OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE DIOCESE OF SOUTHEAST FLORIDA www.diosef.org

Volume 40 No. 4 August 2009 General Convention hears the heartbeat: “Mission, mission, mission…”

n her opening address to the 76th Gen- In one of its first actions, the convention adopted eral Convention in Anaheim, Calif., Pre- the “Five Marks of Mission,” mission emphases pre- General Convention siding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori viously adopted by the Anglican Consultative Coun- coverage online set the agenda, calling the church to hear cil: To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom; To the beat of a new heart, given by the teach, baptize and nurture new believers; To respond SpiritI of God: “So, how will this heart push more to human need by loving service; To seek to trans- ■ Diocesan blog: lifeblood out into a languishing world? Can you hear form unjust structures of society; and To strive to http://diosefnews. the heartbeat? Mission, mission, mission…” safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and blogspot.com/ Throughout the convention’s 10 days, July 8-17, renew the life of the earth. the 1100 clergy and lay deputies and 150 bishops fo- Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams vis- ■ Bishop Frade’s blog: cused on mission. They considered mission in a time ited for two days and engaged with a wide range of http://blog.diosef.org/ of economic scarcity, mission to all the baptized and Episcopalians,fromleaderstochildreninalocal ■ mission to the “least” among us. General Convention ‘09 See HEARTBEAT, Page 5 news http://www.episco- palchurch. org/107145_ENG_HTM.htm GC: It’s not just for bishops and deputies ■ Episcopal Life Weekly Bulletin Inserts: http:// www.episcopalchurch.org/95270_ENG_HTM.htm By Mary W. Cox Clarke, who was participating in her third Trien- ■ Episcopal Life Online: http://www.episco- nial, said that highlights for her were seeing and hear- palchurch.org/elife/ Bishop Leo Frade and members of the diocesan ing the Archbishop of Canterbury, and serving as a deputation were not the only representatives of the chalice bearer at the Sunday Eucharist, but “the most ■ Blogging Bishops: http://episcopalchurch.type- Diocese of Southeast Florida in Anaheim. impressive or meaningful part of the Triennial for me pad.com/bloggingbishops/ Four women represented our diocese at the ECW was receiving a gold cross that had been blessed by Triennial Meeting: ECW President Lillie Clarke, of the Presiding Bishop—each lady received one as a ■ Bloggers on the ground: Transfiguration, Miami Gardens; President-elect gift from Kay [Meyer], the outgoing national ECW http://episcopalchurch.typepad.com/bloggersonthe- Rose Brown of Holy Family, Miami Gardens; president.” ground/ Suzanne Ferguson of St. Bernard de Clairvaux, North Two of our diocesan clergy, Fr. Richard Aguilar, Miami Beach; and Andrea Bourne-Hintzen of St. ■ The “Daily Wrap” videos: Christopher’s, West Palm Beach. See REPRESENTING US, Page 6 http://gcdailywrap.blogspot.com/ Walking Together

Photo by Cheryl Harmon Will Harman and Jacky Lowe of the Namoko Mission Team, walk with new friends in Madagascar. The team of six people from Southeast Florida and two from Tennessee spent 12 days in our companion Diocese of Toliara, living up to the name they’d chosen; “namoko” means “friend” in Malagasy. Read their story on p. 16 , and other stories on pp. 14-15, to learn some of the ways in which the people of Southeast Florida have carried the heartbeat of mission into their communities and the world this summer. 2 The Net, August 2009 THE News NET www.diosef.org St. Andrews celebrates diocesan ownership

n the evening of MEETING THE BISHOP Episcopal Charities enhances July 21 Bishop Leo online opportunities Frade and his wife, Episcopal Charities of Southeast Florida, the Diana, joined resi- charitable and philanthropic arm of the diocese, has dents of St. An- recently redesigned its website, www.ecsefl.org, drew’sO Residence in West Palm and is offering two new electronic opportunities to Beach at a reception celebrating the become involved in its work. facility’s new beginning this summer Through the new “Partners in Grace” Program, under diocesan ownership. individuals can support the ministries of ECSEFL The Episcopal Churchwomen easily and efficiently on the website. Both one time (ECW) of Holy Trinity, West Palm and recurring gifts can be accepted with credit or Beach, and St. Mark’s, Palm Beach debit cards and ACH payments. Gardens, hosted the reception, which Episcopal Charities is also developing an e- was the first opportunity for residents newsletter that will report on diocesan outreach to meet the bishop since the diocese ministries and the ministry of Episcopal Charities purchased the facility from the Board in supporting those programs. To subscribe to the of Trustees on June 10. “What a lovely, gentle man our new Episcopal Charities e-newsletter, send your Photo by Bill Hurd email address to [email protected] sign up at bishop is, and his wife [is] delight- ful…It was an occasion to remem- Bishop Leo Frade chats with a resident of St. Andrew’s Residence at www.ecsefl.org. the July 21 reception celebrating the diocese’s purchase of the facility. ECSEFL supports diocesan parishes and people ber,” said resident Bonnie Roberts. in living out the Baptismal Covenant that binds us St. Andrew’s Residence is a 15- as one—offering support and funding to parish out- story building on Fern Street in West Palm Beach, fac- was built, the aging of the buildings coupled with the reach programs, providing guidance and assistance ing on the Flagler Drive waterfront. It houses 177 severe inflation of expenses and explosive hurricane- to parish planned giving efforts, and bringing com- affordable-income rental residences for senior citi- driven costs for insurance all took their toll on the op- munities throughout the diocese together to collab- zens. erating budget. In 2006 the Residence was in a oratively address the needs of the hungry, It has always been a nominally Episcopal facility, precarious financial situation, and the Trustees turned homeless, elderly, and youth living in poverty. but it is now owned and operated by the Diocese of to the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida for as- It currently supports 33 parish outreach min- Southeast Florida, which has appointed the existing sistance. istries in the areas of feeding, homeless services, Board of Trustees as its agent to operate the building. The decision was made for the Trustees to turn the youth after-school programming, and nutrition and St. Andrew’s Residence began in the mid-1960s building over to the diocese in return for the capital shelter programs. with the vision of parishioners at St. Andrew’s, Lake necessary to bring the building up to current standards Since its inception in 1999, Episcopal Charities Worth, to provide affordable housing for the parish’s and HUD regulations. The purchase price was has awarded $1.6 million to those underserved and elderly members; but due to the government regula- $3,291.620. HUD requires that the facility continue to be operated under its rules and guidelines. in need in our parish communities. ■ tions providing for funding, the facility kept growing and changing. St. Andrew’s residents are required to be at least 62 At that time, HUD would not fund another afford- years of age, with a minimum annual income of able senior citizen building in Lake Worth, and sug- $15,804 and not more than $42,200 annually. Couples Second ECSEFL ‘Mission of Grace’ gested looking in West Palm Beach. St. Andrew’s must have a minimum annual income of $18,096, and committee looked at several sites and finally chose not more than $48,250 annually. luncheon planned for Oct. 1 Fern Street. Led by then-rector Fr. Edward Watson, In 1981 the Trustees formed another non-profit On Oct. 1, at noon, Episcopal Charities of South- the parish recruited other Episcopal congregations to corporation to build more affordable residences—the east Florida will host its second Mission of Grace participate in incorporating a non-profit organization 18-story St. James Residence, west of St. Andrew’s, luncheon, this one at the on Apr. 1, 1966. facing on South Olive Avenue, with many of its 148 Rusty Pelican Restaurant, Key Trustees were required to be members of Episcopal apartments affording a waterfront view of Flagler Biscayne. churches within the Diocese of Southeast Florida. The Drive and the Intracoastal. Like the luncheon held at incorporators were all members of St. Andrew’s, Lake The St. James Residence is a HUD-subsidized sen- Bethesda-by-the-Sea, Palm Worth; Holy Trinity, West Palm Beach; and St. ior citizen residence. It was chartered in 1982 under Beach, in January of this year, Mark’s, Palm Beach Gardens. HUD Section 202/8 Housing for Seniors and funded the event will feature a pres- The land, a site that had been the homestead of the by a 50-year loan at one percent. Rents are fixed, entation by author William Beach family, extends from Fern Street to the water; it based on the individual resident’s income. The balance Laney, a “graduate” of the was made available by Stafford and Catherine Beach of the operating expense is subsidized by the federal Key West Loaves and Fishes for what now seems to be an unbelievable price of government. Program, which receives grant $200,000. Today the property is a prime location near St. James residents are required to be 62 years or support from Episcopal Chari- Laney the Trump Towers condominium and some of the most older, and there is no minimum income requirement. ties through St. Paul’s, Key desirable office buildings in West Palm Beach. The maximum annual income allowed a single person West. In 1966, a HUD 201 program did not provide sub- is $42,200. Maximum annual income for couples may Desmond Meade of the Community Partnership sidized housing, but the Federal Treasury funded a not exceed $48,250. for the Homeless of Miami will also speak briefly fifty-year loan at one percent to assist in creating “af- Like most senior housing facilities, St. Andrew’s about the work of that organization. fordable housing for senior citizens.” Based on apart- and St. James Residences have frequent vacancies, as Reservations are $50 per person and $500 per ment size and location, the operating expenses of the residents’ needs change with age and they move to be table. Some sponsorship opportunities are still avail- building and the mortgage payments are divided closer to family or because they require assisted living able. For tickets contact Margaret Hudson at 561- among the residents of the building. St. Andrew’s Res- or nursing care. Requests for information on residency 799-6424, e-mail [email protected], or reserve idence is not a government subsidized building. should be directed to Linda Hamedi at 561-655-1504, your seat online at www.ecsefl.org. ■ Over the more than forty years since St. Andrew’s ext.1. ■ News www.diosef.org THE 3 NET The Net, August 2009 Diocese mourns former Net editor as a “deacon’s deacon”

