October, 2009 • Volume 134, Issue No. 10

By Scott Lenoir

In September Bishop Gray revealed to theExecutive Committee his desire to pay the 2010interest due on loans for the rebuilding of Coastchurches. The matter is now referred to the FinanceCommittee responsible for building the 2010 budget.

The loans for rebuilding St. Mark’s, Gulfport;St. Patrick’s, Long Beach; and Redeemer, Biloxi werecollateralized by using the properties vacated by thechurches and put up for sale after the destruction ofHurricane Katrina.

Interest on the loans in previous years waspaid through outside sources, but that supportended in 2009 and Bishop Gray believes the diocesemust pick up the interest payments for the Coastchurches.

The hope was that the vacant coast propertieswould sell quickly and money from the sales wouldrepay the loan, but the properties are still on themarket.

“Due the economic down turn in 2008, the realestate is still on the market. Until it sells, the Coastchurches are faced with a debt service that is impos-sible for them to meet. Given that fact, the faithfuland right action is to absorb this debt service intoour diocesan budget,” said Bishop Gray.

The total amount of the interest due is$250,000 which dramatically shapes the character ofthe 2010 budget.

Endowment income decreaseAnother blow to the 2010 diocesan budget is a

loss of endowment income. It is estimated that atleast $50,000 provided to the diocesan budget frominvestment portfolios will be missing from 2010’sprojected income and that figure may double as pro-jections become clearer.

“The formula the Diocesan Trustees operate byto maintain good stewardship of our endowmentsuses a three year rolling average of the total portfo-lio value in determining the distribution of income,”said Bishop Gray.

The 2010 budget is the first year in which the2008 portfolio value will be averaged with two pre-ceding years to determine the amount of investmentincome. The diocesan portfolio suffered about a50% decrease in value in 2008 which caused dioce-san trustees to issue a warning about lower invest-ment income.

Budget shortfall accelerates diocesan restructuring

A report on diocesan restructuring was accept-ed by the 2008 Annual Council from a task forcechaired by the Rev. Luther Ott. The report took ayear and a half to produce by a dozen task forcemembers representing both lay people and clergy.

The task force recommended several changesfor the Executive Committee to review and thatwork is still ongoing; however, with the reality ofthe 2010 projected budget shortfall, Bishop Grayand the Executive Committee more aggressively pur-sued the task of re-evaluating how the diocese func-tions and what the role and function of the Bishopis.

To help us define who we are as a diocese and

what role and function we have in the church, I’veasked Reb Scarborough, a consultant from Houston,Texas to work with us,” said Bishop Gray.

Scarborough has worked with the Diocese ofTexas, 30 congregations, several non-profit groupsand small businesses that have had challenges simi-lar to what the Diocese of Mississippi faces.

Scarborough says he will help the diocese artic-ulate a Vision Document in three parts: 1) identify a mission statement answering the questions ofpurpose, or why we exist; 2) agreeing on corevalues which state who we are and what we strive to offer; and 3) articulate vision areas that portray avivid picture of what our diocese aims to become.

“This document, along with a Strategic Plan (a set of goals, objectives, expected results, assign-ments and comments) will be created as a part ofthis process and becomes a tool, a road map, thatwill guide the work of the diocese for the next fiveyears,” said Scarborough.

Bishop Gray said that the role of and functionof a bishop, as well as defining the role and functionof the diocesan staff, is part of the re-evaluation.

“We need to identify what we can do togetheras a diocese that we cannot do otherwise as well asidentify how we (the diocese) can support, sustainand develop congregations,” said Gray.

The re-evaluation process will take some timeto complete, perhaps two to three years. While theExecutive Committee plays a crucial role in buildingthe Vision Document, all parishes and missions willbe involved in the task.

By Dorcas BrownWith the leasing of All Saints’ Episcopal School campus in

Vicksburg to AmeriCorps for a regional training facility, a group ofalumni saw the opportunity to gather all of the Saints together tocelebrate one more time. Judging from the response, it was agood idea! Over 300 Devils and Angels have sent in their pre-regis-tration forms.

Headed by former headmaster, the Reverend John StoneJenkins, the alumni committee has come up with a weekend filledwith lots of reasons to make former students want to come back.

Registration begins at 3 pm on Friday afternoon and a recep-tion at the rectory will be held from 5 pm - 7 pm. Following theopen house reception, classes and decades are planning off-cam-pus gatherings. For instance, the group from the 60s is gatheringat the Wingate Hotel, where many are staying.

Saturday morning, registration will commence at 9 am and achapel service at 11 am commemorating the 100 years of service ofAll Saints’ School . Voices of former chapel choir members will beraising the roof. Bishop Duncan Gray III will speak and celebrate.

Following the chapel service, lunch will be served in the din-ing room, on the back lawn, on the rectory lawn or, in the gym, ifit rains. After lunch all will gather in the gym for fond recollectionsand stories, old and new, some of which may not have been tolduntil this very event.

Did you know that in 1963, a group of six All Saints’ girls(myself included - shhhh!) participated in a 50 Mile Hike associat-ed with President Kennedy’s Physical Fitness Initiative? We walkedall the way from Tallulah to Vicksburg! We had to cross the riveron the railroad trestle, because we were not allowed to walk acrossthe Mississippi River Bridge? (Whoops did I say we? - I meanthey!) I confess all of this was without permission from the headmaster? OOPS! Can we get work crew for this?

Saturday night there will be a grand All of the Saints ReunionParty on campus. There will be music, wonderful food and drinkand many more stories to be shared.

Sunday morning, Fr. Jenkins will conduct the service at TheChurch of the Holy Trinity, Vicksburg at 10:30.

Donations are being accepted to establish an alumni center inthe rooms beneath the chapel to be used for alumni meetings andto house memorabilia from the near one hundred year All Saints’Episcopal School history.Registration is $30 for the reception onFriday and lunch on Saturday. A separate ticket is needed for theSaturday night party.

For information log on to http://allsaintsweb.com. or emailSusan Price at asesalumni@yahoo.com

Dorcas Brown graduated from All Saints’ in 1963 and is the pub-lisher of Country Roads magazine.

All Saints’ all alumni reunion kicks off Nov. 6th in Vicksburg

The Reverend John Stone Jenkins is heading up the All SaintsAlumnae Association’s All Class Reunion being planned forNovember 6 & 7, 2009 . Pictured with him are Susan Price (classof 1972) and Bobbie Marascalco (class of 1970) at a recent plan-ning session.

Bishop requests support for Coast churchesDiocesan budget to absorb $250,000 debt service in 2010 budget as diocesan structure is re-evaluated.

Nominations to Council . . . . . . . 3

The Bishop’s Journal . . . . . . . . . . 4

Clergy statement signed . . . . . . . 5

Church building news . . . . . . . . . 6

Outreach news . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

Christ Church Celebrates 170th . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Inside this Issue!

2 The Mississippi Episcopalian

OUR DIOCESE

October 2009

Last month, I lostan old and dear friend.At 97, she was, indeed,old but I say old also inthe sense of “long-time.”I met her when she was48 and I, 16. “She” wasAlice Beall (pronounced

Bell), the wife of our then-new Rector at Churchof the Redeemer, Biloxi, the Rev. Olin G. “Red”Beall. I loved them both instantly and for life;their daughter, Verna, and I became life-longfriends.

Alice sang in the choir; I’d never heard of apriest’s wife doing that. Furthermore, she sangthe same part I did and we worked diligentlytogether to synchronize our voices for the Sundaymusic. The two of us became the entire alto sec-tion, largely because we were the only ones whocould sight sing.

I spent many, many happy days in thatRectory, which was destroyed, along with mybeloved church, by Hurricane Camille in 1969.She and Red lost their home and all of their pos-sessions to Camille, although I was after Katrina,they were fortunate to recover some valuables.Yet for both of them, the parish and its loss camebefore their own. I saw the change the stormwrought in them. Though still young by today’sstandards-or at least mine-they aged, and I don’tthink either was ever the same. After Katrina,Verna told me, “It took Mother 10 years to getover Camille.” God, I prayed, please don’t let thatbe my future!

Alice had a wonderful sense of humor, andshe was one of the most “cultured” people I’veever known. Art, music and language were instinc-tive to her. Once, when I had to translate a bookfrom French into English (and let the deadlineslip up on me), she spent an entire day, readingthe story to me in French and explaining it inEnglish. She was also a wonderful cook and over

the years, I have adopted many of her recipes asmy own. In so many ways, she became my “other”mother.

When Alice died on September 12, I hadn’tseen her for six years. Her health had deterioratedand for the past four years, I’d been consumedwith my own climb out of the depths of Katrina.But I had kept up with her and always knew shewas there.

On October 31, her ashes will be interredbeside Red’s in the Myers Family plot in Sewanee,where she and Red met and fell in love when hewas an undergraduate. That she will be laid to herfinal rest within 24 hours of All Saints Day is amost fitting memorial. “May the souls of the faith-ful departed rest in peace.”

Fall, as always, is a busy time around ourDiocese. Today, as this is written, is October 4. Itis the feast of St. Francis of Assisi and pet bless-ings abound. All creatures great and small (of alldescriptions) are being blessed-from east to west,north to south. Some of those include: St.James’, Jackson; St. Peter’s by-the-Sea,Gulfport; All Saints, Tupelo, which has a specialguest — Gizmo, the newest baby capuchin mon-key from the Tupelo Buffalo Park; Mediator,Meridian; St. James, Greenville; Ascension,Hattiesburg; and St. John’s, Laurel; St.Patrick’s, Long Beach; Redeemer, Biloxi; andGrace, Canton.

