The Mississippi Episcopalian
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SPECIAL COUNCIL ISSUE January, 2012 • Volume 137, Issue No. 1 Read Scripture with the Bishop in Lent Looking for a Lenten discipline? (MSE) Bishop Gray is inviting mem - read. The emphasis will be on bible reading bers of the diocese to join him in reading and less on bible study, so stacks of biblical through the four gospels during Lent. This commentaries will not be necessary. The bible reading initiative, begun at St. “lectio divina,” or holy reading approach, Thomas Episcopal Church in Fort will be more the norm. A fuller description Washington, Pennsylvania and endorsed by of this Lenten discipline will be sent to the Archbishop of Canterbury, our those who register. Presiding Bishop and a variety of other Registration will be through the dioce - archbishops and bishops from around the san website, www.dioms.org or through the Anglican Communion is an effort to invite a local church office if one lacks internet serious and rigorous reading of scripture availability. Many churches will also offer throughout the year. for those participating in the Lenten read - In Mississippi the initial focus will be ing a time to reflect and respond to what on the four gospels in Lent. Participants they are reading. THE 185TH ANNUAL COUNCIL who register and make a commitment to To learn more about the origins of of the read one or two chapters a day on an assigned schedule will receive regular this bible reading initiative, visit The Center for Biblical Studies at www.thecen - DIOCESE OF MISSISSIPPI comments and reflections from Bishop Gray on the particular passages being terforbiblicalstudies.org. February 3-5, 2012 Vicksburg Convention Center Vicksburg, MS Diocesan ECW elects new officers ECW Triennial delegates and alternates, pictured with Bishop Gray L-R: Julia Young - UTO Chair, St. Philip’s, Jackson; Jane Wacaster, St. Paul’s, Meridian; Mary Beth Welch, St. John’s, Laurel; Nancey Scott - President, St. Philip’s, Jackson; Grace Steiner, Trinity, Natchez; Lyn Wellons, St. Stephen’s, Columbia; Barbara Brunson - Distinguished Woman Recipient, St. James’, Jackson. The 2011-2012 ECW Board, pictured with Bishop Gray (top L-R): The Rev. Jennifer Deaton, Chaplain; Brenda Hawkins, Recording Secretary; Mary Beth Welch, Sowashee Convocation Coordinator; Evelyn Gregory, Advisor; Wava Peters, Treasurer; Lollie Everett, Central Convocation Coordinator; Betty Melton, Corresponding Secretary; (bottom L-R) Jo Ann Lee, Church Women United; Elisabeth Scott, Recommended Reading; Emily Everett, Publicity; Julia Young, UTO; Nancey Scott, President; Grace Steiner, Nominating; Lyn Wellons, Historian; Barbara Brunson, CPC; and Ellen Clayton, Delta. The ladies of St. Columb’s, Ridgeland won the Holy Fish for having the most members in attendance at the Fall Complete Annual Council news begins on page 3 ECW Conference, November 11 - 12, 2011. ORDINARY CONCERNS evening for the Disciples of Christ in Community ing the service, foregoing the reception. The Bishop’s Journal (DOCC) program at St. Andrew’s Cathedral. We return to Jackson late where we join Finance Committee meets through much of Kathy, my father, brother Lloyd and son Peter at the day struggling with next year’s budget for the hospital. November 23 - In office for the most of the Evening with bishops and spouses at the diocesan ministries. December 15 - All appointments at the office morning, then travel to Gray Center to prepare home of the Rt. Rev. Don Johnson of West In the evening I join the DOCC programs at are rescheduled as I spend the morning with for our annual Thanksgiving/family gathering. Tennessee and his wife Jeannie. St. Andrew’s for dinner and presentation. family at the hospital. Special plans have been made to make sure that December 1 - Province IV Bishops Meeting. December 8 - Morning appointment with the My mother dies around noon surrounded by my father has some time with children, grand - Discussion of a wide variety of matters through - Rev. Matthew Rowe. In office the rest of the day. family. It has been a very long journey these last children and great grandchildren. out the day. Annual consultation with the Rev. Deacon Steve few years, but her life was one of great joy and At one time or another almost 50 members of December 2 - Province IV Bishops Meeting. Owen. grace. I will miss her greatly, but I have been the Lloyd and Gray families will be gathered given so much. Conversation on a variety of matters, particularly December 9 - In the office through the morn - here. My sisters arrive shortly afterwards from recent events in the Diocese of South Carolina. ing. Appointment with Mr. Ralph Maisel about November 24 - Extended family time at Lake Tennessee. The circle is complete. We say our Closing eucharist