September, 2014 • Volume 139, Issue No. 9 Transition Committee update: ordination and consecration events being finalized

By The Rev. J. Brian Ponder Some highlights of that information include: LOCATION, TIME & PARKING: The ordination-conse - On August 26, 2014, it was announced from the office of cration begins at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 27, at the the presiding bishop that the Very Rev. Brian Richard Seage JCC, 105 East Pascagoula Street, Jackson, MS. Prelude music and the Diocese of Mississippi completed the canonical con - begins at 10:00 a.m. There will be NO procession from St. sent process, having received a majority of consents from Andrew’s Cathedral as on previous occasions. All events begin bishops exercising jurisdiction and the diocesan standing at the JCC. Participants and those processing should report to committees of the Church. In short, this means that Fr. Exhibit Hall A and be vested no later than 9:45 a.m. Seage’s election to the Episcopate has been certified and rec - ognized by the Church and that his ordination-consecration ACCOMMODATIONS: The host hotel for the ordina - as our bishop coadjutor may officially take place. tion-consecration is Jackson’s downtown Marriott. A block of Your diocesan Transition Committee has continued rooms has been reserved at a rate of $95 for Friday night, work over the summer months to plan and coordinate vari - September 26. Reservations may be made by calling ous details surrounding the anticipated ordination and conse - 1.800.228.9290, using booking code “Episcopal Diocese.” cration scheduled for Saturday, September 27. At 10:30 that Additionally, a very limited number of rooms is available at the morning, formal processions of diocesan clergy and leader - Old Capitol Inn, 601.359.9000. Rate varies for the Old Capitol ship, banner bearers, acolytes, servers, the candidate, bish - The Very Rev. Brian Seage Inn. ops, visiting dignitaries and other service participants will mark the beginning of the worship service at the Jackson Convention Complex BANNER BEARERS: Banner bearers representing the parishes and missions Inside this issue: (JCC). Immediately following the service, a reception will be held on the grounds of the diocese, as well as the Gray Center, ECW and the Diocesan Altar Guild, are Reflections from the Road ...... 4 of the Mississippi Museum of Art. The service and reception are open to all. invited to process. Vesture for banner bearers is “plain clothes.” Stands should be Those unable to attend the worship service will be able to watch via live clearly labeled on the underside prior to arrival. Banners and stands may be deliv - Gray Center Gazette ...... 5-8 stream online that morning. For fuller information about all things “consecration,” ered to the JCC Friday, September 26 (12:00-5:00 p.m.), or Saturday, September Why I say Morning Prayer ...... 10 clergy and laity of the diocese are encouraged to visit 27 (8:00-9:45 a.m.). Each banner stand and pole will be assigned a coordinating www.msbishopsearch.org/consecration. Cathedral celebrates anniversary .12 Ordination and Consecration Events Continued on page 4 Diocesan managed endowment funds part of new civil rights museum Seeds of Faith & Hope “For these are times which not only try men’s souls, but also infect and poison them. The seeds of anger and hatred, bitterness and prejudice, are already sown and as Christians, we need to do our best to uproot and cast them out.” Bishop Duncan M. Gray Jr. (1962 )

[MSE] The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi is not only “uprooting” and “casting out,” but also planting seeds of faith and hope that will last for generations. We are doing this by helping to fund educational exhibits for the new Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. In the fall of 2017, Mississippi will make history by celebrating history. Our state will open the doors to the Museum of Mississippi History and the adjoining Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. While the legislature has provided more than $80 million for this project, they established a fundraising goal of $12 million that had to be privately met. When completed as part of our state’s bicentennial obser - vance, these museums will rank as one of the state’s most significant building projects and the only state-operated civil rights museum in the country. The diocese is providing funds for two permanent exhibits in the Civil Rights Museum that will An artist rendering shows the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum (center/right) with the planned Museum of inform museum visitors, young and old, about two critical times during Mississippi’s history. The first Mississippi History. exhibit, called “A Tremor in the Iceberg,” focuses on grassroots efforts like the early demonstrations at the Gulf Coast beaches, the Freedom Riders, James Meredith’s admission at the University of Bishop Green was asked to help “develop it along Church lines” and later St. Bernard’s Mission was Mississippi, and the assassination of Medgar Evers. The second exhibit, called “I Question America,” organized on the campus. For twenty years, the Rev. Sampson Foster served as chaplain to Okolona will highlight voter registration and direct action campaigns in Mississippi during 1963 and 1964. The College. The school was closed in the mid-1960s. In order to oversee the assets of cash and property, diocese’s contribution will go toward the centerpiece of this second exhibit—a meeting space and a new board of trustees was formed and the fiscal assets invested as the Okolona College Endowment immersive theater resembling a church. Outside the “church” is the ongoing struggle and violence to support education for minority Mississippians. The Okolona College Endowment has provided associated with the times. Inside, visitors will experience “civil rights meetings” in a Masonic Lodge, a scholarships for secondary and college students and campers at Camp Bratton Green. The endowment synagogue, a church, and other meeting places where activists held community gatherings. also has funded a chaplain at Jackson State University and supported St. Mark’s Day Care Center, the This support will be in the form of a grant from the Okolona College Endowment, with which our Okolona Child Development Center, and Redeemer/Greenville’s Vacation Bible School among other ministries throughout the years. diocese is entrusted, as well as additional funds from individuals. Okolona College was formed in 1902 Civil rights museum in Chickasaw County to provide industrial education for African American men and women. In 1920, Continued on page 4 OUR DIOCESE

