Diocesan News

A Pastoral Letter – “For the Sake of the Gospel” – Bishop Henderson Comments on the Meeting and Statement of the House of Bishops

Following the House of Bishops meeting in New Orleans, September 19-25, Bishop Henderson issued the following pastoral letter. See "National & World News" for more about the meeting and a great photo of our bishop.

“I do all for the sake of the Gospel so that I might share in its blessings”—I Cor. 9:23

Beloved Sisters and Brothers in the Lord, I return exhausted but exhilarated after the meeting of the House of Bishops in New Orleans (19-25 September. There, together, we worshipped God…engaged in Bible study…listened for the voice of the Holy Spirit…heard inspiring accounts of the life and mission of the Church (including one from “our own” Paul Farmer about the work in Cange)…labored physically at sites of Katrina destruction…and—yes—had a little fun, and a little too much food, too.

This was possibly the most congenial and unified meeting of the HOB in my experience—truly a blessing from God. That is not to say that we were all of one mind about the serious issues before us—but throughout our striving I perceive there was a unity of purpose, a unity in spirit. More than once I recalled the words of that hymn, “Surely the Spirit of the Lord is in this place”. Though disappointed that three or four bishops departed after the first two days—their voices, too, needed to be heard throughout the meeting—there was, nevertheless, a remarkable sense of urgency and a remarkable passion for the task which was ours. Bishops with sharp differences of opinion seemed determined, by God’s grace, to respond faithfully to the expectations within our own province and from other Anglican provinces. Commitment to maintain the unity of The Episcopal Church and full partnership within the Anglican Communion was patently obvious.

Read it all on the bishop's blog.

Golden anniversaries celebrated at St. Matt's & St. Michael's, September 23

1957 was a very good year—the year that St. Matthew's, Spartanburg, and St. Michael & All Angels, Columbia, joined the ranks of Upper SC churches. And on September 23 both congregations pulled out the stops to celebrate fifty wonderful years.

At St. Matthew's . . .

Celebrating at St. Matthew's are the Rev. Rob Brown (right) and the Rev. Dn Joseph Smith (photo Carol Wishard).
(Click to enlarge)

St. Matthew's, Spartanburg, celebrated its 50th anniversary this month, with rector the Rev. Rob Brown leading the church in events marking the celebration. The church has steadily grown in the last several years—from 120 in attendance on Sunday in 2003 to 260 in 2006. The congregation, with the help of the diocesan Healthy Church Initiative, now has plans to build a 12,000+-square-foot building to house its outreach ministries and Sunday school classes.

Quoted in a September 29 story by Kim Kimzey for the Spartanburg Hearld, Brown said the building will provide enough space to double the size of St. Matt's preschool. It also will house administrative and counseling offices, Christian education classes, a library, conference room and outreach ministries. The new building will have showers, allowing the church to participate with Spartanburg Interfaith Hospitality Network, or SPIHN, and be a Red Cross Evacuation center, Brown said. Meeting space will be provided to people who attend Narcotics Anonymous, Spinal Cord Injury Peer Support Group, and English as a second language classes at St. Matthew's. The church hopes to have the building completed by early May 2008.

Read the Herald story and see some more great photos here.

At St. Michael's . . .

Celebrating at St. Michael's are the Revs. Bill Wight, Beth Ely, Chuck Petit, Philip Whitehead, Jim Fenhagen, and Clyde Ireland.
(Click to enlarge)

On September 23, St. Michael & All Angels, Columbia, rolled out the red carpet for their 50th anniversary, celebrating with present and former clergy, choristers, musicians, parishioners, and friends. On hand with current priest in charge the Rev. Bill Wight were the Revs. Clyde Ireland and Chuck Petit, former rectors the Very Rev. Jim Fenhagen and the Rev. Dr. Philip Whitehead, and the Rev. Beth Wickenberg Ely, who came to St. Michael's at age four when her parents were founding members. The preacher for this festive occasion, ely is nowvicar of St. Philip's, Greenville.

Heavenly music was provided by the adult choirs of St. Michael's and St. Martins-in-the-Fields, Columbia; the praise choir, past and present, of St. Michael's; and RSCM choristers from both St. Michael's and St. Martin's. Post-service fun included St. Michael's trivia and lots of wonderful food.

Click here to see the photo gallery.

85th Convention coming, October 26-27

Nominees for diocesan office, guest registration online at www.edusc.org

Visit the diocesan Web Site to review nominees for diocesan office, the proposed 2008 Statement of Mission, and proposed resolutions and canon changes. You'll also find links to online guest registration, convention agenda, and more. Please note that clergy and delegates are to register by snail mail this year. The form is available for download here.

St. Timothy's to celebrate its 115th birthday October 13 and 14

St. Timothy's, Columbia, is celebrating its 115th birthday this year. There will be an annual barbeque on Saturday, October 13, from 11 to 2 p.m. Proceeds will go to help fund various outreach projects, including St. Timothy’s Adopt-A-Family program and the sponsoring of a child in Africa. On Sunday, October 14, there will be a special Sunday School program presented by Crieghton Boggs about the history of St. Timothy's. Creighton is a fifth-generation member of St. Timothy's and an eighth-grade student at Heathwood Hall. After the 11a.m. service, there will be a reception.

If you have any questions, please call Kris Copeland, 115th Celebration Committee Chair at 803.238.2296.

Two ECW District Meetings to go!

For more information contact ECW president Beck Sullivan.

October 7 (Sun.)	Northwest District	St. Philip's, Greenville
October 13	Western District	St. Bartholomew's, N. Augusta

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