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National & World NewsGAFCON—the statement, the responsesGAFCON—the 2008 Global Anglican Future Conference—comprises a group of conservative Anglicans who, in words from their Web site, represent "a spiritual movement to preserve and promote the truth and power of the gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ as we Anglicans have received it." They met in Jerusalem from June 22 through June 29, "to outline the mission imperatives for the next 25 years for orthodox Anglicans."
At the conclusion of the conference they issued a " Statement on the Global Anglican Future,", available here www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_98355_ENG_HTM.htm, that announced the launch of a Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans and the formation of a Primates Council to create "structures to lead and support the Church." The statement also included a 14-point "Jerusalem Declaration" detailing the group's principles and beliefs and declaring that the group does "not accept that Anglican identity is determined necessarily through recognition by the Archbishop of Canterbury." The statement as reported by Episcopal News Service is here, www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_98355_ENG_HTM.htm. Archbishop of Canterbury calls conservative Anglicans' proposals "problematic"Presiding Bishop says "Anglicanism has always been broader than some find comfortable" By Matthew Davies, June 30, 2008
[Episcopal News Service] Describing their proposals as "problematic in all sorts of ways," Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams responded here, www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_98433_ENG_HTM.htm, June 30 to a statement released by a group of conservative Anglicans that announced a new movement to uphold traditional Anglicanism within the Communion's structures rather than to break away from it. The announcement that the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans had been launched came in a statement released at the conclusion of the June 22-29 Global Anglican Future Conference, www.gafcon.org, (GAFCON) meeting in Jerusalem, where more than 1,100 conservative Anglicans, including some 280 bishops, gathered to discuss the future shape of Anglicanism. Also on June 30, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said "much of the Anglican world must be lamenting the latest emission from GAFCON", here www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_98450_ENG_HTM.htm. "Anglicanism has always been broader than some find comfortable," her statement continued. "This [GAFCON] statement does not represent the end of Anglicanism, merely another chapter in a centuries-old struggle for dominance by those who consider themselves the only true believers. Anglicans will continue to worship God in their churches, serve the hungry, and needy in their communities, and build missional relationships with others across the globe, despite the desire of a few leaders to narrow the influence of the gospel. "We look forward to the opportunities of the Lambeth Conference for constructive conversation, inspired prayer, and relational encounters." While some have described GAFCON as a divisive event and a rival to the 2008 Lambeth Conference, www.lambethconference.org/index.cfm, the final statement says the meeting was called "in a sense of urgency that a false gospel has so paralysed the Anglican Communion that this crisis must be addressed." Read it all here www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_98458_ENG_HTM.htm. ERD emergency assistance continues, to the Midwest and the world
Download bulletin inserts about current relief efforts here www.er-d.org/BulletinInsertsCT/. In the Midwest Episcopal Relief & Development is providing emergency assistance to communities devastated by flooding across the Midwest. The damage to infrastructure and the agricultural sector is severe. In some areas, entire towns have been completely inundated, their past existence confirmed only by a lone church steeple poking above the water line. Hundreds of thousands of acres of crops have been destroyed. Early estimates concluded that the floods inflicted up to $1.5 billion in damage to Iowa’s agricultural sector alone. Episcopal Relief & Development is responding to the needs of flood victims in the Dioceses of Iowa, Milwaukee, Fond du Lac, and Indianapolis. The organization is continually standing by to provide assistance in other locations and other dioceses as the need arises. “We hold in prayer all who are impacted by the flooding, all who are working tirelessly to prevent further flooding, and all who stand together to care for these people and communities as the waters recede,” says Abagail Nelson, Senior Vice President for Programs at Episcopal Relief & Development. Please make an immediate contribution to relive the suffering of families impacted by flooding in the Midwest. To make a donation to Episcopal Relief & Development’s “Midwest Flood Fund” online at www.er-d.org/OnlineDonateForm/ , or call 1.800.334.7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief & Development “Midwest Flood Fund” P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058. And beyond Follow these links to learn about some current ERD relief efforts throughout the world
Visit www.er-d.org to donate to ERD. Diocesan NewsThe Rev. Harry E. “Pop” Lawhon, rector emeritus of Grace, Camden, dies at 89
