All Saints 2011 issue - Episcopal Diocese of Florida
Transcription
All Saints 2011 issue - Episcopal Diocese of Florida
EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF FLORIDA 325 Market Street Jacksonville, Florida 32202 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID TIME DATED MATERIAL: PLEASE DELIVER WITHIN THREE DAYS Jacksonville, FL Permit No. 189 POSTMASTER: If undeliverable, DO NOT RETURN READERS: your parish office will correct label at your request. DO NOT NOTIFY 325 Market Street WWW.DIOCESEFL.ORG DIOCESAN CALENDAR NEWS OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF FLORIDA DIOCESE OF FLORIDA CALENDAR ONLINE AT: www.diocesefl.org NATIONAL CHURCH CALENDAR ONLINE AT: www.episcopalchurch.org * Events subject to change or cancellation – confirm date, hour, location before traveling. * When attending an event at Camp Weed & The Cerveny Conference Center, you must confirm your lodging and/or meals in advance, either by event registration or by phone: 386/364-5250. NOVEMBER 15 Deadline to submit UTO Grant proposals to Diocesan House 17 Common Ministry Budget meeting 20 Visitation – Bishop Keyser 24 - 25 Diocesan House Closed for Thanksgiving 27 First Sunday of Advent Holy Comforter, Crescent City Episcopal Church DECEMBER 1 Deadline for The Diocesan Convention Companion issue; mailed Dec. 15 4 Visitation – Bishop Howard Good Shepherd, Jacksonville 4 Visitation – Bishop Keyser St. Cyprian’s, St. Augustine 4 Ordination to the Diaconate – Jonathan Baugh St. Andrew’s, Jacksonville 8 Clergy Holiday Party, Bishop John and Marie Howard, hosts 9 Apalachee Region Ultreya TBA 17 10 a.m. - noon Diocesan Council Camp Weed and The Cerveny Conference Center 18 Ordination to the Priesthood – The Rev. Karen Booth San Jose, Jacksonville 23 - Jan. 2 Diocesan House Closed – Christmas Holiday 24 11 p.m. Bishop Howard St. John’s Cathedral 31 - Jan. 1 Diocesan Senior Youth Event Surfs Up! and spirits are high at St. George, Ft. George – Page 7 new ways to involve working women and MARCH 6 2012 LARC APRIL 19 9 a.m.- noon Safeguarding God’s Children class bring forward the next generation of women. At 121st Annual Meeting, Diocese of Florida ECW installs officers during Mandi’s Chapel service at Camp Weed & The Cerveny Conference Center. St. Mark’s, Jacksonville Winterlight at Kanuga: December 27 - January 1, 2012 Diocesan Ski Trip: January 13 - 16, 2012 New Beginnings: March 16 - 18, 2012 Summer Camp Sessions dates online: www.campweed.net Photo: Janet Robinson Full details on page 14 • • • • young mothers, Camp Weed and The Cerveny Conference Center Upcoming Youth Events in the Diocese ... – Pages 2, 6 challenge, employ JANUARY 2012 9 7 p.m. Regional Convention Meeting, Santa Fe Region St. Luke’s, Live Oak 10 7 p.m. Regional Convention Meeting, First Coast East & West St. John’s Cathedral, Jacksonville 11 7 p.m. Regional Convention Meeting, River Region St. Mark’s, Palatka 12 7 p.m. Regional Convention Meeting, Apalachee Region Holy Comforter, Tallahassee 12 9 a.m. - noon Safeguarding God’s Children class St. Mark’s, Jacksonville 14 10 a.m. - noon Diocesan Council Camp Weed and The Cerveny Conference Center 14 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Phyllis Tickle events St. John’s, Cathedral, Jacksonville 15 10:30 a.m. Eucharist with Phyllis Tickle St. John’s Cathedral, Jacksonville 16 Martin Luther King Day – Diocesan House closed 20-22 Happening #122 Camp Weed and The Cerveny Conference Center 27 2012 Diocesan Convention - Opening Eucharist St. John’s Cathedral, Jacksonville 28 2012 Diocesan Convention - Marriott Hotel, Jacksonville 30 Diocesan House closed FEBRUARY 16-19 2nd Annual Florida Episcopal Quilters Retreat ECW Communion vessels honor memory of Canon Saffran Women accept –– Pages 6, 7 ADVENT A.D. 2011 One hundred young acolytes commissioned with 16 leaders at St. Mark’s, Jacksonville – YOUTH, page 14 NEWS OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF FLORIDA Volume XXVIII, No. 5 Circulation 11,586 WWW.DIOCESEFL.ORG ADVENT A.D. 2011 National Episcopal Historians and Archivists NEHA honors Michael Strock, Diocese of Florida archivist, for distinguished service to ‘the ministries of Ecclesiastical History and Archives’ Photo: Bill Schymidt G. Michael Strock, Diocese of Florida Historiographer and Archivist. Conference in St. Augustine. He did such a memorable job that he was soon pressed to serve as conference coordinator, assisting planners of future conferences as liaison to the board. In choosing him for the Davis Award, the board also noted Strock’s service as a vice president of the organization, adding that in addition to serving as conference coordinator, he has conducted workshops on writing parish history and organizing parish archives, has been a mentor to new members, has solicited and written articles for The Historiographer, and has reviewed books for that publication. A major contribution was his work on Archives for Congregations, a booklet that continues to provide valuable help for parish archivists. From a report by A. Margaret Landis. The Historiographer, Vol.XLIX, No. 4. Historiographer Strock presents worshop for Church Historians During a workshop at St. John’s Cathedral for Church Historians on preserving church history, diocesan Historiographer Mike Strock and participants study Timeline Rolls of memorable days created for Rally Day at St. Mark’s, Jacksonville, by its members. Bishop’s new greeting video on Diocesan website at http://diocesefl.org “The first of four new welcome videos is now on the diocesan website,” says Jack Tull. “This video will come up automatically when you enter the website. After a few weeks, we will not have it start automatically; it will be available by clicking on the button. Please have a look.” More on page 2 Photo: Janet Robinson G. Michael Strock, historiographer and archivist for the Diocese of Florida, was honored with the Canon John W. Davis Award, during the Annual Meeting of the National Episcopal Historians and Archivists (NEHA) at Trinity Cathedral in Portland, Ore.. The Davis Award, named for NEHA’s past president, is given in recognition of distinguished service to “the ministries of Ecclesiastical History and Archives.” NEHA’s Board of Trustees recognized Strock for his time and energy not only as a NEHA Board member, but also for his many activities for the organization, including conducting workshops, contributing articles for The Historiographer and in general, for “doing whatever needed to be done.” A native of Wauwatosa, Wisc. Strock earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and his master’s in history from DePaul University. After successfully passing the Federal Service entrance exam, in 1965 he went to work for the U.S. Park Service. His first assignments were at Fort Caroline in Jacksonville; then at Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine. For 31 years, he was posted at various parks around the country. Upon retirement he returned to St. Augustine, the home of his wife, Melinda. There he became an active member of Trinity Parish and wrote its history. Unable to quit teaching, for the past 12 years he has taught the history of St. Augustine at Elderhostels. Strock became a member of NEHA in 1999 when he was co-opted to host NEHA’s Annual Meeting and ‘Glory to God’ - Quilt by Jan Harbeson interprets splendid rose window above the altar of St. Mark’s, Jacksonville; timed in celebration of 90th anniversary in 2012 After many years of admiring the Rose Window located behind the altar at St. Mark’s, Jacksonville, Jan Harbeson decided to try to interpret it in a quilt – about six feet wide. “As with any project, one does not really work alone, and this has been no different,” Jan wrote, extending credit and gratitude to several “cheerleaders and advisors” in a carefully detailed history which will be preserved with this parish treasure. “Martha Hallowes is one of our members and historian. While talking to her, I mentioned my desire to make the quilt and she immediately handed me a picture of the window and offered to have it blown up into the size I desired in order to have a pattern. She did have the copies made and gave them to me within a week. Thank you, Martha, for inspiration and guidance. “Margie Parr, Janice Martin, Leesie Snell, and Melody Hainline were cheerleaders and advisors. They provided technical support, fabric galore from Margie, and many words of encouragement and praise. I could not have completed the quilt without them! Leesie made and sewed the binding on and Margie the sleeve on the back. Another wonderful gift that would ensure completion of the quilt! A year in the making “The project started around August 2010 and I finished the quilting on July 7, 2011. I have no idea how many hours went into making the quilt and really do not want to know. It was just something that I knew I had to make. “The backing is 100% cotton and the batting is 80/20 poly blend. The majority of the fabric used is 100% cotton. However, I think the turquoise that surrounds each ‘petal’ is a blend. Each piece has been fused onto the petal and then machine stitched using a zig-zag. Mtr. Michael Armstrong helped cut some of the pieces out for me while on quilt retreat at Camp Weed in February 2011. Margie Parr helped sew the turquoise pieces on one of the petals. Many thanks to them for tremendous help exactly when it was needed. “Janice Martin ran over to the church after receiving a call for help from me and assisted in pinning the quilt together. In one short hour we had it together and I was on my way home to start the quilting process. Thank you, thank you, thank you! “Jane Arnold helped measure around the quilt in order to cut it into a circle. I definitely could not have done that without her help! Awesome!!! Given to the glory of God “This is given to the glory of God for all of the blessings in my life; especially my husband, Cobb, without whom this would never have happened. He bought the sewing machines! Love you forever. (The quilt was made entirely using my Bernina 130 Activa.) “Finally, it is handed over to St. Mark’s in thanksgiving and with a grateful heart, to celebrate the 90th anniversary, April 2012. Thanks be to God!” Advent 2011 wholeness and holiness can be encountered, a place where sainthood can be glimpsed, and a place where our hearts can begin that process of being directed and ruled by God’s Holy Spirit. One of my favorite collects, the one for the Sunday nearest September 14, goes, in part, like this: “Because without you we cannot please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts…” Asking that God “direct and rule our hearts” is a prayer for God to be directly at work within us, transforming us, changing us, drawing us and those whom we love closer and closer to him. For most of us, it does not happen every Sunday. It may only occur on private occasions in lightning flashes of perception and joy that are so stark against the background of the rest of our lives that they tend to blind rather than to illuminate. But at least we know the source of the light and so we return again and again. I will be the first to admit that some people evidently do not want God to direct and rule their hearts. Many of us spend our life surrendering our hearts, not to God, but to other people and things. Chemicals…alcohol…sex…the use and abuse of other people…the pursuit of power…These are the things that often direct and rule our hearts. We are, indeed, a fallen lot in need of a savior! In my better moments, I aspire to sainthood, but the truth is that I am a miserable sinner, absolutely unworthy of the gift which God has given me in Jesus Christ and which he offers to me time and time again. And I know that I have a lot of company along the way. Our pews are filled with people brought into our midst by their own trials and troubles. Each of us is waiting to be filled, waiting for God’s touch, waiting to have a hunger fed and a need answered. And so, yearning for him, we open our Prayer Books and we pray that his Holy Spirit might direct and rule our hearts. Bottom line: Attempts to find substitutes for God are a part of our education, our maturation. It is a very rough school. Rough on us, rough on those around us. For each of us there is a place within us that is waiting for something to arrive, to fill us, to give us meaning, to satisfy that hunger at last. Faithfully, + And that is why we do church. We come together, we open the prayer book and say our prayers, we come to the communion rail to receive the Body and the Blood because we have seen in some small way that here is a place where The Rt. Rev. Samuel Johnson Howard VIII Bishop of Florida Bishop John Howard holds the Walter Saffran Memorial Chalice and Paten, created by potter Janice Kennedy of St. Andrew’s, Jacksonville, at the request of the Episcopal Church Women. A lasting memorial in honor of ECW’s decades-long chaplain, Canon Walter Saffran, the chalice and paten will be in perpetual service at ECW-related events. Photo: Janet Robinson Bishop’s New Greeting Video – Continued from page 1 Welcome The Episcopal Diocese of Florida was founded in 1838 as the entire state of Florida. Today, our diocese consists of 25 counties in Northern Florida. Our parishes and congregations stretch from the Apalachicola River in the western part of our diocese to the Atlantic Ocean, and from the Georgia border to the Palm Coast region. I hope that you find that which you are searching for on this site; and if you visit one of our 66 congregations you will encounter the love of Christ and the fellowship of those who follow him. Click here for Bishop’s Greeting #1 Rich in Diversity The Rt. Rev. Samuel Johnson Howard, Bishop of Florida 2 THE DIOCESAN ADVENT A.D. 2011 Photo: Phil Ashler Thank you for visiting the Episcopal Diocese of Florida's website. The Rev. Abigail W. Moon ordained to the priesthood at St. John’s, Tallahassee The Right Rev. Samuel Johnson Howard ordained the Rev. Abigail W. Moon to the priesthood on behalf of the Right Rev. Scott Benhase, Bishop of Georgia, on Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. at St. John’s, Tallahassee. Mtr. Abi Moon graduated from the University of the South’s School of Theology at Sewanee, Tenn., in May 2011. She serves at St. John’s as priest associate for children, family and young adult ministries. Prior to seminary, Mtr. Moon worked as director of youth ministry at Church of the Good Shepherd, Augusta, Ga., and Church of the Advent, Spartanburg, S.C. She has also served as a teacher and assistant chaplain at Palmer Trinity School, Miami. Following her undergraduate years at Sewanee, the University of the South, she joined the Peace Corps and lived in Guinea, West Africa. She has led or participated in pilgrimages to Greece, Italy and the Holy Land. She and her husband, Rob, have been married four years and are enjoying Tallahassee. Announcement from Cathedral Foundation of Jacksonville Inc. and Urban Jacksonville Inc Jacksonville’s largest non-profit service provider for seniors has new name, new image ‘Aging True’ better reflects mission, programs and services JACKSONVILLE (Oct. 12) – Cathedral Foundation of Jacksonville Inc., a non-profit organization enabling home-based senior independence in Northeast Florida, and its service division, Urban Jacksonville Inc., have a new name, brand image and website – Aging True. “Aging gracefully and with dignity is what every person deserves. For nearly 50 years our programs and services have helped seniors do just that by enabling them to stay in their homes longer. However, the names of our non-profits did not reflect this mission,” explained Teresa Barton, executive director of Aging True. “Our new name, Aging True, really speaks to our support and celebration of independent, graceful aging.” In addition to the name, the Aging True branding effort includes a new logo, brochures about the organization’s key programs, and a website www.agingtrue.org – that is attractive and easy to navigate. Burdette Ketchum, a Jacksonville-based integrated marketing firm, created the brand concept, identity, and marketing and online pieces. Growth in Aging Aging True’s mission to enable home-based senior independence in Northeast Florida benefits the entire community, not just the elderly. Research from the Florida Council on Aging shows that home-based and community care costs are significantly less than the costs for Medicaid nursing home care – on average $49,580 less per year per senior. According to Barton, extending the time seniors live in their own homes not only has fiscal benefits for taxpayers, but seniors who remain in their own homes live fuller, happier lives. As the Baby Boomer generation ages, the senior population increases each year. In less than 10 years, seniors (people age 60 and older) will comprise 29.7 percent of Florida’s total population, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Administration on Aging. By 2030, that percentage will increase to 33.9 percent or 9.73 million seniors. Therefore, services for the elderly will become more needed and in-demand. “Being able to quickly and intuitively find services that assist seniors to remain in their homes is increasingly important for seniors and their caregivers. We believe the Aging True name and new website will be a step toward more accessible information in our area,” Barton stated. Vital Services Aging True is one of the oldest and largest non-profit providers of senior services in Northeast Florida. Unlike numerous groups that serve solely as a resource or reference service, Aging True develops and