The

SouthernA Publication of the Episcopal Diocese of SouthwestCross Florida

The Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida is a community of 34,000 Christians Highlights IN this issue in 11 counties serving 77 congregations, 13 schools, two campus ministries and the DaySpring Conference Center. Established From the Bishop in 1969. 3 Bishop The Rt. Rev. Dabney T. Smith 4 Refocusing our role: Mailing address: Gulf oil spill should get us 7313 Merchant Court to think about our place on the planet Sarasota, FL 34240 Phone: (941) 556-0315 Fax: (941) 556-0321 Parish gets 9 eco-grant: Website: www.episcopalswfl.org Spring Hill congregation In the United States, the Episcopal Church is goes Florida- a community of 2.3 million members in 110 friendly dioceses in the Americas and abroad.

Presiding Bishop The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori 815 Second Avenue First person: New York, NY 10017 On the cover: 11 Mission trip to Honduras makes (212) 867-8400 Elementary school kids put their indelible mark on Sanibel couple all into a tug-of-war match June The Episcopal Church is part of the Anglican 15 during the diocese’s annual Moving Communion, a global community of 70 million Summer Camp at DaySpring 12 Anglicans in 38 member churches/provinces Conference Center. forward: in more than 160 countries. Photo by Jim DeLa St. Andrew’s, Archbishop of Canterbury Boca Grande The Most Rev. and Rt. Hon. Rowan Williams sets its Lambeth Palace sights high London WE1 7JU UNITED KINGDOM

The Southern Cross is a member of Episcopal News Service and Episcopal Communicators. Disaster The Southern Cross is published six times a year: 16 January, March, May, July, September and No- in the Gulf: vember. Copies are shipped to all congregations Churches, relief for free distribution. agencies respond to need Articles, letters, calendar information and photos are welcome. They will be used on a space-avail- able basis and are subject to editing. Send all ma- terial (preferably in electronic form by e-mail) to: 23 Events Calendar Jim DeLa, editor E-mail: [email protected] Submission deadlines for upcoming issues: The Southern Cross 7313 Merchant Court September/October: August 1 Sarasota, FL 34240 Phone: (941) 556-0315, ext. 268 November/December: October 1 January/February 2011: December 1

2 The Southern Cross July/August 2010 Persistent prayer can break through spiritual barriers ow that is it it to help me strengthen my summertime, baptismal resolve of per- the heat and sonal surrender to God. humidity are rom That self-emptying ourN constant companions. F gesture is easily melted We may long for some the away by the crushing refreshing coolness even weight of sins and dis- though we all thought our Bishop tractions if not strength- most recent winter was ened on a daily basis. The Rt. Rev. Dabney T. Smith too long and cold. Every day is a new op- I thought it may be portunity for our personal helpful to provide some free will to be given to God’s will — or not. cooling refreshment with And each day builds upon all the previous this Southern Cross let- days. God’s will can form such a power in our ter. I have preached in a lives that it can crack the metaphorical granite of couple of our congregations recently and used sin. an illustration from my personal prayer life. This St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians informs us, personal practice is the use of what is called the “If you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal Snowflake Prayer — perhaps a good prayer to life from the Spirit. “(Gal. 6:8) learn during the heat of summer. Several people Repeated sowing of the will of God’s Spirit have asked me for it, so here it is. forms holy spiritual strength in the personal free I learned of this prayer in a book titled Pray: will that God gives us. I know I have a long way a Study of Distinctively Christian Praying, by to go in the formation of my own divine spiritual Charles Whiston. Over time I have amended it strength. That’s why I keep praying the Snow- and made it my own. The Snowflake Prayer is flake Prayer. I commend it to you. based on this fundamental reality: One solitary Have a refreshingly cool summer. snowflake is easily melted away with one single breath. Millions of snowflakes, though, collec- tively, have enough strength to form a sheet of ice that has the power to crack granite. My per- sonalized snowflake prayer goes like this: Dear Lord, I surrender my life to you this day to be used by you For what you will For why you will For where you will For whom you will and For when you will. All that I have and all that I am I, this day, surrender to you. And if I am to die this day Let me die loving you and serving you. Amen. This is a prayer I’ve been saying practically every morning for many years now. I understand

The Southern Cross July/August 2010 3 Gulf crisis refocuses our role on Earth

By The Rev. David Danner thinking of the petition included in the

Ash Wednesday Litany of Penitence enerally speaking I am not which begs God’s forgiveness, “For an up-close lover of the R our waste and pollution of your cre- great outdoors. Oh yes, I G ation, and our lack of concern for those enjoy the gorgeous water views, who come after us.” I know questions sunrises and sunsets, night skies and eflections concerning alternative energy sources, tropical sub-foliage available to us R That’s R expansion of drilling and conservation here in paradise. true, acci- policies can easily become politicized. That said, you are not likely to dents do happen, and (Indeed it seems everything is political catch me camping out in the wild. Get in some sense this tragedy is an un- these days!) Don’t worry. I do not plan the picture? Despite my respectful- fortunate accident insofar as it was not to go down that slippery slope. I do distance approach to nature, I am planned or anticipated. Still I feel some think, however, that theology has some deeply saddened (and also appalled and ownership, some guilt and some sense bearing on the matter, and with that angered) by what is happening to our of corporate sinfulness in this matter. said, I can weigh in. beautiful Gulf waters and beaches. I can I am suddenly more conscious that I The opening chapters of the Book barely stand to watch the live video of routinely make little or no effort to of Genesis raise some pertinent issues oil gushing into those pristine waters, or conserve water, energy or electricity. If I for our reflection. When God has fin- see helpless wildlife drenched in oil. do so, it is because I like to save money, ished his creation — humankind being Daily I hear some radio or televi- with no thought that it is good for the the last of his creatures — he gives sion pundit declare, “Why can’t we just environment. I recycle because it is them “dominion over the fish of the sea accept the fact that accidents happen?” expected, not because I think it right. As … and over every living thing.” Later, a worship leader, I have never observed after Adam and Eve have been driven Earth Day or the church’s time-honored — The Rev. David Danner is rector of All from the Garden, we encounter the sad equivalent of Rogation Sunday. Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church on and tragic quest for power and approval Recently I have caught myself Longboat Key. (Continued on page 14) Moments of clarity usually come quietly etters By Sandra Pollock thoughts came to mind. Or perhaps I L could use my neglected degree and life Letters to the editor and Reflections ’ve been waiting for my “aha mo- experience counseling single mothers essays to The Southern Cross are ap- ment,” to quote a recent insurance at a local foundation. But I never got preciated and encouraged. commercial. Unrelated to finances, I around to looking into it. We ask that letters be as concise as my “aha moment” was concerning faith And so, I waited for God to moti- and direction. I thought when I retired possible — with a 300-word suggested vate me and shove me in the right direc- limit — and stay on one topic. Authors months ago that I would receive some tion. But no epiphany, no miraculous should include their full name, parish af- sort of epiphany, clear and concise, tell- signs occurred. Instead, I found myself filiation or city of residence. Anonymous ing me exactly what I should do to give being gently pushed by a higher being letters will not be published. back to God and the community. into volunteer work I had never envi- I have been so blessed in my life All submissions are subject to editing to sioned. God always amazes me and I that I always assumed I would spend improve clarity and to fit in the available shouldn’t be surprised. space for each issue. my golden years helping others as I A wise priest once told our congre- have been helped in the past. I now had Please send correspondence to: gation that God’s mission for us rarely time for the altruistic endeavor, but I shows itself in a blinding light, a majes- Letters to the Editor was uncertain what it should be. I had tic sign from above or even an obvious The Southern Cross hoped I would be able to finally write answer to a prayer. What he wants for Diocese of Southwest Florida that inspirational book, guiding others us often comes in subtle messages, over 7313 Merchant Court to a better life, but no awe-inspiring Sarasota, FL 34240 a period of time until we find ourselves where we should be. This is how it has Or send letters by fax to (941) 556-0321; —Sandra Pollock is a parishioner at or by e-mail to [email protected] St. George’s Church in Bradenton. (Continued on page 14)

