Spring 2019 Iowa VOLUME 6, NUMBER 1 Connections

Listening to the Small Episcopal Church From the Bishop One of my wife’s efforts to broaden my cultural horizon is point in the intermission, to insist on season tickets to the Des Moines Civic Center I turned to Donna and Broadway series. I have to agree that it does expose me to sang (softly) “Amazing things that I would not otherwise ever have approached or even grace, how sweet the knew existed. Of course, I am happy to have the opportunity sound, that saved a wretch to see Les Miserables, or Wicked or Hamilton, but Dear Evan like me; I once was lost Hansen—what on earth is that? A musical about teen suicide but now am found; was and mental health? What could there be to sing about? I was blind but now I see.” the dutiful husband and went with little expectation. I could Bishop Alan Scarfe not have been more wrong or ill-informed. Where has that urgency gone as we anxiously prop up our institutions built in the Thousands of young people filled the Civic Center, along name of that very Gospel? Dare we lose ourselves in the with parents and the standard Civic Center Broadway series crowds that are in that struggle to connect, and hear their cry? lifers. And half way through the first act, the sobbing all As with the children of Israel of old in Egypt, God hears, and around was palpable. Something was connecting. The young God turns to the Church and says, “Let My people go.” woman just behind us was an absolute emotional wreck. It was not because of a sentimental story line. The teen who Many this Lent are using the Way of Love curriculum to commits suicide (which we know from a note through his tend to our spiritual lives. How do we add an attentiveness parents, and not in live action) had barely been a character to to society around us, to learn the pain which Jesus carried be identifying with. No, something else was being addressed in His own self? We offer our arms stretched out in love like and it was speaking to many around us. His as a divine embrace. Are we even earning the right to make that embrace? The Church is very much like the parent “Dear Evan Hansen is a heart scorching musical about a teen figures inDear Evan Hansen. “Ask one of the teenagers in the boy so bound up by anxiety and loneliness that he makes audience,” continues Susanna Schrobsdorff, “if the play seems mistakes he can’t fix and gets stuck in the quicksand of social authentic and they can barely get the words out. They say media. But eventually he finds a way to leave self-loathing things like ‘I’m in shock; it’s so good.’ And often, right behind behind. It’s also about parents reaching for the kids as they them is a parent who’s also feeling undone. I lost it in the first disappear into their phones and laptops. And it’s about act, when the two stellar actors playing mothers of teens sing the struggle to connect in an era when it seems as if we’re about feeling totally unqualified for the job of being a parent. all awash in emotional hyperbole online and off.” That’s ‘Does anyone have a map?’ they cry, ‘Anybody maybe happen the opening paragraph of the reflection in the program by to know how the hell to do this?’” Susanna Schrobsdorff. Amazing grace is probably the only hymn most of us can She goes on to ask, “How do you learn to raise the first sing without the words in front of us. It is the essence of our generation for whom the virtual world is just as important faith. I hear a lot of people say that they don’t know how to as their physical lives? There is no precedent. How do you evangelize. Maybe that is because we are unsure how to listen navigate it as a kid? No one knows how it will work out... and be present; to engage conversation to the deep levels We parents will never learn to understand what it’s like to provoked by an authentic musical. Let authenticity be our grow up with two selves, one that must be constantly tended Lenten prayer. When people sense that, they might just open online and another that might be very different.” She notes up and reveal their wish to be found. that this is a generation that “can seem jaded and desensitized having come of age with access to the entire world’s pain and In the peace and love of Christ, tribulations in the palms of their hand.”

Where are we as Church in all of this? What have we to say? Can we even manage to describe what is going on around us with such insight? Helping the lost find themselves in God is The Rt. Rev. Alan Scarfe, Bishop of Iowa our business, is it not? And yet we may barely notice. At one Spring 2019 IOWA CONNECTIONS 3

ENGAGING ALL DISCIPLES CALLED, FED, AND SENT In This Issue DIOCESAN CALENDAR 2 From the Bishop March 2 Bascom Consecration as the 10th bishop of Kansas 4 Listening to the Small Episcopal 3 Bishop's visitation, St. Mark's, Anamosa Church Southeast Chapter meeting, 2:00 pm, Christ Church, Burlington 8-10 Happening #46, St. Luke's, Cedar Falls 8 Summer Ministry School and 9 ENGAGING ALL DISCIPLES, 3:00-7:00 pm at Trinity Retreat 2019 Muscatine with St. Paul's, Durant Metro Chapter meeting, 9:00 am, St. John's, Ames 10 Building Discipleship in 10 Bishop's visitation, Trinity Church, Muscatine Congregations North Cedar Valley Chapter, 2:00 pm, St. James', Independence 16 ENGAGING ALL DISCIPLES, 3:00-7:00 pm at St. Stephen's, Newton with St. Paul's, Grinnell and St. Paul's, Marshalltown 11 Tackling Food Insecurity, Like a Which Way to Justice? Dismantling Racism as a Spiritual Good Samaritan Practice with the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Harvey, 9:30-3:00 pm, Old Brick, Iowa City 17 Bishop's visitation, St. Stephen's, Newton 12 EfM in the Diocese of Iowa 21 Priests in New Transitional Situations (PINTS), 12:00-4:00 pm, St. Andrew's, Des Moines 13 Safeguarding for Church Leaders, 23 ENGAGING ALL DISCIPLES, 3:00-7:00 pm at St. John's, Keokuk with Christ Church, Burlington; St. Michael's, Mount Upcoming Youth Events Pleasant; and St. Luke's, Fort Madison West Chapter meeting, 10:00 am at St. George's, LeMars 14 Suddenly Lent Has Come Again 24 Bishop's visitation, St. John's, Keokuk Three Rivers Chapter meeting, 2:00 pm, Trinity, Iowa City 15 My Tithe 31 East Chapter meeting, 2:00 pm, St. Mark's, Maquoketa April 16 5-6 Commission on Ministry, Des Moines Stewardship Share 6 Board of Directors, 1:00 pm 7 Bishop's visitation, Church of the Savior, Orange City Southwest Chapter meeting, 2:00 pm, St. Paul's, Council Bluffs 12-13 New Beginnings #22 Staff Training, St. Luke's, Cedar Falls Iowa Connections 13 Northwest Quadrant Small Church Summit, Trinity, Spring 2019 Emmetsburg The Rev. Meg Wagner, Editor 13-14 Underground Railroad Pilgrimage Iowa Connections is published quarterly by 15 Chrism Mass, 11:00 am at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Des The Episcopal Diocese of Iowa Moines 225 37th Street, Des Moines, IA 50312. 21 EASTER, Bishop at Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Des Moines 515-277-6165. www.iowaepiscopal.org. 25-28 New Beginnings #22, St. Luke's, Cedar Falls USPS 12106. Periodical Postage Paid in Des 27 ENGAGING ALL DISCIPLES, 3:00-7:00 pm at St. Peter's, Moines, IA and additional mailing offices. Bettendorf with St. Alban's and Trinity Cathedral, Davenport North Central Chapter, 10:00 am, St. Mark's, Fort Dodge POSTMASTER: Send change of address to: Iowa Connections, 28 Bishop's visitation, St. Peter's, Bettendorf 225 37th Street, Des Moines, IA 50312 Schedule subject to change. Visit iowaepiscopal.org for all of the latest schedule [email protected] information. 4 IOWA CONNECTIONS Spring 2019 Small Listening Episcopal to the Church

In 2015, the Rev. Holly Scherff and Kim Gee (St. John’s, Shenandoah) received an Alleluia Grant from the Diocese of Iowa to interview and listen to the small churches in Iowa. Small churches were defined as having average Sunday attendance of 25 or fewer. With a total of 59 congregations in the diocese, 29 Small Churches were identified as small churches and 24 Included in this were interviewed. The goal was to listen to listening: each of the small churches and parishioners’ • St. Thomas, Algona stories about dreams and frustrations and • St. Mark’s, Anamosa their relationship with the rest of the diocese. • Trinity, Carroll The initiative was inspired by the Dr. Seuss • St. Andrew’s, Chariton classic, Horton Hears a Who, when all the • Grace, Charles City Whos kept calling, “We are here, we are • Church of the Saviour, Clermont here, WE ARE HERE.” This listening initiative • Trinity, Denison leans in to hear the small churches in Iowa. • Trinity, Emmetsburg • St. Luke’s, Ft. Madison As stories were shared, it became clear that • St. John’s, Glenwood Holly and Kim were hearing stories of what • St. Paul’s, Harlan contributes to the health of the small church • St. James’, Independence in Iowa. The stories range from St. James’, • All Saints, Indianola Independence and their Hot Dog Fridays, to • St. Matthew’s-by-the-Bridge, Iowa Falls St. Andrew’s, Waverly and their understanding • St. Mark’s, Maquoketa of the importance of seed planting, to Church • St. Paul’s, Marshalltown of the Savior, Clermont’s passion for outreach • St. Michael’s, Mt. Pleasant in their community of Clermont, and St. • Trinity, Ottumwa Michael’s, Mt. Pleasant who know that each • St. Martin’s, Perry of us has gifts to give. • St. John’s, Shenandoah • Calvary, Sioux City • All Saints’, Storm Lake • St. Andrew’s, Waverly Spring 2019 IOWA CONNECTIONS 5

LISTENING TO THE SMALL EPISCOPAL CHURCH

CHARACTERISTICS OF HEALTHY SMALL CHURCHES

• Ability to identify and work toward meeting need(s) in wider community • Ability to plant seeds of faith and nurture them • Ability to dream • Respect for the gifts of the Spirit • Desire to find ways to make sure all know their doors are open • Realistic view of expectations and limitations • An attitude of “Let’s try it!” • Ability to be realistic about their From Holly and Kim size

