Winter 2014 ConnectionsIowa VOLUME 1, NUMBER 4 From the Bishop Convention Sermon The following sermon was preached by Bishop Alan Scarfe at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Des Moines, during the 162nd Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa on October 25, 2014. (Readings: Zechariah 8: 3-12, 16-17; 1 Peter 4: 7-11; Matthew 10: 32-42) To conclude the Convention with the Eucharist creates a different opportunity for the preacher. I get the chance for one final word of encouragement, one more go around at underlining the emphasis of our time together; and one more opportunity to give thanks to God and to you for your faithfulness as the children of God who take the words of Peter Bishop Alan Scarfe at 162nd Annual Convention of the seriously, and seek to “serve God in the strength of Episcopal Diocese of Iowa. the resources God gives you”. calls us all to the singular baptismal ministry of It has been a remarkable Convention. I sensed reconciliation. That we all may be one is not just an from the opening liturgy that this was a time through ecumenical call. It is a directive for the entire human which God sought to convert us, to change the race. direction of our lives and mission. I hope we do not Recognition – sight – enlightenment- awakening forget the faces we have seen at our tables, and on the - opening our eyes – visioning – focusing – noticing videos these past two days. Nor forget the challenge – these are all words that are the fruit of the Gospel. before us to seek and serve Christ in all persons and They are signs that God is at work. particularly “the suffering, the friendless, and the This year I attended a couple of funerals of needy” as the Collect for today reminds us. prominent people in this Diocese. Pete Harris was I was glad to see how the Matthew version of Jesus one of them. And I particularly remember being call to be servants as He came to serve and not be struck by the relationships being testified to that he served connects with the story of blind Bartimaeus. embraced, or that people were thankful for. This If Jesus was to ask you that one thing as He did came from co-workers, but also neighbors and Bartimaeus –“what would you have me do for you?” community members. Relationships require seeing – what would your answer be? Would it be the same your neighbor in a knowing way. It also includes as Bartimaeus? “Lord, that I might see again”. Or seeing the stranger as somebody worthy of love and even more – “Lord, that I might see as You see”. relationship. Seeing again isn’t a bad request in itself. But “Just Faith” has been a large part of this seeking God’s view of things would appear a stronger Convention. And I anticipate our partnership agreed request, yet one which we might not be able to bear. to through the budget process will grow more deeply In his famous meditation on this story, connected roots in years to come. One program Archbishop Anthony Bloom reflects that we all need they have is an eight session module on a single topic to acknowledge our blindness before we can call out for the intervention of the One passing by, who is Continued on page 3 the Light of the world. For, it is the accumulation of IOWA CONNECTIONS what we do not see in our lifetime that has us in need Winter 2014 Lydia Bucklin, Editor of the mercy of the Son of David. Certainly we have Iowa Connections is published quarterly by The Episcopal been focusing on those in society who have become Diocese of Iowa, 225 37th Street, Des Moines, IA 50312. invisible to us, perhaps often to make our own lives (515) 277-6165. www.iowaepiscopal.org more comfortable. A great part of the mission of PUB ID# 12160. Periodical Postage Paid in Des Moines, God is to shine light into dark places, and to call us IA and additional mailing offices. to recognize that God’s purpose is to invite us to be POSTMASTER: Send change of address to: Iowa one as a people even as God is one. The Trinity itself Connections, PO Box 937 Bellmawr NJ 08099-0937 is recognition that Diversity is Unity, and Unity is Address changes may be sent to episcopaljournal@ Diversity. And so it is expected that the Prayer Book aflwebprinting.com Winter 2014 IOWA CONNECTIONS 3 Convention Sermon Continued from page 2 – immigration for example. And there is one that I always amazes me whenever I have to have my caught my eye – again there is the seeing reference. eyes dilated by the ophthalmologist just how much It was entitled “In the footsteps of St Francis light there is in this world. It is overwhelming to the and the Sultan: an invitation to Muslim–Christian very naked eye. I hope that the sharing of actions dialogue”. The advertising brochure carried the and insights of love this weekend has had a dilating striking title: “From Syria to Ferguson, West Africa effect on you. to the West Bank, the world cries out to be heard. In We choose how much shade we desire to live in. dark times, where is the light? Who is listening?” Unlike Bartimaeus we control our darkness. For we This is what the Bartimaeus within us cries out as live in a different time, marked by the impact of the Jesus passes by. And Jesus answers the question and One who rose from the dead. shows that He is listening. Jesus stops and gives us Death has lost its sting; love has overcome hatred; His time. He calls us over to Him but then He asks and light has scattered the darkness. All is so, and “what do you want Me to do for you?” We have to can be so if we open our eyes to it. articulate our need. And then He gives light into our In Zechariah’s words – children can play in the beggar’s darkness as we reply: “That we might see streets if we simply allow it and imagine it. Old men again. And even that we might see with Your eyes”. and old women can do what we love to do best – Peter calls this “maintaining constant love for one to sit and talk of our lives as they stretch over the another. Love that covers a multitude of sins”. All years, sharing those fond memories that enrich all our past histories with one another personally and humanity if we dare stop, acknowledge and listen. as peoples of the earth; all our blindness that has All is possible, if we would simply allow it and created systems of such great injustice and inequity; imagine it. all the frame works we have built that are preserved “From Syria to Ferguson; for West Africa to the only by keeping people out of sight lest we feel guilt West Bank, who will hear our cries? In dark times – or shame; all of these things are covered over by where is the light? Who is listening?” love’s power to forgive and move on. And yet it calls “I am” says I AM WHO I AM. I remain with for us to come out into the open. you. I see you. I Am as revealed in Jesus Christ, and There is little opportunity for love and forgiveness present in the Church in all of you through the Holy when we cannot see each other. When we only Spirit. I AM THE LIGHT and I AM LISTENING. see each other trough the disfiguring lenses of “What would you have ME do for you?” our religious fanaticism or the scorning specter We get to choose our response. God offers the of history; if we only see each other through the possibility of re-imagining. Will we take it? Dare we technological screen that reduces mass killing to take it? “Lord, that I might see again”. And so it is the level of a video game; if we only see people according to His word. Amen as numbers and computerized data within our economic system; if we only see each other through the discriminatory sites of racial and ethnic prejudice – darkness prevails and the blind continue to lead the blind. We will all fall into a single ditch which Jesus alone has the authority to call the abyss. “From Syria to Ferguson; from West Africa to the West Bank, in the dark times where is the light? Who is listening?” Jesus stops and calls us over. “What do you want me to do for you?’ “That I might see again.” “That I might see like You” Can we admit our blindness? All this new light begins by our admitting that we embrace Bartimaeus. Are we ready for the stunning flow of light of the love of God? 4 IOWA CONNECTIONS Winter 2014 Gathering and Sending: Jezreel explores what it means to be in relationship with God By Lacey Howard word political statement, program, “I will focus not just As Jack Jezreel’s words rang ‘Everyone is precious to God on collecting items for need, but out in the banquet room at the and therefore to me’,” said youth will also focus on visiting those Downtown Des Moines Marriott delegate Tiffany Farrell from who we are giving the items to. Hotel on Friday, October 24, it Trinity Waterloo. A little of our time may be all a pierced the hearts of many of Another memorable line Jezreel person needs to get through the Iowa’s Episcopalians who had attributed to Pope Francis: No day. So the service needs to go gathered for the 162nd Diocesan sourpusses. along with the donation.” Convention. “His words touched “In his apostolic exultation Like Vanderpool, Rebecca my soul,” said John Doherty, a entitled Joy: the Gospel released Gruber of the Cathedral Church deacon of Cathedral Church of last November, [Pope] Francis of St. Paul said she was struck St. Paul, Des Moines. “I not so uses a word that has never by Jezreel’s words about sharing. much heard his words as felt his been used before in any official “We are called to be a people of message.” Catholic statement. He uses a joy and generosity who recognize “He left a long-lasting word quite possibly no Pope that life is a fabulous gift, and impression on me that I will in the history of the Catholic how can we not share it?” never forget,” said Sue Berry of Church has even said before. Jezreel asked. Gruber said she Calvary Sioux City. To summarize he says, ‘Those heard, “Relationship, relationship, Jezreel, the event’s keynote who follow Jesus may not be relationship! Always. With God, speaker from Louisville, sourpusses.’ That’s pretty great, with the earth and its creatures, Kentucky, is the founder and huh?” with one another. The end.” Executive Director of JustFaith “Not too many Catholics are Jezreel’s speech continued to Ministries, a provider of trying to convert Anglicans, focus on relationship in what he programs “that transform people so you have nothing to fear,” called “our Jesus geography—our and expand their commitment Jezreel said with a smile. But faith inclines us in the direction to social ministry,” according his powerful words did convert of where love is most needed.” the group’s website, justfaith. some of the “beehive of He said, “Love draws us to the org. His 40-minute presentation Episcopalians” in the room. Not brokenness. Our default is with during the evening’s banquet to Catholicism, but to mission. those in harms’ way. Those of focused on the Gospel of “He really got to me us who dare to follow Jesus will Matthew 25: “Matthew 25 is a with ‘What service are you plop ourselves in the places celebration of generous people providing?’” Beth Vanderpool where life is hard, to try and responding to a generous God,” of St. Paul’s Council Bluffs build a community of shared he said. said of Jezreel’s example of a faith and shared resources.” “I am a religious mutt,” Jezreel, parish gathering items to donate. Steve Godfrey, an Episcopal who is Catholic, joked in his Charity not just giving to those priest serving at St. Martins, opening remarks. Throughout in need, Jezreel said, charity is a Perry, and Grace Church, Boone, the sermon, Jezreel’s memorable relationship. said, “He challenged us to move one-liners drew laughter and “So this year,” Vanderpool said beyond the anxiety and cynicism note-taking. “I liked his nine of her upcoming holiday charity that often paralyzes us and take Winter 2014 IOWA CONNECTIONS 5

Jack Jezreel, founder of JustFaith and Keynote Speaker at the 162nd Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa. Photo by Lydia Bucklin. an actively hopeful stance as gathering listeners, and they get God’s help, with acts of mercy, people who love Jesus and all sent as well. At its very best, justice, and kindness.” that Jesus loves.” the church has mimicked and Jezreel closed with a powerful “To actually follow Jesus we embodied this alternation of idea. “The loving God that we must plop ourselves where those gathering and sending.” all know is a God who would who struggle are!” Jezreel said. “The gospel is gathering and gather us and, after we have been As he came to the climax of his sending. Neither is optional,” formed and made ready, would keynote, the passion in his voice Jezreel said. “Here’s the problem: send us. And that God would was palpable. Churches, as they are routinely form us in such a way that we “I’d like to close with a configured, are primarily—or would never be satisfied until the vision—a hope—of how we sometimes exclusively—places of world is a place where all people might do our work better. I’d gathering. Period. The calendar could laugh and grow and be safe like to propose that we will never is one big list of gatherings.” and know love.” be as good as we could be until Jezreel continued, “We have “Jack reminded me and the we first change the local church created a church filled with whole gathered church,” Doherty structure. In the Gospel, there is Sanctuary Christians and what we said, “of our true vocation as an alternating pattern to Jesus’ need are Mission Christians who Christians: To go in peace to love ministry that provides a template. find themselves compelled by the and serve The Lord.” It’s this repeating drama I call geography of Jesus.” Gathering and then Sending. “When I heard Jack speaking, Jesus does what teachers do: I immediately thought, he speaks He gathers disciples, challenges deacon,” said Doherty, a graduate and educates and trains them, of JustFaith. “That is why I was and then he sends them. Then, drawn to the diaconate and why after Jesus is crucified and raised, I will always praise God not with the disciples do the same by words and song alone, but, with 6 IOWA CONNECTIONS Winter 2014 Bishop’s Convention Address

The following address was given by Bishop Alan Scarfe political action. It does not mean loyalty or the pursuit during the 162nd Annual Conecntion of the Episcopal of one particular political party agenda– but in fact may Diocese of Iowa, which took place October 24-25, 2014 in mean deeper discernment than that, as we assess which Des Moines, Iowa. of our governing bodies at any particular time is more in In 2002, as I traveled around the Diocese as a Bishop line with the character of the Kingdom of God on each candidate, I was asked if I would be the Bishop of Iowa situation as it presents itself. In Jesus’ own case, it turned or the Bishop from Iowa. Travel is always a huge part of out that He was a provocation for all temporal power a Bishop’s life; you always run over the budget line. It is and so they sought to remove Him. “Nothing, however, the universal nature of episcopal Ministry. You are also can separate us from the love of God”, as Paul reminds invited to be on a number of Commissions and Boards, us in Romans. though that has never been a great temptation of mine. This Convention is about showcasing God’s actions The original question however has always stayed close through you in your communities. It is also about letting to me. For I find that what I experience in my travels, I the words of Jesus challenge and inspire us when he said invariably seek to connect with what we are doing here “You will do greater things than these”. I am grateful in Iowa. There is also the inevitable challenge that comes for what how you have embraced this year’s theme of from the scrutiny of our activity by those somewhat “New and renewed leadership and new methods for new looking on from a distance. times”. We have attempted to capture your submissions I shared, a couple of years ago, a question raised by in Iowa Share over these past few weeks. Let us have a a member of our companion diocese of Brechin after look at the ways God has guided you in your response viewing a presentation of life in the Diocese of Iowa. in 2014. (at this point a video was shown compiling “It seems to me”, she said, “that ministry in Iowa is responses from IowaShare.org) very much about developing congregations rather than As we introduce the Diocesan plan focus for 2015 transforming the communities in which you live”. It at this 2014 Convention, imagine what we can do was not clear to her that to do one was possibly to be with God’s help in an arena where as you will see we doing the other. Certainly throughout this year, as we are already engaged quite fully. Nevertheless, to repeat have gathered in chapters to have conversations about the words of Jesus: “You will do greater things than reframing hope, some of you have been shocked by the these”. He also said “Let your good works shine before claim cited by Sheryl Kujawa Holbrook at this year’s humanity that they may glorify your Father who is in Living Stones that in a study by the Harvard Institute heaven”. We make God credible, as Rowan Williams entitled “Work of Hope”, the Church does not figure in describes it in Tokens of Trust. And for all our human the opinion of mainstream culture as an agency of hope. compassion, it is the restoration of the divine image in The Church may be a place we turn to as individuals human beings that is our true incentive and motivation. for such a thing, but in terms of potential impact for What it means to go deeper in systemic transformation hopefulness as a communal agency the findings were is what I have asked our keynote speaker, Jack Jezreel, to quite alarming or at least surprising. We are perceived address this evening. I hope too that we will partner in to be too involved with our own survival as institutions the future with his organization, Just Faith. Partnership to offer any outward looking hope-filled energy. It also with Just Faith – a program focused on addressing connects with the general understanding that young the systemic roots of poverty – is one of the Indaba people are not looking for the task of keeping church Initiatives I am asking the Budget to support in 2015. doors open, but for a vehicle to change their world both Just Faith can bring their teaching ministry to the personally and collectively, and through which to make a Diocese and help us think through God’s call to fulfilling difference. the Fourth Mark of Mission which is so typified in Jesus’ Mark Four of the Five Marks of Mission talks about call in Matthew chapter 25 – what we are calling the the systemic transformation of society towards the response to Jesus’ Big Five. common good, and the resistance against systemic roots In preparation for this Convention, we have of evil. The key word is systemic. We can all engage in interviewed a lot of people on videos, which we will personal actions of kindness and justice but the call of be showing throughout our time. I calculate about 90 the Kingdom of God is to go deeper, to engage in system minutes of such videos in all. transformation. This involves prophecy, protest and Continued on page 7 Winter 2014 IOWA CONNECTIONS 7

