October, 2013 • Volume 138, Issue No. 10 Nominations for bishop close October 14th [MSE] A website was launched last month detailing the search for the tenth Look for articles in future issues of the Mississippi Episcopalian written bishop of Mississippi. According to Nominating Committee chair, Lee Davis by various people involved in the our search process and be sure to log on to Thames (Holy Trinity/Vicksburg), “All of us involved on the nominating commit - http://msbishopsearch.org and read the complete profile of our diocese. tee, the transition committee and the standing committee hope that everyone in the Diocese of Mississippi will visit the website to learn more about the process we are going through to elect a bish - op coadjutor and to learn about our diocese through the narrative profile.” Nominations for the search committee will close on Monday, Oct. 14 , but Visit http://msbishopsearch.org to learn about diocesan search process and the the website will remain on the internet where information may be found regard - Diocese of Mississippi. ing the progress of the search. Nominations requested for diocesan elected positions By Kathryn McCormick cial corporation. “The Bishop of the Diocese shall, ex officio, be the Beach; Dr. Leigh Jensen Crawford, Resurrection, Starkville; the Rev. President of said Corporation. The members composing said Scott Lenoir, St. John’s, Ocean Springs; the Rev. Luther Ott, Chapel Elections for various diocesan positions will take place at the Corporation shall be five in number, all of whom shall be confirmed of the Cross, Madison; Mr. John Sneed, St. James’, Jackson; and Mr. 187th Annual Council to be held in Natchez, January 31 and adult lay communicants and four of whom shall serve for a four Jim Wheeler, Redeemer, Biloxi. February 1-2, 2014. The office of Treasurer is elected for a one-year year term or until their successors are elected, but no more than Deputies to the General Convention, consisting of four clerics term and may be re-elected to office. Mr. Fred Page, All Saints’, three consecutive terms. Four of said Trustees shall be elected by and four confirmed adult lay communicants, will also be elected. Tupelo is currently serving as Treasurer. the Diocesan Council and the fifth Trustee shall be appointed by Council shall also elect four alternate deputies of each order. The Annual Council will also elect members to the Diocesan the Bishop for a one year term, for no more than four consecutive General Convention will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, June 25- Executive Committee. Two members of the clergy and two mem - appointed terms.” The elected term of Mrs. Lynn Jenkins, St. July 3, 2015. The current clerical deputies who are eligible for re- bers of the lay order will be elected. The Rev. Luther Ott, Chapel of Peter’s by the Lake, Brandon, expires and she is eligible for re-elec - election are: the Rev. Canon David Johnson, Diocesan Office; the the Cross, Madison, having served a full term is not eligible for re- tion for another full four-year term. The elected trustees remaining Rev. David Knight, St. Paul’s, Delray Beach, FL; the Very Rev. election. The Rev. Anne Harris was appointed by the bishop, serv - in office are Mr. Holmes Adams, St. Andrew’s, Jackson; Mr. John Edward O’Connor, St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Jackson; and the Rev. ing a one-year term and is ineligible for election since Harris has Davis, St. Paul’s, Columbus; and Mr. Mike Strojny, St. Mark’s, Marian Dulaney Fortner, Trinity, Hattiesburg. Lay deputies eligible served three appointed terms. The members of the clergy remain - Gulfport. Mr. Filo Coats, All Saints’, Grenada is serving a one-year Nominations ing on the Executive Committee are: the Rev. Gates Elliott, Chapel appointed term and is eligible for election to a full term or re- Continued on page 5 of the Cross, Madison; the Rev. Walton Jones, Trinity, Natchez; the appointment to a one year term. Council will elect one trustee to Rev. Chris Robinson, Mediator/Redeemer, McComb; and the Rev. serve a four-year term. Elizabeth Wheatley-Jones, All Saints’, Grenada. For the lay elections, Trustees of the University of the Dr. Stephen Stray, St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Jackson; and Mr. Jim South serve staggered three-year Wheeler, Redeemer, Biloxi, having served full terms, rotate off the terms. The Sewanee Trustees are Executive Committee and are not eligible for re-election. The fol - composed of one cleric and two lay lowing lay persons remain on the Executive Committee: Ms. Judy members. At Council we will elect Barnes, St. Alexis, Jackson; Mr. Cooper Morrison, St. Andrew’s one cleric member. The Rev. David Cathedral, Jackson; Mr. Dick Phillips, Grace Church, Canton; and Elliott, III, St. Andrew’s, Jackson Mr. Charles Strange, Redeemer, Greenville. The following persons serves in this position and is eligible were appointed by the bishop, served a one-year term and are eligi - for re-election. The terms of Mr. ble for election to a three year term: Ms. Goldia Revies, St. Scott Davis, St. Patrick’s, Long Beach; Christopher’s, Jackson; and Mr. Reggie Sims, Chapel of the Cross, and Mrs. Margaret McLarty, St. Madison. Andrew’s Cathedral, Jackson will con - Also to be elected to the Standing Committee are one pres - tinue. byter and one lay person to serve full terms of four years. This Members of the Disciplinary committee is composed of four presbyters and four confirmed adult Board will be elected for a three-year lay communicants, each of whom is elected for a four-year term. term. Those having served a full The terms expiring are those of the Rev. David Knight, St. Paul’s, term on the Disciplinary Board and Delray Beach, FL; and Mr. David Sparks, All Saints’, Tupelo who are are eligible for re-election are: Mr. ineligible for re-election. Those members remaining are: Ms. Sheri Collier Graham, St. James, Jackson; Cox, St. James’, Jackson; the Rev. Ann Fraser, St. Paul’s, Corinth; the the Rev. Paul Stephens, All Saints, Very Rev. Bruce McMillan, Christ Church, Holly Springs; Mr. Danny Tupelo; and the Rev. Ann Fraser, St. Four Jackson area congregations joined together for an Episcopal Habitat for Humanity Meadors, St. Patrick’s, Long Beach; Dr. Ed Sisson, St. Peter’s, Paul’s, Corinth. Those remaining on build. St. Andrew’s Cathedral, St. Columb’s/Ridgeland, St. James’/Jackson, and Oxford; and the Rev. Robert Wetherington, Redeemer, Biloxi. the Disciplinary Board are: the Rev. St. Philip’s/Jackson are building a home in the Nehemiah Project Phase III development Trustees of the Diocese, by state charter, is the Diocesan offi - Betsy Baumgarten, St. Patrick’s, Long for the Willis family. OUR DIOCESE