The questions that have been consuming our • Ability to see possibilities and conversations after our journey have been…What act upon them makes a healthy small church? What tangible things can we share with the small churches in • Ability to use the gifts and Iowa? What is it they need to hear both good and talents of people in the bad? What is it the Diocese should hear, as well? congregation We want to emphasize the awesome things the • Able to evolve/adapt their small churches are doing right now…and that physical structure to needs in the small church is alive albeit limping at times. They want their community, the diocese and their community parishes to know that they have a voice. And we • Ability to be open to changes feel that it is our sacred duty to give them this voice. • A willingness to stay informed Healthy small churches are looking at ways to open their doors. They have invested in a good face-lift. They market their church. They ask people to join them. They walk with Jesus. To use an overworked phrase…they do their own thing. Conversations amongst the church, the community, and the diocese must be ongoing otherwise isolation sets in. Healthy churches always look outside their walls for the needs of the community and act upon those needs. 6 IOWA CONNECTIONS Spring 2019

CHALLENGES FOR THE SMALL CHURCH

The people of the small churches really are seeking answers on how to survive and have great hopes for growth. They also face many common challenges:

• One voice dominates conversations (often a negative one). • Balloon poppers—those who would find a reason that ideas, visions, or dreams (balloons), would not work without ever trying them. • Self-reliant mind-set. Relying on the Holy Spirit to engage and lead us can be quite a challenge for the ‘I can do it myself’ conditioning FOR THE LOVE OF THE that we have become accustomed BUILDING to. We found that the shear love of the building keeps • Leaders who see the big picture the doors open. So, we think good follow-up vs. leaders who have their own questions would be, “If your church building would agenda. burn down/blow away/fall in, would you still be a • Being truly welcoming to community? Would the people who come into this visitors while remaining a close- box still be together? Or is the building the only knit group. glue holding you together?” • Adjusting from being a large church to a small church without Having reverence for the building can blind a feeling defeated and stuck in the congregation, or at the very least put blinders on. A grieving cycle, sometimes through few churches have explored the Recasting process generations. from Episcopal Church Building Fund. Some have • Maintaining and using a large had success, albeit feeling like they, “had to for facility with a small congregation. survival and to pay the utilities.” • A bad leadership fit and/or few But the Recasting must come from within. The or no choices of clergy to serve the diocese can provide support and ideas (resources, church’s needs. legalities, and direction) but must step back and • Unable to see a future or let the small church bring forth their own ideas dream because of a veil over and thus their ownership of Recasting for it to congregation’s eyes. For those be successful. congregations they must be able to identify their unique veil. Spring 2019 IOWA CONNECTIONS 7

49% of the Episcopal Churches in Iowa are considered “small,” with 25 or fewer people 49% attending on any given Sunday. 20% of the churches 20% have fewer than 15 people attending on Sunday

WHAT’S NEXT The small-church study has given the Diocese of Iowa a gift in this listening. The small churches’ responses to challenges and, more hopefully, their spirit of being small church in many of our rural communities, is inspiring. The interviewers have compiled some ideas about next steps in this adventure: • Find ways to ensure that the small church voice is always part of the conversations about life in the diocese. Congregations with an average Sunday • Ensure that all know about available attendance fewer than 10 resources, including the resources that Congregations with an average Sunday come from sharing experiences and attendance fewer than 15 ways of helping each other even across diocesan borders. Congregations with an average Sunday • Recognize when situations may be attendance fewer than 25 changing in communities and therefore churches’ identities may also be SMALL CHURCH SUMMITS IN 2019 changing; churches may need to explore April 13 Northwest Quadrant this new identity in safe and supportive June 22 Southwest Quadrant ways. June 29 Southeast Quadrant • Encourage churches to realistically July 6 Northeast Quadrant assess their openness to new people and new ideas. Often, we all have blinders that prevent seeing opportunities for new life. • Encourage and develop leaders who understand the larger picture and keep others thinking beyond themselves. • Take the opportunity to be in conversation with other dioceses and small church communities, recognizing there may be gifts in the shared experiences. • Find ways for small churches to feel they are an equal partner with the bishop in the decisions concerning the life of the small church. • Identify the resources that small churches have access to in order to participate in visioning and planning. 8 IOWA CONNECTIONS Spring 2019 Summer Ministry School and Retreat 2019 June 14-16 at Grinnell College

2019 RETREAT SCHEDULE Friday 1:30‐6:45 pm Adult Check in 5:00‐6:00 pm Youth Check in at St. Paul's 5:15 pm Dinner 6:15 pm Gathering Session: Civil Discourse— Finding Common Ground for the Common Good with Alan Yarborough, Communication Coordinator for The Episcopal Church's Office of Government Relations 9:00 pm Compline Saturday 6:30 am Coffee hour 7:30 am Morning Prayer Fun, Learning and Worship for the Whole Family! 8:00 am Breakfast 9:00 am TRACK TIME (2.5) For the past 30 years Episcopalians in Iowa have gathered for a weekend in the summer to learn church leadership 11:30 am Noonday prayer (in tracks) skills, explore personal spirituality, or just find Sabbath time. 12:00 noon Lunch and Free Time Praying The Daily Offices together sets a rhythm and tone for the weekend that culminates in Eucharist on Sunday 3:15 pm TRACK TIME (2.5) morning with the Bishop officiating. Almost eight hours are 6:00 pm Dinner set aside for “track time” to get in‐depth study in one track topic of your choice. Morning and evening social time, meals 6:45 pm TRACK TIME (1.25) and this year’s “Gathering Session” is time with people that 8:15 pm Evening Prayer aren’t in your track. 9:00 pm Social Time As the event has grown, we’ve expanded to include the entire family...offering chaperoned lock‐in programs for youth and FREE childcare in the JRC for kids entering grade 3 Sunday and younger. 6:30 am Coffee Hour Grinnell College offers air conditioned dorm living across the 7:30 am Morning Prayer field from the JRC building where all meals, social time, track classrooms and worship take place. We even provide golf cart 8:00 am Breakfast & check out transportation between dorms and the JRC. Meals are all 9:00 am TRACK TIME (1.5) buffet style and are delicious even for picky eaters. 10:45 am Holy Eucharist This year’s Co‐Coordinators are The Rev. Ruth Ratliff and The Rev. Jeanie Smith. Contact them atsmsr@iowaepiscopal. 12:00 noon Lunch and Depart org with questions or to apply for a scholarship. Questions about registration and logistics to Elizabeth Adams: eadams@ iowaepiscopal.org or 515‐277‐6165

REGISTER BY MAY 10, 2019 TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SPECIAL SAVINGS Spring 2019 IOWA CONNECTIONS 9 Summer Ministry School and Retreat 2019 Learning Tracks The “Engaging” Tracks at Summer Ministry School & Retreat The seven “ENGAGING” tracks at the Summer Ministry School and Retreat are another opportunity to engage the topics most requested by Growing Iowa Leaders consults in 2018. These 7 tracks, working with the diocesan “Engaging All Disciples” emphasis, will give participants the option to continue engaging the topic throughout the next year in a “Cohort.” Even if you do not choose to commit to being in a Cohort, you will find the track time beneficial to your own ministry and interest in that topic. TRACK 1 ENGAGING Our Stories as Disciples: Evangelism and Discipleship TRACK 2 ENGAGING New Generations of Faith TRACK 3 ENGAGING Creative Expressions of Worship TRACK 4 ENGAGING Our Resources TRACK 5 ENGAGING the Way of Love and Discipleship TRACK 6 ENGAGING Our Neighbors and Neighborhoods: Mission TRACK 7 ENGAGING Justice through Public Policy TRACK 8 Christ Within TRACK 9 "Mortal, Can These Bones Live?" Hope in Today's Weary World

