support the actions of the committee and will attend meetings andoffer support when their schedules permit. A list of Active and Emeritusmembers may be found at the Diocesan web site. Go to www.dioms.organd click on Mission and Outreach and click next on LGBT Ministries.
Respectively Submitted,John A. Lever, Chairman
Companion Diocese ReportBob and Lollie Everett traveled to Panama to represent the Diocese
of Mississippi at their Convention in Panama City, February 10-13, 2011.We arrived the afternoon of the 7th and left on the 13th. Since Bob hadnever been before, Bishop Murray asked that we come early so he couldshow Bob some sites. We stayed with the Bishop and his family, and hada wonderful time. The weather was wonderfully warm and so was the hos-pitality. We went to the Canal, downtown, Old Town, and other touristsites on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Then Wednesday night I metwith the Committee. Thursday I attended the ECW Meeting, and Saturdaywe attended the Convention. Friday night we took Julio, Ana, Jewell, andShawn out to eat at a delightful restaurant in Old Town and then for icecream. All in all it was a delightful trip, and we want to return for a vaca-tion someday.
On February 9, 2011 at 6:00 p.m., Lollie Everett met with BishopJulio Murray, Rev. Glenda McQueen, Prof. Walter Smith, and Eva Murdockin the Diocesan Office to discuss the next few years and how we wish toproceed.
We agreed that we were very pleased with the ECW’s relationship,and felt it was progressing with a better understanding of each other’s cul-tures. The relationship is truly a give and take - one with love and under-standing. The two Boards have developed special bonds and deep friend-ships.
We agreed to postpone the Medical Mission until at least 2012 togive us time to address needs and other issues. Things discussed werechanges that might affect how and where a medical mission would bestserve the people. A contact person will be appointed by the Bishop at alater date to serve this purpose.
We discussed and agreed that projects work best when a specificperson is interested in that project, so we are both reorganizing ourCommittees to meet these criteria in hopes that this will help with com-munications. Also, we are in the process of updating addresses, e-mails,etc. I gave them an ECW Calendar, and I am waiting for their list.
We discussed the possibility of having Companion Churches. I havea couple that have expressed an interest. The Rev. Glenda McQueen andI are going to explore this in the coming year. We discussed ways toinclude our youth in this as they are so internet savvy. We also discussedcamps and exchanging campers, or staff and training for camp staff. I willget with The Rev. Annie Elliott, and see what her ideas might be.
We discussed bringing someone over to come to the RacialReconciliation Workshop in March. Milford Peynado was suggested as apossible attendee. He will go back to do the setting up for Anita to comethere, or whatever they decide.
The school in Colon and the Camp in Santa Clara are both in needof things. The Camp received a partial UTO Grant to redo the kitchen.They are now looking for donations to finish up. I have a list and thoughtI might visit a few churches that might like to help out.
In late March, the Diocese of Panama sent Milford Peynado to aRacial Reconciliation workshop. The ECW sent money to the School inColon, to help with a new roof in April.
On November 9, two ladies, Carla Barrett and Debra Cox, came forthe annual ECW Meeting. We toured the Diocesan Office and St.Andrew’s before going to the ECW meeting. They returned home onSunday after the meeting.
The Youth Group from St.Philip’s, Jackson is going toPanama in the spring of 2012 ona mission trip. They will be stay-ing in Panama City, and possiblygoing out to
Santa Clara, the Camp.Companion Diocese Chair,Lollie Everett
A date to remember: Tuesday, February 7, 2012Deadline for submittal to the Mississippi Episcopalian - 12:00 noon
COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS
The Mississippi Episcopalian 11Special Council Edition 2012
The Episcopal Church at Ole Miss(ECOM)
The Episcopal Church at Ole Miss (ECOM) is the expression of theEpiscopal tradition at the University of Mississippi in Oxford. ECOM seeksto spread the love of Christ to the entire University community: students,faculty, and staff. ECOM uses worship, scholarship, fellowship, and serv-ice to spread the Gospel.
ECOM worships on Sunday nights at 5:30 p.m. at St. Peter’sEpiscopal Church in Oxford, MS. Worship occurs in a “come as you are”setting. The service follows The Book of Common Prayer, with Eucharisticprayers and other elements changing with liturgical seasons to expose thecommunity to the full breadth of the prayer book. Music is performed bystudent musicians and includes selections from the ECOM Song Book,the Hymnal 1982, and other resources. ECOM also seeks to learn moreabout Christ through the study of Holy Scripture and church teaching.Discussions about Christian faith often take place at weekly fellowshipknown as ECOM Wednesdays. ECOM seeks to serve Christ by serving thepoor of Oxford and the wider Lafayette County area through its feedingministry MANNA. With the help and support of St. Peter’s and otherorganizations, MANNA produces over 100 meals weekly to serve the hun-gry. From cooking the meals to delivering the meals, MANNA is a studentled arm of ECOM.
The chaplain helps to facilitate all aspects of ECOM life (worship,scholarship, fellowship, and service) and serves as the spiritual guide forthe community. The chaplain works in consultation with students to findthe best ways to service the spiritual needs of the community. Above all,the ECOM chaplain is the outward and physical sign of the ministry of thechurch, seeking to help the University community members begin and/ordeepen their union with Christ and with fellow Christians. Through theuniqueness of the Episcopal/Anglican tradition, the Episcopal Church atOle Miss seeks to spread the love of Christ at the University of Mississippithrough thought, word, and deed.
The Rev. Fr. Seth M. WalleyChaplainThe Episcopal Church at Ole Miss (ECOM)
Diocese of Mississippi’s DisasterPreparation and Response Team
The Diocese’s Disaster Preparation and Response Team has made pre-sentations throughout each convocation in Mississippi attempting toestablish a grass roots way in which the diocese may be better preparedto respond to those in need during a crisis situation. We are establishingconvocational networks for local preparation and response; when linkedtogether we anticipate having a strong diocesan response team to handlea vast array of disasters (i.e., hurricanes, tornados, ice storms, etc.).Each parish and mission has been asked to collect the names of commu-nicants and the resources they may bring to this disaster prep andresponse work. We have received this information (pink sheets) frommany congregations and look forward to receiving this data from manymore congregations in the very near future.The survey form below is to aid in the data gathering process. Yourname may have already surfaced in the local meetings, but to make sure,we ask that you please fill out all the information blanks below aboutyourself. Your information will be released only to your parish or mis-sion and, in the event of an emergency, to the point person in a disasterarea who is working with the Diocese of Mississippi.Thank you for helping to make our ability to respond during times of dis-aster more effective.
Faithfully,The Rev. Carol Spencer, CoordinatorThe Rev. Scott Lenoir, Co-coordinatorThe Diocese of Mississippi Disaster Preparation and Response Team
Your contact information (if we have not received this information fromyour local congregation)Name:Address:Home phone number:Cell number:Fax number:Your email address:
At what Episcopal parish or mission are you a member?Resources you haveDo you own a pickup truck? 1/2 ton ? 3/4 ton?Do you own a trailer? Enclosed or open?Can you help with debris removal?Do you have wood working skills?Can you help with food preparation? What other skills do you have or resources that might be of service at adisaster site?
Please clip and return to the diocesan office addressed to The Rev. CarolBorne Spencer
Diocesan Altar GuildThe Diocesan Altar Guild is still regrouping and trying to get
Convocation groups better organized. It does seem to be a problem toschedule meetings that do not conflict with other events in the area.
We did have a most successful meeting last April 16th at St. Peter’sby-the- Sea in Gulfport. The keynote speaker was the Reverend AlbertKennington, retired rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Mobile,Alabama. He spoke on “Why We Use What We Use in Our WorshipServices.” Workshops were held on flower arranging, with Joyce Jurik ofSt. John’s in Ocean Springs; a linen workshop, conducted by PatriciaHourin, of St Thomas, Diamondhead; and Preserving Church Heritage,with Sue Cassady of St. Peter’s, Gulfport.
Eucharist was celebrated by the Rev. Melanie Lemburg in theabsence of Bishop Gray, III, who was in New Orleans awaiting the birthof a grandson. Earlier in the meeting, the DAG had given a monetary giftto Camp Bratton-Green in honor of the Right Rev. Duncan M. Gray, Jr.,former chaplain of the National Altar Guild and organizer of the firstdiocesan altar guild in Mississippi.
We continue to maintain a supply closet for churches in need ofarticles. Mary Jackson of St. Mark’s, Jackson, is in charge of this ministry.She can be contacted at [email protected].
DAG maintains its custom of providing a red stole for each of ournew deacons at their ordination. One of our members, Lollie Everett,makes these beautiful stoles and one will be on display in the altar guildbooth at annual council. We continue in our mission to assist theBishop, clergy and all guilds in the care of their altars.
The 2012 annual meeting will be held at Nativity Episcopal Church,Greenwood on April 28, 2012.
Mary Alice Bailey, Chair
Division of Youth (DOY)We had an amazingly successful Spring DOY. Senior High filled the
entirety of Camp Bratton Green with 120 campers total. Junior High alsohad great attendance with just over 100 campers. The theme for thespring was Super Mario Brothers. Throughout the weekend the campersused the adventures of Mario and his friends to explore the Holy Spirit’spresence in their lives, the unfailing support found in Christ’s teachings,and the unconditional love from God. The weekend concluded with theCircle Game where campers and staff were able to openly discuss theirspirituality and ask questions.
The Fall DOYs were smaller but no less exciting or spiritually fulfill-ing. Senior High had just over 100, and Junior High had about 60campers total. The theme was Post-Apocalyptic DOY. The campers arrivedto find themselves in a world without electricity, hot water, good food,social order, and worst of all, camp songs. Throughout the weekend thecampers were slowly given back the essentials of life, and at the end ofthe weekend, learned that giving these things to others is the work of thechurch that Jesus Christ Himself has commanded us to do for our neigh-bors.
DOY Council did a wonderful job planning and executing bothweekends, and thank you to all of the adults who volunteered their timeand talents to the weekends. We would also like to give special thanks toBill Cruse. Bill has served as DOY coordinator for the past several yearsand has decided to step down from his position in order to focus moreon the youth ministry of St. James. DOY grew in numbers as well as spiri-tual service while under Bill’s care and we wish him the best. Bill’s co-coordinator Abram Jones will become the coordinator until the fall whilewe search for a new co-coordinator for the program.
Education for MinistryEducation for Ministry in Mississippi continues to be a source of
education, theology, and spiritual growth throughout the diocese. Thereare currently 20 groups, 178 members, and 32 mentors or co-mentorsengaged in the program in the Diocese of Mississippi. In addition to theface-to-face groups, there are two online groups for those who cannotattend a face-to-face group.
Education for Ministry (EfM) is a program of theological educationfrom the School of Theology at the University of the South, Sewanee.EfM is designed for lay people who would like to increase their knowl-edge of Holy Scripture, Church History, and Contemporary Theology aswell as grow in their faith and ability to carry out the ministries to whichthey are called. Participants in EfM meet weekly to discuss their readings,worship together and share in theological reflection. A trained mentorleads the group but students are responsible for their own learning.
The seminar group is the nucleus of the Education for Ministry pro-gram. A group meets weekly over the course of 36 weeks and membershave an opportunity to share their insights and discoveries as well as todiscuss questions which the study materials raise for them. Through dis-cussion and guided reflection, the seminars furnish an opportunity todeepen one’s understanding of the reading materials and develop skillsin theological reflection. The goal is for members to learn to think theo-logically by examining their own beliefs and their relationship to our cul-ture and the tradition of our Christian faith. The seminar is supported bya life of prayer and regular worship.
For further information about joining an existing EfM group orabout starting an EfM group in your parish, please contact
Episcopal Church WomenEpiscopal Church Women had a very exciting and busy year. We
started in January with our Winter Board Meeting at the Big House tomap out our plans for the year. Our Spring Conference at Gray Centerfeatured The Rev. Minka Sprague, who gave a wonderful presentationtitled “A Love Song for the Episcopal Church. She spoke on the history,faith, theology and unique features of our church. Everyone was remind-ed who we love this church so much! During the year members of theECW Board had the privilege of meeting with a number of churches inthe Diocese who are organizing ECW’s or reviving current organizations.If your parish is interested or would like us to present a program to yourlocal ECW, just contact any member of the board.
In May ECW was well represented at the Service of Repentance andReconciliation at St. Andrew’s Cathedral sponsored by the Task Force onRacial Reconciliation of the Diocese. Several of us serve on this TaskForce. In June 8 of us attended the Province IV Women’s Conference atKanuga in North Carolina. Jackie Robe, our Province IV President, con-tinued her “Believe in a Miracle” program which has been so successful inthe Diocese of Southwest Florida.
In November our Fall Conference and Annual Meeting proved veryinteresting. Jackie Robe was scheduled to be our speaker and was takenill at the last minute and unable to come. Our wonderful chaplain, TheRev. Jennifer Deaton, and The Rev. Deacon Cathy Halford came to ourrescue. On Friday, Jennifer took some of Jackie’s material on saints,expanded on it and gave us a wonderful program. On Saturday Cathypresented a wonderful session on Episcopal Relief and Development withspecial emphasis on their “Nets for Life” program, which is a special inter-est of the National ECW and will be featured at our Triennial Meeting inJuly in Indianapolis. Bishop Gray installed the new officers at the ClosingEucharist. Nancey Scott of St. Philip’s in Jackson will be serving asPresident.
We are in the process of preparing informational packets on ECWfor priests in our Diocese, featuring our national and local projects—United Thank Offering, Church Periodical Club, Children at Risk, GlobalScholarship, Church Women United, and other areas where ECW isinvolved in the mission and ministry of our church. Of note, in ourGlobal Scholarship fund we had raised enough money to expand ourUgandan scholarship to two. We now give two scholarships to Panamaand two to Uganda.
I am very grateful for all the help I received during my tenure asPresident. It has been truly a blessing to serve and work with all of thepeople of this wonderful Diocese of Mississippi.
Grace Steiner
COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS
12 The Mississippi Episcopalian Special Council Edition 2012
Executive CommitteeMarch 10
Newly elected members of the Executive Committee were intro-duced: The Rev. Luther Ott, St. Paul’s, Meridian; The Rev. Matt Rowe,Nativity, Greenwood; Dr. Stephen Stray, St. Andrew’s, Jackson; Mr. JimWheeler, Redeemer, Biloxi. Those serving one-year appointments wereintroduced: The Rev. Anne Harris, St. John’s, Ocean Springs; The Rev.Bailey Norman, Calvary, Cleveland; Mr. Charles Strange, Redeemer,Greenville
Canon Johnson made a presentation on the canonical role of theExecutive Committee.
