The

NewsD of the Episcopalominion Diocese of Long Island • brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, Suffolk

Vol. 21 No. 1 Diocesan Edition of the National Episcopal Life Newspaper January 2010

The End of Youth at St. Margaret’s, Plainview, Have the Beginning: a Remarkable Holiday Outreach Ministry Highlights from the Welcoming and Seating of the Bishop at the Cathedral rSee page H

Bishop Provenzano, who described his visitation as “wonderful,” flanked by some of the Sunday School and other youth who annually make holiday items and raise a significant amount of money to help others.

By Karen Hoenscheid and Bill Hills Each November, around Thanksgiving time, Photos by Danny McGee the children gather at church to fill mason jars with dry ingredients for cook- Eight years ago, a ies, soup and cocoa. The jars parishioner at Saint Margaret’s are then decorated with holiday in Plainview felt that the fabric and ribbons and sold for children should do some $10 each. Preston Merchant Photo Bishop Larry Provenzano and Dean Ted Bean in the outreach during the holidays The support for this project Cathedral of the Incarnation narthex following the to help those less fortunate. has been overwhelming with festive service. One of the moms was over $4,000 donated to various approached to head this charities. project and a new tradition For the first three years, was born. Heifer International was the Starting in February, Episcopal News Monthly During Bishop Larry recipient of their efforts, with will Replace the Episcopal Life publication. Provenzano’s parish visitation With her eyes closed “making a wish,” almost $2,000 donated. This last month he asked that the Karen Hoensheid holds a poster painted gives livestock and train- With this January edition of The Dominion by the Sunday School with the name of you are receiving the final issue of Episcopal plate offering from the liturgy one of the many organizations that has ing to people in need through- Life, the national newspaper of the Episcopal be redirected to the children’s received St. Margaret’s outreach support. out the world. In 2005, The Church, which has ceased publication. Starting charity efforts. Reflecting Smile Train received $750. That with the February Dominion you will begin on the outreach effort, the bishop said, “This charity provides surgery to children with cleft lip receiving a new official national publication, visitation was wonderful - wonderful to see how and cleft palate. Episcopal News Monthly. the young people are aware of the needs of others In 2006, we turned our focus toward helping and raising lots of money to help them.” Continued on page C

