To learn about the Lambeth Conference visit the official Conference Web site, www.lambethconference.org/index.cfm.

[Episcopal News Service] The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, has sent an open letter to the bishops of the Anglican Communion in advance of the 2008 Lambeth Conference, set for July 16-August 4 at the University of Kent in Canterbury, England.

Excerpts from the May 12 letter follow. Read the complete text at www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_97047_ENG_HTM.htm.

ERD provides assistance in the wake of recent cyclone, earthquake, tornadoes

With estimates of as many as 100,000 people dead in Myanmar, and fears of disease and food shortages on the way, Cyclone Nargis has created a major humanitarian crisis.

Episcopal Relief and Development is responding to this disaster with our Anglican and ecumenical partners. Please find below more information about our response, how you can help, and resources available for churches.

What is Episcopal Relief and Development doing to help?
We are working with Anglican and ecumenical partners to meet the immediate needs of victims by providing food, water and shelter. We have provided monetary support to our partners to obtain and distribute the necessary resources they need to assist victims.

We are reaching people in three affected areas: a suburban area of Yangon (Rangoon) and two areas in the Irrawaddy Division (East Delta and West Delta regions).

Read more at www.er-d.org/newsroom_97039_ENG_HTM.htm.

Episcopal Relief and Development is ready to provide emergency assistance to families impacted by a severe earthquake in China and tornadoes in the Midwest and southeast United States.

Episcopal Relief and Development is in touch with dioceses and partners in the disaster areas and stands ready to respond once needs are identified.

Diocesan News

St. Christopher's, Spartanburg, marks new beginning on Pentecost

Bishop Henderson joins congregation in wake of rector's resignation, church split

Pentecost Sunday at St. Christopher's, Spartanburg, was a watershed event in the life of the nearly 50-year-old congregation. The week prior to the feast saw the resignation of the rector, the Rev. George N. Gray, and an unhappy series of events that his resignation set in motion, but on Pentecost the people of St. Christopher's joined Bishop Henderson and Episcopalians from all over the diocese to regroup, pray, celebrate, and affirm their commitment to the future of the congregation. An outward and visible sign of their dedication to healing and renewal was the Pentecost plate: $9,183.24 offered to continue the journey in the spirit of mission and discipleship.

On May 6 Bishop Henderson learned that Fr. Gray had resigned his position, stating in a letter to parishioners that he could "no longer remain grounded in TEC [The Episcopal Church]." A majority of St. Christopher's vestry also resigned. On May 7 the Diocesan Executive Council and Standing Committee met in emergency session and approved Bishop Henderson's request that St. Christopher's be returned to mission status and that he be authorized to inhibit Fr. Gray for abandonment of of the Communion of the Church. The Rev. Canon Michael A. Bullock, Bishop Henderson's canon to the ordinary, was named priest in charge at St. Christopher's, and a new congregational mission team was put in place.

"Pentecost Sunday, what a great day! It was so uplifting to hear a message of hope and to see people smiling and happy. I felt the presence of God . . . and thank you for the hope you have given us."

—St. Christopher's parishioner

In a May 7 letter reporting the inhibition of Fr. Gray, Bishop Henderson explained that Fr. Gray, "effective immediately," is "suspended from active ministry in this Church." According to the terms of the inhibition, if Fr. Gray reverses his decision to leave The Episcopal Church within six months, the inhibition would be lifted. Failing that reversal, at the conclusion of the six-month period, Bishop Henderson would either depose him or release him from his obligations and duties as a priest of the Church. Posted on the diocesan Web site, www.edusc.org, are primary documents concerning events at St. Christopher's, as well as regular updates, as available.

In response to the situation at St. Christopher's, Bishop Henderson reconfigured his visitation schedule in order to celebrate Pentecost there. In announcing his desire to spend Pentecost at St. Christopher’s, the bishop said: “Pentecost Sunday is known informally as the ‘birthday of the Church,’ when we celebrate the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, and the gifts which each one of us has been given for Christian living and witness. Let us gather to pray for a joyful renewal of life within us all—a rebirth of the family which is St. Christopher’s—and, to be sure, with fond remembrance of and thankfulness for all who have contributed to the life and witness at St. Christopher’s—for all who worship and labor there now—and for the many who will follow us in worship, labor and witness.”

Please keep the people of St. Christopher's—past and present—in your prayers.

Standing in the Breach—St. Christopher's, Spartanburg

St. Christopher's, Spartanburg, has suffered a great blow this week with the resignation of the rector and a large portion of the vestry and congregation who feel they can no longer continue to serve God as part of the Episcopal Church. A remnant, who feels equally called of God to remain within the communion of the broader Church, wishes to rebuild. As our bishop has wisely said, "God will go with those who have left, and God will remain with those who stay."