TRACK 10 The Parables of Jesus: Exploring New Meanings continued on p. 10 TRACK 11: Solo Retreat (Self-Directed) Read full descriptions of each of the tracks and more information about the Cohorts at iowaepiscopal.org/ Ministries/summer-ministry-school-retreat.html Children and Youth at Summer Ministry School and Retreat Birth to age 6: Includes 5 FREE meals, and FREE lodging on the floor in a parent’s dorm room, and FREE Professional Childcare only during scheduled track times. Parents must provide oversight for their young children when not in track time. Age 7 through entering Grade 3: Includes FREE lodging on the floor in a parent’s dorm room and FREE Professional Childcare during scheduled track times. Child’s rate meals are available for purchase as part of the Buffet style meals served to the adults. (Kid-friendly staples are always on hand in that cafeteria) Entering Grades 4-9: Youth Ministry Development Team (YMDT) Program will be in a self-contained concurrent event at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church just south of the Grinnell Campus. Drop off Friday between 5pm and 6pm, and pick up in time for Sunday’s 10:45am Eucharist with the Ministry School and Retreat. Young people should bring a sleeping bag for lock-in sleeping arrangements. Meals from Friday dinner thru Sunday breakfast for this age group will be prepared and served at St. Paul’s. Use the child rate for the buffet lunch after Eucharist on Sunday if youth would like to eat with parents after church. Entering Grades 10-12 up to age 18: Pick one of the numbered adult tracks and join the YMDT chaperones at St. Paul’s for lock-in accommodations. A designated chaperone will escort you to the JRC in time for breakfast in the mornings and escort you to St. Paul’s at approximately 9:30pm after evening worship with the adults. You’ll join the younger youth at the Grinnell Aquatic Center during the Saturday afternoon free time. Visit iowaepiscopal.org to register today! 10 IOWA CONNECTIONS Spring 2019 Building Discipleship in Congregations by Lauren Lyon hat is discipleship? It’s a inaugural Good Book Club reading confirmed or received with parishioners word frequently spoken but of Luke and Acts of the Apostles in who wanted to learn more about the less often fully “unpacked.” Lent and Easter of 2018 was a major Episcopal Church. Curriculum for WJesus’ twelve disciples are described in component of our program last year. the sessions was drawn from the book the gospels as companions on a journey More than 100 members of the parish Walk In Love, published by Forward of preaching, teaching, and healing who put their names on a giant sign-up sheet Movement. Participants deepened their help with his work and continue it after and read a short passage each day from knowledge of the church’s tradition and his public ministry ends. The root of the these books according to a schedule practice and made new friends. word for this common endeavor is shared distributed by Forward Movement. Presiding Bishop Curry introduced The with the word discipline. Hmmm. Several of our Sunday adult education Way of Love at General Convention last The words disciple and discipline have hours were devoted to small group summer. A workshop series released last very different connotations for many discussions of the reading. Entire fall was selected as content for an Advent people, but does that really make sense? families read together in their homes study group at Trinity. Participants met Disciples learn and practice principles the verses appointed for each day. in the afternoons of the four Sundays they value. Often that learning and For the last couple of years, Trinity has of Advent to pray together in spiritual practice have overtones of devotion to put a new spin on the classic Vacation companionship. The small group setting a cause or to a way of life that disciples Bible School, turning it into an inter- offered inviting space for self-disclosure take very seriously. Intense spiritual generational event on three successive and support for spiritual growth. On commitment is risky, sometimes weeknights in July and August. Last weekdays in Advent, Trinity offered dangerous. It promises to stretch us past summer its theme was discipleship. daily morning and evening prayer the point of comfort. It included a sharing faith dinner, an with officiating responsibilities shared In the fall of 2017, Trinity Iowa City opportunity for participants to eat by parish staff and parishioners. We began a long-planned program of dinner together and take part in a extended the opportunity to take part intentional discipleship building. It structured conversation about their either in real time or at the participants’ began with the attendance of a staff personal journeys of faith. It was a big convenience by connecting to Facebook member and an interested parishioner hit and we will be repeating it this year live. Each day’s prayers were recorded at the Discipleship Matters conference in May. Our inter-generational VBS and linked to the parish Facebook offered by Forward Movement.has drawn 70 participants annually for page. Participants ranged in age from Trinity’s representatives at that event the last two years with at least as many toddlers to elders. More than once our brought home ideas for content and adults as children in attendance. online attendance doubled the number implementation and began to develop a Sacramental milestones and seasons of of persons participating when added to network of colleagues from all over the the church year have provided shape for those who were in the church. Trinity’s Episcopal Church. our discipleship program also. Early in location in Iowa City’s downtown Trinity’s approach took us back to the fall of 2018, Trinity was preparing business and university district made basics: Bible reading, prayer and service. for the bishop’s visitation. A six-week it possible for persons from the larger The parish took advantage of materials series of small group gatherings on community to join us at the beginning offered through the Episcopal Church Sunday evenings drew together a or end of the workday. and affiliated organizations. Thegroup of new members preparing to be All of the resources Trinity has used to date are available at no charge. If Trinity’s staff can be of help getting a program of discipleship started in your congregation, we welcome your call 319-337-3333. The Rev. Lauren Lyon serves as the rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Iowa City. Spring 2019 IOWA CONNECTIONS 11 Tackling Food Insecurity, Like a Good Samaritan by Jane Clare any of us are familiar with conversations about food insecurity. the parable of the Good Recent studies have found that at least Samaritan, in which an ten percent of college students face food Munlikely source assists a stranger in need insecurity at some point in their college at the side of the road. The parable asks career; specialized data suggests that at us the well-known question, “Who some campuses, that number may be is my neighbor?” [Lk 10:29]. But it as high as 40%. Since I attend a college is the question that is not verbalized, associated with the church, this feels “How do I help my neighbor?” that can like an incredibly important subject to sometimes be more difficult to answer. discuss—food was, after all, at the heart On my college campus, I’ve been of Jesus’ ministry. meeting with different studentThrough this work, I’ve learned a lot organizations and offices to start about myself and others, as well as developed a more confident and assertive Photo of a Blessing Box (little free pantry) at FOOD & tone. My conversations with others Grace Episcopal Church in Cedar Rapids. Photo: Cindy Brown HOUSING have shown me that many people are sets my teeth on edge every time, but it’s eager to help their neighbor, but people INSECURITY IN a teachable moment. COLLEGE struggle in knowing or agreeing on just how to do so. For that, I suggest taking The simple answer is that one doesn’t FOOD INSECURE a page out of the parable of the Good regulate a Little Free Pantry or Blessing Box in the way a traditional food pantry 36% of university students Samaritan. In my own conversations, I were food insecure in the 30 have been broaching the idea of a “Little is handled. In general, the model for days preceding the survey. This year’s estimate for Free Pantry” (known to some churches these types of service projects is that a community college students is community freely donates foodstuffs 42%, but our larger study last as a “Blessing Box”) on campus. Usually, year found 56%. the organizations I speak with are eager to the cupboard or box, and leaves the HOUSING about the idea, but then someone items in a public place, so they can be INSECURE asks the dreaded question which accessed 24/7 by anyone who may have 36% of university students were halts conversation: need. This model is different than the housing insecure in the last year. traditional food pantry, but that’s what Housing insecurity affected 51% “How do we keep people who don’t of community college students in makes it beautiful and necessary. The last year’s study, and 46% in this need it from using it?” year’s study. implementation of a Little Free Pantry It’s a fair question, but where it makes me can serve as a catch-all for those whom a HOMELESS uncomfortable is in the presumption of traditional pantry may unintentionally 9% of university students power or superiority. Why do we think exclude. For instance, working were homeless in the last year. In comparison, 12% of we have the right to police who gets to individuals who cannot take time off community college students take advantage of our proposed food work during the day to go to a food were homeless in this year’s survey, and 14% in last year’s pantry services? Each time I hear the pantry during operating hours can be survey. question, I see a scene in my mind of greatly benefitted by a cupboard open at MAIN someone standing next to a “you must all hours of the day and night. Similarly, CONTRIBUTING FACTORS be this tall to ride” ruler, and someone in some cases, food pantries have caps in a uniform saying, “Sorry, better Increases to tuition and on how often a consumer can return ancillary expenses luck next time.” The question conjures (once monthly, or once weekly, for Shortfalls in financial aid Meal plans unavailable uncomfortable questions about how example) and may also require certain during breaks one measures “true” poverty, and SOURCES: "STILL HUNGRY AND HOMELESS IN COLLEGE" BY UNIVERSITY documentation to prove one’s income OF WISCONSIN-MADISON AND "WHEN STUDENTS ARE HUNGRY" FROM HARVARD UNIVERSITY worse—who would be the one deciding those qualifications? It’s a question that continued on p 12 12 IOWA CONNECTIONS Spring 2019 EfM in the Diocese of Iowa by John Doherty he Education for Ministry a group, or when there are persons who program continues to be a must travel during the week but don’t source of education, theology, want to miss being a part of their EfM andT individual development for many group, the online format works well. people in the diocese. Some graduates Consider sharing this program at your have continued into ordination paths, church. Join us in the ministry of all the but most find their ministry developed baptized as a mentor or a student for and deepened for service within their becomes the most important part of the session each week. As you learn, you the 2019-2020 year. More information churches and communities. Each group may be found at http://efm.sewanee.edu/ must have a minimum of 6 students also begin to think theologically and gain valuable small group skills. about-efm/about-efm. I would be pleased and no more than twelve. to answer any questions or speak at your The program is a four year curriculum. During the 2018-19 EfM year, there church about this program. The only Each year is a nine month cycle of are 5 groups meeting in the diocese, mentor training in Iowa is scheduled study and students enroll for one year with 8 mentors and co-mentors. In for August 1-3. You must be trained at a time. The first two cycles consist addition to the face-to-face groups, we and certified to mentor a group. have mentors who lead online groups. of study of the Hebrew Testament and John S. Doherty is Diocesan Coordinator the Greek Testament. In years three and Online Education for Ministry was developed and first used by a Wyoming of Education for Ministry jdoherty@ four Church History and Theological iowaepiscopal.org Choices are covered. Along with the mentor, and that is a growing part of reading and discussion, theological the EfM program. When the church reflection takes place, and for most, this or community is too small to support

Tackling Food Insecurity, continued or nationality. While the traditional individual using it. Instead of trying and trust when he leaves the money food pantry is important, it can in some to sort out who the “deserving” versus at the inn; there is no fact-checking or ways exclude certain populations. In the the “undeserving” poor are—as if there allotment according to need. The Good sphere I’m working with, I’ve learned is such a thing—the Little Free Pantry Samaritan simply assists in giving the that college students can be at a specific offers sustenance for everyone, no vulnerable individual agency, lifting a disadvantage, as the requirement for matter how great or small their need. fellow traveler up, much like a Little a meal plan on campus can make a Instead of asserting dominance and Free Pantry can. student ineligible for federal SNAP stooping down to help the person For more information on starting a benefits, which can make the longer on the side of the road, the Good Little Free Pantry, you can visit www. breaks during the school year (when Samaritan places the traveler above littlefreepantry.org. For information food services on campuses typically have him, on his animal, while they travel regarding liability, I suggest becoming limited hours) particularly problematic. to the inn [Lk 10:34]. Once there, the familiar with the Bill Emerson Good So why do I promote the idea of a Samaritan leaves money at the inn for Samaritan Act of 1996, which protects Little Free Pantry for schools and the traveler’s welfare to cover the cost of non-profits that distribute food in churches? Because it exhibits the type whatever else he may need [Lk 10:35]. good faith. of assistance offered in the parable of This is the type of service I think we are Ms. Jane Clare is a student at Luther the Good Samaritan. Unlike traditional called toward in tackling food insecurity College in Decorah and a member of St. food pantries, which may be formidable as a community—not bending down, James’, Independence. for a first-time visitor or accidentally but lifting up our fellow travelers, even let certain groups of vulnerable people if it means we have to walk on the fall through the cracks, the Little Free dirt path ourselves a while. The Good Pantry model offers agency to the Samaritan exhibits great generosity Spring 2019 IOWA CONNECTIONS 13 Safeguarding for Church Leaders by Amy Mellies Safeguarding God’s People training Safeguarding God's Children training to prevent sexual harassment and to prevent child abuse is required for exploitation in congregations is required all who regularly work with or around of any person who engages in, supervises children or youth. All vestry members or makes decisions involving pastoral and clergy must be trained as well. relationships including, but not limited Online training for both Safeguarding to, Diocesan Standing Committee, God's Children and Safeguarding Board of Directors, Commission on God's People is available. Contact the Ministry and congregational vestry administrator in your congregation for members; clergy; anyone providing a personal user name and password. counseling, pastoral care, spiritual If your congregation does not have an direction or guidance, ministration of administrator, the person in charge for individual parishioners in any sacrament; licensed ministers such of your congregation should select congregations. as pastoral leaders, worship leaders, someone to serve in that role, and then Ms. Amy Mellies is the Missioner for preachers, Eucharistic visitors and contact [email protected]. Children and Youth in the Diocese of Iowa. catechists; persons in the ordination Diocesan staff members are unable process and all paid employees. to set up user names and passwords Upcoming Diocesan Youth Events

