SPECIAL COUNCIL ISSUE January, 2013 Volume 138, Issue No ... · SPECIAL COUNCIL ISSUE January, 2013...

January, 2013 • Volume 138, Issue No. 1SPECIAL COUNCIL ISSUE

By Susan Hill

Mississippi’s “Episcopal House Party” returnsto our state capital this year when the 186thAnnual Council convenes Friday, Feb. 1, at theJackson Convention Center Complex.

The congregations of St. Mark’s/Raymond, All Saints’/Jackson, Grace Church/Canton, St. Luke’s/Brandon, and St. Andrew’s CathedralJackson, welcome all Episcopalians to cometogether to worship, to visit, to play and to breakbread together at our annual diocesan familyreunion.

“Empowering for Mission” is the theme chosen by Bishop Duncan M. Gray III. This themeis affirmed by our presiding bishop’s commentthat “mission is the heartbeat of the Church.” The Council 2013 steering committee interpretedthe bishop’s theme in the colorful logo featuringred church doors through which the empoweringlove of mission work flows out into our communi-ties and throughout the world.

“Mission” is the theme, but “hospitality” is another vital component thehost churches have incorporated in their year-long preparations. All five church-es are fully committed to offering participants the finest Council 2013 celebra-tion. All eagerly await bringing the entire diocese together for worship andpraise.

Steering Committee Chair Susan Hill saidsome changes were made to this year’s format.

“After the Friday night opening session at theconvention complex, we will travel a few blocks toThe South Warehouse for our only scheduled socialgathering for the weekend. Saturday night you’reon your own to enjoy one of the Greater Jackson’sfine restaurants and other entertainment venues.”

Friday Night Social & ParkingThe Friday Night Social at The South (627 East

Silas Brown) begins at 8 p.m. or immediately afterthe opening business session. The event will fea-ture heavy hors d’oeuvres by Fresh Cut Catering byWendy Putt, an open wine and beer bar, and musicby the bluegrass duo, Bill & Temperance. Tickets tothe Friday Night Social are included in the registra-tion packets for those registered for Council.

There is plenty of available safe parking at TheSouth Warehouse (see registration packet for amap). However, two 56-passenger, climate-con-

trolled motor coaches will transport visitors from the JCC to The South every15 minutes. Cars may remain parked at the JCC if traveling by bus. The buseswill travel also to the two convention hotels, the King Edward/Hilton GardenInn and the Jackson Marriott.

[MSE] For the first time, the dio-cese will make use of internet tech-nology to do the pre-council briefingsthat will go over the proposed 2013budget and other items on the agen-da for the 186th Annual Council ofthe Diocese of Mississippi.

The action was decided as BishopGray’s mission trip to Sudan wouldprevent him from making the usualrounds to each convocation. Also inconsideration was the good steward-ship involved which freed the staff towork on their normal business as wellsaving the expense of the travel.

“Budgets are tight, we all knowthat,” said Canon for Administrationand Finance Kathryn McCormick.“This video will be posted on thediocesan website and more peoplewill probably be benefited by the con-venience of the virtual meeting.”

The video will be posted January15th. All delegates, alternates, andclergy are asked to view the presenta-tion. “If anyone has any questions,they may the diocesan office and we’lldo our best to get the answers,” saidMcCormick.

Pre-council meetings available online

By Gloria Revies

In late January of 2012, St.Christopher’s Episcopal Church of theAscension in Jackson embarked on abuilding project that had been in thehopes and dreams of this small congrega-tion for years. On December 16, 2012,the Rt. Rev. Duncan M. Gray, III celebratedat the celebration and dedication of thenew and enhanced facilities of St.Christopher’s.

This adventure of turning hopes anddreams into reality began several years agowhen the mission committee decided toexplore the possibilities of enlarging thespace used as parish house and fellowshiphall. They hired Girault Jones of Jones-Zander in Grenada as their architect. Jonesproposed a plan that included doing somework on the church building as well as constructing a new fellow-ship hall and renovating the existing parish house.

After conducting a capital funds drive which raised nearly$400,000.00, this small congregation of 50 baptized members embarked on theadventure using Jerry Bouldin, dba Management Services Resource, as the con-tractor.

The new and enhanced facilitiesinclude a fellowship hall with a newkitchen, some office space and classrooms,an enlarged sacristy, and some new win-dows for the nave of the church. The cost ofthe project was $388,000.00.

William Revies, a long-time member ofSt. Christopher’s and a former senior war-den, said, “This is a dream come true!”

With these facilities St.Christopher’s has the opportunityto increase its ministry to theneighborhood through variousoutreach projects that will minis-ter to the needs of both childrenand adults. This was one of themajor selling points used duringthe capital funds drive.

The Rev. Cecil Jones, Jr.,retired priest in the Diocese ofMississippi, serves as priest-in-charge.

Gloria Revies is a communicant of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church of the Ascension/Jackson.

New building project completed at St. Christopher’s

Annual Council details begin on page 3

Council 2013 Episcopal house party with “A Mission”

Council 2013, Continued on page 8

Walter Catchings, Charles Haynes, and Bishop Gray, IIIvisit at the reception after the dedication celebration.

The newly completedSt. Christopher’sChurch of theAscension in Jacksonwas dedicated Dec. 16th.

ORDINARY CONCERNS

2 The Mississippi Episcopalian Special Council Edition 2013

November 25 - Morning worship at St. Andrew’sCathedral. Afternoon with family.November 26 - I am scheduled to participate inan 8-day continuing education event calledCREDO that was to begin today in California. Idecided that I could not leave Jackson with mynewest grandson scheduled to be born tomor-row. Then, I cancelled my flight and conferenceplans and will take the time to be with my familythis week.November 27 - Duncan Miller Gray is born earlyin the morning in Jackson. I am delighted to beable to share this time with my family. My deci-sion to cancel my participation in CREDO wasthe right one.November 28 - December 3 - Family vacationand nurture time. Some office check in andsome work at home, but most of my time andenergy is directed toward my family.December 4 - Staff meetings in the morning.Annual consultations with the Rev. Deacon CarolSpencer and the Rev. Shannon Manning.

Meeting and dinner with the mission com-mittee of Good Shepherd in Terry.December 5 - Planning session with theSudanese Medical team early in the morning.Later visit with representatives of a local congre-gation to discuss finances.

Much of the afternoon spent with CanonMcCormick working on next year’s budget fordiocesan ministry.December 6 - Meet with the StandingCommittee in the morning and over lunch. Meetearly afternoon with the Racial ReconciliationTask Force. Late afternoon session with the Rev.Walton Jones and representatives of TrinityEpiscopal School in Natchez.December 7 - Morning appointment with theRev. Judy Morris. Later I visit with an aspirant forholy orders. Working lunch with Bishop JamesSwanson of the United Methodist Church. Thisrelationship is very important to me.

Afternoon appointments with the Rev. Kyle

Seage and James Lueth.December 8 - Drive to Cleveland in preparationfor my visitations tomorrow to Grace Church inRosedale and Calvary in Cleveland.

Dinner with the Rev. Sylvia Czarnetzky, hus-band John, and her extended family.December 9 - Drive to Rosedale for brief pre-worship social gathering with the congregation.Celebrate and preach at Grace Church thenquickly drive back to Cleveland. At CalvaryChurch, I preach, celebrate and join with thecongregation in a Celebration of New Ministrywith their new rector, the Rev. Sylvia Czarnetzky.Joyous lunch follows.

Afterwards, I drive to Tunica for a meetingwith the vestry of the Church of the Epiphany.

Home to Jackson in the evening.December 10 - Take flight to Washington, D.C.to join with Lutheran and Episcopal bishopswho will be speaking to our senators and con-gressmen about the deteriorating conditions inSouth Sudan. Our daughter, Tabitha, joins mefor lunch and shares in the briefing sessions inthe afternoon led by those who do advocacywork in Washington with both the EvangelicalLutheran Church of America and the EpiscopalChurch.

Tabitha and her husband, John, treat me todinner where I have the opportunity to meetand have a good conversation with the SouthSudan Ambassador to the U.S., Dr. Akec Khoc.Overnight with Tabitha and John.December 11 - Tabitha and I travel to severalcongressional offices and are able to seeSenators Cochran, Wicker and Blount (MO) aswell as several aids of U.S. congressmen. Notmuch is happening as negotiations continue on“fiscal cliff” issues, so people are more accessiblethan in my previous visits.

Fly home to Jackson in the evening.December 12 - Drive to Meridian for an annualconsultation with the Rev. Brian Ponder. Latermeet with an aspirant for holy orders.

Drive to West Point where I ordain the Rev.John Kellogg to the priesthood - a very joyousevent! Great celebration follows in the parishhall.

Began the drive home, but discover I amtoo tired for the trip and stay overnight inStarkville.December 13 - Up early to drive to Jackson.Annual consultation with the Rev. Taylor Moorein the morning. Spend the better part of the restof the day with the diocesan Finance Committeeworking on next year’s budget.December 14 - Drive to Gray Center for secondday of disaster preparedness training session forparish representatives. Fifteen congregations arerepresented. This is a good start to developing adiocesan-wide network of disaster readiness,planning and response.

Drive back to Jackson in the afternoon foran appointment with an aspirant for holy orders.Meet later with representatives from St.Timothy’s in Southaven to get a report on theirrecent capital campaign.December 15 - At home with family.December 16 - Up early to drive to Hollandalefor worship with the congregation of St. Paul’s. Ipreach and celebrate the Eucharist with thissmall, but faithful, congregation. I am assisted bythe Rev. David Langdon who is covering severalDelta congregations in his “retirement.”

Return home to Jackson where I pick myfather up to come with me to St. Christopher’sChurch of the Ascension. Tonight they dedicatethe new parish hall and the extensive renova-tions that have been completed. It is a very joy-filled time as we celebrate this remarkableaccomplishment by this very special congrega-tion. I preach and celebrate as we bless this newwork.December 17 - Day off.December 18 - Staff meetings in the morning.Preside at the executive committee meetingthrough much of the day.

After the meeting, I drive to Greenville for ameeting with the rector and vestry of St. James.Afterwards, I enjoy a wonderful dinner withvestry, spouses and others at the home of aparishioner.

Overnight in Greenville.December 19 - Work on a variety of matters inmy hotel room, then leave late morning forTupelo. Have a brief afternoon visit with familyin Oxford, then continue on to Tupelo for theordination to the priesthood of the Rev. StanfordAdams, curate at All Saints’ in Tupelo.

Fr. Adams is canonically resident in theDiocese of Tennessee, so its bishop, the Rt.Rev.John Bauerschmidt, is the ordaining bishop. Icelebrate the Eucharist and enjoy a great and fes-tive reception following. What a joy it is to haveStanford “back home” in Mississippi!

Overnight with brother Lloyd and his wifeSally.December 20 - Up very early to drive toJackson. Morning appointments with an aspirantfor holy orders, the Rev. Deacon James HenryLeBatard, and the Rev. David Knight.

After lunch with Father Knight, I have sepa-rate appointments with two other aspirants forholy orders, followed by an annual consultationwith the Rev. Deacon Steve Owen.

Squeezed into the day is a taping for a

video to be used as orientation to this year’sDiocesan Council.December 21 - Morning appointment withPeter Malual to discuss our upcoming trip toSouth Sudan. Drive to St. Peter’s by the Lake inBrandon for the funeral of the Rev. CharlieHorn. May he “go from strength to strength inthe life of perfect service.”

Return to office as Kathy and I host theannual Christmas lunch for the staff at theCapital Club. I am so very appreciative of theirfaithful, and, so often, unsung work for thischurch.

Afternoon appointment with the Rev. BethPalmer, husband David Rorick and a priestfriend from Tanzania.

Later afternoon session with seminarianC.J. Meaders and wife, Becca.Duncan, IV, Amber, Harper, Sadie, and littleMiller arrive for a brief pre-Christmas visit.December 22 - After a much too short holidayvisit with the Grays, IV, Kathy and I turn to host-ing a dinner at our home with home commun-ion for our Sudanese community and the peopleof St. Andrew’s who have nurtured and support-ed these refugees who first arrived in Jacksontwelve years ago.

As is the custom on the Saturday night wor-ship at the Cathedral, the first part of the service- prayers, readings and music - is in the Dinkalanguage while the liturgy of the table is said inEnglish. Following the worship, dinner is shared.

It is a great joy to see so many Sudanesechildren running around the house as those whoremain in Jackson have begun putting downroots and raising their own families here.December 23 - Early morning Eucharist at St.Philip’s, then last minute Christmas shopping inthe afternoon.December 24 - Christmas Eve - At home most ofthe day. I celebrate at the 5:00 p.m. ChristmasEve service at St. Andrew’s Cathedral. Followingthe service, Kathy and I drive to New Orleans forChristmas with Peter, Giulianna and Joseph. Wearrive in time for me to make the midnight serv-ice and hear Peter preach.

Overnight with Peter and Giulianna.December 25 - Christmas Day - a real treat witha 20 month old grandson! Spend the day withthe Grays that includes dinner with an old friendfrom my years in New Orleans, Harriett Murrell.December 26 - In New Orleans with family.Spend much of the day with grandson, Joseph.December 27 - New Orleans with family. Returnhome to Jackson in afternoon.December 28 - Put Kathy on a plane forWashington, D.C. as her father was taken to hos-pital unexpectedly. In office all day. Morningappointments with seminarians Katie Bradshaw,and Alex Allain.

Afternoon appointments with seminarianJennifer Southall, and the Rev. Don Chancellorand fiancé, Marian Montgomery.December 29 - Work at home in the morning asI begin serious preparation for my trip to SouthSudan next week.December 30 - Attend worship at St. Philip’s inthe morning, then return home for an afternoonrest.December 31 - Day off.

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 138 years in the Diocese of Mississippi

The Mississippi Episcopalian 3Special Council Edition 2013

186TH ANNUAL COUNCIL186th Annual Council

Empowering for Mission

Reflections from the Road

By Duncan M. Gray, III,Bishop of Mississippi

We gather February 1-3at the Jackson ConventionCenter for the 186th annualDiocesan Council. It is anextraordinary event and thedetails of the various activi-ties are found elsewhere inthis issue of the MississippiEpiscopalian.

I would like to offer aperspective to that gathering that is assumed by many while beingunrecognized by others. Specially, this annual gathering is a familyreunion.

As I travel this diocese, I am reminded time and again of theinterconnectedness of our common life — the shared histories, rela-tionships and remarkably common hopes and dreams. Family maybe an overused, and imperfect, image for what I see, but it does aswell as any description of what I observe.

Like a family, we share a common history; like a family, thereare deep and abiding ties that bind us; and, like a family there aretensions and tender places that we move into with care and sensitivi-ty.

Family relationships, however, are never generically built andnurtured. They are formed, intentionally and creatively, in the day today life together, and they are nurtured when we show up to be withone another on birthdays, anniversaries and holidays.

Diocesan Council is one place we nurture those family bonds. I hope to see you there!

FRIDAY, February 11:45 p.m. Transportation begins between Jackson Convention Complex,

King Edward and Marriott Downtown

2:00 - 5:30 p.m. RegistrationCouncil Committee Meetings

4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Hearings on Council Resolutions4:30 p.m. Newcomer Orientation5:00 p.m. Rehearsal for Acolytes and Servers

6:00 p.m. Opening Service of Evening PrayerEvening PrayersCommissioning of Newly Licensed Worship LeadersBishop’s Address

First Business Session

Diocesan Reception – The SouthTransportation provided or free parking at The South

SATURDAY, February 27:30 - 10:30 a.m. Registration continues8:30 a.m. Morning Prayers

Business Sessions12:00 p.m. Noonday Prayers12:00 p.m. Clergy Spouses’ Luncheon – Capital City Club12:15 p.m. Council Luncheon1:30 p.m. Workshops2:00 p.m. Diocesan Choir Rehearsal, St. Andrew’s Cathedral3:15 p.m. Business Session resumes5:00 p.m. Closing Prayers: Commissioning of Newly Elected Officers

SUNDAY, February 38:00 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 8:30 a.m. Rehearsal for Acolytes, Ushers and Altar Party 9:00 a.m. Nursery Open (Ages 0-3), St. Andrew’s Cathedral9:45 a.m. Children’s Church (Ages 4 Year - 5th Grade)

Children will join Eucharist at The Presentation10:00 a.m. Closing Eucharist


TREASURERElect one lay person for one-year term

*PAGE, Mr. Fred H. All Saints’, Tupelo; Tombigbee Convocation

Certified Public Accountant. Local Church Involvement: Former SeniorWarden, Capital Campaign Committee member, Audit Committee Chair,and Sunday School teacher (to name just a few ways Fred has beeninvolved in the life of All Saints’). Community and Civic Involvement:Treasurer - SAFE, Inc.; Catch Kids, Inc.; Cultural Alliance; former BoardMember - United Way; MS Society of CPA’s; Boy Scout leader for 25 years.Diocesan Involvement: Treasurer, Gray Center Board, Finance Committeemember. National Church Involvement: None.