administers programs designed to provide seniors with the care and assistance they need to live independently and more meaningfully. The organization offers services including nursing-home diversion, home health, mental health and wellness, food delivery, and caregiver support. These vital programs – such as the Medicare-accredited Home Health Agency, Meals on Wheels® and Senior Connections – help more than 6,000 Northeast Florida seniors annually. “Aging True provides dozens of different programs for seniors and their caregivers. Some of our clients simply need a meal delivered to their doors daily, while others may be enrolled in programs involving customized care including meals, companionship, therapy and in-home medical assistance,” Barton said. The most requested programs Aging True provides in Northeast Florida are: Home Health Agency Aging True health professionals help AGING TRUE Community Senior Services seniors reach their health care goals by coordinating with their physicians to develop a strategic plan for in-home treatment. These services may include physical, occupational and speech therapy, skilled nursing and convenient visits from a medical social worker or home health aide. Meals on Wheels Serving as the Meals on Wheels program in Duval County, Aging True coordinates the food preparation and delivery of nearly 300,000 hot and frozen meals to frail, homebound senior and disabled residents each year. Senior Connections A dedicated nursing home diversion program funded by the Department of Elder Affairs and the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration administered by Aging True for the Northeast Florida region, this program uses a managed care delivery system to aid elders who qualify for nursing home placement to continue to live in their homes as long as possible. Another area of focus for Aging True is its caregiver support services, which are designed to encourage and assist those responsible for the full-time care of an elderly family member. These services include educational newsletters, support groups and respite services that help caregivers and their families by reducing emotional, physical and financial hardships. “The essential services our employees and volunteers provide to seniors and caregivers in Northeast Florida will continue as before. What we hope will result from becoming ‘Aging True’ is easier brand recognition and recall – prompting more inquiries about our services, increased sponsor and donor activity, and further interest in volunteering,” Barton said. About Aging True Aging True (formerly Cathedral Foundation of Jacksonville and Urban Jacksonville) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides seniors in Northeast Florida with the care and assistance they need to live independently longer. Founded in 1962, the organization develops and administers health, nutritional and financial care programs designed specifically to serve and educate individuals with disabilities and the elderly, such as Florida Self-Directed Care, Meals on Wheels, Senior Connections and other in-home health, mental wellness and caregiver support services. Aging True services reach more than 6,000 Northeast Florida seniors each year. For more information, visit www.agingtrue.org. More about Aging True . . . Aging True (formerly Cathedral Foundation of Jacksonville Inc. and Urban Jacksonville Inc.) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides seniors in Northeast Florida with the care and assistance they need to live independently longer. Aging True is Northeast Florida’s largest non-profit provider of senior services and a leader in enabling home-based senior independence. Mission To provide essential and innovative services and care for individuals, families and communities throughout Northeast Florida to prepare for and support graceful aging. Services Aging True’s professional staff work with seniors and their families to select the most appropriate program or combination of services, including health, housing, financial, educational, nutritional and other vital areas of assistance. Aging True is the designated lead agency of the Department of Elder Affairs for Duval County. Impact + Aging True services reach more than 6,000 Northeast Florida seniors each year. + The organization has served more than 150,000 seniors since its founding in 1962. + 95% of Aging True’s clients are kept out of nursing care facilities: Seniors who remain in their homes tend to live fuller, happier lives. + Research from the Florida Council on Aging shows that home-based and community care costs are on average $49,580 less per year per senior than the costs for Medicaid nursing home care. Aging True’s services are designed to keep seniors in their homes as long as possible. Client Demographics + Most Aging True clients were born and raised on the First Coast + 55% female, 45% male + Average age is 78 years old + 60% are at or below the poverty line Interesting Facts + The oldest person served by Aging True is 112 years old. + January is the busiest time of year for client referrals to Aging True. + Hot dogs and baked chicken are the most popular meals served to our Meals on Wheels participants. + Total meals served in the last 10 years: 2.75 million. + Our 600-plus volunteers are primarily seniors themselves. ‘Aging True’ history . . . 1962 Cathedral Foundation of Jacksonville Inc. was established as a nonprofit corporation by a group of St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral parishioners who were concerned over the health and welfare of the elderly in Jacksonville. 1962-1972 Completed construction of four downtown residence communities to provide affordable housing to seniors and the physically disabled: Cathedral Towers, Cathedral Townhouse, Cathedral Terrace and Cathedral Court. 1974 Expanded to include Urban Jacksonville Inc. as a focused community service division dedicated to the needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities. 1983 Sponsored the creation of a 120-bed nursing facility, Cathedral Convalescent Center, in downtown Jacksonville. 1991 Successfully bid on Community Care for the Elderly program for Duval County and received designation as lead agency from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. 2000 Cathedral Convalescent Center became a separate, independent organization, Cathedral Gerontology Center. 2006 Became a provider of nursing home diversion services with the Senior Connections program, a dedicated nursing home diversion program. Approved by the state’s Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) and Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). 2009 Named administrator of the Florida Self-Directed Care program for Northeast Florida by the Florida Department of Children & Families. 2010 Created the ACHC-accredited, Medicare-licensed Home Health Agency focused on frail seniors and senior health issues. 2011 Formally changed its name to Aging True to better reflect its services and clients. The name “Aging True” speaks to the organization’s support and celebration of independent, graceful aging through comprehensive programs and services – what aging should be. ADVENT A.D. 2011 THE DIOCESAN 3 Completion of years-long ‘Pew Project’ celebrated at Holy Comforter, Tallahassee Every pew in sanctuary lovingly refinished by congregants In the summer of 2011, dedicated and diligent workers in the congregation of Holy Comforter, Tallahassee, completed the arduous task of refinishing every pew in their church sanctuary. Gene Thornton, the first Junior Warden in that new congregation, explained the origin of the pews, saying, “Dr. Charlie Wall, a parishioner, paid $4,800 for the new pews – designed for the new church. They were built in 1954 by the Strown Cabinet Company in Blountstown, Florida.” Faithful persistence is a hallmark of this congregation; Holy Comforter had moved on August 14, 2005, into their new building located on Fleischmann Road next to Holy Comforter School. Until that time and during the building of the new church, the congregation had worshiped in the school, after moving from their previous location in 2003. On Sunday, July 10, 2011, six men carried the last pew to have been refinished into the church during the 10:30 service. The Rev. Teri Monica, assistant priest, celebrated the Eucharist; and the Rev. Canon Ted Monica, rector, assisted with the service and in the recognition of the members of the pew refinishing project. This long-time work project began two and a half years ago, under the direction of Jackie Watts, who serves as a Vestry member and the Building & Grounds Commission chair. Parishioner Steve Craig faithfully supervised the sanding and varnishing from beginning to end. “The workers had to carry the pews, one by one, out of the church, around the building, down the slope, and into the work area – then back again, when Sandra Cartwright with her Pew Project’s cross award. they finished,” explained Harriette McCarter to a new member of the parish. The work crew worked on each pew in adverse weather conditions, all year long, each Saturday morning, in the outdoor undercroft. Grounds committee member Sandra Cartwright contacted the refinishing project volunteers, making sure a work team would be ready each week. Next, she delivered food to the workers, along with hot coffee or cold tea, depending on the weather. The parish celebrated the project’s completion as the last pew was placed inside the church. During the service, awards were given to all the workers. Jackie Watts created the awards, hand crafted wooden crosses made from some discarded hymnal racks. Following the joyful Eucharist, the congregation further celebrated at a lunch in the Crittenden Parish Hall. The Rev. Canon Ted Monica recognizes and presents awards to Pew Project volunteers. Marge Griffith Memorial Tournament energizes annual competition for the Church Challenge Cup Proceeds generate generous support for Camp Weed Fifty-five golfers competed Oct. 10 at the Champions Club at Julington Creek, in the Marge Griffith Memorial Tournament sponsored by the Church of Our Saviour, Mandarin. The 2011 competition honored Our Saviour’s much-loved, intrepid golfer and tournament volunteer, the late Marge Griffith, in the first Church Challenge Cup match held since her death. The Church Challenge Cup was awarded – for the year - to Karl Brust, Scott Bendanati, Eric Lane, and Mark Roberts. The foursome will return the Cup on October 8, 2012, at the Champions Club for the next Church Challenge tournament. Team net scores: 2nd, Jim Munns, Tony Williams, Joey Chamberlain, Daniel McMillen; 3rd, Reed Barrett, Kay Behrens, Carol Curtis, Ed Shore. Individual low net scores: Men, Mark Roberts; Women, Kay Behrens; Clergy, Fr. John Palarine. Proceeds from annual event are for the benefit of Camp Weed. The last pew to be refinished is carried into the church by some of those who have donated their restoration efforts over the two-and-a-half year Pew Project. Holy Comforter Food Closet joins AmpleHarvest.org campaign to link local gardeners with neighborhood food pantries Excess garden produce usually left unharvested can now be donated to neighborhood food pantry The Holy Comforter Church Food Closet in Tallahassee has joined the AmpleHarvest.org Campaign - a nationwide effort to enable neighborhood food pantries to be easily located by local backyard gardeners wishing to share their excess garden bounty with neighbors in need. Local food pantries usually receive their supplies from regional food banks, government programs, and neighborhood donations. They generally do not include fresh produce because of distribution and storage issues, leaving food pantry clients with access only to canned vegetables and fruit. With one out of six American families now relying on pantries to help feed them, the pantries often have a hard time meeting the demand. At the same time, millions of backyard gardeners across America frequently find that their vegetable, fruit, herb and nut gardens provide far more produce than they can possibly use or share with friends. The remainder is often either left to rot in the garden or put into the trash, which contributes to pollution issues. Gardeners who want to share part of their harvest are often unable to find local pantries because they typically do not have a yellow page listing or an Internet presence. To address this, the AmpleHarvest.org web site enables food pantries to register their name, phone, address, an optional photograph of the pantry to make it easier to find, and day[s] and time[s] they can accept the gardeners’ produce. Gardeners and other donors also have the option of using the AmpleHarvest iPhone app available as a free download from the Apple iTunes store. Now that Holy Comforter Church Food Closet is a part of the AmpleHarvest.org campaign, area backyard gardeners will be able to quickly find the pantry using the personalized driving instructions available on the site. More than 3,000 (and growing) food pantries participate nationwide. According to AmpleHarvest.org founder and CNN Hero Gary Oppenheimer, “In 2007, my own garden grew more produce than we could possibly use, and I quickly found that there are only so many cucumbers you can give to friends and still have them call you a friend. Our community garden also left a lot of produce to rot on the vines. When I searched on the Internet for pantries, the nearest one listed was 25 miles away even though my own town has five. That was when it became clear that AmpleHarvest.org was desperately needed.” Holy Comforter Church Food Closet welcomes fresh produce donations for its clients. Additionally, information will be posted from time to time by the pantry on the site, listing those store bought items that are in short supply at the pantry – this is to enable anyone wishing to help their neighbors in need. About Holy Comforter Church Food Closet The Food Closet is located on the lower level of the church at 2015 Fleischmann Rd., Tallahassee 32308. It is one of the church’s outreach ministries and serves Leon County residents on Saturdays from 9 to 11 a.m. Photo: Dorsey Bates 4 THE DIOCESAN ADVENT A.D. 2011 About AmpleHarvest.org Inc. AmpleHarvest.org (www.AmpleHarvest.org) is a nationwide 501(c)3 not-forprofit anti-hunger effort, backed and supported by Google Inc, the USDA, National Gardening Association, Rotary International, VFW, AARP and numerous faith organizations, which educates, encourages and enables millions of home gardeners across America to share their excess garden produce with a local food pantry. More information at http://www.ampleharvest.org/press.php and Holy Comforter Church - [email protected] - 850-877-2712 Celebrating 60 Years St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church A Parish Family in the Diocese of Florida Member of the Worldwide Anglican Communion When St. Catherine’s, Jacksonville, celebrated its 60th Anniversary on September 25, 2011, travelers and letters arrived from all points of the compass to join the parish family and The Rev. Nancy Suellau, rector, in marking the occasion. The Right Rev. Samuel Johnson Howard, VIII Bishop of Florida, was celebrant at the Eucharist, and preacher. Organist and choir master Jim Jarrard, the choirs and musicians, filled the nave with glorious music. “Each one of us here today,” said Mtr. Nancy, “came to celebrate a small church plant begun here 60 years ago by Bishop Juhan, the Rev. Dr. Leatherbuy, and the Rev. Hunley Elebash, and a group of people with a vision to be the presence of God here on the Westside of Jacksonville. And ever since then, this wonderful church has been – or is now – a part of your life.” Among those the rector introduced were Bishop Howard; the Rev. Bob Libby, rector of St. Catherine’s 1960-1967; the Rev. David Kidd, an associate rector; the Rev. Henry Hoyt, 1976-1978; the Rev. Bob Marsh, an interim priest; the Rev. Arthur Spruill and Charlotte Spruill, former minister of music; the Rev. Burt Froelich; the Rev. “You’re here because the city needs you to be here – sharing the love of God – touching them in His name. That’s just as important today as it was then, because the field still waits; the field is the place of miracles.” Bishop Howard David Suellau; the Rev. Sandra Moyle, representing St. Mrk’s, the church that planted St. Catherine’s; St. Mark’s senior warden Hank Wilson; and Pat Pattillo, architect of the present building. Mtr. Nancy also named the present vestry: Sr. Warden Paul Danniels, Jr., Jr. Warden Mike Carter, Karen Barr, Holly and Don Chapman, David Phillips, June Argus, and Elizabeth Dent, also Preschool Director, and her staff. Charter members John and Helen Chitty were recognized. “Most of all, I want to recognize all of you,” said the rector, “because without you, and your dedication to serving our Lord Jesus Christ in this place, St. Catherine’s would not be a church and would not have made a difference in the lives of those around us.” Naming the numerous ministries and outreaches of the congregation, she also aked those who had been baptized and married at St. Catherine’s to stand. “And let us remember those saints that have gone on to glory ahead of us. Thank you all! “But most of all I want to thank our Lord Jesus Christ for His love and guidance throughout our 60 years and into the future. “We are a family … We are a church … Welcome Home!” Luncheon, games, cotton candy, bouncy house, and pony cart rides filled out the joyful day. The Order of Service, printed in a keepsake album given to the Sept. 25 worshippers, includes historic documents, old