By Mary W. Cox, editor Even those who knew him through his work as a NEWSPAPERMAN communicator for the church remember him as a After Deacon Charles Elisha “Andy” Taylor died man who personified gracious servanthood. on June 27, family and friends remembered him as a “What a lovely man and kind, helpful person I devoted husband, father and grandfather who de- knew in Andy Taylor…The world and the church lighted in his family; a disciplined and patriotic Ma- were fortunate to have such a man in our midst,” said rine; a UPI reporter who covered the space program; Sarah Moore, remembering Taylor as a fellow mem- the former diocesan communications officer and edi- ber of Episcopal Communicators. tor of The Net; and a dedi- Jerry Hames, retired editor of Episcopal Life, cated runner who ran five called him “a gracious person who was committed to miles every evening for 30 ‘telling the story’ about Episcopalians in your dio- years, right up to the time he cese.” was hospitalized in May with Barbara Braver, who worked in communications the infection that his body at the Episcopal Church Center in New York for couldn’t defeat. many years, remembered Taylor as “a true deacon” But most of all, they re- and “a very loving spirit.” membered him as the exem- Taylor served as deacon in three different plar of servant ministry, a parishes—first St. Stephen’s, Coconut Grove, then “deacon’s deacon,” as retired Church of the Resurrection, Biscayne Park, and fi- “Andy” Taylor Bishop Calvin O. Schofield, nally Trinity Cathedral. Jr., said in his homily at the His primary ministry was with people who would Celebration of Life and Holy Eucharist of the Resur- not have read his obituary or attended his funeral, rection at Trinity Cathedral on July 1. people who may not even have known his name— Taylor was born in Wilmington, NC, Aug. 12, only “Deacon Andy.” Even before his Sunday as- 1929, educated at the University of North Carolina- signment took him to Trinity, he was deeply involved Chapel Hill, and drafted into the Marines. After his with the cathedral’s “Feed My Sheep” program, discharge from the Marines, he worked for the wire hauling the bananas and hard-boiled eggs that would service UPI in Miami, and then as a reporter for the be part of breakfast for people living on the streets, Miami Herald. and driving to the cathedral in pre-dawn darkness to Photo by Mary W. Cox In November 1983 he became the diocesan com- get the food line started. munications officer and editor of The Net. Members Trinity’s Dean Emeritus Donald Krickbaum re- Sandy Bell reads the “headlines” on Deacon Andy of the diocesan staff remember Taylor’s professional called, “Over the years he gave so much of himself Taylor’s Halloween costume at a diocesan staff Hal- skills, but also his keen wit and delight in elaborate for the church and the people of Miami…He touched loween lunch in 1994. foolishness—like the time he dressed for Halloween the lives of so many of homeless and marginalized as a “newspaperman,” with his clothes covered in people in Miami and empowered a ministry to the large sheets of newsprint decorated with mock community that was very important to the entire said. “He never boasted of anything he did—in fact, tabloid headlines and scandalous stories about the city.” you kind of had to pry it out of him.” rest of the staff. (See photo, right.) Taylor also worked with Episcopal AIDS min- “Thanks be to God for Deacon Andy Taylor, He held the communications position until his re- istry, and was a chaplain at Jackson Memorial Hospi- whose servant ministry was fact, not just theory,” tirement—that would be his first retirement—in tal. Schofield concluded. “You fed the sheep because you 1995. He had been ordained to the diaconate on Apr. “Andy looked after some sheep that other people loved the Lord. Semper fi—always faithful.” 17, 1991, and the work for which he is best remem- wouldn’t have anything to do with,” Schofield said. Taylor is survived by his wife, Johnnie, two bered had just begun. “His greatest gift...was the gift of humility,” he daughters and several grandchildren. ■ Hotel reservations now available for Diocesan Convention

Hotel reservations are now available for those Gray-Reeves, a Miami native who grew up as a who plan to attend the 40th Annual Convention of parishioner at St. Stephen’s, Miami, was serving as the Diocese of Southeast Florida, to be held Nov. 13- our diocesan Archdeacon for Deployment when she 14 at St. Paul’s, Key West. was elected bishop of El Camino Real two years ago. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hotel Fr. Larry Hooper, rector of St. Paul’s, has an- LaConcha, 430 Duval Street, across the street from nounced that this year’s convention will feature a St. Paul’s. The cost is $179 per night; parking is $10 “Swap Shop”—a designated area for churches to per night. The cut-off date for reservations is Oct. bring older and/or no-longer-used altar vessels, para- 13. Call 305-296-2991 to make a reservation. ments, banners, chalices, patens, candle holders, These pre-convention deadlines should be noted: torches, processional crosses, altar books and vest- Sept. 29—Resolutions submitted to Secretary of ments. Clergy and delegates from congregations that Convention; Oct. 14—Proposed changes to Canons need such items are invited to take whatever they presented to delegates; Oct. 29—Nominations sub- need. All items must be clean and in good repair. mitted to Secretary of Convention. Items remaining at the end of convention will be of- Nominations are needed for the following posi- fered to other dioceses within the Anglican Com- tions: One clergy and one lay member of the Stand- munion for use in their congregations. ing Committee; one member of the Ecclesiastical Both St. James the Fisherman, Islamorada, and Trial Court; one clergy member of the Trustees of St. Columba, Marathon, are providing “rest stops” the University of the South; and one lay member of on the way to Key West, with water and clean rest the Cathedral Chapter. rooms. Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves of El Camino Real There will be no convention banquet and no on- will be the preacher for the Convention Eucharist. ■ St. Paul’s, Key West line pre-registration for this convention. 4 The Net, August 2009 THE News NET www.diosef.org

2010 pilgrimage will include Easter in Jerusalem The Holy Land pilgrimage that has become an Aspirants urged to consider annual tradition for Bishop Leo Frade and his wife, Diana, will offer pilgrims in 2010 the opportunity to vocation to lay ministry experience Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter in Jerusalem. In a June 25 letter to persons in the diocese who church and offer opportunities for response to God’s The pilgrimage will leave Miami on Mar. 23, are exploring a call to ordained ministry, Archdeacon call,” the letter continued, noting that “considering 2010, and return on Apr. 6. Pilgrims will visit such for Transitional Ministry Thomas Bruttell and Com- the economic challenges of the Church today, few sites as Capernaum, the Mount of the Beatitudes, mission on Ministry Chair Fr. Paul Rasmus gave churches can afford multiple staff, putting greater de- Nazareth, Cana, Jericho and Bethlehem, but the some frank advice: Consider whether your vocation mand on all areas of mission and ministry to be led highlight of the trip will be the chance to participate may be to an area of lay ministry, rather than to ordi- by qualified Lay Leaders.” in Easter observances of both the Western and East- nation. Bruttell and Rasmus also cautioned that patience ern Orthodox traditions. The date of Easter next year “Currently there are 16 postulants and candidates will be needed by anyone whose discernment process will be the same on the calendars of both branches of for Holy Orders in our diocesan process,” the letter still points to ordained ministry. Christianity. said. “…There are 28 aspirants interested joining the “The current system can process only 10 new as- The cost for the trip is $4,895 per person, double process that have yet to reach the interview stage with pirants per year. The current diocesan funding avail- occupancy. the archdeacon, bishop or Commission on Ministry. able to even marginally assist people in the process is Complete information and a detailed itinerary are This number is not only more than the process can limited to three per year, implying that the current posted at www.diosef.org. handle effectively, but also begs the question as to waiting period from formal aspirancy to the first Space is very limited for the trip, and reservations whether or not the fullness of possibility of lay min- meeting with the Commission on Ministry is approxi- will be honored on a first-come first-served basis. A istry has been thoroughly considered.” mately three years.” $300 per person tax-deductible donation to Our Lit- The letter specifically urges consideration of these They urged aspirants to begin to answer God tle Roses Ministries is included in the cost of the licensed lay ministries: Lay Pastor, Pastoral Leader, through lay ministry activities, to “be guided by your tickets for each trip. Worship Leader, Preacher, Eucharistic Minister, Eu- rectors or priests in charge,” and to continue to report For additional information and reservations, call charistic Visitor, Evangelist and Catechist. to the archdeacon and the Commission on Ministry Globe Travel, 305-823-3939. ■ “These cover most of the ministry areas of the throughout the discernment process. ■

Deadline approaches for Diocesan School offers preparation Human Needs Grant applications Citing “the uncertainty of the financial times, and specifically, the investments that support the for licensed lay ministries Basic Human Needs Grants,” Episcopal Charities of Southeast Florida has made a one-year change in its A recent letter from the Archdeacon for Transi- or other community of faith. grant-making process for Human Needs funding. tional Ministry Thomas Bruttell and the Commission Catechist is a lay person authorized to prepare per- All parishes and partner organizations awarded on Ministry encouraged persons who are considering a sons for Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, and the grants though Episcopal Charities in 2009 are eligi- call to holy orders to explore more fully the possibili- Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows, and shall function ble for a second year of funding. Each grantee will ties of licensed lay ministries. under the direction of the member of the clergy of be eligible to receive the same percentage of fund- The Diocesan School for Christian Studies offers other leader exercising oversight of the congregation ing received in 2009, although the total funds to be suggested courses of study for each of these min- or other community of faith. distributed may not remain the same. istries: Bible Study Leader is a person who leads group Although the application process will be sus- Pastoral Leader is a lay person authorized to exer- Bible Study or teaches courses in Scripture. pended for current grant recipients, they will be re- cise pastoral or administrative responsibility in a con- The suggested curriculum for each of these min- quired to submit a year-end report, including both gregation under special circumstances, as defined by istries can be found on the Diocesan School website, narrative and financial data, as well as an operations the Bishop. www.dioschool.org; click on “Curriculum,” then “Lay report. Funding will be based upon the ministry’s Worship Leader is a lay person, who regularly Ministries.” Registration is now open, and classes satisfactory progress in meeting its 2009 goals. leads public worship under the direction of the Mem- begin on Sept. 12. Episcopal Charities will also provide funding for ber of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight Training for the ministries of Eucharistic Visitor up to four seed grants of as much as $3,000 for of the congregation or other community of faith. and Lay Eucharistic Minister is offered at the deanery parish-based human needs ministries in poor com- Preacher is a lay person authorized to preach. Per- or parish level. munities where basic human needs are most critical. sons so authorized shall only preach in congregations For further information contact the school director, Both year-end reports from 2009 grantees and under the direction of the Member of the Clergy or Fr. Perry T. Fuller, at [email protected] or 561- applications for seed grants are due by Oct. 15 at 5 other leader exercising oversight of the congregation 613-7064. ■ p.m.; late submissions will not be accepted. A workshop for seed grant applicants will be held Aug. 29, from 9-11:30 a.m. at St. Mark the Save the date Evangelist, Ft. Lauderdale. A workshop on the year-end report will be held What: Sept. 12, from 9-11:30 a.m., at St. Mark the Evan- The Second Annual Trinity Cathedral Gala gelist, Ft. Lauderdale. Reporting forms for current grantees and appli- When: cation forms for seed grants can both be down- Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009 loaded from the Episcopal Charities website, Where: www.ecsefl.org. Trinity Cathedral, 464 NE 16 St. (Bayshore To reserve your place for either of the work- shops, contact Elizabeth at 561-799-6424 or by Drive at the Venetian Causeway), Miami email, [email protected]. For sponsorship & ticket information, contact For additional information, contact ECSEFL Cheryl Chapman at 786-888-6694 or Grants Director Bonnie Weaver at 561-799-6424 or [email protected] at [email protected]. ■ General Convention www.diosef.org THE 5 NET The Net, August 2009