Holy Innocents/Como will begin a new Quotes this month: fall teaching series on Tuesday nights in The Rev. Ann Whitaker, St. Peter’s/Oxford : October. The topic will be The Sacraments and “How well we love and care for one another will a Sacramental Life. also say much about our Outreach efforts as The potluck supper and program at All well. They are connected through the body of Saint’s/Tupelo on Wednesday, September 24th, Christ, of which we are all a part. We are to will feature a presentation about this year’s serve one another.” G.I.R.L.Y. camp. Members are encouraged to The Rev. Carol Mead, St. Peter’s by-the- bring a favorite dish and join in the fun. A nurs - Lake/Brandon: “As Christians, we are called to Notes from around the diocese: charge to all people in the community who are ery will be provided spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. In pro - Resurrection/Starkville has planned an mourning a death, takes place on Tuesday All Saint’s is also offering a five-week series, claiming that Good News, we allow ourselves to adult choir fall retreat for Saturday, September evenings at St. Paul’s from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Good Enough Parenting: Is It Realistic In be used by God to bring peace to individuals 13th, to reunite the members following the sum - St. Pierre’s/Gautier has begun offering a Today’s World? The program explores the chal - who thought religion was self-serving and inau - mer hiatus and welcome new singers. The monthly craft night. Different activities are lenges of raising confident, self-reliant, compas - thentic. That Godgiven sense of mission compels retreat will be a day of singing, fellowship, and a planned for the second Monday of each month, sionate, and ethical children in a world where us to invite other people to experience God shared meal. beginning with card-making for different occa - entitlement and competition abound. through our church and our tradition.” Members of St. Peter’s by-the- sions. St. Mary’s/Bolton will host the Jubilee The Parish Visitor, Trinity/Yazoo City : Lake/Brandon will set sail on the “Friendship II” The focus of parish outreach at St. Singers on Sunday, September 14th, at 4:00 p.m. “God doesn’t need our sacrifices; we do. Our on Friday, September 26th. The Friendship II is Mark’s/Gulfport for August and September is The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra faith grows when we challenge ourselves to give a vessel that accommodates up to 150 guests and aiding local disadvantaged children. Donations Chamber Ensemble will perform at Holy up something less valuable to embrace the rich - cruises the reservoir. The boat has a kitchen, will benefit Back Pack Blessings, CASA, Harrison Trinity/Vicksburg on Sunday, September 28th. ness of God. When we give more than we’re bathrooms, and a wonderful top deck for relax - County Youth Shelter, and the Women’s Center The candlelight event, featuring Brahms’ comfortable giving, our need for control is ing and enjoying the scenery with friends. There for Nonviolence. In addition to gathering pen - Serenade no. 2 in A major and Beethoven’s replaced by confidence that God holds us.” might even be some dancing along the way. The cils, paper, and clothing items, St. Mark's is also Symphony No. 1 in C Major, is free and open to The Rev. Elizabeth Wheatley-Jones, All cost is $20 per person, and participants are collecting food items that are easy to open and the public. Saints/Grenada : “Without question, the most requested to bring an appetizer to share and the heat. These items are put into less privileged St. Peter’s/Oxford is founding a Brewer’s spiritually influential and symbolically significant beverage of their choice. children’s backpacks to take home over the Guild. Brewing has recently come back into diddy [on my office bookshelf] is the old-style, On Sunday, September 14th, between serv - weekend so they have food they can prepare for fashion as a ministry of the church, most often metal Slinky, which . . . has provided many an ices and after the later service, St. Peter’s is pre - themselves. serving as a means of fellowship and sometimes opportunity for playful and prayerful reflection senting an opportunity fair. The event will high - St. Philip’s/Jackson is providing licensed even aiding in fundraising. St. Peter’s guild is on life and relationship with God, the circular light the many programs St Peter’s offers, such as lay leader training to be held Saturday, focused around the gathering of men in their and cyclical nature of life and death, the inter - outreach ministries, youth and adult education, September 20th. After noonday prayer and 20s/30s/40s, but others young at heart and inter - connectedness of life . . . and the ebb and flow parish life, liturgical ministries, music, and more. lunch, training with David O’Steen and the Rev. ested in putting some blood, sweat, and tears of life . . . And, of course, there is the acute There will be representatives of each group or Kyle Dice Seage will commence. All licensed lay (metaphorically, it is hoped) into brewing for the awareness that, as in life, so with a Slinky, there ministry available to answer questions, and leaders are urged to attend this training, which Lord are invited to an organizational meeting. is a tendency for things to get all snarled up if refreshments will be served. will count toward recertification at the end of The Harvest program at St. one is not mindful of its natural order . . . Truth St. John’s/Ocean Springs is adding a chil - 2014. James’/Greenville is going strong. The pro - be told, as much as anything, the Slinky is an dren’s choir to its music/Christian education pro - Each summer St. Matthew’s/Kosciusko gram, designed for adults with various mental ever present reminder to lighten up and not to gram, Church Music’s Voice for Life . Rehearsals uses the break in routine to sample a different and physical challenges, meets weekly to do take myself or my opinions or any internal or for elementary and middle school students begin liturgy such as the Athanasian Creed or the 1662 crafts, sing songs, play games, hear Bible stories, external inclination to power and control or this month. service. This year they are using the 1928 Book share concerns, and eat a snack. even understanding too seriously!” Griefshare, a nationally known, Christian- of Common Prayer . It’s a chance for their mem - St. Columb’s/Ridgeland is celebrating the The Very Rev. Robert Weatherington, based grief program and support group, is being bers to experience the differences made by a feast of St. Columba in a special way this year. Redeemer/Biloxi : “. . . our entire life together offered by St. Paul’s/Columbus and Gentiva change in language and to reflect on the words Their former rector (and now bishop coadjutor- is built upon the life and work of Jesus. We are Hospice. The 13-week program, which is free of and liturgy with a fresh perspective. elect), Brian Seage, will be present for the serv - guided by his teaching, we are redeemed, by his ice to bless the much-anticipated altar rail cush - work and death, and we are shown God’s prom - ions. The day is also set aside as a rally day for ise to us by his resurrection . . . we come togeth - the renewal of church activities after the summer er in this community because of our faith, even Continually published for 139 years in the Diocese of Mississippi hiatus. Immediately after the evening service, questioning faith, in Jesus Christ. That faith hap - members will enjoy a spaghetti supper with ice pens on personal and transformational level. cream sundaes for dessert. Still, most of us struggle with articulating that The organ at St. John’s/Pascagoula is experience. Jesus asks his disciples who people undergoing a six-week renovation process. The say he is, and then who they think he is . . . That renovated organ should be in place and fully question still has value for us. Who is this Jesus functional by All Saints Sunday. as you know him?” St. John’s/Laurel has planned a parish pic - Dana Bullard, St. Paul’s/Corinth : Official news organ of the Bishop and the Diocese of Mississippi nic for Sunday, September 28th, and on “Congregations that approach financial steward - 118 N. Congress Street - P.O. Box 23107 Saturday, October 4th, they will celebrate the ship from a biblical perspective do not view the Jackson, Mississippi 39225-3107 Blessing of the Animals on the parish green. money Christians give to their church merely as The adult education team at a way to pay its bills. Rather, such congregations Creator/Clinton is offering a study based on We see financial contributions as a way to help peo - The Rt. Rev. Duncan M. Gray, III Make the Road by Walking by Dr. Brian D. ple grow spiritually in their relationship with Ninth Bishop of Mississippi McLaren. The course will be offered twice every God by supporting their church’s mission and Sunday during the coming year, at the regular ministry with a percentage of their incomes.” The Rev. Scott Lenoir Adult Sunday school in the morning and again in Editor the evening following Evening Prayer. The goal is to offer a enlivening and empowering The Mississippi Episcopalian (USPS 024755) is published monthly by the Episcopal Diocese of overview of the theology of the Old and New Mississippi, 118 N. Congress St., Jackson, MS 39201. Periodical postage paid at Jackson, MS. Testaments. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to the Mississippi Episcopalian, P.O. Box 23107, Jackson, MS 39225-3107. In giving changes of address send the old address as well as the new. We cannot be responsible for the return of manuscripts or photographs.