It’s also Fall Festival time, with many varia-tions on that theme. Redeemer, Biloxi, plannedits fall festival for October 17, along with itsPumpkin Patch. Rector Harold Roberts said heplanned to try to route people visitingRedeemer’s Fall Festival a couple of blocks westto my Back Bay Mission’s second annual Puttin’on the Roux gumbo cookoff, a great way to fostercooperation among Coast nonprofits. The day-long festival at Redeemer is followed by a night-time Haunted House and other events. Trinity,Pass Christian, also has its traditional PumpkinPatch prominently displayed on its Front Beachproperty. Mediator, Meridian, plans to benefit itsoutreach projects with a barbeque on November7. St. James’, Jackson, plans Turkey Day for

November 8 to help Stewpot give away frozenturkeys for Thanksgiving. St. John’s, Laurel,planned a wine tasting and silent auction forOctober 18, to benefit its parish ministries. OnNovember 18, St. John’s also plans to support thelocal Salvation Army, Red Cross Food Pantry andits own parish’s discretionary fund through the“Empty Bowls” international project dedicated tofeeding the hungry. Participants in this projectwill, for $15, receive a bowl of chili in a hand-thrown pottery bowl. (Sounds like a real winnerto me!) And the proceeds go to the parish’s cho-sen charities.

The Brotherhood of St. Andrew of St.Pierre’s, Gautier, and St. John’s, Pascagoula,planned a barbeque for October 3 at St. John’s tobenefit the Brotherhood’s outreach projects. Adrawdown was set for October 16 at All Saints’,Jackson. The Harvest Bazaar of St. James’,Greenville, is scheduled for November 19. St.John’s, Ocean Springs’ Saints & Sinners planneda chicken barbeque for Saturday, October 17, withSt. Mary’s Guild kicking in for dessert. Ascension,Hattiesburg, plans to make gumbo on Friday,November 13, and sell it the next day. (It’s alwaysbetter the next day as the flavors have had time to“marry.”) Incarnation, West Point’s ECW isholding its Christmas greenery sale throughOctober 31.

St. Peter’s by-the-Sea Gulfport’s ECW hascapitalized on the re-fascination with Julia Child’sFrench cooking for its Fall Luncheon, planned for

October 20, with the women cooking from Julia’sown menu all dishes by her own recipes/cook-book. And, speaking of cookbooks, Redeemer,Biloxi’s, third is now available. It includes recipesfrom the 1970 and 1997 books and divider pageswith pictures of the church in its various changesthrough the years.

St. Paul’s, Picayune, held a benefit BookFair in October. St. Mark’s, Gulfport’s, SundaySchool food drive this fall has benefited the del’Epee Deaf Center’s food pantry which helpssome 60 families/140 people each quarter. St.Thomas, Diamondhead, hosted its annualLobster Fest (a wonderful event, I can tell youfrom personal experience!) October 10 to benefitWilmer Home in Mobile, Alabama.

St. Paul’s, Columbus’ Junior High SundaySchool Class held a Pancake Breakfast October 4,to benefit Uncle Dick’s Orphanage in thePhilippines. Trinity, Natchez, plans anElderhostel bake sale in November.

St. Andrew’s Cathedral will sponsor a teamin the annual Red Beans & rice Celebration atTrustmark Park. The Cathedral’s Ash Kickers andSt. James’ Dream Crushers together raisedapproximately $2,000 to benefit Habitat forHumanity. Incidentally, the Dream Crusherskicked the Cathedral’s Ashes 8-7.

Sorry, folks; that’s it. No space for NotableQuotes this time, though many of you sent greatones.

Notes & Quotesby Maria Watson

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 132 years in the Diocese of Mississippi

FAITHFUL DEPARTEDEvelyn Allen Whitten, 89, communicant of St. Timothy’s, Southaven, died July 3, 2009.Lucy Weston Lacoste, 86, communicant of St. James’ Jackson, died July 16, 2009.Bob Womack, 87, communicant of St. James’ Jackson, died July 28, 2009.Virginia “Ginny” Alice Draper Foster, 95, communicant of St. Andrew’s, Jackson,

died August 12, 2009Sara Henley Meyer, 86, communicant of St. Paul’s, Meridian, died August, 19, 2009Colonel Battle Malone Barksdale, 93, communicant of St. Andrew’s, Jackson,

died August 27, 2009Lois Coghlan Boyd, 86, communicant of St. James’, Greenville, died September 5, 2009.Celia Davis Scott, 86, communicant of St. James’ Jackson, died September 8, 2009.Gertrude Johnson (Trudy) Sledge, 76, communicant, former warden and council delegate

of Holy Innocent’s, Como, died September 10, 2009James Lamar Baker, 89, communicant of St. Paul’s, Meridian, died September 23, 2009Rosa Forde Emmons, communicant of St. Paul’s, Meridian, 83 died September 24, 2009William (Bill) Van Cleve, 76, communicant of St. James’ Jackson, died on September 25, 2009

October 2009

OUR DIOCESENominations requested fordiocesan elected positions

By Clair Yoste

It’s that time again! Fall DOY(Division of Youth) is here, and all ofDOY Council is very excited. For thosewho don’t know, DOY is a weekendplanned and executed by youth of thediocese along with several adult advi-sors. DOY council is chosen each year duringAnnual Council through an interview process.The weekends are full of spirituality, music, fun,and fellowship with teens from all around thestate. There are four weekends a year whichaccommodate Jr. High two weekends, and Sr.High another two. These weekends take place atCamp Bratton Green. Here we have the chanceto discuss our feelings about God in an environ-ment full of our peers.

The Jr. High DOY weekend will take placeNov. 13-15 and applications are available on thediocesan website, www.dioms.org. Also we areinstituting a new policy this year where all whowish to attend need to have their forms mailedof faxed in at least a week prior to the DOYweekend. Things will run much smoother thisway

In the past years, themes have ranged fromHalloween to Olympics, from Braveheart to TheJungle Book. We try to create themes that relateto the youth so that they might connect withGod in the short time we have together. Connor

Buechler, a fellow DOY council mem-ber says that, “DOY is a weekend withmy best friends, both human and spiri-tual.”

Last August, the DOY Council metat Church of the Creator in Clinton,MS. We spent the weekend creatingand laying out our plans for Fall DOY.

The theme “The Twelve” was chosen after lots ofbrainstorming. This theme will give DOY councilmembers the chance to act as the disciples andpresent problems relevant to the youth throughskits, small groups, and games. We hope toreach out to them by discussing family, friends,and personal struggles. DOY council member,Emilie Street says, “In being a part of DOY coun-cil it is our hope that these Jr. high and Sr. highstudents will learn to share their ideas aboutGod and faith, and also have fun and makefriends while playing camp-wide games, and alsowhile just hanging out amongst one another.”

Emilie speaks what each and every councilmember feels. We hope that every teen whoattends goes home with something, whether itbe a new-found spirituality or a new best friend.

We are all very excited and can’t wait to seeour fellow youth this fall! All are welcome, andencouraged to bring a friend!

Claire Yoste is a high school senior and a com-municant of St. Peter’s-by-the Sea, Gulfport.

Elections for various diocesan positions will take place at the 183rd Annual Council to be held inTupelo, February 5-7, 2010. The office of Treasurer is elected for a one-year term and may be re-elect-ed to office. Mr. Ed Thurmond, St. Mary’s, Lexington is currently serving as Treasurer.

The Annual Council will also elect members to the Diocesan Executive Committee. Two membersof the clergy and two members of the lay order will be elected. The Rev. Paul Stephens, All Saints’,Tupelo has served a full term and is not eligible for re-election. The Rev. Helen Tester, Mediator,Meridian, has served a one-year unexpired term is eligible for re-election. The members of the clergyremaining on the Executive Committee are: the Rev. Margaret Ayers, St. James’, Port Gibson; the Rev.Dr. Lynn Barker, All Saints’, Grenada; the Rev. Taylor Moore, St. Peter’s, Oxford; and the Rev. LeeWinter, Resurrection, Starkville. For the lay elections, Mr. Scott Bauer, St. Paul’s, Corinth and Mr.Douglas MacCullagh, St. Patrick’s, Long Beach will rotate off the Executive Committee, leaving the fol-lowing lay persons on the committee: Mrs. Sheri Cox, St. James’, Jackson; Dr. Edwin Graham, St.Peter’s by-the-Sea, Gulfport; Mrs. Hilda Povall, Calvary, Cleveland; and Mr. Jim Wheeler, Redeemer,Biloxi. Bauer and MacCullagh have served full terms and are not eligible for re-election. The followingpersons were appointed by the bishop, served a one-year term and are eligible for election to a threeyear term: Mrs. Alice Perry, St. James’, Jackson; Mr. Jim Thorell, St. Timothy’s, Southaven; and Dr.Stephen Stray, St. Andrew’s, Jackson.

Also to be elected are two members of the Standing Committee. This committee is composed offour presbyters and four confirmed adult lay communicants, each of whom is elected for a four-yearterm and is ineligible for re-election for at least one year. The terms expiring are those of Mr. DannyMeadors, St. Patrick’s, Long Beach; and the Rev. Bill Livingston, Diocese of Mississippi, CoastConvocation. Those members remaining are: Mr. John Anderson, Jr., St. Andrew’s, Jackson; Mr. JohnCarrier II, St. Paul’s, Meridian; Mr. Ed Cole, St. Mark’s, Jackson; the Very Rev. Edward O’Connor, St.Andrews, Jackson; the Rev. Kyle Dice Seage, All Saints’, Inverness; and the Very Rev. Chan Osborn deAnaya, Christ Church, Vicksburg.