and new photographs, letters and warm memories written by clergy and laity, even a full-page portrait of the Archbishop of Canterbury with his personal note: American troops serving in Afghanistan sent comfort items and notes of thanks from St. Mary’s, Green Cove Springs GreenFaith partnership offers your congregation tuition subsidies, webinars, guidance and support to ‘Go Green’ The Rev. Ron Owen, Diocese of Florida Jubilee Officer From Bob Buehn Following a patriotic service on July 3, the congregation of St. Mary’s, Green Cove Springs, poses on the church steps. Displayed is part of the shipment of boxes for troops serving in Afghanistan, containing personal comfort items and notes of thanks. The project was a joint effort with First Presbyterian Church, Green Cove Springs, and each church assembled and sent ten boxes to troops. St. Mary’s rector, Mother Celeste Tisdelle, is at center in the photo. The Episcopal Church and GreenFaith have announced a partnership, which includes tuition subsidies and free online webinars, to assist churches in their efforts to “Go Green” in a certification program. We are called to be good stewards of the resources with which God has blessed us. The GreenFaith certification program is a two-year, holistic process engaging an entire congregation through education, worship, environmental justice advocacy, building and grounds, and developing relationships with the larger interfaith community. With the subsidies provided by this partnership, churches can enroll in the entire program for between $250-$750, and receive instruction, guidance & support, one-on-one mentoring, resources, free webinars and other support. The goals of the partnership include the development of faithful, strong environmental leadership, helping congregations to reduce their operating costs and modeling Creation care, spirituality and justice throughout a congregation’s life and practices. Any interested congregations should contact Diocesan Jubilee Officer, Fr. Ron Owen, Holy Trinity, Gainesville, at 352.372.4721 [email protected]. ADVENT A.D. 2011 THE DIOCESAN 5 Episcopal Church Women hold 121st Annual Meeting with Bishop John Howard as celebrant and preacher October 20, 2011 - Camp Weed & The Cerveny Conference Center By Janet Robinson Installation of ECW officers was held in Mandi’s Chapel, from left: Mtr. Nancy Suellau, Bishop John Howard, Linda Wilcox, Roni Kelly, and Linda Baker. Photo: Janet Robinson Women from all around the Diocese gathered on Oct. 20 for the 121st Annual Meeting of the Episcopal Church Women. The Right Rev. John Howard was with us to celebrate the Eucharist and install the newly elected officers - President Roni Kelly, President-Elect Linda Wilcox, and UTO Coordinator Karen Barr. It was also very special to have Marie Howard with us. The Rev. Nancy Suellau, ECW chaplain, was at the altar with the Bishop, and the clergy from the host church, the Rev. Michael Armstrong Reflections on the changing role of women in the Episcopal Church “Many remember the first ordination of women as priests in Philadelphia. That event brought joy and rage.” By Judy Wright Mathews, Holy Comforter, Tallahassee, writing in “The Vintage Voice” In my lifetime, the changing role of women in the Episcopal Church — both in and out of clerical collars — has brought forth joy, rage, satisfaction, and disappointment. I have had some extraordinary experiences with lay women who acted and still act boldly and creatively — as Episcopalians, as Christians. I remember a woman who taught me in Sunday school in the ’30s, the woman who directed the youth work in the Diocese of Alabama in the ’40s, a white woman who went along with her African American housekeeper to integrate a restaurant in the South when the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed. More recently, one bold and creative laywoman celebrated her eightieth birthday by giving a party and asking friends to bring food to the parish food pantry as her gifts. When a woman was first elected to the vestry in my parish in the ’70s, I told an active woman in our congregation how happy that made me. But she worried that as more and more women started taking leadership roles in local churches, more and more men would abandon them. Has that happened? Perhaps in some parishes, though certainly not in all. A strong laywoman, Margaret Graham Beers, known to many as Peggy, has served on a national level in addition to her parish activities in Washington, D.C. She assisted the first woman President of the House of Deputies, Pamela Chinnis, at General Conventions, hosting meetings and arranging for speakers to inform attendees about vital issues including “peace & justice” and canon law. She served for eleven years on the board (five as chair) of Forward Movement, an official, independent agency of our Church. During her tenure she was asked to produce a book of prayers by women. Echoes of the Spirit, a compendium of works by many recent female leaders of the Church, has been widely distributed. Peggy Beers expressed her views on women in our Church: “During the last quarter-century I have watched women move from traditional supporting roles to positions of leadership in all aspects of church life. Today I feel fortunate to have been a part of the emerging presence of laywomen in the Episcopal Church, and intend to lend my name and my efforts to future needs. I believe women have the unique opportunity to heal the worldwide church through their own collaborative efforts.” I grew up in our Church, and I have known a lot of fine clergymen. Yet, my experience with ordained women has 6 THE DIOCESAN ADVENT A.D. 2011 About the Author Judy Wright Mathews, widow of the Rev. Lex S. Mathews, lives in Tallahassee, Florida, has two children, three grandchildren, and a greatgranddaughter. She has lived in, and been active in, four dioceses and is a former employee of the Church Pension Fund and the Presiding Bishop’s Office. She is a frequent contributor to The Diocesan. The Vintage Voice, monthly publication of the Episcopal Church Pension Fund, offers ‘vintage’ thoughts, theological reasonings, and reminiscences to readers — lay and ordained — who receive a monthly pension. Each issue is posted on the Church Pension Fund website. only been since our Church began ordaining women in the late ’70s. However, working for the Episcopal Church gave me the opportunity to worship as well as work with our deacons, priests, and bishops who are women. I was pleased to be a delegate when we elected the Right Rev. Catherine S. Roskam, the first woman bishop to serve in the Diocese of New York. Many remember the first ordination of women as priests in Philadelphia. That event brought joy and rage. When a woman was first elected a bishop in our Church, we saw another change; again, joy and rage. Some experienced satisfaction, others disappointment. When male bishops began refusing to accept women ordained as deacons, priests, or bishops, we once again saw satisfaction in some, disappointment in others. The long and sometimes discouraging journey of women seeking ordination reached a dramatic point on November 4, 2006. The Bishop of Nevada was invested as the Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori, the twenty-sixth Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. Episcopalians rejoiced that day and continue to support her strong leadership. Asked to comment on the issue of “women in the Church” Bishop Jefferts Schori pointed out that “women have been important and vital leaders in the Church since Mary Magdalene became a disciple — she being the first to announce the good news of the Resurrection.” She added: “Mary Magdalene is, after all, called the ‘apostle to the apostles’ for her resurrection tidings — and in that sense was the first bishop.” Before Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori, the highest office was held by men for 217 years. Wives of the two Presiding Bishops preceding Bishop Jefferts Schori gave voice to feelings about what women can do and have done. Patti Browning, wife of former Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning, talked about two of the women she met in her travels, one in Japan, working for peace, another in Okinawa, teaching young children. “These women will never meet, but their common bond is the spirit of Christ, enabling each to share her ministry, a gift from God.” Phoebe Griswold, wife of former Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold, said, “Women have the ability to foster connections throughout the Anglican Communion, to make that body more than merely a place for argument, but a place where caring relationships can flourish.” The journey of women into ordination includes this account of a married couple who entered seminary together. With five children in their home, they divided the work between laundry and cooking. The husband was ordained, served a long and faithful ministry, and is now retired. His wife was ordained, then later elected the Bishop of Vermont, the first woman elected to be the diocesan bishop, rather than the suffragan or coadjutor. The Right Rev. Mary Adelia McLeod said, “Almost thirty-five years later, I cook and he still does laundry.” Bishop McLeod is now retired, and she has some delightful stories of the reaction to her episcopate. Her grandson, age 11, shared and described her role as bishop with his class at a parochial school. When another student said that her church doesn’t allow that, Bishop McLeod’s grandson was “at a loss why his grandmother couldn’t do or be anything, anywhere.” She added: “Toward the end of my episcopate, a young boy received communion from me, turned and asked his mother, ‘When can boys be bishops?’ ” Reprinted with permission of the Church Pension Group. © 2011 Church Pension Group. All rights reserved. and the Rev. Deacon Jimmie Ruth Hunsinger assisted. In opening his sermon, Bishop Howard jokingly praised whoever it was who’d been in charge of the day’s flawless October weather. (We know of course, it was from above.) Since we were there celebrating the sisterhood that exists within the ECW (which includes every woman in the Episcopal Church), his words were of encouragement to us. Citing a recent survey that said women are losing their interest in church, our bishop emphatically stated that this is not true in our Diocese! He offered specific examples: The vice chair of our Diocesan Council is a woman Catherine Brantley. About one third of our clergy is female. We have the only female cathedral dean in Province IV – Dean Kate Moorehead. The Rev. Luanne Loch, rector, leads Holy Trinity, Gainesville, one of our largest congregations. Our mission churches in Tallahassee and Jacksonville have woman pastors - Pastor Amanda Nickles and Sue Carmichael. Moreover, all the altar party with the Bishop that day were female, and our Presiding Bishop is of course the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts-Schori. Our diocesan laity echoes this female leadership as well. Bishop Howard in his visitations sees a lot of the graying and balding of congregations. He challenged us to find new ways to reach out to working women and young mothers – to bring forward the next generation of women. We answered him with a resounding, “It’s Not Your Mamma’s ECW Anymore!” He assured us that throughout his ministry, he has always been uplifted by the Episcopal Church Women. Our bishop’s teaching continued as he spoke about the patron saint of our Diocese, St. John the Evangelist. Bishop Howard pointed out how many of our river churches, some of most beautiful Carpenter Gothic buildings, sprung up along the St. Johns. In our Diocesan Seal, seven stars above St. John’s head represent our seven founding churches, and can also represent the seven cities that John wrote about in Revelation, the sites of the first seven churches. Bishop Howard told us not to miss John’s message, and the many stories of women in Jesus’ life. From the Cross, Christ commanded John to care for his mother, and He saw John as a brother left behind, to take on that special kind of care. We know that John was the only disciple that lived to an old age, and was the only disciple to die a natural death. In Ephesus (Turkey) are wonderful ruins to see, and in the mountains is a site known as Mary’s House. John and Mary reportedly lived there for a time until they relocated to Palestine. The significance of Mary’s House is not what it is, but what it imparts. Jesus showed his love for Mary by trusting her care to John, and He is still loving and looking out for us in that same way. In the final words of his sermon, Bishop Howard reminded us that Jesus is the symbol of the church with us. We need to celebrate the light and the glory He has given us in this Diocese. Midway through the service, we paused to open the business meeting; Bishop Howard installed the newly elected officers, and praised the outgoing president, Linda Baker, as he bestowed upon her the Past-President’s Cross. In a heartfelt moment, Linda unveiled a new chalice and paten given by the ECW in memory and thanksgiving for our long-time Chaplain, the late Rev. Canon Walter Saffran. It is beautiful rose ceramic with gold accents; the potter commissioned to create it was an ECW member from St. Andrew’s, Janice Kennedy. The pieces were Continued on page 7 The Committee for “Edward Waters College Day” at St. Philip’s, Jacksonville Carlottra Guyton, committee chairperson St. Philip’s, Jacksonville, in a Spiritual Alliance with the Jacksonville community, celebrated the Fourth Annual Edward Waters College Day on Oct. 30, 2011, at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary of the church at 321 West Union St. The celebration featured the renowned Edward College Choir directed by Mrs. Barbara Bouie. ECW ‘shines on’ – Continued from page 6 consecrated by the Bishop, and used for the first time at our Eucharist. See photographs of the chalice and paten on page 2 and the back cover. ‘Shine on sisters! Shine on!’ Each diocesan ECW president embraces a theme for her tenure. Linda Baker’s theme was “Carry The Light;” incoming President Roni Kelly’s is “A New Light Shining…” How very appropriate that the day’s Collect echoed both. In part, it said: “…Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory…” Shine on sisters! Shine on! Late Summer ECW Meeting The Late Summer ECW Meeting was held August 27 at Camp Weed & The Cerveny Conference Center, with Linda Baker presiding and all five regions of the Diocese included by the many churches represented among those present. Child care, newly instituted to make participation possible for more women of the Diocese – grandmothers as well as mothers - was enthusiastically received; twelve youngsters, ages 2 to 11 years old, were entertained in Dearing Lounge during the ECW meeting. Joe Chamberlain gave upbeat reports on the 2011 summer camp season under Canon Wiley Ammons, fulltime clergyperson focused on youth ministry, and about the continuing progress toward restoring the lake waters under Mandi’s Chapel. Hope McCharen reported that the United Thank Offering had received over $7,000 with 22 churches participating. The Companion Diocese UTO Grant that provided a car for the Bishop of Cuba was noted with gratitude. Altar Guild chair Janet Robinson, just back from the gathering at Kanuga, noted that the current provincial president and vice president are both from our Diocese. Mtr. Nancy Suellau deconsecrated some altar linens during the Camp Weed meeting. The ECW Triennial Meeting will be held July 5-11, 2012, concurrently with General Convention. The diocesan ECW president, president elect, immediate past president, and UTO representative expect to attend. A gleeful moment of discovery came when the group was shown a needlepoint ECW podium hanging, a treasure recently recovered from some forgotten “safe place” in which it had been stored for years. Former ECW president Bettye Zowarka instantly leapt up in the back row, exclaiming “I made that!” Bettye said it had disappeared mysteriously long ago. Upended surfboards flanked the altar and lined the walls at St. George on Ft. George Island, and the choir led lively renditions of “Down to the Water to Pray” and other water-themed hymns during one of the two Blessing of the Surfboards services held on Sunday, July 24, followed by a picnic lunch. The Rev. Dr. Nancee Martin-Coffey, rector of the historic parish near the ocean, blessed the many boards, ranging from tall to tot-size. Brightly colored boards arrived at the live oak shaded parking area riding in the beds of pickup trucks, wedged through car windows, and tethered to roof racks. The surfers ranged from knee-high boogie board owners to tanned and graying retirees. Mother Nancee and her congregation have been “Down to the Water to Pray” in a creative variety of services, incorporating their nearby beaches, surf, and tidewaters into traditional liturgies set outdoors, amid God’s wondrous creation. VBB photos Blessing of the Surfboards celebrates our gratitude and awe for the sweeping power and healing beauty of God’s great oceans ECW dates to remember for 2012: Winter Meeting – February 11; Spring Retreat – March 16-18; Late Summer Meeting – August 25; the 122nd Annual Meeting - October 20. Women’s leadership is represented and spread widely around our Diocese: from left, Susan Towson, Daughters of the King (DOK) president, member St. John’s Cathedral; Roni Kelly, ECW president, member St. James’, Lake City; Janet Robinson, Diocesan Altar Guild directress, member St. Margaret’s, Hibernia; Metro Griffith, DOK president, Province