Habitat for Humanity Episcopal Build 2013. under-age-25 musicians, who audition for mem - They are joining with three other Episcopal bership, will be rehearsing and performing at St. churches in the Jackson area (St. Andrew’s, St. Peter’s. Featuring violins, violas, cellos, basses, Columb’s, and St. James’) to build a home this guitars, flutes, oboes, and bassoons, the youth fall. This is one of their primary outreach efforts chamber orchestra will present their first concert to which they devote their time, talent, and on Sunday, October 13. Additional information treasure. Saturday, October 19, is St. Philip’s can be found at www.facebook.com/sinfoni - Day when they will provide all the volunteers abythesea. and lunch. The vestry of St. Stephen’s/Indianola has With the arrival of fall, planning has begun St. John’s/Laurel is hosting their Annual Marines deployed in the mountains near made the decision to sell their current rectory for many of the autumn festivities encouraged by Wine-Tasting and Silent Auction on Saturday, Kabul, Afghanistan, will be the beneficiaries of and search for a new one. the hope of cooler weather. With all the upcom - October 26. Tickets at $40 per person are avail - 40 Christmas boxes being prepared by the mem - Redeemer/Brookhaven is in the process of ing activities, you’re sure to find something able at the parish office. Proceeds support the bers of Grace/Canton . A donation of $20 fills a expanding their Angels Attic. The new wooden you’d like to attend or an event that needs your mission and ministries of St. John’s. Full details box with special treats and necessities like beef building, which will join the existing building, talents. are available at jerky, coffee, tea, sunflower seeds, protein pow - will provide an additional 448 sq. ft. of storage http://stjohnslaurel.com/?page_id=1965. der, hand sanitizer, and body wash. space to free up more space in the current store. Notes from around the diocese: On Sunday, October 13, All Saints’/Tupelo Mediator/Meridian is beginning a five- Plus, there’s a new sign to direct traffic their St. Columb’s/Ridgeland is planning their will enjoy a Bluegrass Mass and Picnic at week adult Sunday school class on Sunday, way. 10th Annual Drawdown on Saturday, October Veteran’s Park. There’ll be hamburgers and hot October 27, based on Living the Questions: The The choir at St. Peter’s/Oxford will pres - 19. A $60 ticket provides food and drink for two dogs with all the trimmings for $5 per person or Wisdom of Progressive Christianity by David ent a hymn festival, Christus Paradox, on people, along with entertainment by Blind Dog $15 per family. Bring your lawn chairs! Felten and Jeff Procter-Murphy. The book fea - Thursday, November 7, at 7:00pm. Through a Otis and Taylor Hildebrand. In addition to a The following Saturday, October 19, is tures theologians who have been speakers at series of hymns sung by the congregation and chance to win $5,000, there’s a silent auction reserved for Food Fest, a project of the ECW at past Seeds of Faith events. anthems sung by the choir, the hymn festival will and a raffle for a Freedom office chair. Tickets All Saints’. This has been a (mostly) annual ARF (Animal Rescue Fund) was the benefici - explore the many paradoxes that exist when must be purchased by 5:00pm Friday, October event at All Saints’ for over 50 years. It is much ary of a food drive at St. Peter’s/Brandon at describing Christ – as God and man, as shepherd 18, by contacting the office at (601) 853-0205. like a bake sale, with frozen casseroles, soups, their Blessing of the Pets. The food was deliv - and sacrificial lamb, as prince and slave – as Last year the event raised $24,000 with 10 per - fresh food (such as breads, cakes, and pies), jel - ered to the shelter by the EYC. revealed within the timeline of Christ’s life from cent for outreach ministries and the rest for the lies, tailgating food items, etc., which are sold to St. Paul’s/Meridian is holding a special birth to resurrection. ongoing ministry of the church. the public to raise money to fund diocesan service in remembrance of St. Francis’ love for St. Alban’s/Bovina is preparing for Dinner St. Columb’s will host the annual ECW fall scholarships and other outreach opportunities as all creatures, great and small. The service will be on the Grounds. Tickets are available for the meeting and retreat Friday and Saturday, well as projects at All Saints’. held in the courtyard on Sunday, October 13, at event which will take place on Sunday, October November 8-9. The theme this year is Springs of Then at 9:30am on Sundays, October 20 4:00pm. Parishioners are invited to bring dona - 27. Living Water: Meeting God in Daily Life, and the and 27, All Saints’ is presenting God in the Reel tions for East Mississippi Animal Rescue to the Some of the best cooks from St. Rev. Jane Tomaine – priest, retreat leader, and World - The Theology of Movies. Dinner and the service. John’s/Ocean Springs will be contributing dish - author – will be the speaker. movie, “Chocolat,” will be offered on Friday, Happening No. 78 is being hosted by St. es for St. Mary’s Guild’s Fall Champagne Brunch There’s a fall festival in the offing at October 18, at 6:00pm, with discussions the next Paul’s on Thursday-Sunday, October 17-20. on Sunday, October 13. Tickets are available Creator/Clinton for Friday-Sunday, October 25- two following Sundays. They will be providing food and showers for from the church office for $25. Proceeds will 27. Similar to last year’s festival, there will be a On Thursday, October 31, All Saints’ will approximately 70 guests that weekend, which benefit several local charities. Bach to Blues concert on Friday evening; a silent join with First United Methodist Church, First will conclude with a special Happening closing The Daughters of the King at St. John’s will auction, a baked goods and frozen casseroles Presbyterian Church, and Kingsgate Worship ceremony open to all at 3:30pm on Sunday. have a special presentation on Saturday, sale, kids’ karaoke, pumpkin decorating, and a Center to host Trunk-Or-Treat from 5:30- The Outreach Team of Trinity/Hattiesburg November 9, by the Rev. Billie Abraham, dioce - BBQ lunch on Saturday; and a closing worship 7:00pm. There’ll be food, music, games, and the has scheduled their next visit to Hope House for san chaplain for the Daughters. She will share celebration on Sunday. Proceeds help support big red fire truck! Saturday, October 18. During their last visit in her program, ‘Tis a Gift to be Simple, beginning local charities. St. Philip’s/Jackson is preparing for the August, they prepared breakfast and gave out at 9:00am. This multi-media presentation, which “to-go” bags filled with donated food items. includes paintings, sculpture, and other art Clients also had the opportunity to pick up their forms, will provide an opportunity for reflection mail, do laundry, bathe, and get hair cuts. and discovery. The day will begin with St. Peter’s/Gulfport will be home to Eucharist, followed by the program and then Continually published for 138 years in the Diocese of Mississippi Sifonia by the Sea, a youth program associated lunch. with the Magnolia Chamber Orchestra. The Notes & “Quotes” Continued on page 3

Official news organ of the Bishop and the Diocese of Mississippi 118 N. Congress Street - P.O. Box 23107 Jackson, Mississippi 39225-3107

The Rt. Rev. Duncan M. Gray, III Ninth Bishop of Mississippi

The Rev. Scott Lenoir Editor The Mississippi Episcopalian (USPS 024755) is published monthly by the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi, 118 N. Congress St., Jackson, MS 39201. Periodical postage paid at Jackson, MS. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to the Mississippi Episcopalian, P.O. Box 23107, Jackson, MS 39225-3107. In giving changes of address send the old address as well as the new. We cannot be responsible for the return of manuscripts or photographs.