4 The Southern Cross July/August 2010 In Brief Rays’ outing to benefit Episcopal Charities The diocese’s second annual “Night with the Rays” is set for Fri- day, Aug. 27, when the Tampa Bay Rays take on the Boston Red Sox. Game time is 7:10 p.m at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. A portion of the $20 for an up- per reserved infield seat will go to the Episcopal Charities Fund. Churches should place a single order for their tickets by Aug. 13. Any church that buys 40 or more tickets will be entered in a raffle for an autographed baseball. For more information about Photo courtesy of Church of the Good Shepherd, Dunedin tickets, contact Dan Newhart at (727) 825-3293 or at dnewhart@raysbase- Prayer vigil on the Gulf ball.com About a dozen members of Church of the Good Shepherd in Dunedin took part in a prayer vigil for the Gulf Coast Thursday, June 17, along the Dunedin Causeway. Faith DaySpring looking for groups around the nation were asked to participate in the National Hour of Prayer for God’s Earth from 7-8 p.m. The Dunedin group says it will continue to hold regular wheels, sports gear DaySpring Conference Center vigils as the Gulf oil spill disaster continues. For more on the response to the spill, see page 18. is looking for donations of a used pickup truck, van and utility trailer in road-worthy condition. They also need sports equip- Diocese to be part of shared ment, including basketballs, vol- leyballs, footballs, softballs, gloves and tennis rackets. Gifts are tax- ministry pilot project deducible. If you have items to donate, call Staff and wire reports tions simply cannot sustain the same level of staff that may have been expected in Ken Provost at (941) 776-1018. A new pilot project aimed at pairing the past. But that shouldn’t mean that they retired clergy with small, under-resourced cannot remain healthy, vital and vibrant “Summer Lites” series congregations with strong lay leadership with a different model of dynamic lay to empower God’s mission locally will in Clearwater leadership and clergy playing a different The Episcopal Church of the soon be underway in Southwest Florida. kind of leadership role.” Good Samaritan in Clearwater will The project, New Dreams — New At a recent meeting of the coor- sponsor a monthly summer series Visions, is a collaborative effort organized dinating committee, six dioceses were called “Summer Lites,” including by the Church Pension Group, the Epis- identified to participate in the pilot: dinner and entertainment in the par- copal Church Center and the Episcopal Southwest Florida, Vermont, Western ish house. Church Foundation, working closely with Massachusetts, Atlanta, Oklahoma and On Friday, July 23, they will cel- the CREDO Institute and Fresh Start. Eastern Michigan. ebrate the ‘50s with soda shop treats. The project aims to address two key Southwest Florida is a natural test Tickets are $12. Events start at issues in the Episcopal Church: A signifi- bed for the project, says the Rev. Canon 6:30 p.m. cant number of clergy are poised to retire, Michael Durning, canon to the ordinary. Call the church office for reser- and a significant number of congregations “I see two reasons for the inclusion of vations or more information at (727) will not be able to afford to pay for full- Southwest Florida. Yes, we are blessed 461-1717. time clergy. with a great harvest of clergy in retire- “The Episcopal Church as we know it ment,” he said. “About half the priests is changing rapidly,” said Donald V. Ro- residing in the diocese are receiving a manik, Foundation president, said. “The increasing number of smaller congrega- (Continued on page 8) (Continued on page 8)

The Southern Cross July/August 2010 5 Summer ritual of camp

he 2010 diocesan Summer Camp provided youth from third through eighth grades with fun, fellowship and discovery at DaySpring Con- ferenceT Center in Parrish. The number of participants, particularly the number of new kids to the program and the increasing number of boys, is welcome, said Michelle Mercurio, an administrative as- sistant in the diocesan office and coordinator Photos by Jim DeLa for this year’s summer camp. An elementary camper makes a successful catch during the egg-toss event during the summer camp olympics.

During a rainy afternoon, campers make papier mache fish that were later painted bright colors.

6 The Southern Cross July/August 2010 Bishop Dabney Smith leads elementary school kids in songs after lunch during the 2010 diocesan Summer Camp.

“The ratio is usually two-thirds girls, and this time it was nearly 50-50 boys to girls,” she said. Even after camp is over, she said, the relationships have kept going. “Ten minutes after camp was over, they were all texting each other ... the day after, they were on Facebook, already friends, they were e-mailing. We’re all still in community.” Mercurio said the DaySpring staff was “really good to us,” with the facilities, meals and support.

—You can see more photos and video from each day of camp by visiting http://stmarystampa.com/camp/Welcome. html

A camp counselor became a target for chocolate pudding during the camp olympics event. The team that was able to get the most pudding in the cup held in the counselor’s teeth was the winner.

The Southern Cross July/August 2010 7 Priest honored for service Photo courtesy of St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church The Rev. Norman Howard, center, was honored June 6, and was named an honorary canon of the diocese for his work as priest in charge of St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Largo. The parish has undergone a rebirth after being in turmoil since last fall, when its former rector tried to lead them out of The Episcopal Church and affiliate with a conservative Anglican coalition based in Pennsylvania. The Ven. Dennis McManis, the diocese’s canon for mission and outreach, presented the award as Howard’s wife, Sybil, looked on.

Shared ministry project l To provide resources and training In Brief (Continued from page 5) to enhance existing diocesan transi- (Continued from page 5) tion processes; pension from the Church Pension Group. l To gather research, data and infor- Many of them are still interested in work- mation to benefit transitions in the Men’s Ministries ing after retirement. church. “We also have 80 deacons whose becoming a resource Exactly which congregations in the median age is 69. Together, these clergy Peter Rothermel, Coordinator diocese will be involved in the study form a unique gathering of people want- of Christian Faith Formation for the has yet to be determined, said Durning. ing to teach and to learn,” said Durning. Diocese of South Carolina, and Ric “Certainly, one of the areas of interest “I am very excited about the roll out Webb, a member of St. Philip’s Epis- will be those of our congregations that of this innovative and collaborative initia- copal Church, Charleston, visited Jay are sharing a priest.” tive,” said Bishop Tom Ely of Vermont, Crouse, Director of Strategic Proj- As plans for the project are finalized, an early supporter of the project. “Our ects for Episcopal Men’s Ministries, he expects to be involved in developing lay leaders and clergy will benefit from a April 27 to May 1. criteria for studying per capita data such coordinated approach to what so many are The men, representing the Dio- as debt, giving and “endowment drain.” facing. New Dreams — New Visions will cese of South Carolina, came to hear “We have a depth of data and we are help us address the challenges together, about and learn first-hand about the willing to share how we use this to the in a coordinated way, instead of trying diocesanwide and local church-based advantage of a congregation in need of a to figure this out as a hundred separate ministry to men. During their visit, new dream,” he said. dioceses.” they participated in several men’s Plans show having all participating The goals of the pilot are: ministry programs in the diocese, congregations on board by mid-October attended a men’s conference at Day- l To work with a targeted group of and support, training and mentoring for Spring, and heard compelling stories clergy and congregations; clergy available by early 2011. from area men about the impact this l To engage in a deliberate, thought- New Dreams — New Visions is ministry has on their lives. ful process to develop healthy mod- also made possible by support from the els of congregational ministry with Roanridge Trust, the Transitions Ministry lay leaders who work in partnership Conference, the Diocese of Maine, the with clergy who are serving less Diocese of Delaware and the Diocese of than full-time; Southern Virginia.

8 The Southern Cross July/August 2010 Eco-friendly parish gets state grant Landscaping project Thrift Shop earns thumbs-up Assistant Manager Pat from water district Trama and By Jody Bowes her husband, Frank, plant The priest at St. Andrew’s Episcopal some Florida- Church in Spring Hill has been working friendly foliage on a “greener” campus since arriving along the there five years ago. In March of this year walkway at her goal took a giant step forward. St. Andrew’s Church. Frank St. Andrew’s was awarded the first- helped write the ever grant given to a faith-based com- grant that was munity by the Southwest Florida Water awarded to St. Management District. The project name is Andrew’s. “Florida-Friendly Landscaping for Faith- Based Communities in Spring Hill.” This award not only gives St. An- drew’s an opportunity to make needed Photo by Jody Bowes and environmentally friendly modifica- tions to their own campus. They have now become a venue for other faith-based communities to learn how to improve their own acreage. Florida-friendly landscaping involves church and parish hall. They removed ted by Mahurin with assistance from following a set of nine guiding principles non-Florida-friendly plants and trans- parishioner Frank Trama and the support that help protect natural resources and formed these areas into more environ- of vestry member Marti Yost, diocesan preserve Florida’s unique beauty. Guide- mentally sensitive grounds. Green Team representative Randy Ma- lines include knowing what plants to put Signs now label the plants, making hurin, Junior Warden Betty Jo McCann, in different areas, using less water, and it a “demonstration campus” not just for other vestry members and the church’s using appropriate fertilizer and mulch. the workshops but for anyone who vis- Friends of Creation United in Stewardship Guidelines also cover attracting its. “They see the labels and know it’s a (FOCUS) team. wildlife, responsible management of yard Florida-friendly plant,” added Mahurin. The FOCUS team continues to work pests, recycling, reducing stormwater The grant states St. Andrew’s will to improve “green awareness” throughout runoff, and protecting waterfronts. More educate staff, church members, visi- St. Andrew’s campus and congregation. information is available at www.swfwmd. tors and members of other Spring Hill The church has recycle containers in all state.fl.us/yards. faith communities on the importance of buildings for glass, paper and plastic. “Our campus is seven acres of Old Florida-friendly landscaping to conserv- They stopped using paper products for Florida foliage,” said Pastor Shanda Ma- ing our water supply. It says volunteers dinners and receptions. They have fre- hurin. “We have beautiful oak trees and will coordinate workshops and continue quent work days where parishioners of all Spanish moss. Something so magnificent to transform the current grounds into a ages work on the buildings and grounds. gives glory to God. With the grant we’ve Florida-friendly campus. Mahurin hopes people will pass the been able to do so much more to preserve Through attendance at one of the word and that more local residents will be that beauty.” workshops, or by visiting the campus by able to transform their homes into Florida- St. Andrew’s recently hosted the appointment, the grant further states that friendly yards, at the same time saving on first of two Florida-friendly landscaping Spring Hill residents will come to real- their water bills. St. Andrew’s Episcopal workshops. ize the importance of a Florida-friendly Church is located at 2301 Deltona Blvd. The grant money allowed the parish landscape to our water resources. in Spring Hill. to retrofit its irrigation system, buy river Success of the grant will be evaluated rock and mulch, and remove some non- based on the number of workshop attend- Florida-friendly trees. ees who plan to install Florida-friendly — Jody Bowes is the minister for music In addition the church spent $2,000 landscaping, survey responses and num- and youth at St. Andrew’s and writes of its own money purchasing and planting ber of materials distributed. The project regularly for the Hernando Today news- Florida-friendly foliage in its entryway is expected to reach 700 people. paper. and along the walkway between the The grant was written and submit-

