June, 2008 • Volume 133, Issue No. 6 Lutheran Episcopal Services in Special needs Mississippi receives national children receive award of excellence hope and healing By Molly Wade from horses Lutheran Services in By Scott Lenoir America awarded one of their Bringing a better annual “Awards for life to children who suf- Donald receives Lifetime Excellence” to Lutheran fer from mental, physi- Episcopal Services in cal, and cognitive prob- Achievement in Mississippi. The theme for lems doesn’t always hap- the 2008 awards - Taking pen in a clinical setting, Risks for the Future - recog- special school, or an Volunteer Service nizes that today’s challenges office. That truth led Henderson By Michele Barker require multi-faceted solu- Brookhaven psychologist, tions. Believing that it is Dr. Anne Henderson, a member of the Lutheran Episcopal Jill Schumann (left), President and CEO of Lutheran Services better to light a candle Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, to found Services in Mississippi was of America (LSA) and Suzanne Gibson Wise (right), Chair of than curse the dark- Freedom Reins in 2003. honored for “Collaborative the LSA Board of Directors present Mike Huseth, CEO of ness, Dr. Bob Donald, Freedom Reins, officially named the Partnerships” by Lutheran Lutheran Episcopal Services in Mississippi, the national a communicant of St. Southwest Mississippi Therapeutic Riding Services in America for its award of excellence for Collaborative Partnerships. John’s Episcopal Center, Inc., provides special needs children Realtor Relief Fund. Lutheran Church in Pascagoula, with Equine Therapy. Participants in the pro- Services in America (LSA) is an alliance between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in has been an active gram learn to overcome their difficulties by rid- America, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and their social ministry organizations. volunteer his whole life. ing and caring for horses. Almost 60,000 Mississippi Gulf Coast renters were made homeless by Hurricane Katrina. Governor Haley Freedom Reins, Barbour acknowledged Dr. Bob Donald LESM Award, Continued on page 9 Continued on page 5 Donald’s long time service at the Governor’s Volunteer Service Banquet in April by presenting the Pascagoula physician with the Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award. Diocese announces partnership with While in the Air Force, he traveled on his first medical mission; and that experience left a lasting By Gay Yerger own faith journey to a deeper level, impression. Since then, he has traveled with the The Episcopal Diocese of Center for Ministry to study classic and contemporary Episcopal Diocese to Honduras five times, leading Mississippi and the Center for spiritual writings and to develop the teams on mission trips treating hundreds of people Ministry have joined hands in offering skills of spiritual direction. Specific atten- and even some animals. Journey Partners, a training program in spir- tion is also given to spiritual guidance with-

Home has been Pascagoula and here he created a itual direction. The Center for Ministry, Jane Watts, photo in congregations and groups. legacy of good works. Dr. Donald has been heavily organized in 1999, is a collaborative venture The Rev. Wendy Miller, noted teacher involved with the Jaycees, United Christian Outreach/ of Millsaps College and the Mississippi and practitioner of spiritual direction, is the Our Daily Bread soup kitchen, Bacot Home for Youth, Conference of the United Methodist Church. program’s instructor. She is Assistant the Recreation Commission, Habitat for Humanity, In February 2008 Journey Partners Professor of Spiritual Formation at Eastern Excel by 5’s Early Beginnings Program, Union Baptist inaugurated its third class. A two-year Mennonite Seminary in Virginia, where she Church’s Education on the Move program, and is in the course under the direction of Jane Watts has taught for the past fourteen years. certification process to create a Big Brother/ Big Sister from the Center of Ministry, the program is Miller is also the author of Invitation to program. both ecumenical in approach and intention- Presence and Jesus, Our Spiritual Director. Donald’s volunteer work was balanced with his al about diversity. In addition to studies at Associated duties as Chief of Staff at Singing River Hospital and Participants include laity and clergy Mennonite Biblical Seminary, she holds president of Singing River Medical Society. At 71, he from the Episcopal, Baptist, Disciples of Masters Degrees from Eastern Mennonite hasn’t slowed down! Christ, Presbyterian, Mennonite, Catholic, Seminary and General Theological Dr. Donald has used his time and talents to make and United Methodist churches. Gathered in a Spiritual Direction Supervision Seminary. the lives of others better. He has traveled the world The Gray Episcopal Conference Center Peer Group, an extension of Journey Partners, Miller received training at Shalem and his own backyard establishing a high standard for will be the home for Journey Partners, pro- are: Sister Joan Duerst, the Rev Ann Whitaker, Institute for Spiritual Direction in volunteer involvement and effectiveness, making the Jane Watts, Gay Yerger, the Rev Diane Harms, Washington, D.C. and guides several viding hospitality and sacred space for the the Rev Sherry Johnson, and Richard Freis. world a little brighter. participants. training programs in spiritual direction Spiritual Direction is a ministry within the Christian tradition in around the U.S. which one person assists others to pay attention to God’s presence This partnership between the Diocese of Mississippi and the and guidance in their lives. It is the art of walking beside others as Center for Ministry helps move the Diocese toward its vision of One they listen for the leading of God, and as they discern how to live in Church in Mission: Inviting, Transforming, and Reconciling. SALUS CRUCE faithful response in all of life. It employs both God-given gifts and For more information contact Jane Watts at jane@centerformin- salvation by carefully cultivated skills. istry.com or visit the Center for Ministry website www.centerformin- the cross Journey Partners provides a rich context in which to take one’s istry.com OUR DIOCESE