This summer, we returned to England to be with Bethel Chapel, at the bottom of the housing estate. The family. Since my mother’s reconnection with a faith Anglican Church sent their assistant vicar there to share community in an Anglican Church in Bradford, my in leadership, and together they have begun to grow home town, there has always been some additional a new Church for social and spiritual transformation. “business to mix in with the pleasure”. About fifty years My old youth group was at a Wesleyan Reform Church ago, as a young teenager, I began a group called the and it so happens that a number of my old youth Bradford Christian Action Group. We brought Vacation group friends are now visiting preachers to this revived Bible Schools to poorer areas of Bradford – particularly congregation. Of course, it is where my mother now isolated or neglected housing estates. We would raise attends. funds and organize to take children to the countryside I find this connection over fifty years – this unbroken to experience camp. We would visit youth groups of vision of prayer and mission of half a century – other churches and work to make them stronger. A few intriguing from the standpoint of being a Bishop of of us would do one-on-one evangelism with our peers Iowa rather than from Iowa. Is God directing us to as they gathered in the coffee bars of the sixties. And we a new way of looking at ourselves, distanced from gathered to pray regularly for Bradford. the cultural elements which probably dictate how we We had our individual church memberships, but we do mission in the United States? One aspect of the worked towards what we hoped would be a transforming Bradford scene is of course that the Church is built on ministry with the goal of reaching our city of 300,000 an understanding of geo-parochial boundaries – namely population. that it is already figured into the system that churches My mother’s church, it seems, has been spearheading are there for their neighborhoods. Your parish is such a prayer for Bradford campaign over the last few geographical not congregational. In our culture, business years. Part of the town center is somewhat dismantled and community are seen as an expansion of individual at the moment as old shopping centers have been success and achievement. We celebrate individualism, demolished and there has been a delay in arranging for and that includes the successful pastor with their large what might rise next in terms of the open space. Near congregation. Our focus on sociological knowledge for the center is an eight story office block with a wonderful church growth is also part of this. It is not wrong, but view around the city. Bradford being in a glacial dip it is limiting. And maybe it keeps us from the vision of offers a good view of its neighborhoods from a central God for our cities and our towns. position. The eighth floor of the office block has been I know that many of you work for your community let out for free to the Church and it gathers there for in a myriad of ways. The outpouring of love for Patsy prayer and mutual encouragement. More than forty Martin as she suffered with ALS and the response at her pastors and priests meet every other Tuesday morning eventual death in Shenandoah is one instance of a person at 7 for the purpose of prayer and sharing their mission whose life far outgrew anything noted in her Church strategies. The Bradford cathedral is represented as are affiliation. Her funeral was moved to the local high a number of other Anglican churches, and the local school to accommodate the 400 plus expected attendees. independents and Baptist, Pentecostal and Methodists. At my consecration, we invited you to send in lists of There is even a young American couple who work ministries which seemed to fulfil Isaiah 58 – the Hebrew among the large Muslim population in Bradford. Scripture chosen for the day – and your responses filled Fifty years on from my youth days, and the fire is still huge sheets of artistic expressions which provided the burning to bring the city to God, and to make Bradford backdrop for the event. They were all linked through a more than a place known for its Muslim population rendering of the outpouring gift of the Spirit at Baptism. including its groups of radicalized youth. Relations with But what if we changed our name as they have done Muslims are good, don’t get me wrong, the Cathedral’s in Minnesota – where they want to be known as “The communication officer is a Muslim woman; during my Episcopal Church in Minnesota”. The Episcopal Church time there the Palestinian flag was flying from the City in Iowa would have whom as its constituents? – Iowans. Hall in response to the fighting in Gaza. But Christians The Episcopal Church of Decorah would have whom are refusing to fall away into the background, and yield – the people of Decorah, and so on. In Des Moines our the public space to the loudest voices. churches would find increased common ground to work On a different but corollary track, the Anglican together as they joined their prayers for the Greater Des Church of St John’s sought to work in a neglected Moines area, and so on, each becoming familiar with neighborhood – in fact where I went to school – and and supporting the other’s ministries. Together our opened a mission center with a focus on social issues common challenge would be to the Governor, and our near my old school. They needed a worshipping state and local representatives or the agencies who serve community nearby to develop a faith community, and Continued on page 8 approached an ageing Wesleyan reform congregation, 8 IOWA CONNECTIONS Winter 2014 Convention Address Continued from 7 the people of Iowa – both in terms of getting involved I have not spent much time with this address listing and in bringing the principles to bear on the public the great things we do as a diocese. This body of images sphere that we know in Jesus Christ. We would not stop in your reporting via Iowa Share, and the interviews at working on the quality of our inner life or the strength and images to come does that for me. Suffice to that of our congregational life, but we might find that I am very proud to be your bishop. As I travel I hear happening even as we reach out and turn up to support what others are doing, and I am always amazed how the significant work of others in other congregations, much we are often thinking and dreaming ahead of denominations or faiths within the community at large. the re-imagining that is going on. Some of this re- I am grateful to Catherine Quehl- Engel for the imagining is reflected in our diocesan staffing. There invitation to Bishop Trimble of the United Methodist has been quite a bit of transition this year. This is John Church and myself to give a joint lecture to the body of Doherty’s first Convention as coordinator – seeking Cornell College on immigration reform. This is Bishop admirably to fill the shoes of the ever competent Anne Trimble’s lead all along on this subject and I am happy to Wagner. Anne has her own learning curve after assuming be invited to come alongside his work. He has done the the position of Financial Officer from Bob Joy. Torey same with me on issues of violence and the reclaiming of Lightcap has become a great asset in a very short time peace. as Transitions Officer, and it is hard to think that Lacey Issues of hunger, peace, environmental justice, are all Howard and Lydia Bucklin have only been in their new about this. This is our time to shine for God. We must positions for less than a year. Julianne Allaway of course, ask how can we work out our faith, and what is God’s as my assistant, must feel that her work life is always outwork for us. Outworks is the title given to the multi- in transition to which she responds with remarkable faceted project in Bradford, by the way. accomplishment and flexibility. The same can be said In Matthew chapter 25, verse 31 through 46, Jesus for Beth Adams who as a link person within the staff challenges us to be a people beyond our walls. We are endures the strain of our changes, and waits for us to expected to be surprised to see that when we venture settle down. All of this impacts our volunteer consultants out and seek to address the needs we see right before our too, Ellen Bruckner and Steve Godfrey. eyes, we find that it is Jesus we serve. When did we see I do actually believe a more settled existence lies just you hungry, naked, imprisoned, ill, without shelter? As around the corner as, with the help of Ways and Means much as you did it to one of these little ones, you did it and Anne, we have developed a budget which reflects to me. It follows that our neglect of such simple acts of our optimum personnel for this time. The concept compassion is itself an overlooking of Christ. In a recent however came too late in the budget process to be sermon at St Paul’s Sioux City, Bishop Mabuza made the presented for this year, and so we anticipate it as part stunning statement that “Jesus has Ebola”. He is present of the 2016 budget. It envisions a full time position for in all who suffer, whatever the disease. someone who would be responsible for ministry and Can we become an agency truly purposed for those mission coordination together with communication not our members to deploy the famous phrase of strategy and congregational liaison work. It may be Archbishop Temple? Can we connect our worship with close to what is traditionally called a Canon to the God’s mission – attached to the fast that God enjoys as Ordinary position. It pulls into one position ministry God sees the oppressed go free and the hungry fed as focuses that have been parceled out piece meal among an we read in Isaiah 58? Can we see that we only do one already overburdened staff. As with this year’s budget it because of the other, and we only do the other because requires your support in making every effort to meet the we worship? In the upcoming presentation on our task Stewardship Share. for 2015, we will hear the words of Mother Teresa that As a Diocese we are also looking to some relief from is because of our worship of God that we reach out in The Episcopal Church as we move towards General compassion. I know that “prayer cover” is not a very Convention, and pick up the conversation about Episcopalian phrase. But this is the connection for us. Diocesan Asking. The Task Force on Re-imagining The How earnestly do we pray for our cities and our local Episcopal Church, or TREC, has invited us to share towns? How disrupted are our evenings by what we see our views on such restructuring and refocusing as we on the news? How much do we expect God to answer come to General Convention at the end of June in Salt us? Continued on page 9 Winter 2014 IOWA CONNECTIONS 9