The Rev. Patrick Sanders was elected vice president of the ExecutiveCommittee.
All trust funds which are managed by the Trustees of the Diocese ofMississippi and the purpose of each fund was reviewed.
There was discussion on Voluntary Proportionate Giving and “Whatare we doing together that we cannot do separately?” A task force to lookinto giving was formed with the following members: Graham, Sanders,Ayers and Ott.
The 2011 Budget was reviewed in detail. Discussion followed on raising funds on-line. Cursillo has request-
ed permission to do online fundraising and other groups are alreadyinvolved: Gray Center, Camp Bratton Green, etc. The ExecutiveCommittee authorized the use of online fundraising for special ministriesin the diocese.
The background of the closing All Saints School and the lease toAmeriCorps was reviewed. AmeriCorps spent roughly $3 million renovat-ing the campus with particular attention to systems and major repairs.The lease is year to year for five years. There is an option to renew afterfive years. The four owning dioceses: Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisianaand Western Louisiana, loaned funds for operations to All Saints Schoolduring the last year the school was open and while a lease or sale wasbeing negotiated. There are also two loans being held by Trustmark.The executive directors are Richard and Susan Price.
Camp Bratton Green attendance was 90% of capacity which is morethan ever due to the camp coordinator, John Dreyfus, making numerousrecruiting visits to churches. The Adopt-a-Cabin program has been verysuccessful with all the cabins adopted and renovations underway. Theboat dock was also adopted and totally renovated. The staff is workinghard to bring new persons to Gray Center and in 48 days of 2011, 263new people have visited Gray Center for the first time.
The Bishop’s Barbeque is set for May 28 and donations are neededfor the silent auction. The Barbeque is being coordinated by the GrayCenter staff. Gray Center Sunday is May 29.
The proposed implementation plan for the Denominational HealthPlan which is to be implemented by January 1, 2013 was discussed.
The diocese will not be involved with Lutheran Episcopal Servicesin Mississippi (LESM) in disaster relief but will be involved in other areas.The Episcopal Outreach Foundation will be revived and a ServantMinistry Task Force will look at outreach grants for congregational proj-ects.
The Executive Committee reviewed the 184th Annual Council.
June 2The first annual Bishop’s Annual Stewardship Summit (BASS) was
held at St. Columb’s in Ridgeland and the second annual BASS will beheld May 18-19, 2012 with the Rev. Corky Carlisle as presenter.
The proposed implementation plan for the Denominational HealthPlan by the January 2013 deadline was discussed. Discussion followed oncost sharing and the minimum diocesan coverage and Bishop Grayappointed a task force to study the best proposal.
The Rev. Margaret Ayers will be provide pastoral care and teachingministries for the Methodist church in Port Gibson, as well as continueher responsibilities at St. James, Port Gibson.
Reports from University of Mississippi and Delta State Universitywere received.
The Supported Missions Task Force met with representatives fromSt. Alexis in Jackson. The Task Force will continue to work with St. Alexisto refocus their expectations and look at models for church growth.
The pilot for the Lay Leadership Training project will begin inSeptember. Two persons from five congregations will be invited to partic-ipant in the pilot from September through March. The group will meetonce a month at Gray Center and concentrate on their spiritual journeywith practical instruction.
The Executive Committee received written reports from GrayCenter’s executive director, Bill Horne. It was noted that conference cen-ter income is down and the staff is looking at ways to increase businessfrom not-for-profit groups. Three marketing proposals were receivedfrom students at Millsaps. The Bishop’s Barbeque was a great success
and raised money for Camp Bratton Green. Bishop Gray started a tradi-tion of celebrating at the closing Eucharist on Sunday morning after theBarbeque.
The registration fee for the 185th Annual Council will be $95 untilNovember 1, and then increase to $105 until January 1 when it willincrease to $115. The special registration fee for seminarians, spouses ofseminarians and retired clergy, and non-delegate youth will be $50 / $60 /$70, respectfully. The Finance Committee recommends budgeting$5,000 annually for the Annual Council Reserve in order to decrease thedeficit balance.
Since seminary education for priests is changing and the number ofbi-vocational priests is increasing, a special educational training programis being developed, the Iona Initiative. This initiative is set to beginSeptember 2013 with a combination of face-to-face meetings, webinarsand formation sessions.
August 30It was reported that the diocese has disassociated with LESM and
LESM is liquidating even though there will be no formal announcementat this time. Camp Victor may become part of the Lutheran ministry butthat is being negotiated.
Two years ago, the Executive Committee prioritized the items of thediocesan budget and another survey will be available after this meetingfor the Executive Committee to complete. It is important that our budgetis a statement of who we are as our diocesan ministry. The survey willask for what is absolutely essential, essential, not essential and absolutelynot essential.
The task force to look at the implementation of the DenominationalHealth plan met via telephone and offered a proposal for action from theExecutive Committee. The cost sharing from participants was inevitableand would be reviewed even if we did not have to implement the denom-inational health plan. Language stating that the diocese will work withchurches to work toward the implementation of the plan was added.
The minimum insurance allowance for 2012 will be based on thetwo tier premium of the high deductible health plan and funding of 90%of the deductible in a health savings account.
In 2012 the retirees will be moved to the Comprehensive Plan andthe diocese will contribute $350 annually for the additional out of pocketexpense. Those wishing to remain on the Plus plan will have their premi-um billed directly to them.
The One Church, One Diocese Task Force will be reviewing: schol-arships and educational opportunities available, the state of missions,churches in transition and conflict, clergy who came from other dioceses,and what expectations do churches have because they are part of the dio-cese.
The Executive Committee voted to increase the pension base of theminimum parochial clergy package by $1,200. The cost of living for 2011was recognized at 4.1%, but the pension base for priests in supportedmissions should be raised by 2.5%.
The Prevention of Sexual Misconduct policies were approved. TheDisciplinary Board has been appointed by the bishop and Les Alvis ofTupelo was elected president.
December 15Winter reported that the Supported Mission Task Force is working
with St. Alexis, Jackson to articulate their vision and create a financialplan, particularly as it relates to diocesan support.
Four congregations with two representatives each have participatedin the Lay Leadership Training Institute which will conclude in thespring. Mrs. Lynn Schmissrauter, Diocese of East Tennessee, will performa complete evaluation at the conclusion of the program.
The following missions were declared mission stations: St. Mary’s,Bolton and Nativity, Macon. The following missions were declaredextinct: St. George’s, Itta Bena; Our Saviour, Iuka; Nativity, Water Valley.
The 2011 financials were reviewed. The proposed 2012 budget waspresented along with the status of the Voluntary Proportionate Givingpledges for 2012. Several areas will be further reviewed and the 2012will be finalized on January 3.
The housing resolutions for Gray, Johnson and Black were acceptedas presented.
An appropriate memorial to Ruth Spivey Gray will be establishedwith the offering at the closing Eucharist at the 185th Annual Council.
The following supply rates for clergy were approved: Sunday - oneservice: $150; Sunday - two services: $175; Sunday - three services: $200;Weekday - one service: $75.
Kathryn W. McCormick, Secretary
Episcopal Canterbury Fellowship atMississippi State University, 2011In 2011, the college ministry at Mississippi State University experi-
enced significant growth in numbers and in scope. The ministry isdesigned to develop and sustain pastoral relationships with MSU stu-dents, as well as with members of the faculty and staff. Education aboutspirituality and the Episcopal tradition also continues as a primary goal ofthe MSU ministry.
Through social activities, discussions, movies, and individual meet-ings with students, we nurture each student’s developing spirituality. Weencourage students to think for themselves and to consider how theircurrent choices will mold them as adults and as members of the largerChurch.
To help develop students’ theological awareness and education, thechaplain offered “Canterbury Tales,” an informal discussion group held atlocal restaurants. The group (named by a student in a contest) exploreda wide variety of topics on religion and spirituality, including the sacra-ments, use and understanding of Scripture, and the Episcopal tradition ascompared to and contrasted with other faith traditions.
Thanks to the participation of current students in the summer ori-entation sessions, new students felt welcomed into the Canterbury familyand have participated regularly and enthusiastically. At those sessions,the MSU ministry gave away water bottles and T-shirts to increase aware-ness of the Episcopal Church on campus and throughout the Starkvillecommunity.
In the past year, Chaplain Carol Mead has given students the contin-uing opportunity to understand other faith traditions. A presentation byDr. Jonathan Edelman of the MSU faculty allowed students and otherguests a glimpse of the Hindu faith tradition. Such offerings are intendedto give students an understanding of the common ground of human reli-gious tradition. The encounters also equip us to respect the dignity ofevery human being, even those who make religious choices very differentfrom ours.
A key gift of the MSU Canterbury ministry is the Canterbury Lodge,a renovated house on the property of the Episcopal Church of theResurrection in Starkville. The house serves as a meeting place for mostCanterbury activities, both social and spiritual, as it includes a kitchen,den, dining area, and an excellent worship space. The lodge also givesMSU students a refuge from the noise and busy-ness of campus, and stu-dents frequently use the lodge as a quiet place to study. During 2011, wehave undertaken significant renovations of that space, knocking out onewall to make the space more flexible in accommodating Canterbury’sincreasing numbers.
Wednesday evenings are the primary structured meeting times forCanterbury students. Each Wednesday during the semester, studentsmeet with the chaplain for a meal home-cooked by Resurrection parish-ioners. Those meals are followed by a variety of activities, includingmovies and documentaries, board games, discussion, Eucharist, and com-pline.
In addition to the weekly group gatherings, Canterbury studentsmeet with the chaplain-usually in the Colvard Union-on campus in smallgroups and one-on-one. Each week during the academic year, the chap-lain provides an on-campus presence at the MSU Chapel of Memories. Inthe fall semester of 2011, she offered noonday services each Wednesday;that service alternated between noonday prayer and Eucharist. As in thepast, the Ash Wednesday service held at the MSU Chapel, open to all, wasvery well attended.
The Rev. Carol Mead, Chaplain
HappeningThe Spring Happening 73 was hosted by Mediator in Meridian with
Rector Anna Hansen and Head Gopher Emilie Street. The Fall Happening74 was hosted by All Saints in Tupelo with Rector Sarah Shirley and HeadGopher Jace King. Both churches did an amazing job. A special thankyou goes out to the many people involved with meals and showers forthose weekends, especially Stacy Carroll and Katy Watkins, our parishcoordinators.
Both events had waiting lists for staff and participants. On-line regis-tration has helped but most of the credit should go to the hard workingstaff. They do an amazing job of preparation, prayer and supporting eachother throughout the year.
Happening Reunion has also been an incredible part of this pastyear. After a short hiatus, it is back in full swing. Their ministry continuesto grow and evolve to meet the needs of the Happening weekend whileoffering an opportunity for previous Happeners to come together, shareold memories, and, of course, create some new ones.
COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS
The Mississippi Episcopalian 13Special Council Edition 2012
Fresh Start for Transitional MinistriesFresh Start for Transitional Ministries is an ongoing program of the
Diocese of Mississippi aimed at supporting clergy in the first two years ofservice in a new cure. Fresh Start groups gather four time each year atFresh Start South, hosted at Trinity Church, Hattiesburg, and Fresh StartNorth, hosted at All Saints’ Church, Grenada. Additionally, both Northand South groups meet together with the Bishop in Jackson in January.
Fresh Start has been facilitated during the past year by the ReverendBrian Seage, Rector of St. Columb’s, Ridgeland, and the Reverend CanonDavid H. Johnson of the diocesan staff.
Each of the four regular meetings of the North and South groupsincludes the following elements: collegial support, critical incidentreflection, sharing a meal, and discussion of a specific parish ministrytopic.
Fresh Start was begun as collaborative effort of several dioceses inthe late 1990s and has been part of Mississippi programs since 2003.Fresh Start for Transitional Ministries is separate of the Post OrdinationConsultation program, which is for newly-ordained clergy.
Episcopal Relief & DevelopmentDuring this past year, Episcopal Relief & Development has focused
on tornadoes and mosquitoes nets. As usual, our diocese was very gener-ous in giving to the programs of Episcopal Relief & Development.
In April, a tornado devastated the town of Smithville. Along with agreat deal of help from many parishes, our diocesan disaster fund,Habitat for Humanity, and a grant from Episcopal Relief &Development, a wonderful family (related to the Rev. Judy Morris) wasable to rebuild and is now living in their new home.
The Rev. Carol Spencer and I traveled in June to a conference cen-ter in Alabama to join people from other Province IV states to becomebetter trained in disaster response. As a result, our newly -formed dioce-san disaster response committee is now affiliated with the EpiscopalRelief & Development U. S. Disaster Program.
At the annual Episcopal Relief & Development network meetingheld in Cleveland, Ohio in May, the diocesan representatives were askedto promote “Nets for Life,” the program which provides treated mosquitonets to families in the sub-Saharan countries in Africa. Of course, parishescan start any time to raise money (only $12) for these nets, but I haveasked that our timeline take place from Advent through Lent. And again,the Diocese of Mississippi will make a difference!
One component that Episcopal Relief & Development still needs inour diocese is more parish representatives. I hope that the interest willgrow in the coming months. Also, I am available if any information isneeded. The programs of Episcopal Relief & Development not only bringus together, but are there to help us to reach out to others.
Finance CommitteeThe Finance Committee gathered in Jackson and via conference call
on several occasions in 2011 to monitor and review transactions affectingthe operating, restricted and designated accounts of the Diocese and toensure that those accounts and related financial statements were auditedin accordance with the canons of the church. Additionally, theCommittee monitored and reviewed Gray Center financial transactions,made recommendations to the Executive Committee regarding insurance,compensation and related issues, and developed a balanced DiocesanOperating Budget for 2012 for consideration and approval by theExecutive Committee and Council.
The Finance Committee also worked with the Executive Committeeto develop a plan for implementation of the Church’s newDenominational Health Plan (DHP), established by General Conventionin 2009 and to be administered by the Episcopal Church Medical Trust.DHP will be fully implemented beginning on January 1, 2013.