The Southern Cross July/August 2010 9 2010 diocesan convention set Oct. 8-9

The 2010 diocesan convention is six months away but critical deadlines are Get convention news online already approaching. The convention, scheduled for Oct. Get up-to-date information concerning the 2010 8-9 at the Charlotte Harbor Event and diocesan convention between now and October by Conference Center in Punta Gorda, will visiting www.episcopalswfl.org/diocesan_convention once again offer a day of workshops and worship before the annual business meeting of the diocese. The theme for the 639-1165. $69.99 per night, includes free Resolutions 42nd annual convention is “Five Marks breakfast. Ask for Group Code “EPIS- Any voting member of convention, of Mission:” COPAL” a deanery convocation or committee of Wyvern Hotel l To proclaim the Good News of the the diocese may submit a resolution to A boutique hotel at 101 East Retta Es- Kingdom; be considered at convention. Proposed planade, Punta Gorda. (941) 639-7700 l To teach, baptize and nurture new resolutions must be received by the dioc- There are additional hotels in Port believers; esan office no later than Aug. 10, which Charlotte approximately eight miles from l To respond to human need by lov- is 60 days before the convention, in order the Event Center. They are the Hampton ing service; for the Resolutions Committee to ensure Inn, (941) 627-5600; LaQuinta Inn, (941) l To seek to transform unjust struc- resolutions comply with the diocesan 979-4200; Sleep Inn, (941) 613-6300 and tures of society; and constitution and canons. Holiday Inn Express, (877) 863-4780. l To strive to safeguard the integrity All resolutions approved by the com- of creation, and sustain and renew mittee must be posted on the diocesan the life of the earth. Elections website not later that Sept. 9, or 30 days Clergy and delegates will be electing before convention. The workshops offered on Friday, 18 people to serve on several governing Resolutions to be considered should Oct. 8 will reflect topics related to the bodies of the church, including the Stand- be sent to the diocesan office, 7313 Mer- marks of mission. More details about ing Committee and Diocesan Council. chant Court, Sarasota, FL 34240 or by convention will be forthcoming in the The deputation to the 2012 General Con- e-mail to [email protected]. months leading up to October. vention of the Episcopal Church will also be elected Oct. 9. Fall convocation dates Hotel information available The offices are: Each deanery gathers its voting These are the recommended hotels Deputation to the 2012 General clergy and delegates in the fall to preview for diocesan convention. Please men- Convention of the Episcopal Church: items to be considered at convention, tion the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Eight deputies will be elected, four clergy including the proposed diocesan budget Florida Convention. and four laypeople, and alternates. and any resolutions that may be submitted Room reservations may only be made Standing Committee: Two clergy for debate. Each deanery will also elect by the person responsible for payment and two laypersons. One clergy position its representation to Diocesan Council for for the entire group. If your church will is for a full three-year term, the other is the following two years. be paying for your housing your church to fill an unexpired term. The dates and locations for the fall must call in the reservation as a group and Diocesan Council: One clergy to be convocations are: pay at the time of your check-in. If you elected to fill an at-large seat for a two- register as an individual you will be asked year term. Fort Myers/Naples deaneries: to pay as an individual. University of the South Trustees: Tuesday, Aug. 31, 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s, Room rates are good through Sept. One clergy to be elected for a three-year 9801 Bonita Beach Road in Bonita 3. term. Springs. Diocesan Review Committee: One Manasota/Venice deaneries: Four Points by Sheraton clergy and one layperson to be elected Wednesday, Sept. 1, 7 p.m. St. Mark’s, Brand new hotel open May 2009 at to terms to end July 1, 2011, when new 513 Nassau St. South in Venice. the Punta Gorda Harborside. 33 Tamiami canons take effect that will eliminate the Trail. (941) 637-6770. $82 per night. committee. Tampa/ St. Petersburg/Clearwater Group Code - EPISCOPAL DIOCESE Ecclesiastical Court: One clergy deaneries: Thursday, Sept. 2, 7 p.m. at St. Best Western Waterfront and two laypersons to be elected for terms Mark’s, 13312 Cain Road in Tampa. Very popular waterfront hotel – “old to end July 1, 2011, when new clergy Florida” hotel. 300 Retta Esplanade, disciplinary canons take effect. Punta Gorda. (800) 525-1022 or (941) 10 The Southern Cross July/August 2010 Trip shows we can all make a difference By John Harries the day in the classrooms we observed caring, devoted teachers patiently teach- Two years ago my wife, Ellie, and ing classes of children of variable ages I were very moved by a sermon given and capabilities. by the Rev. Richard Kunz, the execu- Time was also devoted to small tive director of the El Hogar projects in discussion groups where children were Honduras. Honduras is one of the poorest encouraged to reflect on their lives with and least developed countries in Latin newfound hope and to consider their rela- America. The average annual income is tionships with others and with God. Like less than $1,000, and 25 percent of the all schoolchildren, morning and afternoon population lives on less than $2 per day. recess times was a highlight of the day The unemployment rate is hovering at and included energetic “futbol” (soccer) 30 percent. Half of the rural residents do games, roller blade skating, basketball not have access to adequate sanitation and crafts. One of our roles was to assist students having difficulty in math and reading on a First Person one-on-one basis. This was quite a chal- Personal stories of mission and discovery lenge since the students spoke Spanish and we did not. My wife was successful facilities. Ellie Harries does some reading with a in helping students in second grade with Given the extreme widespread pov- student at the El Hogar project. reading. erty, it is not surprising that a United I helped out with math, which was Nations 2006 report states that 67 percent Foundation. easy since language skills are not es- of the children in Honduras are malnour- In Southwest Florida, several church- sential to the task (I taught a couple of ished. Very young children are left alone es, including Iona-Hope and St. Michael children how to avoid counting on their during the day to forage for themselves as and All Angels, and their parishioners fingers which, as you can imagine, can be both parents (if there are two) are forced sponsor students at the school. a bit restrictive past 10). We also enjoyed to work. More than 400,000 children and The program provides accommoda- playing with the kids in small groups in adolescents between the ages of 5 and tions, food, clothing, education and spiri- the evening. 18 work. tual development to some 250 boys and We came away from our visit in Although education is supposedly girls from the poorest areas of Honduras. Honduras with a sense that El Hogar is compulsory from ages 7 through 12, only All children enter as grade 1 students of an inspiring point of light providing 250 58 percent of primary school age students the El Hogar Elementary school in Tegu- Honduran boys and girls with an oppor- reach the fifth grade. Their families cannot cigalpa, the capital city. tunity for a better life. feed, clothe or educate them. Their homes, After completing grade 6 they choose Children are clothed, fed and edu- little more than cardboard and tin pieced one of two career paths. Some go to the cated in a supportive, wholesome en- together, offer no space, no running water, Agricultural School where they study vironment for about $4,000 a student, and little hope for the future. Many chil- sustainable agriculture and animal hus- impressive when you consider that Lee dren literally live on the streets. bandry. The rest attend the technical in- County spends about $11,000 per student Since family disintegration is com- stitute where they pursue courses and lab for education. monplace, teenage gangs involved in the work in welding, carpentry and electricity. Given our conviction that education drug trade offer a sense of belonging. In both cases, as well as learning skills for can eliminate poverty and despair, we In the past 12 years 3,500 children and life, they complete grade 9 and obtain a were impressed that our financial sup- youth have been killed on the streets of Honduran high school certificate. port for this program is making a real Honduras. With their newly acquired market- difference. While rich in faith, love and Against this backdrop of poverty and able skills, they then can go back into their hope, El Hogar’s tangible needs are great. hopelessness, El Hogar de Amor y Esper- communities, become gainfully employed Please visit the website (www.elhogar. anza (Home of Love and Hope) provides and teach others who have not had the org) or call us at (239) 395-0030 if you Honduran children an opportunity for a same opportunity. would like more information about how better life. Founded in 1979 as a project Within the past month my wife and you can help. of the Episcopal Diocese of Honduras, I spent a week at El Hogar to learn more it provides a loving home and education about the El Hogar program. The students’ for abandoned , orphaned and hopelessly day is packed with positive, stimulating — Ellie and John Harries are members poor boys and girls. It is supported by educational and recreational activities. of St. Michael and All Angels Church in generous donations from individuals; After breakfast they gather in front of Sanibel. If you have a First Person story U.S., U.K. and Canadian churches; Ro- the school rooms and listen to one of the to share, send it to editor Jim DeLa at tary Clubs and the Universal Outreach teachers deliver a short homily. During [email protected].