Special Gifts: Fred is a CPA with many years experience in diocesan financial matters, having servedor now serving on the diocesan finance committee and the Gray Center Board. He was elected dioce-san treasurer in 2012 and in that capacity has worked with the Executive Committee, Trustees, CanonMcCormick and Bishop Gray on a variety of business/financial matters.

Expectations: Fred will continue his work to assist diocesan leadership in financial matters.

TRUSTEE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH Elect one lay person for three-year term

LAY

*DAVIS, Mr. ScottSt. Patrick’s, Long Beach; Coast Convocation

Attorney. Local Church Involvement: Currently serving as Senior Warden,former Vestry member. Community and Civic Involvement: Helped startHarvest Gulf Coast, a network of community gardens along the MississippiGulf Coast, including the Rev. Lynne Hough Community Garden at St.Patrick’s in Long Beach. Diocesan Involvement: Longtime volunteer and

participant in youth and young adult programs, including Summer Camp, DOY, Happening, andVocare. Former Permanent Staff member at Camp Bratton-Green. National Church Involvement:None.

Special Gifts: As a graduate of the University of the South (C’04), Sewanee is a school and place ofsignificant importance to me. As a trustee for the last three years, I have served on the Constitutionand Ordinances Committee, and I have had the privilege of working with many great people, all ofwhom are dedicated to the betterment of the university. If elected, I will bring my experience andleadership abilities to the position and continue to work for a thriving university of which we asMississippi Episcopalians can be very proud.

Expectations: I expect to continue to be an active member of the board of trustees, keeping always inmind the mission of the university to embolden students through academic excellence to “search fortruth, seek justice, preserve liberty under law, and serve God and humanity.” In the last year,Sewanee has taken the rare steps of reducing its tuition by 10 percent and offering four-year tuitionfreezes for incoming freshman. These steps towards affordability, as well an increased emphasis onstudent body diversity, will remain priorities.

LAY

HAY, Mr. WillChurch of the Incarnation, West Point; Tombigbee Convocation

Professor of History, Mississippi State University. Local ChurchInvolvement: Past vestry member, three-year parish clerk for vestry, andEfM participant; current lector and usher. Will’s wife, Carolyn Jane, hasserved as senior warden and all three of their children have all beeninvolved with Camp Bratton Green.

Community and Civic Involvement: Three-time judge for the regional academic “quiz bowl” for highschool students hosted by Oak Hill Academy in West Point; Fellow of Britain’s Royal Historical Societysince 2009; director of Mississippi State University’s Institute for the Humanities; senior fellow of thePhiladelphia based Foreign Policy Research Institute (www.fpri.org). Currently president of theSouthern Conference on British Studies. Diocesan Involvement: None. National ChurchInvolvement: None.

Special Gifts: A Sewanee graduate (Class of 1990), Will has a deep commitment to the universitywhich shaped his life in many ways. He worked on the college radio station and served as convenorof the Interfraternity Council during his undergraduate days. A professor at Mississippi StateUniversity since 2003, he taught British and European history. He has brought his knowledge of theAnglican tradition both to the classroom at MSU and into Christian education programs at our parish.Will has broad experience with higher education, not least a director of MSU’s Institute for theHumanities which features a distinguished lecture series hosting scholars and writers from Europeand the United States. He understands the importance of quality teaching and a vibrant, intellectually-engaged campus environment along with holding to Sewanee’s Episcopal tradition.Expectations: Will is certain to take an active role, sharing his gifts and experience. He understandsas a parent and parishioner the interests stakeholders have in Sewanee and also knows higher educa-tion from the inside. The ability to listen helps bring together divergent perspectives.

LAY

LOCKEY, Mr. MyronSt. Pierre’s, Gautier; Coast Convocation

Aviator. Local Church Involvement: Lay Eucharistic Minister, AdultEducation, Altar Guild, Brotherhood of St. Andrew. Community and CivicInvolvement: None. Diocesan Involvement: Alternate to DiocesanCouncil, St. Pierre’s. National Church Involvement: None.

Special Gifts: Alumnus University ‘83. As student: Sacristan, All SaintsChapel. Dedicated to the university and the Church.

Expectations: To represent the university to the diocese, and to any young people who desire toattend the University.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEElect two clergy persons for four-year termElect two lay persons for four-year term

ROBINSON, The Rev. ChrisMediator-Redeemer, Magnolia-McComb; Old River Convocation

Priest. Local Church Involvement: Rector of Mediator-Redeemer.Community and Civic Involvement: None. Diocesan Involvement:President, Camp Bratton-Green Alumni Association; Ex- Officio Member,Board of Managers of the Duncan M. Gray Center; Youth Commission; Co-Coordinator of Young Adult Pilgrimage to Santiago, Spain; Director, WinterSolstice. National Church Involvement: None.

Special Gifts: I am outgoing, energetic and deeply committed to the con-tinued growth and health of this diocese. I have been a member of the Episcopal Church since birth.Now, as a young adult and recently ordained priest of the church, I hope to bring a positive outlookand different perspective to the Executive Committee.

Expectations: To serve the congregations of the Diocese of MS. To work towards new ideas for min-istry and new expressions of the Christian faith that we, as a people, share. To focus more deeply onoutreach to the many young adults in our state who are looking for a church to call home.

Nominations To The 186th Annual Council Of The Diocese Of Mississippi* Nominated Incumbents eligible for Re-election

✝ Nominee whose appointment expires; nominated for an elected term.

COUNCIL NOMINATIONS

Nominations, Continued on page 5


COUNCIL NOMINATIONS

STANDING COMMITTEEElect one presbyter for four-year termElect one lay person for four-year term

FRASER, The Rev. AnnSt. Paul’s, Corinth; Tombigbee ConvocationRector. Local Church Involvement: Pastor, priest, and teacher to a loving congre-gation at St. Paul’s, Serving as their rector since 2009. Shared worship/preachingefforts with First United Methodist Church through Covenant for Common Life;collaborative teaching with St. James’ Catholic Church; guest preacher/keynoter forseveral local congregations’ Lenten programs. Community and CivicInvolvement: Corinth Chapter of Mission Mississippi, convener; Corinth RotaryClub, member and event volunteer; Commission on the Future of Alcorn Countyparticipant; Corinth2College college application effort volunteer. DiocesanInvolvement: Camp Bratton Green adult staff; Diocesan stewardship consultant

and BASS participant; member Diocesan Disciplinary Board. National Church Involvement: Attended 2006General Convention as observer.

Special Gifts: Creativity and humor. A conviction that the community of Christ has something of value to offerits members and its neighbors. An interest in the workings of our church, especially the various ways Christ’swork is carried out throughout Mississippi. Gifts for thoughtful reflection and discernment. A desire to recognizeothers’ gifts and help them find ways to offer them in community.

Expectations: To support the ministry of our bishop and diocese, especially in matters of persons seekingordination, parish property matters, and consent to elections of bishops.

REICH, The Rev. JeffSt. John’s, Laurel; Sowashee Convocation

Rector. Local Church Involvement: Rector of Mediator-Redeemer.Community and Civic Involvement: None. Diocesan Involvement: Co-ledDIOMS Workshop on Technology and Evangelism – February 2011; theExecutive Committee of the Diocese of Mississippi: February 2010 –January 2012; Happening Spiritual Director- January 2005 – December2009; Bishop’s Mission Corps Board Member/Chairman – October 2005 –January 2009; Bishop’s Mission Corps Superintendent – Aberdeen CellAugust 2006- June 2007; Bishop’s Theological Committee – June 2005-June

2007; Camp Director- Camp Bratton-Green – July 2005. National Church Involvement: None.

Special Gifts: I have a great love for this diocese and its people – as a child of this diocese, who wassent to seminary, receiving tremendous support and encouragement and as one who served fouryears in two supported missions, as well as one who has led and served in several youth ministries,I understand how important the ministries of the diocese are to the faithful to our overall health andvitality. That being said, I have also seen how many of the diocesan ministries work and at timescould better work. For the past three years, my parish has been in the top 10% of parish growth inthe Episcopal Church, much of which I attribute to harnessing effective faith-building, communica-tion, evangelization and technological strategies, all of which could benefit our diocese. I also seemyself as one who has the ability to reach across aisles and work with diverse groups of people.

Expectations: If given the privilege to serve, I hope to do my part to strengthen the Diocese ofMississippi and support and uphold the bishop and his ministry.

SISSON, Mr. EdSt. Peter’s, Oxford; Northern Convocation

Archaeologist and professor at the University of Mississippi. Local ChurchInvolvement: Former member of vestry; former senior warden (2); formerjunior warden; member of last St. Peter’s Rector Search Committee; EfMand DOC graduate; LEM; lector; usher; Brotherhood of St. Andrew (direc-tor 2004); former member of Ministry program subcommittee of PlanningCommittee; Senior Wardens Committee; former delegate to AnnualCouncil; alternate delegate to Annual Council; participant in outreach toand worship with Spanish language speakers. Community and Civic

Involvement: Other than work related involvement - Faculty Senate, University Committees. Most ofthe nominee’s community involvement has been through the local parish: Amos Network; More thana Meal; Jail Ministry; Christmas parties at local jail, Parchman Prison, drug rehab center. The nomineehas raised partial university tuition for two members of St. Peter’s Hispanic congregation. One has

completed a business degree, is employed, and living the American dream. The other is still in schooland making good grades. At least three others will need support in the near future. DiocesanInvolvement: In the past, the nominee has served on the Executive Committee, the StandingCommittee, the Trustees of the Diocese, the Honduras Medical Mission Committee, the FinanceCommittee, the Compensation Review Committee, the Companion Diocese Committee, the Peace andJustice Committee, the Transition Committee for a new bishop, the Vision Steering Committee, theCommittee for Ministries with Gay and Lesbian Persons. He has been active in Cursillo serving on sev-eral Four-day Weekends, as Lay Rector of one Weekend and on the Diocese of Mississippi’s onlySpanish-language Cursillo Weekend. He is currently a diocesan LEM and serves as an ex-officio mem-ber of the Honduras Medical Mission Committee. He is a deputy to General Convention. NationalChurch Involvement: The nominee has been a deputy to the last four General Conventions where heserved on the Evangelism Committee (2006) and the World Mission Committee (2009, 2012). For thelast (2009-2012) and current triennium (2012-2015) he serves on the Science, Technology and FaithCommittee of the Executive Council. He is a co-convener for The Episcopal Church Network forScience, Technology & Faith.

Special Gifts: I love the Episcopal Church, am willing to work for the Diocese of Mississippi and amcommitted to inclusive evangelism. With my retirement from the University of Mississippi in the sum-mer of 2013, I will have additional time to devote to the work of the Church. I bring the gift of experi-ence to the position as I have been a member of the Standing Committee, Executive Committee, andTrustees in the past. Thus, I am familiar with the operation of the diocese and The Episcopal Church.

Expectations: I would expect to attend all regularly scheduled and special called meetings of theStanding Committee. I would participate in all deliberations of the Committee as outlined in theCanons of the diocese and The Episcopal Church. These would include such actions as granting testi-monials of consent to the election of bishops, granting permission to parishes to encumber real prop-erty, approving candidates for ordination, and as a group serving as the ecclesiastical authority in theabsence of the bishop. As a member of the Standing Committee, I would expect to help advise thebishop of matters of importance to the Diocese.

Nominations,Continued from page 4

A date to remember: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, February 1-3, 2013186th Annual Council, Jackson — Jackson Convention Complex

2013 ANNUAL BUDGET


Continued on page 7

Special Council Edition 2013

2013 ANNUAL BUDGET

The Mississippi Episcopalian 7

Continued on page 8

2013 ANNUAL BUDGET


Receipts:Cash on Hand 1/1/2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3,103.49Honorariums, Visitations, etc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$14,525.50

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17,628.99

Disbursements:Charities, Grants, Conferences, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . .$14,856.16

Balance on Hand 12/31/2012 . . . . . . . .$2772.83

Bishop Gray’s 2012 Discretionary Fund

(1/1/12-12/31/12)

Sermons and Addresses....................................................................................88Baptisms ...........................................................................................................34Confirmations.................................................................................................358Received............................................................................................................33Reaffirmed...........................................................................................................9Ordinations to the Transitional Diaconate ........................................................1Ordinations to the Priesthood ..........................................................................4Ordinations to the Vocational Diaconate...........................................................0Office Conferences and Appointments ..........................................................215Diocesan Conferences and Meetings .............................................................163Other Conferences and Meetings...................................................................103

(Univ. of South, All Saints’ School, House of Bishops, etc.) Other Calls........................................................................................................20Community and State Conferences and Meetings...........................................29

Bishop Gray’s 2012 Official Acts

By Tequilla Manning

Starkville Bridges Out of Poverty invites allEpiscopalians and community leaders through-out Mississippi to attend the one-day BridgesOut of Poverty community training in Starkvilleon Friday, February 22, 2013. National speakerJodi Pfarr will conduct the training.

The Bridges training is a prerequisite tobeginning a community initiative and is anexcellent opportunity to learn about Bridges’concepts and application All potential facilita-tors, allies, and volunteers must have the train-ing before launching a Getting Ahead class andworking with participants.

If your community is looking to begin aBridges initiative, please attend our training event in February. Registration fee is $50: a truebargain because the cost for individual communities to sponsor a Bridges training ranges from$6-8,000, so please invite everyone you know to come to Starkville and attend the event!

The Rev. Lynn Phillips-Gaines is currentlyworking with members of the EpiscopalChurch of the Incarnation in West Point, whoare looking to begin a Bridges initiative. Theywill attend the community training event inStarkville.

To learn more, attend the workshop atannual council which the Rev. DeborahHanson and the Rev. Scott Williams will leadon Bridges Out of Poverty. The goal of Bridgesis to build a sustainable community with eachsocio-economic class at the table. Come outand learn how to make this happen!

For more information about registration,please contact Santana Brown at 662-418-3100or email [email protected].

Tequilla Manning is a volunteer with the Starkville Bridges Out of Poverty.

Bridges Out of Poverty starts new training in February

2012 graduates of the Starkville Bridges Out of Poverty program.

2013 Annual Budget,Continued from page 7

Saturday Night Dine OutOn Saturday night, Annual Council visitors are encouraged to dine at one of several area restau-

rants since there is no planned social gathering for Council participants. Registration packets containrestaurant guides and EatJXN Card/Visitor Passes entitling holders to special weekend deals (e.g., twofor one desserts and pastries, at locally owned eateries). Visitors are encouraged to make advancedreservations.

Bus TransportationBus transportation from convention hotels to the Jackson Convention Complex will be available

on Friday from 1:45 to 11:30 p.m., and from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. Motor coachesshould make rounds every 15 to 20 minutes. Safe parking is available at The South and JCC. Therewill be no bus transportation on Sunday.

Children’s WorshipAll children ages 4 years through fifth grade are invited to a morning of spiritual enrichment

and a special chapel service. Check-in will start at 9:30 on the second floor of the convention com-plex preceeding the 10:00 closing Eucharist service. In keeping with the theme “Empowering forMission” we will explore ways in which God empowers us individually and as a community throughchurch to spread His Good News. The children’s stories, reflections, and art work will be celebratedduring the children’s chapel service led by the Rev. Annie Elliott. Children will be picked up fromthe children’s chapel service by their parents during the peace of the closing Eucharist.

Council 2013Continued from page 1

VOLUNTARY PROPORTIONATE GIVING REPORT

Special Council Edition 2013 The Mississippi Episcopalian 9

The Mississippi Episcopalian Advisory Committee

The advisory committee takes this time to thank all contributors to The MississippiEpiscopalian for the many articles and photographs. The paper continues its primary focus onpublishing news of the people and events throughout the diocese.

We continue to sell advertising space to help support the paper. Please contact the edi-tor for further information regarding rates.

The Rev. Denny Allman retired from his column duties after serving many years produc-ing Ring Around the Collar. Thank you, Denny, for your service in providing a theological column. The editor has contacted several priests to continue producing a theological piecefor each paper.

Also a big thank you to Cain Lithography for the excellent service it provides in the production, printing and mailing of the paper. The professional and friendly service is a truegift.

Please continue to send all material for publication to Scott Lenoir [email protected].

The deadline for the paper is always the first Tuesday of each month at 12 noon for publication in that month unless otherwise announced in the paper.

The members of the Mississippi Episcopalian Advisory Committee for 2013 are: ScottLenoir, Kathryn McCormick, Duke Cain, and Jim Carrington.