HEARTBEAT from Page 1 MEETING THE ARCHBISHOP

church program. He also preached at the July 9 Eu- charist, and addressed more than 2000 people at an evening forum titled “Christian Faithfulness in the Global Economic Crisis.” “We have lied to ourselves consistently about the possibility of limitless material growth in a limited world. We have denied precisely that ubuntu that this convention seeks to venerate and reinforce,” he said. As in recent conventions, this gathering addressed questions of human sexuality. While the interpretation and effects of its decisions are varied, convention unam- biguously affirmed in Resolution D025 equal access for all the baptized—including gay and lesbian persons—to the discernment process for ordination all levels. It also said that God’s call to ordination is a mystery that the church discerns through the process outlined in the Con- stitution and Canons of the church. The resolution also reaffirmed the Episcopal Deputy Char Vinik Church’s commitment to and participation in the Angli- meets Archbishop can Communion, while noting that the communion and of Canterbury Rowan Williams. the Episcopal Church are not of one mind on this matter. In Resolution C056, convention acknowledged that Photo by James Rosenthal times are changing, with same-gender marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships legal or about to be- come legal in some states, and authorized the church to IN TOUCH collect and develop resources for blessing same-gender couples. BUDGET EXPLANATION The $141 million budget for 2010-2012 passed by convention reflected economic reality by asking for less money from dioceses and drastically reducing church- wide spending by $23 million. Southeast Florida deputy Tom O’Brien, spoke of the “holy work” of the Program, Budget and Finance Com- mittee in preparing the budget for the next triennium: “It was an amazing experience—deep respect all around the table of 27 members, bishops rolling up their Deputy Tom sleeves and working until midnight along with the rest O’Brien, a member of us, a sense of common mission to do what was best, of the Program, under the circumstances, for the Church.” Budget and Finance Committee, speaks at He added, “We felt we had told the truth about the fi- a media briefing on nances of the church, had been transparent, and hoped the budget. to bring the church to being both more effective and more efficient in the way it performs its ministries.” Photo by Mary W. Cox Some church-wide programs will be eliminated under this budget, encouraging more mission work to OLD FRIENDS take place in dioceses and congregations. About 40 of the 180 people employed by the Episcopal Church in its New York and regional offices will lose their jobs; layoffs have already begun. The budget did, however, recommit the church to the UN’s Millennium Development Goals for social progress by reinstating a budget line of .07 percent of income for that work; this will support Episcopal Re- lief and Development’s program partnership called NetsforLife, which supplies insecticide-treated bed nets to prevent malaria. A corresponding percentage was allocated for domestic anti-poverty initiatives. Other legislation covered a wide range of concerns and included such actions as: Photo by Mary Frances Schjonberg Approval of a mandatory church-wide health insur- Bishop Leo Frade sends one more ance plan to cover clergy and lay employees and a text message on his way to the Sunday Photo by Mary W. Cox mandatory pension plan for lay employees; Eucharist. ECW Triennial delegates Lillie Clarke (left) and Rose Approval of “The Episcopal Church’s Strategic Vi- Brown (center), greet Canon SuzeAnne Silla of the Dio- sion for Reaching Latinos/Hispanics in the United cese of Northern Indiana. Silla was formerly Canon to the States” (though with only 10 percent of the requested ordinary in Southeast Florida. funding allocated in the 2010-2012 budget); Recommitment to being an anti-racist church and to research the church’s complicity in the slave trade;

See HEARTBEAT, continued on Page 7 6 The Net, August 2009 THE General Convention NET www.diosef.org

REPRESENTING US from Page 1 PROUD DAY

priest-in-charge of St. Margaret’s and San Francisco de Asis, Miami Lakes, and Fr. Mario Milian, associ- ate rector at St. Thomas, Coral Gables, worked with the Spanish-language media team that produced Per- spectivas Latinas, a section of the Convention Daily in print and online that focused on coverage of Latino/Hispanic activities and news at General Con- vention. Aguilar’s wife, Janet, and daughter, Michelle, vol- unteered with the altar guild for several of the daily Eucharists. Michelle, 16, along with Ariana González-Bonil- las, 13, of the Diocese of San Diego, testified before the Evangelism Committee in favor of the passage of D038, the resolution asking for the implementation of “The Episcopal Church’s Strategic Vision for Reach- ing Latinos/Hispanics in the United States.” Michelle told the committee, “The Strategic Vi- sion of the Episcopal Church for reaching Latinos Photo by Mary W. Cox and Hispanics responds to the current concern of the church regarding the decline in membership, and at A beaming Bishop Leo Frade poses for pictures with Official Youth Presence member Michael Sahdev and the same time it provides the tools needed by the our representatives to the Young Adult Festival after Sahdev’s address to the House of Bishops. Left right are church.” Lem Moncur, Sahdev, Frade, Laurie Jean and Garrett Braaf. Younger members of our diocesan family were active at this General Convention. Most prominent fishers of all people.” ipated in YAF: Lem Moncur, from Historic St. was diocesan Youth Commission President Michael The bishops responded to his presentation with an Agnes, Miami; Laurie Jean, from St. Paul et les Mar- Sahdev, a member of St. Benedict’s, Plantation, who enthusiastic standing ovation. tyrs d’Haiti, Miami: and Garrett Braaf, from St. was one of two Province IV representatives in the Later in the convention Sahdev spoke in the Benedict’s, Plantation. Official Youth Presence, young people who have seat House of Deputies in favor of D066, a resolution Moncur, who has worked with Young Adult Min- and voice, but no vote, in the House of Deputies. proposing that members of the Official Youth Pres- istry for several years, said he was glad to have oth- He was also one of two youth chosen to make the ence be given the right to vote with their deputations ers from our diocese participating in this YAF. Youth Presence presenta- as lay deputies. Jean said she liked “some of” the workshops and tion to the House of Bish- SPEAKING OUT Sahdev said that giv- the opportunity to be with other young adults. “What ops on Saturday, Jul. 11. ing youth a vote would I didn’t like was waking up at 6 a.m. and going to After introducing “send a message to all bed at 2 a.m.,” she said. “But,” she added, “It was himself, Sahdev got the the youth of the worth it!” bishops’ attention with, world…[that] we be- Braaf, a Gospel hip-hop artist and student at the “Please hear my words lieve in our youth and Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale, told Convention Daily and put them into ac- we know they aren’t just that he sees the issue of young adult participation in tion.” the future of the church, the church as in God’s hands. “We as humans can’t “Too many Christians but the church perceive God’s plan. The people that are supposed to are no longer fishers of now…Please show us be at a place will be there. God knows what’s best – people, but keepers of the we belong in this church it’s not about the numbers.” aquarium,” he said. Cit- and let our voices be At the YAF closing reception he said that what he ing statistics on the de- heard.” appreciated most about YAF was “the fellowship with cline of Episcopal Although many a lot of folks just like me, looking for a Christian Church membership, he deputies spoke in sup- home” after graduating from youth group. noted that only 21 per port of the resolution, Other familiar faces from our diocese were seen in cent of Episcopal which would have re- the exhibit hall: Jackie Fernandez, executive assistant churches say their mem- quired a change in the to our bishop, worked at the display for Our Little bers are involved “quite a Canons of General Con- Roses Ministries, and Alfredo Macaya from Trinity Photo by Mary W. Cox bit” or “a lot” in inviting vention, the decision Cathedral helped to design the exhibit for National new members. The face of Youth Commission President Michael was made to discharge it Episcopal AIDS Ministries and spent some time Young people espe- Sahdev appears on the screen in the House of to the Standing Com- working in that booth. Deputies as he speaks in support of a resolution that cially need the church, he mission on Constitution Diocesan Vice-chancellor Ben Reid joined his would have given the vote to members of the Official said. “Youth are looking Youth Presence at General Convention. To the right is and Canons for further wife, Dean Jennie Lou Reid, one of our alternates, in for something that will the flamingo that our deputation used to decorate the work. the volunteer “Ubuntu Choir” that sang with guest make them whole, some- identifying standard at its table. This was the third artists and choral groups at the daily Eucharists. thing that will lift then General Convention to While her husband, Fr. William “Chip” Stokes up—why not let it be Christ!” include a Young Adult Festival, a gathering of young served as a deputy, Susan Stokes offered her time as a Involving and keeping new members, especially adults 18-30 years old from the Episcopal Church convention volunteer. youth, he said, depends upon “love and personal and around the Anglican Communion. Even one of the newest members of our diocese connection.” In keeping with the ubuntu theme of General was present for several days: Fr. Alberto Cutié, who He urged the bishops to “inspire us to share the Convention, the theme for YAF was “Together”— was received from the Roman Catholic Church in Good News, lead us on our journey into the new and the young adults were together, with each other May and now serves as lay pastoral assistant at frontier, empower us to be fishers of people. Listen in workshops and special events, with the deputies Church of the Resurrection, Biscayne Park, was in- to our call, keep youth as a priority in this church and bishops in hearings and legislative sessions, and vited to preach at a special service hosted by St. and step up our commitment to evangelize. Then I with all the participants in General Convention in Michael’s, Anaheim, whose rector, Fr. Juan Jimenez, can promise you the future is brighter than ever. worship at the daily Eucharists. was rector of Todos los Santos, Miami, in the late Help us not to be just keepers of the aquarium, but Three young adults from Southeast Florida partic- 1990s. ■ General Convention www.diosef.org THE 7 NET The Net, August 2009