and dinner t St. John’s the Order of St. Luke. Discussion later with Ms. Tithelo where another segment of my extended final goodbyes. Episcopal Church in Memphis. Susan Lockard about possible prison ministry family - the Miller clan - gather for Thanksgiving With family the rest of the day. December 3 - I stay in Memphis to host a gath - initiatives. each year. I have succeeded my father as chief ering of people from around he country who are Drive to Gray Center for lunch with Bill December 16 - Both my father and I end up in liturgist for this family event though in this fami - interested in serious reform of our church struc - Horne and a couple interested in helping build a the hospital today as a vicious viral infection ly gathering there are, in addition to my father ture, including General Convention. Keynoters new cabin at Camp Bratton-Green to relieve takes us down. It is not the best way to spend and me, four Episcopal priests and one are the Rev. Dwight Zscheile and the Rt. Rev. some of the pressures that have arisen with the day after your mother’s death. Presbyterian minister. Stacy Sauls. Lively and productive conversation. unprecedented number of campers at our sum - My son Duncan arrives and is given hospital Return to Gray Center in the evening. Drive home in the early evening to Jackson. mer and winter sessions. watch duty for his namesakes. November 25 - At Gray Center with family December 4 - Up early to drive to Meridian for In the evening Kathy and I join with Catholic December 17 - I am released from the hospital. November 26 - Family members leave Gray my annual visitation to Church of the Mediator. I Charities (Kathy is the emcee) in the Annual With family in preparation for funeral. Center. Kathy and I decide to spend an extra meet first with the large confirmation class, then Emancipation Celebration for foster children in December 18 -With family at home. Initial visita - two nights in the quiet and beauty of this place. at the main service I preach, celebrate and con - the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program. tion is held in the afternoon at St. Andrew’s. firm 17. I also commission four members of the This is the formal acknowledgement of the pend - November 27 - At Gray Center with Kathy. December 19 - Visitation and funeral for my congregation to a ministry of hospital visitation. ing independence of this class of foster children. November 28 - Spend some time in the office mother. Interment in Canton. Family gathers Reception follows in the parish hall. I then Our own child, Tabitha Agany, is one of those catching up on a few matters. Time with my afterwards at the home of my Uncle Lloyd Spivey have the opportunity to meet with the vestry being honored tonight. It is a very special mother in the afternoon. and wife, Ebbie. over lunch to listen to their hopes and dreams moment. November 29 - Staff meetings in the morning, December 20 - At home with family. for this congregation. December 10 - In the afternoon Kathy and I then pick up my father for the Annual Bishops’ Drive to Philadelphia for the ordination to drive to the coast in anticipation of my visitation December 21 - Come into the office to check (Retired and Active) Luncheon. This is a special the priesthood of the Rev. Watson Lamb. It is a to Christ Church/Bay St. Louis tomorrow. Over on correspondence and do a few things before Advent fathering with my Methodist and Roman very joyous and happy event as this congregation dinner we enjoy the Christmas parade of lighted the Christmas break. Catholic colleagues and some of their predeces - welcomes its first full term priest as vicar. boats on the Biloxi Bay. Drive to Canton in the afternoon to visit the sors. Reception afterwards in a downtown bed and Overnight in Biloxi. burial plot. Afternoon in the office. breakfast, then return to Jackson late. December 11 - Visitation to Christ Church/Bay December 22 - At home with family. See my November 30 - Leave very early in the morning December 5 - Day off spent with parents. St. Louis. I begin by teaching an adult class on father off with my sister as he will spend to drive to Memphis for a meeting of the bishops December 6 - Staff meetings in the mornings. the mission imperative of the church. Later I Christmas in Tennessee. of Province IV (mostly the southeastern region of Meet with the Standing Committee through preach, celebrate and confirm 5. I also bless December 23 - At home with family. Some last the U.S.) much of the middle of the day. Afternoon some beautiful kneeling cushions for the altar minute shopping. All of our Wednesday session is spent with pre - appointment with the Rev. David Knight. rail. Lunch with a wonderful seafood flavor fol - sentations and discussions on the denomination - December 24 - Celebrate at the 5:00 p.m.