I wish to thank members of the Committee for their hard work,sound judgment and dedicated service during a year in which the numer-ous challenges and changes were presented. Thanks are also extended toKathryn McCormick and Liley Gilbert for their dedicated work in thefinancial area.
Respectfully submitted,The Rev. Paul Stephens, Chair
2011 Annual Report for Gray CenterJust within the last few days (today is 12/5/11) is has appeared as
though we may very well end another year in the black. It would makeus four for four in the last four years! If we miss this it should not be bymuch, and that is better than our projections 4-6 weeks back. The staffhas rallied to the cause and with a little help from some of our last quar-ter clients, not the least of which is Camp Winter Solstice, it looks verypromising. Before too much celebration, though, it must be said that wehad anticipated a $27,000 reserve at this year’s end. We will fall woefullyshort of that ambitious goal.
We will have completed several extraordinary capital projects, fund-ing for which comes to us from recent designated gifts. The greatest oneis the exterior re-finishing of the Big House. By January 1st newHardieboard Siding will have been completely installed and painted. Thisis a project we have needed to complete for 6 - 8 years or longer, butuntil now the funding was just not available. This current treatmentshould not need additional attention for many years. Another much-needed project was the Ropes Storage Shed; it has been replaced with abrand new, larger and more functional structure. The bathrooms in theAdministration Building at camp have both had new interior wall treat-ments. And the road into the conference center has had innumerablepatches made. Its entire length can now be traversed without having toweave about to miss the potholes. Many thanks to our newest member ofthe site team, Terrell, for making these arduous repairs. The kitchen forCottage #1 will be completed just after the first of the year as expendeddeliveries of new cabinetry put us off schedule to have completed this jobby year’s end.
You can’t talk about Gray Center without talking about CampBratton-Green. Last year’s record attendance has been topped again!From a record of 766 campers in 2010, we had 808 in 2011. JohnDreyfus is due a tremendous amount of credit for promoting the camp allacross the diocese with parish visits and camping trade shows. He wasresponsible for print advertisements that we know brought in newcampers. His confident goal is to better the 2011 numbers in 2012, hislast year with Camp Bratton-Green as Camp Coordinator. We are lookingforward to Abram Jones joining the staff during camp in 2012 with theintent to take John’s place after he leaves in August. Winter Solstice, as ofthis date, has already exceeded its attendance record for 2010 and itlooks now as if they will also book the Big House to take in the waitinglist.
We mentioned our Campaign Discovery ‘13 last year. You mayremember that its goal was to expose as many new persons to the won-ders of Gray Center and Camp Bratton-Green as we could. We eclipsedeven our wildest estimates with over 500 persons seeing our center fortheir first time ever. We know that this is the best way to grow newclients; once they’ve been to Gray Center for the first time, most all ofthem will return. Our Valentine’s Dinner and Wine Tasting was a big hitlast year and it is coming back. We are going to have a BBQ Cookoff in2012, more CfFM opportunities than ever before with possibly somelearning themes like Black and White Photography and Fly-fishing joiningour already very popular Knitting Retreats.
We hear just lately that at least one very popular camp, of anotherdenomination, in our state is near to closing its doors and anothernational camp in the Carolinas is facing closure as well. These are justtwo potential casualties of the bad economy of late. We can only guessthat there are many others. Our diocese is so very blessed to have afinancially stable and fiscally responsible camp and conference center, butit will only remain this way with the support of every parish in the dio-cese. We would never again be able to acquire such a wonderful facility.Please remember your center every year.
The dedicated staff at Gray Center works tirelessly to provide levelsof hospitality few will find anywhere else. They thank you for yourpatronage and invite you back soon.
Sincerely,Bill HorneExecutive DirectorGray Center
Honduras Medical MissionIn February 2011, Chapel of the Cross hosted the 28th annual HondurasMedical Mission. Thirty five people from all walks of life chose to spendtheir time and resources serving the people of San Joaquin in theProvince of Santa Barbara, Honduras. Over the years many relationshipshave been formed and many improvements have been made to the vil-lage. The water system that was installed the previous year is continuingto provide the village with clean, filtered water. Also, sewing machineswere purchased which have allowed the women of the village to create anenterprise that consists of sewing curtains, bedspreads and other acces-sories. These are lasting blessings that would not be possible withoutyour donations.During this year’s mission, the doctors treated over 1600 people, thepharmacy filled over 8000 prescriptions, the dentists performed over1000 extractions and applied sealants to the teeth of 367 children. Theveterinarians vaccinated 154 dogs for rabies and treated, vaccinated anddewormed 518 horses, 628 cows, 2 cats, 4 goats, and an agouti. The eyeclinic dispensed 473 pairs of glasses, the clergy held 7 services and cele-brated 2 Eucharists, 2 Baptisms, and 1 marriage blessing. All this wasaccomplished with the assistance of support staff and the members of thevillage. Our brothers and sisters in Honduras are an integral part of theteam, assisting with the organization of the mission and caring for andfeeding our team members.St. Peter’s, Oxford is in high gear putting the finishing touches on themission for 2012.We acknowledge that the ongoing success of this important work is dueto your continued prayers, and your financial support. Thank you.
Journey Partners - Spiritual Direction Training Program
Episcopal Diocese of MS and the Center for Ministry PartnershipThe Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi and the Center for Ministry
joined in Partnership in 2008, offering Journey Partners, a training pro-gram in spiritual direction. The Center for Ministry is a collaborative ven-ture of Millsaps College and the Mississippi Conference of the UnitedMethodist Church. Gray Episcopal Conference Center is the home forJourney Partners, providing hospitality and sacred space for the partici-pants and staff.
In 2011 Journey Partners completed its fourth class of the two-yearcourse, under the direction of Jane Watts of the Center for Ministry. TheRev. Wendy Miller, noted teacher and practitioner of spiritual direction, isthe instructor of Journey Partners.
This program is both ecumenical in approach and intentional indiversity. Participants have included laity and clergy from the UnitedMethodist, Episcopal, Baptist, Presbyterian, Disciples of Christ,Mennonite, and Roman Catholic denominations.
Spiritual Direction is an ancient ministry in which a trained personassists others in their search for an ever-closer relationship with God. It isthe art of walking beside others as they listen for the voice of God in theirlives. It employs both God-given gifts and carefully cultivated skills.
Journey Partners provides a rich context in which to take one’s ownfaith journey to a deeper level, to study classic and contemporary spiritu-al writings and to develop the skills of spiritual direction. Specific atten-tion is also given to spiritual guidance within congregations and groups.
In 2011 two Episcopal Clergy and six laypersons completed thecourse. There were six small group staff persons consisting of threeEpiscopal and three Methodist.
In the eight years of Journey Partners there have been:• 77 total participants• 19 Episcopalians (5 priests and 14 laity)• 6 Episcopal Staff Persons
In 2012 Journey Partners will begin its fifth class of the two-yearcourse that will be limited to 30 participants. Cost for participants for thetwo-year program: $3,000 ($1,500 per year). Scholarships are available.Applications can be found on-line at www.centerforministry.com or byrequest at Center for Ministry, 601-974-1488.
Gay Yerger
COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS
14 The Mississippi Episcopalian Special Council Edition 2012
Mississippi Episcopal AIDSCommittee
The Mississippi Episcopal AIDS Committee (MEAC) was formed bythe Diocese of Mississippi in 1988. It addresses three primary areas relat-ed to HIV and AIDS in the diocese: 1) Spiritual support for people withAIDS, their caregivers, families, and loved ones; 2) Education and preven-tion; and 3) Emergency financial support for those who have no otherfunding source for medicines, transportation, food, and utilities.
MEAC maintains a list of Episcopal priests and pastors from otherdenominations throughout the state who are willing to minister to thosewith HIV and AIDS for spiritual support. Calls are taken 24 hours a dayby trained volunteers at a telephone crisis line. While some of the callsare for information and are handled effectively by the volunteers, manycallers are referred on to a priest or pastor in their area for spiritual coun-seling. Others are referred to a committee member for emergency assis-tance.
The Diocese of Mississippi delegation to the Province IV Network ofAIDS Ministries Kanuga HIV and AIDS Retreat in June 2011 was onceagain among the largest ever with 38 people living with HIV/AIDS andseven MEAC volunteers and caretakers attending. This total of 45 was arecord number once again and all enjoyed the trip thoroughly. Theretreat is sponsored by the Province IV Network of AIDS Ministries andthe National Episcopal AIDS Coalition (NEAC). Mississippi MEAC volun-teers are active on the regional planning committee and plan to increasethe participation in the delegation each year in the future.
Other educational activities are ongoing. MEAC volunteers corre-spond with all churches in the Diocese to make them aware of the com-mittee’s goals, activities such as the Kanuga retreat and World AIDS Day(each December 1), and other educational opportunities. Committeemembers distribute literature to many clergy members and congregants atthe annual church Council each year. Plans are underway to speak togroups in each region. Resource materials are maintained in a smalllibrary.
The Emergency Fund maintained by MEAC remained strong during2011 with a grant of $25,000 from the Mississippi HeARTS Against AIDSbenefit. This was lower than previous years because the HeARTS fundrais-er was affected by the economy. Donations were also received fromEpiscopal churches in the Diocese and individuals and organizationsthroughout the state. These funds are spent at a rate of up to five thou-sand dollars a month in order to supply essential medications for patientswaiting for approval for AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAP, throughthe Mississippi State Department of Health) and for Medicaid patientswho require more than the allowed seven prescriptions each month.Medicare patients need assistance with their co-payments following thechanges to Part D medication coverage. Even patients with medicationcoverage through private insurance need one-time assistance paying highco-payments for medications. More patients are requesting other medicalrelated items such as eyeglasses and emergency dental services becausethere are no other funds available to assist them.
Assistance through the MEAC emergency fund must be requested bya social worker, nurse, medical provider, or clergy member involved withthe patient. Requests are received by means of a 24 hour answering serv-ice. The poor economy has been evident in the increasing number ofrequests received, especially for basic necessities such as school supplies,utilities and food. MEAC continues to be the only source for emergencyassistance for HIV and AIDS patients in the state. Sponsors are alsomatched with families needing assistance at Christmas and other specialoccasions. Special efforts are made to assist young children when theirparents pass away.
Changes to the Mississippi Medicaid eligibility guidelines, the ADAPlist of medications available and the HOPWA management in the Jacksonarea have been of great concern to committee members during 2011.Mississippi HeARTS Against AIDS has sponsored an additional fund raiserthis year, the Red Party, to help meet the growing needs. The changesmay lead to an increased need for emergency funds for medications andfor rental assistance.
The Mississippi Episcopal AIDS Committee also works to organizeprayer and healing services, memorial services, and to link people tochurches. Committee members work closely with HIV/AIDS housing pro-grams, service agencies, and Ryan White HIV/AIDS health programs.MEAC has worked during 2011 to increase diversity within its member-ship and to expand knowledge and activities of the committee members.MEAC is proud to have officers serving on the Province IV Network ofAIDS Ministries.
Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori recently “urged allEpiscopalians to join our Church’s advocacy efforts” regarding the contin-uing problems of HIV and AIDS.
The committee looks forward to continuing to increase the numberof people served each year. Emergency assistance helps more than 500
HIV and AIDS victims and their family members each year with emergencyassistance, and many more with messages of prevention and spiritual sup-port.
The Mississippi Episcopal AIDS Committee is grateful to receivesome funding from the Diocese. This money assists us to pay for the busthat takes the volunteers and patients to the Province IV Network of AIDSMinistries Retreat at Kanuga each year, and allows us to support a tele-phone line that is answered 24 hours a day. All service funds go 100% toemergency services; all committee members are volunteers.
Please come to our exhibit booth at Council this year and learn howyou can assist. Mississippi continues to have an unacceptably high rate ofnew case of HIV reported each year, and we need to work together toturn the epidemic around.
Respectfully submitted,Ella Tardy, Chair, Mississippi Episcopal AIDS Committee
Lay Leadership Training InstituteThe Lay Leadership Training Institute is one of the key diocesan ini-
tiatives the Bishop described in his address at the 2011 Diocesan Council.This year is a “beta” version of what will hopefully become a staple of layleadership training in the diocese. Only five congregations were invited toparticipate in this initial year. Congregations of different size and fromvarious areas of the diocese were chosen. The 2011-12 Leadership classhas eight participants and meets once a month at Gray Center. TheReverend Canon David H. Johnson and Alice Perry lead the sessions.
The purpose of the Lay Leadership Training Institute is to developand nurture gifted, faithful laypersons for ministry and a process of con-tinuous learning and leading.
We do this by:• Creating a Christian community among participants;• Engagement of faith-based methods and models of leadership;• Encouraging the application of these lessons and experiences in thelocal congregation;• Evaluate the experience for future use.
The weekends involve the full use of the Daily Office, the deepeningof the shared spiritual journey, and intellectual and practical engagementof the topics. The topics are: Episcopal Structures and Models ofTransformation; Stages of Faith; Organizational and Church Dynamics;Understanding Expectations and Church Conflict; and Systems Theory inCongregations.
The final weekend will focus on discerning vocation and include adetailed evaluation of the program.
Licensed Lay MinistryDuring 2010, St. Pierre’s, Gautier organized and hosted their annual con-vocational workshop for relicensing of Licensed Diocesan WorshipLeaders. The Annual Lay Ministry Workshop was held at Gray Center inOctober. We currently have over fifty persons in the process to be licensed asDiocesan Worship Leaders. We have received twenty-nine new applica-tions for Licensed Diocesan Worship Leader during the year. Twelve per-sons have completed the Licensed Worship Leader Education programand have been recommended for licensing by the Bishop as of November30, 2011 this year.A separate listing of those to be relicensed is part of this report.As reflected in the steady growth of Diocesan Worship Leaders,Eucharistic Ministers and Eucharistic Visitors, we comprise a vibrant andcommitted body of the church. We will continue to support our Diocesanmission of ONE CHURCH IN MISSION: INVITING, TRANSFORMING,RECONCILING.
Danny Ray Meadors, ChairThomas R. Ward, Jr.
The Mississippi Episcopalian Advisory Committee
The Mississippi Episcopalian continued to be very fortunate inreceiving many articles and pictures from writers and photographersthroughout the diocese in 2011. The Bishop desires the paper to contin-ue its focus on news of the people and events throughout the dioceserather than on ad space, but there is some space available for available foradvertisers to use. Please contact our editor for further informationregarding rates.