Trustees of the Diocese, by state charter, is the Diocesan official corporation. “The Bishop of theDiocese shall, ex officio, be the President of said Corporation. The members composing saidCorporation shall be five in number, all of whom shall be confirmed adult lay communicants and fourof whom shall serve for a four year term or until their successors are elected and qualified. Four ofsaid Trustees shall be elected by the Diocesan Council and the fifth Trustee shall be appointed by theBishop for a one year term.” The elected term of Mrs. Lynn Jenkins expires and she is eligible for re-election. The elected trustees remaining in office are Mr. Holmes Adams, St. Andrew’s, Jackson; Mr.Johns Davis, St. Paul’s, Columbus; and Mr. Mike Strojny, St. Mark’s, Gulfport. Mr. Filo Coats, AllSaints’, Grenada is serving a one-year appointed term and is eligible for election to a full term or re-appointment to a one year term. Council will elect one trustee to serve a four-year term.

Trustees of the University of the South serve staggered three-year terms. The Sewanee Trusteesare composed of one cleric and two lay members. At Council we will elect one lay member. Mrs.Deborah Davis, All Saints’, Tupelo serves in this position and is eligible for re-election. The terms ofthe Rev. David Elliott III, St. James’, Jackson and Mrs. Margaret McLarty, St. Andrew’s, Jackson will con-tinue.

The Ecclesiastical Trial Court will elect one cleric and one lay person to serve a term of threeyears and one cleric to fill a two-year unexpired term. The term of the Very Rev. Chan Osborn deAnaya, Christ Church, Vicksburg expires with Annual Council in 2010 but she is eligible for re-election.Lay terms expiring are Mr. Michael Boyd, St. James’, Greenville and Mr. David Sparks, All Saints’,Tupelo and they are eligible for re-election. Those remaining on the Trial Court are: Mr. Roger C.Clapp, St. Andrew’s, Jackson; Mr. Hal Miller, Jr., St. James’, Jackson; the Very Rev. Dr. Julia Moore, St.James’, Greenville; the Rev. Paul Stephens, All Saints’, Tupelo; the Rev. Ann Whitaker, Creator, Clinton;and Mrs. Maurie White, St. Peter’s, Oxford.

Each person nominated must have given his or her prior consent to serve in the position to whichhe or she is nominated. The nomination form must be received by the Secretary of the Diocese, P. O.Box 23107, Jackson, MS 39225-3107 no later than December 15, 2009 in order to be printed in theCouncil edition of The Mississippi Episcopalian and included in packets for Council delegates. Thenomination form can be found on the website of the Diocese of Mississippi (www.dioms.org) or bycalling the diocesan office (601-948-5954). The nominees are asked to also submit a black-and-white(high resolution) headshot photograph for publication to Kathryn McCormick atkwmccormick@dioms.org.

Division of Youth annual retreats scheduled

The Mississippi Episcopalian 3

A date to remember: Tuesday Nov. 3Deadline for the Mississippi Episcopalian. Send stories and photos to slenoir1@comcast.net

October 20094 The Mississippi Episcopalian

OUR DIOCESE

August 31 – Drive to Vicksburg early to participatein the formal re-opening of All Saints’ School as thesouthern regional center of AmeriCorps, the nation-al youth service program. The campus is full ofyoung people, ages 19-26, committed to 2 years ofcommunity service for their country. Their idealismand passion are contagious and I am thrilled thatthis historic school is now being used again for sonoble a purpose. An evening reception at the OldCapitol for state and national dignitaries concludes avery special day.

The journey from the closing of All Saints’School through the various efforts at securing abuyer or tenant while staying current with pre-exist-ing debt service and creditors has contributed tomany sleepless nights. This long term lease arrange-ment could never have been completed without theenormous efforts of Granville Tate, the chancellor ofthe diocese, the Rev. John Jenkins, who serves as thefacilities manager, Kathryn McCormick, our Canonfor Administration and Finance and the Trustees ofthe Diocese of Mississippi.September 1 – Festivities for AmeriCorps continuein Vicksburg. I attend an open house at All Saints’ inthe morning and a press conference at theConvention Center at noon, and then return to theoffice in Jackson.September 2 – Leave early to travel to Corinth. Enroute, I stop in Oxford for an introductory meetingwith the Rev. Bailey Norman, the new rector ofCalvary Church, Cleveland. Bailey is one of severalnew clergy who came into this diocese while I wason sabbatical. We have a very good time getting toknow one another.

Leave Oxford to drive to Corinth where I havea similar introductory session with the Rev. AnnBenton Fraser, the new rector of St. Paul’s Corinth. Ilater officiate at the Celebration of a New Ministryfor Ann - a joyous occasionFollowing dinner in the parish house, I begin myjourney home, spending the night in Starkville.September 3 – Up early to drive to Jackson for anappointment with consultant who will help us devel-op a more intentional approach to planned giving inthe diocese. Appointment later in the morning withWardens from St. Paul’s, Meridian. Afternoon ses-sions with the Rev. Annie Cumberland and the Rev.Wilson Webb.September 4 – In office most of day. The morningis spent working on the budget for next year. This isgoing to be a significant challenge.Afternoon appointments with the Rev. Cecil Jonesand Ms. Mary Thompson. Later in the afternoon, Imeet with a family to finalize a very generous gift tothe diocese and Gray Center.September 5 – Drive to Meridian for meeting withthe Rev. and Mrs. Greg Proctor. Return to Jacksonlater in the day.September 6 – Morning worship at St. Andrew’sCathedral, then on to Clinton for an afternoon ofOle Miss football with Kathy, Duncan, IV, Amber andthe girls.September 7 – Labor Day - find time for a little golf.September 8 – Staff meetings throughout the morn-ing. Mid day luncheon meeting with important peo-ple in the Bishop’s Mission Corps Program. Budgetchallenges will probably eliminate diocesan fundingfor this program so other avenues of support werediscussed.

Afternoon appointments withthe Very Rev. Chan Osborn deAnaya and the Rev. Walton Jones.September 9 – In office for an

appointment in the morning, then travel to the GulfCoast to continue my post-sabbatical tour of theprogress of the various congregations on the coast.

Early afternoon visit with senior warden atChurch of the Redeemer, Biloxi, on the site of thenew church. Multiple problems have delayed theconstruction on the rebuilding of the church.

Travel to Ocean Springs for visits with the Rev.Wayne Ray and the Rev. Anne Harris at St. John’s. Ialso get a tour of the new Parish House under con-struction. It is a much needed addition for a grow-ing congregation.

I enjoy dinner with the Wednesday night con-gregation of St. John’s. Overnight in Gulfport.September 10 – Early morning service at CoastEpiscopal School where I preach, celebrate theeucharist and consecrate a newly made altar for theoutdoor chapel at the school. Following a reception,I have a good visit with the school board of CoastEpiscopal School.

Afternoon appointment with an aspirant forholy orders, then return to Jackson.September 11 – Spend the entire day with repre-sentatives of the Church Pension Group in a two-dayworkshop on financial and pre-retirement planning.I have attended several of these conferences throughthe years and have found them enormously helpful.This one is no exception to that previous experi-ence.September 12 – “Planning for Tomorrow” confer-ence, sponsored by the Church Pension Group con-cludes in the afternoon.September 13 – Up early to drive to Como for com-bined service of Holy Innocents’, Como and Churchof the Epiphany, Tunica. These churches have beenhistorically linked through the years, though noweach is served by their own rector. A full churchmakes for a wonderful celebration. I preach cele-brate and confirm seven.

Lunch follows with great conversation amongthe two congregations. There is much talk of doingthis combined service again in the future.After lunch, I travel with the Rev. Sam Godfrey toBatesville where I preach and celebrate the eucharistwith this small, but faithful congregation of St.Stephens’. Good visit afterwards with extraordinarycheesecake!

Home to Jackson in the evening.September 14 – Day off.September 15 – Staff meetings in morning.Afternoon appointments with an aspirant for holyorders and, later, with Mike Huseth of LESM.

Drive to Natchez late in the afternoon. I bap-tize two, celebrate, preach and officiate at theLiturgy of a pastoral Relationship as the Rev. ChipDavis and the congregation of Trinity Church for-mally end their relationship. Chip has accepted a callto the Diocese of Atlanta. We will miss him, but wishhim God-speed in this new ministry. After a recep-tion following the service, I return to Jackson.September 16 – Much of the day spent in a goodand candid conversation on education betweenthose who are deeply involved in public educationin this state and those who work in EpiscopalParochial Schools. This is a conversation that needsto be had as faithful Episcopalians try to understandhow God might be leading each in different direc-tions to serve the children of this state. There are noeasy answers to the challenges we face.

Afternoon appointment with Mr. TreyMangum.September 17 – At the airport, pick up RebScarborough, a consultant who will be working withthe diocese to help us chart our course through thefinancial challenges that await us in the next fewyears.

Mr. Scarborough meets with the ExecutiveCommittee through the day to begin his work. Somebudget work is undertaken by the ExecutiveCommittee, but much remains to be done.

Afternoon appointment with the Rev. TomSlawson.September 18 – Meet with representatives from theHonduras Medical Mission to talk about theFebruary trip to Honduras. Later in the morning Ivisit with Bishop Hope Morgan Ward to discuss thenext steps in the developing relationship betweenthe Mississippi Conference of the United MethodistChurch and the Diocese of Mississippi.