tion. It is the contemplative way, the way of calming NOTABLE QUOTES... the soul. “The church in the morning is dark...The candles Notes & Quotes During the summer, while we continue to wor- Faithful by Maria Watson offer a more encouraging beauty than electric lights ship and pray, our normal parish activities frequently ever could...Something about lighted candles in a Departed We wait. I think we take on a more leisurely pattern, allowing us to “wait” church quiets the mind and stills the tongue, and the probably spend half of our a bit for the return of the more hectic life of the day begins with a certain hush, a quiet easing into the by Catherine Johns lives waiting-in line at the school year; to spend time with family; and to travel. world...In the evening, the sun lights the window in gas pump; for someone to That is true in your newsletters, although I find the sanctuary, firing all its colors...You could leave the Anne Christman Mills, 67, com- return a telephone call or excitement in many of your summer offerings. candles unlit and nobody would notice. But we light municant of St. John’s, Ocean answer an email; for the The June 1 newsletter from St. Mark’s, them anyway. Lighting a candle to begin a set-aside Springs, died February 13, 2008. check to be, not in the mail Gulfport, says “Occupancy (of the new church) is time for quiet contemplation, scripture and prayer is a Elmer “Lee” Johnson, 76, commu- but in the mailbox. Then we imminent!” Now that is a “wait” worth waiting for! It is signal. Do it often enough, and the very lighting of the nicant of St. John’s, Ocean Springs, wait for the more important one that is accomplished, that signals the beginning of candle triggers prayer itself.” (St. Paul’s, Columbus, died March 17, 2008 things to happen: to get the a new day. So congratulations and all good wishes to from Barbara Cawthorne Crafton’s website, www.gera- degree; for the right person to come into our life; to the “Marksists!” niumfarm.org.) “God meets us where our faith is and Dorothy Ross, 85, died April 22, find the right job (or for it to find us); to get a house Elsewhere, as I write this, Vacation Bible School hopefully, our faith along with our love of God grows. 2008. She was a communicant of built; or for the courage to take the great leap of faith, is getting under way with summer-like themes such as As Christ walks with us, then runs with us, we are all St. John’s, Ocean Springs. abandon all of our encumbrances and be exactly who “Rainforest Adventure” (St. Peter’s by-the-Sea, strengthened to be his disciples.” (St. Stephen’s, we’ve wanted to be and do precisely what we’ve really Barry Craig Davis, 24, died April Gulfport, and All Saints, Tupelo) and “Beach Party” Indianola.) 26, 2008. He was a communicant always wanted to do. How do we wait? Rudely, anx- at St. Paul’s, Columbus. VBS at St. John’s, Ocean “...The first half of the liturgical year takes us iously and irritably? Or calmly, patiently and quietly? of Church of the Nativity in Springs, is scheduled for late July and Wonderful through the events of our Lord’s earthly life and min- Greenwood. As I pondered this meditation, I was reminded: Wednesdays there are taking a break until mid-July. istry, leading up to the great drama of his passion, A lot of waiting happens in T. S. Eliot’s “Murder in the Creator, Clinton’s VBS theme is “Jungle Book.” death and resurrection, the ascension and the coming Jo Carol Bledsoe, 43, died May 7, Cathedral.” The women of Canterbury wait-uneasily Creator will also present “Fiddler on the Roof” in of the Holy Spirit...Now, in what has been described 2008. She was a communicant of for the return of the Archbishop from France; the August. Love that one! as ‘the long green season,’ the emphasis shifts to our St. James’ Church, Greenville. king, whom we never see but whom we hear alluded Holy Trinity, Vicksburg, is taking on its sum- response to God’s revelation in Christ Jesus.” (St. Troy Lenear Luna, 89, communi- to, also waits-agitatedly-for the Archbishop’s home- mer Mission Project of supporting Haven House and Paul’s, Columbus). cant of St. Timothy’s, Southaven coming. The Archbishop himself, Thomas Becket, the Mississippi Preschool Literacy Initiative of Warren Finally, from Epiphany, Tunica, some humor: died May 9, 2008. waits-peacefully-for those he knows will come to kill County, through a golf tournament sponsored by the “If you look like your passport picture, you probably him. men of the parish, as well as refurbishing its own Emma Christine Overby need the trip.” “Bills travel through the mail at twice Thompson, 94, died May 11, 2008. I have always loved that play. Having read it pews through its “Pennies for the Pews” campaign the speed of checks.” “No man has ever been shot many times, acted in it and directed it, I know most of which includes a fundraiser staffed by the Women of She was a communicant of St. while doing the dishes,” “Junk is something you’ve James, Jackson. the lines and certainly the story and the emotion it the Congregation. (No rest for them this summer!) kept for years and throw away three weeks before you evokes. So it is quite natural that the many “waits” I St. James, Jackson, is doing Bizarre Book Studies in need it.” James “Butch” Knight, 65, died recall from the play should come to mind as I contin- June and July as they discuss Diane Schoemperlen’s The next time I write in this space, I will have May 12, 2008. He was a communi- ue my study of mysticism, my exploration of the Our Lady of the Lost and Found; Joan Didion’s The moved to a much more suitable place to wait for my cant of St. John’s, Ocean Springs. Feminine Divine and my preparation for the Holy Year of Magical Thinking; and Calvin Trillin’s About own new house to be built. Charles Henry Harrison, Jr., 86, Leisure silent retreat at Gray Center in August. In that Alice. The last two, with love stories at their heart, are Happy summer! endeavor, I have been reading Sue Monk Kidd’s When communicant of St. James’, about grief and loss-but don’t let that put you off. We Greenville died May 23, 2008. the Heart Waits and The Dance of the Dissident all experience it in one way or another, at one time or Daughter. You know her work: The Secret Life of another. Bees, The Mermaid Chair. She is an extraordinary Holy Innocents, Como, had its annual parish novelist and an even better writer of spiritual non-fic- picnic June 1, preceded by a late afternoon service on tion. She talks of the “Prayer of Waiting,” likening it to the lawn of parishioner Sharon McConnell. St. James, entering the chrysalis, which the caterpillar spins and Greenville, was planning its 4th Annual Lobsterfest in from which the butterfly emerges. She writes of “wait- mid-June. ing” for God to pray and of “waiting” for transforma-