2 The Mississippi Episcopalian October 2013 ORDINARY CONCERNS

Notes & “Quotes” itime workplaces. The Bishop’s Journal All Saints/Jackson is planning a fall festival Continued from page 2 for Saturday, November 2, with hope that some St. James’/Jackson is planning for their of their neighborhood churches will join them. Sept. 1-7 – Vacation for Kathy and me. preach at this very joyous occasion. After visiting There will be food, music, health information, Sept. 8 – Drive to Bovina for visitation to with a number of people from Epiphany over Annual Halloween Spook-Tacular on Tuesday, October 29. From 5:30-8:00pm there will be crafts for kids, and lots more. St. Alban’s. Enjoy a conversation with the entire lunch, I return to Jackson in the late afternoon. Antiques, artifacts, and oddities can be congregation before the service during a Sunday Sept. 15 – Up early to drive to Starkville music, dancing, games, and food. It’s gumbo time at Ascension/Hattiesburg . found at the Treasure Sale offered by St. school forum. At the Eucharist, I preach, cele - where I preach, celebrate, confirm seven and Stephen’s/Columbia on Saturday, October 12. brate, confirm twelve and receive two in the receive two at the main service at the Church of They’ll be cooking on Friday, November 15, and selling on Saturday, November 16. Gourmet-to-Go, which is organized by the ECW midst of a very full church. Luncheon follows in the Resurrection. Prior to the service, I meet as their annual fundraiser to support vacation the parish hall, then a good and stimulating con - with wardens and vestry of Resurrection. I am St. Mark’s/Gulfport will be observing All Saints Day with a traditional choral evensong Bible school, will be held on Saturday, versation with the vestry. Some very exciting asked to reflect on the joys and sorrows of my November 9. things are happening in this small congregation time as a bishop – something that I had not been (Evening Prayer during which most of the service in Warren County! asked to do publically before now. It was a good is sung by the choir). The service will begin at 6:00pm on Friday, November 1. Quotes this month: The Rev. Billie Abraham rides with me after exercise for me. The vocalists of St. Stephen’s/Columbia The Very Rev. Lee Winter, the vestry meeting to Bolton where I preach and Enjoy time with the congregation at a have been invited to participate in concerts at Resurrection/Starkville : “. . . we have several celebrate in the monthly gathering of this reception following the service. the Methodist and Baptist churches. First ‘new year’s’ each year . . . If we don’t take advan - renewed congregation of St. Mary’s. Reception Return to Jackson in the evening to deal Baptist Church will present selections from tage of the possibility of seeing each day and follows in the wonderfully restored parish hall. with a pastoral matter. Handel’s Messiah with the chorale from William week as ‘new’ we are missing the gift of grace Return home to Jackson renewed by the Sept. 16 – My father and I drive to Carey University on Sunday, December 8, at that we call renewal . . . We have been made new energy in both St. Alban’s and St. Mary’s. Nashville. My hope is that he can spend a few 6:00pm. On Sunday, December 15, a lessons new. We are being made new. We will be new Sept. 9 – Day off. days with my sisters (who live in and around and carols concert will be hosted by the creations.” Sept. 10 – Staff meeting in the morning. Nashville) and join in some of the activities of Methodist church. The Rev. John Kellogg, Incarnation/West Afternoon appointments with John Lever and the House of Bishops who are meeting in St. Elizabeth’s/Collins will host the second Point : “. . . the most important elements of reli - the Rev. Van Bankston, the Rev. Deacon Carol Nashville. annual Convocational Lay Ministry Workshop on gion cannot be measured. They are experi - Spencer, and the Rev. Shannon Manning. On our way to Nashville, we get word that Saturday, October 19. The program will feature enced. God is not confined to the Bible or the Book of Common Prayer . . . Rather, the spirit of Sept. 11 – Breakfast with my bishop col - my new granddaughter may be arriving a couple the Rev. Henry L. Hudson. Registration is from of weeks early. 8:00-9:00am, and the session will begin at God is all around us, at all times, breathing new league, James Swanson and representatives of life into the world at all moments . . . We just the Roman Catholic, United Methodist and I get my father settled in my sister 9:00am. Cost for the conference is $20 at the door. Please contact Don Corban at (601) 517- have to open our eyes and be willing to see.” Episcopal Churches to discuss common strate - Catherine Clark’s house for the evening. The Rev. Mary Berry, St. gies of advocacy. Sept. 17 –In the very early morning hours, 1638 or Brenda McClendon at (6710) 467-7627 or [email protected] if you want Matthew’s/Kosciusko : “It is hard for most of us Meeting with staff in morning. Afternoon I get word that Francesca Ruth Gray has arrived to ‘just be.’ As Christians we need those places appointments with the Rev. Jamie McElroy, Steve in the home of the Rev. Peter and the Rev to attend. The Rev. Winston Rice, chaplain of The that allow us to ‘just be in God’s presence,’ to McDavid (phone conversation), and an aspirant Giulianna Gray! Big brother Joseph is trying to be ‘quiet before the Lord.’ We also need places for holy orders. figure out what has happened. Seamen’s Church Institute, Gulf of Mexico Coastal Region, will celebrate Eucharist and that give us peace. Quiet time before the Lord is In the evening, Canon Johnson and I join I drive back to Greenwood to meet preach at St. James’/Greenville on Sunday, necessary for our soul and quiet time for our the vestry of St. Mark’s in Jackson for dinner and Francesca Ruth and help Kathy who has arrived October 20. Founded in 1834, The Seamen’s brain and body is necessary for our physical and a conversation about their rector’s pending as the primary caregiver to Joseph. Church Institute is a voluntary, ecumenical emotional health.” retirement and their options at that time. What a wonderful moment. agency affiliated with the Episcopal Church. It Sept. 12 – Drive to Parchman where I Sept. 18 – In Greenwood with family. promotes safety, dignity, and an improved work - With that quiet thought, I wish blessings for spend the day visiting with inmates, celebrating Sept. 19 – Drive back to Nashville to rejoin ing environment for the men and women serv - all. See you next month! and preaching at a Eucharist and visiting a theo - the House of Bishops meeting. Distressed to ing in North American and international mar - logical training school within the walls that is learn that my father will not be able to partici - sponsored by a New Orleans Seminary. I so pate in any of the meetings due to a bout with appreciate the work continuing to be done here bronchitis. by the Rev. David Langdon in retirement. Deployment Report Sept. 20 – House of Bishops Meeting. Return to Jackson in the late afternoon. Sept. 21 – House of Bishops Meeting. In For The Mississippi Episcopalian Sept. 13 – In office all day. the evening, I join my father and nephew for a Morning session with Dean O’Connor. combined birthday party thrown by my sisters. October, 2013 Additional appointments during the day with the 164 candles are on the cake! Rev. Bill White, the Rev. Annie Elliott, and Mr. New Calls/Appointments Sept. 22-24 – House of Bishops in The Reverend Deacon James Henry LeBatard , to be Deacon, Redeemer, Biloxi John Lever. Nashville. The Reverend Will Lowry , to be Deacon-in-Charge, Epiphany, Tunica Sept. 14 – Up early to drive to Tunica Sept. 25 – Pick up my father and return to where I ordain Will Lowry to the diaconate at Jackson from Nashville. The Reverend Seth Walley, to be Associate Rector, St. James’, Jackson the Church of the Epiphany. I celebrate and Resignations The Reverend Shannon Manning, as Associate Rector, St. James’, Jackson, to become Canon to the Ordinary, Diocese of Louisiana The Reverend Wilson Webb , retired as Rector, St. Stephen’s, Indianola

In Transition St. Peter’s-by-the-Lake, Brandon St. John’s, Leland St. Thomas’, Diamondhead St. Mary’s, Lexington Redeemer, Greenville Chapel of the Cross, Madison St. James’, Greenville St. John’s, Pascagoula St. Paul’s, Hollandale Trinity, Pass Christian St. Stephen’s, Indianola St. Francis’, Philadelphia

October 2013 The Mississippi Episcopalian 3 PERSPECTIVES Reflections from the Road

One of the great gifts that you have given me as bishop is to place me in a particular position that allows me to see both the breadth and depth of this crazy, broken, often frustrating but remarkably grace-filled church of ours. Sometimes my life (and I suspect much of yours) seems as if I am on a passenger train looking out the window at nearby objects. Everything is moving past like a blur and there is little time to pause, reflect or savor the pre - cious moments that make up my life. However, stopping to write this column does force me to slow down and remember the races that do fill my life as bishop in this church. Since I last wrote, last month, I have baptized three and confirmed or received 54 persons, each with a unique and precious story about how they discovered the Episcopal Church and what it has meant in their lives. Often I am honored to hear these holy narratives. Since I last wrote, I have ordained a young man I first met as a three-year-old in my first parish — St. James’ in Greenville. I have spent a day among those with life sentences at Parchman who are coming to terms with the fact that they will die there and are trying to find God in the midst of the hell of our penal system. I have talked to a gathering of folks who are exploring a calling as deacons in this church — a vocation that may send them into that same prison to bear the light of Christ. Since I last wrote, I have welcomed over 200 young men and women into the FEMA/AmeriCorps program at All Saints’ School in Vicksburg. As I write, they are being deployed across this country to battle fires and floods and to bring hope to battered communities. The vision of Bishop Theodore Bratton in 1908 to form young people at All Saints’ for service in the world continues. Since I last wrote, I have spent a week with my colleagues in the House of Bishops meeting in Nashville. Extraordinary differences exist among us, but a deep devotion to Jesus and a sincere and honest wrestling with the challenges that face us and unite us in this common apostolic ministry. At a personal level since I last wrote, Kathy and I spent a week of vacation together in a wonderfully rich exploration of the river plantation homes of Louisiana. It was a journey that pushed me deeper into my own family’s history as slave owners on sugar cane plantations in and around Houma, Louisiana. It was not an easy journey emotionally and spiritually, but one that I was compelled to take. Since I last wrote, Francesca Ruth Gray has come into this world and our family. Grandchildren, so uniquely, reflect the radiance of God’s glory. And since I last wrote, I celebrated another birthday, sharing a party with my father and nephew in my sister’s home outside of Nashville. It’s been a remarkable pilgrimage of 64 years and God has given me the unique privilege of traveling with you as bishop for almost 14 of those years. It’s good to stop the train from time to time and give thanks for the holiness of this life that passes so quickly by.

Faithfully, +Duncan Reflection: A Cursillo weekend is Fall Cursillo #125 taking JUST PLAIN FUN!! registrations now By Mariamne Young By Elizabeth Bush