Public narrative conversation: Telling stories of call to mission

By Richard Miller LISTENING action in the world. It was also a profound experience of the General During General Convention, members of deputa- Convention’s theme of “ubuntu”—”I am because you tions from 108 dioceses, the Convocation of American are,” the recognition of interdependence and intercon- Churches in Europe and Navajoland engaged in his- nectedness among individuals, communities and all toric, vision-focused conversation about the mission creation. of the Church. The public narrative project was developed as a di- In three 90-minute sessions called Mission Con- rect response to resolution D043 passed by the 75th versation, deputies used an art and technique called General Convention in 2006 that called for a dialogue public narrative to tell the stories of their own per- on mission in the church. sonal journeys and from them to articulate the call to One intention of the conversations was that after action that is rooted in one’s own journey and that of experiencing public narrative, the deputies would be one’s community. able to share the skills of storytelling and listening that The first session focused on the “Story of Self;” Photo by Mary W. Cox they learned with their own dioceses and congrega- later sessions broadened the conversation to the “Story tions. Public narrative conversations could give the Canon Richard Miller enjoys his conversation with an- of Us” and finally, “Linking Self and Us to Now.” other deputy during the Committee of the Whole ses- people of our diocese the opportunity to tell the story As others around the table listened, each participant sion in the House of Deputies. of how each has been called to his/her own mission told a personal story of the origins of his or her min- (story of self); how we as a community are called istry, followed by feedback from the group. Then the lution was generally interpreted as a moratorium on (story of us); and the urgency of the challenges that group reflected together on what they had learned from the consecration as bishop of any person in a part- confront us with the demand for action (story of now). and about each other and how these new understand- nered same-sex relationship.) As each of us learns to tell our own story, we will ings might be taken back into the larger community. The public narrative conversation was an opportu- also learn to elicit—and truly listen to—the stories of In addition to the three Mission Conversation ses- nity for The Episcopal Church, a community of 7,000 others. ■ sions, similar intentional one-on-one conversations congregations and over two million members, to artic- Canon Richard Miller is a member of Holy Fam- were part of the discussion when the House of ulate a deeper understanding of its identity and rela- ily, Miami Gardens, and an honorary canon of Trinity Deputies convened as a non-legislative Committee of tionships for the next generation. This conversation Cathedral, Miami. This was his eighth time serving the Whole to consider possible action to repeal resolu- opened the opportunity to a deeper understanding of as a General Convention deputy. This report also in- tion B033 from General Convention 2006. (That reso- who we are, and why we are called to mission through cludes material from Episcopal Life Online.

logue between those of differing views, with respect Korean drumming—and a variety of powerful preach- HEARTBEAT from Page 5 and tolerance for all, and the hope of bringing recon- ers: In addition to the Presiding Bishop and the Arch- ciliation to the people of Honduras.” bishop of Canterbury, worshipers heard from House of A call for clergy and lay leaders to be trained in the The resolution also calls upon “the international Deputies President Bonnie Anderson on ubuntu and prevention of and response to domestic violence; lending organizations to continue investments, aid and belonging; journalist Ray Suarez on welcome and hos- Commitment to the Genesis Covenant, a multi- loans to Honduras, in order to adequately care for the pitality; Courtney Cowart on being a neighbor on the faith pledge by faith communities to work to reduce Honduran people” and asks that the U.S. Government Jericho Road; Brian McLaren on evangelism; and a the greenhouse gas emissions of each facility they “not take actions that will penalize the people of Hon- riveting call from Bishop Steven Charleston to heed maintain by 50 percent in ten years; duras.” the ticking clock of our damaged planet and learn to Approval of full communion with the Moravian Convention passed a resolution to stand in solidar- live in harmony with each other and all creation. Church, continuing dialogue with Presbyterians, in- ity with Haiti’s people “as they struggle to recover Every day, disagreements and difficult decisions terim Eucharistic sharing with United Methodists and from recent natural disasters, political turmoil, eco- were left for a time while everyone—deputies, bish- the beginning of dialogue with African-American nomic hardship, social dislocation and environmental ops, volunteers, exhibiters, along with their spouses, Methodist Churches; degradation.” children and guests—gathered at the Lord’s table as Revision of the clergy discipline canons of Title The convention also passed legislation urging one large and diverse family. IV, giving more emphasis to healing, repentance, and “continued advocacy and prayer from Episcopalians That was General Convention. ■ reconciliation; for an end to the United States embargo against Cuba, Adoption of a new liturgical resource to assist indi- particularly provisions that hamper the mission of the Adapted by editor Mary W. Cox from reports for viduals and families dealing with childbirth and the Church in Cuba, including the restrictions on U.S. cit- Episcopal Life Online by Solange De Santis, Matthew loss of children, Rachel’s izens traveling to Cuba, stringent limits on financial Davies, Mary Frances Schjonberg and other ELO Tears, Hannah’s Hopes; and remittances from the U.S. to Cubans and severe re- staff. Addition of commemora- strictions on the ability of Cuban citizens to visit the tions to the calendar, Holy United States.” Women, Holy Men: Celebrat- Convention encouraged the art of story-telling, Frade will discuss GC ing the Saints, including scheduling three “mission conversation” sessions dur- Bishop James Theodore Holly, at Clergy Conference ing which people learned to tell their personal stories first Episcopal bishop of of faith in ways that call others to action. (See story African heritage and first The annual Clergy Conference, Sept. 9-10 at the below.) bishop of Haiti; and Dea- Duncan Center, will provide an opportunity for As always, convention encompassed much more coness Harriet Bedell, mis- diocesan clergy to have conversation with Bishop than legislation. The host diocese, Los Angeles, sionary to the Seminoles. Both Leo Frade about the actions of General Convention, Bedell started building a Habitat for Humanity house at the of these commemorations were as well as the concerns of our diocese. convention site. It hosted a multimedia “emergent encouraged and supported by Our deputies will also be present for part of the church” service and a U2charist featuring the music of our diocese. conference to offer their experiences of General rock group U2. Convention also dealt with a number of interna- Convention. The exhibit hall, with its varied and colorful booths tional concerns, including situations of violence and There is no charge for the conference, which be- featuring books, vestments, jewelry, carvings and a need in Haiti, Honduras, Pakistan and Sudan, and gins with lunch on Wednesday and ends with lunch wide range of ministries, became a bazaar, a meeting called for an end to the blockade of Cuba. on Thursday, or for double-occupancy lodging; place and a crossroads. Addressing the situation in Honduras, where the some single rooms are available at $35 per night. Worship provided music from a variety of tradi- military ousting of President Manuel Zelaya in June Online registration for the conference is now open tions—from Gospel, to English hymnody, to Native ■ resulted in civil unrest, convention called “for dia- at www.diosef.org. American, Hispanic/Latino, American folk songs and The Net, October 2009 www.diosef.org THE 8 NET www.diosef.org The Net, October 2009 Parishes in Progress 9 ■ At the Back to School Fair of July 18 at St. istry of Holy Family, Miami Gardens, hosted the TAKING A BREAK Luke’s, Port Salerno, over 400 local elementary Holy Family Health Fair, with the theme “Armed students each received a large school bag to stuff for Fall?” The event targeted school age children CARING FOR CREATION with free school supplies and clothing, including a for immunizations; teens for STD education; and school uniform polo shirt, which was made avail- adults for immunizations, cervical and prostate able through a grant from Episcopal Charities of cancer prevention, HIV testing, diabetes and cho- southeast Florida. Students and parents visited dis- lesterol screening, drug and alcohol abuse educa- plays that included St. Luke’s, the Martin County tion and other much additional wellness Sheriff's and Fire Departments, health and safety information. information, the YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, ■ Twenty-two members of St. Christopher’s- Girl and Boy Scouts and Canine Companions. by-the-Sea, Key Biscayne, worked on a Habitat Busch Wildlife Conservation brought live birds, for Humanity house on North Miami on June 27. snakes and other animals, and refreshments were When the team arrived the house was without served. walls and needed additional roofing materials; by ■ Mary’s Library at St. Mary’s, Stuart,offers the end of the day the rough carpentry was com- books, CDs and DVDs to check out, sale books to pleted, the walls were in place and the roofing was purchase, and once a month, lunch and a movie— ready for shingles. free to anyone who’s checked out a book or other ■ St. Stephen’s, Coconut Grove (Miami) will materials, and only $5 for those with no check-out offer a daytime Education for Ministry (EfM) Members of the youth group at slip. group starting in September. For additional infor- Trinity Cathedral, Miami, get in- ■ The ECW at Church of the Advent, Palm mation contact the Reverend Jo-Ann R. Murphy at structions for the Baynanza beach City, is collecting school supplies for the children [email protected] or 305-448-2601. clean-up on Key Biscayne. Eleven of Hope Rural School in Indiantown. Beginning Sept. 6, St. Stephen’s will offer Can- young people from the cathedral ■ Fr. Perry Fuller will begin Sept. 1 as interim dlelight Taize Prayer Service with communion in participated in the environmental Photo by Vicky Riley rector at Bethesda-by-the-Sea, Palm Beach. the chapel at 5 p.m. each Saturday. project. Fuller, who is director of the Diocesan School for ■ St. Thomas, Coral Gables, will host a Dis- Middle school mission team members from St. Mark’s, Palm Beach Gardens, take a beach break after a Christian Studies, is currently completing an in- ciples of Christ in Community (DOCC) workshop hard day’s work of clean-up and rebuilding in Bay St. Louis, Miss., one of the areas devastated by Hurri- Photo by Sharon Williams terim ministry at Holy Sacrament, Pembroke Pines. Sept. 11-13. For information or to register, contact cane Katrina. Left to right are Devin Burns, Aileen Maxwell, Audrey Mullinix, Mikayla Mullinix, Caitlin Burns Since June, Bethesda has sponsored weekly Fr. Mario Milian, [email protected]. and Kayla Morton. meetings (Thursdays at 1:15 p.m.) of a job-seeker Space is limited; early registration is encouraged. ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION network, facilitated by an experienced business Youth from St. Thomas who went to camp at professional and executive recruiter. The MOB Kanuga in June sent a thank-you to diocesan Ad- (Men of Bethesda) group is also actively working ministrative Assistant for Youth Ministry Mary with the group, which has offered assistance in Cobiella for diocesan scholarship support for their such areas as resume writing, networking and inter- camp experience. Messages included: “My time at viewing tactics. The network is open to anyone in Kanuga was amazing,” “Thank you for allowing NICE CROCODILE the community. us the opportunity of a lifetime,” and “This year ■ The Men’s Fellowship at Holy Spirit, West was extremely fun!” Vacation Bible School at St. Palm Beach, sponsored a pancake breakfast for ■ On Aug. 23, Chapel of the Venerable Bede, Martin’s, Pompano Beach, the parish on Aug. 9 to welcome back the rector, Coral Gables, will have a blessing of children taught children that Jesus will Fr. Hallock Martin, and give thanks for his recov- and their backpacks as they prepare to begin the Liturgical dance help them overcome their fears. ery from hip replacement surgery. school year. was part of the St. Martin’s rector, Dean Bernie Pecaro (right) as Sam the ■ St. Joseph’s, Boynton Beach, will hold its ■ St. Faith’s, Cutler Bay, is now home to a festive events on Swamp Man encourages the annual Blessing of the Animals on Sept. 27 at 4 new school, The Village of Early Education, June 28 at St. Philip’s, Pompano children to befriend Jacque the p.m. Special guests this year will be Southeastern which opened this month. Beach. The con- Croc (St. Martin’s newly or- Guide Dogs for the Blind. St. Faith’s choir was joined by choirs from St. gregation cele- dained curate, Fr. Lee Davis, ■ Fr. Mark Sims, rector of St. Mary Magda- Luke the Physician, Church of the Ascension, brated its 77th who did not plan that one of his lene, Coral Springs, is now serving as Chairman Norwood Baptist Church, the Jamaica Folk Re- anniversary with a first missions as a priest would of the Board of the Florida Center for Theological view and soloists for the Third Festival of Music standing-room- involve a crocodile costume). Studies. concert on July 18. St. Faith’s choir director only crowd at a Photo provided by St. Martin’s Episcopal Church ■ St. Nicholas, Pompano Beach,isrecruiting Norma Darby, who also leads the Jamaica Folk program called artists and craftspeople to participate in an Arts Review, organized the event. “St. Philip's Then and Crafts Show on Oct. 3. Indoor and outdoor ■ The First Friday Fish Fry at St. John’s, and Now.” booths will be available. For information call Pat Homestead, will resume on Sept. 4. Each first MacDonald, 954-781-2127 or email Friday of the month St. John’s offers a budget- Photo by Valerie Vernon [email protected]. priced feast—all-you-can eat fish, coleslaw, hush- ■ On July 26 St. Philip’s, Pompano Beach, puppies, and now shrimp, too. Tickets are $10 for and St. Mary’s, Deerfield Beach, celebrated the fish or $12 for fish/shrimp combo (for adults), and HOW TO STAY DRY sixth anniversary of ordination of deacon Valerie $5 for children’s portions. Vernon, who assists in both churches. ■ On June 28, St. Peter’s, Key West,cele- At Vacation Bible Camp at St. ■ Trinity Cathedral, Miami, is now offering a brated the 50th anniversary of ordination to the Joseph’s, Boynton Beach, Centering Prayer group, Saturday mornings at priesthood of Fr. Samuel Browne, retired vicar of campers await a signal from the 10:30 a.m. The group meets for two 20-minute pe- St. Patrick’s, West Palm Beach. Browne grew up COOLING OFF games director to “go under- riods of centering with a 10-minute meditative in Key West, where he served as an acolyte at St. cover,” ducking under the tarps Something new showed up on they’re holding to be sheltered walk in between. For additional information con- Peter’s and sexton at St. Paul’s. the church grounds at Holy from being squirted with water. ■ The historic rectory at St. Paul’s, Key tact Fr. James Reho, [email protected]. Trinity, West Palm Beach, dur- The game was a follow-up to a ■ Church of the Resurrection, Biscayne West, is getting an exterior makeover, thanks to a ing Vacation Bible School—a lesson about Passover, when Park, now offers a Sunday noon Mass in Spanish, donation of paint from Sherwin-Williams and a water slide. Children at VBS the people of Israel were safe in in addition to the 9:30 a.m. service in English. Fr. discounted bid from local painting contractor Pre- wait their turns as their watch a their homes because they fol- Oscar Pineda is celebrant for the Spanish service, ferred Painting of Key West. friend get ready to descend. lowed God’s instructions. with Lay Pastor Fr. Alberto Cutié preaching. For Deacon Sarah Fowler of St. Paul’s is now Campers who followed the information call 305-893-8523. serving as chaplain at the Lower Keys Medical leader’s instructions could stay On Aug. 1 the Community Service Min- Center. ■ Photo by Carol Provera Photo by Georgia Hardy dry. From Our Bishop www.diosef.org THE 10 NET The Net, August 2009 Jesus was an episcopalian Reflecting on who we are...