HAPPENING #46 NEW BEGINNINGS #22 March 8-10 St. Luke's, Cedar Falls April 26-28 St. Luke's, Cedar Falls Happening is a Christian experience for grades An opportunity for grades 6-9 to "retreat" from 9-12 presented by teenagers, for teenagers with their hectic world to consider some of the the help of clergy and lay adult leadership. The important relationships in their lives—with program begins Friday at 7pm and ends on parents, siblings, peers and God through skits, Sunday with a closing worship service at 2pm. games, song and small group time.The program begins Friday at 7pm and ends on Sunday at Songs, games short talks and small group time 2pm. provide the opportunity to learn and share Youth and adult leaders guide the group through together. the entire weekend journey.

Register today at iowaepiscopal.org/Ministries/children-youth.html 14 IOWA CONNECTIONS Spring 2019 Suddenly Lent Has Come Again by Sharon Strohmaier n our rapidly accelerating world, suddenly Lent has Hallelujah: The Bible and Handel's come again. Now we wonder how to make Lent 2019 Messiah (KT85) is based on this meaningful and unique. People ask: “Do we need a beloved musical classic. With a two-CD Ispecial Lenten study?” “Will people take the time to reflect recording of this masterwork performed on this very sacred part of the Christian year?” “Where can we by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, turn to get just the right thing that will inspire and stimulate the musical commentary includes six thought and spiritual discussion within our church?” sessions on Lenten texts as well as four The answer, of course, is Iowa Religious Media Services. sessions on Advent texts. This unique IRMS can provide you with the best resources for both Lent resource appeals to many senses and and Easter. In our collection, we have DVD-based Bible offers a fresh way to explore the meaning of the season. studies and book studies for groups of all ages and studies (Young Adult-Adult) for that individual who really wants to explore the meaning Things to Make and Do for Lent and Easter (BK423) offers of Lent, the mysteries of Holy Week and the glory of Easter. easy-to-understand instructions for a variety of crafts designed We have engaging picture books to deepen the experience to entertain and teach children. The crafts are indexed by age of children’s church. We have craft books to provide creative group and by name of activity. Martha Bettis Gee created the ideas for hands-on activities, and we even have a small number activities and crafts in this book to help put children in touch of dramas for those wanting to stage a Sunday school Easter with the Easter story and express their own unique creativity. production. And don’t forget we also have our 36-foot hand- (Pre-K-Upper Elementary) painted indoor-only canvas labyrinth. All of these building- The Easter Garden, A Lenten block resources are available to you for that very special Experience for Children (BK1835) program for this sacred time of year. We have included just is a how-to book to prepare a Lenten a few of the resources we would love to share with you. For event for children to hear the stories more ideas, please go to our on-line catalog at www.irms.org of Holy Week, create a garden, make and search by Lent or Easter in the subject line, or you may banners for worship, prepare table call us (515-277-2920) for a personal consultation. decorations, and help serve a meal let justice roll down—A worship to their parents and/or congregation. resource for Lent, Holy Week & Easter The children may also participate in (BK1143) is an adult-focused collection an inter-generational worship service. of new prayers, readings, and liturgies The event could be used over seven weeks, as a large one- that take readers from Shrove Tuesday day event or on a Saturday evening/Sunday morning. (lower (the day before Ash Wednesday) to elementary-adult) Easter Sunday. With source materials Humphrey’s First Palm Sunday (BK1861) is a beautiful from around the world, this book offers picture book starring the a wide variety of prayers and reflections, delightful camel from the as well as liturgies of repentance for Ash creator of Humphrey's First Wednesday and dramatic representations of some of the Christmas (BK1858). Unhappy events of Holy Week and Easter. (adult) to be at the back of the pack, From Calvary to Victory: Lenten Reflections for Individuals Humphrey makes a plan to and Groups (BK163) is a book designed to lead readers on become lead camel in his a personal journey to Calvary, following the well-worn path caravan. Despite his antics on beyond the point of simply “giving up” something for Lent. the journey into Jerusalem, This seven-week study by Susan K. Williams-Smith explores Humphrey manages to witness anger and jealousy, fear and anxiety, healing and forgiveness, Jesus entering the city on a colt. Humphrey realizes this man guiding persons of faith to examine themselves and their was the child to whom he gave his blanket on that special beliefs in new ways. There are study questions at the end of night long ago in Bethlehem. (Pre-K-upper elementary) each chapter. (adult) Spring 2019 IOWA CONNECTIONS 15 Suddenly Lent, continued

The Easter Experience(DV846) opportunities for reflection on the pieces of the art and is a six-episode, DVD-driven small questions to start discussions about the Holy Week/Easter group Bible study, centered on the scriptures. (senior high-adult) passion and resurrection of Christ. The Passion by Joe Castillo(DV1220) follows sand artist This is a journey that will deepen Joe Castillo as he draws with sand to create a nine-minute viewers' relationship with Jesus while live art performance of the Passion of the Christ set to the strengthening their relationships with music from Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ (DV63). their small groups. It's also a chance Castillo's mesmerizing artistry is a great fit for devotions, to invite those who don't yet know worship, and retreats. (Lower Elementary-Adult) Christ to discover that Easter is about far more than candy eggs—it's an experience that changes What Christians Believe and Why (DV1498) ties the needs everything. Paint yourself into the story and transform Easter of our changing culture to the historic faith of the church in into a truly life-changing experience. (young adult-adult) this easy-to-understand six-session study. Broadly outlining the theological issues found in the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's 24 Hours the Changed the World (DV838) is a seven-session Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, Adam Hamilton study that will help participants better understand the events explores not only what Christians believe, but why it matters. that occurred during the last twenty-four hours of Jesus' (Young Adult-Adult) life. Presenter Adam Hamilton takes us to the Holy Land to explore the theological significance of Christ's suffering and The Renegade Gospel-The Rebel Jesus (DV1304) explains death, while reflecting on the meanings of these events in our that Jesus didn't come to start a lives today. The DVD also includes a bonus session: What If religion. Instead, the rebel Jesus came Judas Had Lived? (senior high-adult) with a renegade gospel to start a revolution, and you are invited to be What Wondrous Love: Holy Week a part of it. Mike Slaughter presents in Words and Art (DV1109) uses Jesus and his challenging message to the artwork of John August Swanson inspire us during Lent, Easter, and and video commentaries by academic throughout the year. In addition to scholars to explore the stories of Holy the six-week small group adult study, Week and Easter as presented in the this family of resources also includes four gospels. Commentators from study guides for youth (BK1870) and the Candler School of Theology at children (BK1871). (Upper Elementary-Adult) Emory University share an intensely theological approach to Holy Week that is accessible both Ms. Sharon Strohmaier serves as the Executive Director of Iowa to those with a strong theological background as well as Religious Media Services in Des Moines. [email protected] those who want to learn. The participant's book includes My Tithe