When I arrived on Thursday night of my weekend back in 2003, I had no idea what to expect. My Cursillo 125 is scheduled for Nov 21-24 at Gray Center and will be led by Garrett Wallace of Holy sponsor was certainly supportive and encouraging, but mostly what I heard from her was: “GO....and Trinity, Vicksburg. Garrett has put together an amazing staff. We ask you to pray for this staff as they have fun.” So off I went with mostly just changes of clothes — I had been forewarned NOT to include begin the process of preparing for Cursillo weekend and for those participants that the Holy Spirit is my cell phone or computer in my time at Gray Center. leading to attend. I can’t say that I came with a totally open mind and an open heart, leaving the rest up to God. Oh, no, that would be asking too much to just let go and let God. At first, it was just another weekend Rector: Garrett Wallace, retreat, but as the weekend progressed, I came to know better the unconditional love of God through Head Cha Cha: Dorothy McInnis, the Cursillo community. I may be somewhat of a slow learner, but it wasn’t until Saturday that the Observing Rector: Cindy Thompson, process began sinking in. However, the one thing I picked up on early was that we were all having fun. I especially observed the great staff on board seemed to be having a blast. In fact, I told one of Observing Head Cha Cha: TBA, them, why can’t I put on one of those colorful aprons and be ‘one of y’all’ — they were that conta - Music Director: Cecil Fox gious in their enthusiasm. Spiritual Advisors: The Rt. Rev. Duncan Gray, III, The Rev. Carol Mead, The Rev. Cathy Halford Now, after 10 years of remaining active in the Mississippi Cursillo community, I am personally Staff: Terry Armstrong, Brenda Benway, Dave Benway, Glenda Black, Glenn Cook, Bethany Culley, convinced that the Cursillo movement is one of the most effective means to revitalize our lay people to Alison Duncan, Max Ford, Tana Ford, Chance Morgan, Susan Nix, Foley Ranson, Joe Surkin, assume the role that is rightfully ours simply by reason of faith and baptism. You see, the weekend is Katharine Surkin, Courtney Taylor, Shirley Treppendahl, and Asem Zeini not run by collared folks. It is organized and carried out through our own....the laity. And for good reason: Jesus called his disciples to hear what he had to say and then go out into the world and share There is still time to sign up to attend this weekend. For more information, please visit our web site the love. And never think that it isn’t appropriate to add some humor in your journey. at Cursillo.dioms.org The greatest gift I have received from the community is the long-lasting friendships — a direct result of trusting in the Holy Spirit. The openness felt no matter which road we are walking down at the time is evident. So if someone should invite you to participate in the next scheduled Cursillo week - end, please say, “Yes.” You will be spiritually the richer for it, and so will the church. Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun.

Mariamne Young is a communicant of St. Peter’s/Oxford and attended Cursillo #101.

A date to remember: Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Deadline for The Mississippi Episcopalian

4 The Mississippi Episcopalian October 2013 CHURCHWIDE Bishops conclude fall meeting with an eye on new possibilities By ENS staff David Rice of the Diocese of Waiapu in the Anglican Church in Jefferts Schori presided and preached at Christ Church Cathedral Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia; Anglican Bishop in in Nashville. [Episcopal News Service] The House of Bishops ended its fall Jerusalem Suheil Dawani; Dr. Hisham Nassar, Dawani’s coordina - Episcopal Church Chief Operating Officer Bishop Stacy Sauls meeting Sept. 24 in Nashville, Tennessee, following six days tor for health care in the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle gave a presentation on the new Diocesan Partnership Program on focused on the theme “Transforming Loss into New Possibilities.” East; Rabbi Steve Gutow, president of the Jewish Council for Sept. 21. He explained that a new name for the churchwide staff, “This has been a grace-filled meeting,” said Presiding Bishop Public Affairs; and Canon David Porter, Archbishop of Canterbury “The Missionary Society,” is the simplification of the corporate Katharine Jefferts Schori during a telephone press conference after Justin Welby’s director of reconciliation. name of the “Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society.” the meeting ended. “I was moved by every presentation, but particularly by those “It represents the effort of reorienting the work of the church - The bishops looked at mission as going out into the commu - beyond our own context,” said Jefferts Schori. Having Dawani, wide staff to work with the dioceses and to be facilitators of mis - nity rather than as staying in “beautiful churches” waiting for peo - Nassar and other foreign guests, she said, “reminded us at a deep - sion,” said Sauls, according to a daily account. “This happens as ple to come, she said. “There were challenges from and to the er level of our connection to and engagement with ongoing con - the staff offers (1) support for diocesan ministry (2) leveraging bishops to get engaged in communities.” flicts around the world. We continue to be called into engaging the resources for this ministry [and] (3) makes connections through - From the first day, said Bishop Todd Ousely of the Diocese of conflicts in our midst as well as around the world.” out the church.” Sauls stressed that this contrasted with a “corpo - Eastern Michigan, the presentation “Missional Wisdom: Beginning On Nov. 15, the Episcopal Church will host and produce a rate headquarters” model of church where money flows upward Theologically” by Dr. Elaine Heath presented a challenge to the forum centering on a critical topic for our times, “Fifty Years Later: and program flows downward. bishops. Heath is McCreless professor of evangelism at Perkins The State of Racism in America,” and in April a nationwide summit “My sense is that it’s being very well-received; I’ve only heard School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas and on gun violence will be held in Oklahoma - both “important ways positive feedback about the initiative,” said the presiding bishop co-founder of the Missional Wisdom Foundation. to call us beyond our immediate context,” Jefferts Schori said. when asked how the Diocesan Partnership Program had been “She talked about going into neighborhoods and engaging The Episcopal Church’s Office of Public Affairs issued daily received. “It’s a great opportunity for churchwide staff to be ser - people where they are, where they live,” he said during the press accounts providing a brief overview of the bishops’ discussions vants in ways that will serve the whole church more effectively.” conference, adding that the challenge for bishops can go beyond and activities in Nashville. Many of the bishops received handwritten notes from their neighborhoods and be applied to reengaging ecumenical partners On Sept. 24, the final day’s theme was “Moving Missionally: staff representatives “and were delighted by that,” said Bishop and other bishops. Episcopal Perspectives.” The day included a panel discussion using Dean Wolfe of the Diocese of Kansas. Throughout the meeting, the 148 bishops attending heard biblical pericopes (verses) as a frame of reference. The thing that excites him most, said Ousely, is that “the presentations on innovative ways of doing mission, the new The afternoon of Sept. 23 was devoted to conversation with churchwide staff is entering into the stream with the dioceses.” So Diocesan Partnership Program and the work of the Task Force to the United Methodists about the meaning of full communion and it’s no longer a programmatic focus, but rather the partnership Reimagine the Episcopal Church. The bishops also discussed top - how ecumenical partners can draw on common roots to work program presents an organized way to facilitate networks and rela - ics such as gun violence, ecumenical partnerships, and peace and together missionally in new ways. The Sept. 23 theme was “Moving tionships, he said. reconciliation in the Holy Land. Missionally: Practical Applications,” with a panel discussion includ - A Sept. 20 discussion on bridge-building mission focused on Besides Heath, invited guests included the president of the ing the Rev. Tom Brackett, Episcopal Church missioner for church the work of peace and reconciliation in the Holy Land and includ - House of Deputies, the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings; Bishop Gregory planting and ministry redevelopment; the Rev. Mary Frances of the ed presentations from Dawani, Nassar, Gutow and Porter. Palmer and Mary Anne Swenson of the United Methodist Church; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; and the Rev. Becca The meeting included daily Eucharists and prayer services. Bishop Tilewa Johnson of the Province of West Africa; Bishop Stevens, founder of Thistle Farms. The House of Bishops Spouses/Partners group met concurrently. Miguel Tamayo, former bishop of Cuba and Uruguay; Bishop On Sept. 22, the bishops visited several churches in the area. A date to remember: Nominations Continued from page 1 Tuesday, December 3, 2013: Deadline for The Mississippi Episcopalian for re-election are Canon Kathryn McCormick, Diocesan Office; Dr. Ed Sisson, St. Peter’s, Oxford; Dr. Anita George, Resurrection, Starkville; and Mrs. Margaret McLarty, St. Andrew’s, Jackson. Current alter - nate deputies who are also eligible for re-election are: the Rev. Margaret Ayers, St. James’, Port Gibson; the Rev. Elizabeth Wheatley-Jones, All Saints’, Grenada; the Rev. Betsy Baumgarten, St. Patrick’s, Long Beach; Mr. Danny Meadors, St. Patrick’s, Long Beach; Mrs. Bobbie Marascalco, Holy Trinity, Vicksburg; Mrs. Hilda Povall, Calvary, Cleveland; Mr. Jack Conway, St. Philip’s, Jackson. Each person nominated must have given his or her prior consent to serve in the position to which he or she is nominated. The nomination form must be received by the Secretary of the Diocese, P.O. Box 23107, Jackson, MS 39225-3107, no later than December 15, 2013, in order to be printed in the Council edition of The Mississippi Episcopalian and included in packets for Council delegates. The nomination form can be found on the website of the Diocese of Mississippi (http://annualcouncil.dioms.org) or call the diocesan office to ask for a copy to be sent to you (601-948-5954).. The nominees are asked to also submit a black-and-white (high resolution) headshot photograph for publication to Kathryn McCormick at [email protected].

Kathryn McCormick is the canon for administration and finance.