The Southern Cross July/August 2010 11 Photo by Jim DeLa The refurbished St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Boca Grande, in foreground, sits beside the new Chapter House (center) and new rectory. The $3 million project will be complete this fall. No looking back Launching a $3 million By Jim DeLa Editor, The Southern Cross capital campaign in the midst of a recession is not t. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, a century-old church on the south end of Gasparilla Island in Lee for the faint of heart. County, has undergone a transformation in the last couple of years, from being a seasonal, unorganized missionS to gaining full parish status in 2009. But then again, St. Andrew’s The rector, the Rev. Read Heydt, and other parish lead- Episcopal Church in Boca ers credit their success to a two-year discernment process that clarified what direction they want to go in the next 100 Grande is a very unique years. congregation in a very The process will reach a milestone this fall when the $3 million renovation and expansion of the church and con- unique community. struction of a new charter house (parish hall) and adjoining rectory are completed. (Continued on page 13)

12 The Southern Cross July/August 2010 St. Andrew’s something unusual, bringing in profes- ment. “They’ll tell you, realistically, (Continued from page 12) sional consultants to analyze their goals what you can raise,” Heydt added. and assess their chances for success. The James Company’s founder, James The fundraising effort was com- Plans Harrison, along with St. Andrew’s pa- pleted quickly, but not without some Browne led the architect search rishioner Bill Munsell, conducted inter- anxious and dramatic moments. The and directed Jonathon Parks Architects views with likely donors and ultimately capital campaign process, which can put through the initial concept design. Their came to the conclusion that their goals stress and strain on a church, actually three-phase recommendations called for were reachable. helped bring St. Andrew’s together. a rehab and expansion of the church, a Browne says having the consultants Parishioner Hank Browne said the modern version of the old-style chapter was a godsend. “It relieved the vestry of questions they asked themselves were house and an adjacent vicarage, all on a lot of that work,” he said, adding that basic. “If we were going to be a full- they wound up with an impartial assess- (Continued on page 14) time parish, what do we have to do?” he said. Browne, a semi-retired architect who served as the parish liaison to the builder’s project manager, said they looked at every issue before launching the fundraising effort. “We started raising money for it and, lo and behold, we witnessed a real interest in doing something.” Twists and turns Raising $3 million was not without its anxious moments. As the fundraising effort was about to begin, the congrega- tion was stunned when the chair of their planning committee, Al LeClair, died suddenly. The loss, coupled with a bad economy getting worse, threatened to stall momentum for the capital cam- paign. The congregation was hit with more bad news when Senior Warden Steve Gardner entered hospice care, according to the Rev. Cappy Warner, the associate rector at St. Andrew’s. Gardner and his wife, Edie, had already given the church a substantial financial gift as seed money for the cap- ital campaign. Warner recalled a vestry meeting Steve Gardner was conducting by phone from his hospice bed when he dropped a bombshell, announcing he had already transferred a six-figure do- nation into the church’s bank account. “You should have seen this meeting,” Warner recalled. “All of a sudden, this bishop’s committee was energized.” At that point, Heydt said, the con- gregation’s resolve was unshakable. “You couldn’t let down the senior war- den,” he said. Gardner died two weeks after that meeting. “It was full-steam ahead,” from then on, Warner said. “I’ve never seen anything like it.” Photo by Jim DeLa Professional help The Revs. Read Heydt and Cappy Warner check on progress in the Chapter House The people at St. Andrew’s also did of St. Andrew’s Church in Boca Grande.

The Southern Cross July/August 2010 13 Reflections — Gulf and potentially on our own beaches, Reflections — Clarity (Continued from page 4) should move us to prayerfully consider (Continued from page 4) these questions, perhaps with a renewed that ends in the death of Abel, and the sense of urgency and importance. been for me. Right after retirement, I still taunting question of Cain, “Am I Almighty God, in giving us domin- went to a local vo-tech school to inquire my brother’s keeper?” ion over things on earth, you made us about possible creative writing courses. How we understand our dominion fellow workers in your creation: Give I saw a small portable classroom with a of the earth and our responsibility for us wisdom and reverence so to use the sign reading “Adult Education Resource our brother’s actions and welfare shape resources of nature, that no one may Center.” I was drawn in, and the next our interaction with the environment, suffer from our abuse of them, and that thing I knew I had signed up to tutor our stewardship of natural resources, generations yet to come may continue for the rest of the school year and found and even our competition for the to praise you for your bounty; through myself literally teaching English (read- world’s commodities. These are ques- Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Book of ing, writing, vocabulary) to students of tions that each individual Christian must Common Prayer, p. 827) other languages. Although all my family answer. The current crisis in the Gulf, are teachers, I never considered I had the ability or desire to be one myself. And yet these students, young and road house” design to blend in with the older, are so grateful for any help they St. Andrew’s community. can get that it makes me feel produc- (Continued from page 13) tive and pleased that I am reaching out Lessons learned to someone who is trying to better their three adjoining lots owned by St. An- The leadership at St. Andrew’s real- life. Who would have guessed! drew’s. izes raising $3 million with only 125 Likewise, I dropped in on my first “Their three-building design con- pledging units is not the norm in South- food pantry day at St. George’s, think- cept impressed us all, right from the west Florida. “They’re people who ing I would just check it out. The most start,” said Fr. Heydt. “It accomplished are motivated, people who want to do I expected to do was be a floater to what the parish meetings had suggested, something,” Browne said of his fellow help wherever. On that day, I called out including keeping the priest close to the parishioners. “That’s what makes them numbers — that was it. I came back and church. Actually, right next door.” special. They’re normal people who rise the next thing I knew I was involved in The plan expands and refurbishes to a challenge.” the “diaper ministry,” bagging, orga- the existing church building, creating a But both Browne and Heydt say nizing, trying to communicate, again, front narthex by moving the pews for- any parish can set goals and reach them with people who did not speak a lot of ward, reconfiguring the chancel to allow if they do their research. A parish needs English. Much to my surprise, I found for the altar, lectern, pulpit and choir by to know its history. “They have to know myself committed to helping these extending the building, as well as pro- what has carried them through the last young mothers. I could not imagine not viding space for the Altar Guild, offices, 50, 75, 100 years,” Browne said. having the very basics to keep my child storage and a handicapped-accessible Any project also needs community healthy, clean and fed. Once again I was bathroom. support. “You have to find something somewhere I never considered being. A small Chapter House on the the community needs. It doesn’t have I have yet to take that writing second lot, connected by a walkway to to be something that requires enormous course, publish that inspirational book the church, will provide space for many amounts of dollars.” or do anything to help scores of people uses, including coffee hours, Sunday Ultimately, they say, any project in one felled swoop. But I am begin- School, community events and bridal must be a shared vision. “Just meet and ning to believe that God’s ministry is dressing areas. talk,” Browne said. “What is it that you truly one person at a time. Every time The vicarage, on the third lot, is want to do?” someone at the food pantry smiles and connect by a door and firewall to the St. Andrew’s will be planning cel- says thank you, or asks me something Chapter House. The 2,400-square-foot ebrations, likely in September, when about our church, I feel I have touched home has separate living areas and the work is completed, including one another human being. Every time a stu- public/reception space. to honor the construction workers and dent understands something I have been All three buildings retain the “rail- their families. trying to explain or gets excited about learning a new skill, I feel I have made someone’s life easier. This is what it’s Resources: all about — this has been the answer to l See photos and floor plans of the project at http://standrewsboca- my prayerful questions, “Where do you grande.org/ want me to be, what do you want me to l The James Company is available to consult with Episcopal churches do?” God has led me, at least for now, in Southwest Florida about their fundraising goals and strategy. without my being acutely aware he was Contact Bill Munsell at (941) 964-0655 or go to www.jamescom- doing so. No shouted “aha moment” — pany.com. just a quiet whisper. Stop and listen to that quiet whisper.

