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National & World News

Executive Council calls Episcopal Church to prayer for bishops headed to Lambeth

Members propose five mission priorities to guide next triennium's budget development

By Mary Frances Schjonberg

[Episcopal News Service] The Executive Council, echoing an earlier call from the Presiding Bishop, asked the entire church to pray for the Episcopal Church's bishops as they head to the 2008 Lambeth Conference.

Also during the final session of Council's three-day meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico, members proposed mission priorities for the 2010-2012 triennium to guide the deliberations of the General Convention's Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Finance (PB&F) in developing the 2010-2012 budget.

The five priorities are: Doing Justice and Alleviating Poverty;  Claiming Our Identity; Growing Congregations; Strengthening Governance and Foundations for Mission; and Promoting Anglican Partnerships. The complete ENS story is available at  www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_97829_ENG_HTM.htm.

New print advertisement available from The Episcopal Church

[Episcopal News Service] A new print advertisement in the Episcopal Church's new "Put Your Faith to Work" series is now available for public media placements beginning with a June 13 insertion in USA Today.


Building on a theme of "Rolling up your sleeves," the new ad carries a link to an online visitors Web site, www.putyourfaithtowork.org, where the new ad is also posted for viewing.  Congregations and dioceses are welcome to fund local placements of the ads. Copies may be requested free of charge by writing to info@episcopalchurch.org, or phoning 800.334.7626, extension 6136.

Episcopal Relief and Development launches new Web site, visual identity

[ERD] Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD), www.er-d.org, launched its redesigned eb site June 9, unveiling a new image that portrays the core values of the organization and strengthens its online presence.

"Episcopal Relief and Development has reached incredible milestones in the past several years. Working in partnership with over 60 Anglican and ecumenical agencies, our programs now impact more than two million people in 41 countries," said Robert W. Radtke, ERD president. "Our new website reflects the vitality of our work and is a powerful, usable tool that tells our story."

Describing it as "innovative and user-friendly," ERD says its new website provides a comprehensive overview of the organization along with individual country pages detailing partners and programs in 41 countries. It also highlights the organization's programs, which focus on the following areas: alleviating hunger and improving food supply, creating economic opportunities and strengthening communities, promoting health and fighting disease, and responding to disasters and rebuilding communities.

"We wanted our new website to be an educational tool to build awareness of Episcopal Relief and Development and our approach to development," said Abagail Nelson, senior vice president for programs. "By providing resources and opportunities for individuals and churches, we open a door to a new way of living in solidarity with people around the world."

ERD has also introduced a new logo as part of the Web site launch. The redesigned logo "reinforces the organization's global vision, its commitment to partnerships, and its connection to the Episcopal Church," ERD says.  

Diocesan News

Secretary to Convention Mrs. Wilmarose Davis dies at 76

On Friday, June 13, our much-beloved secretary to Diocesan Convention, Mrs. Wilmarose Davis, died in Columbia following a brief illness. Mrs. Davis was the wife of Charles Davis, Sr.+, priest in charge at St. Simon & St. Jude, Irmo, and the mother of Charles Davis, Jr.+, subdean and canon pastor at Trinity Cathedral and dean of the Midlands Convocation, and of Mrs. Christi Broughton, a member of St. Simon & St. Jude. A requiem mass, with Bishop Henderson presiding, was celebrated at St. Simon & St. Jude on Tuesday, June 17, with burial following in the church cemetery. Bishop Henderson's sermon is available on our diocesan Web site at www.edusc.org/e-DUSCNewsletter/061908/Images/WilmaroseDavisRequiemSermon.pdf.

Prior to their ministry at St. Simon & St. Jude, the Davises served in our diocese at St. John's, Hopkins, and St. Peter's, Great Falls. In both the Episcopal Dioceses of Georgia and Atlanta, the Davises worked together in ministry as administrators at camps and conference centers.Mrs. Davis's obituary in the State newspaper is archived online for a brief period at http://legacy.com/thestate/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=111558332.
 

Ordination to the priesthood, June 25, at St. Mary's, Columbia—Everyone's invited!!

God wlling, the Right Reverend Dorsey F. Henderson, Jr., will ordain James Edward Neuburger to the sacred order of Priests on  Wednesday, June 25, 2008, at  St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Columbia, at 7:00 p.m. A reception will follow. Your prayers and presence are requested. (Clergy: Red stoles.)

Celebration of new ministry, July 10, at St. Andrew's, Greenville—Everyone's invited!!