2 The Mississippi Episcopalian September 2014 ORDINARY CONCERNS

the morning. Appointment with Mr. Peter Malual Vicksburg in the evening for a Eucharist with The Bishop’s Journal to discuss some changes in our Sudanese Unction in the Chapel and a dedication of their Ministry. Lunch and conversation with Mr. new columbarium on the grounds of the church. Chuck Barlow concerning our work with the After supper with the congregation, I return July 1 – Today marks the official beginning game. Bishop Masereka Christian Foundation. home to Jackson. of the diocese’s relationship with the Very Rev. July 20 – Return home to Jackson In the office throughout the afternoon. August 7 – Office throughout the day. Brian Seage as he begins his work today as a part July 21 – Work at home as I begin to catch August 1 – In the office in the morning, Appointment in the morning with Ms. Betty Ruth of the diocesan staff. Canons McCormick and up on matters that have accumulated in my then drive to Kosciusko to attend the funeral of Fox to discuss a new Ugandan ministry initiative. Johnson and I spend the day at Gray Center with absence. Boyd Bradford Thompson, The Grandfather of Meet through much of the middle of the day Father Seage discussing a variety of matters that July 22 – Breakfast with my Roman my daughter-in-law, Amber Gray. with the Deans of the Convocation. are all part of his orientation and transition to Catholic and United Methodist colleagues. Today August 2 –At home with family. Late afternoon annual consultation with the this new vocation to which he has been called. our bishop coadjutor-elect joins us for the first August 3 – A free Sunday so I attend the Rev. Deacon Josie Williams. July 2 – Morning appointment with the time. It is a very special moment for me. early service at St. Andrew’s with other “Early August 8 – Up early to fly to Atlanta for a Rev. Margaret Ayers. Annual consultation with Staff meetings throughout the morning. In Christians.” brief (6 hour) and intense conversation with sev - the Rev. Deacon Carol Spencer. office all day. Several conference call appoint - August 4 – Spend much of the day at Gray eral colleagues and two consultants who are try - I spend much of the afternoon with the ments throughout the afternoon. Center. Late morning, I meet with a small group ing to determine the feasibility and advisability Rev. Brian Ponder and others discussing and Late afternoon, I drive to Gray Center to to walk the grounds thinking about sites for a of developing a Leadership Institute within the making decisions concerning the ordination and welcome the staff and participants of the annual retreat center for individuals or small groups. It’s College for Bishops. Very productive conversa - consecration of the Very Rev. Brian Seage on Mississippi Conference on Music and Liturgy. an exciting prospect as I have been approached tion. September 27 and the various events associated Our attendance is up considerably this year as about the possibility of a gift that would provide Return flight is much delayed (what else is with that event. we welcome back to Mississippi our conference for the construction of such a facility. new?) and I return home around midnight. Late afternoon appointment with the Rev. leaders, the Rt. Rev. Shannon Johnston from the August 5 – Staff meetings in the morning. August 8 – Drive to Gray Center for our Deacon Frank Spencer. Diocese of Virginia and his wife Ellen as our con - Annual consultation with the Rev. Walton Jones. quarterly meeting of the Gray Center board. I am In the evening, our daughter, Tabitha, her ference leaders. Kathy and I have a late afternoon session with very pleased and excited at the direction of the husband, John, and our grandson, Deng, arrive July 23 – College for Bishops conference the Rev. Brian Ponder, chair of the Transition ministry in this special place. from Virginia for an extended stay. call in the morning. Meet briefly with the Committee, to discuss what we can do to be August 10 – No morning visitation respon - July 3 – Morning appointment with Mr. Mississippi Episcopal AIDS Commission before helpful with the wide assortment of activities sibilities, so I leave late morning for a leisurely Peter Malual, chair of our Sudanese Ministry turning that leadership over to Bishop surrounding the ordination and consecration of trip to Columbus for a visitation at Good Committee. Later in the morning, I met with the Coadjutor-elect Seage. our bishop coadjutor next month. Shepherd. president of the Episcopal Church Women, Ms. In the office all afternoon. Midafternoon August 6 – Drive to Vicksburg for a tour of Before the service, I meet with the Finance Mary Beth Welch. appointment with Dr. Estus Smith and the Rev. All Saints’ School and the AmeriCorps and FEMA Committee and, later, the Mission Committee of Afternoon appointments with the Rev. Chris Cecil Jones. program with Brian Seage. This orientation ses - the congregation to discuss the ministry of Good Colby and Ms. Jan Moore. July 24 – Office in the morning. Spend the sion with our bishop coadjutor-elect reminds me Shepherd and their need of support from the July 4 – Independence Day. I hang my flag afternoon back and forth to Gray Center with again of the extraordinary work being done at All diocesan ministries. up outside, then drive to Oxford to pick up my personal business. Spend some time with the Saints’ and how our role within this works. At the worship service, I preach, celebrate, oldest granddaughter, Harper Gray. Harper and I campers at Special Session 2. Lunch hosted by Richard and Susan Price confirm four, and reaffirm one. Good fellowship will spend the weekend at Gray Center in what July 25 – In office all day. Annual consulta - with AmeriCorps administrative staff, Father over dinner, then return to Jackson late. is called “First Camp,” an introduction to the tion with the Rev. Sylvia Czarnetzky in the morn - Seage and Canon McCormick. August 11 – Day off. camping ministry at Gray Center. Neither Harper ing. Later I meet with a small group to brain - In the afternoon I pay a visit to the Rev. In the evening, Kathy and I take the Seage nor I need any introduction but this is a time we storm ways that we could provide ongoing Clifton McInnis, longtime mentor and friend. family to dinner. have both looked forward to since she came of resources, training and support to small congre - Join with the people of Christ Church in age to be a true camper. gations. July 5 – First Camp at Gray Center July 26 – Pick up Tabitha and her son, July 6 – First Camp concludes. Harper and Deng, from special session where Tabitha I drive to Jackson to pick up Kathy and continue returned as an adult staff member. Where have on to Orange Beach, Alabama, where we will the years gone? join the rest of our children and grandchildren July 27 – Spend the morning at St. for a week at the beach. Andrew’s where I celebrate at the last Eucharist. July 7-11 – Vacation in Orange Beach, The musical leadership is provided by the staff Alabama and participants of the Mississippi Conference July 12 – Beach vacation ends. Kathy and I for Music and Liturgy. Bishop Shannon Johnston stop in Mobile for a post-vacation night of rest is the preacher for the service. Enjoy a great and relaxation. luncheon hosted by the Cathedral for the confer - July 13 – Return to Jackson in the after - ence participants. noon July 28 – Take Tabitha and Deng to the air - July 14 – Day off port early for their return to Alexandria, Virginia. July 15-17 – Vacation It has been a special three weeks for us. July 17 – My father and I travel to Oxford, July 29 – Staff meetings in the morning. the first stop in our baseball “pilgrimage” to St. Annual consultation with the Rev. Ann Harris. Louis. My grandfather first began this pilgrimage Conference call in the afternoon concerning a tradition when my father was a child and created leadership initiative for the College for Bishops. the love of baseball in general and the St. Louis Late afternoon brainstorming session with Cardinals in particular in generations thereafter. the Revs. Edward O’Connor, Carol Mead, Brian This will be a four generation return to Seage and Mr. Ken Ruckstuhl to brainstorm ways sacred ground. in which the church could more fully equip con - July 18 – We pick up my son, Duncan, and gregations for the ministry of evangelism. drive to St. Louis. Son Peter and his son Joseph July 30 – In office all day. Conversation will join us tomorrow. with bishop colleague about a post-retirement Cardinals beat the Dodgers in an evening opportunity for me. game at the “new’ Busch Stadium. Morning appointment with Mayor Louise July 19 – Four generations of Grays watch Cole of Okolona. the Cardinals beat the Dodgers in an afternoon July 31 – At home reading and writing in

September 2014 The Mississippi Episcopalian 3 PERSPECTIVES Reflections from the Road

A little over a year ago, following my retirement announcement, the Standing Committee of this diocese asked if I would continue to function as diocesan bishop until Council 2015 in order to provide as smooth a transition as possible into the leadership of our 10th bishop of Mississippi. I agreed to do so without knowing who this diocese might elect as my successor. However, it has been my absolute delight to work with the Very Rev. Brian Seage since shortly after his election to offer my own perspectives of this vocation and to prepare him for the role of diocesan bishop that he will assume the first week of February 2015. September 27 marks a significant transitional milestone as we, as a diocese, joined by almost 30 bishops from around this church, ordain and consecrate Brian as bishop coadjutor of the Diocese of Mississippi. The gathering of this many bishops will be an outward and visible sign that he will serve, not only the church in this diocese, but the wider church as well. Indeed, many of the bishops, including our presiding bishop, will be coming directly from the meeting of the House of Bishops in Taiwan (It’s important to remember that the Episcopal Church contains sixteen different countries besides the United States, a reality that makes our use of the term “national church” woefully inaccurate, even imperialistic). The major participants in the service will reflect Brian’s diverse and eclectic history and formation. The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, as chief consecrator, will be that outward and visible sign of our interrelatedness to the worldwide Anglican communion. I will be that icon of his time in Mississippi. The Rt. Rev. Greg Rickel, bishop of the Diocese of Olympia and a seminary classmate of Brian’s from Arkansas, will be the preacher. The bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles, the Rt. Rev. Jon Bruno, a dynamic, passionate and prophetic leader in the church and Brian’s formative influence as an adolescent grow - ing up in the church in southern California, will be one of his presenters. All reflect the unique role of the bishop who is the one who both incarnates the global ministry of the church into local settings and carries the unique charisms of this particular place and shares them with the wider church. The day will be filled with joy, anticipation and symbols galore. It is not an everyday occurrence. We only do this every fifteen to twenty years or so! I do hope you’ll join us.

Faithfully, +Duncan

es/partners until 10:10 a.m. after which time the remaining seats in Civil rights museum Ordination and Consecration Events the section will become “open.” A section of reserved seating for Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 TEC/Anglican/ELCA bishops’ spouses will remain reserved until the number when being placed. Please be sure to check in onsite with beginning of the service. When leaders of diocese heard about the opportunity to consecration volunteers for further instructions. DOY : The fall Division of Youth senior high weekend has been fund exhibits at the Civil Rights Museum, we could think of no Banner bearers should report to Exhibit Hall A between 9:00- planned to coincide with the ordination-consecration. better way to fulfill that goal than helping to create permanent 9:45 a.m. the day of the consecration in order to line up for the pro - Transportation will be provided to/from Camp Bratton-Green for exhibits that will tell the stories of heroic men and women – cession. those registered to attend DOY. Please be sure to register early for both black and white – who struggled to make real the civil NOTE: Clergy or senior wardens are asked to secure a banner the weekend and to complete the accompanying permissions. rights guaranteed to them under the constitution. bearer from each church. Banner bearers should know the location Register at www.youth.dioms.org or through other usual means. These contributions will be given to honor the legacies of their banner stands at the Convention Center in order to facili - of our own civil and human rights heroes—Duncan M. Gray, tate orderliness to the day’s events. REHEARSALS : The presiding bishop will lead a rehearsal for Jr. and Ruthie Gray, and Duncan M. Gray, III and Kathy Gray. “official” participants beginning at 2:15 p.m. on Friday, September When Bishop Gray, III, learned of this recognition, he said, “I CHOIR: A diocesan choir will greatly facilitate our worship for 26. A secondary rehearsal for participating servers, acolytes, vergers am deeply honored that the trustees have chosen to honor the the service, and choristers, their organist-choirmasters and other and Eucharistic ministers will follow at 4:00 p.m. ministries of my father and me in this extraordinary way. It musicians are encouraged to join in the occasion. Music has been should also be noted that neither he nor I would have been selected and shared with those who attended this year’s Mississippi OTHER: Please continue to proactively seek information at able to live the life we were called to live and serve in the Conference on Church Music and Liturgy. The listing will also be www.msbishopsearch.org and/or www.dioms.org to stay abreast of unique way we were asked to serve without the wisdom, care available online at www.msbishopsearch.org/consecration by the the latest details. and support of my mother, Ruthie, and my wife, Kathy. These time of this publication. Please indicate your intention to participate two women, more than anyone else, in ways rarely noticed or in the choir by emailing [email protected]. A choir rehearsal will SAVE-THE-DATES: RETIREMENT CELEBRATIONS understood, formed the bedrock foundation upon which our take place at the JCC from 8:30-9:30 a.m. September 27. Please wear Retirement celebrations honoring the ministries of the Rt. Rev. lives of service as bishops were built.” what you would normally wear in the choir of your home parish or and Mrs. Duncan Gray, III will be held on three occasions this fall. Over the next three years, work will continue at the two mission. Please be sure to save the dates and make plans to attend one or all. museums as the structure rises from the ground next to the These are kid-friendly, informal brunch-or-lunch occasions with William F. Winter Archives and History Building in downtown CLERGY SPOUSE/PARTNER LUNCHEON: St. James/Jackson times to be announced shortly: Jackson. Last fall over 700 Mississippians joined with our cur - will host a luncheon for clergy, spouses/partners and surviving • October 11, 2014 – St. Peter’s, Oxford; rent governor, three former governors, and other dignitaries spouses from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, September 26, • October 18, 2014 – Gray Center; and to break ground. The shovel line included 50 of Mississippi’s which will include time with Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts • November 8, 2014 – St. Peter’s by-the-Sea, Gulfport. political, cultural, and educational leaders. The event generat - Schori. Invitations were issued in August, and RSVPs are requested As we move further and further through transition, please con - ed an enormous media response, including a segment on for the event no later than September 19. tinue to pray for our bishop, Duncan, and his wife, Kathy. Pray also MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell Reports . More recently this initiative for our bishop coadjutor-elect, Brian, and his wife Kyle. Pray for was featured on the front page of the Sunday New York CLERGY PROCESSING & SPOUSE/PARTNER SEATING: their families, and pray for this diocese. Times , on National Public Radio, and in the National Processing clergy will line up at the JCC the morning of September Geographic. 27. Please report to Exhibit Hall A and be vested no later than 9:45 The Rev. J. Brian Ponder is rector of St. Paul’s/Meridian and chair This museum project enjoys the support of Mississippi’s of the Transition Committee. a.m. Visit the above website for information on what to wear. Civil rights museum A section of reserved seating will be available to clergy spous - Continued on page 9