October 2013 The Mississippi Episcopalian 5 OUR DIOCESE

Seventeen adults were confirmed, three received and one reaffirmed at a Coast-wide service at St. Peter’s by-the-Sea/Gulfport on September 29th. Bishop Gray sits in a newly dedicated bishop’s A teen Bible study group that meets on Thursday afternoons at St. John’s/Ocean Springs took a break chair. The class was composed of communicants from St. Peter’s by-the-Sea/Gulfport, from the study to design a blanket that was given to a local shelter. Julie Kilduff/Photo St. Thomas/Diamondhead, and St. John’s/Ocean Springs. Edwin Graham/Photo

Daughters of the King at St. Pierre’s/Gautier hosted the DOK from St. John’s/Ocean Springs on Bishop Gray recently visited historic St. Mary’s/Enterprise. St. Mary’s was established in 1858. Holy Cross Day, Sept. 1, for a healing service, program and potluck lunch. Pictured are several of the The present structure was built in 1874. As Bishop Gray stated, the congregation, though small in daughters who were present. Sharon Manual/Photo number is large in spirit. St. Mary’s has 16 active members.

Canon Kathryn McCormick and the Rev. Kyle “Hula Hoop” Seage encourage deacons and priests to Many parishes and missions throughout the diocese observed the feast of St. Francis with a blessing get moving during their stay at Gray Center. Time for exercise is a part of the agenda at the annual of animals liturgy in early October. Photographer Jim Ladner took this picture of an adult African clergy conference. The Rt. Rev. Clay Matthews, the head of the office of pastoral development for the Spurred tortoise at Grace/Canton. Send your pet blessings photos (at least 500 kb sized file) to the Episcopal Church, led clergy in discussion regarding times of transition focusing on the impending editor at [email protected]. retirement of Bishop Gray, III in 2015.

6 The Mississippi Episcopalian October 2013 GRAY CENTER NEWS

Brad Berglund/Photo 2013 Offerings at Gray Center from The Center for Formation and Mission October 18-19 Writing the Song Within You Professional Singer/Songwriter Tricia Walker leads this hands-on retreat and work - shop with assistance from Robin Webb. We all have a story to tell… join us for inspiration and guidance in setting your story to song. Tricia will give an hour-long concert Friday night.

October 18-20 Fall Get-Away at Gray Center October is the perfect time of year to enjoy the beauty of Gray Center, to wander our trails, enjoy our food and get some space from the rush of everyday life. As a special bonus, enjoy a free hour-long concert by professional singer/songwriter Tricia Walker on Friday night (Oct. 18). “Open the Eyes of My Heart: November 1 A Day Apart: Day of Silence and Prayer Co-sponsored with Journey Partners, a ministry of the Center for Ministry Photography as a Spiritual Practice” The Rt. Rev. Duncan M. Gray, III

November 14-16 Open the Eyes of My Heart: Photography as a Spiritual Practice November 14-16 (Thursday 6 pm – Saturday 3 pm) at Gray Center Join Brad Berglund, popular retreat leader, and train your eye for prayerful vision. Cost: $260 by Oct. 31, $285 thereafter All who enjoy making or looking at photos and who long to see the world more imaginatively are welcome. Gray Center is pleased to announce that we will be hosting a nationally known retreat leader, Co-sponsored with Journey Partners, a ministry of the Center for Ministry Brad Berglund, to lead this event. Brad is a spiritual director, retreat leader, musician, and pilgrimage guide based in Centennial, Colorado. The founder of Illuminated Journeys and author of two books November 27-28 Egg Bowl Tailgating (not) at Gray Center on creative worship, he values the healing, prayerful power of photography. You can learn more Tailgating is all about coming together as a community to support something you about Brad and his work at www.illuminatedjourneys.com. love. Support Gray Center’s new “Speaker’s Fund” while rooting for your team at In worship, we sing “Open the Eyes of My Heart....” Can a camera lens help us do that? Can we our NO-SHOW tailgating party. train our eyes for prayerful vision? Brad’s answer is “Yes” and he is eager to teach others this way of seeing. Anyone who enjoys making or looking at photos and who longs to see the world more imagi - December 6-8 Knitting and Needlework in Advent: Be Still and Know… natively is welcome to attend. The retreat will focus on the gift of seeing life in new and surprising Bring your needles and thread and take time to be still as we move through the ways rather than on photographic technique. In other words, no expertise is required, only a digital busy season of Advent. camera (that you know how to use) and an open heart. Mrs. Susan Nix, St. Andrew’s Cathedral What you will learn: a contemplative approach to photography; how to trust your own imagina - The Rev. Jennifer Deaton, St. Andrew’s Cathedral tion; the hidden art of composition; the true meaning of “symbolism”; and how to effectively add pho - tos to worship. For more information or to register for events, please go to graycenter.org To register or for more information about our events, please go to graycenter.org or contact or contact Caelin Slevin at [email protected] or 601-397-4273 Caelin Slevin at [email protected] or 601-397-4273. Egg Bowl tailgating (not) at Gray Center

We have heard from many of you that you Grae Dickson, the mastermind behind Gray would like to see us bring in big name speakers Center’s celebrated dining. $10 per raffle ticket. and offer events on topics that interest you. We Raffle drawing will be on November 27th. have heard you and are working hard to expand Tailgating kit will include: Grae’s pulled pork, our offerings. We have created this light-hearted potato salad, buns, and 3 bottles of BBQ sauce to “event” as part of Gray Center’s annual fund feed roughly 30 people, topped off with a few raising efforts to bring you the speakers and Gray Center Huggies. events you want. • Dream Speaker’s list. Free! Send us your list of Tailgating is all about coming together as a speakers you would love for us to have at Gray community to support something you love — Center. (Oh and you might want your team to win too). • We are not offering actual tailgating at Gray Show your support for Gray Center while root - Center at this time, but if you would be interest - ing for your team at our NO-SHOW tailgating ed in a Gray Center based tailgating party let us party. All proceeds go to our new “Speaker’s know and with enough interest, we’ll work on Fund”. Help us bring you the speakers that you making that happen. want to hear and be part of our winning team. free night at Gray Center. $5 per guess. The first three correct For more information or to register for events, please go to Here’s how to show your Gray Center team spirit: guesses or the three closest guesses wins one free night at Gray graycenter.org or contact Caelin Slevin at [email protected] Center. or 601-397-4273. Enter a raffle to win a Super Bowl Tailgating kit prepared by • Submit your guess for the final score of the Egg Bowl to win a •