The quality of photography has improved over last year as most per-sons who submit a photo know to send an original file size of around1MB (megabyte) at least. What looks good on the computer screen isoften too small to come out well in a hard copy. An easy way to judgethe size is to set your digital camera to “high quality” when you take a pic-ture and be sure to send the “original file” to the editor.
In 2012 we look forward to having a new column in the paper enti-tled, “Reflections from the Road” written by Bishop Gray, III. This col-umn first appeared in Oct. of 2011.
This year we offer thanksgiving for the great work John Fontaine(St. Andrew’s Cathedral) has done proofing the paper for the last severalyears. John is one of three proofers and caught many errors over theyears as well as providing the editor with some good commentary fromtime to time. 2011 was the last year for John’s proofing and we thankhim for his great service.
Suzanne Cox (St. Pierre’s in Gautier) has stepped up to be prooferin John’s place and we welcome her input. Other proofers are Kyle Seageand Kathryn McCormick. We try to catch most errors, but we leave a fewevery issue for the entertainment of those who enjoy counting mistakes.
Please continue to send all material for publication to Scott Lenoirat: [email protected].
The deadline for the paper is always the first Tuesday of eachmonth at 12 noon for publication in that month unless otherwiseannounced in the paper.
The Mississippi Episcopalian Advisory Committee for 2012 is: ScottLenoir, Kathryn McCormick, Duke Cain, and Jim Carrington.
Respectfully submitted,The Rev. Scott Lenoir, Editor
Post Ordination ConsultationPost Ordination Consultation is a program of nearly 40-years’ dura-
tion in the Diocese of Mississippi, aimed at the ongoing formation andsupport of newly-ordained transitional deacons and priests during theirfirst two years out of seminary.
The full participation of all new ordinands in POC is required by theBishop. Financial support for participation is partially provided by thenew ordinands’ continuing education funds, with the balance from dioce-san funding.
The program has been supervised during the past year by CanonDavid Johnson, the Reverend Sylvia Czarnetzky, and the Reverend MarianDulaney Fortner. POC meets as a group four times each year - fromSunday evening through Tuesday morning - at Gray Center. Bishop Grayjoins the group for conversations on Sunday evenings. Twice during thepast year the group has had their opening dinner at the home of Davidand Nora Johnson.
The remainder of each POC retreat is spent in collegial support,critical incident reflection, Sabbath rest, reflection and discussion of iden-tified ministry topics, sermon discussions, and worship. Each retreat con-cludes with a Eucharist planned by the POC participants.
POC’s topics will be expanded in the coming year to include addi-tional topics identified by the Bishop, diocesan staff, and POC partici-pants.
Prison and Justice CommitteeDuring 2011, ministry in prisons was affected by political changes and theever tightening budgets at both state and Federal prisons. Those changeshave translated into a change in access to the prison populations. A common response by prison volunteers is that prisoners are not well-prepared for release. Currently, the new buzz word for the prison cul-ture is “reentry” - preparing inmates for a return to society, hopefully asmore mature and productive individuals. Reentry has received a lot of talkand some administrative action by the prisons. In 2011 several new men-toring programs were established in prison by private organizations. Tomeet the needs of reentry, the programs and ministries of this committeehave been revised. A five session program for satellite facilities (whereinmates work in the community during the day prior to their release) hasbeen drafted and is under review. The satellite facility program was devel-oped from materials and texts used by the Kairos Prison Ministry and theAlternatives to Violence Program. Topics of the five sessions are: Choices;Who Am I Becoming?; Anger; Conflict; and Forgiveness. Additional mate-rials may be added based on a pilot test and revision of the program. It isanticipated the reentry program will be tested in a facility early in 2012,revised, and then deployed in a satellite prison afterwards.
Jim Ed HendersonChair, Prison and Justice Committee
COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS
The Mississippi Episcopalian 15Special Council Edition 2012
Safe Church CommitteeMission Statement: Transforming faith communities more fully into safeplaces for worship and spiritual growth, free of sexual exploitations,through advocacy, education, training, prevention, and response.
During 2011, the focus of the Safe Church Committee has contin-ued to be education and training in our Diocese. Several trainings eventswere held throughout the Diocese using the Safeguarding God’s Childrencurriculum. With our additional trainers, we have been able to meetmost requests for training, and we continue to emphasize training forthose who work regularly with children and youth. Background checkson new clergy, aspirants, lay persons, and church employees continue tobe regularly conducted.
The Safeguarding God’s People curriculum, with emphasis on adultvictimization and the church, is in process with expected training tobegin summer 2012. The focus is on prevention of sexual harassment inthe church setting.
The Diocesan policies on Sexual Exploitation were revised andapproved by the Diocesan Executive Committee. Committee membersMr. Les Alvis, Dr. Leigh Jensen-Crawford, and The Rev. Canon DavidJohnson completed the revisions for submission to the ExecutiveCommittee. Many thanks go to both Les and David for all their work thisyear on this very important policy for our Diocese.
We have met our goals of providing continuing education forgroups requesting the Safeguarding God’s Children curriculum, and car-rying out the work of the committee including advocacy, crisis response,prevention and education.
Leigh Jensen-CrawfordChair, Safe Church Committee
Southeast Deployment Network (SEDN)
The Southeast Deployment Network is a new initiative from severalProvince IV dioceses aimed at developing a new clergy deploymentresource for those dioceses and others which may choose to becomeinvolved. Currently, the Dioceses of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi,Tennessee, Upper South Carolina, and Southwest Florida are participat-ing in the planning of the resource. Other dioceses are expected toenroll, as well
The primary manifestation of SEDN will be an interactive websitefor clergy seeking calls to the Southeast and for diocesan deployment offi-cers. The website will allow clergy interested in serving the participatingdioceses to post biographical and vocational information about them-selves. The deployment officers of the participating dioceses will be ableto post information about search processes and clergy vacancies withintheir dioceses. The website will facilitate the matching of clergy seekingplacement in the Southeast with congregations from participating dioce-ses seeking a new cleric.
The primary purpose of the budget request is to establish the SEDNwebsite and the structure for the essential data base for gathering clergyand congregational information.
Standing CommitteeThe committee met at Annual Council in Jackson 2011 to elect
David Sparks, President and Sheri Cox, Secretary. Gray Center was thesite of the March 5, 2011 meeting and the committee consented to theelection of Bishop of Northern Michigan and Diocese of Western NewYork. The committee approved Clelie McCandless, Seth Wally, WatsonLamb, Don Chancellor and Van Bankston to the diaconate.
The next meeting of the Standing Committee was held on May 19,2011 at the Allin House. Committee met with Rev. Cecil Jones andSenior Warden Ernest McFadden from St. Christopher’s Jackson to dis-cuss their building plans. Committee approved their request to borrowmoney for their building project. A request from St. Philips Jackson to sellthe Rectory was approved. Following a meeting with a priest, the com-mittee consented to the election for a Bishop Suffragan of Haiti, BishopCoadjutor of New York, Bishop Suffragan of Virginia, and to elect theBishop of East Tennessee.
Committee met on August 12, 2011 at Gray Center. We approvedconsents for election of the Bishop of Nebraska, Bishop of Washington,and consent to elect a Bishop Coadjutor for the Diocese of NewHampshire. Committee received notification of St. Andrew’s intent tobegin a Capital Campaign and to borrow funds. This is done in accor-dance with Canon 7. The Committee met with postulants currentlyattending seminary. We did approve John Kellogg as Priest Postulant.Bishop Gray met with the committee to provide information about sever-al topics - Iona School/Deacons School and Delta vacancies.
The Allin House was the site for October 20, 2011 meeting of theStanding Committee. Committee voted to accept the Bishop’s recom-mendation regarding an Ecclesiastical Discipline. St. John’s, Leland andSt. Paul’s, Hollandale were approved to use Rectory Funds for repairwork on the building and future maintenance. Approval was given to St.Christopher’s, Jackson to sign a note and St. Paul’s, Columbus wasapproved to sell the house adjacent to the church. St. Patrick’s, LongBeach was approved to borrow a Development Loan in the amount of$200,000. Committee approved consent for election of Rt. Rev. KeeSloan as Bishop of Alabama (one of our own!). Ordination to the priest-hood for Don Chancellor, Watson Lamb, Clelie McCandless and SethWalley were approved.
December 6, 2011, Committee met at the Allin House. The commit-tee enjoyed lunch with Bishop Gray and returned to the Allin House forbusiness. Committee spent most of the meeting in conversation withBishop Gray about various church vacancies and the plans for fillingthese. There was discussion about seminarians returning to Mississippiafter graduating. The Standing Committee acts as advice to the Bishopand we provided our feedback on this subject and others at the requestof the Bishop.
The Standing Committee will meet again during Annual Council inVicksburg.
Respectfully submitted,Sheri Cox, Secretary
The Episcopal Church at USM(ECUSM)
The Episcopal Church at USM (ECUSM) is in its second academicyear of revitalization on University of Southern Mississippi’s campus. Wehave weekly Eucharist in USM’s Danforth Chapel, with dinner providedby members of Hattiesburg Episcopal community afterwards. Our servic-es include live music, Prayers of the People tailored to our USM commu-nity and opportunities for both corporate sharing and individual prayer.One of our biggest events this fall was our All Saints/All Souls Service,including reading names of loved ones who have died and sharingmoments of remembrance. ECUSM is so glad that Revs. Susan Bear,Marian Fortner, and David Knight continue to celebrate our Eucharistsfor and with us, and we’re thrilled to have Rev. Van Bankston, curate atTrinity Church, joining as well. Much thanks to them for continuing to goabove and beyond their parish duties to support ECUSM.
In addition to liturgies, ECUSM hosts outreach, fellowship, and spir-itual development opportunities. We have done Habitat for Humanitywork days, volunteered in USM’s Native American Medicine Garden, gonebowling, tailgated, and had lecture/discussion series about “What is anEpiscopalian?” For one of these discussions last spring we asked theRabbi of Hattiesburg’s synagogue to lead us in a Seder. It was an amazingexperience, and led to a rich discussion.
This next year we will be pushing to increase our numbers. If youknow of any students attending USM now or in the future, please be surethey know that ECUSM is here for them. They can find us on facebook(The Episcopal Church at USM) or by email ([email protected]).As always ECUSM is incredibly grateful to both the Church of Ascensionand Trinity Church in Hattiesburg for their support of our ministry in somany ways. Without them, and the support of the diocese as a whole,ECUSM’s ministry would not be possible.
Elizabeth LentzMarie Baker
The Iona InitiativeThe Iona Initiative is a collaborative effort of the Diocese of
Mississippi, the Diocese of Texas, and six other southern, western, south-western and midwestern dioceses for the local formation of vocationaldeacons and bi-vocational, non-stipendiary priests. The Iona School,based in the Diocese of Texas, is the forerunner of this concept and isbeing offered as a template for a wider effort for local formation of clergy.
The Iona Task Force, composed of a representative from each of thecharter dioceses, has been meeting quarterly during the past year. Theinvitation to participate in the project came from the Right ReverendDena Harrison, bishop suffragan of Texas, chair of the board of trusteesof Seminary of the Southwest, and overseer of the Iona School. Othercharter dioceses include West Texas, Northwest Texas, Arkansas,Nebraska, Wyoming, and Oklahoma. Additional dioceses are expressinginterest in affiliating with the program.
The Iona Initiative will become a practical reality for local formationin September 2012. Plans are being made for the technological deliveryof core formation courses by seminary faculty. Local schools-including inMississippi-will meet once each month, with each meeting spanningFriday evening through Sunday morning. Local classes will be conductedon Friday, Saturday evening and Sunday morning. The core academiccourses will be provided via technological delivery on Saturday morningand afternoon. The complete three-year curriculum will cover the majorareas of ministerial competency.
Canon David Johnson is Mississippi’s representative on the IonaInitiative Task Force. He serves on the Technology Subcommittee of thegroup. The task force is seeking grant funding so that the program maybe expanded and become more refined.
Bishop Gray intends to use Mississippi’s first year of the courses toprepare vocational deacons. Opportunities for the formation of bi-voca-tional, non-stipendiary priests may come later. The program would be apartial solution for providing clergy to small congregations. The IonaInitiative is not considered an alternative to seminary for those peoplewishing to enter full-time parochial ministry.
Trustees of the Diocese of MississippiTrustees of the Diocese of Mississippi, a Mississippi non-profit cor-
poration, is the legal entity which holds church property and managesinvestments for the benefit of the Episcopal Church in Mississippi. TheBishop serves as President of the corporation with four elected laytrustees serving staggered terms and a fifth lay person who serves oneyear by appointment of the Bishop. Members serving in 2011 were JohnDavis, Michael Strojny, Lynn Jenkins, Holmes Adams and Filo Coats whoare members of parishes in Columbus, Gulfport, Brandon, Jackson andGrenada. Meeting with the Trustees were Ed Thurmond, Treasurer ofthe Diocese; Granville Tate, Diocesan Chancellor; Canon Kathryn W.McCormick, Diocesan Secretary and Treasurer of the Trustees; and D.Carl Black, Jr., Assistant Secretary of the Trustees.
Officers for the year were Holmes Adams, Vice President; Filo Coats,Secretary and Kathryn W. McCormick, Treasurer. The Bishop appointedD. Carl Black, Jr., Assistant Secretary. During the year there were threeregular meetings at the Allin House and three telephonic or e-mail con-ferences.
Investment returns were very erratic during the year with positiveresults reported at earlier meetings and negative returns by October.Investment managers were operating within guidelines adopted by theTrustees, but returns for the year cannot be predicted at this point.
Timber sales at Gray Center were applied to loans made by theTrustees with a portion used to increase the fund maintained for support.Clark Creek timber sales are underway with the initial returns reservedfor payment of property taxes.
Property maintenance is a continuing responsibility. Using fundsprovided by various trusts, the Trustees were able to support repairs atHoly Cross, Olive Branch and major renovations to the Bishop’s resi-dence which are currently underway. The Standing Committee willdetermine disposition of funds realized from the sale of the vicarage atHollandale.
Following Katrina the Trustees incurred substantial loans to pur-chase property for use by coast parishes. Sales of the church site at St.Mark’s, Gulfport and the former rectory at Redeemer, Biloxi, have beenapplied to reduce the loan, and a sale is pending of a portion of theproperty acquired for St. Patrick’s, Long Beach.