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

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

2 The Mississippi Episcopalian June 2008 OUR DIOCESE

familiarize myself with as much of the operation to a baseball game in the evening at the new of Gray Center as possible. Washington Nationals stadium. The Bishop’s Journal Strong rain during the morning exposes May 24 – Wedding rehearsal and luncheon at considerable leakage in our house. Return home May 1 – Appointment in Hattiesburg has me up Anglican Covenant being considered across the the Cathedral College. Beautiful spring day. early. Had planned to continue on to the coast Anglican Communion as a means to provide to clean up. for a meeting with representatives from some structure to our common life. Very good Noon meeting with the Mississippi May 25 – Mississippi Day at the Washington Episcopal Relief and Development, but plans discussion on the merits and shortcomings of Religious Leadership Conference. Afternoon National Cathedral. I am the preacher for the needed to change. I returned home in the after- the present draft document. appointment with the Rev. Rosa Lee Harden. service, the celebrant is retired Washington bish- op, the Right Reverend Jane Holmes Dixon noon and spent the afternoon catching up on Afterwards, I meet for a time with the Rev. May 16 – Morning in the office. Standing (Winona, MS) and the host is Dean Sam Lloyd some correspondence and preparing a sermon. George Woodliff. Committee meeting begins with lunch. Late (Canton, MS). Very large crowd includes several afternoon appointment with the Rev. Paul May 2 – Gather with people from across the May 9 – Early morning session with our chancel- hundred Mississippians. Glorious morning. Pradat. state for Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast at the lor, Granville Tate and Canon McCormick. In Immediately following the service we drive Mississippi Telecom Center. Work with staff in consultation with other All Saints’ School own- May 17 – Join with the Diocesan Altar Guild for down Connecticut Avenue to St. Margaret’s the morning on a variety of matters. Spend time ing bishops a decision is made to sign a contract their annual meeting at the Church of the Episcopal Church, where I preach at Peter and at the Health Department getting the necessary on an option to buy the school. Very emotional Creator, Clinton. The ministry of the Altar Guild, Giulianna’s wedding. My father is the officiant. vaccinations for my trip to Uganda this summer. moment for me. so often unnoticed and too little appreciated, is Wedding reception is back at Virginia Seminary Travel to Gray Center in the afternoon for Morning appointment with Mr. Van an extraordinary one within the life of any con- in Alexandria. An even more glorious afternoon an appointment. Bankston. Working lunch with leadership of gregation. I so appreciate their faithfulness and and evening! Cursillo movement to reflect on Cursillo #115 May 3 – Spend the day with the Commission on commitment. and plan for the future. May 26 – Memorial Day. A day of rest and Ministry at Gray Center. Much of our time is At the close of this meeting I preach and Late afternoon session with the Reverend remembrance. I spend some prayerful time in used to begin a conversation on the leadership celebrate at the eucharist. Chuck Culpepper. the Chapel of Remembrance in the Washington needs of the church in the next decade. Very May 18 – Annual visitation to St. James, Jackson. National Cathedral, a space dedicated to those energizing conversation. May 10 – Diocesan confirmations at St. I preach and celebrate at both morning services. who serve in the military. Andrew’s. I preach, celebrate and confirm 15 May 4 – Annual visitation to the Chapel of the At the earlier service I baptize 5 and at the late In the evening Kathy, Tabitha and I take persons from five different congregations gath- Cross, Madison. During two worship services in service I confirm and receive 50. That is a real friends to Annapolis, Maryland, one of Kathy’s ered from around the diocese. This pilgrimage the morning I preach, celebrate, confirm 21 and workout for me! childhood locales. to the Cathedral for spring and fall confirmations receive 1. Between services I teach an adult class A reception between the services gives me a is becoming an important part of our common May 27 – A day of exploration in Washington on the history, theology and current practice of chance to visit with many who have been drawn life. I so appreciate the Cathedral rediscovering with friends. the episcopate. Wonderful reception following to the Episcopal Church through the dynamic its ministry to the wider church. the service that includes a Celtic band and gor- ministry at St. James. May 28 – Tabitha and I visit the Sudanese geous spring weather. Visit with the rector, the May 11 – Annual visitation to St. Andrew’s Good day of celebration as I also bless the Embassy and are very warmly received. By Rev. Alston Johnson briefly afterwards. Cathedral. Participate in two services. At the first first building in the congregation’s major renova- chance we also meet the Episcopal Church’s pri- In the afternoon travel to Gray Center for I preach and celebrate. After a reception in the tion project. mary missionary to Southern Sudan who has tea regular meeting of the Post Ordination courtyard I preach, celebrate, baptize 1 and con- Drive to Gray Center in the afternoon for with us and the Embassy’s Consul. Consultation. I thoroughly enjoy my time with firm 15 adults at the later service. Signs of new meeting with the permanent staff for this sum- Afternoon spent in Washington. Kathy, these newly ordained clergy and deeply appreci- life abound here at St. Andrew’s. mer’s camping program. Tabitha and I fly out in the evening and arrive late in Jackson. ate this ongoing reflection and formation Afternoon with family on this Mother’s Day. May 19 – Day off. Spend time with my grand- process that is so ably led by the Rev. Canon May 12 – Fly out early for my continuing educa- daughter. May 29 – Back in the office. Appointment in the David Johnson and the Rev. Sylvia Czarnetzky. morning with an aspirant for holy orders. Annual tion work with colleague bishops. Assorted May 20 – After a breakfast meeting with Dean consultation in the afternoon with the Rev. Chan May 5 – Day off. Spend much of the day with my delays make me considerably late in arriving in O’Connor of St. Andrew’s Cathedral I begin a Osborn de Anaya and the Rev. Rosemary granddaughter, Harper. unprecedented rainstorm in Washington, D.C. short “vacation” that will include attending grad- Foncree. Spend afternoon and evening with colleagues uation exercises at Virginia Theological May 6 – In office all day. In the evening I ordain Cathy Halford to and instructor. Seminary, participating in Mississippi Day at the Staff meeting in the morning. Afternoon appoint- the vocational diaconate at St. James, Jackson. Overnight at Virginia Theological Seminary. Washington national Cathedral and being a part ment with seminarian, Ms. Judy Morris. In the Cathy’s work in the prisons is witnessed to by of the wedding of our son, Peter and Giulianna evening I joined Kathy in a home communion May 13 – Breakfast with Peter and Giulianna, the large number of non-Episcopalians attending Cappelletti. service and dinner with members of St. Andrew’s then drive into Washington for next continuing from the Kairos prison ministry. at the home of Wayne and Ouida Drinkwater. education session. After we finish our work at May 21 – Kathy, Tabitha and I leave for noon I drive out to Silver Spring for a visit with May 30 – Canons McCormick, Johnson and I May 7 – Morning appointment with an aspirant Washington. Some anxious moments with airline my father-in-law, Alan Whittlesey. spend the day at Gray Center in our quarterly for holy orders. Extended telephone appoint- reservations, but we arrive in Washington late, Return to Jackson in the evening. planning retreat. ment in the afternoon with staff of Episcopal none the worse for wear. Along with my mother Relief and Development to discuss future part- May 14 – Breakfast with staff and chancellor of and father we will be staying with Dean Lloyd of May 31 – Participate in Cursillo Fourth Day nership efforts in Mississippi. We have been sup- the Diocese. Morning appointment with wardens the Washington National Cathedral, his wife workshop through much of the day at St. ported enormously by ERD and the thousands of St. Alexis. Marguerite and son Gabriel. Philip’s, Jackson. Large turnout and great spirit. In the evening I have dinner at the home of who have made contributions to this special Spend most of the day with the reorganized May 22 – Graduation at Virginia Theological the Rev. Jane Alexander with the Rev. Dr. Philip ministry. Finance Committee of the diocese. My hope is Seminary. Graduates include Mississippi semi- Culbertson, our pastoral care conference leader, Late afternoon leave for Forest where I cel- that by combining much of the work of various narian, Ms. Annie Cumberland who has been and others. ebrate and preach at the 25th anniversary of the committees with this single body and giving it assigned to the Cathedral, Peter and his fiancé, founding of St. Matthew’s. This small, but new authority in the budgeting process and Giulianna. Brief visits with other Mississippians, vibrant congregation worships in a small house, renewed oversight responsibility that it might Mr. Jody Burnett and Mr. Chris Robinson who Have you remembered wonderfully converted to a beautiful and inti- play a vital role in the ministry of the diocese. are helping to facilitate the various logistics for mate worship space. Overflow crowd that This meeting that lasts most of the day consists graduation. God in your will? includes clergy who formerly served St. of orientation in the various financial aspects of Honorary degrees are given to our Matthew’s. I linger late into the evening enjoying the diocese. Presiding Bishop and the Most Reverend Daniel Call dinner on the grounds and rich conversation Late afternoon appointment with Ms. Clelie Yak, new Archbishop of the Sudan. Tabitha gets with these good and faithful folks. McCandless. to spend some time with the Archbishop and his the Rev. Kyle Dice-Seage May 8 – All day at Gray Center where I convene May 15 – Travel to Gray Center for regular wife. She is very excited. Planned Giving Officer. a gathering of clergy and General Convention Thursday meeting of the Gray Center staff. As May 23 – Last minute wedding plans are taken deputies to reflect with me on the proposed chair of the Gray Center Board I am trying to care of. I take the groomsmen and a few others 601-948-5954