October 2013 The Mississippi Episcopalian 7 LEADERSHIP

Editor's note: See the nominations article on page one regarding diocesean positions that are open for elections. Below is a list of the current elected and appointed diocesan officials serving in various ministries. Also, there is good reading on this page about the quality of leadership. 2014 incumbents and other diocesan officials * Elected Term expires; eligible for re-election # Elected Term expires; in eligible for re-election ! Appointed term expires; eligible for election Appointed term expires; in eligible for re-election TREASURER * Mr. Fred Page, All Saints’, Tupelo; Tombigbee TRUSTEES OF THE DIOCESE Mr. Holmes Adams (2017), St. Andrew’s, Jackson; Central ! Mr. Filo Coats (2014), All Saints’, Grenada; Northern Mr. John Davis (2015), St. Paul’s, Columbus; Tombigbee * Mrs. Lynn Jenkins (2014), St. Andrew’s, Jackson; Central Mr. Mike Strojny (2016), St. Mark’s, Gulfport; Coast TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH Mr. Scott Davis (2016), St. Patrick’s, Long Beach; Coast Harvard Professor Ronald Heifetz addresses Episcopal Church clergy from Middle and North Georgia * The Rev. David Elliott, III (2014), St. Andrew’s, Jackson; Central on Sept. 30. Mrs. Margaret McLarty (2015), St. Andrew’s, Jackson; Central DISCIPLINARY BOARD The Rev. Betsy Baumgarten (2015), St. Patrick’s, Long Beach; Coast Atlanta: Harvard professor Dr. Leigh Jensen-Crawford (2016), Resurrection, Starkville; Tombigbee * The Rev. Ann Benton Fraser (2014), St. Paul’s, Corinth; Tombigbee * Mr. Collier Graham (2014), St. James’, Jackson; Central schools clergy on leadership The Rev. Scott Lenoir (2016), St. John’s, Ocean Springs; Coast The Rev. Luther Ott (2016), Chapel of the Cross, Madison; Central By Don Plummer Mr. John Sneed (2016), St. James’, Jackson; Central * The Rev. Paul Stephens (2014), All Saints’, Tupelo; Tombigbee [Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta] The world is facing an unprecedented crisis of leadership that Mr. Jim Wheeler (2015), Redeemer, Biloxi; Coast churches have the opportunity to address in their communities and beyond, Harvard Kennedy School THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Professor Ronald Heifetz said Sept. 30 addressing Episcopal Church clergy from Middle and North Ms. Judy Barnes (2016), St Alexis, Jackson; Central Georgia. The Rev. Gates Elliott (2016), Chapel of the Cross, Madison; Central Heifetz’s presentation at the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta focused on how to lead parishes The Rev. Anne Harris (2014), St. Paul’s, Columbus; Tombigbee “when the economy is uncertain, education in decline, cities under siege, and crime and poverty are The Rev. Walton Jones (2015), Trinity, Natchez; Old River spiraling upward.” Mr. Cooper Morrison (2015), St. Andrew’s, Jackson; Central Bishop Rob Wright of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta said the presentation supported several # The Rev. Luther Ott (2014), Chapel of the Cross, Madison; Central goals he set last November of equipping church leaders with skills that allow them to be more nimble Mr. Dick Phillips (2016), Grace Church, Canton; Central in responding to current challenges. ! Ms. Goldia Revies (2014), St. Christopher’s, Jackson; Central “We asked Dr. Heifetz to give us a framework for the future.” The Rev. Chris Robinson (2016), Mediator/Redeemer, McComb; Old River Wright said he and some 140 priests of the Diocese of Atlanta will continue discussing Heifetz’s ! Mr. Reggie Sims (2014), Chapel of the Cross, Madison; Central Mr. Charles Strange (2015), Redeemer, Greenville; Delta ideas during a retreat through Wednesday at the Mikell Camp and Conference Center in Toccoa, # Dr. Stephen Stray (2014); St. Andrew’s, Jackson; Central Georgia. The Rev. Elizabeth Wheatley-Jones (2015), All Saints’, Grenada; Northern Heifetz told Monday’s gathering that an unprecedented crisis of leadership facing the church # Mr. Jim Wheeler (2014), Redeemer, Biloxi; Coast “stems as much from our demands and expectations as from any leader’s inability to meet them. He said most people “deeply long to trust again.” THE STANDING COMMITTEE “We look to leaders for solutions, and when they don’t deliver, we simply add their failure to our Ms. Sheri Cox (2015), St. James’, Jackson; Central The Rev. Ann Benton Fraser (2017), St. Paul’s, Corinth; Tombigbee list of woes,” Heifetz said. “In doing so, we do them and ourselves a grave disservice.” # The Rev. David Knight (2014), St. Paul’s, Delray Beach, FL Heifetz, author of the best-selling business management book Leadership without Easy Answers, The Very Rev. Bruce McMillan (2016), Christ Church, Holly Springs; Northern said there are practical ways to find solutions to problems for those who lead and those who look to Mr. Danny Meadors (2016), St. Patrick’s, Long Beach; Coast them for leadership. Dr. Ed Sisson (2017), St. Peter’s, Oxford; Northern “Leadership is not a position or authority,” Heifetz said. “It’s moving past what you are comfort - # Mr. David Sparks (2014), All Saints’, Tupelo; Tombigbee able with and confident doing.” The Rev. Robert Wetherington (2015), Redeemer, Biloxi; Coast “Not knowing the answer can be leadership.” Accepting a period of incompetency is necessary for 2012 GENERAL CONVENTION DEPUTIES growth, he said. The Rev. Canon David Johnson, Diocesan Office, Jackson; Central Heifetz said it’s not change people resist, it is loss. But sometimes, the “obvious solution can be The Rev. David Knight, St. James’, Jackson; Central so great a loss, we don’t know how to embrace it,” he said. The Very Rev. Edward O’Connor, St. Andrew’s, Jackson; Central Leadership is not just a set of personality traits, Heifetz said. Leaders need to practice and build The Rev. Marian Fortner, Trinity, Hattiesburg; Sowashee their competencies. One skill is being able to deliver challenging messages that others don’t want to Canon Kathryn McCormick, St. Andrew’s, Jackson; Central hear. Dr. Ed Sisson, St. Peter’s, Oxford; Northern Another skill leaders must hone is fostering collaborative leadership. Sometimes, Heifetz said, Dr. Anita George, Resurrection, Starkville; Tombigbee leadership is like making soup by using the variety of gifts available. Mrs. Margaret McLarty, St. Andrew’s, Jackson; Central “You can’t lead alone; it will be a heroic suicide,” he said. The Diocese of Atlanta, with 109 worshiping communities, is the ninth largest of the Episcopal 2012 GENERAL CONVENTION ALTERNATES Church’s 110 dioceses. The Diocese of Atlanta was created in 1907 and carved from the Diocese of The Rev. Margaret Ayers, St. James’, Port Gibson; Old River Georgia. Numerous parishes thrive in the largest metropolitan areas of Atlanta, Columbus and Macon, The Rev. Elizabeth Wheatley-Jones, All Saints’, Grenada; Northern The Rev. Betsy Baumgarten, Coast Episcopal School, Long Beach; Coast as well as smaller cities, towns and rural communities in the mountains of North Georgia and the Mr. Danny Meadors, St. Patrick’s, Long Beach; Coast lower elevations of Middle Georgia. Mrs. Bobbie Marascalco, Holy Trinity, Vicksburg; Old River Mrs. Hilda Povall, Calvary, Cleveland; Delta Don Plummer is a member of St. Teresa’s Episcopal Church, Acworth, Georgia, and serves as a media Mr. Jack Conway, St. Philip’s, Jackson; Central consultant for the Diocese of Atlanta.

8 The Mississippi Episcopalian October 2013 GOOD READING Tickle tells life story in latest book

By Janet C. Nail the clearing of the smoke, she went into the bathroom, sat on the did and what it meant. She was not content to live life on the sur - Anyone who has heard Phyllis Tickle speak, or floor, and learned to smoke! face. Whatever she experienced, she sought the deeper meaning, has read any of her books, knows that she is one of Another mark of independence for college and usually she found it. (Her analysis of public education the most perceptive and acute observers of the freshmen is attending a different denomi - explains much of the turmoil we currently see.) Always she sensed spiritual and religious life of America. But how nation from their parents. Phyllis took that she was seeking God did she reach this point of perception? What a taxi to the Episcopal church in Rome, The journey of a soul takes a lifetime. The story of Phyllis gave her the clarity of vision that saw the les - Georgia, and timidly went in. She was Tickle’s journey is not yet finished, but this book will serve as the sons of life? overwhelmed by the sheer beauty; she had exciting story of the beginning of the journey. Read it as a guide - THE SHAPING OF A LIFE: A SPIRITUAL not known that the furnishings of worship book for your own journey. Learn to look deep and, especially, LANDSCAPE (Doubleday, 2001) may give could contribute to the service! Still, she learn to pray. the answer to this question. could not bring herself to go up to Ostensibly, this is an autobiogra - the Eucharist, being the daughter of phy. Phyllis Tickle tells the story of her a man who regarded such “ceremony” life, her experiences. From her child - as Popish. hood in Johnson City, Tennessee, Ah, but she could read the Psalms. the only child of the dean at the She found an old Gideon New Testament local college, she shares the les - with Psalms and Proverbs (remember sons she learned from her mother, those?), returned to her bathroom hideout, that prayer is a source of strength and and began to read them aloud, seeking the comfort, but that it requires a disciplined routine rhythm of the church service. and that it is best practiced by a composed mind and spirit. Phyllis was fortunate in falling under the It was here, while playing, that Phyllis first experienced the tutelage of Clara Louise Thompson, a brilliant presence of something divine, a presence that she could not iden - scholar and teacher of languages who expanded the tify at that time, but that she knew was something holy. In a tun - mind of her young student and gave her entry into nel of forsythia she found a “thin place” where everything was worlds of excitement. She also gave her another gift: bathed in a clarity that kept her “watched and watching,” both she showed her that the Book of Common Prayer was removed from where she was and intensely present. available to anyone, not confined to the walls of a At Shorter College in Georgia, she found another thin place, church. She states that the Book of Common Prayer although it did not begin so. Like so many college freshman heady and the Psalter were the first working tools of her with independence, she wanted to learn to smoke in a sophisticat - adulthood, but learning to use them properly requires ed manner. But how to practice? She bought her first pack of cig - a lifetime. “The art for which they are the means does arettes and explored the dormitory. She found a closed off wing not take itself lightly.” and entered one of the rooms. To hide the light and to expedite This is an autobiography of two levels: what she