The Rev. Scott Lenoir, editor

A date to remember: Friday & Saturday, March 8-9, 2013Lay Leadership Conference – Gray Center

As of 12/31/2012


COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTSAll Saints’ Episcopal School

All Saints’ continues to support AmeriCorps’s mission to strengthencommunities and develop leaders through team-based national and com-munity service. This past year, Class 18A graduated 72 young adults on 1May, in a ceremony that was attended by the Bishops of Mississippi,Arkansas and Louisiana and the Chancellors from Western Louisiana andMississippi as well as the Canon for the Diocese of Mississippi. One hun-dred and forty new Corps members reported to campus on 26 Feb tobegin their 4 weeks of training as Class 18B and were inducted on 26March. This group graduated on 13 December. This year AmeriCorpsbegan training Corps members for FEMA. In an agreement between thetwo agencies AmeriCorps recruits and trains FEMA Corps specifically fordisaster response. All Saints’ is proud to host the first class of FEMACorps, inducting 240 members on 13 September, all of which have beenrecently deployed in the New York area to support recovery fromHurricane Sandy.

The growth of the AmeriCorps permanent staff has driven the needfor additional modifications on campus. This year, the physics lab on thesecond floor of Green Hall was modified to make additional office andconference room space and electrical outlets were added to many of theclassrooms to facilitate computer training of Corps members. To accom-modate the growth in the AmeriCorps vehicle fleet as well as space forCorps member’s personal vehicles, All Saints’ leased additional parkingspace from adjacent property to the campus for parking vehicles longterm.

On the weekend of October 20-21, we had a small alumni reunionin the All Saints’ Alumni Center. About 15 members of class 1985-86cooked burgers on the grill on the patio and had lunch on Sunday. Thealumni center was also used by several churches in the area for Vestryretreats.

Center for Formation and MissionYou are invited. . .

The Center for Formation and Mission (CfFM) has completed athird year of programming, inviting congregations, individuals, friendsand neighbors to engage and explore and experience the Spirit of God aswe seek to be One Church in Mission, Inviting, Transforming,Reconciling. We remain deeply grateful for our collaboration with theCenter for Ministry, created by the Mississippi Conference of the UnitedMethodist Church and Millsaps College. The diocese already collaborateswith the Center for Ministry in offering Journey Partners, a two-yearcourse in the art and practice of spiritual direction; in 2012, Center forMinistry staff also assisted the CfFM Program Committee in planning andimplementing a variety of other conferences and retreats.

A women’s retreat entitled “Bearing the Word” invited participantsto listen for God’s words of guidance and encouragement. A series ofquiet days entitled “A Day Apart” offered a space of silence, beginningand ending with prayer. A longer guided silent retreat entitled “Lord,Teach Us to Pray” invited participants into a rhythm of silence and gath-ered prayer, exploring the words of our most beloved prayer, the Lord’sPrayer. Our annual retreat for knitters and needle workers reflected onthe 23rd Psalm, and in the busy season of Advent, invited us to rememberthat the Lord is our shepherd.

A second annual men’s retreat, co-sponsored with the Brotherhoodof St. Andrew from Chapel of the Cross, Madison, considered how“Seeking God in the Ordinary Risks Missing God in the Ordinary.” Wealso held the second offering of Sewanee at Gray Center, a series of con-ferences that will bring faculty from Sewanee’s School of Theology toteach and reflect on their areas of expertise and interest. This year wewelcomed the Rev. Dr. Bill Brosend, Associate Professor of Homiletics,who led an exploration of “Jesus: The Teller as the Tale.” A new eventfor us was a healing conference, welcoming the Rev. Dr. Jack and AnnaMarie Sheffield from the Order of St. Luke, the Physician.

In 2013, our theme shifts from invitation to transformation, as weseek not to be conformed to the world, but “to be transformed by therenewing of [our] minds” (Romans 12:2)...and hearts and spirits. Wehope you will join us at Gray Center for one of our variety of events. Wewill continue to offer quiet days (some with opportunity to explore thespirituality of particular practices or pastimes), a silent retreat, retreats forwomen and men, and a weekend for needleworkers. Also returning willbe Sewanee at Gray Center, and a healing conference. New in 2013 willbe an event co-sponsored with Contemplative Outreach, exploring cen-tering prayer through the words and reflections of St. Teresa of Avila.

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 2013. We are one church in mission, inviting...and you areinvited...now let us be transformed.The Reverend Jennifer Deaton, program committee chair

David Johnson updated the COM on plans for cooperative CPE-typeproject being discussed with the United Methodist Conference. The con-versation about recruitment of Examining Chaplains was continued as theBishop had asked the COM to take more ownership in that process.

Another sub-committee of the COM, the Deacon Discernment com-mittee did not meet this year, but they did work closely with the DeaconsCouncil to sponsor two Days on the Diaconate: one in the spring atTrinity Hattiesburg and one in the fall at Ascension Hattiesburg.

The Rev. Melanie Dickson Lemburg, chair

Commission on MinistryThe Commission on Ministry is a commission that is made up of lay

persons, deacons, and priests, and it established by canon law for thepurpose of assisting and advising the Bishop “ in the implementation ofTitle III (Ministry) canons; in the determination of present and futureopportunities and needs for the ministry of all baptized persons; in thedesign and oversight of the ongoing process for recruitment, discern-ment, formation for ministry, and assessment of readiness therefore.”The Commission on Ministry meets regularly throughout the year in sub-committees as well as in plenary meetings to accomplish those purposes.

The Presbyter Discernment Committee, one such subcommittee ofCOM, met at Gray Center January 4-6, 2012. Bill Cruse of St. James’,Jackson, is the most recent appointment to this subcommittee by BishopGray. The Presbyter Discernment Committee interviewed seven aspi-rants (and several spouses) sent to them by the Bishop. The committeemade its recommendations to Bishop Gray, and the Bishop acceptedAlex Allain, Katie Bradshaw, Will Compton, Lynn Ronaldi, JenniferSouthall, and Trey Thompson as postulants.

The full Commission on Ministry met at Gray Center on March 23and 24, 2012. They spent some time getting to know the newer postu-lants and their spouses who included the following: Alex Allain, KatieBradshaw, Will and Sarah Compton, Sarah Moses and Will Schneck, LynnRonaldi, Jennifer Southall, and Trey and Emily Thompson. After conver-sation and updates on all of the current postulants and candidates, theCOM recommended John Kellogg for the ordination to the Sacred Orderof Deacons (transitional), and they recommended Van Bankston for ordi-nation to the Sacred Order of Priests. The COM (at the Bishop’s recom-mendation) created a COM Executive Committee which would keep thebusiness flowing from meeting to meeting. It would include the chairof the COM, the chair of the Young Adult Discernment Committee(Shannon Manning), a representative of the Deacon’s council (newlyappointed COM member Cathy Halford), and David Johnson (chair ofthe Presbyter Discernment Committee). The COM also spent some timediscussing possible changes in church-wide funding of the Board ofExamining chaplains, and they discussed possible replacement ideas forGeneral Ordination Exams if needed. Shannon Manning reported thatthe following new members have been added to the Young AdultDiscernment Committee: Whitney Moore from St. Andrew’s Cathedraland the Rev. Seth Walley from St. Peter’s Oxford. They join existing com-mittee members Shannon Manning, Chuck Culpepper, David Knight, andButch Jones. The COM had a lengthy discussion with the Bishop aboutthe Iona Initiative; he shared with them the latest developments, and theCOM continued to work with the bishop on details of what the schooland the discernment processes involved with it will look like.

The full COM met again at Gray Center on August 15-17. Upon theresignation of the Rev. Sylvia Czartnetzky as chair of the COM, theBishop appointed the Rev. Melanie Lemburg to serve as chair. The COMspent more time with the Bishop in significant and extensive discussionabout the Iona Initiative. Many decisions still need to be made in thisprocess, and the Bishop shared that he has appointed a steering commit-tee to advise him in the implementation of the Iona Initiative andprocesses. Those appointed by the Bishop were Lynne Hough, BryanOwen, David Johnson, Bill Hannah, Brian Ponder, and Anne Matthews.The COM met with two diaconal postulants: Billy Walton and JamesDedeaux. And the COM met with five presbyter postulants and theirspouses: Lyn and Robert Stabler, C.J. and Rebecca Meaders, Will andIvee Lowry, Laurence Wainwright, and Lynn and Tom Ronaldi. After con-versation and a review of the postulants’ files, the COM recommendedWill Lowry, C.J. Meaders, Lynn Roanldi, and Lyn Stabler for candidacy.The COM also made specific recommendations to the Bishop for newpeople to serve as Examining Chaplains in the diocese if needed.

The final COM meeting was October 20, 2012 at St. Philip’s inJackson. The COM recommended the Rev. John Kellogg for ordinationto the priesthood. The COMcontinued in its extensive con-versations regarding the imple-mentation of the Iona Initiative,with specific focus on discern-ment issues. The COM is con-sidering creating a common dis-cernment process for all discern-ers, and a sub-committee wasappointed to begin consideringthis long-term project. Membersof the sub-committee are CarolSpencer, Frances Christian,Brian Ponder, Ruth Black,Melanie Lemburg, DavidJohnson, and Edward O’Connor.

Chancellor’s Report The 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 Convention Center inVicksburg, Mississippi, assisted as requested and served on theConstitution and Canons Committee.

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, the Canon to the Ordinary and the ViceChancellor concerning a former priest in the Diocese who renouncedHoly Orders.

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. Attended a meeting of the Board of Directors at All Saints.

Attended the Province IV Bishops and Chancellors Conference withthe Bishop in Savannah, Georgia and delivered a presentation on AllSaints’ Episcopal School.

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.

Conferred with the Canon for Administration and Finance on aninquiry from another diocese involving an immigration matter affecting aformer priest in the Diocese.

Advised a Rector and Vestry concerning a personnel and EEOC mat-ter involving the parish.

Conferred with the Bishop and Trustees on matters involving theGray Center Special Maintenance Fund.

Conferred with the Bishop, Canon for Administration and Financeand the counsel for a Trustee concerning a trust matter involving AllSaints’ Episcopal School; assisted a certified public accountant concerninga trust and estates matter involving Mediator, McComb.

Worked on real property transactions and related matters for St.Peter’s Oxford; and a construction project for St. Christopher’s Jackson.

Granville Tate, Jr., chancellor

COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS


Division of Youth DOY has had another great year. We started out in the spring with

Senior High DOY where the theme was “What DOY means to me”. Theday was filled with our favorite DOY games and activities. In the skits theDOY Council showed what it really means to adhere to Baptismal Vowsthrough God’s help. During the Saturday night activity several membersof the DOY Council shared their personal stories about how DOYchanged their lives for the better. The weekend ended with the affirma-tion game where the campers realized how they had touched other peo-ple’s life over the past three days. The Spring Junior High DOY was sur-prisingly small but wonderful none the less. The theme was Jumanji.While the campers played their way across the Jumanji board game, theyapplied the teachings of the Baptismal Vows to the challenges they facedand came to realize that God’s help sometimes comes from friends andfamily. The Fall DOYs started off again with Senior High. The theme wasbased upon the book “Five People You Meet in Heaven”. From the themewe showed the campers that everything they say or do, no matter howsmall, matters. You never know when a kind word or a pat on the backcan mean the world to someone. We finished out the year with a “FindingNemo” themed Junior High DOY. The message from the weekend wasthat life is sometimes as difficult as finding a small fish in a large ocean,but if we “just keep swimming”, we will make it through with the help ofGod and our friends.

We are looking for a Co-coordinator for the DOY program. If youare interested please contact Annie Elliott, the Diocesan YouthCoordinator.

The Rev. Annie Elliott, diocesan youth coordinator

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 persons in the life of the Church.

The committee met on five occasions during the year (7 January, 14April, 7 July, ((21 August, called by the Bishop, see paragraph 4. below))and 29 September) A summary of accomplishments, ongoing projects andnew initiatives follow:

1. Retreat 2012: The Seventh Annual Retreat was held at Gray Center,24-26 August. The retreat leader was The Rt. Rev. Mary DouglasGlasspool, bishop suffragan of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.Bishop Glasspool chose as her theme Spiritual Renewal and Healing andpresented four meditations; Treasure in Clay Jars; Power, PouringOurselves Out and The Redemption of Hell. Each meditation was fol-lowed by small group discussion and a reflective period. The participantslooked at such questions as; what it means to be a vessel of God’s grace;as a church how to we go to hell and minister there in the full presenceand grace of Christ; and lastly, the special challenges of LGBT personsand their allies were discussed. There were 86 participants from sixstates, including nine priests, one deacon and Bishop Gray.

2. Revision of the Inclusion Statement: It has been recognized forsome time that the 2006 Inclusion Statement developed by the commit-tee and approved for use by the Bishop has met with limited success. Inrecognition of this, the bishop asked the committee to write a new state-ment which was given to him in July for approval. The Bishop approvedthe statement and presented it at the Clergy Conference in October. Thenew statement has been printed on cards to be displayed on church bul-letin boards, used in church publications, etc. The statement is in twoversions, one with the shields of the national church and the diocese andthe other with these shields and the emblem of the committee. Therevised statement reads “We are a congregation of the Episcopal Dioceseof Mississippi: One church in mission, inviting, transforming, and recon-ciling. We seek to serve Christ in all persons and to respect the dignity ofevery human being.” Lastly these cards were distributed, for immediateuse, to clergy at the October conference.

3. Youth Counseling Program: The final revised program was complet-ed, submitted to the bishop and approved by him in the spring. The pro-gram was developed by the Rev. Janet Ott with input from several profes-sional resources. Working with her in the implementation of the pro-gram is the Rev. Chuck Culpepper. However due to the absence of theRev. Janet Ott from the diocese due to the illness of her husband, thebishop has asked that implementation be delayed until her return.

4. Blessing of Same Gender Relationships: The members of the com-mittee were very distressed and saddened by the Bishop Gray’s positionstated at the 185th Council on the blessings. This was discussed at several committee meetings. Theresult of these discussions was that a sub-committee was appointed todraft a letter to the bishop, expressing the committee’s concern. The let-ter was completed, dated 3 August, contained specific recommendationsfor suggested ways he could revisit his position, which could move thediocese forward and these recommendations had the unanimous consentof the committee members. As a result of the letter, the bishop called aspecial meeting of the committee, which met at Allin House on 21August. Various committee members voiced their concerns and feelingsand asked the bishop to reconsider his position along the lines of the rec-ommendations offered in the 3 August letter. In response Bishop Grayindicated that his position had not changed, but that he had been in dis-cernment on the matter, and would carefully and prayerfully considerour recommendations. The meeting was an intense and emotional expe-rience for all there, but not devoid of hope for a way to move forward.

5. Retreat 2013. The 2013 Retreat will be held at Gray Center, 23-25August.

John A. Lever, chair

Deacons’ CouncilDuring 2012, the Deacons’ Council met to continue its work in the

education and guidance of deacons in this diocese. Although no newdeacons were ordained in 2012, our two postulants enter their secondyear in the deacons’ school and remain involved in their classes and com-munity projects.

Day on the Diaconate was held three times during the year. This isa day for informing those who are interested in the diaconal ministry.

The annual retreat for deacons was held at Gray Center in May. Thespiritual retreat was led by the Rev. Sherry Williams, a Methodist deaconfrom Jackson.

The most exciting information discussed this year concerns the IonaInitiative which is based in the Diocese of Texas at the Seminary of theSouthwest. This program provides formation and skilled instruction inall core areas of study taught by faculty from the seminary with help fromlocal formation and instruction in additional classes. Beginning in 2013,these classes will be held at Gray Center for one weekend a month. Inanother few years, the Iona Initiative in Mississippi will begin a programfor the formation of bi-vocational and non-stipendiary priests.

The active deacons in Mississippi have contributed articles to theEpiscopalian outlining their ministries. With these stories, more of ourbrothers and sisters have a chance to understand the ongoing work ofthese men and women.

The work of deacons will continue as they “interpret to the Churchthe needs, concerns, and hopes of the world.”

The Rev. Deacon Cathy Halford. chair

Diocesan Altar Guild The Diocesan Altar Guild continues to serve as an advisory and

assistance group to all Altar Guilds in the Diocese.In order to economize, the Board voted to go electronic. The

newsletter is now sent by e-mail to all parishes that have supplied us withan e-mail address, either parish or personal. They, in turn, can producehard copies for their members.

DAG continues to maintain a supply closet to recycle linens, vest-ments or vessels no longer needed and contributed for distribution in theDiocese as needed. Mary Jackson, St. Mark’s, Jackson is chairperson forthis ministry. The guild also provides a red stole for each of our new dea-cons at their ordination. These are made by Lollie Everett, one of ourmembers.