June 2008 The Mississippi Episcopalian 3 OUR DIOCESE Ring Around the Collar A-V Center News By Denny Allman by Janet C. Nail One of my mid-life avocations was becoming an actor in Community For some reason, I devour post-apocalyptic books. It may be Theater. It was very rewarding and I developed a fairly impressive resume. my Scottish sense of balance, of crime and punishment. Or maybe However, there were folks in my congregation, as well as in the audience, who it’s just the adventure. At any rate, any book that begins with the wondered at the propriety of a priest being an actor. Although I was always care- end of the world grabs my attention. ful not to take roles which would demean either the church or the priesthood, In fact, a recent issue of BOOKLIST, our book review maga- there were still those whom I could not convince that this was just the way I zine, had a section that focused on the apocalypse, and after. chose to spend the spare time part of my life. The following was written by the I had read six of the ten. Rev. Patrick Sanders of St. James’ Church, Greenville. He plays in a “much in EARTH ABIDES. A CANTICLE FOR LEIBOWITZ. THE PESTHOUSE. ALAS, BABYLON. demand” band, professionally. The essay addresses the life vs vocation of the priesthood. LUCIFER’S HAMMER. If a book opens with the end of the world, I want to read about the day My Job, My Life after. This past Tuesday my band played at Hal and Mal’s in Jackson. Great gig, great turn out, great time. Interestingly, the list in BOOKLIST began with the Bible, King James Version. According to The difficult piece was getting there on time, the two-hour drive being the thing between vestry meeting the critic, the Revelation of Saint John the Divine is the ultimate vision of the apocalypse and the and opening song. (A big thanks to the members of the vestry for allowing me to leave a few minutes day after; be steadfast and endure. early!!) I bolted from the church, drove straight to Jackson, dropped Skye off with GeeGee, we drove to Alas, most readers are either intimidated by Revelation or else they regard it as the prophecy Hal and Mal’s, we pulled in the parking lot, I walked in, plugged in and played. I didn’t even have time to of our own days. If your view or the view of your class reflects this, you may want to check out change shirts. I was still wearing my jet-black clerical shirt. HOW TO READ THE BOOK OF REVELATION. This was a significant realization for me because my job and my life had intersected in a way I had not anticipated. I know I’m a priest and that I should act like one, but do they? Following our set, the conversations I had with folks quickly turned to the fact that I was a priest in a band. Why was that so hard for people to make sense of, I wondered? No hard and fast conclusion, but I imagine it is just something EAT THIS BOOK: a review people aren’t used to, the intertwining of the world and the church. Here’s the thing. I am a priest, black By George F. Woodliff III shirt or not, ALL THE TIME. In fact, I am a Christian ALL THE TIME. Certainly, I can expect the expectations people have of I recently read a book which is one of the fourfold way of reading a particular passage: priests (and Christians) to interrupt my day to day operation as a human being, but it is those times where most exciting, provocative books I have ever “lectio (we read the text), meditatio (we medi- I find my Christianity interfering with my life that I should scrutinize the most and adapt my behavior read about the Bible. I refer to Eat This Book: tate the text), oratio (we pray the text), and according to what I find. A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading contemplatio (we live the text).” My love for God and my dedication to God’s will for God’s people should change my life. It should (Eerdmans Publishing, 2006) by Eugene What lies behind this ancient method of change yours. The question is, “what should change?” Well, we can start by examining those times when Peterson, the author of the translation of the reading is the conviction that the reality within we try to forget momentarily that we are Christians for our own benefit. The decisions we make should be Bible known as The Message. Scripture is a greater reality than the world we held under the light of the Gospel and its message of example, generosity, charity and service. Remember, In chapter 2 of Eat This Book, Peterson inhabit-the world of politics, economics, cul- this is not just our religion it’s our life. writes, “God does not put us in charge of ture, work, home, and play; that Jesus Christ is forming our personal spiritualities. We grow in alive and can be encountered through these Peace, Patrick accordance with the revealed Word implanted sacred texts; and that it is truly possible in us by the Spirit.” [p. 15] through reading Scripture in this manner to Yet Peterson acknowledges that in our have the Holy Spirit form Christ in us. We are country, both inside and outside the church, then transformed from the inside out. we do seek to form our own personal spiritu- All of this rings very true to me. If The Mississippi Episcopalian alities. We have our own “text”, and “...the Christianity is true-if Jesus is really risen and ‘text’ that seems to be most in favor on the alive, then I trust him to have chosen a trust- guidelines for submissions American landscape today is the sovereign worthy manner of communicating himself to If you wish to submit articles or pictures to the paper please have your submission self...It has become characteristic of our bur- me, a way without endless deconstructions turned in by the first Tuesday of every month for publication in that month. A paper will be geoning, contemporary spirituality in its vari- and reconstructions of a text which he has pre- published every month with God’s help and the help of motivated writers and photographers ous manifestations to take the sovereign self as sumably inspired and blessed. in our diocese. text.” [p. 16] I have grown weary of approaching Send all submissions to the Rev. Scott Lenoir at the diocesan office or email Scott at Peterson knows that many Christians sacred texts “from above” as if it is some thing [email protected]. If you wish to query Scott about a story please contact him by email have and read Bibles: “Not that Christians to be dissected and evaluated based upon my or call 601-856-8234. don’t own and read their Bibles. And not that criteria, and so I believe him when he said, We wish to have stories of local and diocesan-wide interest as well as national stories Christians don’t believe that their Bibles are “Come to me, all you that are weary and are with local tie-ins. Please use quotations where possible. the word of God. What is neglected is reading carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you Photographs are welcomed! We accept prints and digital photos. Please shoot for facial the Scriptures formatively, reading in order to rest.” I want Christ inside of me, and I trust recognition. A wise editor once said, “We don’t need to know what one’s shoes look like.” live.” [p. xi] the method that he has chosen to make that Also, please send the names of the people in the picture. Peterson advocates the ancient method of possible: the Bible. Regarding digital pictures attached to emails (jpegs): please send jpegs that are at least reading Scripture known as lectio divina, a 1 MB in size. This size is larger than what most people shoot on a daily basis. Adjust the camera to a higher quality setting and you’ll be okay. The reason for this is that print media needs the higher resolution for quality reproduction. There are ways to send very large picture files if your server doesn’t allow the transfer of the picture you took. Call Scott for more info about that. Regarding the Faithful Departed: upon the death of a communicant please send Catherine Johns at the diocesan office the full name of the departed, age, date of death, and any particular information concerning his or her church life (vestry/mission committee member, altar guild, founding member, delegate to Council, etc.). MSE address updates are done on an ongoing basis. Please submit all address correc- tions and additions to Emily Everett at [email protected]. Thank you to everyone who contributes to the Mississippi Episcopalian. When your church has a special project or event that you consider noteworthy: we want to know about it. Encourage writers and photographers in your church to send us the news!