Here’s an idea to support our troops: Grace/Canton recently sent eleven care packages to Marines deployed in Afghanistan. Jim Ladner/Photo

October 2013 The Mississippi Episcopalian 9 EVENTS Grace House to bless Dr. Trey Third Annual Fall Festival at Mangum Administration Building Creator/Clinton begins Oct. 25 Friday, October 18, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. By Robert Blanton The Church of the Creator/Clinton invites all our friends and neighbors to attend the Third 2219 Lamar Street, Jackson Annual Fall Festival Weekend; October 25, 26, & 27, 2013. The community is invited The weekend will kick off with a “Bach to Blues” concert on Friday night at 7:00 p.m. Performing are Scott Albert Johnson and Chalmers Davis, Edie Hill accompanied by Harrison Calloway, and the By Tammie Stephens Utica Jubilee Singers from Hinds Community College. Recommended admission fee is $10 for adults, $25 for family, and $5 for students. All donations “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to will go to benefit the Mississippi Blues Commission Blues Musicians’ Benevolent Fund. This fund is earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate the used to care for aging blues musicians who, despite long entertainment careers, find themselves need - beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden ing to pay for medical and other expenses. patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. pork Bar-B-Q sandwiches will be served with chips and a lived. This is to have succeeded.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson drink for $5.00. A silent auction with arts, crafts, books, and collectibles will be held along with a baked goods and frozen casserole sale. Grace House is proud to announce the opening of the Dr. Trey Mangum Administration Building. A special event for children of all ages will be offered: karaoke and pumpkin decorating. We will bless our new administration building on Friday, October 18, which would be Trey’s 39th All funds collected on Saturday will go to support local outreach ministries. In 2012, money was birthday. Dr. Trey Mangum, former Grace House Executive Director (2005-2010), earned his Bachelor given to support Clinton Habitat for Humanity, The Clinton Community Christian Center, Stewpot of Arts degree in 1997 from Millsaps College. He went on to earn his Masters in communications from Community Center, and Trinity School for Orphans in Uganda. Mississippi College and a Masters in social work in 2004 from the University of Texas. In 2011, he Sunday we are inviting everyone who has ever attended or visited the Church of the Creator to earned his PhD in social work from Jackson State University. join us for a special homecoming celebration of the Hoy Eucharist followed by Dinner on the Green. Trey grew up in Mendenhall, Mississippi, with his father, the late Henry Lee Mangum, Jr., and his Church of the Creator is located at 1445 Clinton Raymond Road, Clinton, Mississippi. For more mother, Cloma Crabtree Mangum, and graduated from the Mississippi School for Mathematics and information call 601-924-2261. Science in 1993. He and his partner of seven years, Keith Bliven-Mangum, were communicants of St. James’ Episcopal Church in Jackson, Mississippi. The Rev. Robert (Bob) Blanton is pastor-in-charge of Creator/Clinton. On June 17, 2011, Trey’s life was cut short and we lost a true activist in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Besides his work in Jackson, Mississippi, Trey moved on to become the director of housing for the N.O. AIDS Task Force in New Orleans, LA, and was the vice chairman of the National Episcopal AIDS Coalition. His HIV/AIDS work in the Jackson community was far-reaching and tireless — prior to ECW fall retreat held at his time at Grace House, Trey was a social worker for the Mississippi Department of Health and gener - ously volunteered his time to Mississippi HeARTS Against AIDS. Walk of Grace, one of Grace House’s annual fundraising events, was the vision of Trey Mangum. St. Columb’s/Ridgeland in Nov. He and his partner, Keith, along with a small group of friends, created this walk to bring awareness in Jackson, Mississippi, to the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic. Originally, the walk was in downtown Springs of Living Water - Meeting God in Daily Life Jackson, but in 2010 it moved to the Fondren neighborhood. In 2011, after Trey’s death, the walk’s name was changed to the Dr. Trey Mangum Memorial Walk of Grace. This year the walk will begin at Do you thirst for the Springs of Living Water and want to Meet God in your daily life? Like the St. James’ Episcopal Church and wind through the historic Fondren neighborhood on the afternoon of Samaritan woman at the well in the Gospel of John, we thirst for joy, connection, meaning, and peace. Saturday, December 7th. In addition there will be a cook-out and carnival before the walk and the We thirst for God who can seem absent and hidden from us. Yet, like the Samaritan woman who met AIDS Memorial Quilt will be hung the week prior to the walk at Beth Israel Congregation on Old Jesus unexpectedly at the well, we can meet Jesus at unexpected times and in unexpected places. Like Canton Road in Jackson. A World AIDS Day Interfaith Service is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, this woman who ran unafraid back to the village, we also can be changed forever, inspired by the ener - December 4, 2013, at Beth Israel Congregation. Trey would be excited to see his vision become a reali - gy of the Holy Spirit. ty and to see so many people coming together in support of HIV/AIDS awareness. And we are very You are invited to join with other women searching for God in their daily lives and attend a won - excited to partner with Beth Israel Congregation to bring the quilt to Mississippi. Many congregations derful retreat sponsored by ECW & the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross on November 8th of different denominations and faiths will be participating in the interfaith service. and 9th at St. Columb’s Episcopal Church in Ridgeland. At this retreat you will replenish the well of Grace House is proud to have the opportunity to name our new administration building after this your life by drinking the living water of scripture and of wisdom found in the ancient monastic Rule of wonderful, passionate, man — Dr. Trey Mangum. Please join us on Friday, October 18, as we remem - St. Benedict. Together we will explore the ways that Benedict points us to seeing God in what we do ber our dear, precious Trey and his ministry to the HIV/AIDS community and to Grace House. We will and in what we encounter each day. You will receive practical spiritual tools of prayer and presence to bless our new building in his memory at 5:30 p.m., with refreshments following. Please join us. help you grow in your capacity to trust and to find God in the very ordinary circumstances of life. For more information about Grace House or the The Dr. Trey Mangum Walk of Grace, or to The retreat is sponsored by the Diocese of Mississippi Episcopal Church Women and the Society participate in the World AIDS Day Interfaith Service, please contact The Rev. Molly MacWade at of the Companions of the Holy Cross. For registration information log on to the diocesan website 601.540.8447 or [email protected]. www.dioms.org and click on events or email Betty Melton at [email protected]. You may also call 601-483-2489. Tammie Stephens is the director of parish ministries at St. James’/Jackson.

TURNER INSURANCE Episcopal Church of the Mediator Bookstore 3825 35th Avenue • Meridian, MS 39305 www.mediatormeridian.dioms.org (click on Bookstore) email: [email protected] Phone: 601-483-3959, ext. 25, manager’s cell: 601-527-6095 Hours: Wed. 3:30-5:30 PM and Sun. 9:00 AM-10:15 & after 10:30 service Prayerbooks, Anglican rosaries, Sara Rubin Pottery, crosses, jewelry, Christopher C. Turner Episcopal items (T-shirts, sweatshirts, pins, hats, stickers, note cards) baby gifts, baptism & confirmation gifts,seasonal cards & gifts Shipping available