See The Dominion and the latest diocese and cathedral news on the web • www.dioceselongisland.org Thinking Theologically The Episcopal When Bishop Provenzano asked me to accept appoint- That’s thinking theologically. Church in the ment as Canon Theologian, he asked me to help us in the In a Bible study in my parish a few weeks ago, we Diocese of diocese to think theologically. The word theology comes looked at Colossians 3: 12-17, where it talks about forgive- Long Island from two Greek words, theos, meaning God and logos, ness. Forgiveness sounds like a good idea, until it comes to A community of 53,000 members meaning words or thought or thinking. So theology is forgiving someone you have loved, who has wronged you. in 146 congregations. words to do with God. In its formal sense, it’s the study of So how do forgive people who hurt us? The conclusion Diocesan Bishop God, or, as Richard Hooker put it in the 16th century, “the of one group member was to make a commitment to pray The Right Rev. Lawrence C. Provenzano science of things divine.” for the person who had caused her so much pain. That’s All of us have thoughts about God. Each of us under- thinking theologically. 36 Cathedral Ave. stands God a little differently, because of the ways we have A few years ago, in a Sunday School class, we read 1 Garden City, NY 11530 www.dioceselongisland.org been taught and the experiences we have had. Corinthians 12:12-31, which describes the church as being When I was in 8th grade, I was cast as God in a play like a body, and I asked the kids what part of the body The Cathedral of the Incarnation www.incarnationgc.org – and dressed up in a white toga (bedsheet) and a cotton- they were. One eight year old, the clown of the class, said, wool beard. As an adult, my “The funny bone!” (He also told me understanding of God has that when he receives communion, The Episcopal Church, USA changed, so that I think of he thinks of Jesus and how he loves A community of 2.2 God less in terms of a cos- us and died for us.) That’s thinking million members in God-Talk 110 dioceses in the tume, and more in terms of The Rev. Dr. Raewynne J. Whiteley theologically. our relationship – and so Thinking theologically is what Americas and abroad. Canon Theologian of the Diocese www.episcopalchurch.org today when I imagine God, www.god-talk.blogspot.com we do when we look for the con- it’s often as a person sitting nections between God and our lives. Presiding Bishop The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori in an armchair beside me in Sometimes we’ll begin with God, Episcopal Church Center front of a fire, in the midst of a never-ending conversation. and say something like “If God is like _____, what differ- 815 Second Avenue You all have your own images of God, and some of ence does it make for the way I live?” Other times we’ll New York, NY 10017 what I’ll do in this column and its associated blog is begin with something going on in our lives – a struggle, a Washington National Cathedral explore some of the ways we think of God. joy, a dilemma - and ask, “What has God got to say about Mt. St. Alban But our faith isn’t just in our heads. Being a Christian this?” or “What would God have me do about this?” or Washington, DC 20016 is also about how we live – and so thinking theologically is even “How is God responsible for this?” – and in that case www.nationalcathedral.org not just thinking about God, but learning to live our lives “How do I respond?” Thinking theologically is at the very with God in mind. core of how we live out our faith as Christians. So please, The Episcopal Church in Recently I was in Washington, DC, for a conference, join the conversation! The Anglican Communion where I heard the chaplain to the Senate, Dr. Barry C. Black, preach. He spoke about how in Bible studies – with I’ll be writing a more or less weekly blog at the A partner in a worldwide community of 68 million senators from both sides of the political divide – they dis- diocese’s website, www.dioceselongisland.org/god-talk. Episcopalians and cuss how to make ethical decisions, and reflect on how And I’d be happy to receive your questions by email at Anglicans in they would answer to God for the decisions they make. [email protected]. 38 regional provinces. Archbishop of Canterbury Canon Diane M. Porter The Most Rev. and Right Honorable Deputy for Episcopal Administration Dr. Rowan Williams Canon’s Corner Lambeth Palace London, England SE1 7JU www.anglicancommunion.org Christmas Past, Christmas Future and Christmas Presents ______When I reflect on Christmases ket a Tasket” and the other record, admit I have been all too caught up past, I remember the con my par- the Nat “King” Cole Trio performing in the commercial appeal of the sea- The ents put over on me. On Christmas “Straighten Up and Fly Right.” My par- son with its hustle and bustle rather Dominion Eve, my father would go up into the ents were into jazz big time. I learned than heeding each of the progres- Vol. 21 No. 1 January 2010 attic and ring some bells about 5:00 my colors with Ella Fitzgerald and her sive lessons of our Advent readings The Episcopal Diocese of Long Island p.m. and my mother would announce little yellow basket song but the King but this year was really quite dif- that Santa was coming and that I Cole record had a more sinister pur- ferent. A funny thing happened on The Right Rev. Lawrence C. Provenzano, Bishop had to go to bed just then because if pose. Every time my father felt that my way to Advent because I made The Rev. Canon Clement W.K. Lee, I didn’t, Santa would pass over our I needed behavior modification or at a detour through the Intensive Care Canon for Communication house. Obediently I trudged off to my least an attitude adjustment he would Unit of Winthrop Hospital brought Linda Brooks, Art Director room after leaving a ham sandwich, put on “Straighten Up and Fly Right” on by a mysterious infection. While Pepsi-Cola, and cookies on the table and give me the look. I came to know there, I promised God and anybody Episcopal Life ISSN 1050-0057 for Santa’s treat. Later on I learned exactly what was or wasn’t expected else listening that if you just let me USPS# 177-940 is published that I had to get into bed because the of me. I heard that song a lot! out of here, I’ll straighten up and fly monthly by the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, Inc. house had to be transformed. I don’t For most of Advent 2009, right! In recent days, I’ve thought a 815 Second Ave, New York, NY 10017. think – well actually I know – that “Straighten Up and Fly Right” has lot about my father playing that song Periodical postage paid in New York, NY my parents were true Advent purist been looping around in my head. I when I needed behavior modification and additional mailing offices. not allowing a Christmas tree in the know that Nat King Cole and his fam- in lieu of a spanking which I prob- POSTMASTER: Send changes of address house until Christmas Day and they ily were Episcopalians and when he ably needed more than music and to Episcopal Life, PO Box 2050, were also economic realists. My dad penned that song I don’t think he was thought I have been given a true gift Voorhees NJ 08043-8000. went out to get the tree on Christmas thinking of the religious significance so take it and honor it. Eve. By then they were either free of the content but it’s there. So while This holiday season, if 78’s were in because the tree man had gone home it will never make the Advent hymn print, I would buy lots and send them Articles and photos or inquiries for The or they were really cheap. All I knew play list, the song did cause me to around to several folk in need of the Dominion must be submitted by email. was that when I woke up on Christ- think of the grungy, woolly, out-there message. Topping my list would be [email protected] mas Day there was a tree and decora- John the Baptizer as the front man in some vestry and clergy here in the All articles are subject to editing. tions and the leavings of a bountiful the Sun Ra Arkestra playing that song diocese, the Archbishop of Canter- Deadline for submissions: “Santa Claus.” to and for me and telling me to get bury, several members of congress and 7th day of the month for The Christmas that I hold most straight, get ready, repent and prepare some New York State legislators and a the next month’s edition. dear is when Santa left a doll, sev- for the One who is coming. man/child that I have watched grow eral books, a stocking with nuts and Over the years I have rarely used up who now lives in Windermere, Dominion subscription change of address oranges and best of all a record player Advent properly as a time of serious Florida. And to all the rest, I wish requests should be emailed to: with two great big 78 rpm records reflection and preparation to receive you a healthy coming year and God’s [email protected] – one Ella Fitzgerald singing ”A Tis- the Son of the Most High. I freely peace to you and all you hold dear.