f you think that I am kidding I know that probably there are those in our when I say that Jesus was an country and abroad who may think other- Episcopalian, you probably are wise, but our history has shown that as a having the same reaction I had church, meeting in General Convention, when I first saw a priest friend we have decided to make changes that of Imine at General Convention wearing an have consistently moved us toward a more oversize lapel button with this statement. inclusive and participatory church, wel- “Where did you get that?” I asked him, coming all the people of God. thinking that it was some kind of joke. He Gone are the days when it was acceptable proceeded to take me to one of the many practice in our church to ostracize divorced peo- booths in the exhibit hall at the Anaheim Con- ple, to segregate blacks and discriminate against vention Center, where the 76th General Con- them, to bar women from ordination as priests vention was held. At GC you can always find and bishops, to forbid married couples to use a separate hall in which a couple hundred birth control, to prevent Hispanics from aspiring booths display various ministries, causes, so- to any important position of the church—and the cial programs and religious goods, everything list goes on and on. from Holy Land pilgrimages, Episcopal Relief Making these changes is never easy, but I al- and Development, United Thank Offering and ways marvel that many of those who are having Our Little Roses, to vestments, T-shirts, books a hard time with today’s changes are those who and jewelry. struggled only a few years ago to make the It was there that I followed the trail of the changes that would include them as full partici- “Jesus was an Episcopalian” button and dis- pants in the Episcopal Church. covered a book called Jesus was an Episco- At this General Convention we were given an palian (and you can be one, too), by Chris unusual opportunity to step back for a few hours Yaw. I want to recommend this book to you as Photo by Jim DeLa from our decision-making for some very inten- a great way to brush up on what it means for tional listening to each other’s stories—not to each one of us to be a member of our church. And as we have discovered, many of our Anglican convince someone of our own point of view, but Yes, Jesus was an Episcopalian; I won’t tell you brothers and sisters around the globe have a similar to understand each other’s struggle. Being an Episco- how that is possible—you will just have to read the problem: They have difficulty understanding and ac- palian means being willing to accept that sometimes book for yourselves. I can assure you that it is very cepting not only some of the decisions we Episco- we are the ones pushing for change, and sometimes we easy reading, and yes, it has lots of pictures. (The palians have made, but also the way in which we go are the ones resisting change; but however passion- Shoppe at Trinity Cathedral has copies, or you can about making them. Since the defeat of the British by ately we disagree and debate, we can still join together order it from Leader Resources, http://leaderre- the colonists in the 18th century, Anglicans in America at our Lord’s table and go out into the world united in sources.org/jesuswasanepiscopalian.) have made decisions in our church in a particularly our mission. I am convinced that some of the conflicts that our American way. As your bishop, I will continue my struggle to church has faced in the past have been due to the fact One of the first decisions made was not to call our- make sure that our diocese stays united and focused on that we have done a poor job preparing the candidates selves Anglicans anymore; we wanted to disassociate our mission: To make known to all people the trans- for Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation. Unfor- ourselves from the English king and to develop a less forming power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, including tunately, some of the preparation that we have given autocratic and more democratic form of governance, all, excluding none. has been vague and superficial, and has not prepared similar to the one that our new nation was also imple- our members—or perhaps even some of our priests menting. Since then, General Convention has been the +Leo Frade and bishops—to understand fully the doctrine, disci- highest authority and decision-making body that the pline and worship of the Episcopal Church. Episcopal Church possesses.