4 The Mississippi Episcopalian September 2014 GRAY CENTER Gazette Gray Center Sunday set for Nov. 9

By Grae Dickson

I like to stop and think about what is special to me and important in my life, which is something I am sure many of us do with regularity. Thoughts of family, friends, and my faith seem to be the most frequent visited. The one place that brings all of those togeth - er for me is Gray Center. We are blessed to have a special place that belongs to all of us, that our entire diocese can share.

Gray Center Sunday is an opportunity to help support our special place and it is com - ing up on November 9th, 2014. This is one Sunday in the year we designate to reflect upon the memories and community we have been able to establish at Gray Center, whether it was through Camp Bratton-Green or the Conference Center. It is a time we set aside to openly ask each congregation to make a financial contribution directly to our center.

When I speak about Gray Center as a center, I want to explain what I consider to be our center. Our center is not only the bricks and mortar structures that we occupy together. So many people in our Gray Center family talk about our buildings with such passion because they can be easily identified. The real connection is the people and their love for one another that we shared in those places that made our memories. Our center is more literally the gathering of the members of our diocese. By financially sup - porting Gray Center as a facility, you can help insure that those spaces are available for us to gather. Spaces that God can enter and be among us. Our center is that holy place … our holy place.

It is my hope that every congregation comes together on November 9th and remem - bers us in their offering. The work and the money that go into keeping this most Holy Place viable is astonishing and it is in great part fueled by the contributions of our churches. We are at a point in the history of Gray Center that we need to take another First and second grade campers were joined by parents and staff at Intro to Camp which was held over the Fourth of July. step forward and it is my hope that we can all help form a better Gray Center together. Abram Jones/Photo Grae Dickson is the executive director of Gray Center. Improving grounds and facilities at Gray Center and Camp Bratton-Green

By Corey Schneider

Over the past seven months we have upgraded the camp administration building bathrooms, created a drainage and retaining wall system for the boat dock, replaced the flat roof section on the Chapel of the Holy Family at camp, painted most of the exterior of the chapel, and completed some of the much needed updates to the executive director’s house and eco-house. We have also received reports on the health of our lakes from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, almost none of which would have been possible without generous donations from the people of the diocese. I am very appreciative of the gifts of people’s time, talent and money that made those possibilities a reality. Above: GC The newly In the coming months we will begin to prep and paint the lodge and inn at the conference center, install bream beds and painted Chapel of the structure in our lakes, install a garden at the camp, update the sewer system for the conference center, continue to Holy Family at camp. improve the overall aesthetics of the Gray Center property, and reboot the adopt-a-cabin program. Right: The newly con - If you are interested in contributing to any of these projects or have ideas to share, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I structed retaining have said it numerous times and will repeat it here once again. Gray Center is considered by many to be the heart of the walls at the lakefront diocese, but the heart is nothing without the body. Even though camp has ended, Gray Center is open. Come. Let us help prevent erosion nourish you! and keep the dock area cleaner. We will with God’s help. Corey Schneider/Photos Corey Schneider is the Gray Center Site Manager. You can reach Corey at 601-859-1450 or [email protected]

September 2014 The Mississippi Episcopalian 5 GRAY CENTER PROGRAMS Bishop Michael Curry of North Carolina Play and pray with mandalas during to speak at ECW Fall conference guided day apart October 4 at Gray Center Contemplative artist Stacy Wills will share the technique and spirit of November 14-15 at Gray Center mandala making. No previous art experience is necessary. She will Men and women of any background are invited and give a brief explanation of the history and use of mandalas, espe - encouraged to join us to hear one of the greatest cially for prayer, reflection and meditation. Stacy will provide preachers in and outside of the Episcopal Church instructions and materials for participants to make and pray today. Bishop Curry is a gifted storyteller who with their own mandalas. The retreat is held from 10am to infuses his messages with a wonderful sense of 3pm during which participants are welcome to both partici - humor and boundless passion for the love of Jesus. pate in mandala making as well other quiet activities of their own choosing on the Gray Center grounds. Participants are Bishop Gray says, “Michael Curry is a personal welcome to bring journals, fishing poles, hiking boots, art sup - friend and valued colleague, and I am delighted that plies, or simply a heart and spirit open to listening for God’s call. he will be with us this fall. This will be an extraordi - nary moment for the Episcopal Church Women and Bottled water, coffee and a light snack will be provided. Please bring your own lunch or you may this diocese. I will be there to renew my soul. I choose to engage in the discipline of fasting for the day. Participation in the gatherings of the group is would invite those throughout this diocese to do optional; those who wish may self-direct their day in solitude. Cost is $30. the same. You will not be disappointed.” Bishop Michael Curry For more information or to register for this event, please visit us at Graycenter.org or contact Caelin at Cost: $120/135 (double/single) $45 (day only). Please register by November 3. [email protected] or 601-397-4273

For more information or to register for this event, please visit us at Graycenter.org or contact Caelin at [email protected] or 601-397-4273 Called by name: a women’s retreat VTS professor, the Rev. Dr. Katherine Grieb, October 10-12 at Gray Center “I have called you by name, you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1b) What is in a name? Would a rose by any to lecture on Discipleship in the Gospel of other name smell as sweet? Or are names—our names, God’s names—mysteriously inseparable from identity and also relationship? In this retreat we will explore our own names as a kind of sacrament of identity , an outward sign of our inner reality. Through creative mediums and heart-to-heart conversa - Mark in October at Gray Center tions, we will share stories of our names, honor the deeper layers of meaning within our names, and The celebrated and beloved seminary professor, the discover how our names may become prayers as well as reflect our calling. We will appreciate the pow - Rev. Dr. Katherine Grieb, will offer compelling lectures erful significance of acts of re-naming and value our names as the ground of meeting and connection on how the Gospel of Mark applies to a life of disciple - with God, other people, and creation. We will also reflect upon what it means to be loved by God who ship for both lay people and clergy. The first event calls us each by name and to love God who also yearns to be known and called by name. Participants (Oct. 29-31) is a continuing education opportunity for will enjoy nourishing food, relaxation and rest, as well as sacred time with nature and in solitude. Cost clergy. Our work together is designed to prepare you, for the weekend, including five meals, is $198 (double room) and $223 (single room). as proclaimers of Mark’s Gospel for the coming lec - tionary year beginning in Advent and to assist you in Our leaders for the weekend are the Rev. Jennifer Deaton, Canon for Pastoral Care at St. Andrew’s preparing your congregations to hear Mark’s message Episcopal Cathedral in Jackson, MS, and the Rev. Rwth Fuquay, Associate Director for the Office of about Jesus Christ. Clergy Excellence in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. Jennifer and Rwth have extensively explored women’s spiritual formation, have previously led retreats at the Gray Center and The second event (Oct 31- Nov 1) is an exciting oppor - are delighted to return with this offering. tunity for lay people to get a taste of seminary level treatment of scripture and theology with one of the For more information or to register for this event, please visit us at Graycenter.org leading professors in the field today. Dr. Grieb will or contact Caelin at [email protected] or 601-397-4273 speak on how Mark’s Gospel is strikingly realistic about both the dangers and delights of discipleship. For this reason, it is ideally suited for deepening the Gray Center programs redefining recreation formation of disciples of Jesus today. Mark teaches us that following Jesus is an opportunity not to be missed! Bill Frymire/Photo Recreation. What is recreation, really? The term derives from words that mean to be re-created or re- made. The early uses of the word suggested the refreshing or curing of a sick person. Isn’t that still For more information or to register for this event, please visit us at Graycenter.org true? We need time away from the stresses and drudgery of everyday life to do things that are engag - or contact Caelin at [email protected] or 601-397-4273. ing and fulfilling. The renewing energy that comes from recreation enables us to tackle life with vigor, even the difficult or boring parts of it. We believe that recreation and spirituality are deeply entwined. How many people do you know who are “religious” about their favorite sports team or hobby? Why? Because the things we love tap into a deep part of who we are as individuals. The things that make us feel full of life are tapping into our spiritual selves.