Lake City. Changes being considered on this occasion congregations with campus connections have begun to have been admittedly called “technical” rather than think through how they can partner in new ways to keep “adaptive” – ways to shape the structure to become ministry to and with students moving forward. Another more wieldy and flexible for a renewed energy on being portion of the Indaba Initiative is set aside for such local a missionary church or society. The overall process of application. inner transformation is expected to take a few General During my final weekend in Bradford I worshiped Conventions! I encourage you however to pay attention at the small Wesleyan Reform Church, Bethel Chapel, as we approach the gathering in Utah. in Bierley. That Sunday we were blessing the marriage I want to draw your attention to two other major of a young woman from Malawi and her Bradford areas of ministry focus at General Convention. First husband. Most of the family members seemed to be on concerns the report from the Task Force on Marriage the bride’s side, and church members were supporting and the work of the Standing Commission on Liturgy the groom. The bride appeared in full flowing gown as and Music. The latter group will be reporting back she came down the short aisle on her husband’s arm. The on the implementation of the liturgy for same gender whole service was taken over by the wedding blessing, blessings, which some of us including Iowa have including the sermon. The vicar said that “love is a word adapted to fit the marriage laws of the state. I would that comes alive in action. The action of the Cross is like to thank Linda Kroon and Jane Stewart of New God “so loving the world that the world should not Song Coralville for representing us at the Conference perish but be saved”. held by the Standing Commission in Kansas City this We will witness a lot of examples of love in action summer. Raison Horn also has worked on the Standing this weekend. But rather than simply set up our own Commission as a regular member. shops, what if we came alongside others and lent our The Task Force on Marriage has produced a energy to neighborhood congregation, our own Bethels? remarkable and inspiring series of reports and This month the Episcopal Church of New Song, in congregational level resource tools for engaging God’s Coralville, with its own model of healthy mission life, gift of joy and wonder in marriage. Again it is work celebrated its twenty years of existence. We sang about worthy of our attention prior to General Convention, singing a New Church into being. Perhaps we are being but I can also see value in making marriage a key focus called to outwork a New Church into being as well. Of for our 2015/2016 mission year when we look at the course this is God’s doing, not ours. I suspect God is symbols of faith and their connectedness with our already ahead of us waiting for us to release the burdens physical, emotional and spiritual surroundings. The we carry so that we may take up our cross and become third issue is one that I have worked on as a member love in action. of the Standing Commission on Social Justice and A couple of weeks ago I saw a card on the wall Public Policy, and that relates to issues of poverty, wealth chart at a retreat for Ministry Development Teams. It disparity, and economic justice. Again I have been read “Get the Bishop to think out of the box”. Now honored to write the position paper for the Standing of course, original sin being what it is, that got my Commission for including in the Blue Book – the attention. I discovered that it was there because the preparatory reports for the General Convention. It ordained members of St Luke’s Fort Madison were being is our hope to be given some prime time at General invited to take their leadership into some small non Convention for our issues. Poverty alleviation, and Anglican congregations in the neighborhood who had particularly in relation to Native Americans, was a no denominational ways of providing non-stipendiary major theme for the Presiding Bishop as she began in ordained leadership. I had merely affirmed the 2006. Nine years later, we find ourselves electing a new limitations that exist in our ecumenical discussions in Presiding Bishop. One can only expect that some kind of undertaking such ministry. I shared the story, however, ecclesiastical engineer would be a good vocational asset with clergy of the Three Rivers Chapter. They simply for a time of such transition! Streamlining for mission said – go for it! And so we shall. I suspect that this is has been a key phrase around the Church. how we discover a few favorite places where Jesus likes to Looking into our own future, I hope as each year hang out these days. passes, we see the growth of our young adults in The days ahead of us are days for reimagining not leadership within these walls, even as we invite them so much what would Jesus do, but what is the Spirit to lead us to God’s outworks. We are beginning to see doing? Because it is to the Spirit’ leadership within us the list of ordinands growing younger and we have which Jesus has consigned His ministry and mission. not yet tapped the potential calls of recent graduates. I The question is how well will we follow and release the have asked that a major portion of the Indaba Initiative Spirit? This Epiphany – January mainly – I invite you to Grants be earmarked for bridge grants to the three Continued on page 10 major campuses and am happy to see where local 10 IOWA CONNECTIONS Winter 2014 Convention Address Continued from 11 a conversation with your fellow Episcopalian followers Finally let me introduce you to Cindy. I met her only of Jesus. The invitation is in your Convention packets last Sunday. She has been in church for three weeks, and it is offered by a wide group of Iowan Episcopalians. and wants to get baptized; not in the font but in the We hope it will help you draw closer to Christ as you river. She wants to go under three times. She wants to reflect on His call on your life and what it means to be a feel the experience. And let me tell you why. Cindy was disciple. You will also help the inviters to learn what you raised in a hippy family. She has not had much contact feel you need to be a better disciple, and give guidance with Church. She asked me before the procession what for the creation of potential resources. a bishop was, and how I connected with the pope. She These are days also for reimagining how we link up wanted to know why we don’t all become one church as congregations. In our canons we have principles for and why do we keep ourselves separated from each other creating a Missionary District. With the leadership of in our churches. She came forward for laying on of Bishop Last who is an interim of St John’s Mason City, hands during the service and actually approached me for the idea of developing such a district is being considered. communion. I was not going to deny her. She said at the We hope neighboring congregations in the north Peace that she was unable to read or write and I put that central of the state will consider such a configuration down to her upbringing as an illiterate. for ministry and mission. I have been grateful to see Later I discovered in further conversation that in Chapter gatherings take on increased participation, and fact over the past four months she had had six strokes, expect to continue my teaching conversations in 2015. and was in hospital with her sixth just this week. This year we experienced the passing of some key Nevertheless she returned to church. “I heard the bells”, individuals in the Diocese. Pete Harris was known to she said, “and so I came”. Her “Illiteracy” was the impact many of you as the co-worker with Bishops Righter of the strokes. And with that went her connection with and Epting. He helped bring resources to the Diocese how most churches sought to attract her – through the which has helped ease the financial burden upon the written word. The bells called to her though, as does the congregations. The Endowments Funds now provide for music and the visual aids of the stained glass windows one third of our overall income. Another great resource and the new children’s bible she has found herself with for many in times of difficult time was Richard Lintner. all its pictures. She can hear now much better than Fr Lintner also died last month. The list of congregations before. When I told her that the bells had been calling which he has served mostly in his retirement stretches people to worship before most people could read or across the Diocese, but is mostly centered in the Des write, she said “I didn’t know that”, and felt in touch Moines area as well as Chariton and Albia. We never did with centuries of worshippers. She wants to help out in take him up on the store front at the new Jordan Creek church functions as best she can, and she has no idea Mall. That was the creative thinking of a man in his 80s how long she has left in this life. She is born again, now who never stopped being a disciple of Jesus Christ. about six years old in her reading and expression, but a Other who have retired this year, but will never stop new child of God, a disciple like the one who hid away being disciples are Kate Campbell and George Rogerson. until Jesus asked “Who touched me?” George believes that we need to be found more on the The Church has sung a new Cindy into being; and street than in our church buildings. Kate enjoyed seeing continues to sing a new you and me. We are finding her final cure grow miracles in her latter years. Many where Jesus likes to hang out and with whom. “As of you will remember when Church of the Savior in much as you did it to one of these little one, you have Clermont came to us excited about the possibility of done it to me”. “Lord, we never knew.” “Enter into my building an indoor toilet. Well at the beginning of Kingdom”. this month, as we celebrated Kate’s ministry, I was also asked to dedicate the labarynth, an outside patio and columbarium garden, a parking lot across the street which adjoined to a new parish center which seats 60 for a meal comfortably! They had decided that a toilet needed a context, and so had built a small dining room and kitchen off the sanctuary. I suppose they simply did not know when to stop! I hope they never will, and that you all will not know either. Winter 2014 IOWA CONNECTIONS 11 Highlights from Convention Alleluia Fund Grants Awarded This past year’s Alleluia Fund appeal received $16,000 in contributions. The 2014 awards were divided equally among local and global ministries, with the following Alleluia Fund Grant recipients identified by a Review Panel and affirmed by the diocesan Board of Directors at their meeting in September.

Local initiatives • $3,000 to St. Peter’s Church, Bettendorf, for education on Preventing Human Trafficking • $2,000 to the Free Store, which originated out of St. Timothy’s, West Des Global initiatives Moines • $6,000 for ground transportation in Africa for • $1,500 to Camp Hope for 10 scholarships to participants in the Brechin-Iowa-Swaziland trip children of incarcerated parents to attend the • $2,000 for medical clinic in Nzara Diocese camp • $500 to each of the following three Jubilee The offertory of the Convention Eucharist was Ministries in Iowa: Jubilee Community Center designated for the 2015 Alleluia Fund campaign. at Trinity Church, Muscatine, for differently $2,750 was raised. abled people, Hygiene Bank at St. John’s Church, Mason City, and the Medical Lending Closet at Grace Church, Cedar Rapids Resolutions The following courtesy resolutions were brought • Appreciation for Mr. Mike Wagner (the elder) of before Convention. Iowa City, Convention video project: Jesus’ Big 5

Retirements Memorial resolutions • Retirement of The Rev. George Rogerson, • Memorial resolution for The Rev. Canon Richard deacon (from Christ Church, Burlington) Lintner • Retirement of The Rev. Kate Campbell (from • Memorial resolution for Canon John R. “Pete” Church of the Saviour, Clermont) Harris • Retirement of Dr. Thomas Colbert as Diocesan • Memorial resolution for The Rev. Douglas Historiographer Haviland

Appreciation The following resolution passed. • Appreciation for Convention keynoter Jack Resolution 162A Jezreel of Just Faith Memorializing the 78th General Convention to pro- • Appreciation for Convention worship and at St. mote multi-faith knowledge among lay and ordained Paul’s Cathedral hosting of Eucharist Church leaders 12 IOWA CONNECTIONS Winter 2014 Highlights from Convention Indaba Conversations For the second year in a row, theological understanding. Indaba 2. What do you see as challenges Diocesan Convention featured conversations are facilitated by and limitations for our response to the indaba conversations. Indaba those trained in the process in call of Matthew 25? What should be conversations are an intentional order to ensure that authentic our personal and diocesan commitment way of holding a small group mutual listening occurs. to these imperatives and what are our conversation where each voice is The following two indaba sources of strength for this engagement? heard and the collective voice of questions were presented to Many reported that the indaba the community is shared by those the body of convention for conversations were the best part listening for the Spirit and energy discussion. of convention, because they had of the group. 1. In a world of Ebola, radical a chance to build relationships The common aim of indaba threats from ISIS and continued across the diocese and felt that conversations is not to defend a economic uncertainty, what is the their voice was heard. A full position or to win over another, Church’s message of hope, and how do report on the outcomes of the but to discover the way of Christ you keep hope alive personally? indaba conversations will be through honest conversation that featured in the Spring issue of may involve genuine differences in Iowa Connections. New clergy

Each year, clergy new to the diocese since last year’s convention are welcomed. Above, Bishop Scarfe (far left) is pictured with those clergy. From left, The Rev. Warren Frelund, The Rev. Aaron Hudson, The Rev. Karen Crawford, The Rev. Lauren Lyon, The Rev. Sherri Hughes-Empke, The Rev. Kay Beach, The Rev. Michael Last, The Rev. Kelly Shields, and The Rev. Fred Steinbach. Not pictured: The Rev. Hannah Cornthwaite, The Rev. Randy Webster, The Rev. Paul Walker, and The Rev. Bob North. Winter 2014 IOWA CONNECTIONS 13 Trafficking work brings McVey to Vatican The Rev. Brian McVey of St. Alban’s, Davenport recently returned from a worldwide church consultation on the issue of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery. The Anglican Alliance’s Consultation on Modern Slavery/Human Trafficking was hosted by the Archbishop of Canterbury’s personal envoy to the Holy See, Archbishop Sir David Moxon, at the Vatican from November 3-8, 2014. The purpose of the consultation was to understand approaches in the fight against modern slavery throughout the Anglican Communion and to define a road map for a Communion-wide response in prevention, rescue, care, and support for survivors, the opportunity for repentance and Above, particpants from all over the world gather around issues of reconciliation of those who use slaves, and in policy modern slavery. Brian McVey is back row left of cross. and advocacy work. “The Consultation was bathed in prayer and worship; The Archbishop of Canterbury and Pope Francis and the trip to Paul’s prison and the retreat to Assisi have jointly committed to work towards the goal of were just what was needed to fortify us for our work,” eliminating slavery once and for all, giving their joint said McVey. blessing to the ecumenical effort and interfaith effort, Those gathered lived and worked at the residence of the Global Freedom Network, launched in Rome in Francis before his elevation to Pope, signifying both the March 2014. importance of the gathering to Anglicans and Roman McVey was one of 20 participants, including Catholics alike and the commitment to the effort shared Anglicans from each region in the world, actively by both Pope Francis and Archbishop Justin. involved in the effort to stop slavery who were invited “It is a rather amazing thing to learn that the to the Consultation. Archbishop of Canterbury and the Pope want to Specifically, the Consultation worked to craft a know how your Episcopal parish and the local Roman response to modern slavery in the following areas: Catholic diocese have come to reflect on the ground the Prevention at the parish and community level; cooperation in this effort they had in mind when they Policy and advocacy on legislation and action by launched the Network.” Part of McVey’s and Bishop governments, private sector, etc.; Protection, care, Amos’ (the Roman Catholic Bishop of Davenport) support, and empowerment for survivors; Prosecution work in the coming months will be to reflect on their of perpetrators, including work with police and the close ties, how those ties were forged, how the ties can judiciary; and Participation in the movement by remain with positions rather than individuals, and how churches and communities. such efforts can be replicated around the world. The group discussed a rough draft of their work with McVey has been named to the Steering Committee members of faith communities from around the world of the Consultation and will have more information to during a web conference on November 6, and hope to share in the coming weeks and month. complete their work sometime late this winter. Those wishing to read a bit more about their work McVey described the work as difficult and oppressive, and Brian McVey’s reflections on their work can check though the Archbishop and Pope took great care to see out his blog at www.sowingseedsinthewilderness. that those assembled had the opportunity to draw water blogspot.com. from Christ’s Living Water. 14 IOWA CONNECTIONS Winter 2014 Iowa Episcopalians Honored Marilyn McKinney Chris Buresh 2014 Volunteer of the Year 2014 Governor’s Award

Marilyn McKinney, a Christopher member of St. Timothy’s Buresh, a member Episcopal Church in West of Trinity Episcopal Des Moines was named the Church in Iowa 2014 Volunteer of the Year City awarded the by Children and Families of 2014 Individual Iowa, Domestic Violence Governor’s Services. McKinney will Volunteer Award receive the Diane Tvrdik for his work of over Memorial Award on Sunday, 11 years in Haiti. December 7 at 9 am at St. Buresh, a Clinical Timothy’s. Assistant Professor McKinney was chosen to in Emergency receive the award based on her tireless commitment Medicine at the through countless hours of feeding – physically, University of Iowa materially, and spiritually - neighbors at the Hospitals and Domestic Violence Shelter. Clinics. Buresh co-founded Community Health Initiative, Haiti, and visits the country multiple times each year. Kevin and Mollie Cooney Emmy Silver Circle Award

Kevin and Mollie Cooney, news anchors and members of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Des Moines were honored as members of the Silver Circle society by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences -- Upper Midwest Chapter. The Cooneys received their award on September 13 at Target Field in Minneapolis. According to KCCI, “The Silver Circle award recognizes those who have worked in television more than 25 years and have made significant contribution to the industry well above and beyond that required by their job. The award also recognizes honorees that have the highest standards of integrity and honor in Above, Mollie and Kevin Cooney are supported by their family as they all aspects of their personal and professional receive their award. lives.”