The 2012 annual meeting was hosted by Church of the Nativity inGreenwood. These ladies did a fabulous job. The speaker was the VeryRev. Julia Moore. Her topic was A Meditation on Mary and Martha.Made us all ask ourselves if we were a Mary or a Martha. The speaker wasfollowed by workshops which included a flower arranging session pre-sented by Cheryl Welch from Chapel of the Cross, Madison; CSIGreenwood, a review of historical items found in a church, led by FR.Matt Rowe, Nativity and Laurie Noble, St Stephens, Indianola; and We’veBeen Robbed, a reflection on Nativity’s sacristy robbery. Bishop Gray celebrated the Eucharist and renewed the terms of the present board.Concluding this lovely day was a luncheon catered by none other thanthe Viking cooking School. Greenwood ladies you did a great job. The2013 meeting will be hosted by Church of the Mediator in Meridian. Thedate is April 20, 2013.

This year Annual Council will be using 24 new chalice and patensets to replace the somewhat worn ceramic ones formerly used. TheBishop will also have a new larger chalice to celebrate with. These werepurchased by DAG. Wooden traveling/storage cases are being construct-ed by Jerry Cassidy, a communicant at St. Timothy’s, Southhaven.

Mary Alice Bailey, president

A date toremember: Tuesday, February 5, 2013Deadline for submittal to theMississippiEpiscopalian - 12:00 noon

Cooperative College forCongregational Development (CCCD)

CCCD enters its fourth year this summer, once again hosted at GrayCenter. The six originating dioceses of Alabama, Arkansas, East Carolina,Mississippi, Tennessee and Upper South Carolina are being joined by par-ticipants from two additional dioceses, Louisiana and West Tennessee.The conference has been full for each of its first three years.

The two-year originating cycle of the program was completed in thesummer of 2011, and a new two-year cycle was begun during June 2012.This coming summer will see the conclusion of the second two-yearcycle.

It is administered by the Diocese of Mississippi. Plans for the futureare for CCCD to divide into CCCD West and CCCD East, with the Westconference being hosted at Gray Center.

CCCD is an intense five-day program in congregational develop-ment and is led by trained representatives from participating dioceses.This summer’s program at Gray Center will begin on Sunday evening,June 23 and will conclude on Friday, June 28. It is anticipated that layand ordained representatives from eight dioceses will participate.Representatives of four Mississippi parishes participated in 2012. Parishdevelopment programs have emerged in those congregations during thepast two years. The Mississippians’ costs of participating were partiallyunderwritten by a grant from the Trustees of the Diocese.

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.

The Rev. David Johnson



Disaster Preparation and Response Team

Our Diocesan Disaster and Preparedness Network is growing andconcrete plans and actions are starting to take shape. We have movedfrom an active diocesan team to an active diocesan network; this meanswe have at least 17 congregations who have filled out the “Pink Sheets”identifying a local team and team leader.

On December 13-14, 2012, the diocesan team will host a gatheringof congregational leaders for a two day introductory workshop. We willcontinue the conversation about our organized, defined response in thecase of various types of disasters. We are looking at both local andregional disasters and are planning a means by which local congregationswill have a role in the chain of command in our efforts to respond. Ms.Katie Mears, Episcopal Relief and Disasters U.S. Programs Coordinator,will guide us through this two day workshop.

We have tackled local and regional disasters in the last few years.We have done amazing work but never before have we had a detailedplan in advance of disasters. This will continue to be updated over timebut it is our hope that eventually every congregation will have their owndisaster plan and will be well informed about the diocesan plans.

Thank you to all of the congregations who have taken this notion of“likely and eventual disasters” seriously and have responded to our dioce-san team’s fervent pleas for buy in and input.

We will continue to encourage all congregations to study theDisaster Guide Booklet and respond to the call for participation and plan-ning by your Mississippi Disaster Preparedness and Response Team. Faithfully,The Rev. Carol Spencer, CoordinatorThe Rev. Scott Lenoir, Co-coordinator

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 have

Do 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. Carol Borne Spencer

The Companion Diocese CommitteeThe EYC of St. Philip’s, Jackson, went to Panama in March of 2012

to help the Diocese with some needed repairs. They worked in PanamaCity and at Santa Clare, (the Camp), cleaning and painting. They alsoenjoyed the hospitality of the people of Panama.

In November two ladies, Cora Gill and Miriam Gillett, came toattend the Mississippi ECW Meeting. They stayed with Barbara Brunsonand at Gray Center.

A trip in March 2013 is planned to Panama to attend theirConvention and ECW Meeting by Lollie Everett and Nancey Scott. Whilethere we will meet with their Committee to plan future activities togeth-er. We also plan to visit our scholarship recipients if possible.

Lollie Everett, chair

The Gray Center Report11/19/12

This has been another trying year for your Gray Center. We will fin-ish the year with a loss not much different than we had in 2011, but wedid it with fewer earned revenue dollars. The revenue situation was exac-erbated by cancellations, postponements and many groups with reducedper-person charges. With the help of our dedicated staff we were able tomake many compensating changes in our expenses and operations. Atthe time of this report we are estimating the loss for 2012 at $20,000.This loss is with approximately $34,000 less in total revenues than wehad in 2011 but also with approximately $32,000 less in total expenses.Unfortunately, our projected expenses were still more than our budgetfor this year even though our projected revenues were in line with our2012 budget estimates. At this time we are projecting a small increase inthe earned revenues for 2013 while holding expenses at the current lev-els. Hopefully 2013 will not be as challenging as the past two years havebeen.

As it has been in all years, we have again been blessed by manythings and by many generous people. We saw a 51% growth in ourfundraising dollars over last year at a time when most church organiza-tions are seeing contributions shrinking. The Alumni Association andWeekend Work Teams have added significant upgrades and additions tothe camp totaling in the thousands; these will be detailed in the AlumniAssociation’s annual report.

In keeping with our Campaign Discovery ‘13 objectives, a three-yearprogram to introduce as many new persons to the joys of Gray Center aspossible, we have hosted at least 675 new guests this year in addition tothe 820 first-time guests in 2011. Our objective, originally, was to intro-duce 1,000 new guests to Gray Center; we increased this to 2,000 and areconfident now that we will exceed this by end of 2013. For most of thefirst 11 months the Executive Director increased his concentration onpromotional efforts in the greater Jackson area. He continued to pursuespeaking engagements at civic clubs and parishes throughout the diocese.

For several years now we have added a new Gray Center Event eachyear. In 2012 we continued this process with the addition of the 1stAnnual Camp Bratton-Green Open House and BBQ Cook Off. It was agreat success and brought in a significant number of folks previouslyuninitiated to our camp. This event will be held again in 2013. In 2013we will add at least one new Gray Center Event, “The Gray Center FamilyWeek”, which we plan to hold in mid-August.

The old Bishop’s Cottage, just east of the Big House, was replacedthis year with a two bedroom Katrina Cottage as living quarters for theAssistant Site Manager, Joe Green. A similar structure, though only a sin-gle bedroom, was installed near the Dining Hall at camp and will be thenurse’s cabin during the summer and rental property other times. Thisunit will be named Ruthie’s Cabin in memory of the bishop’s mother andin recognition of her lifelong dedication to the camp.

We completed adding full kitchens to all cottages at the conferencecenter this year. Many air conditioning units across the center wereeither replaced or repaired in 2012 and the first of many bathroomsreceived new tile floors and fresh wall paint. The exterior of the Lodge atthe Conference Center is in the process of being repainted and will becompleted in early 2013. More cabins and other areas at camp were‘adopted’ this year providing funds and labor to enhance their appear-ance and functional capabilities.

The Big House became ‘wifi-available’ in the fall, giving us internetaccess throughout all the habitable areas of our campus.

A planning weekend was held this year for the Gray Center Board ofManagers, led my Peter Bergstrom of the ECCC. He was invited to helpthe board start a process to formulate long range plans for the operationsand facilities’ utilization of the entire center. Many sub-groups wereformed that will be working on specific areas throughout the next year orso. This process will be ongoing in the next two years so look forward toprogress reports and our seeking assistance from the diocese-at-large withthis important work.

We are poised to take advantage of new opportunities in the com-ing year as more and more organizations look to re-vitalize their opera-tions using our facilities and enjoying our heralded hospitality.

William E. Horne, Jr., executive director, The Duncan Gray Center.

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, withEucharistic prayers and other elements changing with liturgical seasons toexpose the community to the full breadth of the prayer book. Music isperformed by student musicians and includes selections from the ECOMSong Book, the Hymnal 1982, and other resources. Liturgical duties suchas lector and chalice bearer are also performed by students and are coor-dinated through a student intern. ECOM also seeks to learn more aboutChrist through the study of Holy Scripture and church teaching.Discussions about Christian faith often take place at fellowship gatheringssuch as “Theology on Tap” and “Cookout and Compline”. ECOM alsoseeks to serve Christ by serving the poor of Oxford and the widerLafayette County area through its feeding ministry MANNA. With the helpand support of St. Peter’s and other organizations, MANNA produces over100 meals weekly to serve the hungry. From cooking the meals to deliver-ing the meals, MANNA is a student led 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. Seth M. Walley, chaplain

Education for Ministry Report for MS Diocese 2013 Annual Council,

Jackson, MSEfM in Mississippi continues to be a source of education, theology,

and spiritual growth throughout the diocese. There are currently 25groups, 192 members, and 37 mentors or co-mentors engaged in the pro-gram in the Diocese of Mississippi. In addition to the face-to-face groups,there are two online groups for those who cannot attend a face-to-facegroup.

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 by a life of prayer and regular worship.For further information about joining an existing EfM group or

about starting an EfM group in your parish, please contact

Dr. Barbara Jones, diocesan EfM Coordinator



Episcopal Canterbury Fellowship at Mississippi State University

The year 2012 saw continued growth in participation in theEpiscopal Fellowship at Mississippi State University, or Canterbury. Whilethe number of participants remains small, the college ministry nowinvolves approximately four times the number of participants in 2009.

The primary goal of the college ministry at MSU remains the spiritu-al care and development of MSU students, faculty, and staff. The ministryprovides pastoral care for college students, as well as accessible forms ofworship, prayer, and community. Canterbury activities and programs alsoeducate participants about Scripture, spirituality, and the Episcopal tradi-tion, in hopes of giving a strong spiritual foundation for decisions whichmay be made much later in life.

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 explores a wide variety of topics on religionand spirituality, including the sacraments, use and understanding ofScripture, and the Episcopal tradition as compared to and contrasted withother 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 lanyards and T-shirts to increase awarenessof the Episcopal Church on campus and throughout the Starkville com-munity. The ministry made similar efforts to reach out to the wider com-munity by participating in “Shades of Starkville,” a community fairdesigned to inform students about organizations and activities available inthe area.

In the past year, Chaplain Carol Mead has given students the contin-uing opportunity to understand other faith traditions. A second presenta-tion by Dr. Jonathan Edelmann of the MSU faculty allowed students andother guests a glimpse of the Hindu faith tradition. In the 2012 presenta-tion, Dr. Edelmann looked at the concept of grace as seen through bothChristian and Hindu lenses. Another presentation by MSU faculty mem-ber (and EFM graduate) Wayne Wilkerson will teach students about thetheology of stewardship, especially as related to care of the environment.Such offerings are intended to give students an understanding of thecommon ground of human religious tradition and the theological con-cepts involved in life choices.

The MSU Canterbury ministry continues to take advantage of theCanterbury Lodge, a renovated house on the property of the EpiscopalChurch of the Resurrection in Starkville. The house serves as a meetingplace for most Canterbury activities, as it includes a kitchen, den, diningarea, and an excellent worship space. The lodge also gives MSU studentsa quiet place to gather or to study. During 2012, we continued to makechanges to the building to make it as useful and appealing as possible.This year we replaced the floor in the living room area, with all labor forthe project provided by Canterbury students and Resurrection parish-ioners. We also replaced the refrigerator, sink, and dishwasher withitems donated by parishioners.

In 2012, Canterbury again reached out to the community by helpingput the finishing touches on a Habitat for Humanity home in Starkville.The students appreciated the opportunity to do “hands-on” ministry tohelp others.

Each Wednesday, students meet with the chaplain for a meal home-cooked by Resurrection parishioners. Those meals are followed by a vari-ety of activities, including movies and documentaries, board games, dis-cussion, and worship. Because of the greatly increased numbers of par-ticipants, we are still experimenting with activities that will work withlarger groups.

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 abbreviated Eucharist at the MSU Chapel of Memories, aservice attended by students, faculty, and staff. As in the past, the AshWednesday service held at the MSU Chapel, open to all, was very wellattended.

The Rev. Carol Mead, chaplain

Episcopal Church at University of Southern Mississippi

The Episcopal Church at the University of Southern Mississippi hadanother strong year in its rebuilding efforts. After several years on hiatus,the group was restarted in Fall 2010 and continues to grow in numbers,outreach, and presence in the USM and Hattiesburg communities. Ourbiggest success in Spring 2012 was our “U2charist”-a Eucharist serviceusing songs by the band U2 for hymns. ECUSM collaborated with USM’sWesley Foundation for the service, which served to increase attendanceand foster the joint collaboration between the Methodist and Episcopalchurches as established both at the diocesan and national levels. (See theApril 2012 issue of The Mississippi Episcopalian for an article on ECUSM’sU2charist.) The heart of our campus ministry remains our weekly services. Held inUSM’s campus, we have Eucharist three times a month-led by priestsSusan Bear, Marian Fortner, and Van Bankston of Church of theAscension and Trinity Church-and a lay-led Evening Prayer the otherweek. Members of Trinity andAscension often join us for theTuesday night services, as do stu-dents who just happen to stop by,and then we all feast on home-cooked meals from Trinity andAscension parishioners. In 2012ECUSM also did a Habitat forHumanity work day, provided daycare for a retreat at Eve’s House inHattiesburg, and is looking intobuilding an on-going outreach rela-tionship with the LighthouseRescue Mission. Our greatestthanks to Bishop Gray and thepriests, staff, and parishioners ofTrinity and Ascension, all of whomgive graciously of their time, tal-ents, and treasures to make thiscampus ministry possible.

The Rev. Susan Bear, The Rev. Marian Fortner, The Rev. Van Bankston, coordinators

Finance CommitteeThe Finance Committee gathered in Jackson and via conference call

on several occasions in 2012 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, the Committeemonitored and reviewed Gray Center financial transactions, made recom-mendations to the Executive Committee regarding insurance, compensa-tion and related issues, and developed a 2013 Diocesan OperatingBudget to submit to the Executive Committee for its consideration andfurther action.

The Finance Committee also continued its work to ensure the time-ly implementation of the Church’s new Denominational Health Plan(DHP), established by General Convention in 2009 and to be adminis-tered by the Episcopal Church Medical Trust. DHP will be fully imple-mented beginning on January 1, 2013. Moreover, the Finance Committeereceived detailed information from Church Mutual and Church Insurancecompanies concerning the nature and scope of the property and casualtyinsurance products offered by each and pricing thereof. Further study ofproperty and casualty insurance issues is needed and will be undertakenby the Finance Committee in the coming months.

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.

The Rev. Paul Stephens, chairFresh Start for Transitional Ministries

Episcopal Campus Ministry at Delta State University

The Episcopal campus ministry at Delta State University is having asuccessful year. Jondelyn and Brantley Catlette, parishioners of CalvaryEpiscopal Church in Cleveland, have taken over the ministry in FatherBailey Norman’s absence.

The semester was kicked off with move-in day at Delta State. Themembers of the parish provided physical help in moving, water, andsnacks. Many students and parents were thankful for our help. We alsohad a table at the Delta State activities fair where we passed out fliers andbrownies, and we met new students. We have had returning studentsfrom last academic year have added some new students this semester.

Our meeting time is Tuesday evening in the Parish Hall. The high-light of our time together is an evening meal provided by various parish-ioners from Calvary Episcopal Church. Our shared meal together is animportant part of our ministry, and our students are always thankful. Itgives them a sense of home and fellowship.

The steps to becoming a chartered campus ministry at Delta StateUniversity are now complete. The process included forming an interestgroup of students and writing a constitution and bylaws. We are nowwaiting for Delta State to approve our constitution and bylaws, and wefeel certain that they will. Our official name is “Canterbury CampusMinistry,” known as “Canterbury,” for short.

Our sincere thanks are given for your continued support of thisgrowing ministry. We feel certain that this is an important part of ourfaithful journey as followers of Christ, and we look forward with greatanticipation to the coming year.

Jondelyn Catlette, coordinator

A date to remember: Friday, Saturday & Sunday,February 1-3, 2013

186th Annual Council, Jackson –Jackson Convention Complex



Executive CommitteeMarch 8, 2012

Newly elected members of the Executive Committee are: the Rev.Walton Jones, Trinity, Natchez; the Rev. Elizabeth Wheatley-Jones, AllSaints, Grenada; Mr. Cooper Morrison, St. Andrew’s, Jackson; Mr. CharlesStrange, Redeemer, Greenville. One year appointments were approved:the Rev. Anne Harris, St. Paul’s, Columbus; the Rev. Taylor Moore, St.Peter’s, Oxford.