Gray Center programs are building on and enlarging the original vision of the Center for Formation and Mission to offer retreats and events that we hope will spell recreation to you. Take a look at the events on our calendar and the articles in this issue and we hope you will find something that strikes your fancy. (Men, we had your retreat in August which included fishing with pro Keith Gish and learn - ing how to roast a whole hog with Jes Harrington. We plan to feature golf and cooking in 2015.) If we are missing the mark, please let us know; otherwise, we hope to see you at a Gray Center program!

For more information, please visit us at Graycenter.org or contact Caelin at [email protected] or 601-397-4273

6 The Mississippi Episcopalian September 2014 Camp Bratton Green Camp Bratton-Green 2014 review By Abram Jones

Camp Bratton-Green has finished with another holy year serving the Diocese of Mississippi and we can now take some time to look back on the summer we just experienced. For the fourth year in a row, Camp Bratton-Green has experienced record-breaking numbers with 854 campers and over 300 volunteer staff over 9 sessions and 2 pioneer camps. Each session was blessed by a wonderful set of directors and a dedicated staff that made each theme memorable, fun and full of God’s teachings. At Special 1 we traveled to Wonderland and opened out hearts and minds to the special gifts that each of us brings to the Christian community to make it wonderful. During Junior High 1 we took to the seas looking for the new world. The journey mirrored our own spiritual journey and reflected on Christ’s perfect example of self-sacrificial love. The campers joined forces with the famous explorers during of the world during Elementary 1 and searched for the relics of the Bible, such as the pearl of great price and the lost lamb. We then traveled to the world of Godspell at Middler 1 and learned the parables of the Gospel through song. GC group of girls: During Elementary 1 camp each cabin was assigned an explorer to prepare skits about. Posing for the camera, Cabin 2 girls had Jane from Tarzan. Junior High 2 focused on the idea of transition. The campers watched the story of Bif from the book Lamb as he worked toward the kingdom of God. The parents and campers of Intro Camp stood beside David as he battled the dragon Goliath and proved that even the smallest person can do great things when he trusts in God. Elementary 2 also ventured into the days of David and Goliath, this time accompanied by Dr. Who and his “Turdis,” and once again Goliath was defeated with the help of God. During Middler 2 we took to the stars alongside the crew of the Starship Enterprise and discovered our true identities as children of God. We ended the summer at Special 2 as each day we awoke in a different film and learned that we each have gifts that God can use. Along with the lifetime friends and memories created at each session, the themes have hopefully given the campers a new way to look at God’s message and made it a little easier to take the Christian camp community out into the world. We hope that everyone enjoyed their summer at Camp Bratton-Green and that we will see everyone soon! Be on the lookout for events here at Camp Bratton-Green and Gray Center, such as your church’s parish weekend and DOY. Registration for Winter Solstice, our winter camp for 9th-12th graders, will be opening on our website, graycenter.org, on September 22nd. For questions about summer camp or any Camp Bratton-Green program, contact Abram Jones at Special Session 1’s theme was Wonderland, where everyone had special gifts to offer to [email protected] or call 601-859-1517. the community. Staffer Noah Anderson and camper Paul Riser are dressed up as Playing Cards from Wonderland.

A new perspective WINTER SOLSTICE December 27- January 1 Thoughts from three employees who joined our team in 2014 Registration begins September 22 From Corey Schneider – Site Manager Grades 9th-12 • Cost: $400 After seven months as the site manager for Gray Center, I can say that I am as excited today as I Visit graycenter.org or email [email protected] for more details was when I took the job. I am excited about completing my first summer, excited about interact - ing with the groups utilizing the conference center, excited about the improvements made across our property, and excited about working with a great group of people. I am most excited, howev - er, about the possibilities for the future at Gray Center. Having served in some capacity at Gray Center since 1994, I cannot remember a time when there was a more positive attitude among guests and staff. I am blessed to do the work I am called to do and look forward to the months and years to come. From Adams McDavid – Guest Services My first several months at Gray Center can simply be described as incredible. I have grown up my entire life coming out and spending a large amount of time at Camp Bratton-Green and the Conference Center. It’s been eye-opening seeing it from an employee’s perspective. Living out here has been a dream come true. I see all types of groups from different backgrounds coming together for a similar purpose. That purpose would be a love of Gray Center. There is a deep camaraderie and community among the staff and clergy as a whole that I feel a part of. Simply, it’s been incredible.

From Jes Harrington – Food and Beverage Director My first six months of employment at Gray Center have been a very fun but eye-opening experi - ence. I have been a weekend Gray Center guest for over 15 years, but it wasn’t until now that I fully understood the amount of time, preparation and hard work that goes toward making our guests’ stays comfortable. I am humbled to be trusted with this responsibility and take pride in trying to be successful in the task. We are staffed with great souls who have a passion and desire to make Gray Center a better place. Come see us!

September 2014 The Mississippi Episcopalian 7 Gray Center Gray Center guilds can make a difference

By Grae Dickson

One of the most common sentiments our staff hears is, “The property is so beautiful!” I agree that Gray porated into our plans so we do not have to lose the historic relevance of our current entryway. We Center is blessed with beautiful and scenic areas for our guests to enjoy. Nature offers serene experi - currently have a plan in place but need to acquire the resources to make this plan a reality. ences whether sitting on the patio of a cottage watching the sunrise over the trees or watching after - noon sun sparkle on the camp lake. God’s natural beauty is abundant, but we feel we can offer our The Gray Center Cemetery is one area that needs our immediate attention. Several years ago, the Gray own aesthetics that will further enhance the gifts that God has given us. Center Board of Managers envisioned a plan to enhance our cemetery and increase the ease of access. Over time, these plans were delayed and we feel that our cemetery needs some attention. There is no The addition that has been discussed the most over the past few years has been a garden area on the bigger honor for us than to be chosen as a final resting place for loved ones and family and we want to Gray Center property. Several attempts have been made over the years yielding very little positive reshape our cemetery into a place of further peace and tranquility. result. We believe that we have found an area that will be easy to maintain, easy to access, and very appealing for our guests as well as useful for the ministries of Gray Center. We have designated a sec - As you see, we have ideas of how to create a better Gray Center, but we need your assistance to make tion of property at the camp that will house our garden. This area is between the Admin Building and these dreams become a reality. We currently have guilds in place to assist with the different improve - the Dining Hall allows access to water, sun, and some shade. We will be constructing a large raised bed ments at Gray Center and we are hoping that you would like to be a part of this new direction with us. in the coming weeks to get this project underway. It is our hope to develop this area into a producing Not only are we looking for financial assistance, but we need the time and talents of those in our garden with eventual seating and lattice areas for guest enjoyment. Diocese, with a passion in any of these areas. If you are interested in being on the Landscaping Guild, Enhancement Guild, or Cemetery Guild, please contact Grae Dickson at [email protected] or 601- Another addition we would like to see at Gray Center is a more appealing entryway at the entrance of 859-1556. the conference center. The current brick pillars that are located at the conference center leave much to be desired in the way of visual appeal and signage about the Gray Center. My hope is to construct a Grae Dickson is the executive director of Gray Center. cypress archway at the entrance that will not only offer a more appealing experience upon arrival but also create well-lit signage for our guests arriving after dark. The existing brick columns can be incor