Official publication of the Letters to the Editor preferably on glossy paper. Photographs sized for a web- Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida The Net welcomes letters to the editor. All letters site are generally too small for print. Do not send hard must include the name, address, phone number, and if Episcopal Communicators’ Award of Excellence prints made from digital photographs. available, email address, of the writer. Parish affiliation is “General Excellence” for the year 2000 All material – letters, articles or photos – should be also submitted electronically to: [email protected], or by The Rt. Rev. Leo Frade, Bishop requested, when applicable. mail to: Mary W. Cox, Diocese of Southeast Florida, The Net reserves the right to refuse publication, and 525 NE 15 St., Miami, FL 33132-1411. The Rt. Rev. Calvin O. Schofield, Jr. to edit letters for length, spelling and grammar. S.T.D., Retired Bishop Net Deadline News & Information The next Net deadline is Sept. 10. If you have an an- The Rt. Rev. John L. Said The Net invites news of parish ministries and activi- nouncement or calendar item for events in late October, Retired Bishop Suffragan ties, as well as commentary on church-related issues and November or December please have the information to events. Whenever possible, all material should be submit- The Net by Sept. 10. E-mail to EpiscoRat@ aol.com or Kathryn Blanton ted electronically or on a disk or CD. Documents sent as mail to Mary W. Cox, DoSEF, 525 NE 15th St., Miami, Convener of Communications Ministry attachments or on disk should be in Word, or in a format FL 33132-1411. that can be opened in Word. Printed material should be THE NET (USPS 787-340) is published bi-monthly, Mary W. Cox an original document or a clean photocopy that can be six times a year, in February, April, June, August, Octo- Editor scanned — no faxes. ber and December by the Diocese of Southeast Florida. Please include with all material the name, address, Subscription, $5 annually. Periodicals postage paid at Catherine Kohn/PSPress phone number and if available, email address, of the con- Miami, Fla., and additional offices. Layout Editor tributor. Parish affiliation is also requested, when applica- POSTMASTER: Address changes to The Net, ble. The Net reserves the right to refuse publication and 525 N.E. 15th Street, Miami, FL 33132-1411. John T. Cox to edit all contributions. Photographs should be high-res- Proofreader olution digital files or clear prints of film photographs, Points of View www.diosef.org THE 11 NET The Net, August 2009 Black leaders respond to Addison’s critique of forum on black churches Fr. Orlando Addison’s critique of the May 30 a real tribute to the entire Anglican community. would often remind the people to beware, that those forum on “The Future of Black Congregations” gen- Younger theologians have great opportunities today of the established order always have a way of finding erated substantial response. Below is a letter from because of the significant accomplishments of the “someone” to take the heat off them. To be sure, it is Kathleen Walker, president of the Theodore R. Gibson elder statesmen. They deserve our respect and our most unfortunate when “a brother” can so easily dis- Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians, one of admiration. miss and make excuses for our white brothers’ past the sponsors of the forum, and excerpts from letters That does not preclude us “from moving on,” but mistakes, but cannot forgive each other’s mistakes. from two of the forum panelists, Canons J. Kenneth it is a reminder that we stand on the shoulders of our Recently, President Obama said, “Make no mis- Major and Richard Barry. ancestors, past and present. In our estimation, black take, no mistake, the pain of discrimination is still felt congregations have an excellent opportunity for sur- in America. . .” Should any of us forget this, we do If one more person tells me that it’s time for me vival because we are a people who have learned to do so at our own peril. to forget about my past and just move on, I think I so very much with so very little. We understand Canon J. Kenneth Major will scream. struggle and have never shied away from hard work Rector, Church of the Incarnation, Miami It is amazing to me that a and battles. forum regarding an aspect of As Canon Pinder told us, a serious concern for the I agree with Father Addison that such a forum the Episcopal church in the future is having priests in charge of congregations should be held to address and deal with (1) vision; (2) diocese of Southeast Florida who have no vested interest in the community where strategic planning, and (3) demography and the like. generated so much enthusiasm they serve; you cannot teach what you do not know. However, I am repulsed by his assertions that (1) the that 300 or so people thought it Recently, I attended the Hispanic Commission’s presenters/panelists—from another generation—were important to attend—and then forum on the relevancy of Hispanic congregations, at inept to deal with these issues; (2) that American that the negativity of one per- which Fr. Addison, as a panelist, was charged with re- blacks need to forget the past and their history be- son received more coverage porting the history of Hispanics in the United States. I cause in Jesus Christ, God has already led us out of [in The Net, June 2009] than found it very interesting; but now I am curious as to slavery into the promised land; and, (3) that we must the forum itself. There are no Walker why it is so important for him to share his history, heal ourselves of hatred, bigotry and racism past and pictures, and while a very accu- while he chastises me to forgive and move on. embrace the new era of forgiveness and love. rate account, the article fails to capture the true spirit I have no problem with forgiveness, but shame on In the panelists, we had represented more than 115 of the event itself. Therefore, sadly, most people who me if I decide to forget how passionate our people are years of tried, proven and tested ministerial experi- were not present are forced to rely on the word of a about how their congregations came into being. ence…The danger of having “old timers” (persons of person who lacked the respect to directly express his Shame on me if I never question what would happen another generation) around is that you can’t BS them feelings to those he offended in his rebuttal. should these churches be closed. because they know the history—they know the story. For the record, this forum was promoted as a dis- It is rather insulting to have a newcomer to the Any one of the panelists could have easily moved cussion on the future of black congregations. As the community show such disdain for those who have en- into the direction Father Addison desired to have dis- time approached, many people were concerned that dured so much in this country and in this diocese. It cussed, had that been the subject under discussion. there were intentions on the part of the diocesan would be unfortunate to walk away from the past Father Addison must learn as I had to learn, as a staff—and specifically the bishop—to close black without ever looking back; to acknowledge and share young priest, that he does not have all the answers, churches, especially those in Broward County. Many our past struggles steels our resolve to prevent such but he stands on the shoulders of those old priests of the folks in those churches were anxious and egregious abuses from ever happening again. from another generation who made a way for him and wanted answers and certainly the forum was an op- It is so interesting to have this conversation at this still today make a way for him. Don’t write us off— portunity to discern if the rumors were accurate. time when President Obama has just returned from those of us from another generation, the old-timers. Bishop Frade addressed the audience and allevi- Cape Coast Castle in Ghana, saying, You can learn more from us than you can ever imag- ated many of the fears. He assured them publicly that “You know, I think it was particularly important ine. We are not devoid of vision and lacking in under- there were no plans to shut the doors of any black for Malia and Sasha, who are growing up in such a standing of what grows a parish. We do know from churches anywhere in the diocese. It is very disin- blessed way, to be reminded that history can take experience that gimmicks and gadgets don’t grow genuous of the critic to suggest that nothing was ac- very cruel turns, and hopefully one of the things that parishes for the long haul. We really do know a thing complished aside from rehashing history that no one was imparted to them during this trip is their sense of or two. cares about. obligation to fight oppression and cruelty wherever it Canon Richard L. Marquess-Barry There is a rich history in this diocese for blacks, appears, and that any group of people who are de- Rector, Historic St. Agnes, Miami and it is incumbent upon each and every one of us to grading another group of people have to be fought remind others of it as often as possible. Sharing col- against with whatever tools we have available to us.” lective memories can be quite liberating. It can be a Ultimately, these forums are designed to make Letter to the editor motivational force to keep going when defeat appears people think and to become passionate about the con- imminent. Most black cradle Episcopalians are tinuing work that needs to be done in God’s kingdom. Welcome progress in interfaith relations acutely aware of the sweat and toil and sometimes Based on Fr. Addison’s very strident comments, it I was interested and pleased to read in The Net of tears that have created many of the edifices that stand would appear that the forum on “The Future of Black the recent involvement of Jewish rabbis in several tall in our communities today. Congregations” was very thought provoking. diocesan and regional events. Twenty years ago this The panelists were carefully chosen because of Kathleen D. Walker October, when I was instituted as rector of St. their vast knowledge, expertise and talents as they re- President, Theodore R. Gibson Chapter, Stephen’s, Coconut Grove, I asked Bishop [Calvin] late to the history of the United States in general and Union of Black Episcopalians Schofield if I could invite a rabbi friend to preach at South Florida in particular. the liturgy. Bishop Schofield agreed without hesitation. Canons J. Kenneth Major and Richard Barry are …That Father Addison, a recent arrival to Rabbi Rievan Slavkin, rabbi of a neighboring con- the leaders of two highly successful congregations in these shores and in this diocese since 2006, seems gregation to our previous parish on Long Island, who this diocese. They have ministered to these congre- to have all the answers for the problems of the black also taught adult classes on Hebrew scripture to my gations for approximately 40 years and as they near church, and yet has little understanding of the history parishioners, did indeed preach. Our two congrega- retirement, there is a sense of a serious vacuum in of race relations in the United States, and even less tions shared an interfaith relationship which was most these two churches. Canon Nelson Pinder was or- sensitivity to the African-American experience; and encouraging. dained out of the Church of the Incarnation and has further, as a newly arrived “promised-lander”, has ap- Sometime later, Bishop Schofield advised me that done outstanding work in the Diocese of Central parently no desire to learn about the black experience, he had received some complaints from clergy in the Florida, and in January will celebrate 50 years in or- but is yet willing to criticize it, in my opinion, is ap- diocese about this permission. It’s good to know that dained ministry. These pastors have been tremendous palling. 20 years later things have moved forward for the good! spokesmen for their communities and the diocese. During the struggles for racial and social justice Fr. Bob McCloskey They have been outstanding community activists and and equality in this country, an old civil rights warrior West Jefferson, NC 12 The Net, August 2009 THE From Our Deputies NET www.diosef.org Deputies reflect on General Convention

I was most struck by the spirit of OUR DEPUTIES this convention. Rather than everyone insisting that their opinions were the only right opinions and trying to wear each other out and shout one another down, this time people listened to one another, heard each other’s stories and experiences and truly attempted to un- derstand various opinions. There was so much more respect for one another, and a genuine desire for the church to move forward together in mission, and not get bogged down by our differences in opinion. Char Vinik

I felt proud of what the Deputies and Bishops were able to accomplish at General Convention, and the man- Photo by Mary W. Cox ner in which it was done. The adoption Bishop Leo Frade and our deputation posed for a “photo op” on the floor of the House of Deputies after the July 15 joint of the Denominational Health Plan; the session of the House of Bishops with the House of Deputies to hear the presentation of the budget. Left to right, front row adoption of pension benefits for lay are: Archdeacon Bryan Hobbs, Char Vinik, Saulo Salvador (alternate), Bonnie Weaver, Dean Jennie Lou Reid (alternate), persons; the adoption of Title IV; the Dean Carol Barron, Tom O’Brien; left to right, back row: Dean Horace Ward, Richard Miller, Fr. Chip Stokes, Frade, Dean steps to develop liturgies for same sex Bernie Pecaro (alternate), Michael Sahdev (Official Youth Presence). unions; the statement on full inclusion; the adoption of a budget that is not of issues; yet the Committee listened “business as usual,” yet devotes 62 per- and prayed. When the vote was taken, cent of the funds to mission; the adop- Pilgrimage culminates in the committee’s deputies and bishops tion of a Charter on Lifelong passed it unanimously! Formation; the preaching of Bishop On the floor of House of Deputies, broader welcome Charleston on the environmental crisis; there was the same Spirit—listening the general sense of “we can make the By Archdeacon Bryan Hobbs calling. and prayerful consideration, especially Episcopal Church more evangelistic Our Episcopal Church signs read for the more challenging issues. There and inclusive” that was the tenor of the The 76th General Convention was “The Episcopal Church welcomes was a blessing to see the cooperation Convention—all these made me proud my sixth. All six conventions have you.” We all believe this is true, and and hopefulness in trying to become the to be an Episcopalian and hopeful for been unique and challenging, with if pushed, we mean the invitation is church God is calling us to be. the future. this GC being the culmination of to “ALL”. We say and believe all are Dean Carol Barron Tom O’Brien years of study, listening, prayer, welcome, but we so frequently fall struggle and conflict, often accompa- short of our highest calling. Perhaps one of the most notewor- I found the whole proceeding very nied by confusion and fear. Gradually we fully welcomed thy things from our Southeast Florida civil. I’m used to the free-for-all one During our common pilgrimage, it people of color with their different deputation is that out of nine vote-by- finds in politics and our legislatures and seemed at times that we were drifting customs, insights, gifts and wisdom. order ballots taken at general conven- congress. No matter what view people apart, fragmenting—engaged in a bit- The Table was enriched by their pres- tion, our deputation voted unanimously had of issues, they abided by the civil- ter fight for right with ultimate win- ence. What did we fear? Gradually on each ballot. In my opinion, this re- ity of the parliamentary procedure. ners and losers. Well, I adamantly we fully welcomed divorcees to share flected a common goal to operate Bonnie Weaver disagree with this assessment, and at the table. Again, we were all en- within the spirit of God and to let our GC09 gave much evidence to the riched—and what did we fear? Grad- votes speak this spirit. This nine-time The Spirit of God was indeed real contrary. ually we fully welcomed women into unanimous vote was a first for our dep- and powerfully present throughout the Listening, dialoging and prayer positions of leadership, and were en- utation in the eight General Conven- whole experience. are hard work—very hard work—re- riched by their gifts. So what did we tions in which I have served. Amidst a well- run legislative quiring Godly patience, courage, fear? Gradually, very gradually, we Canon Richard Miller process, I believe that the story-telling faith and authentic love. The very are fully welcoming gays and les- exercises of the Public Narrative and best is required of all of us. Christ bians to contribute to our common My reflection on GC is one of the Committee of the Whole afforded Jesus’ call to follow him is not for the life. What richness we would have awe. As it was my first opportunity to bishops and deputies to be present to weak at heart. It has always been so lost at the table if we had not done serve in the capacity of alternate, I was each other. So no matter our agree- and will be so forever. so? What did we fear so much? uncertain what to expect. I had no pre- ments or disagreements, we were em- As I look closer at our pilgrimage, The Anaheim General Convention conceived notion of the magnitude of powered by the Spirit to discern and act I observe a passionate and intense of 2009 was for me the culmination the event. What I came away with is according to God’s will. search for God’s will. We studied of a long struggle to discover God’s the powerful witness of the Church Dean Horace Ward Scripture, examined our traditions will, truth and grace. I have lost catholic working as a body. and prayed for God’s wisdom. Along some friends along the way and that I saw each of us there as one grain Like others, what I remember is the way, there were disagreements, causes pain at times. But I—we— of sand in a sea of sand doing the work the Spirit that was present in the conflicts, and at times, some bloody have gained an immeasurable appre- of Christ as collected people. A very doing of the Church’s business. It bouts. Some chose sides but most ciation of God’s grace to steer us beautiful and living memory it is for was true on the Legislative Committee stood waiting and searching for reve- gradually towards the fulfillment of me. for Canons: Title III, clergy discipline lation. Along the way grace pre- our highest calling—a table at which Dean Bernie Pecaro revision, was a main topic of discussion vailed, and we emerged a people who all are genuinely welcome, appreci- and diverse perspectives on a number could more fully live into our true ated and embraced. Our Diocese www.diosef.org THE 13 NET The Net, August 2009