Income accumulations in the Gray Center Special MaintenanceFund permitted a distribution of almost $29,000 for camp scholarshipsand maintenance of existing structures.
COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS
16 The Mississippi Episcopalian Special Council Edition 2012
Sudanese Ministry CommitteeThe leadership of the diocesan committee passed to Peter Malual inSeptember of 2011, who reports: “In October of this year, the Office of Black Ministries of the EpiscopalChurch brought Bul Mabil and me to the ‘Everyone, EverywhereConference’ and Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) Trainingin Estes Park, Colorado. The conference brought together domestic andglobal mission partners from across the Episcopal Church and AnglicanCommunion and allowed participants to share, learn, and recommit tothe missional work of our baptismal covenant.
At this conference, the Reverend Angela Ifill, Associate for Diversityat the National Office, held a meeting with the Sudanese representativesto access the needs and concerns of Sudanese congregations in variousdioceses across the country. At this meeting, most of the Sudanese rep-resentatives expressed a sense that they were still not recognized or fullyintegrated into their respective dioceses, but the Mississippi diocese wasone of the few dioceses who have welcomed and embraced SudaneseEpiscopalians. I was very proud to explain to the representatives thesteps my diocese has taken to address the needs and concerns of theSudanese within the diocese. Also inspired by church’s mission, with thesupport of the Sudanese Ministry Committee, Bishop Gray, and others, Iam planning for a possible medical mission trip to South Sudan at theend of 2012. For this reason, the ministry is sending me to Honduraswith a medical mission team in February to learn how the medical mis-sion is carried out. The committee had a preliminary meeting withDawn and Mike Flannes to begin planning, consulting also with ReverendDeborah Hanson of Saint Philip’s.”
This year the committee spent the majority of its funds on bookscholarships to Sudanese refugees who are in college and for high schooltuition. Following 2011, Saint Andrew’s Cathedral again held a publiccelebration of the graduation of several young people from universitiesand high schools. Students finishing college and university degrees thisyear include Agot Agot, John Juarwel, James Lueth, Dau Mabil, MartinMatit, Mangok Mayen, and John Yak. Sarah Wal graduated from theEducation Center School, where she received the President’s Award forher high grade point average and an award for the kindness and compas-sion she displayed toward faculty, staff, and fellow-students. The Churchof the Resurrection in Starkville cares for and mentors a young man fin-ishing his degree in engineering at Mississippi State University.Unfortunately, several college graduates remain underemployed and in afew cases unemployed, and anyone knowing of opportunities is encour-aged to contact committee members.
The committee also addressed social needs. Along with Episcopallawyers from Saint Alexis and Saint Andrew’s working pro bono, commit-tee members have given refugees needed help with legal issues. Thecommittee has assisted one refugee in his attempts to return home to hisfamily and ailing father in South Sudan and has offered support to fami-lies relocating to find work. The committee and committee membershave helped Restoration Home in Jackson support one young man’srecovery.
The committee offered a few loans through Hope CommunityCredit Union, helping young people in emergencies support themselvesand establish credit. It is good to see that some who have asked for ourhelp no longer need it and have been able to borrow on the credit histo-ry the church’s fund helped them establish.
Members of the committee have been advocates with the Mississippicongressional delegation and President Obama’s administration on behalfof peace in Sudan, celebrating the independence of South Sudan thisspring. The committee is grateful to Senator Wicker’s offices for advocacyand help with Sudanese issues and for Secretary of State Clinton’s leader-ship in the relatively peaceful transition to independence for SouthSudan. During the referendum for independence, many local Sudanesetravelled to voting places in Texas and Tennessee, braving an ice stormon their return, and despite an accident, everyone returned safely, thanksbe to God. In Nashville, many were welcomed and offered generous hos-pitality by parishioners of Christ’s Cathedral, Nashville, including BishopGray III’s kind sister. The committee helped defray some of the costs oftransportation for those traveling to vote.
The Committee and the National Church sent three representatives,including two Sudanese, from Mississippi to a national meeting of theSudanese Leadership Institute in Phoenix. The Diocese of Mississippicontinues to be active in the national network of clergy and laity support-ing Sudanese refugees in the United States. Greg Miller is a member ofthe Emeus Group for Sudanese Ministry that drafted resolutions to bepresented to the national church in support of more integration ofSudanese refugees into their parish and diocesan ministries. Committeemembers have advocated for the protection of civilians in Darfur andrecognition of Episcopalians martyred in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan.
Saint Andrew’s continues to be the church home for the SudaneseDinka community in Jackson, offering evening prayer in the Dinka lan-guage and a ministry of food and fellowship following services.
Peter Malual and Greg Miller
Youth Ministries CouncilThe youth ministries of the Diocese of Mississippi are growing and
evolving each calendar year, and many exciting things happened in 2011.We had a large youth presence at Council last year, including over 30applicants for seven spots on the Division of Youth Council.
That momentum continued into the rest of the activities this year,as many youth attended DOY and Happening. Happening Reunion alsocontinued to grow in 2011. These are our three long-standing ministriesto youth. Those weekends would not be possible without the hard workof the coordinators: Bill Cruse, Abram Jones, Andrew McLarty, and JasonWoodcock. This was Bill Cruse’s last year as a DOY Coordinator, so weespecially recognize him this year. Bill will serve as an advisor to DOY inthe spring of 2012. More information can be found in the DOY andHappening reports.
In November, Abram Jones, Annie Elliott, Jace King, and SarahMeeks attended the Province IV Youth Networking Meeting. The eventwas held in Memphis. Adults and youth from all over Province IV gath-ered to share their experiences in youth ministry as well as discuss theEpiscopal Youth Event and Provincial Youth Events. We also had time tosee the Civil Rights Museum. In 2012, we will host this meeting at GrayCenter.
In addition, the diocese hosted two events for Adults Working withYouth. In August, we had our annual gathering. The August meeting isour primary time to distribute diocesan information, brainstorm for thecoming year, and discuss about new ideas. At that meeting, the diocesanYouth Customary was discussed and revisions were planned for 2012. InDecember, we had an Advent retreat in Johns, Mississippi. The retreatwas facilitated by Beth Bojarski, the Diocesan Youth Coordinator forKentucky. This weekend gave youth ministers a chance to step backfrom their lives to reflect and plan for the coming season.
Last but not least, the Diocesan Youth Commission met twice dur-ing 2011. That group consists of the Camp Coordinator, the diocesanprogram coordinators, and members-at-large.
REPORT OF THE REGISTRAR — 2011Ordained to the Vocational DiaconatePatricia Cantrell, 1/15/2011, by Duncan M. Gray, III at St. Andrew’sCathedral, JacksonDeborah Hanson, 1/15/2011, by Duncan M. Gray, III at St. Andrew’sCathedral, JacksonLynn Phillips-Gaines, 1/15/2011, by Duncan M. Gray, III at St.Andrew’s Cathedral, JacksonJosie Williams, 1/15/2011, by Duncan M. Gray, III at St. Andrew’sCathedral, Jackson
Ordained to Transitional Diaconate:Van Bankston, 6/4/2011, by Duncan M. Gray, III at St. Andrew’sCathedral, JacksonDonald Chancellor, Jr. , 6/4/2011, by Duncan M. Gray, III at St.Andrew’s Cathedral, JacksonWatson Lamb, 6/4/2011, by Duncan M. Gray, III at St. Andrew’sCathedral, JacksonClelie McCandless, 6/4/2011, by Duncan M. Gray, III at St. Andrew’sCathedral, JacksonSeth Walley, 6/4/2011, by Duncan M. Gray, III at St. Andrew’sCathedral, Jackson
Ordained to PriesthoodChristopher Robinson, 01/22/2011 at Mediator, McComb by The Rt.Rev. Duncan M. Gray, IIIWatson Lamb, 12/4/2011 at St. Francis, Philadelphia by The Rt. Rev.Duncan M. Gray, IIIDon Chancellor, 12/14/2011 at Holy Innocents, Como, by The Rt.Rev. Duncan M. Gray, III
Dimissory Received:Brian Ponder, 10/01/2011 from the Diocese of West Tennessee
Dimissory Issued:Laura Gettys, 3/2/2011 to the Diocese of West TennesseeChan Osborn deAnaya, 5/4/2011 to the Diocese of Navajoland
Area MissionJanet P. Oller, 6/30/2011 to Diocese of IndianapolisKarl Schaffenburg 11/17/2011 to Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Changes in the Diocese:Walton Jones, 1/1/2011 to Trinity, NatchezDave Duggins, 1/26/2011 to St. Thomas’, DiamondheadMichael Nation, 3/1/2011 to Non-parochialSam Godfrey, 6/1/2011 to Christ Church, VicksburgBruce Cheney, 8/1/2011 to Pacific Health Ministry, Honolulu,
HIAnn Whitaker 8/15/2011 to St. Peter’s, OxfordBetsy Baumgarten 9/1/2011 to Coast Episcopal School, Long
BeachRobert Wetherington 9/1/2011 to Redeemer, BiloxiBrian Ponder 9/25/2011 to St. Paul’s, MeridianLuther Ott, 11/1/2011 to Holy Trinity, VicksburgAnne Harris, 12/5/2011, to St. Paul’s, ColumbusScott Lenoir, 12/12/2011 to St. John’s, Ocean Springs
Retired:James Carlyle, 4/1/2011 to reside in Kansas City, MOHunter Isaacs, 4/1/2011 to reside in GautierHarold Roberts, 6/1/2011 to reside in Ocean Springs, MSHarriet Simmons, 6/1/2011 to reside in Meridian, MSEd Lundin, 6/30/2011 to reside in Hattiesburg, MSElla Breckenridge, 7/1/2011 to reside in Alexandria, LAMary Gieseler, 10/31/2011 to reside in Mobile, AL
Renunciation of Vows:James Carlyle, 8/2/2011
Licensed:Jane Alexander, (Western Louisiana)Arnold Bush (Central Gulf Coast)Susan Carney, (Rhode Island)Ted Dawson, (Lousiana)Terrell Griffis, (Louisiana)Edgar Ince, (West Tennessee)John Stone Jenkins, (Louisiana)Margarita Swetman, (Newark)Noble Walker, (West Tennessee)Mary Ann Heine (Louisiana)Daniel D. McKee (Arkansas)
Peggy JonesRegistrar
Special Council Edition 2012 The Mississippi Episcopalian 17
REPORTSWORSHIP LEADER RENEWALS
CANON 18 SECTION 1. The Bishop of this Diocese shall determine which of those categories of licensed lay ministers authorized by Title III, Canon 4, of the National Canons of the EpiscopalChurch are to be licensed in this diocese. Individuals shall not be licensed until they have com-pleted that education and training required by Title III, Canon 4, and by such additional trainingas the Bishop may require.
CENTRAL CONVOCATIONBrandon, St. Luke’s: Mara Jean Johnson, Janice Sandefur, Robert R. Whitney.Brandon, St. Peter’s: Ross Hartford, Robert Houston, Finley Knox, Lisa Maisel, Ralph Maisel,
Kathleen G. Oglesby, Harry Perdue, Howard A. Roser, Jean A. Roser.Canton, Grace: John R. Childress, Sr., A. P. Durfey, Jr., Marian Durfey, Robert Killelea, Holly D.
Wallace.Clinton, Creator: Pat H. Martz, Michael Milone.Forest, St. Matthew’s: Mary Jo Walsh.Jackson, All Saints’: Cindy Gavette.Jackson, St. Andrew’s: John Anderson, Jr., D. Carl Black, Jr., Laura Clapp, Michael S. Flannes,
Cheryl Kirchner, Margaret McLarty, Jacqueline Mohle, Diana O’Toole, Kenneth M. Parker, BobThompson, Robert P. Wise.
Jackson, St. Christopher’s: Goldia M. Revies.St. Mark’s: Raphiell Ashford, LaWanda M. Washington.Jackson, St. Philip’s: Kenneth Bennett, Lucette Bennett, Glynn Bradshaw, Jill Cole Bullard, Jim
Carrington, Pam David, Grace Duckworth, Chad R. Espeland, Jan Evers, Julie Breland Goforth, LesterHailey, II, Gerald McWhorter, A. Frederick Parker, Mary Frances Ponder, Ben Preston, Patience Rall,Nancey Scott, Thomas Andrew Welch.
Madison, Chapel of the Cross: Annetta J.Allred, Charles C. Barlow, Jr., Marilyn Beach, BillBuhner, Margaret Buhner, Ann Homer Cook, Patricia H. Evans, William “Bill” Horne, Ella W. Weston.
Raymond, St. Mark’s: Cynthia WhittingtonRidgeland, St. Columb’s: Beatrice Langston Berry, L. Brooks Derryberry, William Girod, Janice
Jordan, Floyd King, Malcolm McMillin, Betty Jo Mahaffey, John Robert Mahaffey, Bob May, Floyd Sulser,Jr., Ernest Vanlandingham, Andrew C. Young.
Terry, Good Shepherd: Norma Ainsworth, Edward J. Peters.
COAST CONVOCATIONBay St. Louis: Kathryn J. Larsen.Biloxi, Redeemer: Clinton Burchfield, Margaret Burchfield, Virginia L. Chavez, Laura Frederick,
Malcolm Jones, Robert E. Thunelius, Brittany M. Wheeler, James Wheeler, Richard Wilder, AndrewWood.
Diamondhead, St. Thomas: Frank J. Cuervo, Lowell “Skip” K. Giffin, Jr., Patricia C. Hourin,Darlene Park, Tyrone Sartin, Susan D. White.
Gulfport, St. Mark’s: Andrea Balius, Jerome H. Carver, John M. Harral, Terry Helms, JamieHobbs, James Keith, Vicki Lynn Miller, Mary Nichols, Suanna Smith, Patti Sneed, Ruthie Wilder, WalterV. Williams, Peter Wilson.
Gulfport, St. Peter: Sue Cassady, Joy Jennings, Maria Watson.Long Beach, St. Patrick’s: Douglas MacCullagh, Kitty MacCullagh, Danny Ray Meadors. Ocean Springs, St. John’s: Joanne P. Calhoun, Lena Melton, Mary Jo Morgan.Pascagoula, St. John’s: E. Lee Crowe, Chester Dobrowski, Jean Guentz, Kay McBroom, Robert
McDonald, Mary Warfield.