As vice-chancellor of the diocese, I have visited St. Christopher's twice this week, on Wednesday and on Sunday, to show support and love toward the staff and remaining members, and also to discern how we as the larger Church might respond. Clearly, we are called to pray for those who have left as well as those who remain. Those remaining, however, are part of the larger body of Christ in the Diocese of Upper South Carolina, for whom we have great responsibility.

In Nehemiah 4:15, we hear about how the people of God rallied to rebuild the breached and failed walls that once protected Jerusalem. As they rebuilt, they stood side-by-side in the breaches. Similarly, the New Testament teaches us "to bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). It is my hope that you will make time during these next few critical weeks for St. Christopher's to pray about how you might respond to their need. I would encourage you and your family to make the trip to worship at St. Christopher's this month to show them that they are not alone and to let them know that you care. [Sunday services are 8 and 11 am].

Perhaps you are a member of a group that would make a pilgrimage in show of support (vestry, committees, youth groups, seniors and other social groups, men of the church, altar/flower guild)? Perhaps you have contacts across the diocese that might offer broader support (Convocations, ECW, Commissions)? It struck me this Sunday morning (Pentecost) that Christ's promise to send the Comforter (the one who comes alongside) also involves Christ's followers, who respond to that great gift of the Spirit, by standing with their brothers and sisters in the breach as they (indeed, we) rebuild.

The 86th Diocesan Convention

Business - Celebration - Leadership

October 17 - 18, 2008

The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center and the adjacent Hilton Hotel will serve as our site for the two days of Mission and Ministry.

Friday, October 17th will be focused on the business of the Diocese. Elections, the Statement of Mission (SOM), possible resolutions and changes to the Constitution and Canons will be the order of the day. In the evening there will be a grand celebration, complete with the Bishop's Awards recognizing Upper South Carolinians who have made extraordinary contributions to the life and ministry of our diocese.

On Saturday, October 18th, the Bishop invites all those in various leadership areas of our congregations to come and be energized, empowered, and focused to take on the his "four goals for a seamelss transition". This will be a time to come together for worship, to share stories of mission and ministry, and learn how each one of our congregations can move forward. Weaving the Story we all share and the stories of our faith communities will be the Rt. Rev. Charles F. Duvall . Throughout the day he will inspire and challenge us to enter into the story, so that in our leaving we will share it with others.

Keep your eyes on the Millennium Development Goals

GIVE IT 4 GOOD—Using your "economic stimulus check" to work toward the Millennium Development Goals. Learn all about this initiative at the Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation Web site,www.e4gr.org.

And then surf on over to millenniumcongregation.org, whose mission is "to develop a network of congregations supporting the end of extreme poverty through Millennium Villages as we promote justice, compassion, and reconciliation."

Read more about the Millennium Congregation Campaign at millenniumcongregation.org.

Upcoming Events

Camp Gravatt registration now under way

Camp Gravatt announces that, due to popular demand, session 7 (August 2 - 8) is now open for rising 10th graders. Registration for this and other sessions is available online at www.bishopgravatt.org or by calling the Gravatt office, 803.648.1817.

Gravatt Golden Day, June 16

Gravatt's next Golden Day, a day of education and renewal for adults 55 and older, is scheduled for Monday, June 16.

Our focus verse for the day will be John 4:14, which offers us eternal life if we drink of the water Jesus offers. What a perfect beginning to a glorious day as we enjoy and learn more about the other gift of water God has given us.

The day will continue with an easy guided nature walk around Sparkleberry Trail. This hike will take you through beautiful pine uplands and Atlantic white cedar bogs around Lake Henry. The learning focus of the hike will be on how water-the abundance or lack of it-impacts the beautiful creation God has provided.

Finish your morning with a nature craft or go canoeing on peaceful Lake Henry after which you can enjoy your meal outside or in Stewart Hall. After lunch relax in a rocking chair or enjoy additional activities. Our day will conclude with our featured educational speaker, Dr. Bud Badr, whose topic will be Water Issues and Concerns in South Carolina.

Registration is requested by June 2. Cost is only $25 per person. Groups bringing more than four participants and sending registration forms together may receive each fifth registration for free. Registration forms are available at www.bishopgravatt.org or by calling 803.648.1817.

Safe Church to be offered at St. Francis, Chapin, June 22

Safe Church training will be offered at St. Francis of Assisi, Chapin, on Sunday, June 22, at 3 p.m. Please contact the church, 803.345.1550, if you would like to attend.

A friendly reminder from the Cursillo Council!

The next Cursillo weekend will be June 19-22.Candidate applications are due by Wednesday, May 21.