IV, member St. Philip’s, Jacksonville; Barbara Parks, Altar Guild president, Province IV, member St. Alban’s, Chiefland. Photo: Janel Robinson ADVEMT A.D. 2011 THE DIOCESAN 7 Resources & Opportunities Institute of Christian Studies and St. John’s Cathedral host workshop/conference led by Dr. Phyllis Tickle - January 14 According to Tickle, the “church” has a “rummage sale” which occurs about every 500 years, and this is what we happen to be living through. The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop and Primate, The Episcopal Church, says, “Phyllis Tickle offers a creative and provocative overview of multiple social and cultural changes in our era, their relation to previous major paradigm shifts, and their particular impact on North American Christianity. This is an immensely important contribution to the current conversation about new and emerging forms of Christianity in a post-modern environment—and a delight to Phyllis read!” In addition to lectures and numerous essays, articles, and interviews, Tickle is the author of over two dozen books in religion and spirituality, most recently The Great Emergence: How Christianity is Changing and Why, and The Words of Jesus, A Gospel of the Sayings of Our Lord. She is also the author of the notable and popular The Divine Hours series of manuals for observing fixed-hour prayer: The Divine Hours – Prayers for Summertime, The Divine Hours - Prayers for Autumn and Wintertime, The Divine Hours – Prayers for Springtime, Eastertide – Prayers for Lent Through Easter from The Divine Hours and Christmastide – Prayers for Advent through Epiphany from the Divine Hours (Doubleday); The Night Offices from The Divine Hours and The Pocket Edition of The Divine Hours ( Oxford University Press); Smalltown parish produces bigtime movie: ‘Five Smooth Stones’ offers film festival outreach upbeat lesson about bullying among today’s youth What would you do if you were different? And no one would let you forget it? Bullies come in all varieties, but have one trait in common – fear. In Five Smooth Stones, a strange new kid, Daniel, shows up on Matt the bully’s soccer team, and then – surprisingly – proves how the weakest among us can become the strongest. http://5smoothstonesfilm.com George Wentworth, executive producer of Five Smooth Stones, is a member of St. Anthony’s Episcopal Church in Winder, Ga. He and other members had brainstormed the bullying issue, were inspired to take action, and began imagining a plotline and movie. The Rev. Don Harrison of St. Anthony’s recounts the ensuing remarkable timeline - like mamma from Heaven, the scriptwriter, film professionals, equipment, funding, talent scouts, cast and crew of more than 100, and film locations fell into place for the congregation’s project. Filming was completed in September; look for national release of Five Smooth Stones soon. Children seem to have an initial tendency to reject differences in others. Matt is no exception. He cannot accept Daniel, who isn’t like Matt or the others, yet wants only to be accepted and a part of school life. Just how different Daniel is, Matt soon discovers. Although a bully, Matt has an unexpected vulnerability, yet when Daniel accidentally learns this, he does not explicit it for revenge. Instead, in a moment of transformative discovery. Daniel and Matt experience understanding and acceptance for each other that change their lives forever. Five Smooth Stones provides a revelation that fits well into youth group discussions. ‘Healing with Judith MacNutt’ airing weekdays at 7 p.m. on Pure Radio 103.7 FM & 1320 AM Judith MacNutt, president of Christian Healing Ministries, is now offering ministry on the airwaves, in a healing outreach launched in September. Her radio program, “Healing with Judith MacNutt,” focusing on healing relationships, airs weekdays at 7 p.m. on Pure Radio 103.7 FM & 1320 AM. Topics range among friendship, marriage, soul ties, sex, grief, finance, and homosexuality (to name a few) from the perspective of a psychotherapist/ minister. The hope is that Christians and non-Christians will listen in to hear a psychotherapist/minister’s take on these topics. Listeners are invited to submit questions and comments to Judith’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/JudithMacNutt, which she will answer on air. Judith C. MacNutt, M.A., holds a Master’s degree in psychology from Eastern Kentucky University and is a licensed psychotherapist in Florida. She discovered the need for prayer with her clients as a clinical counselor. After treating patients in state mental health institutions, Judith spent three years in Jerusalem as a missionary directing a House of Prayer. There she worked with both Jews and Arabs. In 1977, Judith established Christian Counseling Services integrating her work as a psychotherapist with healing prayer. She married Francis MacNutt in 1980 and together they founded Christian Healing Ministries. They have traveled extensively together and coauthored the book, Praying for Your Unborn Child. Judith continues to travel and speak about the power of healing prayer. www.christianhealingmin.org www.facebook.com/ChristianHealingMin www.facebook.com/JudithMacNutt http://twitter.com/CHM_Jax www.pureradiojax.org to learn more about Pure Radio. 8 THE DIOCESAN ADVENT A.D. 2011 Photo: Teresa Hooper The Institute of Christian Studies and St. John’s Cathedral, 256 East Church St., Jacksonville, 32202, will host a workshop/conference led by Phyllis Tickle, Saturday, Jan. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with lunch included. The second presentation will be a 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. reception with wine and hors d’oevres. Phyllis will speak 6 to 7 p.m. Cost is $25 for either gathering. Reservations with a check made out to St. John’s Cathedral and noted for Phyllis Tickle, stating the chosen event, are a must. Phyllis Tickle will also preach on Sunday, Jan. 15 at the 10:30 a.m. Eucharist. The public is welcome. Phyllis Tickle is regarded as an internationally renowned expert on religion, offering incisive perspectives on the trends and transformation of our time. She is founding editor of the Religion Department of Publishers Weekly, the international journal of the book industry, and is frequently quoted in print sources like USA Today, Christian Science Monitor, and The New York Times, as well as in electronic media like PBS, NPR, The Hallmark Channel, and innumerable blogs and web sites. Tickle, an authority on religion in America, is a much sought after lecturer. Her reflections stem from not only personal faith but also decades of observation and analysis. The result is work that meets the challenge of chronicling a pivotal time in the church’s history allowing readers to better understand the past and what the future holds. With excellence, Tickle lays out the gradual steps leading up to this transformation, including the influences and effects of Darwin, Freud, Einstein, the automobile and technological advances. Her writing has been described as “brilliant erudition, without exaggeration” and a “masterwork” that will be cited for decades to come as the most pointed articulation of the church and Christianity that is emerging from the compost. and This is What I Pray Today – The Divine Hours Prayers for Children (Dutton). Tickle, who was with Publisher’s Weekly until her retirement in 2004, began her career as a college teacher and, for almost ten years, served as academic dean to the Memphis College of Art before entering full time into writing and publishing, In September 1996 she received the Mays Award, one of the book industry’s most prestigious awards for lifetime achievement in writing and publishing, specifically in recognition of her work in gaining mainstream media coverage of religion publishing. In 2007 she received a Lifetime Achievement Tickle Award from The Christy Awards “In gratitude for a lifetime as an advocate for fiction written to the glory of God.” In 2004, she received the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from the Berkeley School of Divinity at Yale University. In 2009 she received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from North Park University. Tickle is a founding member of The Canterbury Roundtable, and serves now, as she has in the past, on a number of advisory and corporate boards. A lay Eucharistic minister and lector in the Episcopal Church, she is the mother of seven children and with her physician-husband, makes her home on a small farm in Lucy, Tenn. The Great Emergence is available at the Cathedral Book Store and at Amazon.com Tickle will be happy to autograph her book. Eucharistic Visitor Training To register for one of these classes, contact Pat Burns at [email protected] or call 904-356-1328. 2012 BASIC CLASSES All classes are 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Registration closes - January 28, 2012 Apalachee Region: First Coast East: First Coast West: River Region: Santa Fe Region: 2/4 5/19 2/11 4/14 3/10 St. John’s, TLH — Jeanie Beyer & Roy Lima Diocesan Office, Jacksonville — Ann Bowers Good Shepherd, Jacksonville — Joe Mazza Holy Communion, Hawthorne — Diane Whallon St. James, Lake City — Jimmie Hunsinger 2012 RENEWAL CLASSES All classes are 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Apalachee Region: First Coast East: First Coast West: River Region: Santa Fe Region: 10/13 11/10 10/13 TBA 11/10 Advent, TLH — Jeanie Beyer & Roy Lima Diocesan Office, Jacksonville — Ann Bowers Good Shepherd, Jacksonville — Joe Mazza Holy Communion, Hawthorne, Diane Whallon St. James, Lake City — Jimmie Hunsinger ‘A New Ancient Harmony’ retreat Dec. 4-8 at Lutheridge Conference Center in Asheville, N.C. Author, Church of Scotland minister, and Celtic Christian leader John Philip Newell will lead a retreat, A New Ancient Harmony, Dec. 4-8 at Lutheridge Conference Center, Asheville, N.C. The retreat will focus on Newell’s just released book, A New Harmony. Newell will explore a fresh vision that highlights the unity and harmony at the root of all life. He will show us how a Christianity that is more integrated with the earth and the rest of humanity can transform our experience of life in the 21st century. New ways of understanding our faith will enable us to reach across the boundaries of race and religion that have long separated us, while honoring our own spiritual traditions. Educator, poet and writer Judy Brown will also be joining us at this retreat. She teaches leadership at the University of Maryland, and her work with organizations revolves around themes of renewal, change, creativity, and the practices of inspiring leadership. Her books include A Leader’s Guide to Reflective Practice and a collection of poetry, The Sea Accepts All Rivers. Her commitment is to help people return “home” with new perspective and new practices for living into life’s challenges and life’s bounty. Fran McKendree, River Guerguerian, Brian Prior, and others will weave song, story, and prayer throughout the retreat. For retreat questions: Ann Holtz – 865-414-8509 or [email protected] For registration questions: Suzanne Delap 828-684-2361 or [email protected] Online registration: http://www.llmi.net/adult/advent2011.aspx United Thank Offering applications available for 2012 Episcopal Church grants – deadline Jan. 15 All grant requests originating in the Diocese of Florida must be submitted to the Diocesan Office by Nov. 15, 2011 in order to be considered for approval by the diocesan bishop. The application process for the 2011 United Thank Offering grants is now open with forms available at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/110043_117733_ENG_HTM.htm Known worldwide as UTO, the United Thank Offering grants are awarded for projects that address human needs and help alleviate poverty, both domestically and internationally within Anglican provinces, dioceses, and companion dioceses. Applications are due Jan. 15, 2012. Grants will be approved in July 2012 at Triennium at General Convention. Funds for approved grants will be available starting August 2012 for a one-year grant period. UTO information and contact info are available: www.episcopalchurch.org/uto. Complete instructions, application forms, and additional info are available online. Information important for applying for the grants: - one application may be submitted by each diocese of the Episcopal Church, with diocesan bishop approval; - one application may be submitted by a U.S. diocese of the Episcopal Church on behalf of an overseas Companion Diocese (the Companion relationship may be formal or informal), with approval by both diocesan bishops; - one application may be submitted by invited provinces of the Anglican Communion, with approval by the Archbishop or Primate or Provincial Secretary and, if applicable, the diocesan bishop. For more information email [email protected] or call the UTO Office at 800/334-7626, ext. 5130 or ext. 6022. Paper copies of the application are not accepted. If there is a problem accessing the Internet for the online application, please contact the UTO office. 2011 Bishops Blend Christmas Boxes Episcopal Relief & Development and Pura Vida are offering four boxes this year, with combinations of Fair Trade and organic coffees, teas and chocolates. This Christmas, deck the halls with Fair Trade and organic tea and coffee products from Bishops Blend. Four gift boxes are available this year through Pura Vida, Episcopal Relief & Development’s partner in the sale of Bishops Blend products. Fifteen percent of the purchase price goes back to Episcopal Relief & Development, to support its ongoing work to heal a hurting world. Healing a hurting world Each of these four gift box options is sure to please: * The Blue Box: Stay warm this winter with invigorating Earl Grey and soothing Moroccan Mint teas from Bishops Blend. Accompanied by two bars of Single Origin Guatemalan chocolate, the Blue Box package is sure to delight the tea lover on your gift list! * The Red Box: The Red Box brings you two sumptuous Bishops Blend coffee roasts: classic Bishops Blend French Roast, and Kaldi’s Roast – an extra-dark roast using beans from Ethiopia and Sumatra. Two bars of Single Origin Guatemalan chocolate round out this popular package. * The Silver Box: Coffee, coffee, coffee! The Silver Box includes three of the most popular Bishops Blend coffee roasts: smooth and rich Bishops Blend Regular Roast, extra-dark Kaldi’s Roast, and Café de la Paz, a blend of Latin American beans roasted to sweet perfection. * The Gold Box: Our new premium Gold Box is truly a treasure! With two bags of Bishops Blend coffee, two boxes of tea and four bars of luxurious Single Origin Guatemalan chocolate, the Gold Box is guaranteed to please. Two Pura Vida ceramic mugs complete this ultimate Bishops Blend package. Although Christmas is the most popular time of the year for Bishops Blend gift boxes, they are also available for Mother’s Day, and Bishops Blend coffees and teas are available year-round. All gift boxes include Episcopal Relief & Development promotional materials and a coupon for 15% off of the recipient’s next order of Bishops Blend products, as well as a personalized gift message. Gift boxes began shipping Nov. 1. Shipping is free on orders of $30 or more. Bishops Blend Christmas boxes can be purchased through Dec. 16 to guarantee delivery in time for Christmas. Expedited shipping is available after Dec. 16. Order online via www.er-d.org/BishopsBlend/ or by phone at 877-469-1431. “Pura Vida is very pleased to be working with Episcopal Relief & Development to offer this year’s Christmas Boxes,” said Sam Snyder, Director of Marketing and Philanthropy for Pura Vida. “Bishops Blend products help support the organization’s work, which includes efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, and it also does this directly, since the products are organic and Fair Trade certified.” Buying certified Fair Trade goods helps ensure that coffee and tea growers are paid a living wage and have access to affordable credit. Fair Trade partnerships also help marginalized producers gain access to markets and consumers through fewer intermediaries. The products are certified by organizations that monitor both the product and its supply chain, promoting safe workplaces, ethical business practices and fair treatment of workers. Many Fair Trade partnerships are also linked to sustainable development initiatives in producer communities, promoting education, gender equality and environmental conservation. “Our Bishops Blend partnership is a natural extension of the work we do,” said ER-D’s President Rob Radtke. “Through Pura Vida, we are able to offer coffee and tea products that are produced and marketed according to the same ethical standards promoted through our international programs. Environmental and economic sustainability are cornerstones of the initiatives we support, which bring training and tools to small farmers, and create micro-finance and cooperativebuilding opportunities in rural communities.” Give a Present of Life this Christmas Ever have difficulty in thinking about a Christmas gift for someone? I know I do. You want to give something meaningful to someone who already has everything. Here is a solution that will maximize your gift and give them something they will never forget. This year’s Episcopal Relief and Development’s Gifts for Life catalog features items for everyone on your shopping list. Your generosity can provide individuals and entire communities with the essentials needed to pull themselves out of poverty. Go