4 The Mississippi Episcopalian June 2008 OUR DIOCESE

Freedom Reins, Continued from page 1 So Sing a Song of Iona The Brookhaven Separate School District cooperates with the volunteer driven ministry by trans- porting members of special education classes to the riding center located 13 miles east of Brookhaven By Debo Dykes every Friday during the school year. At the beginning of the year Freedom Reins volunteers meet with special education teachers and “So sing a song of Sarah, to laughter she gave birth; and sing a song to Tamar, who stood for go over each student’s Individual Educational Plan. women’s worth; and sing a song of Hannah, who bargained with her Lord; and sing a song of Mary, “We try to coordinate with the teachers on learning goals for each student while initiating them to who bore and bred God’s Word.” (Iona Abbey Worship Book) the benefits of Equine Therapy,” said Henderson, a native of Brookhaven. Debo Dykes, photo The program also includes children from King’s Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven and Iona is said to be a “thin” there are a few private lessons offered to area families. place where the Divine con- Twenty to thirty children experience the Freedom Reins program every week during the school sumes one’s heart and soul year. The children have a range of disabilities from autism and Muscular Dystrophy to hearing and with a vision of immense long- vision impairment. ing. This past month, I shared Henderson began the ministry five years ago with her friend, Becky Green, also of Brookhaven. a journey into the mystery and Charles Lofton became involved with the program after seeing the positive effects it had on his three history of this small island, a children who have special needs. gem in the frigid waters of the Henderson, Green, and Lofton are Certified Therapeutic Rider Instructors, a designation received Irish Sea, with six women from Mississippi State University. sojourners, all seeking the Freedom Reins has a herd of six horses and also several miniature horses which are part of the divine feminine, the vera program. The miniatures are not ridden, but often provide a link for a child who might be afraid of full icona, “true image” of God. size horses. For nearly ten days, “Besides riding, the children learn to groom, clean hooves, and lead them on halters,” said Jennifer Deaton, Rwth Ashton, Henderson. She added that each child receives permission from a physician before learning to ride. Priscilla Pearson, Louise Dillon, Freedom Reins’ property, Becky Williams, Patsy McCarty Jennifer Deaton, Becky Williams, and Rwth Ashton at the sea shore which is owned by Henderson, and I walked in the footsteps of on the Isle of Iona. borders a beautiful part of the many who have lived, worked Fair River where children take and worshiped on Iona for over nature walks and play on the 6000 years. We were nourished as we shared an agape feast each day in the ruins of the thirteenth sand bars. century Benedictine Nunnery, and felt exhilarated by the presence of so many women, who for 800 “They learn and discover years devoted themselves to a spiritual life of prayer and contemplation. new things that broaden their Although I mentioned there were seven of us, there was another pilgrim we carried. Her name horizons. But, the most amaz- was Rachel. She was 21 years of age. She and her mother had lived in Meridian, MS. Rachel walked ing discovery is realizing they with us each day on the green fields and grassy meadows, the rock riddled shores, the juicy bogs, and have capabilities they never the moorland abounding in heather. It was Rachel’s request to return to Iona where she would be knew they possessed,” said freed to embark beyond the thin vale that enshrouds Iona and continue her journey. We gathered on Henderson citing a little boy the bank at St. Columba’s Bay and celebrated Rachel’s life. Each of us poured Rachel’s ashes into the who utters his first word at 8 sea. We paused in silence, listening to the rocks sing a capella as the sea bathed each brilliant colored years old. stone now adorned with Rachel’s presence. We were aware that in every smallest particle of matter, Dr. Anne Henderson at the Dixie National Horseshow with a Henderson’s life is a busy this utterly alluring gift of human compassion fuels our souls as we bear witness of the unveiled gift of Freedom Reins Rider. one, jammed with appoint- life and glory. ments and counseling ses- sions, but Fridays belong to “So sing a song of Anna, who saw Christ’s infant face; and sing a song of Martha, who gave him food Freedom Reins where she and and space; and sing of all the Marys, who heeded his requests, and now at heaven’s banquet, are her friends volunteer their Jesus’ fondest guests.” (Iona Abbey Worship Book) time to bring a better life to special needs children and their families. Contributions to Freedom Reins are tax Christian Formation Director deductable. To learn more, log on to the Freedom Reins visits St. Andrew’s website at http://www.free- By Alice Skelton domreins- swmstrc.org/ Stephanie Deithelm, Children’s Christian Formation These Freedom Reins students were independent riders and won rib- Director at All Saints’ Episcopal bons and awards at the Dixie National Horse Show this year. Church, Birmingham, AL and former parishioner of St. Andrew’s, spoke at St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Jackson on Sunday, April 27th. During the Sunday school hour, Stephanie spoke to a multi-generational group of interested parishioners concern- ing her personal journey with The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and its importance to Kim Sewell (left) and Ruth Fletcher (right) Co-Coordinators of the our children and the whole Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, with church. Stephanie Deithelm (center).

June 2008 The Mississippi Episcopalian 5 PARISH LIFE Delta Churches observe Rogation Sunday By Fonda Lundin Fonda Lundin, photo On Sunday, May 18th, Rogation Sunday was observed at the home of Mrs. Rickey Moore, Cary, Mississippi. Congregations from Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church, Rolling Fork, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Hollandale and St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Belzoni; friends from Baptist and Methodist congregations of Cary and Rolling Fork were in attendance on this the 26th year the Moore’s have hosted Rogation Sunday. The Rogation service thanks God for creation, for agriculture, aquaculture and cultivation of all living things. In addition the service celebrated the Holy Trinity. The Rev. Ed Lundin preached, celebrated communion, and blessed seeds and feed with more than 60 people in attendance. They were honored by the attendance of the Reverend Clifton McInnis, former rector of Chapel of the Cross and his wife, Percy and son Clifton. The Reverend Ed Lundin was recently appointed rector of the Chapel of the Cross, Rolling Fork and St. Thomas, Belzoni. He and his wife, Fonda live in Rolling Fork.

Communicants of Chapel of the Cross, Rolling Fork and St. Paul’s, Hollandale enjoyed a Rogation Sunday last month in the Delta.

Nativity Groundbreaking Sunday, May 11th a much anticipated moment in the life of the Episcopal Church of the Nativity in Greenwood finally came to pass with the blessing of the ground marking the official beginning of the construction of Nativity’s new parish center. The parish center will be built between the Rose Building and a youth building on Howard St. in downtown Greenwood. The construction crew arrived on time May 12th and are well under- way with this long- planned project made possible by the generosi- ty of Nativity parishioners and many friends of the church.

Nativity Blessing: Nativity Verger Jim Barrett, leads acolytes Michael Lucas, Josephine Structures Committee Chairman Dale Riser breaks ground as the Rev. Matt Rowe, rec- Howard, Aden Avant, Angus Harper and the Rev. Matt Rowe in procession around the tor of Nativity Church, Greenwood and Jr. Warden John Doty Porter look on with a construction as communicants prayed for God’s blessing on the site, the project, and host of Nativity communicants. for the safety of those who will build the new parish center.

Several men from St. Philip’s, Jackson enjoyed a long weekend camping on Mt. Nebo near Russellville, Arkansas in May. Pictured on top of Mt. Nebo, left to right, are: the Rev. Tom Slawson; Randy Keng; Cooks and servers for the St. Mary's, Lexington ecumenical Mature Senior's Monthly Luncheon Bill Buhner; Lester Hailey; Glynn Bradshaw; Rusty Smith; Bill Burke; Lee Lewis; Jim Carrington; pause for a brief moment in the kitchen. Pictured left to right are: Harriett Lenoir, St. Mary's; Brian Bullard; Guy Bowering; and Kirk Hill. Gene & Norlenia Austin (First Presbyterian, Lexington); Bill & Beth Warrington (First Baptist, Lexington); Gloria Flanagan, Jr. Warden, St. Mary's; Beverly Nichols, Sr. Warden, St. Mary's.