by Mark Holmer ne chilly January day I was sitting in my office at is a tithe, right? How could she live on so few funds? I knew church when a less-than-active member walked better. Her job paid her significantly more than that amount. hastily into the outer office and laid something on It appears that some givers refer to their contributions as Othe secretary’s desk. She spotted me and said, “Hi pastor. I a tithe. don’t get to church very often so I thought I’d stop by and In my understanding of a tithe, it is 10%. My Funk and drop off my tithe for the year.” I said, “thanks very much.” Wagnalls Standard Dictionary has this definition: “a tenth I was the only one in the office that morning, so I went and part of the yearly proceeds from personal industry for the picked up the check to put it in a safe place. I could not help support of the clergy and the church.” Most of us clergy, when but take notice of her tithe. It was for $100. I thought to continued on p 16 myself, it appears that her annual income is $1,000. Well, that 16 IOWA CONNECTIONS Spring 2019 My Tithe, continued 2018 Stewardship Share January-December2018 STEWARDSHIP SHARE 2018 talking about personal stewardship, Stewardship (Over) refer to tithes and offerings. Few are the City Church Share Pledge Received Under tithers. My wife Linnea and I are one. Algona St. Thomas $ 2,943 3,600 3,600 - I read recently that the denomination Ames St. John's 53,918 53,918 53,918 - Anamosa St. Mark's 500 1,500 1,500 - with the highest giving percentage Ankeny St Anne's 14,988 6,505 6,507 (1) is the Christian Reformed Church Bettendorf St Peter's 17,384 17,384 17,384 - at 6.1%. Most other denominations Boone Grace 550 550 611 (61) Burlington Christ 20,408 20,408 20,408 - are near 2.5% including Catholics, Carroll Trinity 500 1,000 1,000 - Episcopalians and Lutherans. It comes Cedar Falls St. Luke's 35,993 35,993 35,993 - out to be $817 per year per family. Cedar Rapids Christ 51,772 51,772 51,772 - Cedar Rapids Grace 7,434 7,434 7,434 - When I do premarital counseling, Chariton St Andrew's 3,392 3,392 3,392 - part of one session with the couple Charles City Grace 2,171 2,171 2,171 - Clermont Saviour 1,792 149 (149) is about money and finances. I urge Clinton Christ 788 788 788 - them to consider a budget of 10, 10, Coralville New Song 21,067 21,067 21,067 - 80. Ten percent is given away, off the Council Bluffs St Paul's 3,689 3,690 4,314 (624) Davenport St Alban's 7,201 6,743 6,743 - top, to causes they consider worthy: Davenport Trinity 111,133 88,906 88,906 - church, charities, support of local Decorah Grace 6,765 6,765 6,765 - outreach to the hungry, poor, transient, Denison Trinity 550 550 458 92 Des Moines St. Andrew's 32,586 32,586 32,586 - underemployed, and so forth. The next Des Moines St Luke's 30,913 14,448 14,448 - 10% goes into a savings plan. Put these Des Moines St. Mark’s 5,423 3,500 3,500 - dollars aside and over the course of their Des Moines St. Paul's 67,466 67,466 61,844 5,622 marriage they can own their own home, Dubuque St John's 10,117 10,117 9,947 170 Durant St Paul's 5,795 5,795 5,795 - and in the long run have a secure future Emmetsburg Trinity 2,490 2,490 2,490 - and retirement. Guess what? The final Fort Dodge St. Mark's 27,919 27,919 27,919 - 80% covers taxes and spending money Fort Madison St Luke's 4,400 4,800 4,800 - Glenwood St John's 709 709 709 - for all the necessary things and a splurge Grinnell St. Paul’s 4,686 4,686 4,686 - or two. Turn these things around, spend Harlan St Paul's 550 300 300 - first and guess what? Not much left for Independence St James 2,693 2,500 2,500 - Indianola All Saints' 1,970 1,970 1,970 - savings, charity and the church. Iowa City Trinity 91,935 63,700 76,200 (12,500) My family always puts God first in our Iowa Falls St. Matthew's 3,795 3,795 3,795 - Keokuk St. John's 11,432 6,600 6,600 - lives and in our giving. Take a look LeMars St George's 500 200 (200) at the check or cash you place in the Maquoketa St Mark's 2,916 1,200 1,200 - offering plate. Hopefully you can or Marshalltown St Paul's 12,565 12,565 12,522 43 Mason City St John's 17,251 17,251 17,251 - will say “I give a tithe to the work of the Mount Pleasant St Michael's 5,126 4,200 4,200 - Lord.” If you are not there yet, raise it Muscatine Trinity 16,429 16,429 16,429 - one percentage point a year. After a few Newton St Stephen's 6,149 7,590 7,329 261 Orange City Savior 1,187 600 600 - years you too will be a tither. Oskaloosa St James' 9,909 9,909 9,909 - The Rev. Dr. Mark E. Holmer serves Ottumwa Trinity 10,751 5,000 4,993 7 Perry St. Martin's 8,081 5,500 5,500 - as the pastor at St. Thomas Episcopal Shenandoah St John's 550 550 550 - Church, Algona. Sioux City Calvary 1,904 1,920 1,920 - Sioux City St Paul's 2,842 2,584 2,584 - Sioux City St Thomas' 18,145 9,740 9,727 13 Spirit Lake St Alban's 8,525 8,525 8,525 - Storm Lake All Saints' 2,288 2,288 2,288 - Waterloo Trinity 13,164 13,164 13,164 - Waverly St Andrew's 5,532 2,800 2,800 - Webster City Good Shepherd 7,660 7,660 7,660 - West Des Moines St Timothy's 55,779 48,000 48,000 - TOTAL $ 877,070 764,992 772,320 (7,327) Episcopal

JournalQuarterly EDITION Spring 2019 Pittsburgh priest revives the parish that raised him

By Michelle Hiskey Episcopal News Service hen the Rev. Kris Opat re- turned to St. David’s Episcopal Church in suburban Pittsburgh Win 2012, only 20 people were there to start over as a congregation. The sanctuary, which seats 300, made the group look even smaller. The building’s previous occupants, part of the Anglican Church in North America, had just decamped. Photo/courtesy of St. David’s Ordained for only three years at that Welcoming children to participate in St. David’s services has helped spark the con- point, Opat had never been a priest-in- gregation’s rebirth after all but 20 members decamped. The Rev. Kris Opat, center, charge. attended St. David’s as a teenager. Today, St. David’s is a parish with ing, no-nonsense approach to ministry. of St. David’s, Opat got a phone call almost 300 members — mostly busy “The split in 2008 was terrible, but from a curious neighbor: “Did some- young families who have no previous since then some wonderful things have thing change at that church?” The ques- Episcopal ties. Opat, now 38, is a trained happened,” said the Rev. Lou Hays, a tion was posed so often that St. David’s engineer with dreadlocks who grew up in retired priest who served in the diocese posted a brief history on its website, ac- the congregation. and mentored Opat. “St. David’s is the knowledging the off-putting nature of Opat’s entire career as a priest has un- top of the list.” the confusing changes the church had folded amid the rancor and litigation in gone through since October 2008 when the Diocese of Pittsburgh, and weathering ‘What is going on?’ the diocesan convention agreed to fol- that conflict has influenced his welcom- About six months into the revival low then-Bishop Robert Duncan in his attempt to take the diocese out of the Ash Wednesday outdoors Episcopal Church but retain all the as- The Rev. Andrew Sherman, right, and sets that were held by the diocese. the Rev. Craig Burlington of St. Gregory’s As the wrangling continued, the sign Episcopal Church in Boca Raton, Fla., out front of St. David’s went from say- distribute “ashes to go” in Mizner Park ing “Episcopal” to “Anglican,” and even on Ash Wednesday 2017. Many churches the name of the church had changed at offer ashes at train stations, on sidewalks one point from St. David’s to Church of and in other locations outside the church the Redeemer as about 90 percent of the as well as in traditional worship services congregation tried to dissolve St. David’s on Ash Wednesday, which in 2019 falls and form a new parish in what became on March 6. the Anglican Church in North America, Photo/Elena Tayem via Wikimedia Commons continued on page B News News ARTS Texas church Alabama memorial Book explores greets neighbors to Confederate Lenten focus C with coffee FHleader is removed on the senses B Episcopal Journal Spring 2019 news n

Pittsburgh continued from page A and confirmed at St. David’s. He wor- St. David’s discovered what it could shipped in the ACNA congregation and — and could not — be about. These or ACNA. On May 27, 2012, Pentecost decided “to see if The Episcopal Church lessons brought the parish out of the Sunday, Episcopal worship returned to seemed a little more aligned with the at- ashes and bucked the trend of Episcopal St. David’s and the parish resumed the titudes I remembered learning at church churches losing visitors and members. use of its legal name, St. David’s Episco- during my youth.” That choice put him Here are some of those positive steps pal Church. at odds with his parents, with whom he taken by the congregation: Opat was very familiar with how the was living at the time; they left with the • Welcoming children to the table. neighbors thought. His parents still live ACNA parish. White is now senior war- The last Sunday service each month is in his childhood home, seven minutes den of St. David’s. a Godly Play sermon, and Opat invites away. His mother was one of the faith- Logistics made member Jamie Sti- children to the table to help break the ful remnants of St. David’s, along with a cha decide to stay. “I did consider leav- bread and learn the responses to the Eu- half-dozen other relatives. ing, and it was a difficult time,” she said. charistic prayer. As a middle schooler, Opat had felt “With four young kids, I felt it would be • Emphasizing love in small actions. at home at St. David’s, “which was evan- more difficult to make it to church be- Instead of “please be,” Opat uses “invite.” gelical then, almost Pentecostal,” he said. cause we’d have to be ready a half hour This makes the service “feel more like an “Our youth group would play games and earlier.” act of worship rather than an obligation,” go to the pizza shop. In that evangelical To fan the small ember that was his said White, the senior warden. model, I gave my life to the Lord then, parish, Opat worked alongside Hays the • Accepting less programming. “Our which I have a broader view of now.” first 18 months before being appointed culture is not about doing a lot of stuff,” Opat needed a broad view as a priest priest-in-charge. With no altar guild and said Yoon, who now directs children’s facing a broken congregation of St. Da- vid’s size that also had a burdensome mortgage.