The Rev. Harry Ernest Lawhon, Jr., died in Camden on June 17 following a battle with cancer. A memorial service was held on June 21 at Grace Church, Camden, where Fr. Lawhon had served as rector for nearly a quarter century. The Rt. Rev. Dorsey F. Henderson, Jr., presided; the homilist was the Rev. William M. “Scotty” Brock of St. Michael and All Angels’, Savannah, Georgia. For many, Fr. Lawhon was Upper SC's "most-unforgettable character." He will be missed, in so many ways.. James Edward Neuburger ordained to the priesthood at St. Mary's, Columbia, June 25
On June 25, at St. Mary's, Columbia, Bishop Henderson ordained Upper SC's newest priest, the Rev. James Edward Neuburger. The Rev. C. Christopher Clements, assisting priest at St. Mary's, preached. In the photo at left St. Mary's rector the Rev. Blaney Pridgen receives a blessing from the newly ordained. Canon George Chassey presides at Air Force memorial service
In late May, in St. Louis, the Rev. Canon George I. Chassey attended the Ninth Air Force Association Convention, for which he served as chaplain. On May 27 he conducted a memorial service for those who had died during the previous year. He had earlier presided at several such services, including memorials at National Cathedral and the Air Force Academy Chapel. Upper South Carolinians attend national "Nuevo Amanecer" conference on Hispanic and Latino ministry[From an Episcopal News Service story by Nan Ross]
An Episcopal Church conference on Hispanic and Latino ministry, from June 30 through July 3, near Atlanta gathered more than 200 people from diverse Spanish-speaking communities in eight countries to share in the challenges and blessings of their ministries and chart a course for continued growth. Among the participants were two of our own, the Rev. Fred Gonzalez and the Rev. Deacon Ann Pilat, both active in the ever-growing Hispanic ministries at St. Mary's, Columbia.
"A New Dawn—Nuevo Amanecer—Together We Grow and Are Strengthened," represents the first time in six years that Episcopalians engaged in Hispanic and Latino ministries have come together. The entire program was offered in Spanish, with English translation available throughout. Read the complete ENS story here www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_98512_ENG_HTM.htm.
Transformation on the way—new Upper SC Web site to be launched September 2
Our diocesan Web site, www.edusc.org, will have a whole new look come Tuesday, September 2. Designed to reflect the commission structure of the diocese, the new site will offer information and contact e-mails for every Upper SC group and ministry, along with policies, forms, registration venues, links and resources of many kinds. There'll be a church finder that's cutting edge, and a searchable calendar of everything that's going on in our diocese. And, yes, no more dancing menu! We're betting you're gonna love it! The road to General Convention '09Upper SC deputation attends preparatory synod in June
Pictured above are lay deputies Art Bjontegard, Scooty Burch, and Angela Daniel; Bishop Henderson and clergy deputy the Rev. Fletcher Montgomery. Diocesan canon to the ordinary the Rev. Michael Bullock (far right) accompanied the deputation. Not pictured are clergy deputies the Very Rev. Dr. Philip C. Linder and the Revs. David Thompson, Calvin Griffin, and Beth Ely (clergy alternate); and lay deputies Belton Zeigler and Reggie Brooker (lay alternate). 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.) Still Hopes certified as "Wildlife Habitat" by the National Wildlife FederationThe Still Hopes Retirement Community has been certified as a Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. To receive the certification our campus had to have: plants and feeders as sources of food; clean water source for drinking and bathing; plants and areas that provide shelter from the weather and predators; and places for wildlife to bear and raise their young.
The application also requested a list of plants on the campus, including types of trees and various kinds of plants and wildflowers. Plants that are native to South Carolina are preferred. Also requested was information concerning gardening techniques that help conserve resources. The application was made by a subcommittee of the Safety / Grounds / Environment Committee, chaired by George Knebel, of the Resident Council. The committee distributed a questionnaire to residents to determine the sources of food and shelter that they provide for wildlife. The totals are not exact, but they show that many of our residents are helping our wildlife. There are signs at each of the entrances of our campus that designate Still Hopes as a Wildlife Habitat of the National Wildlife Federation. The committee members look forward to working with the residents and staff in continuing to provide food and shelter for wildlife and in preserving the wet lands area of our campus. One activity that will be sponsored in the coming year is participation in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count of Cornell University. Milestones in HaitiAn update from our woman on the ground, Jackie Williams Christ Church parishioner Jackie Williams oversees the Artisan Center, part of out diocesan ministry at Cange, Haiti, and spends most of her time there. Here are her reflections on the recent pre-school and 6th grade ceremonies. The pre-school graduation was over the top! Each little girl was outfitted in a gown befitting a bride or debutante. Each little boy was in a tailored navy suit. They recited, gave speeches, sang like seasoned performers. Twenty-two years ago Mme Lafontant, wife of Episcopal priest the Rev. Fritz Lafontant, had as her first "creche" a dozen or so malnourished youngsters on packed earth under a banana bark shelter who were just entrusted to some good souls who wiped their noses and gave them a meal. Now there are three Montesorri-trained teachers and a whole new civilization.