If you mail an application you feel may not reach the registrar by that date, please contact Norma Toner at 803.648.4129 or lentoner@bellsouth.net to let her know the application is in the mail. Applications can be found at www.edusc.org/Cursillo.

Christian formation leaders from 25 states will learn together at Kanuga, June 15-20

Participants and staff are coming from 25 states but there is room for you at Kanuga’s Christian Formation Conference, June 15-20.

A new option this year is certification/recertification to lead DOCC (Disciples of Christ in Community), EfM (Education for Ministry), Godly Play and Transforming Literature of the Bible.

The conference is for anyone who leads Christian formation/education programs, with special presentations for newcomers. The Adult Faith Formation segment is held June 15-18. The Children’s Faith Formation segment is June 17-20. Attend the entire week for a rate incentive and the greatest benefit.

Keynoter Deirdre Good from General Theological Seminary will help participants focus on the theme, "Making Disciples: Hearing the Word."

Many workshops led by experts from across the country are offered, as well as free time for recreation and networking. Programs for children and youth make this an ideal family vacation. Team Rebates and financial aid are available from Kanuga.

For details and registration visit www.kanuga.org or telephone Kanuga, 828.692.9136.

St. Timothy’s, Columbia 2008 summer music series: “A Little Summer Music”

Please join the congregation of St. Timothy's, Columbia for "A Little Summer Music" beginning June 17th.

Concerts will be approximately 30 minutes and begin at 12 noon in the Sanctuary. Box lunches are available for $7.50 by calling to make a reservation. Reservations must be made by the the Monday morning before the concert before the concert.

For questions or to make reservations, please contact, St. Timothy’s Episcopal, 803.414.7803. St. Timothy's Church is located in the heart of downtown Columbia behind the governor's mansion at 900 Calhoun St . Columbia , SC 29201.

Concert schedule: June 17—Stephen Humphries, dulcimer; July 15— Alan Weinberg, piano; July 22— Katie Taylor, harp; August 12—“The Three Baritones," Marc Rattray, Jacob Will, Hal MacIntosh.

At Augusta's Convent of St. Helena, Summer '08

$160 full weekend program, meals, lodging; $80 commuters, unless specified below. Some scholarship funding available.
3042 Eagle Drive, Augusta, GA 30906; 706.798.5201; www.osh.org; augustaconvent@comcast.net

June 7— Living Beyond Stress and Hurts, a summer retreat day with Sr. Veronica, OSH.
Are you thirsting, hurting or overtaken by fear or anxiety? There is hope that will calm our fears, a balm that will heal our hurts, and open arms that will embrace and relieve our anxieties. God’s invitation to us is COME!

June 17-22—An Ignatian Experience, a silent directed retreat with Sr. Cornelia, OSH
$450; $100 deposit. Includes residence, meals, program, daily group spiritual direction with Sr. Cornelia and an individual session with one of the sisters.

July 18-20—A Vacation-Retreat-Workshop with Sr. Carol Andrew, OSH. Come and relax; learn a few new things about the God who loves you so much; the world God creates and enjoys; and yourself, Beloved Child of the Beloved One.

Dallas Benedictine Retreat June 18-22

The 11th annual ecumenical Dallas Benedictine Experience Retreat will take place at The Catholic Conference Center in Dallas from Wednesday, June 18, to Sunday, June 22, 2008. This retreat is presented by The Friends of St. Benedict, Washington, D.C., and endorsed by The Benedictine Community of the Holy Savior, which meets at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Cathedral.

Participants will live at the conference center for five days, forming a temporary monastic community to experience the balanced way of life of the Rule of St. Benedict as it divides each day into private and group prayer, study, work, and leisure. Four Benedictine Offices (Lauds, Sext, Vespers, and Compline) will be sung each day in Gregorian chant. There will also be two classes each day on Benedictine spirituality. Please e-mail dallasbenedictine@yahoo.com or call 214.339.8483 for more information.

The retreat will be led by two nationally-known religious figures. Bishop Nicholas Samra is a bishop of the Melkite (Byzantine) Catholic Church, one of the Eastern Churches in the Catholic Communion in union with the Pope of Rome. Bishop Nicholas has published numerous articles on Christian leadership, catechesis, ecumenism, and stewardship, and has given numerous clergy and laity retreats, parish missions, leadership formation weekends, and stewardship formation weekends in the U.S. and Canada, including the Dallas Benedictine Experience in 2006.

Sister Mary Donald Corcoran, O.S.B.Cam., is the Prioress of Transfiguration Monastery (Roman Catholic) in Windsor, New York. She holds the Ph.D. in Theology from Fordham University. She has directed the M.A. program in spirituality at St. Louis University and has taught in the summer spirituality program at Fordham. She serves on the Board of Directors of In the Spirit Foundation, and is a well-known teacher, writer, and leader of Benedictine retreats all over the country.