The Right Reverend Dorsey F. Henderson, Jr., will institute the Reverend John Gilbert Garland III as the 13th Rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Greenville, on Thursday, the 10th of July, 2008, The Eve of the Feast of St. Benedict of Nursia, at 7:00 p.m. A reception will follow. Your prayers and presence are requested. (Clergy: White Stoles.)


Update from St. Christopher's, Spartanburg

For background information regarding recent events at St. Christopher's, visit the diocesan Web site at www.edusc.org/Bishop/StChristopher/StChristopher.shtml.

On June 17, at a specially called meeting of the Diocesan Executive Council (DEC), conducted by conference call, DEC unanimously voted to support the mission congregation of St. Christopher’s, Spartanburg, with an investment of Diocesan funds. The investment entails a commitment of up to $150,000 for clergy support, to be applied during the next two years. Council also approved a four-point plan that includes the goal that the congregation, working within the diocesan Healthy Church Initiative, have in place a written strategic plan  by October 1. Among other things, the plan will outline steps "for withdrawing from Diocesan support within two years." The complete plan is available on the diocesan Web site at www.edusc.org/Bishop/StChristopher/StChristophersWayForward061708.pdf

 

The 86th Diocesan Conventionn

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.

who should attend? 
Clergy, convention delegates, diocesan commission & committee members,  vestry members,  wardens, leaders in formation for all ages,  leaders in outreach and justice ministries, worship leaders, evangelism and new member ministries  —ALL who want to deepen their knowledge and skills for mission and ministry  and desire to move their congregation into the next steps of growth and discipleship !

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 seamless 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.  

Make plans NOW to attend these exciting events! Hotel rooms are going fast! October 17-18 is also weekend of the South Carolina–LSU football game, at home in Columbia. Three hotels have blocked rooms for Diocesan Convention: Hampton Inn, Rodeway Inn, and Comfort Suites.   Although there is no diocesan block of rooms, reservations may also be made at the Hilton Hotel. Full info on making reservations is available on the diocesan Web site, www.edusc.org, or by contacting the Rev. Canon Sue von Rautenkranz, 803.771.7800, ext.13.

 

Upcoming Events

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. Please contact Roz Hook at Diocesan House, 803.771.7800, ext. 20, rhook@edusc.org. to find out who needs Safe Church training.

St. Timothy’s, Columbia, 2008 summer music series now under way

Please join the congregation of St. Timothy's, Columbia, for their concert series, "A Little Summer Music," which began June 17.

Concerts are approximately 30 minutes in length 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.

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: 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 in July

For additional information, please contact the convent
3042 Eagle Drive, Augusta, GA 30906;  706.798.520; www.osh.org; augustaconvent@comcast.net


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.

St. Thaddeus', Aiken, presents "Contemporary Music Within Traditional Churches" workshop, August 30

St. Thaddeus' Episcopal Church of Aiken is honored to sponsor a musicians' workshop entitled "Contemporary Music for Traditional Churches" that will feature Robin Mark. This workshop is designed for church musicians (1) who want to begin to include contemporary Christian music in their existing services, (2) those who want to begin a contemporary music service, and (3) those who already use contemporary music within a traditional church setting.

Robin Mark is an Irish singer and song writer from Belfast whose worship and praise songs are often sung in traditional and contemporary churches. Some of his most famous songs include "Days of Elijah," "In the Beauty of Holiness," and "Take Us to the River." He has published 13 albums and has won many awards in the UK, Canada, and the United States. Those who have been to Cursillo are very familiar with his songs.

The date of the workshop is August 30, 2008, and it will be held at St. Thaddeus', Aiken. Contact Gregory MacDougall with any questions at macdou_g@earthlink.net or 803.646.3948.

Lutheran Theological Seminary to offer Career Crossroads seminar, September 12-14

Are you or is someone you know going through a career crisis? Many people are unhappy in their vocation and don't know how to find the work that fits their gifts and mission in life. Career Crossroads is a spiritual retreat which will help such people.

For more information, please contact Sandra Holland, associate director for ministry, at 803.461.3263 or sandrah@ltss.edu .


Opportunities

Holy Cross, Simpsonville, seeks part-time Christian formation director

Holy Cross, Simpsonville, is seeking a part-time Christian formation director.  Primary responsibilities include oversight of nursery, nursery personnel and all children’s ministries within the parish; providing twice-monthly chapel service;  planning and implementation of children’s programs; recruiting and training volunteers; and working closely with program council and vestry in relation to policies, budgets, schedules, and facilities. The complete job description is available on the diocesan Web site at www.edusc.org/e-DUSCNewsletter/061908/Images/HolyCross.pdf.