6 The Mississippi Episcopalian June 2008 OUR DIOCESE

Session 1 at Bratton-Green sported an interactive competition between campers and a Council of Wizards to see who would be elected head of the Wizards. The

Alice Skelton photo theme for the Jr. High Camp involved politics, economics, and should, according to Fifteen people from across the Diocese were presented for confirmation at St. Andrew’s Cathedral on May 9th. Permanent Staffer Wil Oakes, “ forge a lesson about community with each other Confirmed were: (left to right) Jamie Bennett , St. Mark’s, Jackson; Joecephus Martin, St. Mark’s, Jackson; through the metaphor of the Wizard story.” Wizards left to right: Lloyd Gray Quanikki Martin, St. Mark’s, Jackson; Susan Micelle, Trinity Church, Hattiesburg; Robert Cox, Trinity Church, (Permanent Staff), Merry Barnes (Permanent Staff), Matthew Dewesse (Permanent Hattiesburg; James Washington, Sr. St. Mark’s; Leanna Owens, St. Mark’s, Jackson; Ricky Bingham, St. Mark’s, Staff), Anne Marie Hall (counselor), Scott Davis (counselor), Katie Walsh (coun- Jackson; Bonnie Houser, Church of the Ascension; Dave Brandon, Church of the Ascension; Michael Harbart, selor), Wil Oakes (counselor). Church of the Ascension; Barbara King, St. Luke’s Brandon; Debbie Barrick, St. Luke’s Brandon; Carroll McDaniel, St. John’s, Laurel ; Edie Davis, St. John’s, Laurel.

Bishop Duncan Gray, III ordained three candidates to the Sacred Order of Deacons, Saturday, June 7th at St. Andrew’s Cathedral. The Rev. Catherine Rickett (left) is assigned to be Deacon in Charge of St. Stephen’s, Columbia and St. Elizabeth, Collins; the Rev. Peter Gray is appointed Curate for the Hispanic Apostolate at St. Anna’s, New Orleans; and the Rev. Annie Cumberland is Curate at St. The first week of the 2008 Camp Bratton Green sessions kicked off May 27th. The Andrew’s Cathedral, Jackson. Rev. Brian Seage, Camp Director, and Camp Coordinator Sarah Williams help with Jim Carrington/photo the Jr. High check-in. Mississippi Day at the National Cathedral Josh Pugh carries the banner of The Church of the Redeemer, Biloxi for the Mississippi Day Service at the National Cathedral. The Building a New America (BANA) Fellows Curtis Williams and Adrian Walker follow in procession. The BANA group traveled from Mississippi Day in D.C. to Boston, MA with the Rev. Jane Bearden to do a little reverse relief work. More on this extraordinary story in next month’s Miss. Episcopalian.

The annual Mississippi Day at the National Cathedral was attended by many from the diocese. Penn and Norma Owen with the Rev. David Johnson A reception was held for those attending.

Bill McClarty, Dawn Flannes, Bishop Gray, III Margaret McClarty, George Penick, Norma Owen, Ben Bradbury

June 2008 The Mississippi Episcopalian 7 EVENTS LIVE! Claire Holley performs at St Andrew’s Cathedral Jackson, MS w/special guest Eric Stracener By Alice Skelton wanted them to be recorded in a comfortable In addition to the release of setting by someone I really trusted.” Hush, Holley has been at work “The slight catch in Holley’s voice While featuring some of the finest musi- composing music for an independ- can break your heart,” cians on the West Coast, the songs on Hush pay ent film, The Fence, due out later Time Out New York homage to Holley’s roots back South. The album this year. Two of her songs have features locals, Greg Leisz, whose pedal steel appeared on ABC’s Men in Trees, On Friday evening, May 30th, Claire Holley, swims in the opening track, Don Heffington, and she was nominated by the LA Jackson native, returned to St. Andrew’s whose restrained touch on the drums shines on Weekly for Best Original Music for Cathedral in downtown Jackson for the launch “Simple Meals;” and Kate Higgins who adds jazz the songs she wrote for See Rock of her new CD - Hush. In October of 2005, piano to Holley’s voice on “Stars Fell on City, a play by Arlene Hutton that Claire and Caroline Herring, also a Mississippi Alabama.” premiered in Los Angeles in 2006. native, performed at St. Andrew’s and released Though Holley savors the funky vibe of her Holley will be touring this summer Live at Saint Andrew’s in December of that same Silverlake neighborhood, her songs still draw on in support of the new release. year. Opening to a crowd of 160+ for Claire was her talent for southern storytelling. The haunt- A native Mississippian, Holley local performer and attorney, Eric Stracener. ing narrative of “Wedding Day” hints at some spent several productive years This album is all about home and comfort strange event unfolding, while “Go Away Now” absorbing the rich variety of music right down to the actual recording. Ensconced shines a light into one of those dark inner places in North Carolina, where she gar- in the comforts of a friend’s living room in of the self. In “Visit Me,” Holley relishes the nered national acclaim with two Glendale, CA, with an upstairs bedroom serving quiet and the simplicity of a remote Alabama cot- releases from Chapel Hill’s Yep Roc Claire Holly with Eric Stracener at St. Andrew’s Cathedral. as the control room, Claire recorded this new tage; in “Another Day” the beauty of seeing the Records. Her self-titled debut and a Alice Skelton, photo collection of songs. Holley asked longtime pro- world through a child’s eyes. “Simple Meals” previous collection of hymns titled ducer John Plymale to helm the sessions: “I pays homage to domestic comforts, while Sanctuary were featured on NPR’s Weekend If you’d like a copy of Hush, please contact: knew this was going to be a quiet record,” she “Leaving This Town” gives voice to a restless- Edition with Liane Hansen. A move to Los [email protected] or call 323-632-4230 says, “and I felt very protective of the songs. I ness, a desire for adventure. Angeles soon followed, and the birth of a son. Jim Ladner, photo

Pictured are the 2008 Summer Bishop’s Mission Corps members (left to right): Chris Hanna, Laurence Wainwright, C.J. Meaders (leader), Natalie Walden and Andrew McClarty. Debo Dykes, photo The Rev. Dr. Philip Culbertson leads clergy at the Pastoral Training Conference at Gray Center Bishop’s Mission Corps June 2nd. returns to Grace, Canton By Jim Ladner The Bishop’s Misson Corps, a group of young people who live at Gray Center for six weeks under the Rule of St. Benedict, has begun its third summer there. The group is led this summer by C.J. Meaders, III. C.J. has just completed nine months of life under Benedict’s Rule while in Aberdeen, MS. The group members this summer are Andrew McClarty, Chris Hanna, Natalie Walden, and Lawrence Wainwright. They will be working in Canton three mornings a week at Grace Church with the Adolescent Offender Program. They will also worship at Grace while in Canton. We welcome the Bishop’s Mission Corps once again and give thanks for their ministry among us.