September 12-14 Transitions: Discovering the Holy in Life’s Changes and Chances - A Silent Retreat with the Rt. Rev. Duncan M. Gray, III and Spiritual Director, Linda Nelson. This retreat will provide an occa - sion to explore the transitional moments in our lives and discover anew the One who abides with us in “external changelessness.” September 12 Quiet Day Apart - Transitions with Rt. Rev. Duncan Gray, III and Linda Nelson The Bishop will lead a few short meditations on the theme of Transitions and invites attendees to spend the day in silence and reflection. 9:30am-2:30pm. September 19-21 Cursillo “Make a Friend, Be a Friend, Bring a Friend to Christ.” A joyous workshop in the funda - mentals of our beautiful Christian faith where everyone learns by experiencing a living Christian community. October 4 Guided Day Apart: Mandalas with contemplative artist Stacy Wills. May your own mandala as well as learn a brief history of the use of mandalas for prayer, reflection and meditation. October 10-12 Women’s Retreat: Called By Name with Rev. Rwth Ashton Fuquay and Rev. Jennifer Deaton. What does it mean to be loved by God who calls us each by name and to love God who also yearns to be known and called by name? October 29-31 Proclaiming the Good New According to Mark: Telling the Gospel Story with the Rev. Dr. Katherine Grieb, Meade Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Virginia Theological Seminary. A Clergy Continuing Education retreat (10 CEU’s). Become excited about proclaiming Mark’s Gospel for the coming lectionary year beginning in Advent and about renewing and deepening disciple - ship within your parishes. Oct 31 - Nov 1 Mark’s Gospel and the Baptized Believer: The Cost of Discipleship and the Opportunity of a Lifetime with beloved and esteemed professor, the Rev. Dr. Katherine Grieb. The earliest narrative we have about Jesus Christ, Mark’s Gospel is strikingly realistic and reflects the excitement and commitment of early followers of Jesus who were determined to be his disciples despite their doubts and fears. November 14-15 Bishop Michael Curry ECW Fall Conference. Both genders are invited to come hear one of the greatest preachers in and out of the Episcopal church today. Bishop Curry has a gift of storytelling that is combined with his wonderful sense of humor and infused with a great passion for the boundless love of Jesus. December 5-7 Knitting and Needlework: What to Expect when you are Expecting a Messiah With Susan Nix and the Rev. Jennifer Deaton. An opportunity for all who work with needle and thread (or who would like to learn) to gather for a weekend of stitching, sharing, laughter, and prayer. This year we will reflect on what happens as we make room in our hearts for the coming of the Christ Child.

8 The Mississippi Episcopalian September 2014 OUTREACH Happy 75th anniversary to ERD!

By Cathy Halford

Although the party has just begun, Episcopal Relief & Development will officially celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2015 - and we will be a part of it!! In 1940, the Episcopal Church saw a need to assist refugees trying to escape Europe during World War II, thus establishing the Presiding Bishop’s Fund for World Relief (the Fund). It soon expanded its efforts in support of humanitarian needs with the focus mostly on disaster relief. The 1960s and 1970s presented a growing awareness of worldwide challenges such as hunger, disease, and natural disasters. People affected by famine in Ethiopia, an earthquake in Mexico, and a volcano eruption in Columbia received aid and development from increased funding to the organiza - tion. In 1988 Hurricane Mitch pushed the Fund to develop a long-term, community-based rebuilding Bridges Out of Poverty graduates pictured with Vicksburg Mayor George Glaggs, Jr, are Pamela program that has become the basic component of this agency’s disaster relief work. Cooper, Alberta I Crockett, Tiajuanna Molphus and DeSharon Gray, along with Connie Stockton, In 2000, the Fund was renamed Episcopal Relief & Development to bring attention to its disaster program facilitator. relief work, long-term programs, and international partnerships. As its website describes, through all of its programs and a network of partnerships, Episcopal Relief & Development continues to “alleviate hunger and improve food supply, create economic opportunities and strengthen communities, pro - Seven graduate from 16-week mote health and fight disease, and respond to disasters and rebuild communities.” In 2006 the Nets for Life Inspiration Fund was organized to raise funds to help eradicate malaria Bridges program in sub-Saharan Africa. Also, the U.S. Disaster Program was created to support and prepare the Episcopal Church leaders to respond to emergencies in communities across the United States. Reprinted with permission of the Vicksburg Post. In the next few months, I will be sharing many activities with the parishes across the diocese through your priests, deacons, Episcopal Relief & Development parish representatives, and outreach By Terri Cowart Frazier, [email protected] coordinators. These activities will bring awareness to the important work of Episcopal Relief & Pamela Cooper is not clairvoyant, but she could see her future was not looking rosy. Development and support it with this fundraising. “I saw where I was and I didn’t want it to be the outcome,” Cooper said. How about trying a few of these anniversary celebration ideas, all of which can be related to a Instead of simply wishing her life would improve, Cooper decided to be proactive and applied for program in the Gifts for Life catalog found online: a program that was offered by the West Central Mississippi Bridges Out of Poverty organization. • ECW or another group can raise $75 to empower one woman. Proceeds can be used for a micro- “Getting Ahead, in a Just-Gettin’-by World” is an investigative program into poverty, said Corrine loan to help start a business. Stockton, the facilitator for the program. • Wine into water event: Get a wine donation. Donate appetizers (judge appetizers). Proceeds can The final results of that program were on display at a graduation ceremony held for seven women go to buying a well for a community. who completed the 16-week course in August. Bridges Out of Poverty is a non-profit community organ - • Sponsor child/children reading books during a certain time period. Give donations per book or a ization that provides resources and information to those living in poverty, helps the community under - flat rate. Then donate the proceeds to an educational program for kids. stand the causes of poverty and works to reduce the rate of poverty. “The Bridges Out Of Poverty concept is a multi-layered approach to finding ways to eradicate It’s never too late to begin partying. Begin organizing your events and get them on your parish poverty,” said Stockton, who added, “I don’t like using the word ‘poverty.’ I really like to say ‘under- calendar. 75 is the number — as many 75s as you can collect!! resourced.’” Twenty-two referrals were received for the extensive 16-week program and from those, a selection The Rev. Deacon Cathy Halford serves All Saints’/Jackson and is the ERD coordinator for the Diocese committee chose 12, said Stockton. An orientation was held, and seven stayed. of Mississippi. “At first I was a little apprehensive,” said Cooper, referring to the program. After classes got under way, she said she was able to see who she was, where she was and where she wanted to go. “The pro - gram gave me tools I will carry throughout my life, and it opened my eyes a lot to how you are per - A date to remember: ceived by people,” she said. For Cooper, an epiphany came when she learned that people could misinterpret her direct per - Saturday, October 4, 2014 sonality. “Basically Southerners don’t take well to forward people,” Cooper said, and she said the pro - gram helped her realize that this “hidden rule” could have been a reason why some people kept her at Guided Day Apart: Creating Mandalas — Gray Center — 10:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. arms length. Other areas of focus during the 16-week training course included learning about predators — people who prey on people with no money, which include the rent to own, payday loans and used car Civil rights museum loan businesses, said Cooper. “You can wind up paying three times as much for things,” she said. Continued from page 4 Solutions that were taught during the course, Cooper said, included starting an emergency fund key political and business leaders. It will generate huge economic development, tourism, and educa - to help keep you from being trapped into a “quick fix” and detaching from a situation so you can fig - tion benefits for Mississippi and will transform the way people view the state and the region. It will be ure out a solution — so you don’t go deeper into debt. Detaching means coming out of a concrete way a national and international tourism attraction and a portal to other cultural and historic sites across of thinking and moving to abstract thinking, said Stockton. the state, attracting an estimated 180,000 visitors per year. The project will generate over $17 million More than 30 people attended the August 23rd graduation ceremony that was held at the Good in annual economic impact for the state, 500 construction related jobs and $24 million in wages. Shepherd Community Center, where the women met for the program. Beyond the economic development benefits, the museums will provide state-of-the-art education - “The goal of this program is to give people the tools to get ahead instead of just getting by,” said al programs and teacher training. Traveling trunks designed for classroom use will engage and enlight - Stockton. en Mississippi students and connect to benchmarks across the K-12 curriculum. “Family History Days,” “Sixteen weeks can sound overwhelming to commit, but I’m glad I made the decision to do that,” “Living History Days,” cultural festivals and national touring exhibits will bring to life the rich history of said Cooper who plans to enroll in college in the spring where she will be taking communication and Mississippi. broadcasting classes. Who would have guessed that the assets from a small, nearly forgotten African American college in Bridges Out Of Poverty is sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi, the United Way of rural Mississippi would one day be used to educate all Mississippians about the civil rights struggle? West Central Mississippi, Christ Episcopal Church, the Church of the Holy Trinity, Episcopal Church, And who would have guessed that the Duncan Gray family would live to see a civil rights museum paid Good Shepherd Community Center and St. James Episcopal Church in Port Gibson. for by the state of Mississippi built to explain how civil rights, once denied to the graduates of Okolona College, were finally obtained? We are all honored to be a part of this monumental achievement. For more information about Central Mississippi Bridges Out Of Poverty, visit www.centralmsbridges.com.