10 The Mississippi Episcopalian October 2013 EVENTS DIOCESAN CALENDAR Diocesan Altar Guild Central OCTOBER • 7-10: Annual Clergy Conference — Gray Center Convocation meeting in Oct. 11-12: Lay Ministry Workshop — Gray Center • Lucette Bennett, Central representative, invites all altar guild members to the Diocesan Altar Guild • 11-13: Adults Working with Youth (Experienced Youth Ministers) — Gray Center 11-13: Jr. High DOY — Gray Center Central Convocation meeting on Saturday, October 12, 2013, at 9:30a.m. The Episcopal Church of the • Good Shepherd in Terry, MS, will host the meeting. The church is located at 109 West Claiborne (I- • 12: Commission on Ministry Meeting — St. Andrew’s — 10:00 a.m. 13: Bishop Gray visits Chapel of the Cross, Madison — 10:30 a.m. 55S exit 78, left at the stop sign, right at the 4-way stop, one block down). Scheduled events include • coffee and sweet rolls during registration, a tour and history of Good Shepherd, a presentation from • 15: Standing Committee Meeting — Allin House — 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 16: Bishop Gray visits St. Mark’s, Jackson — 6:00 p.m. Bruce Cohen of Mississippi Metalsmiths on the care and restoration of altar vessels, and concluding • noonday prayer followed by lunch. The registration fee is $5. For additional information, contact • 17: Finance Committee Conference Call — 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 18: Bishop Gray visits St. Luke’s, Brandon — 6:00 p.m. Kathy Hardy at (601) 366-2636 or [email protected] or Wava Peters at (601) 201-4794 or • [email protected]. • 18-19: Writing the Song Within You — Gray Center • 18--20: Happening #78 — St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Meridian • 18-20: Happening Reunion — Church of the Mediator, Meridian • 19: Convocational Lay Ministry Workshop — St. Elizabeth’s, Collins — FAITHFUL DEPARTED 9 a.m.-2:00 p.m. • 20: Bishop Gray visits Trinity, Hattiesburg — 8:00 & 10:30 a.m. Mary Rogers Davis Jones, 88, communicant of Trinity, Natchez, died November 7, 2012. • 24: Trustees Meeting — Allin House — 2:00 p.m. • 26: Newcomer Conference — St. Andrew’s Mary Elizabeth McLaurin, 74, communicant of St. Andrew’s, Jackson, • 27: Bishop Gray visits St. Peter’s, Oxford — 11:00 a.m. died August 31, 2013. Bishop Gray visits the Episcopal Church at Ole Miss — 5:30 p.m. Bishop Gray visits Hispanic/Iglesia — 7:00 p.m. Harry William Hutchins, Jr. , 88, communicant of St. James’, Jackson, NOVEMBER died September 1, 2013. • 1: A Day Apart — Gray Center — 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. • 1: Bishop Gray visits All Saints, Jackson — 6:00 p.m. Linda Ann Hawkins Kay, 73, communicant of St. Andrew’s, Jackson, • 1-3: A.C. Marble School for Theological Formation — Gray Center died September 1, 2013. • 3-5: Presbyter POC — Gray Center • 5: Deadline for The Mississippi Episcopalian Robert Colhoun Conway, 87, communicant of St. James’, Jackson, died September 2, • 8-9: ECW Conference — St. Columb’s Episcopal Church, Ridgeland 2013. • 10: Bishop Gray visits St. Paul’s, Meridian — 10:30 a.m. Bishop Gray visits Holy Trinity, Crystal Springs — 5:00 p.m. John Hampton Stennis, 78, communicant of St. James’, Jackson, • 14-16: Open the Eyes of My Heart: Photography as a Spiritual Practice — Gray Center died September 5, 2013. • 15-16: Fifty Years Later: The State of Racism in America — St. Andrew’s, Jackson • 17: Bishop Gray visits Redeemer, Biloxi — 9:00 & 11:15 a.m. Nina J. Dyess, 76, communicant of St. Mary’s, Enterprise, died September 10, 2013. • 19: Fresh Start — Trinity Church, Hattiesburg — 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. • 19: Disaster Preparation & Response Team Meeting — Allin House — Manuel Carlos “Manny” Torres, 45 , communicant of St. Paul’s, Meridian, 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. died September 11, 2013. • 20: Deacons’ Council Meeting — Allin House — 12:00-2:00 p.m. • 21: Fresh Start — All Saints’, Grenada — 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Elizabeth (Bettye) Timberlake Nicholson, 89, communicant of St. Andrew’s, Jackson, • 21-24: Cursillo #125 — Gray Center died September 15, 2013. • 21-24: Province IV Leadership and Networking Meeting — Trinity Center, NC • 27: Egg Bowl Tailgating (not) at Gray Center — Cyberspace • 27-29: Allin House closed for Thanksgiving holiday DECEMBER • 3: Deadline for The Mississippi Episcopalian • 6-7: Lay Leadership Training Institute — Gray Center • 6-8: A.C. Marble School for Theological Formation — Gray Center • 6-8: Be Still and Know: Knitting and Needlework in Advent — Gray Center • 8: Bishop Gray visits Grace Church, Rosedale — 8:00 a.m. Bishop Gray visits Calvary, Cleveland — 10:30 a.m. • 10: Standing Committee Meeting — Allin House — 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. • 12: Finance Committee Meeting — St. Andrew’s — 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. • 13-14: Gray Center Board Meeting — Gray Center • 15: Bishop Gray visits Christ Church, Holly Springs — 11:00 a.m. • 17: Executive Committee Meeting — St. Andrew’s — 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. • 23-27: Allin House closed for Christmas holiday • 27-January 1: Winter Solstice — Gray Center

October 2013 The Mississippi Episcopalian 11 ACCOMPLISHMENTS St. Andrew’s Episcopal School has largest percentage of National Merit semifinalists in Mississippi By Patrick C. Taylor

Fifteen members of the senior class of St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Ridgeland have qualified as National Merit semifinalists. That is 18% of the class of 2014, the highest percentage of semifi - nalists in any school in Mississippi. “We are very proud of the performance of our students on the PSAT. Fifteen of our seniors are National Merit semifinalists and two are National Achievement semifinalists. In addition, sever - al students received letters of commendation for their outstanding performance on the PSAT, but they will not continue in the com - petition,” says Mimi Bradley, St. Andrew’s director of college coun - seling. “We may be a small school, but consistently we have a higher percentage of our students recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation than any other school in the state. About 16,000 students, or approximately one-third of the 50,000 high scorers, are notified that they have qualified as semifi - nalists in September. To ensure that academically talented young people from all parts of the United States are included in this tal - ent pool, semifinalists are designated on a state representational basis. They are the highest scoring entrants in each state. To be considered for a National Merit Scholarship, semifinalists must advance to Finalist standing in the competition by meeting high

St. Andrew’s National Merit semifinalists are (back, from left) Bruce Senter, Mark McMillin, David Huang, Erik Raucher; and (middle) Lauren Friedrich, Cara Keyser, Sarah Gresham Barr, Claire Sykes Alexander, Katie May; and (front) Lee Schmidt, Samantha Ong, Helena Qu, Eleanor Wells, and Anna Hudson. Not pictured is Kovi Katz. academic standards and all other requirements explained in the related to the outstanding preparation they receive every day in information provided to each semifinalist. In February, some their classes. Our teachers are experts in their fields, enthusiastic St. Andrew’s National Achievement semifinalists are Margie 15,000 Semifinalists are notified by mail at their home addresses about their subjects and absolutely engaging. Who wouldn’t be Funches and Peryn Reeves-Darby. Based on the same criteria as that they have advanced to Finalist standing. excited to learn?” National Merit, the National Achievement Program is a privately “Every bit as important as their performance on the PSAT is funded scholarship program that honors outstanding African- our students’ outstanding performance on the ACT and SAT,” con - Patrick C. Taylor is the director of communications at American high school students. tinues Bradley. “We believe their excellent performance is directly St. Andrew’s Episcopal School. We’re rolling out a new disaster trailer at Council 2014 Your congregation can be a part of stocking it

By the Rev. Carol Borne Spencer Peter’s by-the-Sea/Gulfport has generously help of all our churches and missions we are Presently, 18 congregations are in our diocesan loaned to many of our congregations. All hoping to stock the trailer. Look for a “needs network. By the end of 2014, our goal is to have Your Diocesan Disaster Preparedness and Saints/Tupelo, when responding to the list” to be posted on the diocesan website. Each 30 congregations actively participating in our Response Team (DDPRT) is working hard to Smithville tornado, and Trinity and congregation, or individual, will be able to go educational and information sharing network. cover the state with a blanket of readiness for Ascension/Hattiesburg, when responding to the on line and register a gift to the diocese of par - We can better serve the local needs if we have the potential next disaster. We are attempting to 2013 tornado in Hattiesburg, all used this trailer. ticular items. All viewing the website will see local participation. network with each congregation in an effort to The recently purchased trailer will be what will be brought and donated at Council Come and SHOWER our new trailer at prepare and train local people to respond to parked at Gray Center and will better serve the and what will be needed. Once the trailer is Diocesan Council 2014! local disasters. If you are not yet part of our net - upper half and central part of our diocese while stocked, we will ask the bishop to bless this new work, please call or email Carol Spencer at 601- the trailer from St.Peter’s/Gulfport can still serve important asset in our diocesan readiness efforts. The Rev. Deacon Carol Spencer is the chair of 487-2737 or [email protected]. south Mississippi. Though this trailer is our immediate focus, the Disaster Preparedness and Response Task The next phase of readiness consists of pur - Plans are to have the new trailer on site at our networking with each and every congrega - Force. chasing and stocking a trailer like the one St. the 2014 Diocesan Council in Natchez. With the tion continues to be our long-range goal.

12 The Mississippi Episcopalian October 2013