Leave for Gray Center as Kathy and I host thePresbyters’ Spouse Weekend. Spouses begin arrivingin the late afternoon. Our retreat leader is Ms. KarenBonner.September 19 – At Gray Center with the Presbyters’Spouse Retreat.September 20 – Leave early for Greenville for visita-tions to St. James’ and the Church of the Redeemer.In the morning at St. James’, I have time to visit withthe vestry of the parish before the service. I preachand celebrate the eucharist at the morning service.Following the service, I had the time, over lunch, tocontinue some of the conversations begun in thevestry meeting. St. James’ eagerly awaits the arrivalof its new rector, the Rev. Susan Crawford, inDecember.

In the afternoon, I preach and celebrate theeucharist at the Church of the Redeemer. This con-gregation is very excited about the Rev. BetsyBaumgarten, a Delta Missioner who has liturgicaland pastoral oversight of Redeemer. Good fellow-ship follows the service at a wonderful dinner.Return to Jackson late.September 21 – Day off. Spend time with mygranddaughters. Give thanks for my father born 83years ago today.September 22 – Staff meetings through the morn-ing. Annual consultation with the Rev. Brian Seage.Afternoon appointment with an aspirant for holyorders.

David Johnson and I drive to Natchez in thelate afternoon to meet with the vestry of TrinityChurch to discuss their next steps after the depar-ture of their rector.

Home to Jackson late.September 23 – I spend the morning of my 60thbirthday doing personal business. Afternoonappointment with an aspirant for holy orders.September 24 – Meet with the Rev. ChuckCulpepper and the wardens from St. Alexis Churchas they report on the progress in developing thisnew congregation in Jackson. Pleased to hear thatfinancial foundation is being built and averageSunday attendance has significantly increased. Thereis now a need for additional space - a great problemto have!

Leave for Kosciusko where I meet with the Rev.Dr. Lynn Barker, now on disability leave from AllSaints, Grenada.

Drive from Kosciusko to Meridian whereCanon Johnson and I meet with the wardens andvestry of St. Paul’s, to discuss the pending retire-ment of their rector, the Rev. Greg Proctor.

September 25 – Early morning consultation withthe Right Rev. Shannon Johnston of the Diocese ofVirginia. As Bishop Johnston’s assigned coach andmentor, I am responsible for arranging monthly con-versations.

Annual consultation with the Rev. RichardMiddleton. Afternoon session and candid conversa-tion with the Stand Firm Community.

In the evening, Kathy throws a birthday partyfor me. Peter and Giulianna come up from NewOrleans to join Tabitha, Duncan, IV, Amber, Momand Dad. I am very blessed.September 26 – Drive to Vicksburg with Peter towatch Tabitha run in a cross country meet. She doesvery well. Return to Jackson, say good-bye to Peterand Giulianna and drive to Michigan City for a serv-ice at Calvary Church. The occasion marks the retire-ment of the Rev. Edgar Ince who has served Calvaryfor seven years. I preach and celebrate the eucharist.

Following the reception, I drive to Clevelandand arrive just in time to have dinner with the Rev.and Mrs. Bailey Norman, their families and out oftown guests.

Overnight in Cleveland.September 27 – At Calvary Church, Cleveland, Imake a presentation to an adult Sunday school onGeneral Convention.

Later, I preach, celebrate and officiate at theCelebration of New Ministry for the Rev. BaileyNorman, new rector of Calvary Church, Cleveland.Great spirit here as congregation looks forward toBailey’s leadership. Luncheon with the congregationoverflows outside the parish house. Some talk hereof a Capital Campaign to enlarge the parish house.

Later in the afternoon, I drive to Leland to par-ticipate in a Bible Study at St. John’s, Leland. TheRev. Betsy Baumgarten, the Delta Missioner incharge of this congregation manages to lead theBible study and prepare for the Celebration of aNew Ministry with participants from the separatecongregations at the same time. I am impressed!

The Celebration of New Ministry is very specialwith the three congregations. I preach, celebrate,confirm one and receive one. Wonderful, overflowdinner, hosted by St. John’s, follows.

Return to Jackson late.September 28 – Drive to Gray Center to participatein the annual meeting of the Domestic MissionaryPartnership. The DMP is a funding agency of widerEpiscopal Church that assists creative mission effortsin participating dioceses. The Very Rev. ChanOsborn de Anaya and Andrew McLarty and I are therepresentatives from the Diocese of Mississippi.Bishops, priests and lay persons from 14 dioceses,mostly in the far west, are represented as membersin the DMP.September 29 – With the Domestic MissionaryPartnership at Gray Center. Drive into Jackson atnoon for a lunch at the University of MississippiMedical Center for a conversation between repre-sentatives from the faith-based community and themedical community on ways to improve the healthof the general population of this state.

Return in afternoon to Gray Center to continuework with DMP.September 30 – Early morning meeting in Cantonwith representatives of Gray Center and the CantonConvention and Visitors Bureau to begin an inten-tional effort at cooperative efforts. Return to GrayCenter for DMP. We are able to secure a small grantfor the Bishop’s Mission Corps.

The Bishop’s Journal

October 2009 The Mississippi Episcopalian 5

OUR DIOCESE

By Scott Lenoir

A Statement of Episcopalian Identity in Mississippi was circulated to many diocesan clergy andsigned by 18 active or retired clergy on September 14, the feast day of the Holy Cross.

The Rev. Karl Schaffenburg helped draft the document and stated that the clergy who signed itdid so, “not as a statement of faith, but as a statement of self-differentiation.” The clergy group, whichincludes two convocation deans, took the action on the heels of the 76th General Convention whichmet in Anaheim, California last summer.

“We wanted to share the concerns we have in a public way regarding certain actions taken byGeneral Convention which act to separate us from the rest of the universal Church. We believe thisstatement accurately reflects where we stand in our theology and practice of Christian faith within theEpiscopal tradition.

“The statement is intended as one of positive principles rather than one of condemnation whichis why we include a call to penitence issued to all starting with ourselves,” said Schaffenburg.

The statement which Schaffenburg provided to The Mississippi Episcopalian reads:“We, the undersigned clergy of the Diocese of Mississippi, note with the gravest concern actions taken

at the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church which are in conflict with the faith of theApostles, once delivered, as revealed to the universal Church in Scripture, Reason and Tradition.Desiring to reaffirm the call of all the faithful to be members of one Body in Christ, the call to transfor-mation in Jesus Christ made to all persons, and to reaffirm the communion of the Diocese ofMississippi with the universal Church, we confess the following principles of our faith and of our serv-ice in the Church:

1. Salvation is through Jesus Christ alone. There is no other name under heaven by whichhumanity may be saved.

2. The marks of communion within the Anglican Communion are set forth in the Cambridge-Ridley Draft of the Anglican Covenant. We affirm these marks and adopt the Covenant.

3. A sufficient statement of faith is contained in the Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral. 4. We call on all faithful to observe a season of penitence in this time of disquiet and discord

within the Church.Adopted this the 14th day of September, 2009 (Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross).Those signing the statement are: The Very Rev. Susan Bear, Hattiesburg; The Rev. Mary Berry,

Kosciusko; The Rev. Jeremy Blauvelt, Gautier; The Rev. Chris Colby, Pass Christian; The Rev. SandraDepriest, Columbus; The Rev. Rosemary Foncree, Terry; The Rev.. Dr. Bob France, Tunica; The Rev.John Gibson, Vaughan; The Very Rev. Samuel B. Godfrey, Como; The Rev. Elizabeth Hunter, Vicksburg;The Rev. Hunter Isaacs, Gautier; The Rev. James Henry LeBatard, Gautier; The Rev. Warren Mueller,Gautier; The Rev. Michael Nation, Vicksburg; The Rev. Wayne Ray, Ocean Springs; The Rev. WilliamRichter, Starkville; The Rev. Dr. Karl Schaffenburg, West Point; The Rev. George Woodliff, Yazoo City.

Schaffenburg said that the statement is offered to all diocesan clergy for their consideration.

By Margaret Wade JohnstonSeptember 16-18, 2009 - Digging into the

mud at the bottom of a pond at McDowellEnvironmental Center, Coast Episcopal Schoolstudents discovered that science can be a messybusiness. Catching tadpoles, insects and sala-manders, they also discovered that learning canbe fun.

The Sixth Grade students visited the hands-on learning center for three days in September.They thought the trip was all about fun, but theirteachers knew better. This annual opportunity toexperience nature up close was planned by Mrs.Colette Weber. As the students canoed up acanyon stream, they practiced their teamworkskills. Climbing into a sandstone canyon theyexperienced their earth science vocabularywords - weathering, sedimentary rock and ero-sion. Squatting in a rock bluff shelter, they liveda history lesson about Native Americans.

But the learning did not end with the class-es. At McDowell, Coast Episcopal School stu-dents had to cooperate, passing platters of chick-en fingers, home-made rolls and green beans,during meals. They listened with respect duringthe “Food for Thought” program. The childrenlearned about where their food came from, whatit took to get it to them and what would happenwith all of their waste. After the meal, when thewasted food was weighed, students cheeredwildly.

Maggie Johnston, the McDowellEnvironmental Center director agrees that Food

for Thought makes the camp experience unique.“It’s a way to connect all the dots, that you canmake a difference. You may be learning aboutwhere our energy comes from and coal and howyou get it. Or you may be learning about pondand stream. But when you’re in Food forThought, it’s ‘how can I make a difference?’ Thestudents know that they have made wise deci-sions and, working together, have reduced theamount they wasted. They are proud that theyare learning to conserve.”