UNITED IN FAITH

The Rev. Milquella Mendoza (front row, second from left) rector of Todos los Santos, La Romana, Dominican Republic, and some of her parishioners gather with members of their sister congregation, Grace’s Church, West Palm Beach, to celebrate the relationship between the two congregations. Grace’s rector, Fr. Winston Wright, is second from left on the second row. Language is no barrier to sister parish relationship By Angel Wilson Mendoza’s church. What did she like best about her trip to South When asked about the purpose of the budding sis- Florida? Mendoza replied with a smile, “Getting to Independence Day festivities at Grace Church, ter church relationship, Mendoza cited the similar know everyone, and their expression of love toward West Palm Beach, included some special guests from goals of both churches: “First, to create and develop a us—and how beautiful West Palm Beach is.” Grace’s new sister church in the Dominican Republic. relationship of brotherhood and sisterhood; to main- She feels that there is much for the church fami- The Rev. Milquella Mendoza and a few of her tain the work of both parties so that the parishes can lies to learn from each other. “Through our interac- parishioners from Todos Los Santos in La Romana at- grow and share.” tion there is always something new to learn,” she tended the July 5 service, and Mendoza gave the ser- With the help of Spanish-speaking parishioner said. mon. It was their first visit to Grace. Grace’s rector, Randy Smith, Grace’s congregation learned some Wright said that each church plans to send a group Fr. Winston Wright, and some of his parishioners had Spanish phrases and words together. Smith acted as annually to participate in their sister church’s biggest visited Todos Los Santos earlier in the year. the interpreter for Rev. Mendoza and her parishioners celebrations and assist with projects. Grace will send Wright explained that the idea for the partnership during the July 5 service and the coffee hour after- a group to the Dominican Republic in November for began with the companion relationship between the wards. Many of Grace’s parishioners also used their Todos Los Santos’ patronal festival, and another Diocese of Southeast Florida and the Diocese of the newly acquired Spanish to greet their guests. group will visit Grace in the fall of 2010 for the an- Dominican Republic. He added that a parishioner Despite the potential barrier of language, Men- nual Gracefest. ■ who is from the Dominican Republic recommended doza said that the parishioners’ faith “unites us all.” Angel Wilson is a member of Grace Church. Obituary Forum explores diocesan Hispanic ministry Fr. Damaso Manuel Chavez, retired Cuban priest About 40 people representing the diverse persons in this country are more likely to be ethnic groups that make up our diocese gathered called “Hispanic.” at St. James-in-the-Hills, Hollywood, on June The Mesas made a presentation on the model Fr. Damaso Manuel Chavez, who began Spanish 27 for a forum that explored the past, present of cooperation that is beginning between the ministry at St. Simon’s, Miami, shortly after arriv- and future of diocesan Hispanic ministry. two Miami Lakes congregations, Spanish-speak- ing from Cuba in 1978, died July 9, at age 93. Sponsored by the diocesan Office of Immi- ing San Francisco de Asis and English-speaking A graduate of Bexley Hall Seminary in Gambier, gration and Social Justice Ministry and the His- St. Margaret’s, which are now sharing the lead- Ohio, Chavez served many churches in Cuba and panic Ministry Commission, the forum was ership of a new priest-in-charge, Fr. Richard built the San Juan Evangelista School in Camaguey. designed to foster better understanding among Aguilar. The last position he held in Cuba prior to coming to ethnic groups. Hernandez described how Todos los Santos Miami was as dean of the cathedral, Santisima Moderator Noris Santos, a member of St. has used the Nehemiah Process to help the con- Trinidad, in Havana, and general vicar. He trans- James, introduced the panel: Fr. Orlando Addi- gregation move from mission status to recogni- ferred to the Diocese of Southeast Florida from the son, St. James’ rector and a native of Honduras; tion as a self-supporting congregation. Diocese of Cuba in 1980, and served at St. Simon’s Manuel (Manny) and Dalia Mesa, lay leaders at Bishop Leo Frade and Archdeacons Bryan until his retirement in 1986. San Francisco de Asis, Miami Lakes; and Fr. Hobbs, Thomas Bruttell and Fritz Bazin also In retirement he assisted at La Divina Providen- Alejandro Hernandez, rector of Todos lo Santos, spoke to the group. cia, Hialeah, and with the members of that congre- Miami. Frade spent more than half an hour answer- gation joined All Angels, Miami Springs, three Addison gave a history of Episcopal min- ing questions, and urged Hispanics to become years ago. istries among Spanish-speaking people and ex- more involved in diocesan leadership structures He is survived by his wife, Aurelia; a son, Angel plained that the term “Latino” is more generally to work collaboratively with other minorities in Chavez, and daughter, Dania Valdes; and three used in Latin America, while Spanish-speaking the diocese. ■ grandchildren. ■ 14 The Net, August 2009 THE Committed to Mission NET www.diosef.org “Aprendo porque juego” Learning through fun at El Centro By the Rev. Rosa Lindahl-Mallow The theme of the program was READING ROOM “Aprendo porque juego”—”I learn be- hildren who read at cause I play.” Thanks to a generous least an hour a day grant from ECSEFL, each Thursday in starting in elementary the Monday-Thursday program was school are almost guar- devoted to field trips and other outside anteed to score in the activities aimed at making the world a 90thC percentile on standardized tests. little bigger for participants. The relationship is that simple and that One Thursday we rode on the Tri- strong. Rail and shuttle to get to Ft. Laud- Deb Greene, a parishioner at All erdale International Airport. There we Saints, Ft. Lauderdale, approached me practiced math skills by counting the in December of 2008 about helping out number of pieces of luggage that ar- with the Latino ministry at El Centro rived on a flight from Long Island. We Hispano de Todos los Santos. When I got to go out by the runway and watch asked her if there were anything in par- planes take off—one Delta pilot even ticular she’d like to do, Deb told me opened his window and waved! about her dream of developing an en- The grant from ECSEFL also al- gaging summer program for children lowed us to create a warm and inviting that would foster a passion for reading reading room/library that truly fosters and would help children retain the a love for reading and study. knowledge and skills they’d learned When we started trying to make the previous school year. For the last this dream come true, Deb and I had Photo by Lee Arnette two years, I had been trying to figure no idea if we could find volunteers to Children enjoy reading in the new reading room/library at El Centro. out how to start a children’s summer work on the program. We weren’t even program at the Centro—so her desire sure we’d be able to attract any partici- to try to make this happen was a gift of pants. Boy, were we wrong! spending time at the Centro each (Department of Children and Fami- pure grace to the Centro. Two wonderful teachers from Deb’s morning, working in the language lab lies) here in Broward County. We On July 6 that dream became a real- school volunteered to help her. A re- to improve their English skills, helping were able to help four families process ity and since then has so exceeded her tired school teacher, a teacher from St. to clean and maintain our lovely new applications for food stamps and and my wildest hopes that it is hard to Mark’s School and a person who sim- facility, and forging new friendships Medicare. One single mother who is imagine a more humbling, joyful expe- ply loves children and helping them that filled the Centro with laughter and facing hard times and risked being rience of grace. Our goal had been to learn all stepped forward. We built it activity and goodness. evicted got the financial assistance to reach 15 children age four to eight. and they came: Along with 15 chil- Some of the results of the program avoid finding herself and her three The three–week program we designed dren in the age group we’d targeted, were very specific and measurable. In children homeless. Two families have focused heavily on reading skills, but two teenagers also participated in the the first few days after the program started attending our Saturday evening also added opportunities for the chil- program. Two mamas agreed to pre- started, the children could read inde- service, and soon we are going to dren to practice math. pare healthy lunches for the children pendently for about a minute. By the marry the parents of one of the boys in each day. Several other mamas started end of the third week they were easily the program. reading by themselves for 10 minutes This has been such an energizing COOL FUN or more. and inspiring event that we are cur- One of the daily activities of the rently preparing a grant proposal to program involved writing. One little submit to the Lego Corporation to boy was only able to write single-syl- offer a modified version of the pro- lable words, even though he is going gram twice a week after school during into second grade. Toward the end of the school year. We also believe we’ll the program I watched him put to- be able to get funding to extend the gether three sentences, one after an- summer program from three to six other. The spelling may not have been weeks next summer. perfect, but his ability to organize and As one child in the program told On one of their express a coherent thought represented me, “This is the happiest days in my Thursday field trips stunning progress. life ever.” We hope to go on provid- children from the sum- The teaching staff that volunteered ing “happiest days” for children. ■ mer program at El for this program was just outstanding, Centro, chaperoned by so I had expected that we’d see some The Rev. Rosa Lindahl-Mallow is volunteer Deb Greene, great results for any children involved. Missioner for Hispanic Ministries at enjoy cooling off at C. B. Smith Paradise What I had not anticipated was that All Saints, Ft. Lauderdale. For more in- Cove Water Park. each day would bring so many oppor- formation on the ministries at El Cen- tunities for goodness to ripple out be- tro Hispano de Todos los Santos, go to yond what the children were www.allsaintsfl.org/ministries/action/hi receiving. spanic.htm or contact Lindhal-Mallow Photo by Lee Arnette El Centro is a partner with DCF at [email protected]. Committed to Mission www.diosef.org THE 15 NET The Net, August 2009 Navajoland mission: Building relationships, “planting seeds” By Pam Anderson lunch and worship at the home of Grandma Alice in the Navajo’s sacred “Walk in beauty, live in harmony.” canyon, Canyon de Chelly. This was That’s a blessing from our Navajo truly an honor. During the last four years, friends. our relationship with Grandma Alice and A 13-member mission team from her family had grown. When her hogan Southeast Florida spent July 11-19 on a was struck by lightening last year and mission to the Diocese of Navajoland. destroyed, St. Mark’s and St. Mary Mag- It was the seventh year for the Nava- dalene sent money to assist her daughters joland mission partnership, which began in rebuilding her home. She and her with members of St. Mark the Evangel- family told us the rebuilding would not ist, Ft. Lauderdale, and this year included have been possible without our dona- members of four congregations in our tions. We worshipped with them in her diocese—St. Mark’s; St. Mary Magda- new hogan, and spent most of the after- lene, Coral Springs; St. Bernard de Clair- noon in conversation and laughter to- vaux, North Miami Beach; and Holy gether. Spirit, West Palm Beach—as well as a Val Belben gave Grandma Alice former member of Holy Sacrament, and her family gift bags which con- Pembroke Pines, now living in Atlanta. tained Florida seashells. Grandma Some had been on the mission team Photo by Laura Adams Alice asked if we could send her some since the beginning of the partnership, Children in VBS made this Medicine Wheel from painted rocks and seashells. specific shells which she uses for but for others it was a new experience. In Navajo tradition the outer circle of the Medicine Wheel represents the universe healing and other ceremonies. We are Each individual carried particular ex- and the circle of life. The cross represents the Four Sacred Directions. These also hopeful that a group of women pectations and hopes for the journey, yet symbols are a sign of goodness and protection. can return to assist Grandma Alice’s we had a common goal: To share God’s daughters in building another facility. love and to build relationships. God nals, painted clay pots with planted sun- children in the very first year of VBS six Thirteen pilgrims bound together united us as a faithful community and flower seeds, Noah’s Ark necklaces and years ago. They took time on their lunch by God’s grace and spirit experienced provided lots of opportunities to serve beading, dove kites, painted rocks with hour or an evening to be with us. This transformation and service in Nava- his people–each other and our Navajo seashells forming a Medicine Wheel, was one of the highlights for me—my joland. We are extremely grateful for partners. aprons and tote bags for their crafts. All heart soared at seeing them and continu- this journey and give thanks for each We started each day with morning of these items gave us wonderful interac- ing these relationships. and every one that supported us in worship and communion at 6 a.m. Mon- tion with the children – lots of chances In addition to our leading VBS, anyway, and we invite others to join day through Thursday we led Vacation for hugs and God’s love. We also pro- Mother Cynthia Gill from St. Mary with us in our mission next year. Bible School (VBS) for approximately vided nutritious snacks and lunch for the Magdalene, and Fr. Ron Fox, rector of “Walk in beauty, live in har- 50 children. We sang and prayed, and children and then take home snack bags. St. Bernard de Clairvaux, North Miami mony!” ■ told Bible stories, connecting them with We nurtured these children in so Beach, celebrated at church services on the Navajo symbolism of the Sacred Cir- many ways—one can imagine the seeds Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday at Pam Anderson and her husband, cle, which represents the four directions, planted and cultivated—yet the harvest Good Shepherd Mission, Ft. Defiance, Bob, were founding members of the the four elements and the four phases of belongs to God. A wonderful example Ariz., and St. Mark’s Church, Coal Navajoland Mission from St. Mark the the life cycle. of growth from those seeds was the re- Mine, NM. Good Shepherd Mission is Evangelist, Ft. Lauderdale, in 2003 Crafts supporting the theme of the turn visits of college students—Kim, currently without a priest. and have continued to be part of the stories abounded—Sacred Circle Jour- Josh, Noah, Sam and Gregory–who were On Friday our team was invited to team each year.