A turnaround starts “I felt hopeless,” recalled Jen Yoon, perhaps the most invested remaining member at St. David’s. She directed its preschool (St. David’s Christian Early Learning Center) and its children’s min- istries. “We had so few people, and it was going to take so much.” Photo/courtesy of St. David’s She was apprehensive about Opat St. David’s Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Pittsburgh is a growing parish with and the direction he was heading theo- almost 300 members who have no previous Episcopal ties. logically. “I had heard a lot of stories about Epis- no readers, Opat did whatever was need- ministries. “Our families are busy, and copalians from the Anglican [ACNA] ed Sunday mornings, even playing guitar they don’t have extra time for weekday church — one side of the story — and with the band. commitments.” I was praying about my commitment to “They were traumatized, shell- • Welcoming community groups a church family where people had acted shocked, so we didn’t ask the laypeople (which also helps pay the mortgage on terribly and decided they couldn’t be to- to do more. They needed to engage in the new building erected in 2001). St. gether,” Yoon said. “What came to me healing,” Hays said. “Kris was extremely David’s is also home to tutoring, music through nights of painful prayer was to active in recruiting a vestry and focusing lessons and exercise classes. An evangeli- let go of any and all labels or thoughts of on Sunday morning. But number one, he cal Presbyterian church meets there, too. Anglicans versus Episcopalians and get loved the people. He was demonstrating • Using extra land to feed local back to what this is really about: telling to them through faithfulness to the Scrip- people. Opat and an Eagle Scout built people about the love of Christ. ture, and just that sense of warmth and a community garden that produces pep- “I spoke with Kris because I wanted connecting that he has, that they could be pers, green beans, zucchini and more — to know: Does he believe in one God comfortable with us. He was what we call all of which goes to a local food bank. and Father, salvation in Jesus Christ and the non-anxious presence that reassures • Hosting a weekly farmer’s market. the continued work of the Holy Spirit? people that it’s going to be okay.” With a group of moms from St. David’s We had a frank conversation around By end of first year, about 75 people and others who live nearby, Opat orga- those three questions, and our beliefs were coming to the big church that ev- nized local growers and makers to set very much aligned with each other. Kris eryone passes on a main thoroughfare. up in St. David’s parking lot. Today his was clear that we would become a place Some families attend after first expe- mom runs it, and hundreds of shoppers of community.” riencing the community through the take part weekly. n Others stayed at St. David’s despite or preschool. About a dozen returned from because of family concerns. the ACNA congregation. “We are open Michelle Hiskey is an Atlanta-based Sam White had been baptized, raised about anyone coming back,” Opat said. freelance writer. n news Episcopal Journal Spring 2019 C Texas church serves ‘Coffee on the Corner’

By Mary Frances Schjonberg on the corner and get to know the Episcopal News Service neighbors, give them a cup of cof- fee and just visit.” hen you look out the St. Luke’s has a strategic corner window of your church in the neighborhood. The area el- and see kids and their ementary school is across from the Wparents walking past ev- front of the church, and the middle ery morning on their way to neigh- school is down a side street. That borhood schools and a school bus side street is also where high school stop, what comes to mind? students wait for buses. The vestry “We figured that there might is considering building a bus shelter. be needs that we might be able As the Fridays went by, the vol- to plug into,” said the Rev. Karen unteers learned a lot. For instance, Calafat, rector of St. Luke’s in the Photo/Mary Frances Schjonberg/ENS an early thought about offering Meadow Episcopal Church in Fort Donnell Guynn, a member of St. Luke’s in the Meadow English-as-a-second-language class- Worth, Texas. She and some pa- Episcopal Church in Fort Worth, Texas, offers hot es became a reality, but in reverse. rishioners had some ideas, but they sausage biscuits to a mother and her children during a The St. Luke’s women began asking didn’t know whether those ideas recent Coffee on the Corner morning. the Spanish-speaking parents the would be helpful. “We were just looking neighborhood. The women wanted to Spanish names of some of the food they for a way to connect, find out what their find a way to tell their neighbors that St. were handing out, such as bananas and needs are and see if there was any way we Luke’s “was not on the bandwagon” with oranges. The parents would quiz the vol- could partner with them,” Calafat said. the administration’s policies. unteers in subsequent weeks to see if they That’s when their discovery that mid- Three of the women got together to remembered their translations. dle school students needed college logo talk more, but “we realized we didn’t even One mother later suggested that the T-shirts led to the Friday morning Cof- know what the neighborhood needs,” parents and parishioners continue trying fee on the Corner, a six-week experiment Calafat said. “We can’t plan some big to learn each other’s languages, and now that began in September and has contin- program because what if it’s not needed? the morning chats are becoming increas- ued ever since. So, we just honed it down to: Let’s stand ingly bilingual. continued on page E Calafat and St. Luke’s member Don- nell Guynn recently explained that trajec- tory one chilly Friday while serving coffee, cocoa, sausage biscuits and other treats. At a meeting with counselors at nearby Mid- dlebrook Middle School, parishioners learned that the students needed the shirts for those days when they came to school out of uniform or on special days when they can wear such logo shirts. That finding coincided with the church’s yard sale, so volunteers culled all the college logo T-shirts from the donations and gave them to the middle school. “It just started the conversation,” Calafat said. At the same time, the parish was host- PREPARE FOR MINISTRY ing another kind of dialogue, sponsored by Living Room Conversations, a non- IN THE WAY OF JESUS profit organization that helps people who Students at Pittsburgh Seminary prepare for ministry in disagree find ways to work together and the way of Jesus. Together we welcome neighbors. We respect each other. Last July, the monthly share meals, differences, and experiences. We expand gathering at St. Luke’s discussed refugee our minds. And we are challenged and enriched as families and the Trump administration’s we explore the broad range of beliefs we bring to the zero-tolerance immigration policy. table. Join us! Eight “brave women” were present, Calafat said, and they decided that, while 1-800-451-4194 they knew little about refugees, they www.pts.edu/Episcopal knew there were immigrants in their D Episcopal Journal Spring 2019 news n S an Diego Episcopalians continue aiding asylum seekers

By Lynette Wilson since October, when ICE began releasing large numbers into Episcopal News Service communities without a support system. That was when Good Samaritan and other partners in the San Diego Rapid Response hen U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Network mobilized. last fall alerted the San Diego Rapid Response Shelters offer asylum seekers a place to find food, rest, a Network it would begin releasing asylum seekers shower and clothing before boarding buses and airplanes to W— including families with children — onto the unite with family across the country, said Schenone, who has streets, the county’s interfaith and social and human rights used her discretionary fund to provide cash to families traveling organizations responded by setting up temporary shelters. to other parts of the country. “A rapid-response team here in San Diego brings asylum “You can’t just stick people on the bus without food, dia- seekers who’ve been released by border officials to a shelter, pers, money,” she said. “The real heroes are the [volunteers] provides food and medical attention, and assists the asylum who were showing up at the bus station.” seekers in arranging transportation From the time of initial need, the to family members or others who interfaith community advocated for a will host them while their cases are crisis declaration, hoping the govern- adjudicated,” said San Diego Assist- ment would assist the way it did in ing Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, 2016 when a surge of Haitian asylum adding that the adjudication process seekers crossed the border, said Kevin sometimes takes years. Malone, executive director of the San Good Samaritan Episcopal Diego Organizing Project, a nonpar- Church was one of many churches tisan, multi-faith network of 28 con- that stepped up to identify immedi- gregations in San Diego County. ate needs such as food, clothing, dia- “[Former California] Gov. [Jerry] pers and cash assistance. The church Brown opened up the armory to pro- began accepting clothing and other cess a lot of people really fast. But donations in late October. It has it’s a completely different crisis; they continued to receive donations daily; are not moving thousands across in a once a week, an average 10-12 inter- short period … It’s been 50 to 70 a faith volunteers sort them by size and Photo/Lynette Wilson/ENS day for a long time, and in a way that wearability. Good Samaritan Senior Warden Penny Powell leaves them on the street.” “We felt it was the right thing to and the Rev. Janine Schenone, rector, sort “Without us, they would have do,” said Carol Hamilton, Good Sa- through clothing donations. added to the homeless population — maritan’s outreach chair. “One of the people were coming across with no most beautiful things for us is that it has drawn in other faith money — and that would have been awful,” said Malone.

communities.” He found it in the Marketplace. After the network’s temporary shelter was forced to move four Visit In the three years that the Rev. Janine Schenone has served times because of safety concerns, on Jan. 29 the San Diego Board as Reach rector, so she’s encouraged the congregation to get more in- of Supervisors voted to lease an old courthouse to the response volved many forin social justice and outreach, said Hamilton. network to operate a shelter for asylum seekers through 2019. soAt little first, with said Schenone, some congregants worried that the Until late January, U.S. Customs and Border Protection church a Marketplace was helping ad. undocumented immigrants. But online when it processed up to 100 asylum seekers a day; the Trump adminis- became clear that they were assisting peoplewww. seeking legal entry tration reduced that number to 20 on Jan. 25.

into the United States through the asylum process, they got On Feb. 11, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed

episcopaljournal.org behindepiscopaljournalads it, she said. an order to withdraw two-thirds of the state’s National Guard Good @gSamaritanmail.com has assisted some 6,000 …tellasylum a friendseekers troops from the border, disputing claims of an “illegal immi- gration crisis” and calling it nothing but “political theater,” Re- NOTICE: MOVING SERVICES uters reported. On Feb. 15, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency to build a border wall, citing an “invasion” at the Skip Higgins southern border.

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n neWs EPISCOPAl JOUrnAl Spring 2019 e