At night, they gazed at the stars, listened tothe hoot of an owl and learned the true meaningof trust as they hiked through the night-timewith their classmates. Later, they were lulled tosleep by the hush of a waterfall. After three daysof learning, the CES students returned home, abit dirtier than when they left, but their mindswere full of new ideas and information.

The McDowell Environmental Center is anon-profit organization that offers a residential,hands-on, science program for school groups,grades 3-8. Since 1994, thousands of schoolchildren, their parents and teacher have spentthree to five days exploring and learning in thewoods of McDowell. The program is operatedin the 1,100-acre classroom at Camp McDowell,the camp and conference center for theEpiscopal Diocese of Alabama.

Maggie Wade Johnston is the Director of theCamp McDowell Environmental Center.

Students get their hands dirty at McDowell

Clergy group signs a statement of “self-differentiation”

Come explore St. Andrew’s Bookstore newlook! Alice Skelton, manager, is making everyeffort to appeal to all ages and denominations.Not only is this your Episcopal bookstore, but thebookstore is working closely with the CatholicDiocese and the Methodist Conference to offerbooks and gifts for our brethren in Christ.

Selections are being increased to includethose forgotten books of favorite authors such asC.S. Lewis, J. M. Nouwen, Joan Chittister,Frederick Buechner and Barbara Brown Taylor.All church book clubs or study groups receive a10% discount when ordering through the book-store.

Imprinting is now a 24-hour turnaround timeif the order is placed by 5:00 pm. If order isplaced one day, the order ships out the next dayexcept for orders placed on Friday. Those orderswill ship the following Monday.

The bookstore has expanded card selections and is offering unique Mississippi-made pottery,glass and jewelry.

Shop the St. Andrew’s Bookstore with new store hours: Monday through Friday 10 am to 6 pmand Sunday 8am to 1pm. Telephone number is: 601.353.2021. Also check out the updated website:www.standrewsbookstore.com.

St. Andrew’s Bookstore offers fast service and fresh look

Alice Skelton, Bookstore Manager

October 20096 The Mississippi Episcopalian

BUILDING PROGRESS

Nativity, Greenwood’s new addition pictured above being moved into this month. The new build-ing’s exterior perfectly matches the existing architecture of the old parish hall and church in down-town Greenwood. The storefront on the left houses Nativity’s Boy Scout Troop.

A beautiful enclosed courtyard was developed into Nativity’s building plan.

St. John’s, Ocean Springs, has a Christmas completion date on their 1.8 million dollar expansion.The renovation/expansion is dedicated for EYC space, Christian Education, and a larger fellowshiphall which could also be used as a family worship space as well.

The bricks are being laid on St. Columb’s new church building. The space will seat 400 parishionersand have a new sacristy and a children’s chapel. The parish hall which currently serves as the wor-ship space will be free to hold fellowship events when the building is completed in November of thisyear.

Above is a picture of the interior of the newly built Fowler Hall at St. James’ in Jackson. Also addedwere a youth wing, a Guild Parlor, and Administration Offices. Gray Hall was refurbished and thehouse on Oak Ridge is redone and called Oakridge Hall. New play ground equipment was addedand the Troop 1 Scout Hut was refurbished.

Hank Lamb/Photo Hank Lamb/Photo

Trinity Church in Pass Christian is in the middle of their construction of a new church which beganin February of 2009. The 1.8 million dollar project is expected to be completed in March of 2010.One unique feature is a 2,000 square foot porch which will be used for many parish functions.

Susan Naramore/photo

The Mississippi Episcopalian 7October 2009

PARISH LIFE

Having taken to heart the Bishop’s expectation that the Episcopal Church is to be “inviting, trans-forming, and reconciling,” the Church of the Ascension in Hattiesburg decided to lay it right out therefor all to see. The entrances to both the church and the parish hall welcome all who approach thosethresholds and leave no doubt where they are! If your church is interested in welcome mats likeAscension’s give the Very Rev. Susan Bear a call.

Standing with Bishop Gray are Joe Rohl, Marsha Rives and Daniel Marcum who were presented forConfirmation at Grace Church, Canton on August 30th.

Agnita Howard hits Redeemer Biloxi’s Parish Hall runway at the fall fashion show fundraiser.

Fall Fashion Show and Cookbookkickoff at Redeemer

By Nickki Burchfield

On Saturday, September 19, Redeemer of Biloxi held a fall fashion show and lunch-eon. The purpose was not two — but three-fold. One purpose was to raise funds forongoing needs of our church. The second was to introduce our new cookbook, Our DailyBread III and generate sales for it. The third, and perhaps most important, purpose was toget the “face” of Redeemer out into our community again. We felt the event was success-ful because we had several attend who had been missing from church. Also, there weresome guests who got to hear about our church and its mission efforts for the first time.

Menu was planned and prepared by Rosemary Joyce. Decorations were coordinatedby Agnita Howard and her daughter, Lisa Jetta. The theme was a tea house and memberslent their teapots, cups and dishes so the show could be done for nominal expense. Therewas a tremendous amount of support from the church members for this event.

Amanda Huffman, Janet Lorenz, Agnita Howard, Alverta Rockwell and Debbie Williswere models. Clothing, shoes and accessories were provided by Dillard’s of Biloxi.

By Nickki Burchfield is a communicant of Redeemer, Biloxi.

St. Alban’s Founders’ Jubilee celebrating 150 years of worship begins Oct. 31st. Lennis andAnna Cate Barlow (granddaughters of St. Alban’s Jr. Warden Bobby Barlow) pose with CivilWar re-enactors who will be a part of the festivities.

By Kenon Ruska

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church celebrates over 150 years of worship on October 31 andNovember 1. Civil War re-enactors and Boy Scout troops will camp on the groundsthroughout the weekend.

Saturday afternoon, a Civil War skirmish and cannon demonstration will be held. Freehotdogs will be served.

At 6 p.m, the annual All Saints’ Eve Service held in the cemetery will include evensongand lighting of the luminaries. Following the service, living history tours of the cemeterywill tell the history of St. Alban’s.

On Sunday, visitors are invited to attend the 11 a.m. Eucharist in period dress if theywish. Dinner on the Grounds will take place from 12 - 2 p.m., with a Country Market, livemusic, horse rides and other activities for youth.

For more information, contact the church at 601-636-6687 or visit the web site,www.stalbansbovina.org.

Kenon Ruska is a communicant of St. Alban’s, Bovina.

St. Alban’s sesquicentennial FoundersJubilee observed the weekend of Oct. 31

October 20098 The Mississippi Episcopalian

OUTREACH

By Dave MolinaIn March of 2008, parishoners from St.

Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral in Jackson,Mississippi partnered with the William WinterInstitute for Racial Reconciliation to begin a sus-tained dialogue about the legacy of race in theJackson Episcopal community. The group —which quickly grew to include parishioners fromother Jackson area churches as well as non-Episcopalians — eventually broadened the con-versation about race to focus on “[reflection]and [dialogue] on dreams for a vibrant down-town Jackson community.”

Through this process, recurrent themesemerged as areas for further study and action:economic justice, neighborhood organizing,media activism, young people/education, diverseand representative participation, and anti-racismtraining.

Sustained dialogue in regards to race, com-munity and urban renewal in the Jackson areacontinued through the fall of 2008, when thegroup transitioned from dialogue to action.Concerns about diversity of access to and equityof benefit from the Jackson area’s increasinginterest in downtown development and urbanrenewal led group members to envision an insti-tution that would attract a diverse and represen-tative constituency and could serve as an anchor-ing imprint of the group’s vision for a unifiedJackson.

Discussions of such an institution’s missiongravitated towards the essential and universaltask of preparing and sharing food, which tookthe form of a non-profit restaurant that wouldengage diverse constituencies as stakeholders in

each stage in its establishment and operation-lit-erally, a “DiverseCity Diner” as the group wouldcome to refer to itself.

MISSION STATEMENTDiverseCity Diner seeks to foster diverse and

equitable development in downtown Jackson bycultivating a reputable and inviting dining experi-ence that serves as a life skills and workforce train-ing site for area youth and as a responsible partnerin the inclusion of local, organic, and sustainableagriculture in its cuisine.

PROJECT GOALSDiverseCity Diner has goals in the following

core areas: youth mentoring and workforce devel-opment; local, organic, and sustainable agricul-ture; and community/racial reconciliation.

YOUTH MENTORING AND WORKFORCEDEVELOPMENT

Through life skill mentoring and job train-ing, DiverseCity Diner seeks to empower youngpeople to succeed in the job market, to partici-pate in their community as productive citizens,and to contribute to the growth of a diverse andequitable downtown Jackson.

The target population for DiverseCityDiner’s programs and services will be youthbetween the ages of 16 and 22 who havedropped out of school and/or have sentencingrequirements within juvenile justice system.

In terms of programming, DiverseCity Dinerplans to offer to its participants a 9-week “Level 1”and an optional 6-week “Level 2” program. Bothlevels will require a 40-hour workweek, Monday-to-Friday commitment, and will include a rigorouslife-skills curriculum (potentially implementing the21st Century Success Principles or the Alternativesto Violence models) and peer-to-peer mentoringand dialogue. Additional life skill services willinclude GED program placement and significant,sustained follow-up/case management after pro-gram completion.