Canon Johnson made a presentation on the canonical role of theExecutive Committee.

Orientation followed with discussion of the Trustees of the Dioceseof Mississippi.

The 2012 Budget was approved and the Voluntary ProportionateGiving report was reviewed.

The Very Rev. Edward O’Connor joined the Executive Committeeand reported on activities at the Cathedral.

Bishop Gray updated the Executive Committee on the actions of theBoard for All Saints School since its closing in 2006. All Saints is nowbeing leased by AmeriCorps who are expected to remain for several years.

Mr. Bill Horne, executive director, gave an overview of the opera-tions of Gray Center. Gray Center experienced an $18,000 deficit in 2011but hoping to have a better year in 2012.

Timber has been cut on the south side and trees have been replant-ed.

Camp Bratton Green had a record number of campers in 2011 witha waiting list for Winter Solstice. To date, there are 633 registered for2012. CJ Meaders will be the chaplain for the permanent staff and will beat camp all summer. There is still a need for scholarships for both regu-lar and special sessions.

Due to leadership changes with Camp Caritas and a decrease incontributions, there will not be a camp in 2012.

The Executive Committee reviewed the 2012 Council:The 186th Annual Council will be in Jackson with the following

churches serving as hosts: St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Jackson; Grace,Canton; St. Luke’s, Brandon; St. Mark’s, Raymond and All Saints, Jackson.

May 31, 2012The Rev. Patrick Sanders introduced some of the leaders and

campers from Special Session I which was taking place at Camp BrattonGreen. The Rev. Kyle Bennett, former priest in this Diocese, was alsoserving on staff. The group made a presentation to the ExecutiveCommittee on the ministry of the special sessions and their significanceto all who attended.

The registration fees for the 186th Annual Council were set: set theregistration fees as follows: before November 1, $105 for regular and $55for special registration; before January 1, $115 for regular and $65 forspecial registration; after January 1, $125 for regular and $75 for specialregistration. Special registration is registration for seminarians, seminari-an spouses, retired clergy spouses, college representatives, and youngadults (non-delegate under 35 years).

The Bishop’s Annual Stewardship Summit (BASS) which was held atGray Center in May with the Rev. Corky Carlisle as keynoter.

The Trustees have made a one-time grant to St. Alexis for $10,000which will cover their shortfall due to budget cuts in the 2012 diocesanbudget.

Bishop Gray reported on the series of programs marking the 50thanniversary of special moments in history. In 2011, the anniversary ofthe Freedom Riders arriving in Mississippi was noted and on September30, 2012, the arrival of James Meredith at Ole Miss will be commemorat-ed.

October 3, 2012The Committee was updated on the denominational health plan

and actions of General Convention 2012. The DHP will still be mandato-ry in January 2013; however, achieving equity mandate is delayed until2015

After reviewing the premium rates for 2013, the medical insuranceallowance was set as the cost of the premium for the High DeductibleHealth Plan offered by Empire Blue Cross and a contribution to theHealth Savings Account of 80% of the deductible. The recommendation from the Finance Committee to increase the pen-sion base for the Minimum Full-time Parochial Presbyter Support to$47,200 (increase of $1,200 or 2.6%) was accepted.

The Gray Center Board engaged a consultant to assist them in for-mulating a strategic plan. Camp Bratton Green had the largest number ofcampers in 2012, but the conference center is struggling for business.

A trip to Southern Sudan is planned for January and the team iscomprised of Bishop Gray, a Sudanese pharmacist, two doctors and twoparticipants from the Diocese of Nebraska. This initial trip will be to

investigate possibilities for future mission trips.The Honduras Medical Mission will take place in February.A trip to Uganda will be in March where our team will offer training

to those helping with the Bishop Masereka Christian Foundation.

December 18, 2012Current financials were reviewed and the 2013 proposed budget

was presented with recommendations from the Finance Committee.After discussion, the Executive Committee adopted the amended budgetand will review the anticipated income before January 3.

There was discussion on the claims to BP for the oil spill and whatsteps need to be taken to look at income for the future. Trends shouldbe studied so that preparations can be made.

Housing resolutions for Bishop Gray and Canon Johnson werepassed.

By resolution, the Council offering at the closing Eucharist will goto support work in South Sudan. There will be workshops on Saturdayafternoon of council and you do not have to be registered for Council toattend. The pre-Council convocation meetings will be posted to thewebsite this year since Bishop Gray will be out of the country and in con-sideration of staff time. Nominations for all diocesan officers are printedin The Mississippi Episcopalian.

Kathryn Weathersby McCormick, secretary

Episcopal Church WomenOur year began on a positive note as we attended Annual Council in

Vicksburg. Our UTO (United Thank Offering) Chairperson, Julia MarksYoung, presented a certificate to Rev. Brandt Dick, Headmaster of TrinityEpiscopal School in Natchez, which indicated that the school had beenawarded a UTO grant to air condition the school auditorium/gym. Everyyear UTO awards many grants to churches and schools that enrich thelives of those who have special needs that they cannot fund.

Both Spring and Fall ECW conferences hosted excellent speakersthat inspired and renewed participants. At Spring Conference, the Rev.Dolphus Weary, past director of Mission Mississippi, current Director ofR.E.A.L. (Rural Education and Leadership) and author of several books,shared his story of leaving the South only to find that his true missionwas to serve his Lord in his home state through fostering racial reconcilia-tion. The Fall Conference was comprised of two components. The firstwas a live webcast through the Trinity Institute Wall Street featuring SisterJoan Chittister discussing Radical Social Change. Alas, Hurricane Sandycaused the live webcast to be postponed due to electrical outages.Through the assistance of our chaplain, the Rev. Jennifer Deaton, and theRev. Debo Dykes with Faith and Reason seminars, an excellent DVD pres-entation was made available featuring Sister Joan Chittister speakingabout Mysticism, Empowerment, and Resistance. The second componentwas closely tied to the first. An outstanding program designed to helpempower those in poverty, Bridges out of Poverty, was introduced byRev. Deborah Hanson from Jackson and Santana Brown from Starkville.Two students who had completed the program also attended and sharedtheir compelling stories.

This year we had two opportunities to interact with the NationalECW Board. In April, we were delighted that the National ECW Board metat Gray Center and invited the MS ECW Board members to spend a daywith them. We enjoyed Eucharist, a discussion of ECW activities, andlunch. Triennial is held at the same time as General Convention andafforded another opportunity to see the National Board in action.Delegates and alternates had the opportunity not only to attend Triennialmeetings, but also to visit some open sessions of both the House ofBishops and the House of Deputies. In addition, we voted for newNational ECW Board officers, heard a variety of guest speakers, sharedideas with other ECW members from across the nation, enjoyed Eucharistwith all of the Convention attendees, and visited with many different ven-dors. A great highlight for us was to have our Barbara Brunson namedMost Honored Woman from MS. In addition, due to restructuring ofGeneral Convention, we were given an opportunity to discuss possiblechanges to the format for Triennial.

Finally, our fundraising to promote Children at Risk continues tothrive under the direction of Lyn Wellons. In addition, we are able tocontinue funding Global Scholarships for students to attend schools inboth Panama and Uganda. Through the combined work of Lucy Riggsbeeand Jo Ann Lee we have sold rugs made by African women. The salesassist in providing more income for Global Scholarships.

Nancey Turnage Scott, president, 2012

Journey Partners Training Programin spiritual direction,

Diocese of Mississippi and Center for Ministry Partnership The 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.

In 2012 Journey Partners began its fifth class of the two-yearcourse, under the direction of Jane Watts and the Reverend RichardRobbins of the Center for Ministry. This program is both ecumenical inapproach and intentional in diversity. Participants have included laity andclergy from the United Methodist, Episcopal, Baptist, Presbyterian,Disciples of Christ, Mennonite and Roman Catholic denominations.

The Gray Episcopal Conference Center is the home for JourneyPartners, providing hospitality and sacred space for the participants andstaff.

The Reverend Wendy Miller, noted teacher and practitioner of spiri-tual direction, is the instructor of Journey Partners. She is ProfessorEmerita of Spiritual Formation at Eastern Mennonite Seminary inVirginia. She is the author of Invitation to Presence and Jesus, OurSpiritual Director. She guides several training programs in spiritual direc-tion around the U.S. and in Canada. She serves as adjunct faculty atGarrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois.

In July 2012, Journey Partners Retreat had a guest lecturer, TheReverend Dr. Dwight Judy, Professor of Garrett Evangelical TheologicalSeminary. Dr. Judy is one of the architects of the Certification of SpiritualFormation in the United Methodist Church. He has authored many booksincluding Embracing God, Praying with Teresa of Avila and DiscerningLife Transitions. Dr. Judy is the founding director of the Rueben JobInstitute of Spiritual Formation.

Journey Partners offers continuing educational and formationalopportunities for those who have completed the program. These pro-grams help provide a sustaining community for spiritual directors. Thiscommunity offers support and accountability for those who have com-pleted Journey Partners Training.

In the 9 years of Journey Partners:106 Total Participants have completed the program:26 Episcopalians (7 Priests and 5 Laity)

In the 2012-2013 Training Program there are:22 Total Participants: 7 Episcopal (2 Priests and 5 Laity)5 Small Groups5 Supervisors — 3 Episcopal, 2 Methodist1 Worship Leader — United MethodistThe Diocese contributed in 2012:Scholarship . . . . .$2,250.00Staff Support . . . .$1,950.00Total . . . . . . . . . .$4,200.00

Gay Yerger, Journey Partner coordinator

Fresh Start for Transitional MinistriesFresh Start for Transitional Ministries is an ongoing program of the

Diocese of Mississippi aimed at supporting experienced clergy in the firsttwo years of service in a new cure. Fresh Start groups gather four timeeach year at Fresh Start South, hosted at Trinity Church, Hattiesburg, andFresh Start North, hosted at All Saints’ Church, Grenada. Additionally,both North and South groups meet together with the Bishop in Jacksonin January.

Currently, there are 10 clergy participating in the two groups, inaddition to the mentors.

Fresh Start has been facilitated during the past year by the Rev.Brian Seage, rector of St. Columb’s, Ridgeland, and the Rev. Canon DavidH. 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.

The Rev. Canon David H. Johnson



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The Iona InitiativeThe Iona Initiative is a collaborative effort of the Diocese of

Mississippi, the Diocese of Texas, and seven other southern, western,southwestern and midwestern dioceses for the local formation of voca-tional deacons and bi-vocational, non-stipendiary priests. The IonaSchool, based in the Diocese of Texas, is the forerunner of this conceptand is being offered as a template for a wider effort for local formation ofclergy.

During the past year, Bishop Gray has appointed a Diocesan TaskForce for the Iona School. Participants in the local task force include theReverend Dr. Bryan Owen, the Reverend Deacon Lynne Hough, theReverend Deacon Bill Hanna, the Reverend Anne Matthews, the ReverendBrian Ponder, and the Reverend Canon David Johnson. The Bishop hasappointed a dean and two mentors to work with the program locally.Those appointees attended a mentor gathering in Austin last summer.

The larger Iona Task Force, which oversees the entire program, iscomprised of a representative from each of the charter dioceses. It hasbeen meeting quarterly during the past two years. The invitation to par-ticipate in the project came from the Right Reverend Dena Harrison, bish-op suffragan of Texas, chair of the board of trustees of Seminary of theSouthwest, and overseer of the Iona School. Other charter diocesesinclude West Texas, Northwest Texas, Arkansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, andOklahoma. Hawaii recently joined the group. Additional dioceses areexpressing interest in affiliating with the program.

The Iona Initiative will become a practical reality for local formationin September 2013, when the school will be officially “launched” inMississippi. Plans are being made for the technological delivery of coreformation courses by school 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 as chair of the Curriculum Committee ofthe overall Iona School. The task force is seeking grant funding so thatthe program may be expanded and become more refined.

The program would be a partial solution for providing clergy tosmall congregations. The Iona Initiative is not considered an alternativeto seminary for those people wishing to enter full-time parochial ministry.


Licensed Lay MinistryDuring 2011, it is my pleasure to report we had four (4) convoca-

tional workshop hosted by St. Timothy’s, Southaven, St. Elizabeth’s,Collins, St. Philip’s, Jackson and St. Pierre’s, Gautier. We currently haveover fifty persons in the process to be licensed as Diocesan WorshipLeaders. We have received thirteen new applications for LicensedDiocesan Worship Leader during the year. Eight persons have completedthe Licensed Worship Leader Education program and have been recom-mended for licensing by the Bishop as of November 30, 2012.

A separate listing of those be relicensing 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.

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 36 people living with HIV/AIDS andseven MEAC volunteers and caretakers attending. This total of 43 wasclose to a record number once again and all enjoyed the trip thoroughly.The retreat is sponsored by the Province IV Network of AIDS Ministriesand the National Episcopal AIDS Coalition (NEAC). Mississippi MEAC vol-unteers are active on the regional planning committee and plan toincrease the 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 congregantsat the 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 during2012 with a grant of $28,000 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 with these necessities.

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,rent, utilities and food. MEAC continues to be the only source for emer-gency assistance 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 2012.

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 2012 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 500HIV and AIDS victims and their family members each year with emer-gency assistance, and many more with messages of prevention and spiri-tual support.

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 in early June, and allows us to sup-port a telephone line that is answered 24 hours a day. All service fundsgo 100% to emergency services; all MEAC committee members are volun-teers.

Please come to our exhibit booth at Council this year and learn howyou can assist the Mississippi Episcopal AIDS Committee. Mississippicontinues to have an unacceptably high rate of new case of HIV reportedeach year, and we need to work together to turn the epidemic around.

Ella Tardy, Chair, Mississippi Episcopal AIDS Committee

Lay Leadership Training Institute2012

The purpose of the Lay Leadership Training Institute (LLTI) is todevelop and nurture gifted, faithful laypersons for ministry and to createwith them a process of continuous 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 congregations; and• Evaluating the experience for future use.

The Lay Leadership Training Institute ended its “beta” test year inMay, 2012, with a detailed evaluation of the program. A new leadershipclass composed of eight participants from four congregations of differentsizes and from various areas of the diocese began meeting in September.Weekend sessions, led by The Reverend Canon David H. Johnson andAlice Perry, will be held every other month through May.

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: Stages of Faith; Systems Theory inCongregations; Ministry Together: Creative Conflict and Expectations;Models of Congregational Life; and Exercising Leadership and ManagingChange.

The Rev. Canon David Johnson



Trustees of the Diocese of MississippiTrustees of the Diocese of Mississippi, a Mississippi non-profit cor-

poration, is the legal entity which holds real and personal property of thechurch and manages investments for the benefit of the Episcopal Churchin Mississippi. The Bishop serves as President of the corporation withfour lay elected trustees serving staggered terms and a fifth lay personwho serves one year by appointment of the Bishop. Members serving in2012 were John Davis, Michael Strojny, Lynn Jenkins, Holmes Adams andFilo Coats, who are members of parishes in Columbus, Gulfport,Brandon, Jackson and Grenada. Meeting with the Trustees were EdThurmond and Fred Page, Treasurers of the Diocese; Granville Tate,Diocesan Chancellor; Canon Kathryn W. McCormick, Diocesan Secretaryand Treasurer of the Trustees; and D. Carl Black, Jr., Assistant Secretary ofthe 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 fourregular meetings at the Allin House and two telephonic meetings.

Investment returns were generally positive during the year. Six sep-arate funds are maintained by two investments managers with returnsthrough mid-October ranging from 6.12% to 9.84%. Investment man-agers were operating within guidelines adopted by the Trustees, butreturns for the year cannot be predicted.

Property maintenance in missions and Gray Center is a continuingresponsibility. All of the income from the Gray Center SpecialMaintenance Fund was authorized for repairs as provided in the funddocumentation. Repairs which are funded from several smaller endow-ments and trusts were approved for Canterbury Lodge, Mississippi State;St. Christopher’s, Jackson; and Redeemer, Greenville. Repairs continuedat the Bishop’s residence.

Other grants or loans were made for the Iona Project, theCooperative College for Congregational Development, St. Alexis(Jackson), and a clergy indebtedness. Funds also assisted a parish inresolving an EEO claim.

The Trustees joined with other members of the OkolonaEndowment Fund in providing scholarship assistance to qualified collegestudents and others at Coast Episcopal School, St. Andrew’s EpiscopalSchool and University of the South.

D. Carl Black, Jr., Assistant Secretary.

HappeningHappening, a biannual weekend retreat filled of laughter, music,

and prayer, has been hugely successful in 2012. This past March, staffmembers and Happeners gathered at St. James’ Episcopal Church inJackson, under the leadership of Rector Dreux Delcuze and Head GopherMary Langford, to participate in this experience of spiritual renewal. Wehad a great turn-out of both staff members and participants, and we areespecially grateful to St. James’ parish, Babs Fowler, Gray Fowler and BillCruse for hosting us.