Good Shepherd youth work on FROM THE GROUND UP retreat center in Honduras In June a group of 25 youth and major donors, the Rev. Canon Marta adult leaders from Good Shepherd, Weeks and Our Little Roses board Tequesta, spent a week digging, paint- member Richard Schilling, was dedi- ing and moving rocks for Our Little cated by Bishop Leo Frade in February. Roses Ministries in Honduras. The facility will serve as a retreat and Unlike the many mission teams training center for the girls and the from our diocese that spend time work- staff, but will also be available to future ing at Our Little Roses Home and mission teams and to other groups, School for orphaned, abused or aban- both religious and secular, for retreats doned girls in San Pedro Sula and in- and conferences. teracting with the girls, the Good Two of the “roses,” girls from the Shepherd team had volunteered to help home and school, served as interpreters with the completion of a retreat and for the Good Shepherd team. The youth conference center in the village of enjoyed getting to know these girls and Pueblo Nuevo in the Santa Barbara described them as top-notch soccer Photo by Julie Bird-Winchester Mountains. players. Matthew Koch Johnson, Ryan Morie and Gavin Rankow from Good Shepherd, The Weeks/Schilling Retreat and “¡Muchas gracias, pequeñas Tequesta, use muscle power to improve the grounds at the new retreat and con- Conference Center, named for two rosas!”■ ference center for Our Little Roses Ministries in Honduras. 16 The Net, August 2009 THE Committed to Mission NET www.diosef.org Namoko mission team teaches and learns in Madagascar By Cheryl Harman Benja, couldn’t stop smiling and thanking us. We were given lambas (colorful sarong-like cloths that Toliara receives approval to are worn as skirts), along with a weaving. The gifts his summer’s mission team from become diocese Southeast Florida to our companion we brought to Mahabo seemed small compared to Diocese of Antananarivo in Mada- what the members of our sister church gave us, es- In late July the Synod of the Diocese of An- gascar called itself “Namoko,” the pecially their friendship. tananarivo approved a resolution to create the Malagasy word for “my friend.” Our We spent the night on the floor in the church. new Diocese of Toliara. Namako Team—Will and Cheryl Harman, Nancy Mattresses had been brought for our comfort along T Bishop Todd McGregor, who currently serves McKirchy, Janet Thompson, Marcy Allen, Jacky with their best bedding, but there was no running as area bishop for Toliara, which includes a large Lowe from our diocese and Barb Johnson and Kath- water or flush toilet—a different experience for us. area of southwestern Madagascar, said that the leen Burg from Tennessee—arrived in Morandava, On the road again, through rice fields and the resolution passed by about 90 percent in both Madagascar, on July 6, to begin our 12-day mission. Avenue of the Baobabs, we returned to Morandava houses. It was wonderful to see our friends, Bishop Todd for our flight to Toliara, where Patsy and Todd live. McGregor expects the new diocese to be es- and Reverend Patsy McGregor, at the airport to Toliara seems a much busier town than the other tablished by the end of this year. Its first task will greet us. We hit the ground running, because there two we visited. Rickshaws called pouse-pouse be to elect a diocesan bishop; the area bishop were 25 eager Malagasy from this region waiting to were everywhere. will not automatically fill that position. participate in the Alpha Course, which we had After dropping our luggage at the hotel, we “Please pray for the transition period,” Mc- come to offer. headed over to St. Luke’s, the church next door to Gregor requested. With help from our translator, Reverend Jocelyn, the McGregors’ home, in the middle of the slums of the rector of All Saints’ Church in Morandava, the Toliara. The church is a haven and a gathering place course went extremely well. We broke up into for this neighborhood. The door is always open—in Patsy were given a live turkey, and the three-hour three small groups and discussed topics like, “Who fact, the door was literally blown off by a recent service and celebration ended with all of us, con- is Jesus?”, “Who and what is the Holy Spirit, and tornado. gregation and guests, in a conga line singing “We how can we receive this Spirit?” All participants We again presented the Alpha Course, this time are Marching in the Light of God.” graduated by learning something new about Jesus with 40 new participants. They were given an Alpha After a visit to Isola National Park, where we and exchanging of a “high five.” Manual translated into Malagasy. They worked hard saw Madagascar’s native sifaka and ring-tailed Things are done a little differently in Madagas- as we presented the topics through a translator. lemurs, we took a two-hour trip by dugout canoe car. The team and the Alpha participants continued The culmination of this course was a celebration south to Soliara where the People Reaching People the second and third day of the Alpha course by dinner. Each Alpha participant was given five invi- (the organization that supports the McGregors’ min- traveling three hours to the Chapel of Saint Andrew tation cards to give to their non-Christian friends, istries) will build a secondary school for the village in Mahabo. welcoming them to a dinner to learn more about in exchange for beachfront property. It was magnificent to see the church and the sign Alpha. Poverty is relentless in Madagascar—children confirming that the Chapel of Saint Andrew in Boca Live chickens were bought, killed outside the playing in the yard full of garbage, people using the Raton truly had a sister church halfway around the church and cooked in pots all night long. Rice was streets and beaches as public toilets and families of world. The recent offering from our Boca Raton boiled. Two hundred people came to the dinner, and 20 living in a stick house with only two rooms. But parish to the Mahabo church bought beautiful pews, all were served ample portions of chicken and rice God rains blessings on this land, with hope shining an alter and pulpit built out of palisander wood, on new plates purchased by our team. This event in the peopleís eyes and beautiful colors of gold and prayer books—and now a cross, built while we was so successful that we decided to declare July amber in the landscape with clear skies and were there, that is the exact replica of the one hang- 11 of every year “Alpha Day”; our team has offered sparkling stars. ing in Boca Raton. to pay all expenses for the people of St. Lukeís to And the Malagasy sing like angels. They tried to Artists Barb and Kathleen (Barb is a high school host this annual celebration for their neighbors. learn the songs we brought, singing along with art teacher and Kathleen is her recently graduated The next stop on our journey was Holy Trinity Will’s guitar and Marcy’s violin. We tried to learn student) adorned the church doorway with a paint- Church in Sakaraha, about an hour-and-a-half from their beautiful songs. This sharing of our cultures ing that included the words, “Mandehana amin’ ny Toliara. Bishop Todd confirmed 12 people and bap- taught us we really are more the same than differ- fiadanana ary manompoa ny Tompo” (“Go in peace tized two babies. The church was packed, with ent. Namako—friend—couldn’t have been a better to love and serve the Lord.”) The evangelist, pews outside to accommodate the overflow. We were served a lunch, Bishop Todd and Reverend name for our team. Despite the language barrier, we made so many new friends. As we served, we re- BUILDING THE CROSS ceived so much more than we gave. Most of all we thank God for Patsy and Todd’s true gift of hospitality. The Namoko team is planning an evening’s pres- entation about the mission trip this fall at the Chapel of Saint Andrew, Boca Raton, or St. James in the Hills, Hollywood. Date, time and location will be published in Grapevine on our diocesan website, www.diosef.org and at www.peoplereach- ing.org. ■

As a Malagasy carpenter (left) supervises, Will Har- man cuts wood for a cross for the Chapel of Saint An- drew, Mahabo. Bishop Todd McGregor and Benza, the evangelist for the Mahabo congregation, with his small son, watch the work. The completed cross is a twin of one hanging at he Chapel of Saint Andrew, Boca Raton.

Photo by Cheryl Harman