This interdenominational retreat is open to anyone interested in learning Benedictine spirituality. The Dallas Benedictine Experience Retreat is part of a worldwide movement which was founded more than a quarter-century ago at Canterbury Cathedral by Dr. Esther de Waal, a noted Benedictine scholar.

Marital judgment requests due to Diocesan House by June 13!

Because Bishop Henderson will be attending the Lambeth Conference prior to his vacation during the month of August, all marital judgment requests (July through September 15) must be received by Jane Goldsmith no later than June 13.

Diocesan House summer hours to begin June 1

Summer hours, 9 a.m till 4 p.m., will be in effect at Diocesan House beginning June 1 and running through Labor Day.

Reminder: Get those delegate certification forms in NOW!!

Forms for certification of delegates for the 86th Diocesan Convention (October 17-18) were due to the secretary of Convention by April 15. If you have not returned the form for your congregation, please don't delay.

The form, together with instructions for return, is available for download here. Please note: It is formatted to print on 8.6 x.14" legal paper.

ERD bulletin inserts, info available

From your diocesan ERD liaison Scooty Burch, eburch@innova.net.

As you are aware, there are many places in the world that need help from Episcopal Relief and Development. The major way for this to happen is by working with your congregational ERD representatives to inform the members of your church and asking them to respond by giving to ERD. This is a very critical time. Remind your congregations that 90% of what is given goes to those in need. ERD's financial information is available online at http://er-d.org.

Please be sure you have the ERD plate offering envelopes that have the Merrifield, VA, address. The New York address is old and contributions will be returned.

If you don't have the new envelopes please order today. Order 3 times your average Sunday attendance, so you will have some always on hand.

There is so much to tell your congregations. This is an opportunity to let your congregation know about the work of ERD and how we are always ready (because of contributions) to help those in need immediately.

The RCL and the Sundays after Pentecost

This year, with the very early date of Easter, the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost, May 25 the propers are those also assigned to the Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany. If your congregation is using the electronic resource called The Rite Stuff, the lections are found in two places – the Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany and Proper 3.

Beginning on Sunday, June 1, congregations using the Revised Common Lectionary will be expected to make decisions about the Old Testament reading and the Psalm. However, the choice is not one that is intended to be made from week to week, but rather one choice for all of the “green” season.

The two options for the Old Testament and Psalm lections include:

1) The semi-continuous reading of the great Old Testament narratives - Genesis through Judges in year A; the Davidic Covenant and Wisdom literature in Year B; the prophets – Elijah, Elisha, Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Joel and Habbakuk – in Year C; or
2) The lections chosen in thematic harmony with the Gospel of the day – which follows the pattern of the Book of Common Prayer lectionary.

Both options offer interesting possibilities for teaching and preaching.

If you have a visitation scheduled during this time, please contact the Bishop’s office with your lections choice in advance. If you have further questions about this, please direct them to Sue von Rautenkranz at suevon@edusc.org.

Ministry Discernment Conference scheduled for May 31

For those discerning the ordination process in the Diocese of Upper South Carolina The next Ministry Discernment Conference has been set for May 31, 2008, at Church of the Redeemer, Greenville. The conference will begin at 9:00 a.m. with Morning Prayer and conclude by noon. To register contact Deacon d’Rue Hazel at 800-889-6961 ext. 24, dhazel@edusc.org.

All individuals in the ordination process are required to attend this conference along with their sponsoring priest and a potential and/or current member of their local discernment committee. (Handbook for Discernment for Ministry and the Ordination Process, p. 19.)

Calendar

May 31	Ministry Discernment Conference, 9 AM-noon, Redeemer, Greenville
July 2	Deans & lay wardens quarterly meeting
July 13	Piedmont Convocation meeting, 2 PM, St. Margaret's
July 20	Midlands Convocation meeting (Details TBA)
July 27	Gravatt Convocation meeting, 2:30 PM, All Saints'
August 3	Catawba Convocation meeting, 3 PM, St. Matthias'
September 14	Piedmont Convocation meeting, St. Christopher's Midlands Convocation meeting (TBA)
September 15-17	Fall Clergy Conference
September 21	Catawba Convocation meeting, 3 PM, Christ Church
September 28	Gravatt Convocation meeting, 2:30 PM, Our Savior
October 4	Continuing Education Day
October 15	Deans & lay wardens quarterly meeting
October 17	86th Diocesan Convention business session
October 18	86th Diocesan Convention—Leadership Conference
December 11	New rector / vicar orientation

National & World News

Archbishop of Canterbury writes to the bishops of the Anglican Communion