14 The Southern Cross July/August 2010 School for Lay licenses required A new part of the revamped School for Ministry will be courses to train lay persons Ministry in seven areas of ministry that require a license from the bishop. They are: A Pastoral Leader is a lay person authorized to exercise pastoral or administrative undergoes responsibility in a congregation under special circumstances, as defined by the bishop. A Worship Leader is a lay person who regularly leads public worship under the direction of the member of the clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congre- more changes gation or other community of faith. The diocese’s School for Ministry A Preacher is a lay person authorized to preach. Persons so authorized shall only has announced it will no longer offer preach in congregations under the direction of the member of the clergy or other leader “general studies” courses to anyone who exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith. wishes to enroll but instead will concen- A Eucharistic Minister is a lay person authorized to administer the consecrated trate on training those seeking ordination elements at a celebration of Holy Eucharist. A Eucharistic Minister should normally act and those seeking lay licensure who are under the direction of a deacon, if any, or otherwise, the member of the clergy or other endorsed by their congregations. leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith. The changes are a “quantum shift” from the school serving anyone with a A Eucharistic Visitor is a lay person authorized to take the consecrated elements in a timely manner following a celebration of Holy Eucharist to members of the congrega- sense of God’s call to ministry, to those tion who, by reason of illness or infirmity, were unable to be present at the celebration. who are being lifted up by their faith A Eucharistic visitor should normally act under the direction of a deacon, if any, or other- communities, according to Archdeacon wise, the member of the clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation Dennis McManis, the school’s dean. or other community of faith. Starting this fall, all students must be formally nominated for diaconal A Catechist is a lay person authorized to prepare persons for baptism, confirmation, reception, and the reaffirmation of baptismal vows, and shall function under the direction formation or lay licensure before enroll- of the member of the clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or ing. Students will be expected to have other community of faith. completed a parish-based discernment process and have formal support from An Evangelist is a lay person who presents the good news of Jesus Christ in such their clergy and vestry. The discernment a way that people are led to receive Christ as savior and follow Christ as Lord in the fel- and nomination process must be complete lowship of the Church. An evangelist assists with the community’s ministry of evangelism in partnership with the presbyter or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation, by mid-August. or as directed by the bishop.

Old model didn’t work Source: Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church (Title III, Canon 4). McManis says the diocesan com- munity did not support the general studies concept. Also, trying to present an entire and in a variety of formats. Topics could However, after hearing from the course in one day simply didn’t work. range from stress management to financial board of the School for Ministry and the “There is simply too much information to literacy to leadership training. Council on Deacons, it was announced the present and learn in too limited a time,” Other changes for the school in- school will have three distinct tracks: he said. clude: Diaconal Formation, for those Additionally, the clergy in the south- l The new school model will be a seeking ordination. Courses include Old ern half of the diocese complained about multi-course class day on a semes- and New Testament study, theology, the travel time needed for their parish- ter basis; church history, homiletics, pastoral care ioners to come to class at DaySpring or l Each student will be assigned a and more; churches in the central part of the diocese. mentor; Lay Licensure, for those recom- McManis says while most courses next l Each third-year diaconal student mended by their parishes to be trained year will be taught at DaySpring Con- will be assigned to a different par- in one of seven areas of lay ministry ference Center in Parrish, some will be ish prior to receiving their formal requiring a license from the bishop — available to be viewed live on the Internet assignment upon ordination. Eucharistic visitor, Eucharistic minister, from regional locations. pastoral leader, worship leader, preacher, Nominations sought A new model catechist and evangelist. Courses such as With only a short time until the start McManis said a task force consisting anti-racism training and the Safeguard- of classes in September, the school is of the bishop and canon to the ordinary, ing God’s Children training would be asking rectors and vicars to help by iden- along with the chairs of the Commission included in this track; and tifying people as potential students. They on Ministry and the school, determined Congregational Resources, to must complete a discernment and nomina- earlier this year the best course of action respond to needs expressed by parishes. tion process no later than Aug. 16. For was to shrink the primary mission of the The classes will be offered in regional more information, contact Deacon Dennis school to diaconal training. and parish locations at various times McManis at (941) 556-0315. The Southern Cross July/August 2010 15 Moravian Church OKs Prayer bringing oil workers, communion agreement environmentalists Episcopal News Service the Presiding Bishop for ecumenical and interreligious relations, said. “We The Northern Province of the can have different polity on this mat- together Moravian Church voted June 18 to enter ter and still move forward because of into full communion with the Episcopal Episcopal News Service the opportunities for joint mission and Church. ministry that we see.” Oil company employees and environ- The nearly unanimous voice vote The Moravian Church’s Southern mental activists alike gathered in vigil on came during an evening session on the Province is expected to vote on full June 24 at St. Stephen’s Church in Hous- second day of the church’s June 17-21 communion during its synod Sept. 9-12 ton, offering prayers for those affected quadrennial Provincial Synod at Mora- at the Blue Ridge Assembly in Black by the Gulf Coast oil spill and pledging vian College in Bethlehem, Pa. Mountain, N.C. Each province can in- to help renew the environment. “This is an important day in the life dependently enter into full communion “I knew we needed to be together to of our churches,” said David L. Wick- relationships. pray about it when I mentioned the oil mann, president of the Provincial Elders’ The Moravian Church is relatively spill at a worship committee meeting and Conference, Moravian Church North small and concentrated in Pennsylvania, two people started crying,” said the Rev. America. “This communion means our North Carolina and Wisconsin, although Lisa Hunt, St. Stephen’s rector. church has the opportunity to engage a footnote in the full communion About 50 people attended the service, with one of our historic partners in a document notes that there are Moravian where representatives from the oil indus- more complete and meaningful way.” congregations in Canada that are struc- try, the Sierra Club and others addressed “I am abundantly delighted, and the crisis. turally part of the Northern Province of look forward to growth in mutual rela- One of the speakers was a middle the Moravian Church in America. tionship and mission,” Presiding Bishop school student “who as part of our sum- Moravians in America are part of Katharine Jefferts Schori said after mer program went down to Galveston Bay the worldwide Christian communion learning of the decision. “I believe we to plant marsh grass and talked about how formally known as the Unitas Fratrum, have much to learn from the Moravian important it is to participate in renewing or Unity of the Brethren, which was tradition.” the world,” Hunt said. founded in 1457 as part of the movement Diocese of Milwaukee Bishop Ste- The oil well ruptured on April 20 for reform of the church in what is now ven Miller told ENS by phone shortly when an explosion blew up an offshore the Czech Republic. after the vote that “at a time when so rig above it, killing 11 workers. The well Persecuted almost to extinction, many people are trying to divide, this is has spewed millions of gallons of oil into members of the Unitas Fratrum eventu- a witness to our church’s commitment to the ocean, soiling large stretches of the ally found refuge on the estate of Ger- Christ, who wants to make us all one.” Gulf coastline. man nobleman Count Nicholas Ludwig The Moravian vote ended a day For Hunt and other Gulf Coast area von Zinzendorf. In the 1700s, they went that began with the Rev. Canon Kenneth pastors, the situation is anything but through a rebirth under Zinzendorf’s Kearon, secretary general of the Angli- simple. Employees of the oil companies protection and grew into a global com- can Communion, telling the Episcopal and ancillary support industries, as well munion. Church’s Executive Council that the as environmental activists, are among The Episcopal Church says that it communion’s ecumenical dialogues “are their parishioners. Everyone is affected, understands full communion to mean at the point of collapse” because of the Hunt said. “a relation between distinct churches church’s decision to ordain as bishop an “We’re really having to engage the in which each recognizes the other as openly gay and partnered priest for the ambiguity of this and as the impact rolls a catholic and apostolic church holding second time. out, in terms of the economy, stewardship the essentials of the Christian faith.” The The Moravian Church does not al- and relationships the strains will be deeply churches “become interdependent while low service by openly gay and lesbian spiritual, and will be very personal too or remaining autonomous,” the church members but the church’s international have the potential to be.” has said. body, the Unitas Fratrum, has said the Hunt, who said that people are The Episcopal Church is also in issue is not a doctrinal matter. experiencing “a deep sense of doom,” full communion with the Evangelical said the crisis is “calling us to conver- “In this dialogue we have just Lutheran Church in America, the Old sion in a deep, deep way, personally and agreed to disagree on that and we have Catholic Churches of the Union of corporately. This is a huge evangelism further said that we do not believe Utrecht, the Philippine Independent opportunity.” this is an obstacle to full communion Church and the Mar Thoma Syrian between our two churches,” the Rev. Church of Malabar, India. Thomas Ferguson, interim deputy to (Continued on page 18) 16 The Southern Cross July/August 2010 Lambeth’s answers don’t impress Council Secretary general says diversity within Anglicanism a ‘problem’ The Rev. Canon Episcopal News Service Kenneth Kearon, The Rev. Canon Kenneth Kearon, at right, secretary secretary general of the Anglican Com- general of the Anglican Communion, and munion, told the Episcopal Church’s Diocese of Pittsburgh Executive Council June 18 that when council member Jim Diocese of Los Angeles Bishop Suffra- Simons talk together gan Mary Glasspool was ordained as the June 18 after Kearon’s church’s second openly gay, partnered conversation with the bishop, the church ought to have known Episcopal Church’s that it would face sanctions. Executive Council. However, he said that in the recent removal of Episcopal Church members from some Anglican Communion ecu- ENS photo by menical dialogues “the aim has not been Mary Frances Schjonberg to get at the Episcopal Church, but to find room for others to remain as well as enabling as full a participation as pos- sible for the Episcopal Church within the He then began by saying that the is exercising ministry in another province communion.” “problem of increased and growing di- without that province’s permission. The secretary general said that the versity in the Anglican Communion has “That question has not been ad- Episcopal Church is free to make any de- been an issue for many years” and added dressed by any of the instruments of com- cision that it wants to make but, he added, that by the 1990s leaders in the com- munion so I and the archbishop don’t have that the Glasspool decision put the church munion began to name “the diversity of guidance on that particular question,” “out of step with the rest of the [Anglican] opinions in the communion and diversity he said. Hollingsworth said that he was Communion” on same-gender issues. in general as a problem and sought some puzzled about how the communion could “There is a logic which says if you mechanisms to address it.” declare a moratorium on interventions do not share the faith and order of the House of Deputies President Bonnie and then say it cannot determine what wider communion then you shouldn’t Anderson said at a later news conference constitutes an intervention. represent that communion to the wider that the Episcopal Church does not see Kearon’s meeting with council came church,” he said. diversity as an issue in the same way that days after he announced that he had sent Kearon’s remarks came during a Kearon presented it. letters to five Episcopal Church members 35-minute question-and-answer session After his statement, members of the of the inter-Anglican ecumenical dia- on the last day of Council’s June 16-18 council’s Committee on World Mission logues with the Lutheran, Methodist, Old meeting near Baltimore. Council member and Anderson posed six questions to Catholic and Orthodox churches “inform- Bruce Garner of Atlanta told ENS after- Kearon. In addition, council member ing them that their membership on these wards that he had “never witnessed so Diocese of Ohio Bishop Mark Hollings- dialogues has been discontinued.” much obfuscation in such a short period worth asked Kearon about interventions Kearon acted in response to Arch- of time” in his entire life. in his diocese by a bishop of the Anglican bishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams’ “We were polite,” he said, “but we Province of the Southern Cone. May 28 letter in which he proposed that asked him questions he could not or would Kearon said Southern Cone Arch- representatives serving on some of the not provide answers to.” bishop Gregory Venables had been asked Anglican Communion’s ecumenical dia- At the beginning of the session with for “a clarification of the current state logues should resign their membership Kearon, Jefferts Schori asked the council of interventions into other provinces. if they are from a province that has not to vote on his request that the session be There’s a deadline for his response and complied with moratoria on same-gender closed to all but council members. His there’s a deadline in that letter to end the blessings, cross-border interventions and request was decisively rejected by a show interventions.” the ordination of gay and lesbian people of hands. During his remarks, Kearon also said to the episcopate. He specifically referred Kearon said at the outset that he that he has asked whether it “constitutes to the Glasspool consecration and the un- would tell the council “the way I see it an intervention and is therefore a breach authorized incursions by Anglican leaders because I don’t think the way I see it is of the third moratoria” if a communion into other provinces. the way any of you see it.” province has among its bishops one who