September 2014 The Mississippi Episcopalian 9 OUR DIOCESE o t o h P

Why I Say Morning Prayer / k c i r t a P

By Lyn Stabler a d n Sometimes there are a few people with me and some days I am alone in the a m church when I say Morning Prayer, but I never feel alone. I imagine the pews A filled with ones who have gone before; those who have blessed St. Stephen’s church for 60 years and a great cloud of witnesses who loved and died to spread the Gospel through the one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I say Morning Prayer because every time I do, I step into an ongoing stream of grace. Many books describe others’ experiences and the different ways people pray. Many people are regular participants at weekly and mid-week Eucharist. Many practice daily prayer, meditating on devotional readings or praying with scripture. In my experience, fewer enjoy daily Morning Prayer. Those who do enter into a spiritual discipline that has anchored days and formed lives for God for centuries. Below are some of the reasons why I say Morning Prayer, introduced by excerpts from Morning Prayer Rite II. Come, let us bow down and bend the knee, And kneel before the Lord our Maker. For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. Friends Susan Adams, Cynthia Harrell, Tim Jones and Woody Harrell pose in St. Paul’s fellowship Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice! hall before the Jones family departed Mississippi to return to England. (The Venite, Psalm 95:6-7) To-do lists are secondary to praying the Daily Office. Morning Prayer orients the day toward the priorities of the Christian life. When daily concerns are viewed against the timeless priorities of God, a St. Paul’s/Corinth receives visit better, wiser sense of what needs to be accomplished in the day ahead emerges. Send out your light and your truth, that they may lead me, and bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling. (Psalm 43:3) from former priest Ancient prayers and Scripture recall the long arc of creation, the action of God through time. By Susan Adams Human temptations of today are similar to the temptations of yesterday...and will come again in the The Rev. Tim Jones, his wife, George, and daughters Esther and Meredith (Mollie) spent the last future. four days of their 2-week visit to Mississippi in Corinth, where Tim was vicar for five years at St. Paul’s I believe in God the Father Almighty... Episcopal Church. Members of St. Paul’s and many others in the Corinth community were happy to I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord... welcome back the Joneses almost seven years after Tim was called to return to England as vicar of St. I believe in the Holy Spirit... Lawrence and St. Hilda’s in the Diocese of York. (The Apostles Creed) In the few days they were in Corinth, the Jones family saw many old friends and visited places The “I believe” statements within the Apostles Creed, said with millions around the world, rein - remembered fondly from their time in Corinth. Tim and Esther took advantage of Mississippi tempera - force individual and corporate faith. Some days I pray earnestly; other days I pray defiantly; every day tures in the 90s to respond to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge fundraiser for ALS. that I say it I am part of the ancient apostolic community once again. On August 30, the Joneses greeted members and visitors arriving at the front door of St. Paul’s V. Give peace, O Lord in all the world; before the Sunday morning service. Tim preached the sermon to a full house and assisted Rector Ann R. For only in you can we live in safety Fraser at the Eucharist. V. Lord, keep this nation under your care; The Rev. Jones was the last vicar of St. Paul’s before the church moved from mission to parish sta - R. And guide us in the way of justice and truth. tus. After the Joneses moved to back to England, St. Paul’s became a parish and called the Rev. Ann (Suffrages A) Fraser as its first rector. Morning prayers for family, friends, and parishioners, as well as national and global concerns, At a potluck lunch after the service, the Joneses and friends reminisced, caught up on news and invite us to join in the intercessions of the Holy Spirit and countless others to ask God for peace, jus - marveled at the growth of children on both sides of the pond over a 7-year interval. After much hug - tice and truth. ging and picture-taking, the family left for the Memphis airport and a late afternoon flight to begin We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for their long journey home. you immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ for the means of grace and for the hope of glory. (The General Thanksgiving) Susan Adams is a communicant of St. Paul’s/Corinth. Morning Prayer is time to thank God for what we have and remember that we thank God for every single thing, most of all for the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ. Morning Prayer is one of the many blessings of Christian life. Pray together, in the diocese, around the world and through time. Give praise and thanksgiving and the longings of your hearts to A date to remember: God. Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God! Tuesday, October 7, 2014 The Rev. Lyn Stabler is vicar of St. Stephen’s/Columbia. Deadline for The Mississippi Episcopalian United Thank Offering Fall ingathering begins in November

By Brenda Hawkins and thanksgiving of UTO’s 125th anniversary. Sunday, November 2. Please send all UTO funds by December 12, UTO is our mission money at work and outreach throughout 2014 to: The United Thank Offering has had a busy year in the Diocese our state, nation and world. UTO is a daily discipline of thanksgiv - Brenda Hawkins, UTO Coordinator, Diocese of Mississippi ECW of Mississippi. We received 2 of the 14 grants awarded in Province ing. Place your coins of thanksgiving in your blue boxes each day. 330 Lakewood Road IV. More parishes have participated and our bishop has recently Bring them to your parish ingathering and celebrate the Good News Vicksburg, MS 39180 applied for the 125th Anniversary Bishops’ UTO Grant which will of outreach and mission. Call 601-638-4206 home phone or 601-573-6962 mobile/text or be awarded to one bishop in each province. Free UTO blue boxes, envelopes and bulletin inserts can be email [email protected] for more information. UTO will be 125 years strong in 2015 and there will be much ordered from http://episcopalmarketplace.org/Products/United- celebration at Triennial in Salt Lake City next summer with a 125th Thank-Offering. Brenda Hawkins is the UTO Coordinator for the diocese a commu - anniversary prayer book and a showcase of the grants awarded. New UTO 2015 grant applications will be available November nicant of Holy Trinity/Vicksburg The Province IV UTO Coordinator has challenged all dioceses to 1, 2014, and due upon completion to the diocesan office by January encourage each parish to give at least $125 and if they have been 10, 2015. giving more, to increase their UTO givings by 25% in celebration The Fall Ingathering is set in the Diocese of Mississippi for 10 The Mississippi Episcopalian September 2014 EVENTS DIOCESAN CALENDAR FAITHFUL DEPARTED SEPTEMBER Jesse Burge Goodsell , 57, communicant of St. Andrew’s, Jackson, died April 2014. • 12: A Quiet Day Apart — Gray Center — 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. • 12-14: Transitions – Discovering the Holy in Life’s Changes and Chances – Lawrence Joseph Franck , 82, communicant of St. Andrew’s, Jackson, died August 4, 2014 A Silent Retreat – Gray Center Ernestine R. “Doll” Parman , 94, communicant of St. James, Jackson, died August 9, 2014. • 14: Bishop Coadjutor-elect Seage visits Ascension, Hattiesburg • 14-16: Presbyter POC The Rev. James Henry LeBatard , 59, deacon, Redeemer, Biloxi, died August 13, 2014. • 18-21: Cursillo #127 — Gray Center The Rev. Judy Lane Morris , 68, former curate of St. Peters-by-the-Lake, Brandon, died at her • 19-20: Racial Reconciliation Training — All Saints’, Jackson • 21: Bishop Gray visits St. Elizabeth’s, Collins — 10:00 a.m. home in Knoxville, TN, August 19, 2014. Bishop Gray visits Gray Center for Cursillo #127 Clausura — 2:30 p.m. Thomas Bell Patterson , 76, communicant of St. Andrew’s, Jackson, died August 28, 2014. • 23: Fresh Start — Trinity, Hattiesburg — 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. • 25: Fresh Start — All Saints’, Grenada — 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. • 27: Consecration of Bishop Coadjutor Elect Brian R. Seage • 28: Bishop Coadjutor Seage at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Jackson — 8:45 & 11:00 a.m. • 28: Bishop Gray at Christ Church, Holly Springs St. Elizabeth’s offers annual lay • 29: Allin House closed following Consecration OCTOBER • 1: Mississippi Episcopal AIDS Committee Meeting — Allin House — 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. worship leaders’ conference • 4: Guided Day Apart: Creating Mandalas — Gray Center — 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. By Susan Hrostowski • 5: Bishop Coadjutor Seage visits St. Peter’s by-the-Sea, Gulfport — 8:00 & 10:30 a.m. Reading scripture aloud is an important ministry and central to every worship service. Licensed • 5: Bishop Gray visits Christ Church, Bay St. Louis — 10:00 a.m. lay worship leaders in the Diocese of Mississippi and anyone who serves as a lector will want to attend • 7: Deadline for The Mississippi Episcopalian the Annual Lay Readers’ Conference at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church in Collins, Mississippi, on • 8: Diocesan Trustees Meeting — Allin House — 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 18. The conference provides the needed continuing education hours for lay wor - • 9: Standing Committee Meeting — Allin House — 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. ship leader recertification. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., and the conference starts at 9:00. • 10-12: Called by Name: A Women’s Retreat — Gray Center This year’s conference theme is Reading with Meaning and will include sessions on understand - • 11: Commission on Ministry — St. Andrew’s Cathedral — 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. ing and conveying the meaning of scripture when we read aloud in church. This year’s speakers are • 12: Bishop Coadjutor Seage visits St. Paul’s, Columbus — 10:30 a.m. Dr. Stanley Hauer, Mr. Randy Patterson, and the Rev. Dr. Susan Hrostowski. • 12: Bishop Gray visits Epiphany, Tunica — 11:00 a.m. Dr. Stanley Hauer holds degrees from Auburn University, the University of Heidelberg, and the • 15: Finance Committee Conference Call — 11:00 a.m. University of Tennessee, with post-doctoral study at New York University. He is Professor Emeritus of • 19: Bishop Gray visits Christ Church & St. Mary’s, Vicksburg — 10:30 a.m. English and music at the University of Southern Mississippi. He is a member of Trinity Church in • 19: Bishop Coadjutor Seage visits Mediator, Meridian — 10:30 a.m. Hattiesburg. Dr. Hauer will teach about the development and structure of the psalms and the proper • 20-23: Clergy Conference — Gray Center ways to lead reading them. • 24-26: 175th St. Andrew’s Celebration The Rev. Dr. Susan Hrostowski is vicar at St. Elizabeth’s and associate professor of social work at • 25: Fourth Day Workshop — Jackson Area the University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. Hrostowski will discuss the nature and type of literature in • 26: Bishop Gray & Bishop Coadjutor Seage at St. Andrew’s for 175th Celebration the Old Testament. Political satire, poetry, and love letters are all parts of the Old Testament, and • 28: Deacons’ Council Meeting — Allin House — 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. understanding what genre one is reading affects one’s delivery when reading aloud. “We’ll have fun • 29-31: Proclaiming the Good News According to Mark: Telling the Gospel Story practicing with a wide variety scripture passages, some well-known and some obscure,” said Dr. (with The Rev. Dr. Katherine Grieb) — Gray Center Hrostowski. • 31- Nov 1: Mark’s Gospel and the Baptized Believer: The Cost of Discipleship & the Opportunity Mr. Patterson taught and served as the speech and debate coach at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School of a Lifetime (with The Rev. Dr. Katherine Grieb) — Gray Center for 15 years before his retirement. Still active in speech and debate tournaments, Mr. Patterson is NOVEMBER uniquely qualified to help us learn the skills needed to read well from a manuscript. When agreeing • 1: Bishop Gray visits All Saints’, Jackson — 6:30 p.m. to present at the conference, he said, “This is one of the things that I always tried to emphasize for all • 2: Bishop Coadjutor Seage visits St. Paul’s, Corinth — 9:30 a.m. of my students, and I always really enjoyed being a lector myself at the cathedral, so I am excited to • 2: Bishop Gray visits St. John’s, Laurel — 10:30 a.m. work with persons to help enhance their skills and put them to immediate use.” • 4: Deadline for The Mississippi Episcopalian St. Elizabeth’s is located just off Highway 49 in Collins. The cost of the conference is $25. Lunch • 6: General Convention Deputies Meeting — St. Andrew’s — 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and snacks are provided. For more information or to register, contact Don Corban at • 9: Bishop Gray visits Advent, Sumner — 10:00 a.m. (601)-517-1638, email [email protected] or Brenda McClendon at (601)-467-7627, • 9: Bishop Coadjutor Seage visits St. Alban’s, Bovina — 10:30 a.m. email [email protected]. Bishop Coadjutor Seage visits St. Mary’s, Bolton — 4:00 p.m. • 14-15: ECW Fall Conference with Bishop Michael Curry of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina • 16: Bishop Coadjutor Seage visits St. Christopher’s, Jackson — 9:00 a.m. A date to remember: • 16: Bishop Gray visits St. Thomas’, Diamondhead — 10:00 a.m. • 22: Gray Center Board Meeting — Gray Center — 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 4, 2014 • 23: Bishop Coadjutor Seage visits St. Pierre’s, Gautier — 10:30 a.m. Deadline for The Mississippi Episcopalian • 26-28: Allin House closed for Thanksgiving