Page B The Dominion January 2010 Bishop’s Parish Visitations Message Schedule updates are at: www.dioceselongisland.org from the Bishop January March 10, Time TBA 7, Time TBA The Right Reverend Lawrence C. Provenzano St. Bartholomew’s, Brooklyn St. Paul’s College Point Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Long Island 17, Time TBA 14, Time 10:00 a.m. All Saints’, Richmond Hill Trinity, Roslyn 24, Time TBA April Who We Are Together - Grace, Riverhead 25, Time 7:30, 9:00 and 11:15 a.m. 31, Time TBA St. Mark’s, Brooklyn Crazy for the Cause of Christ Church of the Holy Spirit, May Brooklyn If what I am for you frightens me, geographic place. 2, Time 10:00 a.m. what I am with you reassures me. Together we are the church across February St. Luke’s, East Hampton 7, Time TBA For you, I am the bishop; with you, I ethnic, cultural and linguistic and 16, Time 10 a.m. Resurrection, Richmond Hill am a Christian. racial lines. Together we work out St. Ann’s, Sayville our mission in the understanding 14, Time TBA Bishop, this is the title of an office that we promote the gospel only St. John’s, Huntington June one has accepted to discharge; when we live it together in the midst 21, Time TBA 6, Time 10:00 a.m. Christian, that is the name of the of the world. St. Thomas, Brooklyn Grace, Brooklyn Heights grace one receives. Epiphany as a season of the 28, Time TBA 20, Time 10:00 a.m. church year affords us a tremendous St. Paul’s, Glen Cove Zion, Douglaston Laboring in a personal task, opportunity to live the Baptismal 27, Time tentatively 10:00 a.m. we find rest in the blessing that is Covenant with clarity and boldness. St. John’s, Park Slope common to all. Epiphany reminds us of the jour- ney we are called to travel together If I am more pleased to have been to promote the life of Christ in the At St. Margaret’s, Plainview redeemed with you than to be your places of our living. Continued from page A head, I shall more fully be your We promise to proclaim by word servant. and example the Good News of God our military by giving to local charity, Jacob’s in Christ, to seek and serve Christ in Light. $750 went toward creating and sending care This quote taken from St. Augus- all persons, to strive for justice and packages to American soldiers serving overseas. tine on the occasion of his Episcopal peace among all people, and respect Malaria No More, an organization that provides ordination was sent to me by my spir- the dignity of every human being. insecticide treated bed nets to children in sub- itual director back in September. That is a call for church to be church; Saharan Africa, received $360 in 2007. As I have prayed with it these past not a call for a program, a class, a Last year, a parishioner suggested that the pro- several months it has become very project but rather living, a real liv- ceeds go to Episcopal Relief and Development. clear to me that it captures a great ing out of our faith in the midst of the We were happy to donate $480. And for 2009, the deal of the reality one experiences in place in which we live and move and children voted to give this year’s to the Make-A-Wish . becoming a bishop in the church. have our being. It is a season of per- Sgt. James Smith was a The gift jars are on sale now, and we’re hoping The enormity of this ministry is mission to go crazy for the cause of special guest. He was sent brought into proper perspective by Christ in the world. for another successful year!!!! a “care package” when the realization that one is part of a The cause of Christ needs us to he was serving in Iraq in whole. More clearly, together we are be faithful to our call to serve and to 2008. He said, “it was so the church, pleased to have been stand together as those who know we good to receive something from home, thank you.” redeemed and called to be servants. are redeemed and free to be servants. The outreach ministry I certainly am not the church or The churchwide community needs also supported the Ja- the diocese, neither is the dioceses’ the example of a diocese renewed cob’s Light Foundation, staff or any of the boards, commis- and strengthened for mission and the which focuses on military sions and committees that serve the enthusiastic witness of the clergy and without family or support diocese the church. Together, you people of the Diocese of Long Island. from home. and I are the church, and specifi- As I am learning to be more com- cally the Diocese of Long Island – a fortable with who I am with you, I grouping of God’s people together encourage you to be more and more L to R, Fal Gibson, Bishop with a specific ministry, in a specific who we are together. Provenzano, Lois Bisca and the Rev. Deacon Margaret Blackett. Diocesan Cycle of Prayer January 2010 1 st. Andrew’s, Mastic Beach 17 st. Cuthbert’s, Selden 2 The Spouses of Diocesan Clergy 18 The Diocesan Episcopal Church 3 Church of the Redeemer, Mattituck Women 4 st. Mark’s, Medford 19 Caroline Church, Setauket 5 Trinity Church, Northport 20 st. Mary’s, Shelter Island 6 st. John’s, Oakdale 21 st. Anselm’s, Shoreham 7 The Bishop Suffragan of Long Island 22 st. Thomas of Canterbury, Smithtown 8 st. Paul’s, Patchogue 23 hispanic Ministry Commission 9 Christ Church, Port Jefferson 24 Iglesia de la Santa Cruz 10 Church of the Atonement, Quogue 25 st. John’s, Southampton 11 Grace Church, Riverhead 26 All Souls’ Church, Stony Brook 12 staff & Board of Managers of 27 st. Mark’s, Westhampton Beach Camp DeWolfe 28 st. Andrew’s, Yaphank 13 Christ Church, Sag Harbor 29 The Standing Committee 14 st. James’, St. James of the Diocese of LI 30 All Saints’, Brooklyn 15 st. Andrew’s, Saltaire The Sunday School presented Bishop and Mrs. Provenzano with samples of their 16 st. Ann’s, Sayville 31 Church of the Ascension holiday sale items, a hearty soup and a cookie mix.