Perkinston, Annunciation: William John Thomas.Picayune, St. Paul’s: Patrick Rutherford, Lucia Terry.
DELTA CONVOCATION Cleveland, Calvary: Lee Aylward, Steven Craddock, Carol L. Jones, Evelyn Lyon, Keith Pettway,
Hilda Povall, Robert T. Ragan.Greenville, St. James’: Michael W. Boyd, Richard Byler, Ashley Hines, Dotti Lowe, Dot Meeks,
Walter B. Swain, Jr. Indianola, St. Stephen’s: David B. Allen, William E. Baker, Woods Eastland Thomas G. Gresham,
Walton Gresham III, Richard G. Noble, Joseph Seldon Van Cleve.Lexington, St. Mary’s: H. L. Nichols, III.Sumner, Advent: Stephen Vaught.Yazoo City, Trinity: Priscilla Harper, Robert Harper, Jill Woodliff.
NORTHERN CONVOCATIONHolly Springs, Christ Church: Janey Fant.Oxford, St. Peter’s: Patricia Rogers Lewis, Holt Montgomery, Sarah M. Moses, Donald Newlin,
Kay Paris, Ed Sisson, Maurie White. Southaven, St. Timothy: Winford Blackburn, Edward Brown, Carol Grishen, Barbara H. Jones,
Sandra S. Kimmelman, Joe Schmitt.
OLD RIVER CONVOCATIONMcComb/Magnolia, Mediator/Redeemer: Judy Johnson, Curt Lamar. Port Gibson, St. James: Katherine BilbroVicksburg, Christ Church: Sara Baker, Brenda Benway, David Benway, Edwin L. Boren, Jane
Calhoun, Michael J. Chaney, Charlene Eichelberger, Jim Miller, Sharon S. Miller, Alice Read, Corrine H.Stockton.
Vicksburg, St. Alban’s: Richard Price, Elizabeth Selby, Thomas L. Skinner, Harvey Smith, Jr.,Sarah S. Tompkins.
Vicksburg, St. Mary’s: Linda Tolliver.
SOWASHEE CONVOCATIONCollins, St. Elizabeth’s: Alfred Don Corban, JoAnn Corban, Irene Dickinson, Brenda McClendon,
Nancy Sanford, Rebecca Tough, Jeremy Hunter Tough.Columbia, St. Stephen’s: Ann Simmons, Martha Louise Stevens.Hattiesburg, Ascension: Patricia Byrd, Pamela M. Cameron, Kenneth Cantrell, Rick Fortenberry,
David B. Holmes, Larry Mullican, Ellen Sundberg, Rosalie Zimmerman.Hattiesburg, Trinity: Patty Bomboy, Sarah Wainwright. Laurel, St. John’s: Patricia Bailey, Eugene M. Harlow, Rebecca J. Jackson, John Jeffries, Pat
Landrum Myers, Byron Myrick. Meridian, Mediator: Lois Downs, Jean Garrison, Ann Glazar, E. Ann Milsted, Dianne C. Panek,
Sara Scaggs, James Robert Smith, William Stallworth, Michael A. VanVeckhoven, Katy Watkins. NancyZiller.
Meridian, St. Paul’s: Betty Melton.
TOMBIGBEE CONVOCATIONAberdeen, St. John’s: Velma Lettice Bowen, David Houston, III, Sallie A. Rowe.Columbus, St. Paul’s: Douglas N. Crowe, Robert Proffitt, Katharine E. Woods.Philadelphia, St. Francis: Chris Allen Baker, Neil Blount, Evelyn Perry.Starkville, Resurrection: Robert Collins, Guy Arnold Hargrove, Nancy Walsh.Tupelo, All Saints’: Nathan Duncan, David R. Sparks, Albert F. White.West Point, Incarnation: Rufus Ward, Jr.
A date to remember: Thursday, Friday & Saturday, February 23-25, 2012Jr. DOY at Gray Center
RESOLUTIONS
18 The Mississippi Episcopalian Special Council Edition 2012
Resolution Regarding Funding, Structure and Organizationof the Episcopal Church and the General Convention
Sponsored by:
Mr. Jack ConwayThe Reverend Marian Dulaney FortnerThe Reverend Canon David H. JohnsonThe Reverend Elizabeth Wheatley-JonesThe Reverend J. David KnightMs. Bobbie MarascalcoCanon Kathryn Weathersby McCormickThe Very Reverend Edward F. O’ConnorDr. Ed Sisson
Resolved, the 185th Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi support the study of funding,organization and structures of the Episcopal Church, as represented by the following resolution to bepresented at the 77th General Convention of the Episcopal Church:
Resolved, the House of _______ concurring, there shall be a Task Force of the General Convention onMissional Structure and Strategy, the composition of which shall be at the discretion of the PresidingBishop and the President of the House of Deputies and the members of which shall be appointedjointly thereby not later than 90 days following the adjournment of this 77th General Convention. TheTask Force shall be charged with presenting a plan to the Church for reforming its structures, gover-nance, administration, and staff to facilitate this Church’s faithful engagement in Christ’s mission toproclaim good news to the poor, release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, freedom to theoppressed, and the acceptable year of the Lord (Lk. 4:18) in a way that maximizes the resources avail-able for that mission at all levels of this Church.
Resolved, while acknowledging the historical legislative function of General Convention, serious con-sideration should be given to, but not limited by, General Convention missional models that includethe following:
• Simplifying the structure of General Convention governance (e.g. Unicameral legislature; • Training for evangelism, church planting, congregational development, story telling and commu-nity formation;
• Sharing of “best practices” and facilitating “grass roots” networks; • Being an opportunity for the spiritual revival and renewal of the church;• Increasing the capacity to impact the host community in the Name of Jesus Christ.
Resolved, the Task Force shall endeavor to issue its report and recommendations along with resolu-tions necessary to implement them, including proposed amendments to the Constitution and Canonsof this Church, so that they might be considered by a special General Convention prior to the conven-ing of the 78th General Convention in 2015, but in any event, not later than February 1, 2015.
Resolved, the General Convention requests the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget, andFinance to consider a budget allocation of $100,000 for the implementation of this resolution.
ExplanationThe administrative and governance structures of The Episcopal Church have grown over the years sothat they now comprise approximately 47% of the church wide budget and sometimes hinder ratherthan further this Church’s engagement in God’s mission. Reform is urgently needed to facilitate thisChurch’s strategic engagement in mission and allow it to more fully live into its identity as theDomestic and Foreign Missionary Society in a world that has changed dramatically over the years butthat also presents extraordinary missional opportunity.
.
After a lengthy illness, Ruth (Ruthie) Spivey Gray, died in Jacksonon December 15, 2011.
Ruthie was a lifelong Episcopalian, growing up in Canton, thedaughter of Lloyd Gilmer and Ruth Miller Spivey. She attended theUniversity of Mississippi and was president of Tri Delta Sorority and amember of Mortar Board.
She joined her husband, Duncan M. Gray, Jr., as he worked forcivil rights and human during the turbulent decades of social changein Mississippi. This work began in Cleveland and continued throughcures her husband held in Oxford and Meridian before moving toJackson after being elected Bishop of the Diocese of Mississippi in1974.
Ruthie Gray was a strong supporter of public schools during theintegration crisis and serviced as citywide PTA president in Meridianduring a critical time of transition. She was involved in citizen lobbying efforts on behalf of publicschools throughout her life.
Other civic involvements included leadership positions with the Girl Scouts, president of theMeridian Symphony League, consumer representative to the Mississippi State Board of Nursing, andshe served on the Jackson Planning Board.
Ruthie’s mark within the Episcopal Church was left in numerous diocesan outreach ministries.She also sang in parish choirs for over 21 years, a reflection of her lifelong love of music.
She was highly involved in Camp Bratton-Green, the diocesan summer camp, serving as a staffmember for more than 20 years. It was at Camp Bratton-Green that she first met her husband. Shehad a lifelong love of the outdoors and enjoyed leading her family and friends in exploring the moun-tain trails near the home she helped design at Sewanee, Tennessee.
To clergy across the diocese, Ruthie’s warm hospitality and lively personality put many of thenewly ordained at ease when she and her husband hosted regular gatherings at their home in Jackson.
But above all, Ruthie will be remembered most as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother andgreat-grandmother.
She is survived by her husband, the Rt. Rev. Duncan M. Gray, Jr., of Jackson; two sons, the Rt.Rev. Duncan Gray III (Kathy) of Jackson and Lloyd Gray (Sally) of Tupelo; two daughters, Anne Finley(Mack) of Adams, Tenn., and Catherine Clark (Shelton) of Nashville, Tenn.; a brother, Lloyd Spivey, Jr.,(Ebbie) of Canton; ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews andcousins. She was preceded in death by her sister, Marie Anne Spivey Lloyd (Thames).
The family expresses its gratitude to all who provided care and support throughout her illness,especially the congregations of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral and St. James’ Episcopal Church.
The family requests that memorials be made to Camp Bratton-Green at Duncan Gray Center, 1530Way Road, Canton, MS 39046.This article is taken for the obituary which appeared in the Jackson Clarion Ledger.
The Rev. Scott Lenoir, EditorThe Mississippi Episcopalian
NEW EMAIL ADDRESS
Please note my new email address:
The Mississippi Episcopalian 19Special Council Edition 2012
OUR DIOCESE
(Special to MSE) - Coast Episcopal School of Long Beach has been awarded a $1000.00 grant fromthe Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). This grant is a portion of the $1.5 million in grants theCommission will award in 2011-2012 and will be used towards the Gail Keenan Arts Gallery. Thegrants are made possible by continued funding from the Mississippi State Legislature and the NationalEndowment for the Arts.
“Organizations across the state who receive grants from the Mississippi Arts Commission continueto prove that arts programs are vital to the success of their community. The grants awarded by theCommission provide funding for the staging of festivals, theatre performances, and many other arts-related activities,” said Malcolm White, Executive Director of MAC. “The arts provide a positive envi-ronment for learning, both in the classroom and in communities. Arts funding has a significant multi-plier and for every dollar spent in the creative sector, eight dollars are realized in the local economy.That’s a good investment for any business”
The Gail Keenan Art Gallery furthers the mission of Coast Episcopal School, fostering a life-longlove of learning while also enhancing our longstanding emphasis on the arts as well as academic excel-lence. The mission of the art gallery is to accompany and enhance the arts education at CES and itsconnection to the development of the whole child.
The gallery provides a visual space for the students to nurture and express their artistic talentsand “experience” themselves as creative contributors to our world. While also expanding learningopportunities through the visiting artists’ program, it serves as a teaching resource to enable studentsto make connections between art and life. Through exhibiting works of regional artists, the galleryserves the community at large and increases awareness of the broad education offered at CoastEpiscopal School.
The Gail Keenan Art Gallery brings artists from local and regional areas to engage with these stu-dents, allowing them to better understand themselves and to foster a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
The Mississippi Arts Commission, a state agency, serves the residents of the state by providinggrants that support programs to enhance communities; assist artists and arts organizations; promotethe arts in education and celebrate Mississippi’s cultural heritage. Established in 1968, the MississippiArts Commission is funded by the Mississippi Legislature, the National Endowment of the Arts, BlueCross Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation, the Phil Hardin Foundation, the Riley Foundation, theMississippi Endowment for the Arts at the Community Foundation of Greater Jackson and other privatesources. The agency serves as an active supporter and promoter of arts in community life and in artseducation.
For more information from the Mississippi Arts Commission, contact Susan Dobbs - 601/359-6031 [email protected]
Coast Episcopal School receives artcommission grant
You Are Invited...The Center for Formation and Mission invites you to warm yoursoul at Gray Center this winter at one of our 2012 offerings...
A Day Apart: Day of Silence and PrayerJanuary 27Spend a day in quiet prayer, with guidance for times of gathered worship and sacred solitude.You may choose to wander Gray Center’s trails or sit by the lake, walk the labyrinth or medi-tate in the chapel, write in a journal or sketch the rolling hills...however it is that you findyourself resting in the presence of God. Snacks and drinks are provided; please bring yourown lunch. The day will be guided by the Rev. Dianne Braman, LCSW and trained spiritualdirector. Cost for the day is $20.
Bearing the Word: A Women’s RetreatFebruary 17-19Join other women for an exploration of the ways in which we are called to bear the Word ofGod in the world, like our sister Mary and so many women of faith before us. In our relation-ships and in our work, in our art, in our poems and songs, and in our stories we make theWord of God incarnate over and again. We will gather in the Big House for this time ofprayer, conversation, creativity, and reflection. The weekend will be led by the Rev. RwthAshton, Chaplain at Millsaps College, and the Rev. Jennifer Deaton, Canon for Pastoral Care atSt. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral. Cost for the weekend is $170 for double occupancy, and$185 for single occupancy.
Men’s RetreatMarch 2-4Last fall men were invited to Gray Center by the Brotherhood of St. Andrew at Chapel of theCross for a weekend of good food, good fellowship, and good conversation about living a lifeof faith. It was so well received we are offering the event again this spring. Stay tuned formore information.
The Teller as the Tale: Jesus’ Rhetoric of PreachingMarch 23-24This second installment of our Sewanee at Gray Center series welcomes the Rev. Dr. BillBrosend, Professor of Homiletics at Sewanee’s School of Theology, to reflect on the call allChristians share to hear and proclaim the good news of God in Christ. Whether our preach-ing happens in a pulpit or a cubicle, on a streetcorner or in the carpool line, by words or byactions, our lives speak. Cost for the weekend is $90 for double occupancy, and $105 for sin-gle occupancy.
Scholarships are available for all Center for Formation and Mission events. To learn moreabout these events, or to register, please visit our website at http://cffm.dioms.org
February 3-5, 2012
Vicksburg Convention Center
Vicksburg, MS
THE 185TH ANNUAL COUNCIL
of the
DIOCESE OF MISSISSIPPI
A date to remember: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, March 2-4, 2012Happening #75, Gray Center
GRAY CENTER
20 The Mississippi Episcopalian Special Council Edition 2012
By Scott Lenoir
Last year, the Very Rev. Bruce McMillan, rector of Christ Church in Holly Springs andthe Dean of the Northern Convocation, attended a CREDO Conference in Prescott,Arizona where he met an English cleric, the Venerable Christopher Lowson.