online to http://www.er-d.org/GiftsForLife/ to select your Christmas gifts. Then in your Christmas card provide a gift card such as the one below or ask Episcopal Relief and Development to send a card when you make the donation. Healing a hurting world In celebrating our friendship with you this Christmas season a donation has been made in your name to provide a milkproducing cow to a family for nourishment and to allow them to sell surplus milk in the marketplace. Merry Christmas!! Submitted by Jack Tull, Diocesan Coordinator for Episcopal Relief & Development Virginia Theological Seminary accepting entries for John Hines Preaching Award; and Lettie Pate Whitehead Evans Award for ministry of the laity; both deadlines Dec. 15 Virginia Theological Seminary is accepting entries for the annual John Hines Preaching Award which honors outstanding sermons in which a prophetic voice is central and which are deeply grounded in Scripture and focused on the seen and unseen needs of the worshipping community, the nation, and the world. All bishops, priests, deacons and laity of the Episcopal Church in America are eligible for this award. Entries should be sermons delivered to a congregation between Advent 2010 and the end of the same liturgical year. The recipients of the John Hines Preaching award will receive $2,000 and will be invited to the Seminary to preach. The award winning sermon will also be posted on the Seminary’s website and printed in either the newsletter or annual magazine. The deadline for the John Hines Preaching Award is December 15, 2011. Virginia Theological Seminary is also accepting applications for its annual Lettie Pate Whitehead Evans Award (LPWE) which recognizes the ministry of the laity in the Church. The award is given to an Episcopal lay person who has given leadership and unique witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ within his or her congregation, community, diocese, and in the world over a significant period of time. We seek as nominees individuals who have reflected outstanding personal initiative in creating and leading, in a unique and creative volunteer capacity, a new ministry outside the Church, serving either a particular community or the world. Recipients of the LPWE Award will receive $1,000 toward the charity of their choice and a certificate recognizing their work. If possible, the award recipient is also invited to campus to meet with our students. Candidates for the award must be active laypersons and communicants in good standing of an Episcopal congregation and must reside in Alabama, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia or West Virginia. The deadline for the LPWE Award is December 15, 2011. The award recipients for both awards will be announced in the spring of 2012. Inquiries should be directed to Ms. Shelagh Casey-Brown, director of Alumni, Church Relations, and Annual Fund, at 703-461-1711 or by email at [email protected]. The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies January 2012 Seminar with Chuck Fromm “God Still Speaks: Worship as a Living Theology of Communication.” Chuck Fromm is guest lecturer for the January seminar of the Institute for Worship Studies in Orange Park, Jan. 9-10. The seminar title is “God Still Speaks: Worship as a Living Theology of Communication.” Register before Dec. 1 for the best rate. Fromm’s doctorate is in communications theories, so he is the perfect instructor for this seminar on a theology of communication for worship. In this day of incredibly rapid change, manufacturers of communication methods and devices struggle to keep up with advances in technology and the demands of the marketplace. What does this mean for worship planners and for churches committed to reaching a tech-saturated culture? This seminar will examine the current trends in communications and corresponding implications for the church. Chuck Fromm is the publisher and founder of Worship Leader magazine and CEO of its parent company Worship Leader Media, a pioneering nondenominational communications company serving churches through remediating ancient content in contemporary language and imagery through various educational environments and media. He holds a Ph.D. from the School of Intercultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary, and received a communication award for his doctoral thesis: Textual Communities and New Song in the Multimedia Age: The Routinization of Charisma in the Jesus Movement. In 1975, Dr. Fromm became President of Maranatha! Music, the first major church-based Christian record label, where he served for 22 years. The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies 151 Kingsley Ave. OP 32073 800-282-2977 ADVENT A.D. 2011 THE DIOCESAN 9 National & International News TWO NORTHERN WISCONSIN DIOCESES APPROVE FORMATION OF NEW DIOCESE IN ‘JUNCTION’ INCLUDING BOTH HEAVILY POPULATED AND WILD AREAS Presiding bishop and Executive Council applaud historic decision MATCHING GIFT CHALLENGE DOUBLES IMPACT OF ALL EPISCOPAL RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT DONATIONS UNTIL NOVEMBER 30 By Mary Frances Schjonberg [Episcopal News Service] The adjacent Episcopal dioceses of Fond du Lac and Eau Claire Oct. 22 approved the formation of a new diocese in northern Wisconsin. The formal decision was made by the annual convention of Fond du Lac and a special convention of Eau Claire. The dioceses met separately. The votes in each diocese were cast by orders (lay people voting separately from clergy), and the resolutions had to pass in both dioceses. Bishop Russell Jacobus of Fond du Lac and Bishop Ed Leidel of Eau Claire also concurred with the decision. The two dioceses must now ask the 77th meeting of the Episcopal Church’s General Convention next July to approve what is called “junction.” A process to organize formally the resulting new diocese would begin in the fall of 2012 with a new diocese formed Jan. 1, 2013, according to a Fond du Lac diocesan press release. Episcopal Church Canon 1.10.1 lays out the process for junction. To the applause of the church’s Executive Council meeting in Salt Lake City, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori called the agreement “a remarkable development.” “I think it is a very significant example of restructuring, thinking in new ways, looking at ways that will serve mission in the most effective way” in the future, she said. In a jubilant e-mail later posted on the Eau Claire diocesan website, Leidel said, “Never before have two dioceses in the Episcopal Church ‘junctioned’ together. So, today we begin a new journey to create a new diocese in northern Wisconsin.” He said the diocese would have “a new name and … a new sense of identity.” A diocese incorporating the two present dioceses would include the northern three quarters of Wisconsin. It would extend from the shores of Lake Superior to Lake Michigan to the banks of the Mississippi. It would include some of the most heavily populated and industrialized portions of the state, and some of the least populated and wilderness areas in the north woods, the release said. The decision to join the two dioceses was the result of discussions that date back at least four years, according to the Fond du Lac release. In September, the two dioceses released a joint report that “although there is consensus among the membership of the Joint Diocesan Task Force that the creation of a new diocese is an exciting and viable option, there is also a common resolve that there will be greater sharing of talent and resources between the two Episcopal dioceses in northern and western Wisconsin, regardless of the outcome of decisions at the respective diocesan conventions in October 2011. The Diocese of Eau Claire has 21 congregations and one summer chapel. Sixteen congregations have an average Sunday attendance (ASA) of fewer than 50 people. Twelve of those 16 have an average ASA under 25. There are three full-time clergy serving congregations, according to the joint report. The Diocese of Fond du Lac has 34 congregations and two summer chapels. Twelve have an ASA under 50 and eight of those have an ASA under 25. Sixteen congregations average between 51 and 100 people a Sunday and six have an ASA of more than 100. There are 20 full-time clergy serving congregations. 10 THE DIOCESAN ADVENT A.D. 2011 The altar and treasured triptych at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Port-au-Prince, Haiti before the earthquake in January 2010. Photo: Kyle Evans RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE SPECIALIST NAMED TO GUIDE RECONSTRUCTION OF HOLY TRINITY CATHEDRAL IN HAITI New York – The Rev. John Ander Runkle, R.A., has been named Consulting Project Manager to work with the Project Team implementing the reconstruction of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Rebuild Our Church in Haiti is a national, grass-roots effort launched on the first anniversary of the magnitude seven earthquake that decimated Haiti in 2010. Executive Council authorized the appeal in response to the request from Bishop Jean Zach Duracin and the people of Haiti for help rebuilding Holy Trinity Cathedrai. For more information visit www.episcopalchurch.org/haitiappeal. As both an Episcopal priest and an architect specializing for over 25 years in liturgical space, Runkle is uniquely qualified to head up this project. He has served as Canon for Architecture and the Arts in the Diocese of Washington; on staff with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation; in surveying archaeological sites of medieval Islamic settlements in the Sahara Desert; and in restoring historic worship space in the Anglican tradition. The Project Team reconstruction plans, to include Haitian designers and construction workers, will incorporate the three surviving treasured murals. THE APPEAL TO REBUILD OUR CHURCH IN HAITI: 70 PERCENT OF CHURCH BUILDINGS A TOTAL LOSS IN JANUARY 2010 QUAKE When the earthquake hit Haiti in fortunes of those who have depended January 2010, it effectively leveled the on Holy Trinity for spiritual succor, for most populous diocese of The Episcopal education, and for income. We have the Church. Seventy percent of church chance to resurrect the spirit of a buildings were considered a total loss. nation. Diocesan-run schools, clinics and As they say in Haiti, Men anpil chay hospitals that served over 100,000 pa lou, or many hands make the load Episcopalians, as well as countless lighter. Working together, we can community members, were wiped out in complete this project brick by brick, and thirty-five seconds. $10 buys a brick. Epicenter of Ministry Roll Away the Stones Many of the services we expect from Before the walls of a new cathedral the government— healthcare, can rise, the rubble must be cleared and education, culture—are provided in the land secured against transient Haiti by The Episcopal Church. And inhabitants. With help from UNESCO many governmental agencies and NGOs and the Smithsonian, workers have have rushed to fill these needs in the sorted through the ruins for surviving aftermath. Episcopal Relief & fragments of the church’s famous Development is partnering with the murals. Where rubble once choked the Church in Haiti to provide short-term compound, tin roofs shade open-air employment, provisional homes, and classrooms, and the former cathedral’s sanitation systems in addition to other checkered floor tiles lie cleared and community-focused recovery programs. open to the sky. The Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund sponsored Brick by brick you can help recover mobile health clinics, and a United one of Haiti’s great masterpieces. Nations fund has underwritten the cleanup of six neighborhoods in Port-auRebuild the Soul of a Nation Prince. Out of the destruction of the entire But there is one thing no one else Cathedral Complex, new life has begun can rebuild for The Episcopal Church: to rise, full of possibilities. The Haitian Holy Trinity Cathedral. Home of the government has granted The Episcopal famous murals that depicted the Biblical Church a plot of land that will nearly narrative, the Cathedral was a beacon double our presence in downtown Portin a land where strength of faith is au-Prince. inversely proportional to economic The Diocese of Haiti has conducted development. initial strategic planning, and engineers Holy Trinity Professional School and are already at work in Haiti instructing the primary and secondary schools also masons in earthquake-safe methods that located on the Cathedral grounds, raised are no more costly than the masonry that up future leaders in an environment of failed. cultural and spiritual grace. In 35 To begin, all we need is a brick or seconds, it was all reduced to rubble. two, or ten, or a thousand. If you wish to Bishop Jean Zaché Duracin and the make a donation by check, please mail it people of Haiti have asked for our help. to: Rebuild Our Church in Haiti, c/o The Episcopal Church, acting through Episcopal Church Foundation, 815 the Executive Council, asks every Second Ave., New York, NY 10017. Episcopal diocese and congregation to Brick by brick, you can help create a join in this initial phase of rebuilding the new spiritual home for thousands of Diocese of Haiti. As the walls of a new Episcopalians. Cathedral rise, so too will the hearts and Through November 30, donors have the opportunity to make their dollars go even further toward healing a hurting world. During the Matching Gift Challenge, any donation made to Episcopal Relief & Development will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $500,000. This means a total of up to $1 million to support programs that alleviate hunger, promote health, create economic opportunities and overcome disaster. Any size gift to any of Episcopal Relief & Development’s funds – online, by mail or by phone – will be matched in full until Nov. 30, or as long as matching funds are available. The matched gift amount will be donated to the Global Needs fund, which supports the organization’s work worldwide. Judy Sawler, Episcopal Relief & Development’s Manager for Direct Response Marketing, explains the impact this doubling can have: “A gift of $50 provides not one, but two infants with critical immunizations, vitamins, medicines and other life-saving essentials. And $100 becomes $200, which can help someone set up a small business by providing a micro-loan and the necessary tools and training.” Last year’s Matching Gift Challenge, also with a $500,000 match, was an unprecedented success. In just six weeks, it raised a total of $1.8 million for Episcopal Relief & Development’s core programs. “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of all our donors, and especially those who have provided these matching funds,” said Rob Radtke, President of Episcopal Relief & Development. “It is a wonderful blessing to be able to continue and expand our work, despite global economic uncertainty and disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes that compound existing challenges. The faithfulness of our supporters, both to our work and to the promises of the Baptismal Covenant, is truly inspiring.” To have your gift matched, simply make a donation between now and Nov. 30. Making a gift to the Global Needs fund will ensure that your contribution will be used in the area of greatest need, though donations to any fund – including through the Gifts for Life catalog – will be matched. To support Episcopal Relief & Development’s work, please visit www.er-d.org or call 1.855.312.HEAL (4325). Gifts can be mailed to Episcopal Relief & Development, PO Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058. Episcopal Relief & Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church and an independent 501(c)(3) organization. The agency takes its mandate from Jesus’ words found in Matthew 25. Its programs work towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Episcopal Relief & Development works closely with the worldwide Church and ecumenical partners to help rebuild after disasters and to empower local communities to find lasting solutions that fight poverty, hunger and disease, including HIV/AIDS and malaria. TENS: The Episcopal Network for Stewardship New website has vast variety of stewarship resources for congregational leaders, adds frequent new content You’ve just been appointed stewardship chair for your congregation. You’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work – but where in the world do you start? Providing answers to that question and offering support to people engaged in stewardship ministry is the mission of The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS). And now, accessing stewardship resources and networking with others engaged in this work is easier with the launch of TENS’ new website: www.tens.org, filled with stewardship resources you can put to work in your congregation, diocese or ministry right away. “The launching of this website opens a new chapter in a long and distinguished history of stewardship education and leadership training,” said the Rev. Angela Emerson, president of TENS. “Here you will find the newest and freshest expressions of creative thinking and practical tools for growing and nurturing faithful stewards.” Frequently added new content A key feature of the new TENS website is the frequency of new content, with a team of TENS members as well as guest bloggers sharing their stewardship expertise, best practices, and resources through regular blog posts. The website also includes regularly updated stewardship resources organized by topic, new monthly issues of