In addition to the life skills curriculum, bothLevel 1 and Level 2 programming will include acomprehensive food service and preparation cur-riculum, and will use DiverseCity Diner’s restau-rant staff and dining services as a framework forjob training: Level 1 will focus on basic food serv-ice employment skills-with program participantsworking as servers, hosts, prep cooks, etc. in therestaurant-whereas Level 2 will allow participantsto specialize in a food preparation or restaurantmanagement skill set. The food service and prepa-ration curriculum will include conversations witharea restauranteurs and assistance in employmentplacement upon program completion.

LOCAL, ORGANIC, AND SUSTAINABLEAGRICULTURE

DiverseCity Diner is committed to offering amenu that emphasizes healthy, responsible con-sumption and reflects the diverse racial, ethnic,and regional cuisine for which Jackson serves as aculinary and cultural crossroads. Critical to thismission will be the inclusion of local, organic, andsustainable agriculture (especially through partner-ships with community gardens) in its ingredients.

COMMUNITY/RACIAL RECONCILIATIONDiverseCity Diner intends to participate in

the economic revitalization of downtown Jacksonin a way that that directly benefits or is participat-ed in by a diverse and representative constituency.A core commitment of the restaurant will be anemphasis on an inexpensive and high qualitymenu-to encourage neighborhood, socioeconom-ic, and racial diversity in patronage. Furthermore,though DiverseCity Diner began as a conversationwithin the St. Andrew’s Cathedral community andseeks to serve as a site for the ministry of reconcili-ation, the project is committed to building appro-priate partnerships with diverse religious and non-religious organizations and individuals that workin the following areas: youth advocacy and youthjustice; downtown development; restaurant man-agement; social services; local, organic, and sus-tainable agriculture; community and racial recon-ciliation.

DiverseCity Diner seeks to develop partner-ships that will aid the group in program develop-ment, project financing, diverse/representativeconstituency building, and organizational visibility.

Churches or organizations supportingDiverseCity Diner are St. Andrew’s Cathedral, St.Alexis Episcopal Church, Central United MethodistChurch, John Perkins Foundation, William WinterInstitute for Racial Reconciliation, Greater JacksonLeadership Council, Jim Hill Civil, Rights/CivilLiberties Group, Mississippi ACLU, MississippiCenter for Justice, Mississippi RestaurantAssociation, and the Mississippi Youth JusticeProject.

DiverseCity Diner youth outreach to teach job skills and foster good citizenship

By Michael Magargel

On June 14, 2009 Camp Coast Care-LESM beganhousing and operating in our new facility in Bay St.Louis, MS. In what has been only two months 447 vol-unteers have already joined us in the new camp.

It is such an exciting time in the history of CampCoast Care/Mission on the Bay/LESM. We have continu-ally evolved and developed with the needs of the com-munities we serve. A distribution center, emergencymedical services, short-term, and long-term recovery, as-well-as case management have been services we haveoffered as an organization. We continue to serve theneeds of the community in long-term reconstructionand case management. In our larger facility, we can nowbetter serve Hancock County, and allow for morerewarding and memorable volunteer opportunities.

Consolidating the two camps has provided us theopportunity to become more efficient and effective inour mission to serve those most in need.

Hancock County is particularly benefiting. Withour greater accessibility, numerous residents visit seek-ing assistance.

While it may seem presumptuous to label the moveas a success after such a short period of time, the hun-dreds of volunteers that have stayed with us have com-mented positively on the new facility, the staff, but mostimportantly the mission of the camp.

Our mission has remained constant and ourresolve and commitment to producing measurable andidentifiable results has strengthened. We hope ourmove has shown, through action, our commitment tothe Mississippi Gulf Coast. That we are here, that wecare, and that we will continue encouraging folks fromaround the country to not forget the work that stillneeds to be done.

Busily packing up our offices, we found cards andpictures from groups that had been with us in the directaftermath of Hurricane Katrina, reminders of what oncewas, inspiration of how much progress has been made.Reminding us that nothing is truly lost, it is simply wait-ing to be found anew.

We also hope that our moveinspires groups from the beginning torenew their efforts on behalf of thecoastal communities and encourages newgroups to join us in this vital mission. Aswe tell our volunteer groups, we are notsimply restoring and building homes, weare restoring and rebuilding the lives ofmembers of God’s kingdom.

Michael Magargel is the VolunteerManager at Camp Coast Care/Missionon the Bay.

Camp Coast Care/Mission on the Bay Consolidation

BILL KING BILL YOUNGBLOOD

601-953-2847

Combined Camp Coast Care/Mission on the Bay facilities are open for business.

October 2009

OUTREACH

By Scott Lenoir

The National Civilian Community Corps andLiving Independently For Everyone of Mississippi(LIFE) co-sponsored a home revitalization program forpersons with disabilities in September and October.

The project, Hearts, Hands and Hammers, last-ed seven weeks and placed AmeriCorp members incentral and west central Mississippi serving peoplewith disabilities by making much needed repairs andmodifications to their homes.

The AmeriCorps workers are based out of thenew regional training center on the All Saints’ campusin Vicksburg.

While the group served in Pike County, theChurch of the Mediator/Redeemer in McComb servedmeals to the group.

“They are a fun group and three of them werekind enough to come to the 8:30 a.m. hospitality hourlast Sunday at Redeemer in Magnolia to explain who

they are and what they are doing in the area,” saidHolly Burris, a communicant of Mediator/Redeemer.

LIFE, a non-profit organization providing servicesto individuals with disabilities, provided the necessarytraining for the AmeriCorp staff to work with handi-capped and disabled individuals.

LIFE director, Christy Gilliand Dunaway said thatHearts, Hands and Hammers built wheelchair ramps,widened doorways and installed grab bars in thehomes of individuals who use wheelchairs or othertypes of medical equipment for their mobility.

“Often all it takes to keep living at home — andavoid a nursing facility — is modifications to the homethat allow easier access into, out of, and throughout,the home,” said Dunaway.

If your parish or mission would like to coordi-nate support services for AmeriCorps volunteers work-ing in your area, please call Christy GilliandDunnaway, LIFE, 601-696-4009.

The Mississippi Episcopalian 9

Mediator/Redeemer parishioner Holly Burris, second from left, with AmeriCorp workers.

Honduras Medical Mission fund raiser scheduledBy Cheryl Welch

Mark your calendar for the Honduras HoedownDraw Down on Nov. 1 from 6-8 p.m. at theChapel of the Cross in Madison.

“This is a great way for everyone to supportthe 2010 Honduras Medical Mission,” saidStephanie Scott of Madison, a member of theChapel of the Cross. “We’ve planned the hoe-down on a Sunday night and hope people willcome from across the state.”

Tickets are $50, which gives two adults onechance to win $5,000. No more than 400 ticketswill be sold for the opportunity to win $5,000,and you do not have to be present to win.Insurance is $25, which puts a ticket back in thedrawing if it is among the first 50 drawn.

It’s not necessary to be present to win, soone may simply purchase a ticket to support the

mission.Proceeds from the draw down will be used

to purchase supplies and equipment for theHonduras Medical Mission that is scheduledFeb.13-20, 2010 in the village of San Joaquin.

The Chapel of the Cross in Madison issponsoring parish for the medical mission andneeds to raise $40,000 to pay for medical sup-plies, medicines and a water purification systemthat is being installed in the village.

“A lot of people think the medicines aredonated but they are not,” said FrancesChristian, co-leader of the 2010 trip. “We musthave medicine that is in date. All the medicalstandards we apply there are the same as here inthe U.S. If we can’t do it here, we don’t do itthere.”

The 34 medical mission team memberseach pay their own way.

The 2009 medical mission served 2,061patients in the medical clinic, cared for 395 den-tal patients and filled 8,661 pharmacy prescrip-tions.

“Last year on the first day, the doctor saw700 people,” Christian said. “That was thebusiest day.”

Each family that visits the medical clinicreceives over-the-counter medicines that includeTylenol, vitamins and antibacterial ointment andis treated for intestinal parasites.

Joint and foot injuries are common becauseof the manual labor villagers do year after year,Christian said. Diabetes is common, and so arerotten teeth, she said.

The 2009 medical mission distributed 527pairs of single vision eyeglasses, 321 pairs ofbifocals and 173 pairs of reading glasses.

The 2009 veterinary clinic cared for 401

horses, 420 cows, 116 dogs and one sheep. Chris Scott, a member of the Chapel of the

Cross, is co-leader of the 2010 medical mission.He served in the military in Iraq in 2005 and saidhis experience with humanitarian missions inIraq taught him how to identify the needs ofpeople and work within a structured environ-ment to improve them.

“It’s satisfying to improve the quality oflives for others,” he said.

For more information or to purchase a tick-et, contact Stephanie Scott at 601-214-5589 orsqscott@comcast.net . Check out www.hon-durasmedicalmission.net for more info about thetrip.

Cheryl Welch is a communicant of Chapel of theCross, Madison.

AmeriCorps workers wrap up home repair projects for the disabled

Carol Borne Spenser

When the vision for the Hallelujah Housing Partnership was cre-ated in early 2007, Episcopal Relief and Development, the EpiscopalDiocese of Mississippi and ECD/Hope Community Credit Union(Hope) were all invested in collaborating to rebuild communitiesalong the Mississippi Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina.Episcopal Relief and Development, whose mission is always to buildcommunities by serving the underserved, worked with the Diocese ofMississippi to research the best avenues for the national EpiscopalChurch to funnel gifts from the larger church into the rebuilding ofthe Gulf Coast. Hope Community Credit Union was started by faithcommunities in Mississippi in 1993 to develop all communities espe-cially those underserved by traditional lending institutions. Hopeoffered a practical and long range opportunity to address the afford-able housing crisis facing low income individuals and families.