Has someone in your congregation been honored by the community? Let us know! Email [email protected] with a photo and description of the honor. Winter 2014 IOWA CONNECTIONS 15 Carol Kramer wins statewide conservation award By Adam Graves teacher at Berg A resident of Jasper County (and Episcopalian) Elementary received a statewide award for her commitment to in Newton. conservation in her county and throughout Iowa for She taught her work done above and beyond job requirements. her students Carol Kramer is the recipient of the 2014 Lawrence conservation and Eula Hagie Heritage Award. practices and The Hagie award, endowed by the family of provided learning Lawrence and Eula Hagie, is given annually by Iowa experiences Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF), a statewide through field conservation organization that protects and restores trips related to Iowa’s land, water and wildlife. INHF’s work in Jasper conservation County includes the Chichaqua Valley Trail and measures. Carol Hartley Heritage Fen. taught at Berg “Her work in conservation has gone beyond a Elementary desire for recognition. She truly has a passion for what for 30 years, she has done for the environment over the years,” impacting the said Joe McGovern, INHF President. “She taught lives of many elementary biology in Newton and, through that students. In 1987, work, influenced many students on the importance Carol Kramer of nature and how it impacts their lives. She has also was appointed to the Jasper County Conservation Board, a been a member of the Jasper County Conservation position that she still holds today. Board since 1987 and served on the Iowa DNR “I retired in 2005 (from the board), and I always knew the Natural Resource Commission, among other conservation board was in good hands as long as Carol was there,” stated work.” Dennis Black, State Senator. “Her demeanor is such that you Kramer was nominated for the Hagie Award by Senator learn without even realizing you are being taught. Her magic Dennis Black, Katie Cantu, Linda Dalton, Fran Henderson, has been felt in the county for nearly three decades and at the Kathryn K. Lee, Anne G.K. Yakle and Keri Van Zante. They state level for approximately one decade.” have all worked with her in different ways and saw many Kramer was appointed to the Natural Resources different qualities that they felt were fitting for this award. Commission, the executive committee that oversees a segment Kramer’s most public conservation contribution has been of operations of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, her work on the Jasper County Conservation Board. She by Governor Tom Vilsack in 1999. She held this position served on the board since 1987 and has mentored many until 2009. board members and employees, pushed for another naturalist She has helped create many programs in Newton, most to be on staff, helped with education programs and expanded recently Project Awake, which funds and administrates the the Jasper County Conservation Board’s outreach to over upkeep of Newton Arboretum and Botanical Center. She 20,000 people. has been a board member there for 10 years and has helped Kramer said that she draws much of her inspiration from bring in huge support for the yearly fundraiser, the Annual her childhood. She grew up as a member of the Pillager Band Arboretum Plant Sale. Kramer spent multiple hours planning of the Minnesota-based Ojibwa Tribe and was born and raised the event and is a wonderful recruiter for volunteers. on the White Earth reservation. “Retirement did not slow Carol down,” stated Katy Lee, “I have grown up always loving the Earth,” Kramer said. Kramer’s daughter. “She continues many volunteer activities, “Every summer my dad and I would spend our day working including those focused on environmental conservation. In out in the woods. It inspired me to build a love for nature and her spare time, she is an avid gardener. Playing in the dirt is build it for future generations to come.” one of her most treasured past times.” In the late ’60s Kramer moved from Minnesota to This article originally appeared online at http://www.inhf. Newton where her husband was installed as priest of the org/hagie-winner-2014-carol-kramer.cfm, by the Iowa Natural local Episcopal Church. She became an elementary school Heritage Foundation. 16 IOWA CONNECTIONS Winter 2014 EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF IOWA 2014 MINISTRY & MISSION SUPPORT AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

2014 STEWARDSHIP 2014 RECEIVED BALANCE CITY CHURCH SHARE PLEDGE YTD DUE YTD Albia Grace Church 1,306 1,306 981 (2) Algona St. Thomas’ Church 3,379 3,379 2,538 (1) Ames St. John’s Church 48,331 48,331 32,221 4,028 Anamosa St. Mark’s Church 162 600 3,061 (2,611) Ankeny St Anne’s Church 12,637 6,000 4,000 500 Bettendorf St. Peter’s Church 21,083 20,337 13,558 1,695 Boone Grace Church 1,503 1,000 750 - Burlington Christ Church 28,003 28,003 18,669 2,334 Carroll Trinity Church 2,092 2,092 1,569 - Cedar Falls St. Luke's Church 28,082 28,082 21,062 - Cedar Rapids Christ Church 83,045 83,045 55,363 6,920 Cedar Rapids Grace Church 5,077 5,615 1,404 2,808 Chariton St. Andrew's 3,089 3,089 2,317 - Charles City Grace Church 3,031 3,031 2,273 - Clermont Church of the Saviour 1,224 1,440 1,080 - Clinton Christ Church 11,552 11,552 7,701 963 Coralville New Song Church 17,237 17,237 12,928 - Council Bluffs St. Paul's Church 7,282 7,284 3,060 2,403 Davenport St. Alban’s Church 5,811 1,000 - 748 Davenport Trinity Cathedral 85,366 72,000 48,000 6,000 Decorah Grace Church 6,000 6,000 4,500 - Denison Trinity Church 662 662 441 55 Des Moines St. Andrew’s Church 28,321 28,321 16,521 4,719 Des Moines St. Luke’s Church 23,773 12,200 9,150 2 Des Moines St. Mark’s Church 7,686 7,686 5,795 (31) Des Moines St. Paul’s Cathedral 72,149 67,771 50,828 - Dubuque St. John’s Church 11,627 11,627 6,782 1,938 Durant St. Paul’s Church 5,779 3,600 1,742 958 Emmetsburg Trinity Church 2,797 2,797 1,865 233 Fort Dodge St. Mark’s Church 19,069 25,000 18,750 - Fort Madison St. Luke’s Church 5,240 5,304 3,536 442 Glenwood St. John’s Church 1,389 1,389 926 116 Grinnell St. Paul’s Church 4,067 4,067 2,711 340 Harlan St. Paul’s Church - - - - Independence St. James Church 2,534 2,534 1,903 (2) Indianola All Saints’ Church 3,046 3,046 3,046 (761) Winter 2014 IOWA CONNECTIONS 17 EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF IOWA 2014 MINISTRY & MISSION SUPPORT AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

2014 STEWARDSHIP 2014 RECEIVED BALANCE CITY CHURCH SHARE PLEDGE YTD DUE YTD Iowa City Trinity Church 86,062 84,000 56,000 7,000 Iowa Falls St. Matthew’s Church 2,654 2,654 1,991 - Keokuk St. John’s Church 13,220 6,000 4,522 (22) LeMars St. George’s Church - - - - Maquoketa St. Mark’s Church 3,246 3,246 2,435 - Marshalltown St. Paul’s Church 13,902 13,902 9,268 1,160 Mason City St. John’s Church 16,838 17,838 13,379 1 Mount Pleasant St. Michael’s Church 5,384 3,600 2,700 - Muscatine Trinity Church 11,221 11,221 7,481 935 Newton St. Stephen’s Church 4,200 4,200 2,800 350 Orange City Church of the Saviour 1,089 700 293 230 Oskaloosa St. James’ Church 8,639 8,639 6,829 (350) Ottumwa Trinity Church 9,191 6,500 1,654 3,222 Perry St. Martin’s Church 6,221 5,200 - 3,898 Red Oak All Angels’ Church 349 - - Shenandoah St. John’s Church 58 116 116 (27) Sioux City Calvary Church 4,242 4,242 3,182 1 Sioux City St. Paul’s Church 3,138 3,138 2,500 (144) Sioux City St. Thomas’ Church 28,826 15,235 6,892 4,535 Spirit Lake St. Alban’s Church 12,685 12,780 8,520 1,065 Storm Lake All Saints’ Church 4,324 4,324 2,162 1,080 Waterloo Trinity Church 17,268 17,268 8,634 4,317 Waverly St. Andrew’s Church 6,638 7,800 5,850 - Webster City Good Shepherd 6,629 6,629 4,972 - West Des Moines St. Timothy’s Church 56,520 45,000 33,750 - TOTAL 885,975 810,659 546,957 61,045 18 IOWA CONNECTIONS Winter 2014 That’s the Breaks By Mel Schlachter And I am grateful for the people who hold open self-closing doors for me, many who say “I’ve been A few days after I broke my foot this summer and there, buddy.” There are so many folks saying this adopted crutches and knee scooter as locomotion, that I believe the slogan that “We are all temporarily I remembered Harold Wilke and gave him a abled.” posthumous nod of thanks. Harold and his wife A second minister friend would call my situation lived two doors down from us in White Plains, an “AFGE, acronym for Another F-en Growth NY in the 1970’s. Come to find out he was one of Experience. I am hopefully only a temporary America’s most prominent crusaders for modifying resident of the realm that requires its inhabitants to public spaces to accommodate disabilities. spend a lot of mental energy figuring out how we A United Church of Christ minister, Harold are going to get spent his time travelling the country and lobbying from here to for cuts in curbs, ramps into buildings, and the like. there and back He plowed a lot of the ground for the Americans again. It takes with Disabilities Act. He came to his vocation all the focus of naturally—he had been born without arms. A wine a ballet dancer and cheese gathering took a leap forward when low- honing his or key Harold came in the home, took off his shoes her moves. and took a seat, then responded affirmatively to an What if I sit offer of a glass of wine. Without drawing attention down there to himself he smoothly grasped the stem of the but can’t get glass between the toes of one foot and lifted it to back up? Now his mouth. Harold’s wife shared with us that he had that I’ve come been able to change pinned diapers on his children all this way I years before, just with his feet. see eight steps For someone who adapted so well to prevailing between me and physical circumstances, Harold Wilke in the end the car. How? helped this country adapt to the prevailing needs One of my of those struggling with steps, doors, traffic favorite pubs Mel Schlachter intersections and a myriad other common conditions has a zillion steps in back and no parking on a busy in the public space. When he started ticking off street in front. How? those who would benefit from city sidewalks without At this writing I have at least two months to go curbs to step off of—elderly shuffling along, for healing of my left, no-weight-on-it-whatsoever mothers and dads pushing baby carriages, folks in foot (I can still drive). For all the bother my primary wheelchairs, on and on—it made us wonder why we emotion about it all is not frustration (there’s enough had not cut the curbs a long time ago. of that) but gratitude—for Harold, for the 25 year- And now I am definitely grateful that such old Americans with Disabilities Act, for blue parking amenities are the norm. I used to think that places not being abused 98% of the time, for the automatic doors would atrophy American muscles. helpful people I encounter most every day. Who Now I am grateful. I used to grab the wide expanse would have thought. of the handicapped toilet stall if no one around The Rev. Mel Schlachter lives and hobbles mostly in looked like they needed it. In the future I will put Iowa City, Iowa He has been retired two years from parish up with the narrow ones, having asked in my crutchy ministry and pastoral counseling. He plans not to retire existence a fully fit guy occupying a big stall to make anytime soon from environmental work and winemaking. it quick. I am grateful for the handicapped parking places now that I have a 3-month windshield hanger. Winter 2014 IOWA CONNECTIONS 19 New Song Celebrates 20 Years By Michelle Moore New Song Episcopal Church in Coralville celebrated its 20th anniversary on October 5, 2014 with a special worship service followed by lunch and two cakes made by New Song priest John Greve. The homemade dessert is typical of what makes New Song -- a congregation of approximately 137 members -- unique: its legions of enthusiastic volunteers that keep everything running from the worship service to cleaning the building. In The Beginning The roots of New Song began when then-Bishop Christopher Epting approached and John also drove across central neighbor – a contractor who had The Rev. Elizabeth Coulter (now and eastern Iowa preaching at worked with Habitat for Humanity, retired) in 1993 (while she still churches and handing out rocks to New Song in 2001 moved to its was in seminary) about starting a congregants to take home and pray current home on 20th Avenue in new church in Coralville. “I was for the fledgling church whenever Coralville. surprised. Whoever heard of a senior they saw the rock (based on Matt. Small But Dedicated seminarian starting a new church?” 16-18: “On this rock I shall build So many things make New Nonetheless, New Song officially my church.”) Song distinct, particularly for a launched in January 1994 with Building through Buildings congregation of its size: Coulter at the helm. Organizing New Song’s first worship service • There are no paid clergy. began, she was ordained in April was held on Oct. 2, 1994 in its Coulter and The Rev’s. John Greve, and was soon joined by the equally initial home at Coralville’s Westfield Jennifer Masada and Jane Stewart passionate John Harper, whom she’d Inn, where clergy robed in a motel voluntarily rotate presiding. met doing a seminary internship bathroom. By then it was full of life, • Worship booklets are made at Trinity Episcopal in Iowa City. with new members excited about weekly by the only on-site employee (Harper was ordained a deacon in growing the church. – a part-time office administrator 1995 and is now retired.) It was a The parish moved to the city’s who also handles finances and more. perfect partnership. Millennium Plaza in 1995, featuring Other employees are a part-time The pair mapped a plan that expanded classrooms, a kitchen music director, Linda Stewart Kroon, included 190 “prayer companions” and a new choir. “It was there and two teens who provide Sunday- (individuals praying for the church’s where many children especially morning childcare. start) nationwide and volunteers were welcomed and we became a • Volunteers handle tasks that calling approximately 42,000 family,” recalls Harper. In 2000, might otherwise be hired out, potential members via phone Coulter learned of an abandoned including yard work, cleaning the banks set up in Council Bluffs, Des church that was formerly a house. building, and multiple ministries. Moines, Davenport and the Iowa With hundreds of volunteer hours Continued on page 22 City-Cedar Rapids area. Elizabeth from church members and Coulter’s 20 IOWA CONNECTIONS Winter 2014 Surely God is in this place...

Dear Iowa Episcopalian, During Epiphany the Church celebrates Christ manifest to the world. The daily-life ministries of all Christians are central to that celebration. In observance of this holy season, together with the members of the Ministry of All the Baptized Core Team, I invite you to gather with other Iowa Episcopalians to share your experience of faith and discipleship. We hope that ideas will emerge for how to support one another in being confident disciples and leaders of discipleship in our congregations and communities. Our sharing will take the form of a conversation following the principles of Indaba. During the past year the diocesan convention, regional events and parish communities have found that this way of interacting draws people together across differences to deepen our mutual understanding and accomplish important work.