8 The Mississippi Episcopalian June 2008 OUR DIOCESE Third annual Spiritual Renewal Retreat Rector of Church of the Redeemer offered in August receives doctorate. By John Lever The Reverend Harold F. Roberts received his Doctor of Ministry Degree in Congregational Development from Seabury- The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi and the Diocesan Western Theological Seminary in Chicago on Friday May 16th. Committee on Ministry with Gay and Lesbian Persons are The title of his thesis was, Out of the Deep: Leadership and pleased to announce the third annual spiritual renewal retreat. Recovery of Congregations Following Hurricane Katrina. Fr. The retreat will be held at Gray Center 22-24 August 2008. Roberts has a Masters in Divinity from Trinity College, Toronto The Rev. Brad Hinton, Rector of St. David’s Episcopal (1973) and a Bachelor of Arts from Richmond College, Toronto Church in Wilmington, Delaware, will lead the retreat. Fr. (1970). He is also a graduate of the Executive Development Hinton is known as a lecturer, teacher and discussion leader. He Program of York University, Toronto (1990) and the Education has served the Diocese of Delaware as VP of Council, the Chair for Ministry Program of the University of the South at Sewanee of the Recovery Committee, and as a deputy to General (2004). Convention. Fr. Roberts has been Rector of the Episcopal Church of the The Reverend Harold F. Roberts The theme of the retreat will be “Without a Map: the jour- Redeemer, Biloxi since March of 1997. He moved to the Gulf ney for full inclusion into the Church.” Participants will consid- Coast from Diocese of Toronto where he had served for twenty four years. In 1991 Fr. Roberts er the ramifications of the rambling journey. Through personal was named an Honorary Canon of St. James Cathedral. He also served as an Honorary Aide. de The Reverend Brad Hinton anecdotes, study of biblical passages, silent reflection and Camp to five Lieutenant Governors of Ontario over an eighteen year period from March 1979 to shared experiences participants will find room to rejoice in February 1997. He retired as a Major from the Forty-Eighth Highlanders of Canada (Canadian recent gains while considering their own potential status as spiritual landmarks. Forces Reserve) and was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration in 1978. Registration begins at 6 p.m. on August 22nd. The retreat ends after lunch on Sunday. To register online log on to www.dioms.org and click on News and Events, Diocesan Events or con- tact the Rev. Debo Dykes at [email protected] . You may also call The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi at 601-948-5954. In addition, registration brochures will be sent to all parishes and missions. For general information regarding the retreat you may call The Rev. Janet Ott, 601-214-0700 or John Lever, [email protected]

LESM Award, Continued on page 9 In June 2006, it became apparent that neither federal nor not-for-profit dollars had been designated to rehabilitate rental property. With the support of The Mississippi Association of Realtors LESM created a new program to assist with the repair of affordable rental property. Rehabilitated properties were made available to those living at or below median income at pre-Katrina rates. Fire fighters, police officers, teachers, and those who could not otherwise afford to leave FEMA trailers were able to receive affordable rental housing assistance. LESM recognized the need for change and took a huge risk with landlords. LESM made another bold move by asking volunteers to work on rental property. The risks paid off! LESM rehabbed 16 houses/units at an average cost of under $10,000 each. Once this process proved to be a success, LESM received an additional $500,000 in funding from the National Association of Realtors to continue the Realtor Relief Fund. “LESM is profoundly grateful for this investment from REALTORS around the country who contributed to this fund which made this program possible.” said Michael Huseth, CEO, Lutheran Episcopal Services in Mississippi. LESM heard the Lord’s call and responded with a unique program that has made a significant differ- ence in the recovery on the Gulf Coast.

For more information, please contact: The Rev. Molly M. Wade Director of Communications Lutheran Episcopal Services in Mississippi 601-352-7125 or [email protected]

June 2008 The Mississippi Episcopalian 9 OUR DIOCESE

Editor’s Note: I ran across the piece below while cleaning up files on my computer. It is from Holy Cross Monastery in West Park, New York. The Order of the Holy Cross is a Benedictine community within the Episcopal Church. Several years ago one the members, Brother Robert, shared some reflections in a newsletter on prayer which he found helpful in this own prayer life. Brother Robert now resides at Holy Cross’ Mt. Calvary Retreat House and Monastery in Santa Barbara, California. Brother Ronald Haynes is in charge of the Associates of Holy Cross in West Park. The Associates of Holy Cross are persons who live under the Associates Rule, which they adapt and interpret in consultation with a member of the community or their Spiritual Director. In this way the rule can be tailored specifically to one’s life and circum- stances. Getting started in prayer when prayer doesn’t come easy 1. Pray as you can, and don’t try to pray as you cannot. Take yourself as you find yourself. 2. The only way to pray is to pray, and the way to pray well is to pray much. The less one prays the worse it goes. 3. If you have no time to pray much, at least pray regularly. 4. If you must put up with the fact that when you do try to pray, you can’t seem to get into it, then let your prayer consist of telling this to God. 5. Begin wherever you find yourself. Make any acts you want to make and feel you ought to make, but do not force yourself into feelings of any kind. 6. You can’t get rid of the worries of this world or the questionings of the intellect, but you can laugh at them. Laugh at yourself and then think of God. In the simple relation you have with God by prayer, it is though you are in the center of a wheel where the noise of the revolving circumference does not matter.

For more information the about the Order of the Holy Cross, log on to www.holycross- monastery.com