The ideal candidate for this position is a person with strong communication and leadership skills who works well with people. Bachelor’s degree and experience working with children preferred.  Please send resume to PO Box 187, Simpsonville, SC 29681, or e-mail rector@holycrossep.org.  For more information, visit www.holycrossep.org or call 864.967.7470.

Bishop Gravatt Center in need of communion linens

The Bishop Gravatt Center is in need of communion linens, including corporals, purificators, and palls.  If you have any of these available, please contact Gravatt executive director, Lauri Yeargin, bishopgravatt@wildblue.net, 803.648.1817.

 

 

 

Clergy News

Calendar

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, Lancaster
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



 

 

In the Moment—One Pilgrim's Attempt to Be Present

By Amy Sander Montanez, D. Min.

Amy Sander Montanez is a writer, teacher, therapist, retreat leader, and spiritual director who attends Trinity Cathedral, Columbia. She is the winner of two 2008 Polly Bond Awards for Devotional / Inspirational Writing from Episcopal Communicators You can access an archive with her award-winning reflections on the diocesan Web site at www.edusc.org/ArchiveElectronic/.

You say tomato . . .

With the grocery stores and restaurants taking tomatoes off the shelves due to the salmonella outbreak,
it seems like a perfect time to recount this story and enjoy the blessings of home-grown food.

Paul Watson and his wife were our “across Highway 14” neighbors when we lived in Simpsonville 24 years ago. We were one of the first residents in some new condos which I thought were “out in the boonies.” Mostly farmland and a golf course covered the countryside then. Too many cows for my taste.

Paul came over and introduced himself one summer day. He had a bag of tomatoes from his farm which he offered to me, welcoming me to the neighborhood. I got the feeling he wasn’t too crazy about there even being a neighborhood. This was farm country, so I asked about his farm and told him about my being involved with the psychology department at Furman. His great-grandfather was the famous John Broadus Watson, one of the fathers of behavioral psychology. Impressive. I offered him some water or a diet soda. Sorry, no tea available in this Yankee girl’s kitchen.

When he got up to leave he said to me, “Now Miss Amy, you make some tomato sandwiches with those big ones. They’re perfect for that.”

“How do you make a tomato sandwich?” I countered. It really didn’t sound very appealing to me.

His eyebrows raised. “You ain’t never had a tomato sandwich?”

“No, Sir. I guess that’s not Yankee fare.”

“I’ll come back tomorrow and I’ll show you how to make a tomato sandwich.”

“Do I need any special ingredients?”

“You’ll need bread,” he said, and I pointed to my wheat berry bread in the basket on the counter.

“White would be better,” he mumbled.

My mother stopped serving me white bread in 1969. “I can buy some tomorrow,” I offered.

“Mayonnaise, salt and pepper, cheese if you want it. Some people like bacon, too, but that’s not a pure tomato sandwich.”

“Well if we’re going to do this, I want pure,” and we agreed he’d come back the next day around 5 p.m.

Paul Watson was right on time, and he laid out the white bread on a cutting board and spread mayonnaise on both sides. Then he washed and carefully sliced a large, perfectly red tomato into quarter-inch slices. His large, worn farm hands delicately placed them on one piece of the bread, layered them a bit, added a generous amount of salt and pepper, and put the second slice of bread on top. He cut the sandwiches in half, placed them on a plate, and we carried them out to the deck for the taste test.

This was gourmet eating for sure. I could hardly believe the flavor in my mouth. The well-seasoned, juicy tomato, accompanied by the flavorless white bread was near perfection. I mostly oooed and ahhhed and cooed and licked my lips. “Wow! You Southerners know how to make a tomato sandwich!” I said through the white bread that was sticking to the roof of my mouth. He just smiled, and took a sip of the tea he had brought himself in a thermos. I sipped my water. He watched me with an air of confidence, knowing he was sharing one of those simple pleasures of life.

This memory comes back to me every year when the fresh tomatoes come in. Yesterday my office manager’s husband sent me some out of his garden. I sliced one for lunch and added salt and pepper, making a mental note to buy white bread on the way home. It’s time for tomato sandwiches, Southern style, with tomatoes right out of the garden. And it’s time, once again, to thank Paul Watson for being a good neighbor, for sharing a part of himself, and for taking a chance on this Yankee girl.
 


© 2008 Amy Sander Montanez