Our conversations will address three questions: I am excited to be a part of the upcoming Conversations • What is Jesus’ Good News for you? during Epiphany,. My hope is that these Conversations will lead to strengthened personal relationships between • What motivates you to be a disciple in today’s world congregations and generate potential opportunities and use your gifts in daily life to make a difference? for ministry collaborations between congregations, the Diocese, and our communities. • What do you yearn for? - Heidi Schleicher of St. Anne’s, Ankeny

Our time together is intended to build relationships, inspire leaders and renew commitment to discipleship. We hope that it will offer those who take part in it a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by different congregations and communities in Iowa and the opportunity for shared discernment of new ways to respond to those challenges. Should you choose to attend, we ask that you listen and share with curiosity and hope, offer what you can and take what you need, with an open mind and a sense that together we can do much more than the sum of our parts. Each conversation will begin promptly at 10:00 am and end by 1:00 pm and include refreshments and worship. You are welcome to participate in any of the following conversations. Groups from congregations are especially encouraged to attend together. Council Bluffs hosted by St. Paul’s, January 10 Storm Lake hosted by All Saints January 31 Des Moines hosted by St. Andrew’s, January 10 Cedar Falls hosted by St. Luke’s January 31 Mount Pleasant hosted by St. Michael’s January 17 Davenport hosted by Trinity Cathedral January 31 There is no cost (donations invited for food) but, to help the hosts plan, please register online at tinyurl.com/epiphany2015 or by calling Steve Godfrey at 515-999-0759. Faithfully,

Bishop Alan Scarfe, Julianne Allaway, Ellen Bruckner, Lydia Bucklin, Steve Godfrey, John Greve, John Harper, Lacey Howard, Jean Howe, Aaron Hudson, Georgia Humphrey, Jennie McKinney, Kris Leaman,Torey Lightcap, Lauren Lyon, Ronda Menke, Mary Jane Oakland, Elizabeth Popplewell, Ruth Ratliff, Heidi Schleicher, Anne Williams Winter 2014 IOWA CONNECTIONS 21 From the Bishop a message for Advent So – where do we go from a matter that might have here? A number of people have made a good Indaba told me how they thought the conversation and still been Diocesan Convention was the received and forwarded to best one they had participated in. the Episcopal Church at One person called it more like a large. retreat than a business meeting. Conversation remains Through the hard working efforts a big part of our next of everyone who brought us the few months. In Epiphany more than 90 minutes of video we are holding a series testimony, we caught a glimpse of Conversations on of how God is moving people Christian formation, as to make a difference in their those who are working on communities and serve Christ developing resources for in the true manner of Matthew our mutual discipleship 25. Delegates also enjoyed the seek your yearnings and opportunity to converse together understanding of what through the two Indaba sessions. it means to follow Jesus. I look forward to seeing the two It is also a question I am summaries in print. going to be asking clergy This year we saw the potential and church leaders as I of a Convention in which we visit this coming round had room for resolutions and of visitations. Where are Indaba. My hope by next year we seeking to take God’s is that we become sufficiently people in their formation at ease with the Indaba process as disciples? Is there Bishop Alan Scarfe that our questions be steered an intentional plan or by the concerns of the people approach? I heard at St Alban’s, ahead; then through Advent to of the Diocese, discerned and Spirit Lake, that they focus a lot Epiphany with our preparations submitted ahead of time. I still on a mid-week Bible Study, and for the Christmas season, holding think the resolution process I confess that I was a wondering of annual meetings and election offers too much of a winner and if this was merely a social event, of new vestry members, plus two loser outcome, though we did as sometimes can happen. Wisely, major offerings at the Diocesan see that we could accommodate the Rector invited participants to level – the conversations on both approaches, resolutions share their experience, and they formation and an invitation to and Indaba. This year Margaret categorically told me how their participate through satellite sites Weiner sought our support for a lives were being changed by what in the Trinity Institute conference memorial to go the wider Church they read and studied together! on faith and economics. at General Convention. Her This year I see our common life The second quarter carries us subject of interfaith generosity falling into quarterly sections. The with its special liturgical power- and awareness of aggressive first quarter runs post-Convention through Lent, Holy Week and the elements even within our sacred through the final weeks of first half of Eastertide. Diocesan traditions and writings that do Epiphany. During this time, we not encourage such generosity gather with the new Board and Continued on page 22 was widely endorsed. It was also the All Commissions Day to look 22 IOWA CONNECTIONS Winter 2014 From the Bishop Continued from 21 wide, I ask you to consider the congregational one to provide sharing in this year’s Lenten book the direction and resourcing that Bishop’s study, in which I am suggesting we might seek. two opportunities. One possibility One final question I have taken Visitation is to keep on the theme of from the Convention is to ask Schedule Matthew 25 and our scrutiny of how a Diocesan-wide ministry our civil society in reading Scott can be structured to be 50 percent December Bayder Saye’s book “Following gathering and 50 percent sending. St. Paul’s Jesus in a Culture of Fear”. How can we be equally Christians 6-7 Marshalltown, The second offering is Dwight of the Sanctuary and Christians Church* (Central & Zscheile’s “The Agile Church”. on the Road or on the Go? I S. Central Chapters) Dwight is our keynote speaker truly think this is an ongoing at this year’s Baptismal Living question for all of us at every January Day which culminates the second level of participation in the faith 11 Harlan, St. Paul’s Church quarter on April 25th. community – from individual 18 Sioux City, St. Paul’s The third and fourth quarters commitment as disciples, to Indian Mission take us through Ministries congregational commitment to Retreat and General Convention; our community, and the Diocesan February and finally we find ourselves commitment to the state and St. Anne’s by once more looking towards our broader church. An intentional 1 Ankeny, own Convention at the end of Church will be a growing Church. the Fields October, and hopefully a fresh 15 Mason City, St. John’s harvest of God’s work through Church you via videos and Iowa Share New Song 22 Glenwood, St. John’s reports, as well as the refining of Continued from 19 Church a new mission statement in the Budget. Fall Chapter meetings • Outreach is a priority. From its March become a major part of Diocesan relationship to nursing and rehab 1 Albia, Grace Church emphasis in the third and fourth home Lantern Park in Coralville 8 Ames, St. John’s by the quarter, even as each and all in to the sums of money that pass Campus our congregations gear up to the through to other organizations and program church year – refreshed 22 Council Bluffs, St. Paul’s individuals, such as the local food Church and resourced by what is offered pantry, regional homeless shelter in the Baptismal Living Day, 29 Ottumwa, Trinity and church or community members Church (Palm Sunday) Ministries Retreat, and whatever in emergency financial need, “New outcomes are gathered from the Epiphany Conversations. Songers” (as they are known) readily *These dates are Chapter designated I find it helpful to see the step up to help others. weekends which also function as regional pattern in our activities stretched These are the things that give New confirmations. All dates are subject to Song life and make it welcoming and change. Visit www.iowaepiscopal.org for out over the year. I am also aware updates. that the Diocesan resourcing continually evolving in worship and rhythm is different from that at mission. congregational level, and that is “We are a church that lives by how it should be. This year it is our mission – To invite all to know hoped that we will find ourselves Christ, celebrate God’s presence and working in good coordination be Christ’s body in the world,” says together, especially as the Harper. “That’s where we started Diocesan rhythm needs to be at and that’s how we continue our least a couple of months ahead of journey.” Episcopal

JournalQuarterly EDITION Winter 2014 Episcopalians join in climate action march

By Amy Sowder For Episcopal News Service piscopalians joined with 400,000 others at the People’s Climate March in September, the largest demonstration for climateE action in history, while a series of religious events included a multifaith evening service at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. In a group of about 200 Episcopalians and Anglicans from as far as Alabama, Oregon and South Africa, Don Robin- son gripped a leaf of curly kale, pointing it toward the sky as he lifted his eyes in silent prayer. Robinson, from St. John’s Episcopal Church in Northampton, Mass., said he Photo/Amy Sowder was standing for the human right to save Don Robinson, a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Northampton, Mass., Earth and all of its living things from the and a trustee of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts, lifts his hands during a moment snowballing effects of climate change. of silence at the People’s Climate March. “We have a responsibility as stewards of United Nations Climate Summit, con- working to prevent Mobile from becom- God’s creation,” Robinson said. vened by Secretary General Ban Ki- ing a major transportation hub for tar- The march, which snaked along 2.2 moon in New York, prior to the regular sands oil. miles in midtown Manhattan, was en- session of the General Assembly. “You either have a movement with dorsed by more than 1,200 organiza- Climate change is “going to affect money or a movement with people, and tions, including the nation’s largest en- the poorest among us first,” said Brother when you don’t have the money, you vironmental organizations, labor unions, Bernard Delcourt from the Order of the have to motivate the people,” Lowe said. faith-based and social-justice groups. Holy Cross, an Anglican Benedictine “It’s time to see our world as intercon- TheE piscopal contingent held signs such monastery in West Park, N.Y. “People nected and that everything we do affects as “There is no Planet B,” “For Christ’s who depend on natural resources for others. It’s critical, and there’s a lot of Sake, Tax Carbon” and “I’m marching their livelihoods in developing countries denial.” for wildlife (That means humans, too).” are already being hit.” Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner was to share her Around the world more than 2,800 Lella Lowe, an Episcopalian from story at the Climate Summit’s opening events unfolded in 166 countries. The Mobile, Ala., helped to form the Mobile ceremony. Earlier, the young mother global initiative took place before the Environmental Justice Action Coalition from the Marshall continued on page C

News News arts Episcopal bishops Church seeks role Photographers leave Taiwan with in racial justice, meet the sacred E new ministry vision Hreconciliation J through the lens B Episcopal Journal Winter 2014 News n Social justice issues catch council’s attention

By Episcopal News Service race or the color of their skin. he church’s Executive Council, “We all need to meeting in Maryland in late do this work, every October, began work leading single one of us for to a proposed 2016-2018 bud- our salvation and Tget for the wider church and approved for the salvation of resolutions on a number of social issues, our beloved com- including race and racism. munity,” said Lelan- It went on record to oppose for-profit da Lee, chair of the prisons and directed the treasurer to advocacy and net- avoid investment in companies that own working committee. and operate for-profit prisons and deten- Council also ap- tion centers. proved resolutions It called a continuation based on a condemning the use Photo/Mary Frances Schjonberg/ENS 2009 General Convention resolution of rape and other Heidi J. Kim, Episcopal Church missioner for racial reconcili- that repudiated the Doctrine of Discov- forms of sexual ation (right) speaks during an Executive Council committee ery, which has been primarily used to violence in war as conversation on racism with Navita Jones, chair of the commit- support decisions invalidating or ignor- a crime against hu- tee on anti-racism and Chuck Wynder, the church’s missioner ing aboriginal possession of land in favor manity and urged for social justice and advocacy. of colonial or post-colonial governments. support for legislation and non-legisla- ministry to prisoners, and people return- It called on the church to make use of tive efforts seeking to end discrimination ing home from prisons and their families, the Episcopal bishops’ 1994 Pastoral Let- against women’s access to healthcare. and in advocacy for comprehensive crimi- ter on the sin of racism and a subsequent It will seek funds from the next Gen- nal justice reform. The resolution asks Pastoral Letter in 2004, “A Call to Cov- eral Convention for criminal justice re- Episcopalians to take a stand on various enant,” to value and protect all people of form to develop educational information, criminal-justice system reforms. color who encounter discrimination, or advocacy tools and church policy to assist Council passed a resolution related are treated unfairly or harmed because of dioceses and church members, in their to losses suffered by Palestinians and Is- raelis as a result of the 2014 Gaza War and, among other things, requested that Draft budget is released for study, comment its Economic Justice Loan Commit- tee supplement the investment it made piscopalians are invited to Jennings said many people want in the Palestinian Territories last year. It review and comment upon a a more transparent, less contentious, challenged dioceses to make similar in- preliminary draft 2016-2018 more gospel-based budget process vestments. budget for the Episcopal with ample time set aside to do the Council members stated they stand Church that will be presented to its Ex- serious work that is required. E in prayer with Anglicans in Liberia, the ecutive Council in January. After coun- She said Executive Council’s pro- Church of the Province of West Africa, cil reviews it and acts, it will be turned cess for crafting its proposed draft of and all countries where Ebola has threat- over to a Joint Standing Committee on the budget will be “inclusive, trans- ened health and societal structures and Program, Budget, and Finance whose parent, responsive, collegial and col- claimed the lives of thousands. They job it is to make any final changes be- laborative” and that the plan to release challenged faith communities to en- fore presentation to General Conven- a working draft of the draft budget in courage a more aggressive and generous tion next summer. November allows church members at response to the challenges of the Ebola Members of the standing com- large to make their voices heard. epidemic. mittee, whose meeting followed that “My sense is that the churchwide During the final plenary of coun- of Executive Council, spent the bulk budget really ought to do what we cil’s four-day meeting, it approved a of two days learning how the trien- cannot do as individual dioceses,” Jef- $150,000 grant to be paid over three nial budget had been constructed in ferts Schori said. “I do deeply believe years to Li-Tim Oi Chinese Ministries the past and how the process is being that our budget ought to be based on in the Diocese of Los Angeles to expand changed. our vision of mission. That’s who we ministries to people of Chinese descent. Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts are and who we are meant to be, that’s It spent two hours in a closed execu- Schori and House of Deputies Presi- what God sends us into the world to tive session to discuss the implications dent the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings were be and do, to work toward the king- of the latest report from its subcommit- each asked to describe their vision for dom of God — a vision of shalom tee on relocating the Episcopal Church the budget and the process being used — to reconciling the world to God in Center, now in New York City. No ac- to build it. Christ.” n tion was taken. n n News Winter 2014 Episcopal Journal C