Networking, the TENS’ newsletter, and information on educational opportunities available throughout the church. TENS members will find more in-depth stewardship and other resources in the members only section. With stewardship encompassing annual giving in congregations, one focus of the website is to provide inspiring and easily adaptable annual giving resources. Featured prominently on the site is the Episcopal Church’s Office of Stewardship’s Feasting on Gratitude resources, available in both English and Spanish; TENS members also have access to resources such as sample letters, pledge cards, adult formation Bible studies, and video interviews on the theology of giving. “The launching of the website represents the power of partnership at work,” says the Rev. Laurel Johnston, Program Officer for Stewardship and Member of TENS Board of Directors. “Rather than offering stewardship formation resources in a piecemeal fashion, the new TENS website will allow us to make a collective impact on the ministry of stewardship in the wider church.” Many more resources are available on the website for the practice of holistic stewardship. “Stewardship encompasses much more than the annual giving campaign in a congregation,” explained The Rev. Susan Snook, a TENS board member. “It is a way of life that recognizes that for Christians, stewardship is all we do, with all we have, all the time.” Because stewardship is a way of responding to God’s generosity with our own generosity, the TENS website offers resources in a number of holistic stewardship areas, including: • Annual Giving • Best Practices • Capital Campaigns • Congregational Leadership • Designated Giving • Environmental Stewardship • Generations & Stewardship • Generosity and Discipleship • Liturgical & Worship Resources and Prayers • Personal Financial Planning • Planned Giving • Preaching Resources • Stewardship Formation • Year Round & Holistic Stewardship Church leaders engaged in stewardship ministry are encouraged to visit www.tens.org to learn more about the resources and support available to them as they engage in God’s mission to care for the world, using the all the gifts entrusted to us. About TENS: The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) is an association of church leaders who understand, practice, and proclaim God’s call to generosity. TENS’ vision is to provide trailing and resources for stewardship leaders across The Episcopal Church and beyond, with emphasis on training, encouraging, nurturing, and supporting stewards. For more information visit: www.tens.org People 80th birthday greetings to Archbishop Desmond Tutu were sent swirling through the Anglican Communion clouds to [email protected], via Twitter, Facebook and email on Oct. 5, 2011. The Rev. Canon Dr. James M. Rosenthal, former communications person for Anglicans globally, spoke the sentiments of many, “I say without any hesitation that the face, voice and heart of our tradition is seen most fully in our beloved Archbishop Desmond Tutu...Thanks and praise for all he is, in Christ, for us. May he live forever.” Sewanee – The Very Rev. William S. Stafford announced the appointment of the Rev. Thelma (Nikki) Mathis as the assistant dean of community life for The School of Theology, succeeding the Rev. Dr. Walter Brownridge, effective Dec. 12, 2011. Currently associate rector at St. Paul’s, Atlanta, before entering the priesthood, she worked nearly 20 years as a clinical social worker. While earning her M.Div. from The School of Theology, Mathis became the first African American president of the student body, and received the Woods Leadership Award and the Urban T. Holmes III Prize for Excellence in Preaching. Sewanee — On Oct. 31, the Very Rev. William S. Stafford, dean of The School of Theology, University of the South, announced his decision to retire, effective June 30, 2012. During Stafford’s tenure as dean, the School launched a new D.Min. in Preaching program and is preparing to offer new master’s degrees in Religion and the Environment and in Theology and Literature. Dean since 2005, Stafford also holds the Charles T. Quintard Chair of Dogmatic Theology. He came to Sewanee from Virginia Theological Seminary where he had served since 1976. A specialist in the medieval and Reformation periods, he did doctoral study at the University of Strasbourg in France and post-doctoral at Durham and Cambridge in England. Stafford has been an Episcopal priest since 1982, serving in American and English parishes. Around the Compasrose ‘Journey Into Action: Helping Hands in the Economic Crisis’ Documentary produced by Trinity Wall Street shows churches aiding those hit hardest by recession New York – An inspiring new documentary, “Journey into Action: Helping Hands in the Economic Crisis” tells the story of how – with the recession as a common denominator – Episcopal churches in the United States and Anglican churches around the world have stepped in to aid their communities during a time of economic instability. Presented by the National Council of Churches USA with the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission (IBC) and produced by Trinity Wall Street, the documentary is available for broadcast as part of NBC’s Horizons of the Spirit series. The film spotlights a New Orleans congregation that began in an abandoned drugstore, ministering to a neighborhood still suffering from the effects of Hurricane Katrina. It portrays young adults serving in schools and community food banks in Washington DC, and others farming in California to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to the community while advocating for the rights of migrant workers. There are visits to the Great Plains of South Dakota and the Appalachian Mountain communities of Kentucky, regions where economic distress is an enduring historical pattern and yet congregations are striving for change. The filmmakers also traveled to Ghana, where a church-sponsored home cares for newborn babies whose mothers died in childbirth, and where a Ghanaian physician journeys village to village to stop the spread of malaria. “What we’ve seen in producing this program has been both humbling and inspiring,” said Jim Melchiorre, Senior Religion Correspondent for Trinity Wall Street and producer-narrator of the program.“I think once viewers see how people are able to have a real impact on their communities through their churches, they’ll feel more positive about the future, and may decide to get involved themselves.” Viewers who would like to see “Journey into Action: Helping Hands in the Economic Crisis” broadcast in their area are encouraged to contact their local NBC affiliate. To view the trailer, visit www.interfaithbroadcasting.com/hofs.aspx Executive Council submits General Convention resolution saying church is ‘unable to adopt Anglican Covenant’ Decision is up to 2012 meeting of General Convention [ENS – Salt Lake City] Oct. 24 - The Episcopal Church’s Executive Council will submit a resolution to General Convention next year that would have it state that the church is “unable to adopt the Anglican Covenant in its present form.” The resolution also promises that the church will “recommit itself to dialogue with the several provinces when adopting innovations which may be seen as threatening the unity of the communion” and commits to “continued participation in the wider councils of the Anglican Communion” and dialogue “with our brothers and sisters in other provinces to deepen understanding and to insure the continued integrity of the Anglican Communion.” The 77th meeting of General Convention July 5-12, 2012 will decide whether to pass, amend and pass, or reject the resolution. Convention is “the only body that can act on behalf of the whole church in this matter,” Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said during a post-meeting press conference. The unanimous decision to submit the resolution to convention came Oct. 24, on the last day of council’s four-day meeting in Salt Lake City. A covenant task force, composed of six council members, based its recommendation to council in a report that is available online in English and Spanish. Jefferts Schori said the proposed resolution “goes on at significant length and with great care to remind Episcopalians and other Anglicans that we continue in solidarity, building missional partnerships, across the communion and that that is the way in which we understand our relationship – that we are bound to our brothers and sisters across the communion and we will continue to respect that.” Just after council’s action on the covenant, members passed a 2012 budget for the Episcopal Church that includes $1,178,066 to support missional work in the Anglican Communion and to help support the communion’s administrative work. Jefferts Schori noted that the reasons given in the report for being unable to adopt the covenant in its present form have to do with the Episcopal Church’s Constitution and Canons. The task force’s report noted that the Standing Commission on Constitution and Canons has said that to adopt the current version “would significantly alter our current understanding of what it means to be an autonomous province. The presiding bishop said that the task force was also concerned “that all people of this church might be included in the life of the church.” Some Anglican Communion provinces have adopted the covenant or are in the process of considering it. – By Mary Frances Schjonberg Archbishop of Canterbury’s statement on the resignation of the Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral amid London protests (ACNS) As anti-capitalist protestors continued to camp around St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, and a second Cathedral clergyman resigned, the Archbishop of Canterbury on Oct. 31 issued the following statement from Lambeth Palace: “The announcement today of the resignation of the Dean of St. Paul’s, coming as it does in the wake of the resignation of Canon Giles Fraser last week, is very sad news. The events of the last couple of weeks have shown very clearly how decisions made in good faith by good people under unusual pressure can have utterly unforeseen and unwelcome consequences, and the clergy of St. Paul’s deserve our understanding in these circumstances. “Graeme Knowles has been a very distinguished Dean of St. Paul’s, who has done a great deal to strengthen the pastoral and intellectual life of the Cathedral and its involvement in the life of London. He will be much missed, and I wish him and Susan well in whatever lies ahead.” The Archbishop also said: “The urgent larger issues raised by the protesters at St. Paul’s remain very much on the table and we need – as a Church and as society as a whole – to work to make sure that they are properly addressed.” ADVENT A.D. 2011 THE DIOCESAN 11 What’s Going On ... Cause for celebration! Our revered retired bishop, the Right Rev. Frank Cerveny, and his lovely bride of a half-century, Emmy Cerveny, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 1. The Amazing Chili Cook-off to benefit Grace Mission, Tallahassee, was held Nov. 7; St. Lukes, Live Oak vs. Holy Comforter, Tallahassee. It was Dine-In or Take-Out from 5 to 7 p.m, for a mere $5 donation. Folks got to “Come See,Taste and Vote. Furthermore, this is apt to happen again: St. Luke’s and Holy Comforter were throwing the challenge down to any church that ‘thinks’ they can beat their best-tasting chili! You cooks might spark a rematch: call Pastor Amanda at 850-224-3817 or email [email protected]. Meanwhile, winter is around the corner...cold weather will soon reach Tallahassee. Grace Mission is taking donations for sweatshirts - L - XL XXL+ and warm socks. Dean Gus Weltsek was honored at St. John’s Cathedral with the title of Dean Emeritus in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Installed as dean in June 1985, he served 14 years. His former diocesan family wants to stay in touch...many ask for a contact for recently consecrated Bishop George D. Young, III of East Tennessee - [email protected] Episcopal Relief &Development calendars are on sale with beautiful pictures representing ER&D’s domestic and international programs. The calendars are $12 each and are available at Church Publishing. The calendar includes feast days and other celebrations. They make great Christmas gifts! They’re “retired” and back in this Diocese! The Rev. Burt and Sherrie Froehlich, 406 B Coopers Cove Rd., St. Augustine 32095 [email protected] and [email protected] God willing, Bishop Howard will ordain Jonathan Baugh to the Diaconate on Dec. 4 at 5 p.m., St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 7801 Lone Star Rd., Jacksonville. God willing, Bishop Howard will ordain the Rev. Deacon Karen Booth into the priesthood on Dec. 18 at San Jose Episcopal Church, Jacksonville, where she is assistant rector. The Rev. Michael Moore has completed his ministry at St. Elizabeth’s, Jacksonville. The Rev. John Satula, formerly of Holy Trinity, Gainesville, has accepted the call to be Assistant Rector of Children and Youth at Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main St., Newtown, Conn. 06470. Deacon Diane Whallon and all Deacons were honored at Church of the Mediator, Micanopy, on the occasion of Deacon Diane’s 25th ordination anniversary on Sunday, Oct. 23. Archdeacon Jeanie Beyer was the preacher. The Hope Women of the Church surprised Diane with a Teddy Bear vested as a Deacon, complete with green stole and sneakers. A letter of congratulation from Bishop Howard was read and the Memorial Garden committee gave her a spot in Mediator’s Memorial Garden “ensuring Diane’s spirit among us for a very long time.” Letters were also received from Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori, Bishop John Howe, Bishop Richard F. Grein, Father Ted Dawson, Father Bede Thomas Mudge, and many others. The Rev. Richard Turk continues at Baptist Hospital, Jacksonville, following heart surgery in mid-October. He has a tracheotomy; he and Mtr. Davette are exchanging “I love you” by hand squeezes. The Rev. George Bedell, hospitalized in late July, is in assisted living in Gainesville. The Rev. Richard Corry fell and broke his hip in late September. By early October he was at home, healing from “a clean break” and “doing fine.” The Rev. Patricia Dannals Turk, formerly of St. Patrick’s, St. Johns, and her family moved in September to 15 East Manor, Beaufort, SC 29906 843-379-4993. Deacon Jay Lauer is recovering at home; he hopes to regain enough strength to attend Diocesan Convention in January. Spanish Service at St. Patrick’s, St. Johns On November 6, St. Patrick’s, St. Johns, began offering a new service at 5 p.m. each Sunday in Spanish. Father Janssen Gutierrez from San Francisco del Campo is the Celebrant. For more information, contact St. Patrick’s at 904-287-2807. Diocese of Florida-Diocese of Cuba Companionship note: Selecia Jones of St. John’s-Cathedral created a Facebook page to share information and highlights of trips to Cuba and Cuba companions’ visits here. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Episcopal-Dioceseof-Florida-Cuba Committee/212635378768257#!