A grant of $1,600,000 was awarded to the Diocese of Mississippiboth for down payment assistance as well as for guarantees on mort-gages to low income individuals and families struggling to rebuildtheir lives after Katrina destroyed them . To date, 25 families who oth-erwise might not have qualified through traditional lenders, receivedmortgage assistance from the down payment assistance grants.

Twenty-eight families and individuals have had their loans guaranteedby our Loan Loss Reserve fund. This totals 53 individuals and familiesto date, who have received mortgage assistance financially coupledwith financial counseling. It is projected that another 65 loans will beapproved during 2010, using our monies as a guarantee.

Even with the down turn in the mortgage industry in 2008,ECD/Hope, with the assistance of the Hallelujah Housing Partnership,was able to offer some relief and hope to the people living between60-80% of the Average MedianIncome on the Coast. When tradi-tional lending institutions’pipelines for mortgages had all butdried up, the Hallelujah Housingpartnership through ECD/Hopewas able to close mortgages for thisgroup of hard working but strug-gling individuals and families.

Episcopalians can be proud ofthis program and know that themonies invested in ECD/HopeCommunity Credit Union will con-tinue for years to provide mortgage

assistance and guarantees to low income families and individuals.Generously granted by Episcopal Relief and Development to the dio-cese, this money will be the gift that keeps on giving as we seek to be“one church in mission” to the wider community along the MississippiGulf Coast.

The Rev. Carol Borne Spencer is the Assistant to the Bishop forOutreach and Community Development and the Coordinator forOutreach and Mission at St. Andrew’s Cathedral.

Hallelujah Housing Partnership benefits 53 Coast familiesDiocese of MS doing its part to alleviate affordable housing crisis still existing post Katrina

10 The Mississippi Episcopalian October 2009

OUR DIOCESE

In our rush to get through our frantic days it is very easy to forget thatGod provides much more than just the meals we eat and an occasionalhealing. For many the last, tired moments of the day provide just enoughtime to say “thank you God for getting me through today.” That makes itall the more important that we find a time to sit down and contemplateALL the things which God provides. Fr. Jud Meadors, Rector of GraceChurch, Canton reflects on one of God’s mercies.

I have been thinking more lately of the petition in The GeneralThanksgiving (BCP, p.101) “...give us such an awareness of your mercies,that with truly thankful hearts, we may show forth your praise, not only with

our lips, but in our lives...”An awareness of your mercies...on this particular morning I have awakened to the sound of the

rain as it hits the window a/c unit in our bedroom. During last night’s rain, and the rain last week, Iwas able to put hanging baskets in the drip line of the front porch roof, letting the verbena and thepetunias get a good soaking.

Ah, those petunias, they’re looking a bit scraggly now, but they continue to bloom so! As if to say,we will not withhold our beauty from anyone; we will not be denied our time to ‘show forth God’spraise’!

And during last week’s rain, I dragged one of our empty 50 gallon rain barrels we had bought atSam’s under the drip line of the back porch. In those two rains, I was able to completely fill that stuc-co-colored, fiberglass rain barrel with 50 gallons of rain water! Since then, both Nanc’ and I have usedsome of that runoff rain water to refresh plants. We just need to get gutters up on the back porch toreally be in the rain water business!

Under the influence of my newly discovered photography mentor, the French photographerRobert Doisneau, I have taken a few pictures in the rain. I saw his black and white photograph of a M.Barre’s Merry-Go-Round in a driving rain in a Paris suburb, and I was inspired to photograph rainthreads coming off our roof, a single droplet on the end of a chain, and the wet leaves and drops onour 8 foot tall Confederate Rose bush.

Last week, I was delighted to read on our son C.J.’s Facebook page his thanks for ‘the sweet sum-mer rain, like God’s own mercy.’

So, yes, the rain has served to increase my awareness of God’s mercies to me. The rain wateredthe dormant seeds in my heart, put there by Christ the Sower, so that tender shoots of awarenessmight spring forth! With God’s help, may my tender shoots, and yours, mature to praise him!

Christ’s Peace, Jud+

By Denny Allman

Ring Around the Collar

By Debo DykesGay men and lesbians are no different than

others who have committed themselves to a life inChrist and have vowed, through their baptism, to“seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving yourneighbor as yourself.” This was apparent duringthe Spiritual Renewal Conference for Gay & LesbianPersons held at The Duncan M. Gray Camp &Conference Center, August 21 - 23, 2009.

Under the leadership of The Rev. Dr.Ruthanna Hooke, Professor of Homiletics at VirginiaTheological Seminary, participants explored thevocation and journey gay Christians have in thechurch. Gay and lesbian persons were encouragedto see themselves as ministering to the church; toclarify that their task is not to justify the presence ofgays there, but the presence of God in a communi-ty that vows to “strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every humanbeing.” The Rev. Dr. Hooke encouraged gay Christians and reminded them they have specific gifts tooffer the church; they can serve the priesthood of believers as “icons,” as windows that show a facet ofGod. In particular, gays who have experienced “wilderness times” in coming out and living as homo-sexual Christians can teach others about God’s sustaining grace. We were all reminded, both gay andstraight, that being gay or lesbian is not actually a problem, but, in fact, a gift to today’s Church.

The Duncan M. Gray Camp & Conference Center, The Committee on Ministry with Gay & LesbianPersons, and The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi offer their sincere and grateful appreciation to BettyMelton of Meridian, MS, for the gifts of altar linens and Gospel Book, in loving memory of Becky“Bear” Luke, lifelong partner and faithful servant of Christ our Lord.

The Rev. Debo Dykes is the Director of the Center for Formation and Mission.

The Rev. Janet Ott, Betty Melton (center), standwith the Spiritual Renewal Conference leader,the Rev. Dr. Ruthanna Hooke.

A gift to today’s Church!

By Janet Nail Since I grew up in the South, going to the football game on Friday night

was-well, if not required, at least expected. And boy! The excitement filledthe stadium, even though our football team was slightly better than mediocre.Clutching our hot dogs and drinks, we chattered away, waiting for kickoff.

Then came the dreaded words: Let us all be silent as we askBrother Prolix to give the invocation.

The entire Super Bowl could have been played while Brother Prolixprayed-including commercials and half time show. His beautiful, elegant, carefully chosenwords fell on us like bricks. So lovely. So pious. So empty.

Unfortunately, Brother Prolix usually taught the Bible class, too. How he loved to teachthe Bible! He brought his commentary, his text books, his slides, his maps. Carefully, he eluci-dated the day’s Scripture. He examined all the archeological evidence. He showed the etymolo-gy of every word. He compared several translations to show what the writer really meant to say.Unfortunately, he built a chasm between his hearers (they stopped listening three classes ago)and the living, compassionate God who was buried under his verbiage.

Although we have all encountered Brother Prolix during our spiritual journeys, we havelearned that there is another way to encounter God in Scripture that does not depend on acarefully prepared lecture. There is a way of reading the Bible devotionally to satisfy spiritualthirst. Christians have long known a means of encountering Scripture that transcends time andculture-specific references, that engages the reader’s own experience to facilitate spiritualgrowth.

From the Reformation in the sixteenth century through the Enlightenment in the eigh-teenth century, rational thought insisted on a split between the sacred and the secular, a splitthat led to an emphasis on the analytical and historical approach to any text. This systematicanalysis of Scripture has yielded many valuable insights about events at the time of writing andthe relationship between various editors. But the details have tended to overwhelm the devo-tional study of Scripture in the older tradition that viewed the Bible as an aid to the spiritual liferather than chiefly a source of data or information.

This way of studying the Scripture is called “lectio divina.”It never really disappeared, Monastic communities and newly evangelized African

Christians have found it a source of spiritual growth, and it is available to anyone who desires aholy encounter with the Bible.

GATHERED IN THE WORD by Norvene Vest (Upper Room Books, 1996) offers detailedinstruction for using lectio divina in small groups..

She begins with an overview of lectio divina, then begins a description of the basicprocess. The leader reads a short passage from the Bible. As he/she reads, the other memberslisten attentively for a particular word or phrase that seems to be given to each one; then eachrepeats aloud the word received. Another member reads the same passage again, and in silencegroup members ponder how the passage has touched their lives. Then the members speak ofhis or her sense of being touched. Finally the same passage is read yet again and in silence thegroup members reflect on a possible invitation found in the passage to do or be something inthe next few days. Each speaks of his/her own invitation and the person on the left prays for theempowerment to follow through on that invitation.

Ms Vest reiterates that lectio involves discipline, and that part of that discipline is context.Lectio takes place with access to outside study of objective information. It is primarily a processof encounter, not knowledge acquisition.

The book follows a group of three couples who meet to share lectio in a communal set-ting. This hypothetical group experiences all the pitfalls and blessings of beginning lectio div-ina. Some are impatient. Others feel uncomfortable with the “New Age” feel of lectio. Someare afraid that lectio will interfere with a practice of meditation. Some see no point in it, don’tfeel it accomplishes anything.

Ms Vest addresses each concern and shows how the process will slowly bring one closerto God. She keeps urging, through her group members, “Trust the process.”

Fine, I hear you say. But I don’t have time to drive to a group meeting after I get offwork. Ms Vest has heard you. She includes a guide for individual lectio divina.

If this sounds like something you would like to try, you may also borrow a program onlectio from the A-V Center. (You may also borrow this book.) And if you are interested in otherkinds of contemplative prayer, I have programs on centering prayer, too.