March continued from page A Hare Krishnas. ternational Water Institute conference. “Despite the U.N.’s efforts, mem- “The moral issue is not whether climate Islands stood onstage among several ac- ber states have not done what needs to change is real – most of the population tivists at a pre-march news conference to be done – not even close – and carbon knows this by now. It’s what kind of de- tell the crowd how her home is in danger levels are increasing, not decreasing. It’s bate we’re having to create an economy of disappearing due to rising seas caused not only more worrisome than ever, it’s based on human rights and sustainability by global warming. Her island is two feet morally wrong,” said the Rev. Canon Jeff for everyone to thrive.” above sea level. Golliher, of Ellenville, N.Y., and chair While marchers crowded the streets “We need to act now. We cannot wait. of the executive of the Diocese of New of Manhattan to send a message to mem- We only have one land to call home. We York’s Committee on the Environment. bers of the United Nations, 30 faith lead- need you,” Jetnil-Kijiner said. Most of the problem, he said, is cre- ers representing nine religious traditions During the march, groups united ated by the energy policies in the world’s signed a statement calling for concrete around a common theme. Interfaith three biggest economies with large popu- actions to curb carbon emissions. The groups joined with scientists for a “The lation growth: the United States, China interfaith conference was co-hosted by Debate is Over” section. Here, Episcopa- and India. the World Council of Churches and Re- lians marched with Jews, Baptists, Men- Those countries need to determine ligions for Peace, an interfaith coalition nonites, agnostics, Quakers, ethical hu- how to create more clean energy rather with members in more than 70 coun- manists, Presbyterians, Methodists and than burn fossil fuels, Golliher said, tries. because cre- The march focused particularly on ating energy highlighting the intersection between requires a lot climate change and people’s needs, in- of water, “and cluding housing, employment and edu- we’re seeing cation, said Elizabeth Yeampierre, ex- water short- ecutive director of Uprose, which helped ages.” lead the community response to Hurri- “We may cane Sandy after it hit New Jersey and be creating New York in 2012. solutions that “Regardless of what your field is, your benefit the passion, everyone is affected by climate wealthy more change,” she said, adding that the dis- than the poor,” enfranchised and the country’s top 1 said Golliher, percent are taking action, and doing it who attended publicly. Photo/Emma Cassidy the recent Significant and far-reaching change Opening faith rally for the People’s Climate March. Stockholm In- all come down to continued on page D Interfaith conference held after massive climate rally

By Episcopal Journal The faith leaders and time,” said a pastor from their supporters gath- Atlanta, to cheers. “We eligions of the world have a role ered in the Cathedral will not be silent. We will to play in protecting the earth of St. John the Divine speak boldly, and we will against the effects of climate for an interfaith service. not stand down.” change – that was the message There, speakers from “We have a duty to be Rat the Interfaith Summit on Climate several faith traditions called for human- watchful, not just by opening our eyes, Change in late September in New York. ity to unite, to heal the planet and fight but by opening our hearts,” former U.S. Dozens of faith groups also marched against the common enemy of climate vice president and Nobel peace laureate in the People’s Climate March, demon- change, and for each person to make a Al Gore said. strating against government inaction on commitment — symbolized by pieces of Signed by 30 religious leaders, the global climate change. It was the largest stone left by each on a central table — to summit’s statement said: “We recog- of dozens of protests worldwide. perform some specific action to address nize that climate change stands today Organizers from the World Council how they contribute to climate change. as a major obstacle to the eradication of of Churches and Religions for Peace said “I was told by my elders to show this poverty. Severe weather events exacer- that one of the objectives was to convey gathering there is hope for mankind,” bate hunger, cause economic insecurity, the concerns of the faith communities to said one Eskimo-Kalaallit elder from force displacement and prevent sustain- the secretary general’s Climate Summit Greenland. But hope, he said, can come able development. The climate crisis is as part of long-term efforts to influence only from “melting the heart of ice in about the survival of humanity on planet the climate negotiations and the contri- man. Now is the time for change.” Earth, and action must reflect these facts butions countries bring to the table. “This is our moment. This is our with urgency.” n D Episcopal Journal Winter 2014 News n A Pastoral Message on Climate Change Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori affect the environment. The Spirit has also joined with leaders of the Anglican Church All who care for the given us our voices to contribute our wit- of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran ness to public discussion of just and re- churches in the U. S. and Canada to is- earth‘ and work for the sponsible use of natural resource. sue a pastoral message prior to the People’s We also have the resources and respon- Climate March in New York. Portions of restoration of its vitality sibility to act together for the common their statement are printed below. good, especially for those most vulnerable can be confident that to the effect of climate change in the spirit e are united as Christian they are not pursuing of the seventh Millennium Development leaders in our concern for Goal, “to ensure environmental stability.” the well-being of our neigh- a lost cause. World leaders will meet this month in bors and of God’s good New York for a Climate Summit and in Wcreation that provides life and livelihood ’ December in Lima, Peru, to discuss global for all God’s creatures. Daily we see and earth and work for the restoration of cooperation on climate change. Working hear the evidence of a rapidly changing cli- its vitality can be confident that they under the United Nations Framework mate. Glaciers are disappearing, the polar are not pursuing a lost cause. We serve Convention on Climate Change (UN- ice cap is melting, and sea levels are rising. in concert with God’s own creative and FCCC), participants in the UNFCCC’s Incidents of pollution create dead zones in renewing power…While the challenge negotiations hope for an agreement in seas and the ocean, and toxic algae growth may seem daunting, the Spirit’s abun- 2015 that will move toward reduction in water supplies occur with greater fre- dant gifts for service empower us to find of carbon emissions, development of low quency. Most disturbingly, the concentra- common cause with people who exercise carbon technologies and assistance to tion of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere countless insights and skills, embodied in populations most vulnerable to the effects is rising at an unprecedented rate. At the hundreds of occupations and trades. We of a changing climate. same time, we also witness in too many have good reason to hope in all the ways We encourage you to take the initia- instances how the earth’s natural beauty, a God’s grace is at work among us. We can tive to engage decision-makers in this sign of God’s wonderful creativity, has been commend ourselves to the work before godly work in all arenas of public life — defiled by pollutants and waste. us with confidence in God’s mercy. in government and business, in schools Many have reacted to these changes Opportunities to act imaginatively and and civic organizations, in social media with grief and anger. In their outrage, courageously abound in all our individu- and also in our church life. some have understandably focused on al callings. The Holy Spirit’s work in us We are not powerless to act, and we the neglect and carelessness, both in pri- leads us as faithful consumers and inves- are not alone. “We have the power of the vate industry and in government regu- tors in a global economy to make respon- Holy Spirit and the indwelling Spirit of lation, that have contributed to these sible choices to reduce energy use, carbon Christ to give us hope and courage.” changes. However, an honest accounting emissions and the wasteful consumption The present moment is a critical one, requires a recognition that we all partici- of water and other natural resources. As filled with both challenge and oppor- pate both as consumers and investors in citizens, we have voices to use in educat- tunity to act as faithful individuals and economies that make intensive and insis- ing children about the climate and in churches in solidarity with God’s good tent demands for energy. In addition, as shaping public and corporate policies that creation. n citizens we have chosen to support or ac- quiesce in policies that shift the burdens March continued from page C fellow Episcopalians and interfaith activ- of climate change to communities that ists, said the Diocese of Western Massa- are most vulnerable to its effects. People money, and fossil-fuel corporations make chusetts decided in early September to who are already challenged by poverty a lot of it, said Stanley Sturgill, a retired shift about 20 percent of its $60 million and by dislocation resulting from civil underground coal miner from Kentucky. of investments from fossil fuels to renew- war or famine have limited resources for “But if we don’t do something, we won’t able energy. adapting to climate change’s effects. be able to breathe or have water. We’re “We took a vote after a long, hard While an accounting of climate fighting over gas and oil, but soon we’ll debate. It reflects the bishop’s commit- change that has credibility and integrity be fighting over water. Once you lose wa- ment,” said Robinson, who traveled to must include our own repentance, we ter, that’s it.” the march on the “Episcopalians on a find our hope in the promise of God’s The Rockefeller family, heirs to the Journey of Hope” bus with more than own faithfulness to the creation and Standard Oil Co. fortune, will divest 55 people from the church’s Province I humankind and in the liberation that their foundation’s fossil-fuel investments dioceses of New England. comes from God’s promise. in favor of renewable-energy sources, ac- “I think this march can make a dif- God, who made the creation and cording to an announcement timed in ference,” Johnson said. “I’ve been work- made it good, has not abandoned it. conjunction with the People’s Climate ing in the environment field for over 30 Daily the Spirit continues to renew the March and the U.N. Climate Summit. years, and I’ve never seen anything like face of the earth. All who care for the Robinson, as he marched with his this.” n n News Winter 2014 Episcopal Journal E Episcopal bishops leave Taiwan: ‘hearts and minds expanded’

By Mary Frances Schjonberg God continue to richly bless this part of asked Jefferts Schori to consult with Episcopal News Service The Episcopal Church,” she said. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby (The Diocese of Taiwan, comprising “and seek ways that the communion ishops of the Episcopal Church Taiwan and neighboring islands, is a could be agents of peace” in the rapidly left Taiwan after a week-long diocese of the Episcopal Church.) changing situation involving Islamic meeting with an expanded Diocese of Kansas Bishop Dean militancy and its threats to Christians view of ministry of the Episco- Wolfe said “all of us who have congre- and others. palB and Anglican churches in Asia. gants from Asia have gained a deeper un- Later in that meeting, Bishop Clif- “This meeting has offered abundant derstanding of the context from which ton Daniel of Pennsylvania asked that opportunities to expand our vision of our brothers and sisters have come and they express thanks to the presiding what is possible as we engage God’s a greater appreciation for the Christian bishop. (Her successor will be elected mission,” Presiding Bishop Katharine witness along the Pacific Rim.” next summer at General Convention.) Jefferts Schori said in a statement at the “We traveled a very long way and at During the week the bishops met town hall-style during which individual bishops updated their colleagues on ongoing is- sues in their lives and dioceses. Speaking about the Lam- beth Conference, the world- wide conference of Anglican bishops in England, the presid- ing bishop said that conference will probably not happen in 2018, which would have fit the conference’s traditional 10-year cycle. No planning or fundrais- ing has taken place for a 2018 meeting, she said. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby “has been very clear,” she said, “that he is not going to call a Lambeth [Con- ference] until he is reasonably certain that the vast majority of bishops would attend. It needs to be preceded by a primates Photo/ Mary Frances Schjonberg meeting at which a vast major- Taiwan Bishop David Jung-Hsin Lai presides at the closing Eucharist Sept. 23 at the House of ity of primates are present,” she Bishops’ meeting in Taipei. The Rev. Stephanie Spellers and the Rev. Simon Bautisa Betances, said. chaplains to the bishops, assisted at Eucharist. ”Whenever the next Lam- beth Conference occurs “it conclusion of the meeting in late Sep- no small expense to come to Taiwan to will have a rather different format,” she tember meeting. reinforce a principal which is dear to us; predicted. For instance, it is likely that “We have built new relationships that every diocese is an essential mem- spouses will not attend, as many did in with our partners in Hong Kong, Japan, ber of our family of faith and no diocese prior years, “simply because of scale is- Korea, and the Philippines and with our is too small or too far away,” he said. sues and regional contextual issues. brother and sisters in Taiwan,” she said. Suffragan Bishop Diane Jardine “Bishops’ spouses fill very different “We’ve discovered new readings of the Bruce said that “with the growing Asian roles in different parts of the commu- old, old stories and new theological community in the United States, espe- nion and the feedback from the last one perspectives rooted in different parts of cially on the West Coast including my was that it did not serve the spouses par- God’s creation. With hearts and minds home diocese of Los Angeles, having ticularly well,” she explained. expanded, we know ourselves part of a firsthand knowledge and witness of the Following the meeting in Taipei, a body larger and with deeper bonds than context and content of ministry and number of bishops traveled either to Ja- we imagined.” mission, we are able to more directly pan, Hong Kong, the Philippines and She called the hospitality of the address our mutual needs.” Korea to continue learning about the host Diocese of Taiwan “full measure, During a business meeting on the mission and ministry of the Anglican pressed down, and overflowing. May final day of the gathering, the bishops Church in those contexts. n F Episcopal Journal Winter 2014 News n Dioceses respond to Supreme Court marriage-equality decision Episcopal News Service Konieczny told ENS via e-mail. That Wisconsin conversation began Oct. 7 during the Diocese of Milwaukee Bishop Steven n Oct. 6, the U.S. Supreme annual clergy conference, he said. Miller told his clergy on Oct. 8 that the Court cleared the way for Episcopal Church was “still involved same-sex marriage in Indi- Utah in a discussion relative to the theol- ana, Oklahoma, Utah, Vir- Same-sex blessings have been allowed ogy of marriage” and that the Supreme Oginia and Wisconsin. The court let stand in the Diocese of Utah since December Court’s decision did not change either appeals-court rulings in three U.S. fed- 2012. the church’s canons or rubrics on mar- eral court districts that had overturned Bishop Scott Hayashi told diocesan riage. The provisional rite approved by bans on same-sex marriage in those clergy that he soon would issue a new the General Convention in 2012 is not states. policy allowing priests to solemnize a marriage liturgy, he noted, “therefore it The Episcopal Church is due to dis- same-sex marriages. In an e-mail in ad- is inappropriate for clergy of this church cuss the issue at General Convention in vance of issuing that policy, Hayashi to act as agents of the state and sign mar- July 2015. In 2009, the church approved asked priests to amend the church’s pro- riage licenses for same-sex couples.” rites for blessing same-sex relationships, visional rite to declare couples united “in Miller had announced in late August but it stopped short of including LGBT marriage according to the laws of the that he would allow clergy to bless same- couples in the definition of marriage. It State of Utah.” sex couples who had been married civ- subsequently formed a task force on the Meanwhile he told clergy that “be- illy. Priests must use a modified rite that study of marriage that recently said it was cause we live in a web of relationships Miller has authorized. finalizing its report to convention. it is very important that we proceed for- Diocese of Eau Claire Bishop William Here is a state-by-state look at dioc- ward with care for all people regardless of Lambert and Diocese of Fond du Lac esan responses: their opinion in this matter.” Bishop Matt Gunter did not respond to ENS’ request for information about their Indiana Virginia Shortly after the Supreme Court’s rul- positions. Same-sex blessings have not In the Diocese of Indianapolis, Bish- been officially allowed in Fond duL ac. op Catherine Waynick wrote to clergy ing, Bishop Shannon Johnston issued on Oct. 10 that her previous policy of al- guidelines saying priests in the diocese lowing priests to bless same-sex relation- could officiate at the civil marriage of a In other news: North Carolina ships now would apply in those Indiana same-sex couple as a “generous pasto- counties granting marriage licenses to ral response” to lesbian and gay couples The bishops ofN orth Carolina’s three such couples. She also encouraged any seeking to be married, and that they Episcopal dioceses announced they diocesan parish that had not yet provid- could bless their civil marriage. would allow their priests to bless same- ed a study of the issue for its members to Johnston said priests should use the gender marriages and officiate at civil arrange to do so during the coming year. General Convention rite and, at the ceremonies for the couples, following a Diocese of Northern Indiana Bishop pronouncement, should add the words federal judge’s ruling striking down the Edward Little asked clergy in that dio- “according to the laws of the Common- state’s anti-LGBT constitutional amend- cese to decline any requests they received wealth of Virginia” where appropriate. ment. to solemnize such marriages because the He said that the Book of Common Bishop Michael Curry of the Dio- Book of Common Prayer defines mar- Prayer’s Celebration and Blessing of a cese of North Carolina said the change riage as the union of husband and wife Marriage rite could not be used because would become effective on Nov. 1. New and because “our liturgical and consti- the church had not yet changed its ca- guidelines for clergy are expected before tutional understanding of marriage re- nonical definition of marriage of that then. Curry and the North Carolina dio- mains unchanged,” he told Episcopal between a man and a woman. cese made provisions for the blessings of News Service via e-mail. Diocese of Southwestern Virginia same-sex unions in 2004. Bishop Mark A. Bourlakas said in an Bishop G. Porter Taylor of the Dio- Oklahoma interview that “it’s a priority for me that cese of Western North Carolina issued When the Diocese of Oklahoma our three dioceses are on the same page, new guidelines, similar to those in the went through a discernment process in and therefore our policy will look almost Diocese of East Carolina, that clergy 2012 and 2013 that resulted in Bishop identical in every substantive way” as Vir- “may officiate at the civil marriage of a Edward J. Konieczny authorizing use ginia’s. same-sex couple as a ‘generous pasto- of the General Convention provisional In the Diocese of Southern Virginia, ral response’ to lesbian and gay couples rite in that diocese, it was agreed that if Bishop Herman Hollerith is on sabbati- seeking to be married and may bless the and when the law changed in Oklaho- cal until November and was not available civil marriage of the couple.” Individual ma with regard to marriage, the diocese to comment. Hollerith authorized the priests and parishes are not required to “would once again be deliberate in our use of the General Convention blessing perform blessings or marriages for same- discernment of how to move forward,” rite as of January 2013. sex couples. n n Episcopal Lives Winter 2014 Episcopal Journal G