The Southern Cross July/August 2010 17 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service photo National Wildlife Refuge Manager Jereme Phillips alerts the Unified Incident Command about oil washing up on the refuge beach in the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama. Prayers unite address the crisis because of “its perspec- pursuit of oil. (Continued from page 16) tive on responsibility to creation. “But now, consequences are at- “We’re at a crossroads … almost like tached,” she said. “The question is, what Evelyn Merz and other members the Industrial Revolution,” she said. She are we going to do?” of both Houston’s Sierra Club and the explained that while the Industrial Revo- Petroleum employee Neil Jones, group’s Lone Star state chapter hold lution dramatically changed life for the a St. Stephen’s parishioner who also regular meetings at St. Stephen’s. Merz average person and the world, there were spoke at the vigil, said the industry as a said the church is uniquely positioned to no consequences attached to its relentless whole is embarrassed and humbled by the disaster. “We feel very sorry for those im- ERD offering aid in Louisiana pacted by the spill, whether personal or family loss and the loss that will occur Episcopal Relief & Development is emergency food stamp program estab- as a result of the pollution that is occur- working closely with Episcopal Commu- lished in the Terrebonne region, southwest ring,” he said. nity Services of Louisiana and their part- of New Orleans. “I tried to make the connection that if ner Bayou Grace Community Services to Critical support will include distrib- anything good can come out of an incident reach coastal communities in Louisiana’s uting grocery cards that can be redeemed like the Gulf spill, it should be the learn- five-bayou parish of Terrebonne affected at local stores, gas cards for those who ings that help to make the industry safer by the massive oil spill in the Gulf of must travel to reach stores and distribut- for the future,” he added. Mexico. ing food items directly from the Dulac Hunt said the vigil was an effort to In many areas, fishing grounds and Community Center. In addition to food reach out to neighbors “who are mourning oyster beds have been closed because of assistance, volunteers will provide legal and to provide a service … to raise con- oil contamination threats, leaving those assistance, pastoral care and information sciousness that people are praying about who earn a living from fishing, shrimp- referrals both at the Bayou Grace office this. We were praying about technology ing, oyster harvesting and other related in Chauvin. and its limits and our responsibility to businesses without the means to support To make a contribution, go online to share it with God.” their families. There has not yet been an www.er-d.org.

18 The Southern Cross July/August 2010 What can we do? Send prayers, money The Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast has devoted a section of its website to compiling information and resources for responding to the Gulf oil spill. The following is a prayer written by the Rev. Canon Bev- erly Gibson, sub-dean of Christ Church Cathedral in Mobile, Ala. More prayers and liturgy suggestions can be found at www. diocgc.org/prayers-for-the-oil-crisis-in-the-gulf-of-mexico/

We pray today for the preservation of our natural environ- ment, especially the Gulf of Mexico and the lands and waters it touches: Guide those who labor to contain the oil that endangers the creatures of sea and land; Strengthen those who work to protect them; Have mercy on those whose livelihoods will suffer; Forgive us for our carelessness in using the resources of nature, and give us wisdom and reverence so to manage them in the future, that no one may suffer from our abuse of them, and that generations yet to come may continue to praise you for your bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Bulletin inserts available U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Tasha Tully Episcopal Relief & Development has created bulletin in- A large oil slick floats atop the surface of the turquoise waters serts about recovery efforts that can be used any Sunday. They of the Gulf of Mexico about one mile south of Perdido Key, Fla., can be downloaded at: www.er-d.org/userfiles/Gulf_oil_half- on June 12. page(1).pdf Vigils unite concerned Christians Churches around the coun- try were invited to take part in “VIGILance 2010,” a prayer vigil for the stewardship of God’s Earth with a special emphasis on the Gulf Coast. People of faith were asked to devote 7-8 p.m., local time, Thursday, June 17, to prayer and reflection on this earth-changing matter. Many churches are continu- ing to hold vigils as the crisis Photo courtesy of Church of the Good Shepherd, Dunedin continues. Parishioners of Church of the Good Shepherd in Dunedin took part in the June 17 prayer vigil Suggested prayers to be for the Gulf Coast, gathering along the Dunedin Causeway. The group says it will continue to used are available at www.saint- hold regular vigils. johns-charlotte.org/worship/ vigilance-2010.aspx