10 The Mississippi Episcopalian June 2008 OUR DIOCESE Got our Hogs Hoppin’ at Gray Center! By Bill Horne If you haven’t been to Gray ings..... call Sarah at 601-859-1517. Center since the first of the year In the last 18 months Lee Lewis and a corps of you’re one of a smaller group helpers have planted over 100 trees of varying sizes than usual this time of year! It and they are flourishing this year. If you’d like your has been a wild ride and a good own tree at Gray Center, send us $25 and we’ll plant time for all as we’ve hosted one for you (map included at no extra charge). national groups like the Up on the rise where we built the labyrinth are Deacons Conference, CREDO (a the remains of an old silo. With a generous gift from Church Pension Group retreat All Saints Church, Grenada, we are converting this for clergy), and The Gathering into a bandstand or gazebo. It should be ready for the of Leaders (clergy from all over Bill Horne Bishop’s Barbeque. And at the camp we’ve made the nation with interest in our many improvements with the help of legions of men national church’s future) as well as working on our Men’s Work Weekends. Their most our own Friends Weekend and one of the largest Cursillo recent project has been recently completed: a con- Weekends in many years. It is truly our greatest hour when our crete walkway from Cabin #1 to the boat dock. This client numbers swell like this! And this is just the tip of what else will facilitate the transport of our wheelchair bound CREDO participants enjoy good food at Gray Center. has been going on at Gray Center..... Special Campers to the dock for lakeside fun. We are, of course, gearing up for camp today - by the time We’ve kicked off our Special Events Program with you read this we will be in full swing! - and it’s going to be another birthday parties, hosted entirely by our staff. Indoors and out- We’re excited about the year and we hope you will join us for big one. We already have three or, maybe, four sessions with wait- doors, winter and spring, rain or shine, we’ve got daytime and one or more of the many activities and events planned at the Gray ing lists, though we still have room for all ages at this time. The overnight slots available. Call Sarah or Grace and see what they Center (www.graycenter.org) Regular Camp #6, from July 29 - August 3, for youngsters who might arrange for your group. Standard and custom pricing avail- have finished 3rd and 4th grades, still has a good many open- able. The Mississippi Conference on A “sanctuary” is always a sanctuary Church Music and Liturgy By John Fontaine Calling all church musicians, choristers, and clergy who want to have a “St. Surplus is building a new sanctuary” was reported some years ago in The Church News- great time singing and learning about Church music and liturgy! predecessor of The Mississippi Episcopalian (the name of the church has been changed here to pro- It’s not too early to put a plug in for the 33rd annual MS Conference on tect the guilty). Church Music & Liturgy. This year it runs from July 29 through August 3. The Ever since that report, it’s been tempting to attempt to correct this misnomer with some such conference meets at the Duncan M. Gray Center. pedantic prattle as: “must be a very small congregation. They’ll grow and add the chancel and nave The conference attracts church musicians and choristers from all over later?” Province IV and beyond (including New York, Nevada, and California). In However, when the dominant religions of the region are non-liturgical, with no formal service addition to rehearsing for two services (Evensong at St. Philip’s and a closing or prayer book, there’s no need to define the spaces in a church. It’s all perfectly and properly a Sunday morning Holy Eucharist at St. Andrew’s Cathedral), conferees attend “sanctuary.” practical workshops on a variety of topics, including service playing, musician wellness, and vocal tech- The dictionary definition is: “a sacred place of worship; part of the church where the altar is niques. placed; a place of protection to criminals, debtors, etc.; shelter.” This year’s faculty includes the Rev. Susan Anderson-Smith, co-founder and chaplain of Imago Dei One size fits all! The Episcopal Church fits the definition of “where the altar is placed.” Next, Middle School in Tucson, Arizona; Michael Kleinschmidt, Director of Music and Organist of Trinity Church, before it, is the choir or chancel and then the nave where the congregation sits. “Nave” is from the Copley Square, Boston; and Michael Messina, Director of Music at Trinity Episcopal Church and Organist Latin for “ship.” Many of our churches look like upside-down ships where we are embarked togeth- of St. Richard’s School in Indianapolis. The theme for this year’s conference is “Transforming Your World er on the “sea of life.” as Performer, Teacher, Pastor, and Prophet.” What about that “protection to criminals, debtors, etc.”? In Medieval times, if a fugitive could The conference also features a Clergy Day on Friday, August 1 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. reach a church altar, he was safe from persecutors. Is that still so? A wide choice of sermon subjects Continuing education credit will be given for clergy who register and attend. for all you pastors and preachers. The Rev. Dr. Bryan Owen, Canon for Parish Ministry at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, has participated as a However defined, a “sanctuary” is always a sanctuary; though Episcopalians, in most cases need conferee for the past three years, and this year will serve as chaplain for the conference. a chancel and nave for liturgical services. Only the area around the altar do we call the “sanctuary.” “It’s a fun, informal way to learn more and gain a deeper appreciation for the music and liturgy of the church,” said Owen who added that one doesn’t have to be a musician or even know how to read music to get a lot out of the event. For registration and other information on the MS Conference on Church Music and Liturgy and regis- ter, you can go to this website: http://www.mississippiconference.org. Or you may call the Rev. Dr. Bryan Owen at (601) 354-1535, ext. 129, or e-mail him at [email protected].

June 2008 The Mississippi Episcopalian 11 EVENTS DIOCESAN CALENDAR JUNE 2008 7 8-10 • • 15 Gray Center Executive Committee, Gray Center for Formation & Ministry - “Holy Center - 2 p.m. Leisure”: Silent Retreat & Spiritual Bishop Gray visits: Direction, Gray Center • Creator, Clinton - 10:30 a.m. 10-12 • EfM Basic & Formation Mentor 9 18 Training, Gray Center • Gray Center Board Meeting, Gray • Deacons’ Council meeting, Allin House - Center - 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 11 a.m. 11-17 • Camp Bratton Green Special Session 2 10 20-26 (ages 36>) Bishop Gray visits: • Camp Bratton Green Regular Session 3 • St. Paul’s, Hollandale - 6 p.m. (5th-6th grades) 16-August 6 • Lambeth Conference Once again, Grace Church in Canton hosted over 100 vendors on 22 12 • Dean’s meeting - Allin House the church grounds during the bi-annual Canton Flea Market. The Bishop Gray visits: 17 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. church itself was open to the public. Organ and piano music was • St. Francis, Philadelphia - 10:30 a.m. played along with a good measure of gospel music. The Grace • Mississippi Religious Leaders’ parish hall was available for those who need a place to rest. Conference - 12 noon 15-17 25 • Center for Formation & Ministry - • Executive Committee, St. Andrew’s 21-27 “Sacred Vessels”: Healing our Spiritual Cathedral, Jackson - 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. • Camp Bratton Green Regular Session 5 Wounds conference, Gray Center (7th-9th grades) 26-28 16 • Diaconate Discernment Committee 29-August 3 • Bishop’s BBQ, Gray Center • Music and Liturgy Conference, Gray 27-29 Center 17 • Camp Bratton Green First Camp • Camp Bratton Green Regular Session 6 Bishop Gray visits: (1st-2nd grades) (3rd-4th grades) • St. Paul’s, Picayune - 10 a.m. 29 AUGUST 2008 22-24 Bishop Gray visits: • Center for Formation & Ministry - • St. John’s, Leland - 4:00 p.m. 5 “Without A Map”: Spiritual Renewal for Grace women provide help with hosting vendors and guests visiting • Deadline for submittal to The Gay and Lesbian Persons & Friends, the church (left to right) Gwen Buffington, Lois Booth, Holly JULY 2008 Mississippi Episcopalian Gray Center Derickson, Anne Meydrech and Barbara Ladner

1 6-9 28-30 • Deadline for submittal to The • Commission on Ministry • KAIROS Mississippi Episcopalian 7-9 29-30 2-8 • EfM Basic Mentor Training, Gray Center • Healthy Congregations Meeting, St. • Camp Bratton Green Regular Session 4 Andrew’s, Jackson (5th-6th grades) 8 • Standing Committee meets, Gray Center 4 - 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. • Allin House closed in observance of

Independence Day Jim Ladner photo Jim Ladner photo Jim Ladner photo Jane Jones, Becky Watford Red Stoles Golf Tournament MS Conference on Sunday, June 29th Music & Liturgy 1:30 p.m. Wedgewood Golfer’s Club July 29th - August 3rd Olive Branch, MS Sponsored by St. Timothy’s, Southhaven GRAY CENTER $100.00 per player Includes lunch To register call Blessing of the Putters for a mystical 18 Many contests & prizes The Rev. Bryan Owen Money raised goes to area charities 601-554-1535, ext. 129 Play Big Red call Joe: 1-800-238-3028 ext 226

12 The Mississippi Episcopalian June 2008