Healing a hurting world piscopalians, friends and partner agencies around the globe are joining to celebrate Episcopal Relief & Develop- ment’sE 75th anniversary. The 75-week celebration, which will continue through to the end of 2015, invites supporters to learn more about the organization’s programs and get involved in campaigns to raise $7.5 million to sustain its vital work. Photo/Wikimedia Commons In 1940, the National Council of A view from a Washington Army National Guard helicopter shows trees that were at the Episcopal Church established the the very top of the hill when the mudslide occurred now lie across the slide’s width. Presiding Bishop’s Fund for World Relief — now Episcopal Relief & De- velopment — to respond to the needs Mudslide relief continues of European refugees fleeing World ive months after a major mud- slide covered a portion of Highway 530. War II. Working now with partners slide occurred near Oso, a rural Recovery has taken place in phases in nearly 40 countries, the organiza- area 60 miles northeast of Seat- and will continue long-term. Initially, tion continues its legacy of bringing tle, Episcopalians in the Diocese the biggest gift was prayer. Donated together the generosity of Episcopa- ofF Olympia expressed gratitude to all books, cards, prayer shawls and squares, lians and others to help communities who had donated to the ongoing relief quilts, fleece blankets and comfort rocks overcome challenges and create last- efforts, while focusing on the future. were distributed. Monetary donations ing change. “Through our combined efforts, the were largely used for gas cards, hotel ac- “At this milestone anniversary, Episcopal Church has dispersed approxi- commodations and community funeral Episcopal Relief & Development is mately $35,000 to date,” including dona- dinners. celebrating 75 years of healing a hurt- tions from people and congregations, said Later, those affected received help de- ing world, together with our partners the Rev. Janet Loyd, vicar of Church of veloping long-term plans for recovery. and supporters around the globe the Transfiguration in Darrington, just Donations provided scholarships for af- whose contributions of time, talent east of Oso. fected children to participate in summer and treasure have made this work The mudslide dammed the Stillagua- camp and other programs and paid for happen,” said Rob Radtke, the agen- mish River and buried more than one storage containers, replacement vehicles, cy’s president. “Each year, more than square mile of the landscape, killing 43 and various expenses, from medical bills 3 million people participate in inno- people. Darrington was isolated when the to mortgages and construction costs. n vative, locally led programs that boost harvests while protecting the environ- ment, prevent diseases by mobilizing local volunteers and empower people Conference to address economic equality to build livelihoods through financial diverse group of scholars, faith inequality becomes sinful and talk about and skills training. It is a joy to be part leaders and economists will of- the common good. Barbara Ehrenreich, of the community of people whose fer strategies for developing a author of “Nickel and Dimed,” will dis- efforts support this life-giving work.” more just economy and instill cuss the class divide in American society, One of the cornerstones of the cel- theA confidence to take action for social delving into issues such as immigration, ebration is a traveling photo exhibi- change at Trinity Institute’s 44th Nation- poverty, gender and mobility. Former tion, which features 33 iconic images al Theological Con- Secretary of Labor of the work, along with explanations ference, “Creating Robert Reich will and personal reflections through an Common Good: A discuss his 2013 accompanying e-docent app. Practical Confer- documentary, “In- Similarly, the organization’s 75 Sto- ence on Economic equality for All.” ries Project provides a window into Equality,” at Trinity Wall Street in New Registration is open for on-site par- the programs, events and personali- York from Jan. 22-25. ticipants. Video-linked partner sites are ties that have shaped the last 75 years. Dr. Cornel West, author of “TheR ich located throughout the United States Individuals are encouraged to offer re- and the Rest of Us,” will give the open- and abroad. For more information, visit flections and stories through the agen- ing keynote address. Archbishop of Can- http://www.trinitywallstreet.org/trinity- cy’s Share Your Story web page. n terbury Justin Welby will consider when institute/2015/. n H Episcopal Journal Winter 2014 Feature n Church sees role in racial justice, reconciliation

By Pat McCaughan dead in neighborhood streets.” “I taught them as they became 10 Episcopal News Service The statement called uponU BE chap- years of age, that they would be encoun- ters across the country to help carry the tered by the police, by security when hile the fatal police shoot- message “so that the prophetic voice of they went to the mall with their friends, ing of an unarmed Afri- the Episcopal Church resounds in speak- and they had white friends. I taught can-American teenager ing against the legacy of institutional- them the lessons that I knew they were continued to spark pro- ized oppression in the United States and going to have to learn in order to be out Wtests in Ferguson, Mo., Episcopalians across our world.” in the community because these were throughout the Unites States grappled the lessons I had to learn, and it hadn’t with the reality that such an incident Hard realities changed,” he said. could have happened just about any- Chester Hines began serving as a “I told them, ‘Here is your response: where and with the question: What trainer at anti-racism workshops in the You engage the policeman with respect should the church be doing about it? Diocese of Missouri by choice, and be- and regard, yes sir, no sir. You give your Despite the Aug. 9 shooting death of cause of circumstance. name. You follow his directions, even if Michael Brown and its violent aftermath, “I grew up in segregated St. Louis. It you have to be arrested. the hope “is that it will finally be the doesn’t matter what institution you iden- “’Because, here’s what’s at risk: If you wakeup call we need in aggravate or in some this country to address way convey to that this issue,” Bishop Stacy policeman that you’re Sauls, Episcopal Church challenging him, he’s chief operating officer, going to harm you in told ENS. “Because, some physical way or in my opinion, race re- bust your head, and lations in the United once your head is bust- States have been getting ed or you’re shot up, it worse, not better.” can’t be fixed. Festering tensions “’However, it can be between the predomi- fixed if you’re taken to nantly white Ferguson the jailhouse, because I police department and can come and get you the African-American from there. But a physi- community erupted cal confrontation, I can’t in violence after officer do anything about.’” Darren Wilson fatally Photo/Wikimedia Commons/Jamelle Bouie Now that both sons shot 18-year-old Brown. Residents of Ferguson, Mo. protest the shooting in August of Michael Brown. are 31 and attorneys, he Conflicting eyewitness says, “Every day I wake reports followed, and an independent au- tify in St. Louis, they have always – in up and say ‘Amen.’” topsy revealed Brown had been shot six my experience – been segregated, even times. Ferguson police subsequently iden- after the federal Civil Rights legislation Listening is key tified Brown as a robbery suspect. of 1964,” said Hines, 67. An auditor and The Very Rev. Mike Kinman, dean Local clergy and residents decried the former teacher, he serves in a field-place- of Christ Church Cathedral in St. Lou- level of police violence directed against ment assignment at St. Timothy’s Epis- is, was “trying to listen to folks on the the predominantly African-American copal Church in Creve Coeur as part of ground” in Ferguson and counseling community. the diocesan ordination process. others to do likewise. Christian churches sparked the civil Hines said that, not only was he not He also invited cathedral parishioners rights movement, Sauls said, “and I think surprised that racial tensions erupted in to spend time together, with no judg- we’re seeing a very strong call for us to be nearby Ferguson after Brown’s shooting, ment, no comments, no arguing -- just involved again. One thing we can do is but also “I was surprised it hadn’t hap- listening to each other. “There were tears, bring people together to talk, not only pened sooner and in more places.” anger, confusion, a wide variety of feel- on a local level or a regional level, but for He passed on his own life lessons to ings were represented, but there was a national conversation.” twin sons, Christian and Christopher, just this holy space, and I realized it was Similarly, in an Aug. 20 statement as they came of age, in the interest of grace,” he said. young adult members of the Union of preservation, he said. “I educated my “There are people who’ve said, I‘ don’t Black Episcopalians (UBE) cited, among children to understand and know about have any place to say this. We are afraid other things, “the subculture of prejudice segregation, race and racism, that it ex- of talking about race; afraid we will say against black people resulting in headline isted in St. Louis. I also told them how it the wrong thing. We need a place where after headline of another American lying manifested itself. we can stumble. continued on page I n Commentary Winter 2014 Episcopal Journal I After Ferguson, churches must confess the sin of abandonment

By Carl W. Kenney haven’t lived that experience? Isn’t it the sin of abandonment. They can confess Religion News Service much easier to drive away? the limits of their theological claims. I wanted to leave the pain of the park- We can confess that our congregations he ride to the church seemed ing lot and find a congregation filled are dying and becoming less relevant due too short to give me time to with black people. I wanted to find a to our unwillingness to listen. We can unleash all those tears. I had to home — the affirmation, love and sup- apologize for not being present with those preach. What would I say? port of the black church. who hurt. We can ask forgiveness for for- T How do you But as easy as it is to drive away, mulating views about people and their preach what you feel change happens when we stay. communities that negate their dignity. We when you’re one of People keep asking what the church should beg forgiveness for walking away. only a few black peo- can do to move us past the pain of Fer- We can admit how hard it is to be ple in the church? guson. Maybe the answer is found in present. Congregations should talk about What do you say staying. the fear of poverty and the consequences to a mostly white Staying is painful. The desire to leave of walking in that space. Pastors should congregation after is rooted in that deep sense of loneliness. admit how they are lured into embracing the shooting death The desire to depart is cultivated by the congregations with wealthy members. of 18-year-old Michael Brown? What do fear of not being affirmed and understood. We should confess packing sermons with you say after prayers and litanies are of- Ferguson is a story about abandon- language that satisfies the masses and fered to remind us that we are called to ment. It began when white residents left maintains distance from those we fear. promote justice and peace? due to the rise in black population. Some Yes, we should confess not moving I cried because I feared saying what I blacks left in search of the American beyond the talk about race and racism. felt to members of Bethel Baptist Church dream defined by the percentage of white Yes, we must admit how difficult it is to in Columbia, Mo. I cried because I won- residents. Churches followed by abandon- stay in the parking lot, move into the dered if they would understand. In that ing their mission around the corner. church and preach to those who don’t moment, the deep burden of division What service can churches offer understand what we have to share. landed in my stomach and forced me to among those they have abandoned? But we have to stay there until they scream. “It’s not about what we can do, it’s get the message. Yes, the ache was about the death of an- about what they want us to do,” said So, we’re sorry, Ferguson. We aban- other black man. But I cried because I felt Muriel Johnson, regional associate min- doned you. Be patient with us as we my blackness come to me in a way that ex- ister of the American Baptist Churches prove to you that we will not walk away posed historical pain. I wondered if it ever of the Great Rivers Region. “We can of- again. n goes away. I thought about what it takes fer to stand in solidarity with them in to move beyond the trappings of history. our giftedness to do what they tell us Carl W. Kenney II is an adjunct Have we evoked a language of peace they need.” instructor in the journalism department devoid of a clear understanding of how it Johnson is correct to suggest we lis- at the University of Missouri. He holds a feels to be harassed by the police? ten. What else can churches offer? divinity degree from Duke University and Is it possible to preach to those who Churches, black and white, can confess has pastored several churches.