The Southern Cross July/August 2010 19 In Brief From Episcopal News Service Diocese of Virginia wins property appeal The Supreme Court of Virginia on June 10 ruled in favor of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia and the Episcopal Church in a church property dispute. A lower court had ruled that the nine breakaway congregations involved in the cases were entitled to retain all the parishes’ real and personal property when they left the Episcopal Church and joined another denomination. The Supreme Court had heard argu- ments in two cases concerning church property that involved nine Episcopal parishes of the diocese which the major- ity of members and clergy left to form congregations of the Convocation of An- glicans in North America (CANA), which the Anglican Province of Nigeria began in 2005. The departing members of those congregations then filed claims to parish property under the Division Statute. The appeal by the Episcopal Church Photo by Mary Cox and the Diocese of Virginia was based The Rev. Alberto Cutié, right, presides at Eucharist May 29 at Church of the Resurrection on a number of grounds, including the in Biscayne Park, Fla., after being received as a priest in the Episcopal Church by claim that the statute did not apply to Diocese of Southeast Florida Bishop Leo Frade. these congregations. The appeal also chal- lenged the constitutionality of the lower court’s application of the Division Statute, Controversial priest now Episcopalian which dates to the U.S. Civil War and is In a joyous bilingual service at Cutié from his posts, including as general triggered when there is a so-called “divi- Church of the Resurrection in Biscayne director and president of Pax Catholic sion” of a church or religious society. The Park, Fla,, where Alberto Cutié has Communications, a multimedia ministry trial court’s rulings would have allowed served as lay pastor since Pentecost 2009, of the archdiocese. former Episcopalians to claim Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida Bishop Leo In his homily at the May 29 service, Church parish property as their own. Frade received him as an Episcopal priest Frade reminded the congregation “what The Virginia diocese and the Epis- and instituted him as priest-in-charge of this ceremony is not about.” He noted copal Church have opposed the congre- the congregation. that Cutié was already ordained, and had gations’ claims and asked the courts to A congregation of several hundred, completed the necessary training and had declare that the property must be held including diocesan and ecumenical clergy, made, a few minutes earlier, the neces- and used for the mission of the Episcopal packed the small church. In addition to sary promise “to conform to the doctrine, Church and the diocese. Frade, Bishop Julio Holguin of the Do- discipline, and worship of the Episcopal minican Republic and retired Diocese Church.” Cathedral embraces role of Venezuela Bishop Onell Soto, both “I ... want to make sure you know in immigration debate friends and mentors to Cutié, assisted at that we don’t come here with a triumphant Trinity Episcopal Cathedral sits on a the altar. attitude because Father Alberto has be- divide in downtown Phoenix, between the As a Roman Catholic priest, Cutié come an Episcopalian,” Frade cautioned. city’s oldest Hispanic barrio to the south- was well known nationally and through- “I have always said that the road from east and the first wave of Anglo suburbs out Latin America when photos of him Rome to Canterbury or from Canterbury to the northwest. Its location also puts it and Ruhama Buni Canellis, whom he to Rome is quite busy most of the time, at the center of the nation’s immigration married last June, kissing on a beach like I-95 at rush hour.” debate. appeared in early May 2009 in a Spanish- “Welcome, Albert, to this branch of language publication. Shortly after the Christ’s Church. You may not be a Roman photographs were published, the Roman now, but you are still a priest in God’s (Continued on page 21) Catholic Archdiocese of Miami removed catholic church.”

20 The Southern Cross July/August 2010 In Brief can Covenant study guide and urged those Church through the Economic Justice (Continued from page 20) who use the guide to respond to council Loan Funds, administered by the Eco- within the time frame set in the guide. The nomic Justice Loan Committee. “That the cathedral lives on that fault guide is due to be posted online soon. The committee administers a loan line physically seems to be too good an It also passed two resolutions on portfolio of $7 million. Loans, usually be- opportunity to pass up,” said the Very Rev. Arizona’s new immigration law, putting tween $150,000 to $350,000, are granted Nicholas Knisely, Trinity’s dean. The op- the council on record as saying that the for a term of three to five years to organi- portunity, for the church and the Diocese language, intent and enforcement of Ari- zations; individuals are not eligible. of Arizona, lies in being “a crossroads zona Statute Senate Bill 1070 “poses a “The funds are used to provide credit ministry and inviting people in from dif- challenge to our fundamental Christian re- to institutions who may not qualify in the ferent directions. My hope is that what sponsibility to respect the dignity of every regular markets, but who have worthy we’re trying to do at the cathedral can human being.” The resolution called for community development goals and proj- spread into the larger community.” proportional and humane enforcement of ects, including housing, social services, Two years ago, Trinity added a national borders and immigration law. childhood education and small business midday Spanish-language service and The other resolution urged Episcopa- development,” explained Margareth watched its membership grow from 600 to lians to support those who are affected by Crosnier de Bellaistre, Episcopal Church 900 members. On May 30, Arizona Bish- the statute and work for comprehensive Director of Investment Management and op Kirk Smith received and welcomed 20 immigration reform, including becoming Banking. new Episcopalians to the congregation informed on immigration issues, develop- For loan and application process during the service. ing and strengthening local partnerships, information contact de Bellaistre at mar- “You’re not just coming to church on visiting border communities or engaging [email protected] . Sunday, you’re doing the work of Christ in economic boycotts. in the world. I especially want to assure Canadian church: ‘Local you that during this difficult time … you Proposal would allow option’ has existed have the complete support of the Diocese ‘co-ordinate’ dioceses The Canadian General Synod 2010 of Arizona,” he said. “I know this has been The archbishops of Canterbury and did not approve the so-called local op- a scary time, a very frightening time… York have “signaled their intention” to tion that would allow dioceses to grant (but) I am going to stand with you.” propose amendments to draft legisla- same-sex blessings. Neither did it take a Smith has joined state ecumenical tion on women becoming bishops in the legislative decision on the matter. leaders in protest of the law and have Church of England. The amendments It did, however, recognize that local voiced support for court challenges to it. would preserve a female bishop’s episco- option has been exercised by some and pal authority while providing an alterna- may be taken by others in the future, even Church earmarks funds tive for those who are “unable to accept though “it’s not local option approved for rebuilding Haiti the new situation,” according to a June 21 by the national church,” said Archbishop The Episcopal Church’s Executive press release from Lambeth Palace. Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Council June 18 allocated $246,000 in The amendments “seek to give effect Church of Canada. seed money to begin work on its earlier to the idea of a ‘co-ordinate’ jurisdiction” “We’re not ready as a national challenge to the wider church to raise in which the jurisdiction of the diocesan church to say, ‘We’re building this into $10 million to help rebuild the Diocese bishop “remains intact” while provision our doctrine that we approve of same-sex of Haiti. is made for another bishop to provide unions,’” he told a press conference fol- Council members also called, via episcopal oversight for those who op- lowing the close of General Synod 2010 Resolution FFM025, for a steering com- pose female bishops, the Lambeth release in Halifax. What synod did say was, “We mittee “to flesh out the particular steps said. need to have more conversation,” con- necessary” to start raising that money. The archbishops’ amendments would firmed Hiltz, adding, “That’s an action.” In addition, the council agreed to of- mean that two bishops could exercise The report on sexual discernment, fer two loans to the reorganizing Diocese episcopal functions in the same juris- finalized after a series of discussions of San Joaquin for use “in its protection diction, while ensuring that a “Code of by members, acknowledges “diverse of diocesan properties and continuing Practice would contain guidelines for pastoral practices as dioceses respond operations.” Money available for loan effective co-ordination ... so as to avoid to their own missional contexts.” The will include $500,000 for legal actions, duplication or conflict in the exercise of report also acknowledged “the continuing drawable at any time through 2012, and episcopal ministry.” commitment to develop generous pastoral $350,000 for operations, drawable during responses” to gay and lesbian members calendar year 2011. Pool of $7 million of the church. The council also elected Diocese of available for investment The statement recognizes the reality Connecticut Bishop Ian Douglas Elect as of the Anglican Church of Canada right Funds are available for mortgages, the episcopal member of the church’s An- now, said Hiltz. He called the synod’s small business loans, community eco- glican Consultative Council delegation. acceptance of the report a “watershed nomic development, affordable housing, It approved and commended to the moment” for the life of the church and its job creation and other avenues for the church for consideration and use an Angli- place in the Anglican Communion. mission and ministry of The Episcopal The Southern Cross July/August 2010 21 BBooks Building Social Business — The New orthodox teaching about Jesus was the best strategy for fighting poverty. Kind of Capitalism That Serves Hu- product of political maneuvers by a hand- manity’s Most Pressing Needs, by Mu- ful of key characters in the fifth century. Holy Women Holy Men — Celebrating hammed Yunus, Perseus Publishing, Jenkins argues that were it not for these the Saints, Church Publishing, Kivar hardcover, 226 pages, c. 2010, $25.95. controversies, the papacy as we know it cover, 800 pages, c. June 2010, $30. Muhammad Yunus, the practical would never have come into existence Fully revised and expanded, this visionary who pioneered microcredit and that today’s church could be teaching new work is the first major revision of and, with his Grameen Bank, won the something very different about Jesus. It is the liturgical calendar of the Episcopal 2006 Nobel Peace Prize, has developed only an accident of history that one group Church in more than 40 years. It is the of- a visionary new dimension for capital- of Roman emperors and militia-wielding ficial revision ofLesser Feasts and Fasts ism which he calls “social business.” By bishops defeated another faction. and authorized by the 2009 General Con- harnessing the energy of profit-making to Christianity claims that Jesus was, vention. All commemorations in Lesser the objective of fulfilling human needs, somehow, both human and divine. Feasts and Fasts have been retained, and social business creates self-supporting, Jenkins recounts the fascinating, many new ones added. viable commercial enterprises that gener- violent story of the church’s fifth-century Three scripture readings (instead ate economic growth even as they produce battles over “right belief” that had a far of current two) are provided for all mi- goods and services that make the world greater impact on the future of Christian- nor holy days. Additional new material a better place. ity and the world than the much-touted includes a votive mass of the Blessed In this book, Yunus shows how social Council of Nicea convened by Constan- Virgin Mary, many more ecumenical business has gone from being a theory to tine a century before. commemorations, plus a proper for space an inspiring practice, adopted by leading exploration. corporations, entrepreneurs and social Half the Sky — Turning Oppression into activists across Asia, South America, Opportunity for Women Worldwide, by On Second Thought — Essays Out of My Europe and the U.S. He demonstrates Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl Wu- Life, by Donald W. Shriver, Jr., Church how social business transforms lives, Dunn, Random House, hardcover, 320 Publishing, paperback, 224 pages, c. offers practical guidance for those who pages, c. 2009, $27.95. March 2010, $18. want to create social businesses of their From two of our most fiercely moral In Don Shriver’s 15th book, the own, explains how public and corporate voices, a passionate call to arms against socially involved ethicist and former policies must adapt to make room for the our era’s most pervasive human rights president of Union Theological Seminary social business model, and shows why violation: the oppression of women and reveals some of the challenging experi- social business holds the potential to girls in the developing world. ences and ideas that have informed his redeem the failed promise of free-market Pulitzer Prize winners Nicholas D. work. enterprise. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn undertake an Shriver reflects on the nature and odyssey through Africa and Asia to meet importance of books, music, education, Jesus Wars — How Four Patriarchs, the extraordinary women struggling there, war, friends, marriage, political conflict Three Queens, and Two Emperors De- among them a Cambodian teenager sold and his tenure at Union. cided What Christians Would Believe, by into sex slavery and an Ethiopian woman A dominant theme of his work has John Philip Jenkins, Harper Collins, who suffered devastating injuries in child- been the dynamics of forgiveness in hu- hardcover, 352 pages, c. March 2010, birth. Drawing on the breadth of their man society and the meaning of forgive- $26.99. combined reporting experience, Kristof ness, beyond personal life, in the relations In Jesus Wars, highly respected reli- and WuDunn depict our world with anger, of groups and nations. A final essay, a gious historian Philip Jenkins (The Next sadness, clarity and, ultimately, hope. letter to the great-grandchildren he will Christendom) reveals in bloody detail Through these stories, Kristof and never meet, articulates the positive and the fifth-century battles over Christian- WuDunn help us see that the key to hopeful message of this wide-ranging ity’s biggest paradox: the dual nature of economic progress lies in unleashing collection. Jesus Christ, as both fully human and women’s potential. They make clear how fully divine. Jesus Wars is a must for the so many people have helped to do just —To order any of these books, go to bookshelf of those who enjoy the work that, and how we can each do our part. Episcopal Books and Resources, online of Jared Diamond, Karen Armstrong, Throughout much of the world, the great- at www.episcopalbookstore.org, or call N.T. Wright, Elaine Pagels and Alister est unexploited economic resource is the (800) 903-5544 — or visit your local McGrath, as well as anyone interested in female half of the population. Episcopal bookseller. early Christian history. Unleashing that process globally is Jesus Wars reveals how official, not only the right thing to do; it’s also the