sAN DiegO continued from page D park and a protected estuary form a buf- fer between the border and the nearest and ‘undocumented immigrant’ adds to residential beach community. On the Ti- the confusion. Asylum seekers do so le- juana side, people live close to the fence, gally, whether they are met by offi cials at which extends into the Pacifi c Ocean. the border or after entering the United Th e existing border fence, however, States,” said Jeff erts Schori. “It is vital to has not deterred migrant “caravans” and recognize that seeking asylum is a legal asylees’ arrivals at the border. (In 2014, right. Even if a person crosses the bor- an unprecedented number of unaccom- der without offi cial permission, interna- panied minors fl eeing violence in Central tional law requires that the request for America was detained crossing the border.) Photo/Mary Frances Schjonberg/ENS asylum be heard.” Hundreds of Central American mi- Th e Rev. Karen Calafat, rector of St. Th e Episcopal Church, through Gen- grants began arriving Nov. 14, 2018, in Luke’s in the Meadow, chats with a mother eral Convention and Executive Council Tijuana and other ports of entry. Th e during the weekly Coff ee on the Corner. resolutions, has a long history of sup- caravans have been politicized in United TeXAs continued from page C porting refugees, asylum seekers and mi- States and in their Central American grants. During General Convention last countries of origin (Guatemala, El Sal- On a recent day, some Spanish- July in Austin, Texas, Episcopalians gath- vador and Honduras), where one of the speaking students brought a newly ar- ered outside a detention center housing main drivers of migration — forced dis- rived Asian friend with them. Th en, two migrant women to protest the Trump placement by violence — is often denied. Rwandan sisters who walk their younger administration’s immigration policies In the United States, Trump has called sister to the elementary school came by. separating families. economic migrants and asylum-seekers Th e sisters, who speak fi ve languages, Since then, Episcopalians have joined an “assault on our country.” Last Novem- according to Calafat and Guynn, often interfaith eff orts across the Southwest to ber, he deployed National Guard troops hang out around Coff ee on the Corner respond to and shed light on the human- to the border. Trump has threatened to before they go to school. itarian crisis at the border in places like cut aid to Guatemala, El Salvador and It’s not all about coff ee and goodies. El Paso, Texas, which borders Ciudad Honduras over the caravans. Prominent on a corner of the rolling Juarez, and in San Diego. “Th e current border crisis is centered treat cart is a brightly colored mug with Th e San Ysidro port of entry connect- on aiding asylum seekers as they leave the squares of paper asking, “How can we ing Tijuana and San Diego is the busi- border to wait for their cases to be adju- pray for you?/Cómo podemos orar por est border crossing in the United States, dicated. Th e level of violence in Central usted?” Th e mug is the invitation; the both in terms of economics and people. America has caused thousands of people volunteers never push anyone. People and students cross the border dai- to fl ee for their lives, and many are seek- Calafat said she takes any fi lled-in ly for work and to attend school. ing asylum in the United States,” said cards that are left on the cart to her desk. For 20 years, a slatted border fence has Jeff erts Schori. “Th ose seeking asylum “I just kind of keep them in front of me separated San Diego from Tijuana. U.S. are women with small children, families, and lift them up in prayer, and when Customs and Border Protection agents unaccompanied minors and single indi- they come back the next week, we ask patrol the United States side, where a state viduals of working age.” n them how things are going,” she said. One morning a woman visited, saying she had seen Coff ee on the Corner but had never stopped. Th at day, she said, Transforming girls, transforming the world! she needed prayers for her marriage. Th ree or four weeks later, she returned Girls’ Friendly Society to say she and her husband had a good An Episcopal fellowship for girls age 5 and up week. “It’s just about keeping track of people,” Calafat said. Melissa Subjeck, the college and career readiness coach at Meadowbrook Middle School, stops by nearly every Friday when she drops off her daughter for pre-K classes. She likes to greet some of her students as they take their younger siblings to the elementary school. Subjeck praised both the parish’s initial eff ort to give college T-shirts to the middle Visit school and the coff ee stand. “I think this www.gfsus.org church is pretty remarkable,” she said. “Th is is one of the highlights of my Fridays. Call 714-330-1156 today! It starts you off in a good mood.” n F Episcopal Journal Spring 2019 news n Alabama church removes pew, plaque dedicated to Confederate president By David Paulsen “Davis was a po- Episcopal News Service litical figure, not a church figure, nor he pew had been an unmistakable even a member of fixture for decades at St. John’s the parish,” Wis- Episcopal Church in Montgom- newski said. “Act- Tery, Ala. Online photos show ing to remove the the pew — a cross-shaped poppy head pew and plaque is carved in its wooden finial — sticking the correction of out among the rows and rows of newer, a political act and plainer-looking pews that filled the rest hopefully will help of the church’s sanctuary. us all to focus more One other detail made this pew stand completely on the Photo/David Berenguer out: It was known as the Jefferson Davis love of Christ for Above, a pew known as the Jefferson Davis pew is seen among pew and had an accompanying plaque all people.” newer pews at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Montgomery, Ala. touting its history: a tribute to the Con- In an e-mail to rehabilitate the image of the Confedera- federate president who attended St. Episcopal News Service, Wisnewski ex- cy and its leaders by denying the South John’s for three months in 1861 before plained why the church began scrutiniz- fought the Civil War to protect slavery. the capital of the Confederacy moved ing the history of the pew and plaque. In the 1950s, Montgomery became from Montgomery to Richmond, Va. “In teaching a Sunday school class a pivotal battleground in the civil rights Today, that pew is in storage. The this past fall, I became aware of the pew’s movement, with the Rev. Martin Luther congregation recently removed it and its dedication not occurring until 1925,” King Jr., as pastor of Dexter Avenue plaque and moved a newer pew from the said Wisnewski, who has served at St. Baptist Church, joining others in leading back of the sanctuary to take its place. John’s since 1995. That pew wasn’t an the successful Montgomery bus boycott. “To continue to allow the pew to be original, he said. The congregation had But a century earlier, Alabama’s capital in our worship space would be trouble- replaced its old pews with new ones in city was known as a commerce hub in some,” the Rev. Robert Wisnewski, rec- the early 1900s. By the 1930s, a pew the slave-powered cotton empire of the tor at St. John’s, said this week in a mes- from Davis’ era had been re-installed and antebellum South. sage to the congregation. labeled, but its ties to the Confederate St. John’s is Montgomery’s oldest At a time when Episcopal churches figure were uncertain at best. Episcopal parish. It formed in 1834, and institutions across the country are The plaque called Davis “a communi- and in 1837 the congregation completed reckoning with their historical ties to cant,” but Davis was not yet a confirmed construction of its 48-pew brick church. slavery, the Confederacy and Jim Crow Episcopalian when he attended services When membership topped 100, the con- segregation, Wisnewski and vestry mem- at St. John’s, he added. gregation built a new church in 1855, bers decided to remove the Jefferson and slaves were given use of the old brick Davis pew because its ties to Davis were Montgomery’s roots church, according to a guidebook pub- false and its dedication ceremony 89 The timing of the 1925 dedication, lished by the Civil Heritage Trail. years ago was a political act steeped in with racism and segregation on the rise, Montgomery “was the exhilarated, racism, which runs counter to Christian- coincided with the “Lost Cause” cam- thronging capital of the Confederate ity, Wisnewski said. paign across the South, which sought to States of America” in the first months of 1861, the guidebook says, and Davis was inaugurated the Confederacy’s president FOR WHERE LIFE Trust the Stevens Worldwide Van Lines in the city on Feb. 18. TAKES YOU... ™ Davis was raised a Baptist and began Clergy Move Center attending Episcopal services in Mont- Stevens is proud to deliver over 110 years of family-owned moving expertise and quality services to the Episcopal Church gomery at the urging of his second wife, members, clergy, employees and educators: Varina. • Discounted pricing • Stevens Home Protection Kit™ • Top-rated drivers and crews • Free no-obligation move estimate “We have no way of knowing how • Customized moving packages • Single point-of-contact many times he or his family attended, Recommended Mover by the Episcopal Church perhaps only a few times or perhaps as many as a dozen times,” Wisnewski said CALL VICKI BIERLEIN: in his message to the congregation about 800.248.8313 the Davis pew. “Since Davis was not www.stevensworldwide.com/affinity confirmed, it is probable that he never

USDOT 72029 USDOT received continued on page J n neWs EPISCOPAl JOUrnAl Spring 2019 G Church dedicates new ‘home base’ for racial healing

By David Paulsen Episcopal Church’s Becoming Beloved Episcopal News Service Community framework. Th e dedication ceremony, held be- year after changing its name from tween the congregation’s two Sunday- the R.E. Lee Memorial Church morning services, featured a psalm and a to its original Grace Episcopal prayer: “Lord God almighty … look with A Church, a congregation in Lex- favor on your servants who will gather in ington, Va., is moving forward with a this clean and simple space. Enable them new emphasis on racial reconciliation. to communicate truth, to foster love, to For more than 100 years, the con- uphold justice and right, and to provide gregation’s name had paid tribute to enjoyment. Let them promote and sup- the Confederate general who served as a port that peace between peoples.” senior warden there after the Civil War. Photo/Grace Episcopal, via Facebook Grace Episcopal Church’s community Facing pressure from Southwestern Vir- Th e Jonathan M. Daniels Community room, backed by a $47,000 grant from ginia Bishop Mark Bourlakas and from Room is part of the renovated undercroft at the United Th ank Off ering (UTO), is like-minded parishioners, the congrega- Grace Episcopal Church in Lexington, Va. named after Jonathan Myrick Daniels, tion’s vestry narrowly voted in Septem- a white Episcopal seminarian killed in ber 2017 to change the name back to A year and a half later, the congrega- 1965 while shielding a black girl in Ala- Grace, though that move left a wound tion is charting a way forward by empha- bama from a shotgun blast. Daniels at- that is still healing. sizing racial reconciliation. On Feb. 3, tended the church in Lexington while he “We lost a lot of people,” said the Rev. parishioners were in in a festive mood for was a cadet at the Virginia Military Insti- James Hubbard, interim rector. “A good the dedication of three newly renovated tute, and the Episcopal Church honors number of the folks who left have come gathering spaces in the church’s under- him as a martyr on Aug. 14. back slowly. Some have not. I’m sure croft, including a community room cre- Th e UTO grant application noted some will never come back, but it was ated as a “home base” for the congrega- that the congregation in Lexington for all sorts of reasons.” tion’s racial-healing eff orts through the continued on page i