Lowson was on the staff of the Archbishop of Canterbury at the time and he struckup a friendship with McMillan. During the CREDO Conference, Lowson learned he’dbeen appointed by Queen Elizabeth II as the 72nd Bishop of Lincoln.
“When I asked him (Lowson) about the date of the consecration he told meSeptember 21, 2011 which is the Feast of St. Matthew. It was to be held at WestminsterAbbey and by the greatest coincidence, that was the day when I and my 92 year-old moth-er, Kathleen, were planning on being in London,” said McMillan.
McMillan said that front row seats were immediately promised and invitations to areception at Lambeth Palace given by the Archbishop Canterbury, Rowan Williams.
The day of celebration kept up as Bishop Lowson and his wife Susan, invitedMcMillian and his mother and several friends to Lowson’s birthday dinner the next day atThe Goring Hotel in London.
The Very Rev. Bruce McMillan, rector of Christ Church in Holly Springs, is pictured with his mother,Kathleen McMillan, 92, and the Most Rev. Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury at a receptionin the Guard Room at Lambeth Palace, in London.
Northern Convocation Dean attends English consecration
Camp Bratton-Green Bar-B-Q Cook-off and Open HouseBy Grae Dickson
For all you passionate barbecue enthusiasts or novices that want to have a good time cooking with your friends, Gray Center is offering you the opportunity to show your stuff in our First Annual CampBratton-Green Bar-B-Q Cook-off on March 2 - 3, 2012. The cook off will be part of a Camp Bratton-Green open house held on March 3rd.
There will be four categories judged at this year’s competition: Pork Butts, St. Louis Style Ribs, Chicken, and Chef’s Choice. The Chef’s Choice can either be another meat or a smoked component to a dishbut the smoked component needs to be the focal point. You can every category or select one that is your specialty but to be awarded Grand Champion you must submit an entry in each category.
The entry fee for this event is $100 per team with an additional $50 per team (breakfast included) if you wish to stay in a cabin. Each team will consist of a head cook with a maximum of 4 other team mem-bers. The winner of the event will receive a trophy and a $250 cash prize. All proceeds from this event will go to the Camp Bratton-Green Scholarship Fund.
As part of this event, Camp Bratton-Green will host an Open House, open to the public on Saturday March 3rd from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. This is a chance to come out to Bratton-Green and see what camphas to offer and to sample some delicious BBQ. We will be serving BBQ plate lunches for $8.00 a person from 11:00 to 2:00. The open house will conclude with the BBQ award ceremony at 3:00 pm in the CampChapel.
For more information or for a complete set of rules please contact Grae Dickson at 601-859-1556 or [email protected]. Information and rules will also be available at www.graycenter.org. Get your teamtogether now and come enjoy a great time at Camp Bratton-Green.
Gray Center Valentine’s Wine TastingOn February 11 - 12, 2012, Gray Center will be hosting a Couple’s Dinner and WineTasting! We are offering an opportunity to get away for Valentine’s Day Weekendand enjoy an evening of great food, great wine, and great company. The event willbegin Saturday evening at 6:00 p.m. and conclude on Sunday morning. The cost ofthe event is $100 a couple which includes:
• Saturday Dinner• Saturday Evening Wine Tasting• Live Music and Social• Lodging• Breakfast Sunday
Please contact Linda Cain or Grae Dicksonat 601-859-1556 to reserve your space. Weare asking for a $50 nonrefundable depositto be received by February 7th to holdyour space. This will be apply to the bal-ance of the weekend. If you have any ques-tions you can email [email protected].
CHURCHWIDE
Special Council Edition 2012 The Mississippi Episcopalian 21
A date to remember: Tuesday, February 1, 2011Deadline for submittal to the Mississippi Episcopalian - 12:00 noon
Episcopal News Service] The Rt. Rev.John McKee Sloan was seated Jan. 7 as 11thbishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama.
The service for Sloan, who had been thebishop suffragan of the diocese since 2008,took place at the Cathedral Church of theAdvent in Birmingham.
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schoriofficiated at the service. She had also beenSloan’s chief consecrator in 2008.
The Rt. Rev. Henry N. Parsley Jr., 10thbishop of Alabama, presented Sloan with thesymbol of office, a silver-tipped crozier firstcarried by Alabama Bishop Richard HookerWilmer in the 19th century.
Diocese of Mississippi Bishop DuncanGray preached and jokingly called Sloan, origi-nally from Mississippi, a missionary to Alabamawho “went native.”
Noting Sloan’s reputation as a storyteller,in the tradition of so many Mississippi authors,he called upon Sloan to continue telling thestory of Christ and his people: “Who we are,where we come from, and what we are calledto become.”
“Continue to tell the stories of humanfoibles and God’s holy and mysterious grace,”he concluded, according to a diocesan storyabout the service. “Tell the stories, my brother, so that the Word becomes flesh and dwells among us.”
The reader of the Old Testament Lesson was Zach Woolley, who has been a camper and a staffmember of Special Session at Alabama’s Camp McDowell. The Special Session program, which Sloaninaugurated and continues to co-direct, is designed for summer campers with mental and physical dis-abilities.
Alleen Cater, who directed the Transition Committee, read the New Testament lesson.The liturgy opened with preludes for organ and brass under the direction of Dr. Stephen G.
Schaeffer, the cathedral’s music director and organist. The cathedral choir sang anthems, including asolo by Amberlyn Richardson on “Prayer of the Venerable Bede” by Richard Proulx.
Twenty-five Episcopal Church bishops, inSloan’s words, “from Maine to Oklahoma andeverywhere in between,” participated. Alsoattending were dignitaries from area churches,including the Presbyterian, Roman Catholic,Greek Orthodox, Evangelical Lutheran Church,AME Zion and Christian Methodist Episcopaldenominations; rabbis from area synagogues;and Birmingham Mayor William A. Bell Sr.
Jefferts Schori spent the afternoon afterthe service with visitors at Trinity Commons,the home of Episcopal campus ministries inBirmingham.
On Friday, she met with health and med-ical researchers at the University of Alabama atBirmingham. “It was a fascinating conversa-tion,” she told diocesan clergy at a luncheonthat day, according to the diocesan news story.She said their 90-minute conversation focusedon “the interface of their science and theirfaith.”
She said the discussion touched on faithin issues of death and dying. She was especial-ly struck, she said, by questions raised aboutthe legacy of racism in medical research andhow it affects the recruitment of AfricanAmericans in clinical research trials.
Sloan, 56, has been bishop suffragan ofAlabama since 2008. He was elected bishop diocesan in July 2011. He is the former rector of St.Thomas Church in Huntsville, and before that served churches in his native Mississippi. He is also amember of the Episcopal Church’s Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music. He is married to theformer Tina Marie Brown. Their children, Mary Nell and McKee, led the recitation of the Psalm in theservice.
The Diocese of Alabama includes 34,000 members in 90 congregations, covering north and cen-tral Alabama and the Black Belt region. The diocese has three campus ministry centers and eight cam-pus chaplains. The diocese has established 11 new Episcopal churches since 1990. It is active in a num-ber of ministries of outreach including significant work in Haiti.
The Rt. Rev. Henry N. Parsley Jr., right, 10th bishop of Alabama, presents the Rt. Rev. John McKee Sloan withthe symbol of office, a silver-tipped crozier first carried by Alabama Bishop Richard Hooker Wilmer in the19th century. Photo/Diocese of Alabama
Sloan seated as Alabama’s 11th bishop
National Cathedral appoints Francis H. Wade interim deanSearch process also announced for new dean
[Episcopal News Service] The chair of the Washington National Cathedral Chapter, the Rev. JamesP. Wind, announced Jan. 4 the appointment of the Rev. Francis H. Wade as interim dean of the cathe-dral. Wade has been called on a part-time basis to focus on spiritual guidance and support to thecathedral during its search and transition to a new dean. Canon Kathleen A. Cox, the cathedral’s execu-tive director and chief operating officer, will continue to oversee the day-to-day operations of thecathedral. Wade will take up his new position on Jan. 6, according to a press release.
It was also announced today that the Cathedral Chapter has selected Alexander H. Platt to chairthe search committee for a new, permanent dean with the goal of calling that individual by the fall of2012. The Rev. Samuel T. Lloyd III stepped down as cathedral dean in September 2011 to return aspriest-in-charge of Boston’s Trinity Church, Copley Square, where he had previously served as rector.
“It is a great honor to be entrusted with one of our nation’s most treasured institutions, and it is ajoy to be able to do so here in a community I have been a part of for so long,” said Wade, in therelease. “The cathedral plays a vital role in welcoming the country to pray, commemorate, celebrate,and mourn. As such, it must serve the millions of Americans of all faiths who turn to it in times ofnational significance just as ably as it does its local community and congregation.”
Wade, a native of West Virginia, has been an ordained Episcopal priest for 45 years, having servedas rector of St. Alban’s Parish on the grounds of the cathedral from 1983 until his retirement in 2005.He is an adjunct professor at Virginia Theological Seminary, where he earned his M. Div. and D. Div.degrees, and he has also taught at The General Theological Seminary. He is the author of numerousbooks, including Transforming Scripture, and his sermons and writings have been published extensive-ly, including in a variety of anthologies by Forward Movement Press. Wade is a noted leader in theEpiscopal Church, having served in a variety of roles and committees at the church’s triennial GeneralConvention for which he most recently served as chaplain of the 2009 gathering, the release said.
“Frank Wade’s long-standing reputation as a preacher and teacher brings experienced leadershipto Washington National Cathedral during this time of transition,” said the Rt. Rev. Mariann EdgarBudde, bishop of Washington, in the release. “He also is a gifted pastor, who will help bring togetherthe cathedral community, other clergy, volunteer leadership, and staff to continue the cathedral’s mis-
sion as a spiritual home for the nation, embodying the Episcopal Church’s expansive and thoughtfulunderstanding of God and passionate commitment to the reconciling ministry of Christ.”
Wade will work closely with Budde and Cox, as well as with the Rev. Canon Jan Naylor Cope,cathedral vicar. He will also work closely with the worship team in developing major services of nation-al importance, as needed, lead cathedral worship, and preach regularly, the release said.
“On behalf of the Cathedral Chapter we are grateful to Frank Wade for accepting our nominationas interim dean,” said Wind. “We look forward to finding a new leader for the cathedral with the ableguidance of Alix Platt while also benefitting from Frank’s stewardship and support.”
“The cathedral faces significant challenges going forward, and our next dean must be able to leadus as we work to restore the Cathedral physically while also continuing to expand our mission andprograms,” said Cox. “This is an exciting new era for the Cathedral with many great possibilities aheadof us.”
According to the release, in addition to Platt, Craig M. McKee, Esq., will serve as vice-chair of thedean’s search committee. McKee is a Chapter member and co-chair of the National CathedralAssociation. The other committee members are: John D. Barker, Chapter member; Llewellyn W.Bensfield, member of the Board of Trustees of the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation; PaulCooney, canon to the ordinary of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington; the Very Rev. Martha J. Horne,former dean of Virginia Theological Seminary; the Rev. Dr. Luis León, rector of St. John’s Church,Lafayette Square in Northwest D.C.; Dr. Eric L. Motley, Chapter member; Wind; and Dorothy M.Woodcock, Chapter member.
CHURCHWIDE
Special Council Edition 201222 The Mississippi Episcopalian
StewardshipContinued from page 8
they have continued to promote these other methods of giving,it is taking hold and working! In some parishes members of thevestry all make an online or EFT gift. This is one of the waysleaders can truly lead in our parishes. Regarding the offeringplate...for those who did not grow up in the church, this prac-tice is not as important than for those who have been contribut-ing via the plate since childhood. Many parishes have success-fully overcome this issue by providing cards in the pew that say,“I made an online gift” or “I contributed through a stock trans-fer.” This enables people who wish to put something in theoffering plate an opportunity to do so.
5. Stewardship Education—don’t wait until the fall to providestewardship education. Use your adult forum or Sunday schooltime to review a book or video on stewardship. The TENS web-site has suggestions for materials they have reviewed and rec-ommend.
This is a perfect time to enhance your stewardship efforts andget the New Year off to a great start!Kristine Miller, CFRE, is a ministry strategist for HorizonsStewardship providing counsel to churches and non-profitswho are seeking to raise funds to fulfill God’s vision for min-istry. Kristine is a co-author of C.L.I.M.B. Higher: Reaching NewHeights in Giving and Discipleship a book outlining the processand theology for churches that wish to reach the summit oftransformational stewardship. Kristine can be reached [email protected].
Virginia court tells breakaway congregations to return propertyBy Mary Frances Schjonberg
Episcopal News Service] A Fairfax County, Virginia, court has told seven breakaway congregationsthat they must return control of church property to the Diocese of Virginia and the Episcopal Church.
The majority of members and clergy of those parishes left to form congregations of the Convocationof Anglicans in North America (CANA), which the Anglican Province of Nigeria began in 2005. The depart-ing members of those congregations then filed claims to parish property under Virginia law.
Judge Randy I. Bellows said in a letter opinion issued late on Jan. 10 that the diocese and theEpiscopal Church “have a contractual and proprietary interest in the property of these Episcopal church-es” and added that while congregations “had an absolute right to depart from [the Episcopal Church] andthe diocese, they had no right to take these seven Episcopal churches with them.”
Bellows’ decision stemmed from a June 2010 decision of the Virginia Supreme Court that said heerred in an earlier ruling when he said that the breakaway congregations involved in the cases were enti-tled to retain all the parishes’ real and personal property when they left the Episcopal Church and joinedanother denomination.
In coming to his opinion, Bellows reviewed Virginia statutes governing church property, the deedsto the real property of the churches, the governing rules of the diocese and the Episcopal Church, andthe historic relationship between the parishes and the larger church.
He concluded state statutes support a finding that a local congregation is obligated to comply withthe “laws, rules and ecclesiastical polity” of the denomination with regard to property and that the consti-tution and canons of both the diocese and the Episcopal Church “demonstrate pervasive dominion, man-agement, and control over local church property, in a manner normally associated with ownership, title,and possession.” Bellows said the deeds in question make clear that the property “cannot be removedfrom the denomination without the larger church’s consent.”
And, Bellows listed 20 ways in which each of the parishes throughout their history, until the timemany of their congregants broke away, acknowledged the authority of the diocese and the larger church.He also cited numerous ways specific to each of the parishes in which their so-called “course of dealings”showed them to be subordinate parts of the Episcopal Church.