22 The Southern Cross July/August 2010 CCalendar Special Events Meetings Camp Able. July 19–23 at DaySpring Conference Center in Par- Standing Committee. July 20 at 10 a.m. at the diocesan office, rish. For youth with special needs. Contact Michelle Mercurio at 7313 Merchant Court, Sarasota. Regularly scheduled meeting (941) 556-0315, ext. 274 or [email protected] of the committee. Diocese’s Night with the Rays. Aug. 27, game time is 7:10 Commission on Ministry. Aug. 10 at 5 p.m. at Diocesan House, p.m at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. The diocese’s second 7313 Merchant Court, Sarasota. Regularly scheduled meeting. annual “Night with the Rays” will see the Tampa Bay Rays Standing Committee. Aug. 17 at 10 a.m. at the diocesan office, take on the Boston Red Sox. A portion of the $20 for an upper 7313 Merchant Court, Sarasota. Regularly scheduled meeting reserved infield seat will go to the Episcopal Charities Fund. of the committee. Churches should place a single order for their tickets by Aug. 13. Any church that buys 40 or more tickets will be entered in Diocesan Council. Aug 21 at 9 a.m. at DaySpring Conference a raffle for an autographed baseball. Download a flier to post on Center in Parrish. Regularly scheduled meeting of the council. your bulletin board by clicking here. Contact: Dan Newhart at Contact: the diocesan office at (941) 556-0315. (727) 825-3293 or at [email protected] Fall Deanery Convocations. Each deanery gathers its voting clergy and delegates in the fall to preview items to be considered at convention, including the proposed diocesan budget and any Training/Workshops/Retreats resolutions that may be submitted for debate. Each deanery will also elect its representation to Diocesan Council for the follow- Fresh Start Meeting (Clergy Only). Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 ing two years. Time and locations are: p.m. at St. Margaret of Scotland, 8700 State Road 72, Sarasota. The workshop will help participants quickly understand the ba- Fort Myers/Naples deaneries, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. at St. sic financial situation of their parish and gain understanding of Mary’s, 9801 Bonita Beach Road in Bonita Springs. Contact: relationships and parish health. Presenter is diocesan CFO Anne The Very Rev. Michael Rowe at (239) 992-4343; or the Very Vickers. Contact Tana Sembiante at (941) 556-0315, ext. 271. Rev. Alan Kelmereit at (863) 675-0385. Happening #64. Sept. 17–19 at DaySpring Conference Center Manasota/Venice deaneries, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. at St. Mark’s in Parrish. Participants: 9–10th graders. Registration fee: $140. Episcopal Church, 513 Nassau St. South in Venice. Contact: Contact Michelle Mercurio at (941) 556-0315, ext. 274 or The Very Rev. James Puryear at (941) 488-7714. [email protected] Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater deaneries, Sept. 2 at Cursillo #120. Sept. 30 to Oct. 3. Contact Anna Haeffner at 7 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 13312 Cain Road [email protected] or (941) 322-4093. in Tampa. Contact: The Very Rev. Randall Hehr at (813) 259-1570; the Very Rev. John Hartnett at (727) 321-5086; or New Beginnings #48. Oct. 22–24, at DaySpring Conference the Very Rev. John Hiers at (727) 447-3469. Center in Parrish. Participants: 6–8th graders. Team: 9–12th graders. Registration fee: $140. Contact Michelle Mercurio at The 42nd Convention of the Diocese of Southwest Florida. (941) 556-0315, ext. 274 or [email protected]. Oct. 8-9 at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda. Contact the diocese at (941) 556-0315. Fresh Start Meeting (Clergy and Lay). Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at DaySpring Conference Center, 8411 25th Street East If your group or congregation is planning an upcoming in Parrish. This workshop will explore the factors to consider in event of interest to the rest of the diocese, please send determining how decisions should be made and who should be the information to: involved to analyze the decision-making style of the congrega- The Southern Cross Calendar tion and explore its consequences, and to look at the impact of 7313 Merchant Court culture on decision-making styles. Contact Tana Sembiante at Sarasota, FL 34240 (941) 556-0315, ext. 271. or e-mail it to [email protected] The diocesan events calendar is also available on our website: www.episcopalswfl.org

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