The most recent Happening weekend was November 1-4 at Chapelof the Cross in Madison. Special thanks to Frances Christian and LaurenBain. We again had a huge number of potential staffers apply, and regis-tration for Happeners filled up weeks before the event. As Rector for thisweekend, I am truly grateful for my partnership with my Head GopherLauren Liebkemann, as well as the leadership of Jason Woodwock, GatesElliot, and Chuck Culpepper. Our wonderful staff worked diligently tomake the weekend a special experience for their Happeners, and theHappeners were so open and loving. I also was very touched by the talksvarious staff members gave about topics such as Faith, Jesus Christ, andChurch and Prayer.

The love and friendship I have experienced at Happening gives mefaith that many other participants can experience the presence of God atthe weekend, just as I feel I have.

Gracie Gibson, Happening rector fall, 2012

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. It has gained new life and focus duringthe past year.

The full participation of all new ordinands in POC is required bythe Bishop. Financial support for participation is partially provided by thenew ordinands’ continuing education funds, with the balance from dioce-san funding. Currently, there are seven POC participants - five in theirsecond year, and two in their first year. It appears four new participantswill join the group in the fall.

POC has been participating during the last six months with an initia-tive from the Diocese of Chicago and funded by the Lilly Endowment,“Making Excellent Disciples.” The program provides continuing educa-tion funding for POC participants and their mentors. The program alsoprovided funding support for the speakers at the 2012 ClergyConference.

“Making Excellent Disciples” - a program of only one year’s fundingduration - served as an impetus for long-term restructuring of the men-tor-mentee relationship. Each mentor-mentee relationship is now struc-tured and organized through clearly-stated expectations for their mutualwork. As part of POC significant restructuring, subjects have beenexpanded to include additional topics identified by the Bishop, diocesanstaff, and POC participants.

The program has been supervised during the past year by CanonDavid Johnson and the Rev. Marian Dulaney Fortner. POC meets as agroup four times each year - from Sunday evening through Tuesdaymorning - at Gray Center. Bishop Gray joins the group for dinner andconversations on Sunday evenings. The group begins its first meetingeach year with dinner at the home of David and 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. Eachretreat includes a Eucharist planned by the POC participants.


Prison and Justice CommitteeDuring 2012 the committee finished work on develop-

ment of a program for the facilities that are preparing inmatesto return to society - called satellite facilities by the state -where inmates work at jobs during the day, and adjust tobeing in the free world, while still residing at night in a correc-tional facility.

A Reentry Program for Satellite Facilities was drafted from3 programs for incarcerated people. Materials from the KairosPrison Ministry, Alternatives to Violence, and the Houses ofHealing program were used to develop talk-discussion-exercisesessions or units on the five topics of Choices, Who Am I andWho Am I Becoming, Anger, Power/Conflict, and Forgiveness.Over a weekend in October, the drafted program was sort offield tested not in a prison but with the residents of a women’sshelter in south Mississippi. Volunteer lay and clergy from thelocal Episcopal parish and other non-Episcopal churches par-ticipated as speakers, table leaders, support for the weekend,and Eucharist celebrant.

The intent of trying out the Reentry materials in Octoberprior to deployment in a prison was to identify neededchanges, to check out the flow of the materials. Evaluation ofthe weekend showed that the 5 topics were well received andunderstood by participants. The section on Anger needs revi-sion to provide more structured discussion and perhaps toallow for more individual reflection and not group discussion.That was the only major change identified.

The five topic sections were presented in a format similarto Cursillo or Kairos - in one weekend - but the five sectionscan be used independently, without relying on the previouswork, so as to meet the needs of ever changing resident popu-lations of satellite facilities.

The testing and now revision of the Reentry program willenable deployment in prison facilities - we can say the pro-gram’s been used and tested.

Jim Ed Henderson, chair

Southeast Deployment Network(SEDN)

The Southeast Deployment Network is a cooperative effort support-ed by several Province IV dioceses. During the past year, we have devel-oped a new clergy deployment and parish search resource for those dio-ceses and others which may choose to become involved. Currently, theDioceses of Alabama, East Tennessee, Kentucky, Lexington, Louisiana,Mississippi, North Carolina, Southwest Florida, Tennessee, Upper SouthCarolina, and West Tennessee are participating in the planning of theresource. That is an increase of six participating dioceses over the sametime last year.

The primary manifestation of SEDN is a new interactive website forclergy seeking calls to the Southeast and for diocesan deployment offi-cers. The website allows clergy interested in serving the participating dio-ceses to post biographical and vocational information about themselves.The deployment officers of the participating dioceses are able to postinformation about search processes and clergy vacancies within their dio-ceses. The website facilitates the matching of clergy seeking placement inthe Southeast with congregations from participating dioceses seeking anew cleric. This new website is an example of cooperative efforts betweenindividual dioceses making additional resources available.

Mississippi clergy have been encouraged to post their “fact sheets”on the website. Congregations currently in active search processes arebeing added to the website, as well. The website —- www.sedn.info - isadministered by the Diocese of Louisiana, aided by funding from the par-ticipating dioceses.

The primary purpose of the budget request is to continue supportof the SEDN website and the structure for the essential data base for gath-ering clergy and congregational information.




Sudanese Ministry CommitteeThis year the committee spent its funds on book scholarships, med-

ical bills, and personal emergencies, with the majority of the funds beingspend on book scholarships to Sudanese who are in college: the budget-ed $7,000 in addition to contributions by the committee members.Following last year’s public celebration at St. Andrews, this year theSudanese Community celebrated the graduation of two young men:Mabior Yai graduated from Belhaven University with a degree in account-ing, and Kueth Wal graduated from Hinds Community College. (Kueth iscurrently continuing his education at JSU.) We are anticipating anotheryoung man whom the Church of the Resurrection in Starkville has beencaring for and mentors to graduate this December from Mississippi StateUniversity with a degree in engineering and more are expected to gradu-ate in spring of 2013. Millsaps College students continue to volunteer astutors for those who need tutoring.

The committee works with clergy and health professionals toaddress life-threatening medical situations. The committee partnered withclergy at St. Andrews’ and helped one young man who had a major sur-gery but could not afford to meet his deductible so that his health insur-ance pays its share. The committee also helped another young man whois in college, unemployed, and uninsured but was sick and couldn’tafford to pay for his medical bills or buy his medications. Furthermore,the committee assists another young man who lost his mother in Kenyabut could not afford to pay burial expenses because the treatment of hislate mother had exhausted his finances.

The committee also bought a plane ticket for one young man whomit had been supporting at the Restoration Home but who eventuallydecided to moved back home with his family in South Sudan. The com-mittee also assisted another young man who lost his job here in Jacksonbut found another one in Harrisburg, PA, where he relocated with hisfamily.

The committee is currently working with volunteer lawyers fromEpiscopal churches in the Jackson area to facilitate the process of reunit-ing families and bringing wives and young children to Mississippi. TheSudanese graduates are still facing challenges in finding jobs related tothe careers for which they have trained. Many of them are unemployed orunderemployed. This sometimes make them reluctant to expedite theprocess of bringing their wives to the US because they feel that the cur-rent job one holds would not support a newly established family inJackson. The committee members have lobbied for jobs in different areas(i.e. business, accounting, IT), but these efforts have not been successful.The committee would welcome anyone who feels called to help Sudanesegraduates find jobs in the above mentioned areas.

The committee offered loans through Hope Community CreditUnion, helping Sudanese in emergencies support themselves and estab-lish credit. The committee observes that some who ask for our help nolonger need it, since they are able to borrow on the credit history thechurch’s fund helped them establish.

The Committee and the National Church sent three Sudanese repre-sentatives from Mississippi to the 77th General Convention. Bishop GrayIII, along with a few other bishops, petitioned for a resolution that waspassed to recognize and integrate Sudanese Episcopalians into the largerEpiscopal community of the USA. The provisions of the resolution reflectthe Sudanese need-approaches that our diocese and church home havebeen using. The Sudanese Episcopalians around the country are verythankful for the role that the Diocese of Mississippi has played in theirrecognition.

In January of 2013, Bishop Gray, III will be leading a medical mis-sion to our companion diocese of Twic East in South Sudan. The commit-tee and the members of the South Sudan Medical team are collaboratingto make this mission trip possible. Earlier this year, the Ministry sentPeter Malual to Honduras with the Diocese of Mississippi-HondurasMedical Team to learn how the medical mission is carried out. With thehelp of the team members, he has developed skills necessary to helporganize the South Sudan Medical Mission, and he will be dispensingdrugs at the mission’s pharmacy in South Sudan. Dawn Flannes, who isvery experienced in organization of medical missions, is playing a criticalrole in the organization of this mission trip. (Her advice has been so help-ful!) She has committed herself to work on the itinerary and the purchas-ing of medication, as well as the arrangement of general logistics. We oweher a lot of thanks as this mission would not be possible without herexpertise.

Saint Andrew’s continues to be the church home for the Dinka com-munity in Jackson, offering evening prayer in Dinka and a ministry ofmeals and fellowship following services. The staff of Saint-Peter’s-by-the-Lake continues to help with accounting and mailings.

Peter Malual, chair

Youth Ministries Council 2013 ReportThe youth ministries of the Diocese of Mississippi continue to pro-

vide our youth with opportunities to continue their faith journeys whileforming relationships with other youth in our diocese. In 2012, the firstyouth event was the Youth Lock-In during Annual Council. St. Alban’s inBovina hosted the lock-in, and they did a wonderful job. That event wasfilled to capacity. This year’s lock-in is being held at St. James in Jackson.

Happening and Happening Reunion also had successful weekendsin 2012. Chapel of the Cross in Madison hosted the fall Happening, andSt. James, Jackson hosted the spring Happening. St. Philip’s in Jacksonhosted the fall Happening Reunion, and St. Alexis, Jackson hosted thespring Happening Reunion. Each parish was invaluable to our ministry to10-12th graders. Those weekends would not be possible without thehard work of the coordinators: Andrew McLarty, Lucy Kay Sumrall, andJason Woodcock. More information can be found in the Happeningreport.

In 2012, Abram Jones coordinated our Division of Youth (DOY)weekends. Each semester we have a senior high DOY and a junior highDOY at Camp Bratton Green. The DOY weekends are planned by youthin high school on our DOY Council. More information can be found inthe DOY report.

In November, we hosted the Province IV Youth Networking andLeadership Meeting at Gray Center. Annie Elliott, Sarah Meeks, and MegBoyles attended, and many other Mississippians helped with hospitalityand activities. Adults and Youth from all over Province IV gathered tobrainstorm and share games, worship ideas, activities, etc. We also talkedabout upcoming Provincial Youth Events, including a middle school eventand an international mission trip. As the host diocese, we were given anevening to share some of our diocese’s favorite events. We hosted a triviagame, played gargoyles, and concluded with Compline.

In August, the diocese hosted the annual Adults Working with Youthconference. The August meeting is our primary time to distribute dioce-san information and offer discussions on specific topics. This year we hadtwo sessions about pastoral care and boundaries.

Last but not least, the Diocesan Youth Commission met twice during2012, once during Council and once in the fall. That group consists ofthe Camp Coordinator, the diocesan program coordinators, and mem-bers-at-large.

The Rev. Annie Elliott, diocesan youth coordinator

Standing CommitteeThe committee met at Annual Council in Vicksburg 2012 to elect

The Rev. David Knight, President and Sheri Cox, Secretary. Gray Centerwas the site of the March 24, 2012 meeting and the committee consentedto the election of Suffragan Bishop of the Diocese of Texas and Approvalof Consent for The Rev. Oge Beauvoir, Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese ofHaiti. The committee met with postulants. Approved John Kellogg forOrdination to the Diaconate and approved Ordination for Van Bankston.

The next meeting of the Standing Committee was held by confer-ence call on May 17, 2012. Committee approved consent for election ofthe Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of North Carolina. We revisited anagreement and approved the request by St. Paul’s Corinth.

Committee met on August 17, 2012 at Gray Center. The Committeemet with postulants currently attending seminary. We approved Consentfor Holy Orders to the following: Will Lowry, Lyn Stabler, C.J. Meaders,and Lynn Ronaldi. Bishop Gray met with the committee to provide infor-mation about General Convention 2012.

The Allin House was the site for October 30, 2012 meeting of theStanding Committee. The committee voted approval of consent to theelection of William Douglas Hahn as Bishop of the Diocese of Lexington;approval of Ordination to the Priesthood for John Kellogg. The commit-tee approved Release and Removal of The Rev. John Gibson from theEpiscopal Diocese of MS and commended John to the Anglican Provinceof America in the state of Florida. Title I items were discussed. BishopGray met with the committee to offer his reflections of Province IVGathering in Savannah.

December 6, 2011 the committee met at the Allin House. The com-mittee enjoyed lunch with Bishop Gray and returned to the Allin Housefor business. Committee spent most of the meeting in conversation. TheStanding Committee acts as advice to the Bishop and we provide ourfeedback on subjects at the request of the Bishop.

Sheri Cox, secretary

Safe Church Committee“ONE CHURCH IN MISSION:

INVITING, TRANSFORMING, RECONCILING”

Mission 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 2012, 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 to beconducted regularly conducted.

The “Safeguarding God’s People”curriculum, on adult victimization andthe church began summer 2012. Thefocus is on prevention of sexual harass-ment in the church setting.

The Diocesan policies on SexualExploitation were reviewed by the SafeChurch Committee and continued.Committee members Mr. Les Alvis, Dr.Leigh Jensen-Crawford, and The Rev.Canon David Johnson completedreviewed the policies which wereapproved by the Executive Committee.

We continue to meet our goals ofproviding continuing education forgroups requesting the SafeguardingGod’s Children curriculum, theSafeguarding God’s People curriculum,and carrying out the work of the com-mittee including advocacy, crisisresponse, prevention and education.

Leigh Jensen-Crawford, chair



REPORT OF THE REGISTRAR — 2012Ordained to Transitional Diaconate:John Kellogg, 6/9/2012, by Duncan M. Gray, III at St. James’, Jackson

Ordained to PriesthoodVan Bankston, 6/2/2012, by Duncan M. Gray, III at Trinity, HattiesburgJohn A. Kellogg 12/12/12, by Duncan M. Gray, III at Incarnation, West Point

Dimissory Received:Beth Palmer, 7/26/2012 from Diocese of VirginiaKirk LaFon, 8/1/2012 from Diocese of East Tennessee

Dimissory Issued:Bailey Norman, 6/1/2012 to Diocese of the Central Gulf CoastMatt Rowe, 8/21/2012 to Diocese of Northwest TexasChristopher Powell, 9/14/2012 to Diocese of ChicagoCatherine Tatem, 11/9/12 to Diocese of Rochester

Changes in the Diocese:Jennifer Deaton, 1/1/2012 to St. Andrew’s Cathedral, JacksonAnnie Cumberland Elliott, 1/1/2012 to St. Andrew’s Day School, JacksonDavid Knight, 5/1/2012 to St. James’, JacksonNick Johnson, 6/19/2012 to St. Paul’s, PicayuneStanford Adams, 6/1/2012 to All Saints’, TupeloLuther Ott, 5/1/2012, Non Parochial, JacksonJohn Kellogg, 6/1/2012 to Incarnation, West PointBeth Palmer, 6/24/2012 to Holy Trinity, VicksburgDavid Elliott, 7/29/2012 to St. Andrew’s, JacksonKirk LaFon, 7/1/2012 to St. Andrew’s Day School, JacksonSylvia Czarnetzky, 12/1/2012 to Calvary, Cleveland, and Grace, RosedaleBrandt Dick, 12/2/2012 to St. John’s Church, AberdeenLuther Ott, 12/16/2012 to Chapel of the Cross, MadisonJudy Morris, 12/31/2012, Non Parochial, Brandon

Died:Frederick Bush (Fred) 1/8/2012Nick Roberts 5/9/2012Charles Horn (Charlie) 12/17/2012Whitney Barnes, 10/19/2012

Retired:Sherry Travis, 2/1/2012 to reside in Brentwood, TNBob France, 2/1/2012 to reside in Tunica, MSReed Freeman, 2/6/2012 to reside in Jacksonville, FLKathleen Potts, 3/31/2012 to reside in Picayune, MSJud Meaders, 6/1/2012 to reside in Canton, MSWayne Ray, 9/1/2012 to reside in Ocean Springs, MS

Release and Removal: John Michael Gibson, Jr.