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Save The Date March 22-24 H EPISCOPAl JOUrnAl Spring 2019 BOOK ReVIeW n Book suggests exploring Lent through the senses Review by Neva Rae Fox I am delighted to have discovered it in sense and a compact book, “Sense and Sensibility.” sensibility: was taught the signifi cance and a deep “Sense and Sensibility” provides an appreciation of Lent as a young girl at- approach to observe Lent in a fresh, albe- A Lenten tending Catholic elementary school. it penitential way through daily prayers exploration IEver since, I annually approach Lent focusing on our fi ve senses. By Sam Portaro with the commitment and respect that Author Sam Portaro explains that his Church bespeaks of the 40 days of penance and approach relies on our physical senses, Publishing refl ection. not on denying ourselves. “Lent is often a 130 pages, For many years, I, like thousands season given to denial of physical pleasure $12.95 of others, gave up something for Lent, and sensation,” he begins. “Yet a cultural ranging from sweets to smoking to a atmosphere saturated with visual images, Scripture reading or a collect, followed memorable Lent as a teen when I gave noise and air pollution, violence and pro- by a refl ection that is not long, but is up Cheese Doodles (that was a sacri- cessed foods has dulled the senses.” spiritually based and thought-provoking. fi ce!). My observances for Lent modifi ed Portaro is a former university Episco- Chapters are aptly titled Touch, Sight, over the years, and for the past two de- pal chaplain who has authored numerous Smell, Sound and Taste, corresponding cades I have taken on self-improvement books on vocations and Christian life. In to the weeks in Lent. Th e fi rst chapter reading, ranging from an examination of “Sense and Sensibility,” he off ers a new dis- begins with Ash Wednesday and the days St. Paul and Islam to books by Dietrich tinct way to observe a holy Lent through following; the last chapter is Holy Week, Bonhoeff er and Th omas Merton. Of spiritual penance while observing, and not concluding on Easter. late, I have been searching for a new way denying, the world surrounding us. Th e introduction to each chapter sets to observe the 40 days of penance, and Most daily off erings start with a the stage for the continued on page i episcopal Relief & Development sunday to be observed on March 10

By Episcopal Journal “As we follow in the foot- God’s love by giving mean- steps of Jesus this Lent, we ingfully to this vital ministry.” ooking toward the start know that living out God’s Th e 2009 General of Lent on Ash Wednes- love for the world is our ul- Convention designated day, March 6, Presiding timate goal,” said Curry. “I Lent as a time for dioceses, LBishop Michael Curry invite all congregations to congregations, and port for the work of Episcopal has invited Episcopalians to devote a Sunday in Lent to individuals to remember and Relief & Development than observe Episcopal Relief & refl ect on the life-giving work support the work of Episcopal when faithful people remem- Development Sunday on of Episcopal Relief & Devel- Relief & Development. ber our partners, program March 10. opment and to demonstrate Although the fi rst Sunday participants and staff in their in Lent is the offi cial day of prayers,” said Episcopal Relief observance, churches may & Development President & hold a special service on CEO Rob Radtke. “We are MOVING? any Sunday. For additional thankful for all the congre- information and to download gations and individuals who a planning guide, visit www. choose to join us in observing episcopalrelief.org/sunday. Episcopal Relief & Develop- Th is year, Episcopal Relief ment Sunday.” & Development celebrates For more than 75 Ask for a clergy 15 years of Lenten Medita- years, Episcopal Relief & moving specialist and tions with selections from Development has worked discover why thousands • Clergy Discount previous years. Th ese booklets with supporters and partners of churches, clergy • Guaranteed Dates and other resources including for lasting change around and seminarians have • 3 Estimates with only 1 survey hope chests, pew envelopes, relied on us for nearly the world. Each year, the two decades. • All Major Van Lines bulletin inserts and prayers organization responds to the are available at www.episcop- needs of more than 3 million alrelief.org/Lent. Supporters people struggling with hunger, may sign up for daily e-mail poverty, disaster and disease. It meditations in English and currently focuses its programs 800-733-0930 Spanish. on three areas: women, www.clergyrelocation.com • [email protected] “Th ere is no greater sup- children and climate. n n neWs EPISCOPAl JOUrnAl Spring 2019 I seNse continued from page h gRACe continued from page g physical sense being explored: “nearly came apart” in 2017 after two • “Touch is essential to an encounter years of tense debate over its name. Th e with the spirited God.” process of congregational soul-searching • “Seeing is believing, we say. Com- began in the wake of the 2015 massacre prehension is signifi ed in the expression at a black church in Charleston, S.C., ‘I see.’ But in our modern culture we’re by a white gunman with a fondness for bombarded with images.” Confederate symbols. • “Scent attracts and repels … Our “I think the general feeling in the par- Th e congregation in 2017 changed its noses help us to identify friends and ish is that we have come through a very name to Grace Episcopal Church from mates, and warn us of people and pro- bad time but are now on the other side R.E. Lee Memorial Church. duce that may be a tad ‘off .’” of it — wiser and more sober-minded, I bate over the old name faced each other • “Speech, hearing and listening rep- think, for having gone through it,” Anne across the aisle of the church and asked resent the most tangible communion be- Hansen, a former vestry member, told for forgiveness. tween God and us.” ENS by e-mail. “Th ere were people with tears run- • “Th e central liturgies of many reli- Hubbard expressed hope that the ning right down their faces,” Hubbard gions are meals, rituals tidbits and sips congregation had begun moving past the said. … We are a people of the table.” bitter confl ict over its identity and his- Th e congregation is working to add “Sense and Sensibility” is ideal for a tory. “I don’t think confl icts get wholly Beloved Community events to its sched- busy lifestyle — and who doesn’t have smoothed over,” he said, but “it’s a much ule of activities in the community room. a busy lifestyle? — to pause, to pray, to happier place.” Even before the room’s dedication, the refl ect and to observe Lent in a spiritual Th e congregation took a big step church had begun hosting events aimed manner. n forward in May when it invited monks at racial healing, such as a hymn sing from Holy Cross Monastery in West that was joined by a half-dozen churches, Neva Rae Fox is the principal of Th e Park, N.Y., to lead parishioners in a heal- black and white, in Lexington. Fox Group, a communications consulting ing-and-reconciliation workshop, Hub- Grace Episcopal “is really solidly be- fi rm whose clients include religious organi- bard said. Church members who had hind” the work of racial reconciliation, zations and nonprofi ts. taken opposing positions during the de- Hubbard said. n

“Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you.” - JEREMIAH 29:12

WE INVITE YOUR CONGREGATION TO OBSERVE Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday March 10, 2019

This Lent, we invite you to join with congregations and friends as they support the life-giving work of Episcopal Relief & Development. VISIT www.episcopalrelief.org/Sunday

EJ19-E J Episcopal Journal Spring 2019 News n

DAvis continued from page F to remove all representations of featured a speech by Confederate battle flags but to writer and historian Holy Communion here and technically keep family memorials to fall- John Trotwood Moore, was not a communicant.” en Confederate soldiers. The known as “an apolo- After leaving Montgomery, Davis was congregation left untouched gist for the Old South” confirmed in 1862 at St. Paul’s Episcopal its plaques marking the pews who espoused viru- Church in Richmond, once known as where Davis and Lee once sat. lent white-supremacist the Cathedral of the Confederacy. Con- In 2017, a violent clash be- rhetoric and defended federate Gen. Robert E. Lee also wor- tween white supremacists and lynching. shiped at St. Paul’s. counterprotesters in Charlot- A 1999 article Pew plaques and stained glass win- tesville, Va., over the fate of in the Tennessee dows at St. Paul’s had long touted the the city’s Confederate statues Source/Tennessee State Library and Archives Historical Quarterly Richmond church’s historical ties to led to a new round of national John Trotwood Moore, provides a description those two prominent Confederate fig- debates and amplified calls to known as an “apolo- of Moore’s speech at ures when, in 2015, St. Paul’s launched remove such symbols from gist for the Old South,” the dedication of the its History and Reconciliation Initiative public display, including at spoke at the dedication Jefferson Davis pew, to re-examine that history and consider Episcopal institutions. of the Jefferson Davis based on contemporary whether changes were warranted. pew in 1925. newspaper reports. Racist pedigree Alabama’s governor and The catalyst Vestry members made their decision other civic leaders attended the event. On June 17, 2015, Dylann Roof after Wisnewski brought his research on Besides hailing Davis as a “pure- opened fire at Emanuel African Meth- the pew to their attention, including the blooded Anglo-Saxon,” Moore made a odist Episcopal Church in Charleston, evidence that the pew was not in place case that racial purity and white superi- S.C., killing nine black worshippers. for the 1925 dedication, Wisnewski said. ority were part of Davis’ legacy. When photos surfaced of Roof posing “The lore that the pew had been in “We are the children not of our father with a Confederate flag, it fueled a na- place since the beginning of the Civil and mother but of our race,” Moore said. tionwide debate over the racist legacy of War and always known as the Jefferson “It is well to teach our children that they such imagery and its embrace by white Davis pew is not true,” Wisnewski said. are well-bred, descendants of heroes. Only supremacists. The rector also discovered details of the pure breed ever reaches the stars.” At St. Paul’s, the congregation decided the 1925 dedication ceremony, which Moore’s role in the dedication of the pew gave little doubt about its racist pedigree, Wisnewski said. “Confederate monuments and symbols have increas- ingly been used by groups that promote white supremacy and are now, to many people of all races, seen to represent in- sensitivity, hatred and even evil.” “The mission of our parish is diamet- rically opposed to what these symbols have come to mean,” he said. “Even if the actions which brought about the Jef- ferson Davis pew in 1925 were only to memorialize an historical fact, and that appears improbable, the continuance of its presence presents a political state- ment.” The vestry voted to remove the pew and place it and the plaque honoring Davis in the church’s archives. “This was not done to rewrite our his- tory or to dishonor our forebears,” Wis- newski wrote in his message to the con- gregation. The current vestry would not vote to add such a pew honoring Davis, Give to the 2018 Annual Appeal. so it would be “troublesome” to let the Your support provides for all our ministries. existing pew remain, he said. “St. John’s prides itself in being a Visit episcopalchurch.org/give/annual-appeal or spiritual home for all people and a place where politics takes a back seat to the Text Appeal to 91999 nurture of our souls,” Wisnewski said. n IOWA CONNECTIONS SPRING 2019 Diocese of Iowa Youth Ski Trip February 8-10, 2019 Check out these offerings and more at: becomingbelovedcommunity.org