Ferguson continued from page H nate reconciliation efforts after the 1992 establishment and growth of networks in Los Angeles riots. the church to confront the structural is- “This is something we can do as a “The bottom line is: Do we have sues of racism in the church and society. church; provide that safe space, to talk real friendships across racial lines in this Wynder’s job is engaging Episcopalians in about race, because race is so hard to talk country, and can our church facilitate building, resourcing and empowering ad- about,” he said. that — and not in a superficial way, but vocacy movements and networks for so- The Rev. Eric H. F. Law, founder of in a way that we can really attempt to cial justice at a local and community level. the Los Angeles-based Kaleidoscope understand each other?” Institute, which offers leadership devel- After a Florida jury found neighbor- Anti-racism training opment and diversity training in mul- hood watch captain George Zimmerman For Hines and others who lead anti- ticultural and changing environments, not guilty in July 2013 in the shooting racism trainings across the church, mate- agreed. death of Trayvon Martin, Sauls said, the rials include the history of the Episcopal “The first step has to be listening to Episcopal Church began working toward Church; the House of Bishops’ 1994 the historically powerless folks. The big creating a new position: a missioner for pastoral letter on the sin of racism; Gen- question to ask is: Do you want to con- racial reconciliation. In June 2014, Heidi eral Convention resolutions on the sub- tinue to have these sporadic explosions Kim was appointed to that position and ject; and some basic definitions. or do you really want to find a way to Charles Wynder was named missioner “We talk about the history of the engage people so you have real relation- for social justice and advocacy. Episcopal Church, and it’s mixed,” ships?” said Law, who helped to coordi- Kim is responsible for facilitating the Hines said. “We continued on page L J Episcopal Journal Winter 2014 Faith and the arts n ContemplativeContemplative photographyphotography Encountering the sacred through the lens By Jerry Hames hen the Rev. Catherine D. Kerr wrote a research paper for the spiritual-direction program at General Theological Semi- nary in New York two years ago, she decidedW to choose a subject close to her heart: photog- raphy as a contemplative practice. “It was an opportunity to fit an interest of mine into the framework of the course,” she said. “It started when I was a kid; my dad took a million pictures. From a Brownie camera I was given when I was 7, photogra- phy has been a constant part of my life.” It continued throughout Kerr’s career as a news- paper journalist because, now and again, there was Photos, meditations by Diane Walker. photography involved, she recalled. “My proudest Come, sit moment was when I got a photograph on the front Come, sit — you don’t have to do or say anything. page of Newsday [a daily newspaper based in Melville, Just empty your mind, open your heart N.Y., east of New York]. and let light dance in slow sweet circles overhead, “My own practice of photography evolved from fam- sprinkling stardust into all your thoughts. ily snapshots and photojournalism to something more spiritual before I even realized what was happening.” What treasures Photographs, she said, can provide a rich space for What treasures the sand becoming aware of the presence of God, for seeking to holds understand how God is at work in an individual’s life for those who take the and for discerning where that might be leading. time to look. “I believe the discipline of contemplative photogra- What treasures each phy becomes an attitude as much as a process, one that moment holds carries through from the first moments of cultivating an for those who make intentional awareness of the visual environment to that the time to notice. time later when one sits and ponders the saved images. What treasures each “Even after I began to recognize that, I was a purist life holds about image manipulation, and I tended to appreci- for those who sink ate my images simply as images, without attempting to their toes add words or interpretations. But through reading and into every single moment talking with other practitioners, I have come to realize and live. the potential these images have to be something more.” One of the photographers Kerr interviewed during Bask in the her research was Diane Walker, a photographer and color of joy artist who lives on Bainbridge Island, Wash. Walker Those moments when has published books about her work and posts photo- your oars are out graphs and meditations daily on her blog. of the water “For me, the act of contemplation happens at sev- and you’re just drifting eral points in the overall practice,” Walker explained. wherever the current “I meditate in the morning before I go out with my takes you – camera. Going out with the camera, I remain open to my sur- look down and watch the patterns that you’ve made; roundings and listen with my eyes for what’s calling to me. look across, and see who’s with you on this journey, “I also meditate before blogging. And I go to my image and then look up, and bask in the color of joy. file … then I spend time with continued on page K n Faith and the arts Winter 2014 Episcopal Journal K

“I looked behind me at the beach and saw this incredible sunset peeking through the deck. A final note of thanks and splendor for the day.” — Bud Holland at Kill Devil Hills, N.C.

Photography continued from page J Photos by Bud Holland From top right, the moon during early [an] image, listening for what it has to morning sunrise on a West Virginia teach me. It’s at that point that I then mountain; and an osprey feeds its young write down what it is that I’m sens- at Kill Devil Hills, N.C. ing from what I see, which may be an echo of something I’ve read or some new is a chaplain to recently retired priests era, a Canon SX160 that he described thought that’s come to me or a poem — in a preparatory course offered by the as “a modest camera,” wherever he goes. I don’t ever quite know until it happens.” Church Pension Group, attracted Kerr’s Both depend on simple point-and-shoot When she looks at the photos later, attention through his Facebook page, cameras with zoom capability, and they Walker said, she often is astonished to dis- which featured photos that resonated encourage others to use the same. “I can cover how much more is there than she with his friends. carry it in my pocket, and it allows me thought she was seeing at the time. “It’s a “It was Bud who made a suggestion whenever I want to take photographs really lovely reminder of the magnitude of that later seemed obvious to me,” Kerr that would approximate the naked eye,” wonder in the world and how much big- said, “the idea that within an individual said Holland. ger God is than we are; how much more or group spiritual direction context, the He credits the Rev. Ben Helmer, a fel- God wants us to see than we are necessar- most promising, productive questions to low priest and former colleague when both ily capable of seeing on our own.” be raised are: Which of your pictures do worked at the Episcopal Church Center In a recent interview with Patricia you find most compelling? What origi- in New York, for setting him on his cur- Turner for her blog, A Photographic nally drew you to them? And what are rent path. “Ben told me that if I carried a Sage, Walker summed up her experience: they saying to you now?” camera with me, I would look at life differ- “I think it’s a constant reminder that the How difficult is it to take “meaning- ently,” Holland said. “I have found that’s world is much bigger than me; that I ful pictures,” and what equipment is re- very true, and it’s been a real gift.” have more to learn than to teach. Plus it’s quired? Contemplative photography isn’t “After I look again at the photos I have a way to practice surrendering control, dependent on the type of camera, Walker taken, they seem to speak to me even in to, as they say, ‘Let go and let God’ — said. “It’s about the response, about your greater depth…there is a conversation or whatever you would like to name that openness, your willingness to listen.” and dialogue I have that goes on within divine source — take over.” “Yes, you need to understand the me,” he said, describing this process as “a It is precisely through deeper explo- workings of the camera, but I don’t be- gift,” rather than his photographic skill. ration that photography becomes more lieve you need a terrific camera with lots than a personal centering practice or an of bells and whistles to do this. I shoot For more: experience of God through the beauty of almost entirely in manual mode, so I can Go to Catherine Kerr’s blog at light- nature, said Kerr, who has led contem- control the exposure.” fromlight.catherinedkerr.com plative photography quiet days and car- But, she said, although she may use See Diane Walker’s work at ries a camera with her most of the time. a point-and-shoot camera, it’s rarely a contemplativephotography.com and “Photography has potential for spiritual point-and-shoot process. “I spend time thomas-gospel.blogspot.com. Walker’s direction when an individual continues to moving around the space, looking for the video, Contemplative Photography as an reflect on an image and discern what his angle, perspective and the crop that will Act of Faith, can be viewed at YouTube. or her reaction to it suggests, what deeper work best. That means that sometimes, com/watch?v=H2kKKGCLJgw desires it touches and resonates with, and since light plays such a huge role in all For Bud Holland photos, go to what God might be saying in this.” of this, I lose the shot because the light facebook.com/bud.holland The Rev. Melford “Bud” Holland of changes.” Work quickly is her advice. For Patricia Turner’s blog, go to http:// Pennsylvania, who in his own retirement Like Walker, Holland carries his cam- aphotographicsage.blogspot.com/ n L Episcopal Journal Winter 2014 Faith and the arts n Actor dramatizes Gospel in solo performance

By Solange De Santis production is that, when the inevitable details and several phrases quoting Jesus mind-wandering occurs over the two in his language, Aramaic, lead some to ctor Tom Bair’s recitation of the hours, it doesn’t last long because Bair’s believe that this was an eyewitness ac- entire Gospel According to St. varied line readings, vocal projection and count, and the source was St. Peter. Mark is not just an astonishing crystal-clear articulation bring the atten- How exciting it is, therefore, to hear tour de force of memorization, tion back. this Gospel verbally as if that eyewitness butA also a riveting journey through a text Director Kathleen Conry’s blocking had just touched us on the arm, eager to that seems fa- also captures our share his story. In “St. Mark’s Gospel,” miliar but some- interest, as Bair Bair uses all of his considerable gifts to times raises more leans against a create a brilliant theatrical and inspira- questions than it wall as a bystand- tional experience. answers. er in the temple, Note: in an interview after the per- Premiering on or uses the table formance, Bair said he used the an- Oct. 15 at New and chairs — cient “loci” (locations) memorization York’s United most effectively technique, where the speaker imagines Solo Theatre Fes- when he sets a walking through a place he/she knows tival, a 10-week chair at center well and uses its rooms or features as series of solo per- stage and circles prompts. In Bair’s case, it was the Church formances, “St. it, mocking the of the Transfiguration in New York, also Mark’s Gospel” unseen man known as the “Little Church Around the runs about two wearing purple Corner,” and associated with the theatri- hours and con- and a crown of cal community. tains all 15,992 thorns. If a church or organization wants words of the King Bair’s physi- to host a performance of “St. Mark’s James version. It cal grace is quite Gospel,” Bair may be reached at sold out on Oct. effective: When [email protected]. His website is at 15, with another the man with the www.tombair.com. n show added on withered hand is Nov. 15. healed, Bair’s out- The initial stretched hand Ferguson continued from page I p e r f o r m a n c e straightens in a took place in a subtle gesture. had priests and leadership in the Episco- small, off-Broad- When he’s speak- pal Church that were slave owners and way black-box Photo/Kathleen Conry ing as a character, members of the Ku Klux Klan.” theater. With no Actor Tom Bair in “St. Mark’s Gospel.” he delicately var- Henry Shaw, for example, was a scenery except ies his vocal pitch wealthy local landowner and philan- gray walls, the set consisted of a red pa- so the focus remains on the words. thropist “who only in the recent past did tio table and two chairs. Bair sat onstage, People usually encounter the Gospel we recognize was one of the largest slave occasionally consulting a cell phone. As in bits — the Sunday readings or the owners in St. Louis,” Hines says. “Much the house lights dimmed, Japanese com- Bible-study passages. Hearing the text in of the wealth he left to the Episcopal poser Shigemasa Nakano’s ethereal mu- one sitting identifies recurring themes. Church came as a result of the slaves he sic filled the room; sounds of traffic also This listener wondered why Mark’s owned.” were heard, and Bair’s cell phone rang. Gospel was obsessed with Jesus’ healing The church is planning followups to He answered it, then put it away and miracles and that he often said to “tell no events such as last November’s “Fifty strode forward to stand at center stage. man” they occurred, but people spread Years Later: the State of Race in America” Looking directly at the audience, with the news anyway. in Jackson, Miss,, and an October 2008 an open stance, he begins with a sense Mark is the shortest Gospel of the service of repentance at the historic Afri- of earnest energy: “The beginning of the four. As Bair unfolds the narrative, we can Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in gospel of Jesus Christ, the son of God.” realize there’s no Nativity in this Gospel Philadelphia, Sauls said. This Gospel gets right into the action, and no Pentecost. No “good Samaritan,” The church’s Office of Justice andA d- with none of the introductory words of no wedding at Cana, no Sermon on the vocacy Ministries is compiling resources the other three. By the fourth line, “John Mount. for communities of faith “to begin con- did baptize in the wilderness.” We wonder why the writer is so care- versations,” he said. “We’re beginning to It’s easy to listen to Bair’s medium- ful with very precise identifications of start to bring leaders across the church weight voice, with its legato dynamics. place — “They came into the land of together to continue the conversation This master actor skillfully maintains the Gennasaret.” “He arose and went into and to build on the work we did last No- tension of the narrative. One joy of this the borders of Tyre and Sidon.” These vember [in Jackson].” n 23 IOWA CONNECTIONS Winter 2014 162nd Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa

Above left, Molly Haller, a youth delegate and member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Muscatine prepares for the procession from the Des Moines Marriott Downtown to the Cathedral Church of St. Paul for the Convention Eucharist.

Above right, delegates engage in the second Indaba conversation.

Right, the diocesan choir processes in for the Convention Eucharist at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Des Moines. The choir consisted of members from congregations throughout the entire diocese. A PRACTICAL CONFERENCE FOR ECONOMIC EQUALITY

You’re invited to attend Trinity Institute (TI2015), an annual conference that takes place in New York City—but you can attend at a number of locations throughout Iowa! We bring all the elements of the NYC conference to you via webcast.

This year’s conference takes on the pervasive, overwhelming issue of economic inequality. TI2015 speakers have real-world experience making change happen. They will provide us with hopeful, practical tools we can use to make a positive economic impact.

The Most Rev. Cornel West Barbara Robert Reich Justin Welby The Rich and the Rest of Us Ehrenreich Former Secretary of Labor The Archbishop of Canterbury Nickel and Dimed; (Skype Q&A) This Land is Their Land And: Juliet Schor, The Rt. Rev. Julio Murray, Rachel Held Evans, Jennifer Jones Austin, R.R. Reno, and Nicole Baker Fulgham WHERE: WHEN: COST: You choose the location best for you! January 22-24, $10/participant The following Episcopal churches are hosting See full schedule online the conference via webcast: St. Paul’s, Council Bluffs FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TRINITY Trinity Cathedral, Davenport INSTITUTE’S NATIONAL THEOLOGICAL Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Des Moines CONFERENCE - including speaker bios, Trinity, Iowa City schedule, videos, and more—visit ti2015.org St. Paul’s, Grinnell St. John’s, Mason City