Licensed:Jane Alexander, (Western Louisiana)Arnold Bush (Central Gulf Coast)Susan Carney, (Rhode Island)Ted Dawson, (Louisiana)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

Jubilee Ministry grants awarded for Episcopal programs, mission work

HEALTH/NUTRITIONA total of 45 grants for $750 each for funding to 28 dioceses forJubilee Ministries that respond to the nutritional needs of fooddeserts. A food desert is a district with little or no access to foodsneeded to maintain a healthy diet but often served by fast foodrestaurants. $33,750.00• Diocese of California: Holy Child Health & WellnessProgram/Bread for the World Ministry• Diocese of California: St. Cyprian’s Community Kitchen• Diocese of Chicago: Shelter Care Ministries• Diocese of Chicago: St. Clement’s Jubilee Ministries• Diocese of Colorado: Brigit’s Bounty• Diocese of Colorado: Broomfield Farmers’ Market at HolyComforter Episcopal Church• Diocese of Colorado: Cooperating Ministry of Logan County• Diocese of Colorado: Metro CareRing• Diocese of Colorado: St. Clare’s Ministries• Diocese of Colorado: St. Joseph Episcopal Church OutreachMinistry and Peace & Justice Ministry Communities• Diocese of Colorado: St. Patrick’s Episcopal Food Pantry• Diocese of Connecticut: Trinity Episcopal Church/TrinityEpiscopal Day School on Asylum Hill• Diocese of Dallas: Our Saviour Community Garden• Diocese of East Tennessee: The Hosanna Community• Diocese of Iowa: St. Thomas Community Garden• Diocese of Kansas: Episcopal Social Services/Venture House(ESS/Venture House)

• Diocese of Kansas: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City, KS• Diocese of Lexington: Reading Camp• Diocese of Lexington: St. Paul’s Food Pantry• Diocese of Maine: Trinity Jubilee Center• Diocese of Michigan: Bound Together• Diocese of New Jersey: Christ Church New Brunswick FoodPantry• Diocese of New Jersey: Peter’s House• Diocese of New Jersey: St. Andrew’s Jubilee Center• Diocese of New Jersey: Trinity Cathedral Food Pantry Ministry• Diocese of New York: People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWA)• Diocese of New York: The Community Food Pantry at St. Mary’sMohegan Lake• Diocese of Newark: Jubilee Center/All Saints Community Serviceand Development Corp. (ASCSDC)• Diocese of Northern Michigan: Grace Church Community Garden• Diocese of Ohio: St. James Lunch Program• Diocese of Olympia: Eco-Justice Ministry of St. Mark’s EpiscopalCathedral, Seattle, WA• Diocese of Pennsylvania: St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Food Pantry• Diocese of Rio Grande: Our Lady of Las Palomas• Diocese of Rio Grande: Outreach Ministries, St. James EpiscopalChurch, Taos, NM• Diocese of San Diego: Episcopal Refugee Network• Diocese of San Diego: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church• Diocese of Southern Ohio: Episcopal Community ServicesFoundation

• Diocese of Southern Ohio: St. John’s Episcopal Church• Diocese of Southern Virginia: Church of the Ascension, Norfolk• Diocese of Spokane: Trinity Neighborhood Services• Diocese of Virginia: Christ Church Cares Food Pantry• Diocese of West Texas: International Community Garden at St.Francis Episcopal Church• Diocese of Western Louisiana: St. Luke’s Episcopal Mobile MedicalMinistry• Diocese of Western Michigan: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church• Diocese of Western New York: Trinity Produce Pantry

JUBILEE MINISTRY DIOCESAN INITIATIVESA total of 22 Jubilee Ministry diocesan development grants of$1,000 each will fund 22 dioceses to support Jubilee Ministry devel-opment plans of the local bishop and the appointed diocesanjubilee officer. $22,000.00• Diocese of California: Santiago/St. James Ministry Center• Diocese of Chicago: Episcopal Diocese of Chicago• Diocese of Colorado: Diocesan Jubilee Office, Diocese ofColorado• Diocese of Connecticut: Trinity Episcopal Church/TrinityEpiscopal Day School on Asylum Hill• Diocese of Dallas: Diocese of Dallas Jubilee Ministry• Diocese of East Tennessee: Diocese of East Tennessee• Diocese of Florida: Grace Mission Episcopal Church

[Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs] The Episcopal Church has awarded 67 Jubilee Ministry grants in 35 dioceses for 2012 in two categories for $55,750 to support mission and ministry throughout theEpiscopal Church.

The 2012 categories are health/nutrition and diocesan initiatives.Jubilee Ministries are congregations or agencies with connections to the Episcopal Church whose mission efforts affect the lives of those in need, addressing basic human needs and justice issues. Grants to

Jubilee Ministries are awarded annually.

Jubilee Ministry grants, Continued on page 20


LAY MINISTRYWORSHIP LEADER RENEWALS

CANON 18 SECTION 1. The Bishop of this Diocese shall determine which of those categories oflicensed 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: Chris Allen Baker, Mary Jo Walsh.Jackson, All Saints’: Cindy Gavette.Jackson, St. Andrew’s: Laura Clapp, Michael S. Flannes, Cheryl Kirchner, Jacqueline Mohle,

Diana O’Toole, Kenneth M. Parker, Bob Thompson.Jackson, St. Christopher’s: Goldia M. Revies, Dessie B. White.Jackson, St. James’: Ellen Ford, Hal D. Miller, Jr., Anne Mollere, Mary Crouch Rawson, Yvonne

Rogers, Margaret G. Yerger.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, Fonda Lundin, Gerald McWhorter, A. Frederick Parker, Mary Frances Ponder, Ben Preston,Patience Rall, Nancey Scott, Ralph E. Sebrell, Pat S. Sebrell, 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, Bud Phelps, EllaW. Weston.

Raymond, St. Mark’s: Cynthia WhittingtonRidgeland, St. Columb’s: William Girod, Janice Jordan, Floyd King, Malcolm McMillin, Betty Jo

Mahaffey, Bob May, Floyd Sulser, Jr., Ernest Vanlandingham, Andrew C. Young. Terry, Good Shepherd: Norma Ainsworth, Gregory M. Hardy, Edward J. Peters, Wava Peters.

COAST CONVOCATIONBay St. Louis: Kathryn J. Larsen.Biloxi, Redeemer: Margaret Burchfield Jackson, Virginia L. Chavez, Malcolm Jones, Robert E.

Thunelius, Andrew Wood. Diamondhead, St. Thomas: Frank J. Cuervo, James T. Dedeaux, Lowell “Skip” K. Giffin, Jr.,

Patricia C. Hourin, Darlene Park, Tyrone Sartin, Susan D. White.Gautier, St. Pierre’s: Suzanne Cox, Don WaddellGulfport, St. Mark’s: Andrea Balius, Jerome H. Carver, Virgil Gillespie, John M. Harral, Terry

Helms, Jamie Hobbs, James Keith, Vicki Lynn Miller, Mary Nichols, Suanna Smith, Patti Sneed, RuthieWilder, Walter V. Williams, Peter Wilson.

Long Beach, St. Patrick’s: Michelle Ford, Dove Green, Laureli Latimer, Douglas MacCullagh, KittyMacCullagh, Danny Ray Meadors.

Ocean Springs, St. John’s: Joanne P. Calhoun, Lena Melton, Mary Jo Morgan.Pascagoula, St. John’s: Chester Dobrowski, Jean Guentz, Kay McBroom, Robert McDonald, Mary

Warfield.Pass Christian, Trinity: David Goff, Evelyn A. Gregory, Stephen D. McNair, Bill A. Myars, Thomas

C. Shellnut.Perkinston, Annunciation: William John Thomas.Picayune, St. Paul’s: Daniel Herrington, Patrick Rutherford, Lucia Terry.

DELTA CONVOCATION Cleveland, Calvary: Lee Aylward, Steven Craddock, Evelyn Lyon, Keith Pettway, Hilda Povall,

Robert T. Ragan.Indianola, St. Stephen’s: David B. Allen, William E. Baker, Frederick W. Barrier, 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 CONVOCATION Holly Springs, Christ Church: Janey Fant.Oxford, St. Peter’s: Onaye Farrish, 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. Vicksburg, Christ Church: Sara Baker, Brenda Benway, David Benway, Edwin L. Boren, Jane

Calhoun, Michael J. Chaney, Jim Miller, Sharon S. Miller, Alice Read, Corrine H. Stockton. Vicksburg, Holy Trinity: John Cole, Herbert W. Jones, Mary Ruth Jones, Patricia Smith, Lee Davis

Thames.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,

Rebecca Tough, Jeremy Hunter Tough.Columbia, St. Stephen’s: Christine A. Fortenberry-Eaton, John E. Hales, John E. Hales, Ann

Simmons, Mark Stevens, Martha Louise Stevens.Hattiesburg, Ascension: Patricia Byrd, Pamela M. Cameron, Kenneth Cantrell, Rick Fortenberry,

David B. Holmes, Larry Mullican, Ellen Sundberg, Rosalie Zimmerman.Laurel, St. John’s: Patricia Bailey, Eugene M. Harlow, Rebecca J. Jackson, Elizabeth K. Moore, Karl

A. Moore, Pat Landrum Myers, Byron Myrick. Meridian, Mediator: Lois Downs, E. Ann Milsted, Dianne C. Panek, Sara Scaggs, James Robert

Smith, William Stallworth.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: Evelyn Perry.Starkville, Resurrection: Mary Lee Beal, Robert Collins.Tupelo, All Saints’: Nathan Duncan, David R. Sparks.West Point, Incarnation: Rufus Ward, Jr.

Pictured are clergy about to be in motion. The group is at the starting line for the annual ClergyCrawl at Gray Center, a fun part of the clergy conference. Fitness was focused on at the 2013 confer-ence. There were several opportunities for exercise as well as the offering of a free blood panelincluding cholesterol information and blood sugar levels.

The Mississippi Episcopalian 19

RESOLUTIONS


Proposed Resolution186th Annual Council

Episcopal Diocese Of MississippiSubmitted by: George F. Woodliff III

Gloria Walker

Title: Rescinding Deposition of Bishop Mark Lawrence

Be it resolved that the 186th Annual Council of the Diocese of Mississippi calls upon the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church to rescind the action taken on December 5, 2012, in “accept[ing] the renuncia-tion of the ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church of Mark Lawrence as made in his public address on November 17” and in “releas[ing] him from his orders in this Church,” because such action was not incompliance with the canon cited, Title III, Canon 12, Section 7 of the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church.

Explanation:The purported acceptance of the renunciation of holy orders by Bishop Mark Lawrence of South Carolina was not in compliance with the canon cited.

Canon III.12.7 provides:If any Bishop of this Church shall declare, in writing, to the Presiding Bishop a renunciation of ordained Ministry of this Church, and a desire to be removed therefrom, it shall be the duty of the Presiding Bishopto record the declaration and request so made.

The action taken was based upon an oral address given by Bishop Lawrence at a Diocesan Synod on November 17,2012, which resulted in the disaffiliation of the diocese from The Episcopal Church. Therequirements of the canon were not met in the following particulars:

1) It was not a declaration “in writing;”2) It was not a declaration made “to the Presiding Bishop;”3) It did not contain “a renunciation of the ordained ministry:” On the contrary, on the same day of the action by the Presiding Bishop, Bishop Lawrence issued this statement: “ Quite simply I havenot renounced my orders as a deacon, priest, or bishop.”

4) There was no “desire to be removed therefrom;” Bishop Lawrence’s desire was quite clearly the exact opposite.

The action is also in violation of Canon III.12.7(b), since Bishop Lawrence was under presentment for a canonical offence and the Presiding Bishop in such case “shall not consider an act upon such declarationuntil after” the conclusion of the Presentment proceedings.

This action taken by the Presiding Bishop must be viewed against the backdrop of the actions taken against the Diocese of South Carolina. This resolution adopts by reference the Open Letter to the Bishops ofThe Episcopal Church submitted by The Anglican Communion Institute, Inc. on November 27, 2012, which outlines the “un-canonical (and perhaps even unlawful) actions” on the part of the Presiding Bishop,including the following:

• hiring a South Carolina lawyer to build a case against Bishop Lawrence;• initiating the formation of a “transition group” before the Disciplinary Board investigating Bishop Lawrence had even acted and before Bishop Lawrence was even aware that it was once again review-ing abandonment charges against him;

• failing to serve Bishop Lawrence properly with notice of abandonment proceedings and restriction of ministry.

Putting aside the appalling lack of Christian charity evinced by such actions, they do raise the very legitimate question: What is the point of even having canons if they are going to be so flagrantly disregarded?

RICHARD SIMMONSof

the center for executive Leadership

www.thecenterbham.org

noted christian author

and speaker

Living as a Christian in a Secular Age

saturday, February 23

9 a.m.– 4 p.m.

millsaps college

Look for more event details in

February issue of the mississippi episcopalian

sponsored by

Firm Foundation

[MSE] The spring assembly for all chapters of the Daughters of theKing in the Diocese of Mississippi will be held Saturday, March 2, 2013at St. James’/Jackson.

The keynote speaker is the Rev. Billie Abraham, St.Alban’s/Bovina,whose presentation is entitled ‘Tis a Gift to be Simple. “Her presenta-tion will include a power pointe and lots of art work and sculpture, pot-

tery and quilts,” said Eleanor Baran,the 2013 DoK president. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and runs through 8:45. Holy

Eucharist will be celebrated with Bishop Gray celebrating at 9:15.The meeting concludes with lunch and remarks from DoK

President Eleanor Baran.

Daughters of the King spring meeting held in March

Jubilee Ministry grantsContinued from page 18

• Diocese of Kansas: Diocese of Kansas• Diocese of Lexington: Reading Camp• Diocese of Maryland: Harford Family House, Inc.• Diocese of Montana: St. Michael & All Angels Wood BankMinistry• Diocese of Navajoland: Welcoming Them Home• Diocese of New Jersey: Diocese of New Jersey• Diocese of Northern Michigan: Diocese of Northern Michigan• Diocese of Pittsburg: Coal Country Hangout Youth Center• Diocese of San Diego: Episcopal Church Center, Ocean Beach,San Diego, CA• Diocese of Southern Ohio: Gabriel’s Place

• Diocese of Southwest Florida: Cornerstone Kids, Inc. at St.James House of Prayer Episcopal Church• Diocese of Spokane: Diocese of Spokane• Diocese of Texas: St. John’s After School Program• Diocese of Western Michigan: Diocese of Western Michigan• Diocese of Western New York: The Episcopal Partnership forMission and Outreach

For more information contact Sam McDonald, Deputy ChiefOperating Officer and Director of Mission, [email protected].

SPIRITUAL GROWTH


January 18 A Day Apart: Day of Silence and PrayerTake a day apart from the demands of life to settle into a rhythm of silence and prayerat Gray Center.Co-sponsored with Journey Partners, a ministry of the Center for Ministry

February 15-17 Women’s Retreat: Discovering God in the Book of CreationLearn the art of lectio divina with nature, discovering God in creation as well as with-in one’s self. The Rev. Rwth Ashton, Trinity United Methodist, Lakeland, FL

March 8 A Day Apart: Day of Silence and Prayer Co-sponsored with Journey Partners, a ministry of the Center for MinistryThe Rev. Diane Braman, LCSW

April 19-21 A Contemplative Retreat: Teresa of Avila’s Interior CastleSt. Teresa of Avila wrote of the spiritual journey as going deeper and deeper into aninterior castle. Learn more about her work, and explore your own interior castlethrough conversation, reflection, centering prayer, and silence.Co-sponsored by Contemplative Outreach of JacksonSusan Komis, Contemplative Outreach faculty

May 3 A Day Apart: Day of Silence and PrayerCo-sponsored with Journey Partners, a ministry of the Center for MinistryThe Rt. Rev. Duncan M. Gray, III

July 12 A Day Apart: Day of Silence and PrayerCo-sponsored with Journey Partners, a ministry of the Center for Ministry

September 27 A Day Apart: Day of Silence and PrayerCo-sponsored with Journey Partners, a ministry of the Center for MinistryDiane Braman, LCSW

November 1 A Day Apart: Day of Silence and PrayerCo-sponsored with Journey Partners, a ministry of the Center for MinistryThe Rt. Rev. Duncan M. Gray, III

December 6-8 Knitting and Needlework in Advent: Be Still and Know...Bring your needles and thread and take time to be still as we move through the sea-son of Advent.Mrs. Susan Nix, St. Andrew’s CathedralThe Rev. Jennifer Deaton, St. Andrew’s Cathedral

For more information or to register for events, please go to http://cffm.dioms.org

The Center for Formation and Mission2013 Offerings: You Are Invited

By Jennifer Deaton

The Center for Formation and Mission invites women out to Gray Center for our annual Women’sRetreat, February 15-17. This year we will gather to discover God in creation around us, as well aswithin our own unique natural selves. We will learn the art of lectio divina with nature (the sacredreading of creation) and the practice of praying with elements of creation. We will look also to dimen-sions of Biblical tradition and Christian spiritual guides, particularly from the Celtic Christian path, forinspiration. Together, the beauty of Gray Center and this special gathering of women is the perfect set-ting for beholding God’s radiance. We will gather in the Big House for this time of prayer, conversa-tion, creativity, and reflection.