I have retired from the library, so you may call me at 662-746-3923; leave a message onthe answering machine if I am not home. Keep an eye on this column; I may have to surrenderand get a cell phone! And you can always e-mail me at grandmastruck1994@yahoo.com.

Lectio Divina practice adds strengthto Christian spirituality

OCTOBER13-16

• Clergy Conference, Gray Center,Canton16-18• Center for Formation & Mission:Yearning for a Connection - a centeringprayer retreat (LLM and others), GrayCenter, Canton18• Bishop Gray visits: Creator, Clinton -10:30 a.m.• Bishop Gray visits: St. Luke’s,Brandon - 6:00 p.m.23-24• Province IV Christian Formation:Conference on Being a ChristianEducator: how to feed others as wellas one’s self, Gray Center, Canton24•Day on the Diaconate, Grace Church,Canton25• Bishop Gray visits: Church of theResurrection & MSU Canterbury,Starkville - 10:30 a.m.27• Celebration of New Ministry for theRev. Patrick Skutch - 6:00 p.m., ChristChurch, Bay St. Louis28• Convocational Deans’ Meeting -11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Allin House,Jackson31 - November 1• Family Camp, Camp Bratton Green,Canton

NOVEMBER1• Bishop Gray visits: All Saints’,Grenada - 10:30 a.m.

• Bishop Gray visits: All Saints’,Jackson - 6:30 p.m.3• Fresh Start - 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.,Trinity Church, Hattiesburg•Deadline for submittal to TheMississippi Episcopalian - 12:00 noon4• Celebration of New Ministry for theRev. Sylvia Czarnetzky - 6:00 p.m., St.John’s Church, Aberdeen5• Fresh Start - 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.,All Saints’, Tupelo6-8• Vocare / Cornerstone, Camp BrattonGreen, Canton•Happening #70, St. Andrew’sCathedral, Jackson6-7• All Saints’ School Alumni Gathering,Vicksburg8• Bishop Gray visits: St. Paul’s,Corinth - 10:30 a.m.• Bishop Gray visits: St. Bernard’s,Okolona - 4:00 p.m.9•Gray Center Executive Committee -5:00 p.m., Allin House, Jackson11•Deacons’ Council - 11:00 a.m. - 2:00p.m., Allin House, Jackson• Bishop Gray visits: St. Matthew’s,Forest - 6:00 p.m.13-14• ECW Fall Conference, Gray Center,Canton13-15• Jr. High DOY, Camp Bratton Green,Canton

15• Bishop Gray visits: St. Columb’s,Ridgeland - 10:30 a.m.15-17• Presbyter Post-OrdinationConsultation, Gray Center, Canton17•Diocesan Trustees - 2:00 p.m., AllinHouse, Jackson

19•Mississippi Religious LeadershipConference - 12:00 noon22• Bishop Gray visits: St. George’s,Clarksdale - 10:30 a.m.• Bishop Gray visits: St. Thomas’,Belzoni - 6:00 p.m.25-27• Allin House closed for Thanksgiving

DECEMBER1•Deadline forsubmittal to TheMississippiEpiscopalian -12:00 noon4-5• Anti-RacismTraining, GrayCenter, Canton4-6• Center forFormation &Mission: HolyLeisure SilentRetreat, Cottage 3,Gray Center,Canton

5•Gray Center Board - 9:00 a.m. - 2:00p.m., Gray Center, Canton6• Bishop Gray visits: St. John’s, Laurel- 10:30 a.m.• Celebration of New Ministry for theRev. Melanie Lemburg - 6:00 p.m., St.Peters by-the-Sea, Gulfport10• Finance Committee - 11:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m., St. Andrew’s Cathedral,Jackson13• Bishop Gray visits: Church of theAdvent, Sumner with Celebration ofNew Ministry for the Rev. RobertWetherington - 10:00 a.m.•Dedication of new Parish Center -4:00 p.m., Church of the Nativity,Greenwood

15• Standing Committee - 11:30 a.m. -2:30 p.m., Allin House, Jackson17• Executive Committee - 11:30 a.m. -3:30 p.m., St. Andrew’s Cathedral,Jackson20• Bishop Gray visits: St. Paul’s,Woodville - 10:30 a.m.23-25• Allin House closed for Christmas27-January 1•Winter Solstice, Camp BrattonGreen, Canton30• Bishop Gray visits: St. Catherine’sVillage, Madison - 4:00 p.m.

DIOCESAN CALENDAR

EVENTS

October 2009 The Mississippi Episcopalian 11

On Being a Christian Educator Conference Oct. 23-24 at Gray Center

The Province IV Christian Education Steering Committee is presenting a two-day Christian Educators’workshop, “On Being A Christian Educator: How to feed others as well as one’s self.” The keynote pre-senter will be Sharon Ely Pearson, Church Publishing’s first Christian Formation Specialist. Sharon holdsa B.S in Special Education, she has a certificate in Christian Education from Hartford Seminary and aMaster’s degree in Christian Education from Virginia Seminary. Along with Pearson’s presentations,members of the Province IV Christian Education Steering Committee will offer small group workshopsessions on Children’s Scope and Sequence, Seasons (including VBS), Adult Programs, ChoosingCurriculum, Taste of Scripture, and Children’s Chapel.

2nd Annual Low Country Boil plannedat St. Paul’s, Corinth

A few tickets remain for the Low Country Boil on October 17th. This promises to be a wonderfulshindig for church members, family and friends, as Paul and Sherry Smith play “Executive Chefs” to awhole lot of volunteers from ECW and the Brotherhood of St. Paul’s. With a crew like that the food’sguaranteed to be fabulous. The entertainment will be fine, too. Cliff Gephart will be playing DJ andspinning discs all through the night.

The pre-sale of shrimp has been quite a success as well. More than twice as much shrimp has beensold this year than was last year! That’s quite an accomplishment.

PARISH LIFE

October 200912 The Mississippi Episcopalian

By Anne ChalkMERIDIAN, MISS. - A

spiritual retreat set forHalloween weekend will lit-erally “stitch together” thethreads of grace. Sponsoredby the CloselyKnit Ministryat St. Paul’s EpiscopalChurch where the event willbe held, the “Threads ofGrace” spiritual stitchingretreat will bring togetherparticipants to share andlearn the culture of needle-work in a spiritual atmos-phere.

Beginning Friday,October 30 at 6:00 p.m. andclosing Saturday, October 31with Holy Eucharist at 3 p.m., Threads of Grace will be ledby Susan Nix, former owner of a yarn shop in Jackson andknitting instructor at Kanuga and Gray Center, and theRev. Jennifer Deaton, Chaplain of St. Andrews’ EpiscopalSchool in Jackson and former Curate of St Paul’s,Meridian. Deaton initiated the CloselyKnit prayer shawlministry at St. Paul’s. Proceeds from the event will benefitrenovations of St. Paul’s chapel.

“This is a retreat - not a workshop,” said Lynne Taleff,one of the organizers of the event. “However, we will cer-tainly address techniques, answer questions, share stories,have demonstrations and actually stitch, knit or crochet aswe meditate, pray and share Holy Eucharist together.”

Registration for the event is $50 and includes heavyhors d’oeuvres Friday night as well as a continental break-fast and lunch on Saturday. The retreat is not limited toknitting or prayer shawl groups and participants will learnthe history of the weaving and wearing of shawls in theChristian tradition. The Stitchery will be on hand in the

St. Paul’s Parish Hall withbooks, yarns, and otherwares for sale, and willdonate a percent of sales tothe benefit cause. A silentauction will begin Fridayevening and end before theclosing Eucharist onSaturday.

CloselyKnit membershope the event will becomean annual, or even bi-annual,retreat that will be open toall interested persons.“Anywhere two needles heldby two hands come together,

an inexplicable calmdescends. It is an experienceshared by all, recognized by

all, revered by all who do the needlework they’ve come tolove,” said Deaton. “We feel this meditative quality is adelightful and meaningful - but most of all prayerful -result of the handiwork we do. We know others feel thesame, so why not share that joyous calm whenever wecan?”

Attendees are encouraged to bring their handiwork(knitting, crochet, quilting or needlework) and makeknown any requests for particular technique demonstra-tions, special requirements or needed accommodations.

The Threads of Grace retreat is limited to 100 partici-pants and the registration deadline is October 26. St.Paul’s Episcopal Church is located in downtown Meridianat 1116 23rd Avenue. You may obtain registration formson-line at www.stpaulsec.com or you can call the churchat 601-693-2502 for more information. Special discountswill be given to groups of five or more.

Anne Chalk is a communicant of St. Paul’s, Meridian.

Spiritual Retreat Stitches “Threads of Grace”

Christ Church Vicksburg celebrates 170th anniversary

A week-long celebration will begin at Christ Episcopal Church in Vicksburg onNov. 1st to celebrate the church’s 170th birthday. The church is the only pre-civilwar church standing in Vicksburg.

At 6 p.m. on Nov. 1st a dramatic interpretation of the Rev. Heny Samsome, arector who served Christ Church after the siege of Vicksburg, will be given by JimMiller. Miller, a communicant of Christ Church and a layreader will officiate EveningPrayer from the 1892 Book of Common Prayer.

Special events and services are scheduled throughout the week. Contact ChristChurch at 601-638-5899 for more information. Christ Church is located at 115 MainStreet in Vicksburg.

The Rev. Jennifer Deaton, founder of the CloselyKnit ministry, will co-lead the “Threads of Grace” needleworkretreat at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church October 30-31.

A date toremember:

The first Gray

Center Family

Camp. Lots of fun,

food & fellowship.

Call 601-859-1556

to register.

October 31st