September 2014 The Mississippi Episcopalian 11 EVENTS Cathedral celebrates mile-stone anniversary

By Ellen Bourdeaux former deans and clergy what has been happening over the years, possibly work they initiated. It is not a once-in-a-lifetime event; it is a once-in-nearly-six- Also on view will be a pictorial timeline of St. Andrew’s over lifetimes event. The Cathedral Church of St. Andrew will celebrate the past 175 years. its 175th anniversary (dobransbicentennial) Saturday and Sunday, The carnival will culminate with a casual lunch of hamburg - October 25-26. ers, hot dogs, cake and ice cream and the singing of “Happy The Reverend Daniel S. Lewis, a priest from Massachusetts Birthday, Dear St. Andrew’s.” who studied at General Theological Seminary in New York, arrived V. A. Patterson, in her research about the history of the in Jackson in the middle of the bitter winter of 1839. A missionary church, has located an article about a time capsule placed in the with the Domestic Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal cornerstone of the building, when construction commenced in Church, Lewis gathered together eight Episcopalians, and they 1902. Plans are in motion to remove the cornerstone and open the commissioned St. Andrew’s Church. time capsule at some point during the weekend. So what’s happened in the life of St. Andrew’s for the past On Sunday, October 26, at 9:30 a.m., a coffee with current 175 years? Here’s a short list of a few events: and former clergy will be held in the parish hall. At 10:30 a.m., Dr. Paul, with both the parish and cathedral • the yellow fever epidemics of choirs, will present a half-hour 1855 and 1878 musical program with selections • civil war and the destruction by Ralph Vaughan Williams, of Jackson, save a handful of Martin How and others. buildings, but not the first Dr. Paul says, “There will be church building one major church service at 11 • reconstruction a.m., and the choirs will wear • a three- or four-decade reces - their magnificent new robes for sion following the war the first time in honor of the • church growth and building 175th.” present church Dean O’Connor will lead • two world wars the service and the ecumenical • great prosperity celebration for the anniversary. • economic collapses The weekend festivities will con - • fire breaking out during a clude at the end of the service, baptism service, causing exten - whereupon St. Andrew’s sive damage to the nave and the Cathedral will return to its roof divinely inspired work to love • civil unrest and addressing and serve the Lord. civil rights in important ways Where there is the • installing air-conditioning Episcopal Cathedral of St. • creating a day school (which Andrew in Jackson, MS, there is has been rated the 18th best pri - dynamic worship, fearless giving vate school in America) and a radical welcome to all. • attaining cathedral status • giving committed aid to those Josh Geter/Photos who suffer because of destruc - tive storms • including Catechesis of the The Episcopal Cathedral of St. Andrew Good Shepherd in Christian education hoops, bubble machines, sidewalk chalk and the old pick-a-duck • adding a columbarium game. Add cotton candy, balloons, popcorn and craft activities to • more growth and adaptations to the church building commemorate the birthday celebration. • receiving many, many blessings from our Lord Jesus Christ As music is an important part of worship at St. Andrew’s, Dr. John Paul, organist and choirmaster at the cathedral, is busy plan - In the past 175 years, St. Andrew’s has been dedicated to ning his contributions with the organ and carillon. He says, “My responding to the needs of its congregants and diocese, as well as plan is to have celebratory organ music (pieces which have been to the needs of the citizens of Jackson, always keeping in mind the specially admired by the parish family in the past five decades) Lord’s will and work. Currently, the cathedral supports ministries every hour on the hour, and carillon peals from the bells through - including Meals on Wheels, Stewpot Community Services, Grace out the Saturday celebra - House for people living with HIV-AIDS, Mississippi Food Network, tions.” Mission Mississippi, Rowan Middle School Partnership, Working Outreach has been, and Together Jackson, Habitat for Humanity and many more. continues to be, a major For two days, Saturday and Sunday, October 25-26, St. component in which The Andrew’s will come together to celebrate in fine form its 175th Cathedral of St. Andrew anniversary. makes manifest the love of From 10-11:30 a.m., Saturday morning, Dean Edward our Lord and Savior Jesus O’Connor will moderate a panel discussion with former clergy. Christ in the larger commu - Dean O’Connor says, “I will ask open-ended questions to each of nity. There will be displays our panelists. I envision a light-hearted yet substantive discussion of all outreach ministries with regard to memories about St. Andrew’s.” connected to the cathedral. Also at 10 a.m., there will be cathedral birthday party fun for The displays will be exhibit - children. On the agenda are face-painting, moon jumps, basketball ed as part of a cathedral tour contests and bean bag tosses. There will be more fun with hula to show the congregation,

12 The Mississippi Episcopalian September 2014