/ 12 THE DIOCESAN ADVENT A.D. 2011 Fashionable priests modeling “stained-glass” stoles, palanca created for the spiritual advisors of Men’s Cursillo #126 by Janet Robinson: The Rev. Dennis O’Neill, rector, St. Mark’s, Starke; and the Rev. George Hinchliffe, assistant rector, St. Luke’s, Live Oak. Photo: Janet Robinson St. Johns speller in national bee: Episcopalian Grace Remmer tied for 14th place in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Grace made it to the semifinals, then stumbled in the sixth round, misspelling “casquetel.” (Whazzat?? we ask.) The theme for the 2012 Diocesan Convention is “Proclaiming by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.” The hymn will be #390 “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation…” All the information you need for the 169th Diocesan Convention, Jan. 27-28, 2012, including registration for delegates, visitors and vendors is on the diocesan website. The Hon. Alvin Brown, Mayor of Jacksonville, was a guest speaker at St. Phillip’s, Jacksonville, recently. The church was overflowing with attendance exceeding the 375 mark! Special guests included the multitalented Jacksonville Mass Choir. The Commission on Prison and Related Ministry is again collecting Christmas Cards for inmates. More than 30,000 men, women and youth are incarcerated within our Diocese. Your generous donation of Christmas cards allows inmates to send these to loved ones. The cards must have a Christian message; no foil cards or foil envelopes. For drop off and more information: First Coast East: Bill Carroll, St. Paul’s by the Sea First Coast West: Rev. John Owens, Nativity Santa Fe: Dot Hill - St. Bartholomew’s River: The Rev. Sandy Tull - 904-982-9557 Apalachee: David Miner, St. Francis, Tallahassee The last day for drop off to allow for distribution is December 1. Thanks in advance on behalf of the inmates: each says thank you for making it possible to share Jesus’ birth with family and friends. Clergy, please hold Tuesday, March 6, 2012 for the LARC (Lutheran, Anglican, Roman Catholic interfaith) meeting. (It’s NOT in Feb. in 2012.) More details to come at a later date. The Rev. Robert M. G. Libby, formerly of this Diocese, will be autographing copies of his first novel at Episcopal bookstores while here to speak at St. Catherine’s, Jacksonville, on Jan. 28 about Food For the Poor. A Summer Remembered: The Lake Bradford Hotel 1947, a coming of age novel set in the shadow of the Greatest Generation, will be available Dec. 1 through Amazon and Kindle. VBB photo Outreach idea to borrow: A “movies on the lawn” autumn evening on the riverbank was offered at the Church of Our Saviour, Mandarin, on Sat., Nov. 5, inviting the wider community: “Bring your friends, bring your neighbors, bring your friends’ neighbors! We will get our fill of football that weekend as we begin around 5 p.m. with lawn games like Corn Hole; enjoy some dinner and then watch “Remember the Titans” when the sun goes down around 7 p.m.” This youth-sponsored event was in support of youth missions and events; a love offering was to cover the cost of the food. All were to bring lawn chairs and blankets to watch the movie; In case of rain, the event was to be moved inside the Great Hall. The football focus was to continue on Sunday Nov. 6 with the Annual COOS Bowl and cookout. The ECW of St. Philip’s, Jacksonville, extended an invitation (again- good idea to borrow!) to their annual African/American/Caribbean Festival on Saturday, Nov. 5 at St. Paul’s by the Creek, offering “exotic foods, enchanting music, and talented entertainment.” The fun began at 3 p.m. The Annual Holy Trinity Holiday Bazaar, “Opening Night,” will be held Friday, Nov. 18, 7-9 p.m. Music, hors d’oeuvres, goodies, wine, coffee, and punch are part of the party. A $5 donation at the door is requested on Friday evening. Additional days of shopping are Saturday, Nov. 19 from 9 to – 4 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 20 from 12 noon - 2 p.m. Handmade gifts of all sorts, as well as freshly baked pastries, jams and jellies testify to the year ‘round work and talents of a group of artists who create these things for your delight. The Bazaar benefits the Downtown Ministry of Holy Trinity for homeless and working poor, and Duval School, among other projects. Trinity, Melrose, is sponsoring its Fourth Annual “Thanksgiving in the Park,” a Thanksgiving feast in Heritage Park which is free to all on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24. Members of Trinity, and its community, come together each year to help those who are homeless, hungry, lonely, or who would just like to be together in a joy filled, Christian environment on Thanksgiving Day. “Last year we were blessed to serve over 500 people. We happily welcome everyone who attends and any blessings which are given,” Trinity says. 2012 Ecumenical Lenten Retreat with Fr. William Meninger – Fr. William Meninger, internationally known Trappist monk, priest, author and retreat leader, returns to Tallahassee during Lent 2012. Workshops, lectures and preaching begin Ash Wednesday 2012. Fr. Meninger will lead a weekend retreat at Camp Weed to include prayer, teaching and fellowship. The retreat will focus on deepening our understanding of contemplative prayer through the teachings of some of the great Christian mystics. Registration opened for the retreat on October 17, 2011. A registration form is online at www.saintjohn.org. The retreat was expected to will fill quickly. Cost, $200 per person, includes two nights semiprivate lodging, six meals. Contact Pat Beckett [email protected] . Bishop Howard and the Diocesan staff invited all parish office staff (employees and volunteers) to lunch and an informational meeting at Camp Weed on Nov. 1. Topics included Convention Information, Diocesan Forms, Youth Ministry Update, Q & A with the Bishop, and Benefits for Lay Employees. It was a great success; all agreed to make sure this is an annual fall event. Attention Golfers! Attention Clergy! Special offer at Camp Weed & Cerveny Conference Center - Come play the Suwannee Country Club for $1 per hole; includes cart, all day on Wednesdays and after 1 p.m. on Fridays. This beautiful 9 hole course was started in 1924 and is right next door to Camp Weed. Bring your clergy and reserve a few rooms for all. Clergy will get free lodging. Let us help you put together a package. Their regular fees are $26 for 18 holes weekdays and $29 for weekends. Call us at 386 364 5250 or email at [email protected] Sunday, Nov. 20, 6 p.m., Worsham Hall/Good Shepherd, Jacksonville: Chamber Music Society of Good Shepherd presents the UNF Orchestra, Simon Shiao, director. J.S. Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1, 3, & 5 featuring soloists: Erin Bennett, harpsichord; Melissa Barrett, violin; Rhonda Cassano, flute. Free and open to the public.Future Concerts: Sunday, Dec. 4, 6 p.m., Messiah; JU Chorus & Orchestra; Timothy Snyder & Marguerite Richardson, directors. Church of the Epiphany at 5230 Harlow Blvd.,on Jacksonville’s Westside (corner of 103rd and Harlow) is offering Healing Services every Wednesday at 10 a.m., as well as Holy Eucharist on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. ‘Lessons in Leadership’ - Dr. Robert Bottoms, the Interim President and Dean of Seabury Western Episcopal Seminary and The Rev. William Sachs, PhD. Seabury Chabraja Fellow and well known Episcopal Scholar and leader were at Our Saviour, Jacksonville, Oct. 30 -31, 2011, addressing leadership in the Episcopal Church. Bill Sachs preached on the 30th and both facilitated a leadership forum. They also offered a two day leadership training on Sunday and Monday. 65 clergy and laypeople from leadership groups at Our Saviour and other local Episcopal churches participated . Charlie Norton’s 99th birthday was Sunday, Oct. 9 and Trinity, Melrose, planned a surprise celebration. “Charlie is still driving, still living alone and still our most popular Sunday School teacher and very involved with all aspects of Trinity… quite remarkable!,” was the whisper. “There is nothing material we can give Charlie, but we can give him our love... a basket filled with letters from each of you telling him how much we think of him, how he has touched our lives, and of our love for him.” Photo: Trinity, Melrose Blessings still arrive in the mail, months after The Diocesan last enclosed an envelope asking its readers for donations to support more, and more colorful, pages of news. Some generous folks whose names haven’t been published in earlier heartfelt “thank you” lists: from Jacksonville - Michael Corrigan, All Saints; Peg Perkins, St. Catherine’s; Tim Price, Our Saviour; Frances M. Upshaw, St. Andrew’s; and all the way from Woodbine, Ga.: Melinda Showalter. Bless you all! Unable to get to church? Weekly sermons from Our Saviour, Jacksonville, can now be heard on the website at www.coos.org Click on the link to listen to the podcast. Please give The Diocesan and Diologue information about other Diocese of Florida congregation’s podcasts available to the homebound. Art exhibits in St. John’s Cathedral’s Taliaferro Hall: Artwork by Billie McCray was on display in October; November’s exhibit, featuring works by acclaimed painter John Bunker, opened with a wine and cheese reception featuring music and sponsored by the art committee of the Cathedral. Melissa Gerard, new Communications Director at St Mark’s, Jacksonville, is an Atlanta and a graduate of the University of Georgia where she studied journalism and communications. She joins St. Mark’s after serving as Communication Coordinator for St. Elizabeth’s, Jacksonville. St. John’s, Tallahassee, announced the launch on Oct. 28 of “Faith, Food, Friday,” a series of conversations inviting people across Tallahassee to examine where civic issues intersect with faith. Dr. Doug Dortch of First Baptist, Rabbi Jack Romberg of Temple Israel, Pastor Darrick McGhee of Bible Based Church and Father Dave of St. John’s are leading in a partnership with The Village Square, a nonprofit dedicated to building conversations across the partisan divide. Meeting one Friday a month over noon lunch at First Baptist Church, the goal is to engage a diverse group of neighbors from across faith communities and secular communities. The forums are free and open to the public, lunch is available for $8 (cash or check) or you may bring a brown bag lunch. For more information (menu, maps) or to reserve your seat: www.tothevillagesquare.org or 264-8785. St. Mark’s EDS teachers, Mrs. Anderson, Mrs. Bennett, and Ms. Gorman were with members of St. Mark’s Church on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land Oct. 26 – Nov. 8. As they walked in the footsteps of Jesus throughout Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and beyond, their experience came alive for their students through technology. They videoconferenced with the students, shared a daily adventures blog, created podcasts, and posted photographs of their destinations and experiences. Congratulations to Mrs. Maria Shelor, a fourth grade teacher, the FIFTH teacher from St. Mark’s EDS to be recognized as a week’s First Coast News Teacher of the Week! St. Mark’s teachers, nominated by students, have been recognized more than any other school in the area on this segment. St. Mark’s EDS Division Head of the Early Learning Program and ELP II teacher, Stephanie Kowald, was invited to present at the JCCI event on Innovation in Early Education. The school was one of two in the area to join the panel of medical and educational experts. VBB photo Photo: Janet Robinson Hosting a Parish Gathering? Camp Weed will deliver their equipment and assist with cooking for your large church events (at no charge). For groups of 50-500 Camp Weed has the gear and will bring it to you. How about a Low Country Boil for 100 guests for about $5 per person? Or Chili or Chicken and Rice for 500 guests for even less per person? Fr. Richard Pelkey called on Camp Weed to help St Joseph’s, Newberry, with their Low Country Boil. It was a smashing success and delicious too! Using the Camp Weed 60 gallon pot and gear, food for very large groups can be prepared inexpensively. St. Luke’s, Live Oak was using the equipment for a “Stone Soup” on Stewardship Sunday. A perfect metaphor for making something special using contributions from all. Call Camp Weed today at 386- 364-5250. Mountain Bikers and Hikers: Come to Camp Weed for the weekend and bike the new trail at nearby Stephen Foster State Park. Catfish Hole, the Suwannee River Overlook, “Beaver Crossing” and other unique areas along this scenic trail will provide visitors with an exclusive adventure throughout the Upper Suwannee River Valley’s diverse topography. For information call the park at (386) 397-2733. To learn more about the park, visit ww.FloridaStateParks.org/stephenfoster. Call Camp Weed for a room, cabin or RV/Tent reservations at 386-364-5250. Almost three decades ago, when our Diocesan Convention resolved to publish this diocesan newspaper locally rather than continue delivery with the national paper, delegates gave your editor but two firm mandates: first, each issue must include national Church and Anglican Communion news; and second, (via a motion from a male delegate), under no circumstances was this paper to carry the nationally-circulated photo feature, “The Episcocats.” Inescapably, however, certain eminent church cats of this Diocese have at times made their way into the news. Page one of this issue refers to a meeting of archivists held at St. John’s Cathedral, where the most infamous item in the Diocesan Archives is arguably the century-old mummified corpse of a hapless church cat, found entombed in the wall behind the altar. Out of delicacy, we give you here only the image of the box, but be assured the archivists viewed The Body. As an antidote to that sad note, we also give you the very vital, nononsense stare of Our Saviour’s church cat, Tabitha, on guard beside its stern warning to humans of the ilk of that male delegate 30 years back: “Do not start with me – you will not win.” The Cathedral Bookstore and Gift Shop is open after all services on Sunday, and during weekday office hours. featuring unique gifts, books and St. John’s apparel. Bright Idea Dept.: YAMS (Young Adults, Married, Single, in their 20s, 30s, 40s) held their third Theology on Tap on Oct. 21, 5:157:30 in The Filling Station located in Tallahassee’s Midtown Manor. It’s a laid back atmosphere and a nice place to get a soda or juice as well. Come one, come all. Questions? Contact [email protected] The dates are set for St. John’s, Tallahassee’s 2012 Youth Mission Trip: July 15-23, 2012. This trip is for rising 9-12 grade students. The Right Rev. William Skilton, Assistant Bishop of the Dominican Episcopal Church, is seeking to raise at least $15,000 to provide a car for Fr. Emilio Martín Fumero, formerly of the Diocese of Cuba and known to many in the Diocese of Florida, Cuba’s Companion Diocese. Fr. Emilio is now serving two congregations in the Dominican Republic, traveling between them with difficulty as he and his wife have only public transportation. Bishop Bill’s request for a UTO Grant was unsuccessful. Donors can contribute directly to the fund by mail to: Braden,Gonzalez & Associates, 228 St.Charles Ave. #1230, New Orleans, LA 70130. Tel (504) 581-2000; Fax (540) 581-2073 ADVENT A.D. 2011 THE DIOCESAN 13 Camp staff welcomes new Canon for Youth Ministry As the 2011 Summer Camp season began at Camp Weed, this Congratulations! banner bearing inscriptions from Camp Weed s summer camp staff greeted Father Wiley Ammons, Canon for Youth Ministry, then newly ordained to the priesthood and celebrating his first Holy Communion with the summer camp staff. Photo: Joe Chamberlain Upcoming Youth Events in the Diocese . . . Vocare: Took place November 4-6, 2011 Young adults sharing in fellowship with fellow Christians willing to dedicate their lives to God Diocesan Ski Trip: January 13-16, 2012 Vocare provides young adults a method of developing, nourishing, living and sharing in fellowship with Christians willing to dedicate their lives to God. At Vocare, believers and seekers alike are encouraged to look within and examine how God is calling, personally, professionally, and communally. We believe that Jesus Christ has made – and will continue to make – a difference in the world and our individual lives. Join us and find out how Jesus Christ can make a difference in your life. To register, go to Vocare Registration on the Diocese of Florida website: www.diocesefl.org. High School youth from all over the Diocese of Florida are invited to participate in a Ski Trip event. This year it will be held in Winterplace, West Virginia, January 13-16.The cost for this event is $310. This includes three nights lodging, two-day lift ticket, two- day ski rental ($20 charge for snowboards), three hot breakfasts and two lunch vouchers. The Episcopal churches from Tallahassee will be riding up together in a charter bus to meet the other youth groups from the Diocese. Registration and a non-refundable $50 deposit are due Nov. 14; the remaining balance is due Jan. 5. Talk to your Youth Leader about registration. Winterlight at Kanuga: December 27–January 1 Students in grades 9–12 join Episcopalians from many states; explore becoming an image for God Come on your own, with a friend, or in a group For students in grades 9-12, Winterlight offers a chance to be in community with other young Episcopalians from many different states. Come on your own, with a friend, or in a group. This year’s Winterlight conference at Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, NC, will explore how we can walk as Christ did and be an image for God. To register go to http://kanuga.org/conferences/index.asp Happening #122: January 20–22, 2012 Renewal weekend for high school age young people; find your place in ministry leadership Happening is a renewal weekend for high school age young people. The purpose of Happening in the Diocese of Florida is to renew the spiritual life of high school students who attend in order that they may take their place in the ministry and leadership of the parishes and missions which sponsor them. It is a weekend experience of fun, games, sharing, surprises, and most of all, a time of spiritual renewal and empowerment. Candidates must register by January 4, 2012. Register online at www.campweed.net/youthministry/happening/happeningregistration.aspx New Beginnings offers unique ministry for middle school youth grades 6-8 – held at Camp Weed New Beginnings is a unique ministry that shares the love of Christ with the middle school youth (grades 6-8). New Beginnings speaks, listens and challenges the youth of today to be positive about themselves, their family and their community. The ministry reminds us that we are all children of God, we are special and we are loved. Each of us is more than a conqueror, and there is nothing we cannot overcome with Christ. New Beginnings is held at Camp Weed. The next New Beginnings weekend, originally scheduled for late 2011, has been rescheduled for March 16-18, 2012. The cost is $100 per participant. All participants must have a sponsor(s) from their parish and the sponsor must attend the weekend with them! (Male sponsor for male participants and female sponsor for female participant.) To learn more about New Beginnings contact Sarah Minton at work: 904-725-6566 or [email protected]; or Tiffany LaMotte at work: 904-261-4293 or [email protected] To register, go to www.campweed.net/youthministry/new-beginnings.aspx Around the Regions All Hallows Eve was marked with a gathering of the Episcopal Area Youth at St. John’s, Tallahassee in Alfriend Hall. They met from 4 to 6 p.m. for for a “Spooky Night” in costume - a fun evening and All Hallows Eve service for all sixth through twelfth grade students, with dinner provided. A special guest, Ryan Cassell, from the University of the South at Sewanee was there to talk with the youth about college choices. Canon Wiley Ammons celebrates his first Holy Eucharist, with the summer camp staff at the altar of Mandi’s Chapel. And - our Diocese gains its first fulltime ordained Canon for Youth! Youth Lock In offers fun, fellowship, and assurance that the faithful should ‘Fear Not!’tho’ All Hallows Eve nears Photo: Joe Chamberlain Camp Weed Summer Camp participation earns rewards for churches, Episcopal school teachers A reward was offered to the congregations with the greatest percentage of participation in 2011 Camp Weed Summer Camp. The top three churches were: * Church of the Epiphany, Jacksonville -100% * St. James’, Lake City - 80% * St. Paul’s, Federal Point- 66% Each of these churches receives a check from Camp Weed & The Cerveny Conference Center for $375, to be used for future campers from that church. The three congregations with the greatest number of campers were: * St. Peter’s, Fernandina Beach - 26 campers * Church of Our Saviour, Mandarin/Jacksonville -26 campers * Christ Church, Ponte Vedra Beach - 21 campers Finally, a reward was offered to the two teachers from Episcopal schools with the most campers attending summer camp this summer. They are: * Mr. Alan Bartlett from St Mark’s Episcopal Day School, Jacksonville * Mr. Brandon Foster, San Jose Episcopal Day School, Jacksonville Their reward was a gift certificate for a three nights stay at the Clarion Water Park Hotel near Disney World. THE DIOCESAN Next weekend rescheduled to March 16-18, 2012 Episcopal Area Youth – EAY – gathering on All Hallows Eve includes costumes, dinner, and college information For the very first times! 