Sixth grade graduation was equally wonderful. How proud we all are of Raoul Fritz Sauveur, the godson of Grace, Anderson's, Dr. Harry Morse' and me. He was abandoned by his mother at birth. After a year spent in the hospital, a local angel with 5 children of her own adopted him. Then she dropped dead last year, her heart just given out, age 54. With these two strikes against him Raoul has succeeded beyond any expectations. He was the Laureate at graduation! Seventeen students have passed the extremely difficult French system "Philo" and are prepared for university. This is one generation away from illiteracy. The ceremony was touching: the students marched in one by one to the strains of Pachabel's Canon, each accompanied by a relative. The head of secondary school gave a brief biographical sketch and told of each one's future plans. Here come our doctors, nurses, engineers, agronomists, plus a lawyer and politician (blessings on him if he enters Haitian politics!). The 86th Diocesan ConventionBusiness - Celebration - LeadershipOctober 17 - 18, 2008
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 seamless transition", www.edusc.org/e-DUSCNewsletter/ 040308/BishopsGoals.shtml. 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 can be downloaded here, www.edusc.org/e-DUSCNewsletter/022108/Images/86thConventionHotels.pdf. Please pay close attention to release and cancellation dates when making your reservations.Keep your eyes on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)Join the Virtual March for the MDGs
Read more here www.e4gr.org/virtualmarch.html, and get on board!
We CAN make extreme global poverty history by 2015! Upcoming EventsSt. Timothy’s, Columbia, 2008 summer music series now under wayNext concert July 15 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. Ddownload a flyer here, www.edusc.org/e-DUSCNewsletter/050108/ Images/StTimsConcert2008TemplateColumbiaVB.pdf, with the concert schedule. Concert schedule July 15 Alan Weinberg, piano July 22 Katie Taylor, harp August 12 “The Three Baritones” At Augusta's Convent of St. Helena in July
St. Thaddeus', Aiken, presents "Contemporary Music Within Traditional Churches" workshop, August 30St. 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. Please forward this information to anyone interested in attending this exciting and timely workshop. Download the flyers for publication in your congregation here, www.edusc.org/e-DUSCNewsletter/070308/Images/ MusiciansWorkshop.pdf. Please contact Gregory MacDougall with any questions at macdou_g@earthlink.net or 803.646.3948. Lutheran Theological Seminary to offer Career Crossroads seminar, September 12-14Are 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 . Download the seminar brochure here. “Moving toward Wholeness Conference,” October 16-19 in Browns Summit, NCEpiscopal priest the Very Rev. J. Pittman McGehee will be a featured speaker Episcopal priest the Very Rev. J. Pittman McGehee, D.D., who served for 11 years as dean of Christ Church Cathedral in Houston, will be one of the featured presenters at the "Moving Toward Wholeness" conference, www.journeyconferences.com/conferenceinformation.htm, to be held at The Summit Conference Center, http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/TheSummit/,in Browns Summit, North Carolina, October 16-19, 2008.
In 1991, he became the director of the Institute for the Advancement of Psychology and Spirituality. A Jungian analyst and distinguished lecturer and speaker in the fields of psychology and religion, he is also an author, book reviewer and an award-winning published poet. OpportunitiesHoly Cross, Simpsonville, seeks part-time Christian formation directorHoly 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.
Bishop Gravatt Center in need of communion linensThe 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 NewsCalendar
In the Moment—One Pilgrim's Attempt to Be PresentBy 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/. Who do you hang with?
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From June 4 through 6 Upper SC's deputation to General Convention began to prepare for the big event by attending the Province IV Synod meeting Kanuga. The theme for meeting was "Partners in the Spirit: Mutually Encouraged by Each Other's Faith, " and featured speakers included the Rev. Charles Fulton, president of the Episcopal Church Building Fund (ECBF); the Rev. Margaret Rose, director of the Center for Mission Leadership; and the Rev. Isaias Rodriquez, Province IV Hispanic Ministries network coordinator.
The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center and the adjacent Hilton Hotel will serve as our site for the two days of Mission and Ministry. 
On Thursday, July 24, in concert with the 2008 
For additional information, please contact the convent
So much of what’s true in life seems to have a paradoxical nature, doesn’t it? Like a hologram, you can look at it one way and see a very clear image, and then shift it just slightly and see a completely different picture. Over and over I am struck with the multifacetedness of most things, especially the political, philosophical, theoretical, psychological, and theological.