Janaury 2010 The Dominion Page C ECS Opens Collaborative Ministry with the Ali Forney Center, Will Assist LGBT Youth Who Are Homeless

By the Rev. Charles F. McCarron forministry. Taking into account a and Michael Meaney community needs assessment and an awareness that a shelter had previ- November 23rd marked the open- ously operated in the space, it was ing of a facility for collaborative min- decided to try to open another shelter istry between Episcopal Community in the church hall of the former par- Services (ECS) of the Diocese of Long ish. When attempts at federal funding Island and the Ali Forney Center, an were unsuccessful, ECS looked for an agency working with homeless youth. experienced partner to form a collab- Bishop Provenzano opened the gath- orative ministry. We found that part- ering with a blessing, a prayer and a ner in the Ali Forney Center. call to renewed and creative ministry Ali Forney was a homeless teen in our diocese. who was forced to live on the streets Also in attendance at the official of New York during the 1990s. Ali opening were Bishop Provenzano’s was dedicated to the safety of other wife, Jeanne, Father Charles McCar- homeless gay, lesbian, bisexual and ron, Executive Director of ECS, Carl transgendered (LGBT) identified Siciliano, Executive Director of The youth. As a young person Ali was a Ali Forney Center, New York City committed HIV prevention worker Council Speaker Christine Quinn, and aggressively advocated that the L to R, Carl Siciliano, Executive Director of the Ali Forney Center, Bishop Larry newly elected council member Daniel New York Police Department investi- Provenzano, Mrs. Jeanne Provenzano, Father Charles McCarron, Executive Director Dromm, many other community rep- gate a series of murders of homeless of Episcopal Community Services, Michael Meaney, Episcopal Volunteer & resentatives and directors and board youth he had befriended. Coordinator of St. Andrew’s, and Danny Dromm, New York City Council Member. members of ECS and the Ali Forney In December of 1997 Ali himself Center. was murdered on the streets. His 3,400 homeless LGBT youth in the ways to help. Adults can cook at the The new facility is at St. Andrew’s tragic death called attention to the New York area was named in Ali’s center providing home cooked meals Church in Astoria, which was an atrocious conditions for homeless honor. for the residents. However, it is best unused building when our retired LGBT youth in New York; Ali’s mur- Through the efforts of Episcopal for all that teens are not involved Bishop Walker asked Fr. McCarron derer has never been identified. The Community Services and its volun- in this cooking or directly involved in 2007 to explore its possible use agency created to help the estimated teers, St. Andrew’s church hall has with the residents. The residents have been transformed into a home. ECS different issues and experience tells has spent the last two years renovat- the center that having fellow teens ing St. Andrew’s. there in a volunteer capacity does not Under the direction of Fr. McCar- work. When prearranged, all, includ- ron, the construction ing teens, can cook workers, plumbers and in their parishes and electricians have done a drop the dinners off at fantastic job. After the the center. renovations, the space has All can help get been furnished, stocked some of the things and decorated through the that are always in generosity of our congre- need; toiletries, gations. It has even been socks, underwear and called “The Waldorf Asto- T-shirts. A clothing ria of shelters.” The goal for gently used was to make the space as or new teen clothing homey and welcoming as and coats would be possible. This could not NY City Council President helpful. In addition, have been done without Christine Quinn reads monetary donations generous donations from congratulatory letter at are always welcome. many people including St. Andrew’s opening. We are planning to St. Andrew’s provides a safe, comfortable sleeping area. some of the food dona- have an orientation for tions collected at Bishop Provenza- teams and individual volunteers who no’s Ordination. The before and after hope to participate photos of the space are staggering! St. Donations may be sent addressed Andrew’s started with six teens and to: The Rev. Charles McCarron, will continue to add two a week until Episcopal Community Services, it has reached 16 residents. 36 Cathedral Ave., Garden City, NY The upstairs sanctuary of St. 11530 (or online at the ECS website: Andrew’s has been used as a worship www.ecslongisland.org). Checks space for a new “emergent” Episcopal should be made payable to Episcopal group, The Third Place, and for other Community Services, with faith groups. The sanctuary has also “St. Andrew’s” on the memo line. become a multi-use space where ECS If you are interested in volunteer- hopes to provide immigration out- ing or for more information, please reach, perhaps youth mentoring and contact Michael Meaney, our vol- tutoring to the many schools on the unteer coordinator for St Andrew’s, center’s street and to provide space [email protected] and put for events for local community and St. Andrew’s in the subject line. We arts groups. Hence the working title can discuss the many ways you may for the building is “St. Andrew’s Cen- be able to help out in this important ter for Worship and Ministry.” ministry. We have set up Episcopal volun- Michael Meaney is a member of teer opportunities and there are many Zion Episcopal Church in Douglaston. The newly renovated home-like living room.