Bellows said that all personal property acquired by the congregations before Jan. 31, 2007, or Feb.1, 2007, (depending on the congregation) must be returned and all liquid personal property (e.g., contri-butions and donations of money) acquired after those dates will remain with the breakaway congrega-tions. Any tangible personal property the congregations acquired after those dates must be given to thediocese and the Episcopal Church unless the congregations can prove that they were donated to themafter those dates or purchased solely with money received after those dates.
“Our goal throughout this litigation has been to return faithful Episcopalians to their church homesand Episcopal properties to the mission of the church,” Virginia Bishop Shannon S. Johnston said in astatement after the ruling. “While we are grateful for the decision in our favor, we remain mindful of thetoll this litigation has taken on all parties involved, and we continue to pray for all affected by the litiga-tion.”
Henry D.W. Burt, secretary of the diocese and chief of staff, said in the same statement that “wehope that this ruling will lead to our congregations returning to worship in their church homes in thenear future, while finding a way to support the CANA congregations as they plan their transition.”
The Rev. Canon Charles Robertson, canon to the presiding bishop and primate, said Jan. 11 that “Igive thanks with the people of the Diocese of Virginia for the recent court decision, and even more fortheir passionate commitment to the mission of the church. And I join Bishop Johnston in calling us topray for all those who have experienced the struggles of this litigation.”
Meanwhile, Jim Oakes, chairman of the Anglican District of Virginia, which is the umbrella organiza-tion for the Anglican congregations, said in a Jan. 10 press release issued by the breakaway Falls Churchthat “we are profoundly disappointed by today’s decision.”
He offered “our gratitude to Judge Bellows for his review of this case. As we prayerfully consider ourlegal options, we above all remain steadfast in our effort to defend the historic Christian faith. Regardlessof today’s ruling, we are confident that God is in control, and that He will continue to guide our path.”
The Rev. John Yates, rector of the breakaway Falls Church, said in the same press release that “thecore issue for us is not physical property, but theological and moral truth and the intellectual integrity offaith in the modern world.”
“Wherever we worship, we remain Anglicans because we cannot compromise our historic faith. Likeour spiritual forebears in the Reformation, ‘Here we stand. So help us God. We can do no other.’”
Oakes, in a separate release, said that the group would review Bellows’ opinion “as we consider ouroptions. This is not the final chapter in this matter.”
“The court’s ruling simply involved one of our statutory defenses, and these properties are titled inthe name of the congregations’ trustees, not in the name of the diocese or the Episcopal Church,” hecontinued. “So we continue to be confident in our legal position as we move forward and will remainsteadfast in our effort to defend the historic Christian faith.”
In June 2010, the Supreme Court held that although disagreements had caused “a division” withinthe Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Virginia, the breakaway congregations had affiliated with achurch that was not a branch of either the Episcopal Church or the diocese. Such an affiliation isrequired, the court said, for Virginia’s one-of-a-kind “Division Statute” (Section 57-9(A)) to apply, as thebreakaway congregations claimed.
The Supreme Court returned the cases to the lower court for further proceedings to resolve theproperty claims of the Episcopal Church and the diocese “under principles of real property and contractlaw.” Bellows held a trial that lasted 22 days stretched over April, May and June 2011, and included testi-mony by 60 witnesses. He wrote that he also reviewed thousands of pages of post-trial briefs.
In the Jan. 10 ruling, Bellows gave the diocese and the Episcopal Church 45 days to submit a pro-posed order to enforce his ruling on returning the property. The CANA congregations are to be given “areasonable opportunity to note their exceptions,” he said, and he gave all the parties 30 days from Jan. 10to request a hearing on the terms of the proposed order.The Rev. Mary Frances Schjonberg is an editor/reporter for the Episcopal News Service.
By Kathy B. van Zutphen A call came in to a local Gulf Coast church on the afternoon of December 12 as members of the congregation were busily preparing for
their annual Christmas program. The caller asked for help because she and her seven year old son, a second-grader at a local elementaryschool, had just received an eviction notice from their landlord informing them that if they did not pay up, they would be evicted in sevendays — approximately a week before Christmas.
This past Christmas, more children than ever asked Santa Claus for items that are considered basic necessities for most of us — food,clothing, and shelter. This was especially true in Mississippi. According to a study released by The National Center on Family Homelessness:• More than 12, 500 Mississippi children are homeless over the course of a year.• The increase in the number of children who are homeless has adirect correlation with the bad economy.• Nationally, there are more homeless children today than after the natural disasters of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, which caused historiclevels of homelessness in 2006.• The Recession’s economic devastation has left one in 45 children homeless in a year — an increase of 38 percent from 2007 to 2010.
Unfortunately, at the very time when homelessness has dramatically increased in families with children, funding for family appropriateshelters has practically dried up.
Redemptorist priest, Father Steve Wilson, who is an officer of Interfaith Hospitality Network’s Rebekah’s House, a non-profit organiza-tion which provides counseling and temporary housing to homeless families, emphasizes that the outlook for 2012 is dire.
“The lack of shelter and support for homeless families on the Mississippi coast is at crisis level,” Father Wilson stated. “We have beenoperating Rebekah’s House on a shoe string budget for the last year and it is a miracle that we have been able to assist as many families aswe have,” he added. “At this point the future is very uncertain; if we are unable to keep the shelter open, I have no idea what resources willbe left for homeless families.”
The mission cannot provide for homeless families in 2012 without some immediate financial support. To help Rebekah’s House achieve its mission send your tax-deductible donation to: IHN’s Rebekah’s House, P.O. Box 8562, Biloxi, MS
39535.Kathy van Zutphen is a communicant of St. Peter’s by-the-Sea, Gulfport.
Ministry to homeless families needs your help now!
EVENTS
The Mississippi Episcopalian 23Special Council Edition 2012
JANUARY
• 7: Alabama Consecration - The Rt. Rev. JohnMcKee Sloan
• 8: Bishop Gray visits St. Peter’s, Gulfport -10:30 a.m.
• 10:Racial Reconciliation Task Force - St. Andrew’s - 12:00 p.m.
• 11:Diocesan Trustees meeting - Allin House -2:00 p.m.
• 15:Fresh Start - All Saints’, Grenada - 10:00 a.m.
• 16 - 21:House of Bishops - Camp Allen
• 23 - 24:Commission on Ministry - Gray Center
• 23 - 25:Junior High DOY - Gray Center
• 24:Standing Committee Meeting - Gray Center -9:30 a.m.
• 25:Bishop Gray visits St. John’s, Pascagoula -10:30 a.m.
Bishop Gray visits St. Paul’s, Picayune -5:30 p.m.
• 29:Convocational Deans Meeting - Allin House -12:00 p.m.
• 30 - 31:ECW Spring Conference
• 31:Day on the Diaconate, North
DIOCESAN CALENDAR
Harris priest in charge at St. Paul’sThe Rev. Anne Harris is now priest in
charge at St. Paul’s in Columbus. Harriswas called to St. Paul’s from St. John’s inOcean Springs where she was assistant rec-tor since 2009.
Harris is a 2008 graduate of VirginiaSeminary and served her first year of min-istry with a hospice service in Boca Raton,Florida before accepting a call to St. John’s.Her husband, Jim, plans to move toColumbus to join his wife. Harris is anative of New Zealand.
The Rev. Anne Harris
The Rev. Scott Lenoir says goodbye to Betty Ruth Fox at a reception for him and his wife, Harriett, atChapel of the Cross in Madison where he was Priest Associate. The Lenoirs moved to Gautier justbefore Christmas. He will continue to be the editor of The Mississippi Episcopalian and joined thestaff at St. John’s in Ocean Springs on January 8, 2012.
FAITHFUL DEPARTEDJane McKinnon, 91, communicant of Christ Church, Bay St. Louis, died October 25, 2011.
Mary Frances Smith-Vaniz, age 103, a communicant of Grace Church, Canton, died on November13, 2011.
Ruth Miller Spivey Gray, 83, wife of the Right Reverend Duncan M. Gray, Jr., and mother of theRight Reverend Duncan M. Gray, III, communicant of St. Andrew’s, Jackson, died December 15,2011.
BOOK REVIEW
Special Council Edition 2012
By Janet C. Nail
“Give me that old time religion, it’s good enough for me.”But what is “that old time religion”? I was raised here in the south, and I
always knew that after Paul had finished whipping the churches in the Middle Eastinto shape, he gave us a model of the Church (and religion) that we are supposedto follow without changing. Right?
Wrong, according to Phyllis Tickle, in THE GREAT EMERGENCE (BakerBooks, 2008). Since Christianity is alive, it is always changing, and we are in themidst of a pivotal change in the way we see and experience our faith. This changeis part of what she identifies as the Great Emergence; the book considers the mon-umental phenomenon from the perspective of three basic questions: What is it?How did it come to be? Where is it going (and where is it taking us as it goes)?
Mrs. Tickle examines these questions from the viewpoint of religion-specifical-ly, Christianity in North America. She paraphrases an observation of the RightReverend Mark Dyer, an Anglican Bishop, who has observed that the only way tounderstand what is currently happening is to realize that about every five hun-dred years the church feels compelled to hold a giant rummage sale! That is, theempowered structures of institutionalized Christianity become an intolerable shellthat must be shattered so that renewal and new growth may occur.
The upheaval leads to three consistent results. First, a new, more vital form of Christianityemerges. Second, the organized church is reconstituted into a more pure and less ossified expressionof its former self. And third, whenever the rigidity of an overly established Christianity has brokenopen, the faith has spread.
Before the Great Emergence was the Great Reformation. We think of Martin Luther’s hammier
affixing his theses on the Wittenberg door as the opening volley of theReformation, but, indeed, the Roman Catholic Church was reeling from conflictbetween the peoples and powers of Italy and the princes and powers of France.The conflict eventually led, in 1418, to the election of three popes, an act whichshattered the primacy of the papacy and the relative unity and stability of itsauthority. In absence of accepted authority, what happens? Martin Luther nails adocument on the door that shouts, “Look! There’s a problem here!” And thechurch holds a giant rummage sale that jettisons the authority of the Pope andsays, “Scripture, and scripture only.”
Making scripture the ultimate authority requires that people be able to readthat scripture. Enter Gutenberg and the drive for widespread literacy. But if fivepeople read the same document, there will be at least three interpretations of thatdocument. And literacy does not stop with reading scripture; thoughtful peoplewill read science, philosophy, economics, sociology, and all the other explodinginformation around them. And eventually-say, five hundred years or so-there willbe questions to the extent of requiring another rummage sale in religion; hence,the Great Emergence.
Phyllis Tickle brings her discerning eye, sharpened by her years as religioneditor of “Publishers’ Weekly,” and her critical faculties as an academic to herexamination of the Great Emergence. She addresses the expanded social and sci-
entific advances that expanded people’s awareness and led to questioning of the church’s absolutes.She carefully diagrams the reactions within Christianity and these responses in separate yet overlap-ping points of the compass.
In exquisite prose, Phyllis Tickle advances her hopeful view of the emerging face of religion, aface that may not be familiar, but which will always be turned to God.
Book Review: The Great Emergence by Phyllis TickleEditor’s note: Phyllis Tickle will make a presentation on emergence Christianity at Nativity Episcopal Church in Greenwood on Jan. 21. Contact Nativity Church for more information on the program.
By William N'dishabandiCampus ministry exists in order to help our students, who are having their minds challenged and
lives changed by the University, not to lose their souls in this process or amidst this world. One of mypurpose as chaplain at Jackson State University is to inspire both the faculty and students with therenewed confidence in its ability to satisfy increasingly their deepest longing to carry them forward toever higher achievements. Think about this: Polls show that 18-29 year-olds make up the most un-churched age group in the US. If we want to touch lives of young ones we must be part of their world.Christian personality will not be an accomplished fact for us until we have put race prejudice and anyfeeling of superiority forever out of our hearts and minds. Let’s learn from Christ’s ministry. Helooked out with eyes of compassion and a heart full of love upon all the world, and saw humanity assheep having no shepherd.
Gerhard Lenski wrote, “If the world were Christianized, ignorance would disappear; peoplewould see even as they are seen, and they would understand themselves better as well as the worldabout them. They would live temperately and intelligently. They would develop skills and abilities.They would work with God and for God, and His power would enable them to accomplish wondersthat surpass all our understanding.” Lenski is the author of A Christianized World. He reminds us thatwhen we yoke ourselves with the body of Christ, we become equipped and strengthened to overcomeour struggles and temptations.
This academic year we focused on Matthew 11:29-30 as our theme: “..Take my yoke and learnfrom me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yokeis easy and my burden is light.” Matthew invites us to carry our yoke and follow him. The purpose ofthe yoke is not to enable the Ox to get rid of his load; it is a device by which he can more efficientlydraw his load. Someone said, “I do not strive to get rid of the problem and perplexities and responsi-bilities of existence among the students because life would be meaningless and colorless without
them.” If we are to be a living force in life, our faith must be unleashed. As we strive to nurture thefaith of young adults who have chosen to enter the employment market we need to support and getinvolved in campus ministries. Some of you perceive the campus as an alien place, an alternative cul-ture which is deeply mistrusted. It is very important for the church to be present where people aregathered into the institutions of our society, to listen and witness, to serve and learn, to stand withthose searching for meaning and guide them. Our Campus ministry helps students to enlarge,improve the quality of life in Christ Jesus. For example: early this year I encountered a Kenyan stu-dent, who was hungry and looking exhausted. Hehad spent weeks, if not months, on streets of Jacksonas a homeless. Through some of your help, we wereable to integrate him into the society. He’s now anaviation engineering student at the University ofFlorida. Another example is of a student (by permis-sion I’ll use his 1st name) Djouda, from Cameroonwas almost about to return to his homeland butthrough the help of our Diocesan Executive and theOkholona scholarship, Djouda is one of the highestGPA in graduate studies in the department ofEpidemiological and Bio-Statistics at JSU. Our cam-pus ministry is changing lives. There other varioustestimonies among those who benefit from this min-istry. If you want to know the benefits of having acampus ministry near your parish, be part of it.Someone said, “in religion we walk by sight andinsight.” Happy New Year!
The Rev. Dr. William N'dishabandi is rector of AllSaint's Episcopal Church in Jackson and chaplainat Jackson State University.