14 High school youth from across the Diocese to gather in Winterplace, West Virginia ADVENT A.D. 2011 St. Luke’s, Jacksonville, hosted a Youth Lock-In event for those in grades nine through twelve, from 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 28 until 10 a.m. Saturday, October 29. The theme, “Fear Not,” was based on Isaiah 41:10 and other scriptures. Gladys Alves is Youth Leader: (904) 894-6985 or [email protected] One hundred – 100! - acolytes commissioned with adult leaders by St. Mark’s, Jacksonville, rector on October 2 The Rev. Jonathan B. Coffey, Jr. commissioned 100 acolytes and 16 adult leaders on Sunday, October 2 at St. Mark’s, Jacksonville. Melody Hainline, volunteer acolyte coordinator, was praised for her outstanding job recruiting these wonderful youth and adult volunteers. See photos, page 1 Boy Scouts of St. Margaret’s, Fleming Island, often give back to the church that has sponsored troop ‘forever’ St. Margaret’s, Hibernia/Fleming Island, had a special service of recognition for Boy Scout Troop 482, which the congregation sponsors. Nobody seems sure how long Boy Scouts have been meeting at the church, but it’s more than the 20 years of current records they have kept. (Readers, was this troop one of the many Fr. Yerkes “plants”?) Over the years, some of the young men have chosen Eagle Scout projects to Photo: Ian Woolen benefit St. Margaret’s. At least twice, the old wooden crosses in the cemetery have been replaced as their project, once by Will Remsen. And about five years ago, Michael Tanner built the outdoor all-purpose altar and cross, with two benches for the altar party. ✠ THE RIGHT REV. DR. BERTRAM ✠ DEATHS ✠ NELSON HERLONG The Right Reverend Dr. Bertram Nelson Herlong, X Bishop of Tennessee, passed away surrounded by the love of family and friends on Friday, Oct. 21, 2011. Bishop Herlong was born in Lake City, Fla. on Oct. 16, 1934. He graduated from Lake City High School in 1952 and the University of Florida in 1956. He attended the University of the South and earned a Bachelor of Divinity from the School of Theology. Bishop Herlong began his ministry in the Diocese of Florida as founding vicar of St. Jude’s, Valparaiso, and Church of the Epiphany, Crestview. He later served as canon pastor of St. John’s Cathedral, Jacksonville, and as founding chaplain and assistant headmaster of Episcopal High School. During his service to the Diocese of Florida he continued his education over seven summers to earn his Masters of Sacred Theology in 1970 from St. Luke’s Seminary, University of the South. Bishop Herlong served Trinity Parish, New York City, as associate rector and vicar of Trinity Church and St. Paul’s Chapel from 19721979. He served as a founding member of a hospice at The Beekman Downtown Hospital in Manhattan and founded St. Margaret’s Housing Center for senior citizens. He further served on the Board of Directors of the New York Board of Trade. Continuing his education he was awarded the Doctorate of Ministry degree from New York Theological Seminary in 1980. In 1979, he became eighth dean and fifteenth rector of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Detroit, where he galvanized the community to revitalize downtown Detroit, founding the Cathedral School, (later renamed the Herlong Cathedral School in his honor), which provided early childhood through 8th grade education, and establishing two senior citizen housing communities. On Jan. 10, 1993. he was elected tenth Bishop of the Diocese of Tennessee and was ordained and consecrated on June 26, 1993. Tennessee became the fastest growing Diocese in the Episcopal Church. He established a relationship with the Diocese of Ecuador enabling frequent medical and dental missions. Bishop Herlong was married for 54 years to the former Barbara Ann Vickers; they have two daughters, six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted Oct. 25, 2011 at St. George’s, Nashville, with burial in St. John’s Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant, Tenn. Memorials may be made to St. Luke’s Community House, St. George’s, Nashville, or a charity of one’s choice. ✠ THE REV. VERNON A. DOUGLAS The Reverend Vernon A. Douglas, beloved friend and colleague, died Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011. Rector of St. Michael and All Angels, Tallahassee, 1984-1986, Fr. Douglas conducted services throughout his ministry in many Diocese of Florida churches throughout the Apalachee region. Funeral services were held Sept. 24, 2011 at St. Michael and All Angels. Fr. Douglas was born Dec. 21, 1923 in Barbados, West Indies. Married in 1963, he had three children. He attended the American Bible College Institute of Theology, MTh ‘52, ‘74-’76; and Princeton Theological Seminary, ‘69-‘72. He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Bert in 1978. He also served Incarnation, Cleveland, Ohio, as assistant rector ‘76-’78 and as rector ‘78-’80; as rector of Redeemer, Greenville, MS, ‘81-’84; and as rector of St. Augustine, Kansas City, ‘86-‘92. He retired in 1992. ✠ THE REV. ROBERT ALLEN STUART The Rev. Robert Allen “Bob” Stuart died on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011. He was the former rector of St. Thomas, Palm Coast, having served from 1984 until his retirement in 2007. His memorial service was held Friday, Oct. 14, at St. Francis-inthe-Field, Ponte Vedra, with Bishop John Howard officiating and the Rev. Robert Marsh as preacher. A reception followed the service with a time for eulogies. Internment of ashes followed that evening at St. Thomas, Palm Coast. Born July 11, 1940, in Canonsburg, Penn., he graduated from Florida State University in 1962 and earned an MDiv from Virginia Theological Seminary in1965, He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop West in 1966. He had three children, and is survived by his wife of 34 years, Susanna. Fr. Bob served as priest-in-charge of St. Thomas, Bunnell, ’65-’67; and St. Paul’s, Federal Point, ’65-’68; and was chaplain at St. Johns River College, Palatka, ’66-’68. He was canon in residence at St. John’s Cathedral, Jacksonville, ’68-’71; and rector of St. Andrew’s, Panama City, ’71-’76. During his ministry he steadily served the Diocese of Florida in Happening, as a spiritual director, on Executive Council, the Strategic Planning Commission, the Liturgical Commission, the Program, Budget, and Audit Commission, and as Secretary of the Diocese. ✠ THE REV. JOHN JOSEPH MORRETT The Rev. John Joseph Morrett, born in Springfield, Ohio, passed away in Jacksonville on Oct. 14, 2011. He is survived by his spouse of 37 years, Joan Lisle Morrett, three children and a stepdaughter. His first wife, Elnora Day Morrett, died in 1973. He was a graduate of Ohio State University in Social Administration. As an army captain in WWII he survived the Bataan Death March, years in Japanese prison camps, and the torpedoing of his Japanese ship moving prisoners to Japan. He returned to finish seminary at Cambridge Theological Seminary, was ordained in 1947 into the Episcopal Church where he served for 52 years. His ministries came full circle, starting in missionary work in China and finishing with mission work with the Karens and finally in Kapaau, Hawaii where he worked until he was 80. After missionary ministry in China, he founded Holy Nativity, Honolulu, Hawaii; was dean of St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Honolulu; rector of St. Alban’s, Columbus, Ohio; vicar of St. George’s, Pearl Harbor; served Christ Church, Bangkok, Thailand, and finally St. Augustine, Kapaau, Hawaii. During the 1970s in Columbus, he dove into Faith Alive, which spread throughout the Episcopal Church; he also arranged a companion Diocese with Nigeria. In the 1980s he was National Chaplain to the Navy League, and returned to missionary work with his wife Joan, as interim at Christ Church, Bangkok where he helped Karen refugees flee communist Burma and consecrated a small mission church, founded a school and orphanage, and ordained a number of Karens. After 11 years in Hawaii, Fr. Morrett retired to Jacksonville in 1999. He passed peacefully at the VA Medical Center in Lake City, Fla. Funeral service was Oct. 19, 2011 at Holy Trinity, Jacksonville; internment will be at Holy Nativity, Honolulu, at a future date. BAPTISMS, CONFIRMATIONS, AND DEATHS WILL BE POSTED ON THE DIOCESE OF FLORIDA WEBSITE WWW.DIOCESEFL.ORG Positions available in the Diocese Part-time Director of Youth Ministry All Saints, in the San Marco area of Jacksonville, is seeking a part-time (up to 15 hours) Director of Youth Ministry for a mid-size, growing congregation with an active Jr/Sr. High youth program. Education majors, teachers, and those with youth ministry backgrounds or experience working with youth, preferred, but not required. Good position for an enthusiastic young mom or dad. Minorities are encouraged to apply. Compensation will be based on experience and qualifications. Key attributes: 1) desire to help young people mature in their faith, 2) demonstrated ability to work in a team environment, 3) strong organizational skills, and 4) self-motivated. Reports to the head pastor (Rector). Send resumes or inquiries to the Rev. Gee Alexander: [email protected]. Part-time Organist/Choir Director This part-time organist/choir director position will be available in January 2012 at St. Philip’s, 321 West Union Street, Jacksonville. Please contact the church at 904-354-1053; fax: 904-353-2773; email: [email protected]. Send resume to the attention of the Rev.Hugh Chapman or call the church office for more information. ✠ EDWARD HAMILTON WEST IV Edward Hamilton West IV, 75, son of the Rt. Reverend Hamilton West, V Bishop of Florida, and Charlotte West, died Oct. 25, 2011 in Tampa. Services were held Nov. 1 at St. John’s, Tampa, with internment of ashes at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Born Aug. 2, 1936 in Gainesville, Fla., he grew up in Augusta, Ga. and Jacksonville, Fla., where he graduated from Robert E. Lee High. Active on campus at The University of the South - Sewanee, at graduation he received the Algernon-Sydney-Sullivan Award. In 2009, Ed was inducted into Sewanee’s Hall of Fame for the winning swimming season of 1957-58. In 1968 he attended LSU School of Banking. After two years in the U.S. Navy, he began his banking career at Barnett Bank in Jacksonville, became president of Barnett Bank, Tampa, in 1976, and executive vice president of Exchange Bank Corp. Inc. in 1977. After mergers, he ended his career at Bank of America. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Connie; his two children; his seven grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the YRS Club at The University of the South; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; St. John’s, Tampa; or a charity of choice. The Unlikely Priest – Memoir by the Rev. J. Perry Smith, Canon for Pastoral Care at St. John’s Cathedral, Jacksonville The Unlikely Priest, by Fr. J. Perry Smith, is a remarkable story of one man who has led many lives – bullfighter, Trappist monk, U.S. Army counterintelligence agent, CIA operative, FBI Agent, and finally, Episcopal priest. Fr. Perry writes about his encounters with bulls, Viet Cong, spies and thugs, bank robbers, famous officials, movie stars, and just-in-the-nick of time escapes from Mexico and Central America. This, his first book, is also the personal story of a secret adoption and the author’s relentless search to find his biological family. Ultimately, it was his faith and hope that sustained him in the search for himself, and for his one true father, God. The Unlikely Priest is available at St. John’s Cathedral bookstore for $17; also sold at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Diocesan House E-Mail Addresses Bishop Samuel Johnson Howard [email protected] Bishop Charles Lovett Keyser [email protected] The Rev. Canon Bob Griffiths [email protected] Wiley Ammons - [email protected] Virginia Barker - [email protected] Karen Belson - [email protected] Vickie Haskew - [email protected] Melinda Showalter - [email protected] Pat Burns - [email protected] Darby Edwards - [email protected] The Episcopal Church IN THE DIOCESE OF FLORIDA A 11,586 household community of 70 congregations, 16 schools, in 25 counties. Established in 1838. BISHOP — The Right Rev. Samuel Johnson Howard Episcopal Seat: St. John’s Cathedral — Jacksonville, FL ASSISTING BISHOP — The Right Rev. Charles Lovett Keyser The Hamilton West Diocesan Center, 325 Market St. — Jacksonville, FL. 32202 904 / 356-1328 FAX 355-1934 “LIVING AND PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL IN COMMUNITY, EUCHARIST, AND SERVANTHOOD MINISTRY.” IN THE UNITED STATES A 2.5 million-member community in 109 dioceses and three regional areas in 16 nations. Established 1789. PRESIDING BISHOP — The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori Episcopal Seat: Washington National Cathedral — Mount St. Alban; Washington, D.C. 20016 Episcopal Church Center, 815 Second Ave. — New York, NY 10017, 1-800/321-2231 IN THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION A 70 million-member worldwide community of 38 provinces. ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY — The Most Rev. Rowan Williams Lambeth Palace, London, England SE1 7JU — Episcopal Seat: Canterbury Cathedral Anglican Communion Office — Partnership House -- 157 Waterloo Road London SE1 8UT England NEWS OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF FLORIDA www.diocesefl.org An official publication for and by the people of the Episcopal Diocese of Florida. Policy, editorial, and administrative decisions are under the direction of the Bishop, the Diocesan Council, and the Communications Commission. Memberships held in Anglican Communion News Service, Episcopal News Service, Episcopal Communicators, Quest/Ecunet, Religion News Service. Publisher, The Right Rev. Samuel Johnson Howard, Bishop of Florida 904/356-1328 ext. 14; [email protected]); Editor: Virginia Barrett Barker (904/268-5138; E-mail via Internet [email protected]; or via QUEST, international Anglican network: VIRGINIA BARRETT BARKER) Communications Commission Members: Paula Suhey, Chair (904/403-5024), [email protected]; Virginia Barrett Barker (contacts above); Gary Babcock (904/5364234 C, [email protected]); Joe Chamberlain (386/364-5250 W, [email protected]); Darby Edwards (904/356-1328, ext. 17 (O); 904/355-1934 Fax, [email protected]); Bill Fannin (904/233-7756, [email protected]); Ladd Harris (386/454-8047, [email protected]); Dot Hill (386/454-7727 H, 352281-1208 C, [email protected]); Phaion Hyche (850/728-3147, [email protected]); Theresa Johnson (904/632-9104, ext. 42, [email protected]); David Miner (850/556-7450 C, [email protected]); Matt Ray (904/245-8500 W, 904/708-7288 C, [email protected]); Janet Robinson (904/607-7010 C, [email protected]); Bill Schmidt (904/388-7776 O, 904/465-1714 C, [email protected]); Nell Toensmann (904/471-0202, [email protected]); Jack Tull (904/823-8552 H, 904/377-3281 C, [email protected]); Paul Van Brunt (904/699-2600, [email protected]; John Weidner, [email protected]; Frederick Scott West (352/505-6078 P, 360/2759720 F, [email protected]) DEADLINES: December 1 for The Diocesan Convention Companion issue, to be mailed Dec. 15. Subscribe to Dio-logue, the weekly e-newsletter from Diocesan House. Sign up at www.diocesefl.org POSTMASTER: If undeliverable, do not return. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Notify your parish office, not Diocesan House. The Diocesan welcomes expressions of opinion from our readers. Our policy is to offer coverage of an issue from its several viewpoints, in an effort to aid our readers in reaching informed and prayerful opinions. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Address correspondence to Editor, The Diocesan, 325 Market Street, Jacksonville, Florida, 32202, or e-mail [email protected]. Letters are subject to standard editing. “Our Ministry Is To Strengthen Your Ministry” ADVENT A.D. 2011 THE DIOCESAN 15