The weekend will be led by the Rev. Rwth Ashton of Trinity United Methodist Church, Lakeland,Florida, and the Rev. Jennifer Deaton, Canon for Pastoral Care at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral.The cost is $165 for double occupancy and $180 for single occupancy; some scholarship assistance isavailable. For more information or to register, please visit http://cffm.dioms.org.

The Rev. Jennifer Deaton is the director of the Center for Formation and Mission.

Women’s retreat to be held atGray CenterFebruary 15-17

By Elizabeth Bush

Ultreya, my friends. Once again Cursillo will have a booth at theexhibit hall at Council and the Cursillo sing-a-long on Saturdayevening.

Please stop by the booth if you have attended Cursillo or areinterested in learning more about this retreat. We will also be sellingthe new Cursillo tee shirts.

The sing-a-long will be Saturday evening following the 5 p.m.service. Come join us as we sing your favorite Cursillo songs andmaybe learn some new songs. The place is still to be determined, so look for more information aboutthe location at the Cursillo booth.

Cursillo at council

The United Thank Offering Board announced a change in the timeline for grant applications for 2013.Grant applications will be accepted only online from January 1 through February 28, 2013.

Interested applicants may review the grant criteria and changes online athttp://www.episcopalchurch.org/uto .

Grant applications will be reviewed in March for compliance followed by review by UTO Board mem-bers. The UTO Board Granting Session and Board Meeting will be held in May; grant awards and decli-nations will be announced in June.

For further information: Barbi Tinder, UTO Board Grant Committee Convener, [email protected];Sarita Redd, UTO President, [email protected]; or Michelle Jobson, UTO GrantAssociate,[email protected], 1-800-334-7626, extension 6022

United Thank Offering applications tobe available Beginning January 1, 2013

A date to remember: Tuesday, March 5, 2013Deadline for submittal to the Mississippi Episcopalian - 12:00 noon

A date to remember: February 18 – March 1, 2013

Holy Land Trip

GOOD READING

22 The Mississippi Episcopalian

By Janet C. Nail

You know, I really identify with the disciples, who asked Jesus, “Lord, teach us topray.” I always have the feeling that my words are clumsy; I am not suitably “reli-gious,” my mind wanders; my prayers are selfish. What is a poor Christian to do?

Then I found this little book: HELP, THANKS, WOW by Anne Lamott (RiverheadBooks, 2012) that may be catalogued as “prayer for the rest of us.”

Anne Lamott issues this disclaimer: I do not know much about God and prayer,but I have come to believe, over the last twenty-five years, that there’s something to besaid for keeping prayer simple. Help. Thanks. Wow.”

I can relate to that.The most basic prayer, of course, is “HELP!” You are probably familiar with it.

You are standing deep in a chaotic situation that may very well be your own doing.You have no idea what to do next. You shout, “Help!” God listens.

Lamott did not learn this on the bosom of her family. As she put it, her parentsworshipped mainly “mentally ill junkies.” But after her own catastrophic life of badchoices, including drugs and alcohol, she came to believe that she needed – well –help. Despite all the New Age offerings that abound in California, she lucked into acharismatic Presbyterian church that welcomed her, was patient with her, gently guid-ed her. And she learned to offer her wounded, hurting self to God.

Nothing is too big or too small for God. She learned to scream “Help!” as friendsgot sick and/or died. She whispered “Help!” when her cat was dying. God hears both. As she real-ized, God cares. He listens. He wants to be near us. He wants to help.

But life hands us more than pain. And we say “Thanks!” Thanks for the sunny day amid the

winter gloom. Thanks for my beautiful grandchildren. Thanks that I woke up with-out back pain. Thanks.

We are so accustomed to seeing the thorns that we miss the rose. Lamottacknowledges that “we religious types” may annoy the people around us by con-stantly thanking God: we found our keys, the car started, or the book I went to thelibrary to check out is actually on the shelf; thank you, God! But this develops thehabit of gratitude, something we may talk about but rarely cultivate.

By the way, the two prayers work together. When we cry, “Help!,” Godanswers. We may not realize that God has answered because He didn’t do exactlywhat we wanted. But He answered. Say, “Thanks!”

The third prayer is “Wow!” (Lamott says her favorite interview in promotingthis book was with a preacher in North Carolina who insisted on saying the title asHELP. THANKS. WHOA. We all understand that, don’t we?)

“Wow!” is the prayer of awe, the exclamation of experiencing the wonder ofGod. We recognize it immediately in nature. A cardinal on the porch railing! Wow!A glorious sunset! Wow! A double rainbow! Wow! But I have begun to notice“Wow” moments in other places. A psalm speaks to the place I am in now; wow!My knee doesn’t hurt; wow! My cat is actually sleeping in my lap; wow!

A primer on prayer must end with “Amen,” of course. What does “amen”mean? Is it just “good-by, God”? Or is it the acknowledgment that “So it is”? Wenever get it right forever. We will stumble; we will make wrong decisions; we will

test God’s patience. But we will turn and say, “Help. Thanks. Wow.” And we will then say “Amen.”This is a brief book (102 pages) that packs a lot of power. Don’t miss it.

Need help in your prayer life?HELP, THANKS, WOW: a review of Anne Lamott’s new book

By Scott Lenoir

Several inmates at Parchman Penitentiary had a little taste of Christmas as parishioners from St.Peter’s/Oxford made a drive to the Delta loaded with gifts and ready to bear wishes of the Christmasseason — even if it was Advent.

The Rev. Taylor Moore’s group from St. Peter’s traveled to Parchman on December 15th and car-ried 130 gift bags for the inmates. The parish began this ministry in 1992 and has followed throughwith it every year since, even though changes in administrative policy and procedures at Parchmanhave sometimes made it more difficult. St. Peter’s annual visit has been coordinated by parishionerMaurie White for many years.

“Each year the prison tells us what we can bring in the gift bags,” said Moore. Personal items likesoap and other hygiene products, socks and hard candy. But no more cookies.”

When Christmas at Parchman first began, many parishes in the diocese participated and threw asmall party for the inmates. Today, there are no parties, but the group from St. Peter’s was allowed todo a modified form of lessons and carols with a sermon.

“We went into unit #29E and handed out the gift bags and shared the Christmas story throughmusic and readings from scripture. We do the same service twice, once in each “pod” at 29E. This yearDeacon Penny Sisson preached a fine homily, one which got a standing ovation from the inmates,”Moore reported.

Moore said that they bring a keyboard along, and most of the times a violin player makes the tripas well, but he wasn’t able to be there this year due to illness.

At Bishop Gray’s request, the Rev. David Langdon still maintains consistent contact withParchman, although he is not a part of the chaplaincy staff any longer. Langdon said he hopes theChristmas at Parchman tradition, which so many parishes and missions observed, will be revived.However, the long-tenured prison chaplain acknowledges that the prison is more difficult to deal withtoday than it was when he was a chaplain.

“This year,” said Moore, who coordinates his visit with Langdon, “126 inmates received our gifts,packed in clear plastic bags” which is a tradition that hasn’t changed. Any extras are given to Fr.Langdon to distribute as he sees fit.

If a parish is interested in visiting Parchman during Advent, contact the Rev. David Langdon([email protected]) to learn about the procedures. It takes preparation and patience, but theinmates are so grateful, the work is worth it.

The Rev. Scott Lenoir is the editor the Mississippi Episcopalian and a veteran of several trips toParchman — in a ministerial capacity.

Christmas in prison

Communicants of St. Peter’s/Oxford made their 20th annual visit to Parchman Penitentiary last month.


EVENTS


DIOCESAN CALENDAR

William Weldon Woods, Jr., 89, communicant of St. Paul’s, Meridian, died November 27, 2012. Mary Martha Edwards Brister, 96, communicant of Trinity, Yazoo City, died November 28, 2012.Patricia Mitchell Jordan, 78, communicant of St. Mary’s, Lexington, died December 2, 2012. James Grover “Jimmy” Horn, Sr., 94, communicant of Christ Church, Vicksburg, died December 3,2012.

Olive “O” Richardson Anderson, 90, communicant of Trinity, Yazoo City died December 10, 2012.Chrystine Gober Vance, 91, communicant of St. James’, Jackson, died December 14, 2012.Richard Arnold Pigford, 64, communicant of St. Paul’s, Meridian, died December 15, 2012. Olin Ray Hines, 77, communicant of St. Paul’s, Meridian, died December 18, 2012.Martha Pardoe Shields, 67, communicant of St. John’s, Pascagoula, died December 18, 2012.Eloise Goode Williams, 92, communicant of St. James’, Jackson, died December 21, 2012.

Deployment ReportFor The Mississippi Episcopalian

January, 2013NEW CALLS/APPOINTMENTSThe Reverend Betsy Baumgarten, to be Priest-in-Charge, St. Patrick’s, Long BeachThe Reverend Jody Burnett, to be Canon for Parish Ministry, St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Jackson

ORDINATIONSThe Reverend John Kellogg, ordained Priest, Incarnation, West PointThe Reverend Stanford Adams, ordained Priest, All Saints’, Tupelo

RESIGNATIONSThe Reverend Judy Morris, resigned as Associate Rector, St. Peter’s-by-the-Lake, Brandon

IN TRANSITIONSt. Stephen’s, ColumbiaRedeemer, GreenvilleNativity, GreenwoodSt. Mark’s, GulfportSt. Paul’s, HollandaleSt. James’, JacksonSt. John’s, Leland

St. Mary’s, LexingtonChapel of the Cross, MadisonSt. John’s, Ocean SpringsAdvent, SumnerEpiphany, Tunica

JANUARY • 4-15: Sudanese Medical Mission

• 8: Standing Committee Meeting – Allin House – 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

• 16: Fresh Start – St. Andrew’s, Jackson – 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

• 20: Bishop Gray visits St. Christopher’s, Jackson – 9:00 a.m.Bishop Gray visits Holy Trinity, Crystal Springs ? 5:00 p.m.

• 21: Allin House closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

• 23: Bishop Gray visits St. Alexis’, Jackson – 6:30 p.m.

• 24: Diocesan Trustees Meeting - Allin House – 2:00 p.m.

• 27: Bishop Gray visits Holy Trinity, Vicksburg – 10:30 a.m.Celebration of a New Ministry for the Rev. Beth Palmer

FEBRUARY• 1 - 3: 186th Annual Council, Jackson - Jackson Convention Complex

• 4 - 5:Allin House closed

• 5: Deadline for The Mississippi Episcopalian

• 6: Racial Reconciliation Task Force Meeting – St. Andrew’s – 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.

• 8: Clergy Conference Task Force Meeting – Allin House – 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

• 10: Bishop Gray visits St. Stephen’s, Columbia – 5:00 p.m.

• 13: Bishop Gray visits St. Andrew’s School (Lower), Jackson – 8:00 a.m.Bishop Gray visits St. Matthew’s, Forest – 6:00 p.m.

• 14: Convocational Deans Meeting - Allin House – 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.

• 15 - 16: Gray Center Board Meeting – Gray Center

• 17: Bishop Gray visits St. Peter’s by the Sea, Gulfport – 8 & 10:30 a.m.Bishop Gray visits St. Pierre’s, Gautier – 6:00 p.m.

• 18 - March 1: Holy Land Trip

• 22 - 24: Sr. High DOY - Gray Center

• 24: Bishop Gray visits Trinity, Yazoo City – 10:30 a.m.

MARCH• 3: Bishop Gray visits Christ Church, Bay St. Louis – 10:00 a.m.

• 5: Deadline for The Mississippi Episcopalian

• 8 - 9: Lay Leadership Conference – Gray Center

• 14: Executive Committee Meeting – St. Andrew’s – 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

• 15-16: Commission on Ministry – Gray Center

• 16: Standing Committee Meeting – Gray Center – 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

• 17: Bishop Gray visits St. Patrick’s, Long Beach – 10:30 a.m.

• 17-19: Presbyter POC – Gray Center

• 22-23: Leadership Conference – Gray Center

• 24: Bishop Gray visits Church of the Incarnation, West Point – 10:30 a.m.

• 29: Allin House closed for Good Friday

• 30: Bishop Gray visits St. Philip’s, Jackson – 6:00 p.m.

186th Annual Councilof the

Diocese of Mississippi

Empowering for Mission

February 1-3, 2013

Jackson Convention Complex

FAITHFUL DEPARTED

DISASTER PREP AND RESPONSE

By Scott Lenoir

Episcopal Relief and Development helped the Dioceseof Mississippi renew its focus and organization on how tobest prepare and respond when disasters strike.

Katie Mears, ERD’s U.S. disaster program coordinator,led the two day conference at Gray Center that was attend-ed by people throughout the diocese who are attached todisaster preparation and relief teams in their parishes ormissions.

“It’s important that information gathered by localchurches be reviewed yearly,” Mears told the group.“Resources and contacts that were good last year, may notbe good this year. All resource data needs to be verified.”

It has been two years since the creation of the dioce-san disaster preparation and response team which wasformed after Lutheran Episcopal Services in Mississippibegan to wind down its ministry in 2010. Bishop Grayestablished the new team to encourage a more grass rootsapproach to dealing with disasters in the diocese.

“Networking is important,” said the Rev. CarolSpencer, the diocesan coordina-tor of the disaster prep andresponse term. “We only have18 parishes or missions whohave returned data to us thatdetails needed resources tocontact in the event of a disas-ter. We need a lot more.”

Guides that include pinkpages (duplicate pages) to bereturned to the diocese weredistributed to parishes and mis-sions by the diocesan team.The information on the pinkpages is entered into a database that is used to helprespond to those in need whena disaster strikes.

“If anyone has lost the guide, a copy of it is online at the diocesan website where it may becopied,” said Spencer. “Remember to return copies to the diocesan office.”

The Preparedness Planning Guide may be foundby clicking on the “mission and outreach” tab and thenclicking on “Emergency Preparedness and Response.”

“We cannot stress how important it is for parishesand missions to deal with this ministry that no onewants to talk about,” said Bishop Gray, III. “It is criti-cal for each church to have a plan of action written outin the event of a disaster, to know in advance that peo-ple who are disabled will be checked on by a particu-lar person, to know that all property values are up todate, to protect church records if at all possible. TheChristmas day tornadoes were a grim reminder of theimportance of being prepared.”

By Scott Lenoir

Trinity Episcopal Church in Mobile, Alabama, sufferedmajor damage from a tornado on Christmas day. The entirefront wall of the parish hall was taken out, as well damageto the roof on the church and some structural damage on awall in the church.

“The parish hall wall should be able to be rebuilt in ashort time, maybe three months,” said the Rev. BaileyNorman, rector of the parish. Norman recently wasinstalled as Trinity’s rector after serving as rector ofCalvary/Cleveland in Mississippi. “The most damage is to thechurch itself. The roof is missing sections, and there issome structural damage to a wall that was weakened by thetornado.”

In an open letter to church members and others onthe parish website, Norman wrote: “The good news is thatthe church, despite our earlier beliefs that it was on theverge of collapsing, is still standing and can be repaired.However we are looking at a period of approximately 18 months of reconstruction, meaning thatwe will once again be looking at an extended period of calling the parish hall our worship space.”

Until the parish hall is rebuilt, Trinity will hold services at All Saints Episcopal Church inMobile.

According to a report by Carol McPhail at Al.com, the TrinityChildren’s Center will be closed indefinitely during the parishhall repair. The center provides care for infants through three-year olds in a mother’s day out and pre-school program,

Norman told Al.com that the center received only slightdamage, but because the property damage was so extensive overall, the decision was made to close the center indefinitely.

To check on progress of Trinity’s recovery, and to learnabout you can help out, log on towww.TrinityChurchMobile.org forregular updates or you may friendBailey Norman on Facebook.


The front wall of Trinity’s parishhall was blown completely awayduring the Christmas day tornado.

Trinity Church/Mobile, Alabama wasstruck by a tornado on Christmasday. The church began in 1845 andwas moved brick by brick to its current location on Dauphin St. in 1929 The Rev. Bailey Norman now serves as rector.

ERD’s Katie Mears led a two-day conference on disaster preparedness andresponse at Gray Center before Christmas.

This home (along with 26 others) was destroyed by an EF-3 tornado that hit the town ofMcNeill, 10 miles north of Picayune, on Christmas day. The diocesan disaster prep andresponse team helped after the event and continues to provide relief to those in need.

Trinity/Mobile hit hard by tornado

Conference highlights need for preparation to respond to disasters

Scott Lenoir/photos

H. Peck/photos

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