Page D The Dominion January 2010 Dr. Ted Gerbracht of Long Island Appointed Sr. VP for Academic Affairs at The General Theological Seminary (GTS News) – When Frederick W. ‘Ted’ Gerbracht he served as treasurer of the Diocese of Long Island A lifelong resident of Long Island, Gerbracht is took up his new job as the chief academic officer at and he has had an equally long tenure as a member an active member of St. Jude’s Church, and teaches General Seminary in early November, it was clear of General’s Board of Trustees and as the Seminary’s the history of Christianity at the Diocese’s educa- that his academic credentials were impressive: an treasurer positions from which he recently resigned tion center, the Mercer School of Theology. undergraduate degree from Dartmouth, three mas- in order to join the GTS staff. Gerbracht has served But for all his academic and church experience, ter’s degrees (Asian Studies, History, and Business on Long Island’s Diocesan Council and as a trustee Gerbracht’s new job as Senior Vice President for Administration), and a Ph. D. in History from New of its estate endowment. He is also a member of the Academic Affairs is very much a second career. For York University. Chinese Convocation of the Episcopal AsiaAmerica 39 years he worked in the infor- Equally well suited to his new job is his depth of Ministries Consultation which provides scholarships mation technology area of the experience in the Episcopal Church. For ten years for theological education. banking industry, retiring in mid- 2006 from Credit Suisse, where he managed a staff of over 50 and News from Camp DeWolfe an annual budget of $16 million. Kathleen Loomis-Ward, Director Earlier in his career, staffs of up to 250 reported to Gerbracht and SAVE THE DATES the budgets he managed topped Bruce Parker Photo Dr. Gerbracht Spring Luncheon Honoring The Rev. Cn. Dominic Ciannella $100 million. In addition to Credit Suisse, his resume details high level positions at Saturday, May 1, 2010 • 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm Merrill Lynch and Chase Manhattan Bank. Nassau County Bar Association, 15th and West Streets, Mineola, New York For all three corporate giants, Gerbracht’s Open House Saturday, June 5, 2010 specialty was information technology management, but even this work was intertwined with education. “As an executive I was still a teacher and mentor to those who worked for me,” says Gerbracht. “The enterprise of education has been always central to my work life.” At GTS Gerbracht will support the faculty by providing key administrative functions, including Youth from oversight of the academic office, support for Church of the Resurrection, curriculum development, recruitment and oversight East Elmhurst, of adjunct faculty, administration of the academic helping to budget, and the development of new academic beautify programs. While a member of the Board of Trustees, St. Luke’s Gerbracht served pro bono as Special Assistant to the Chapel in the Dean charged with the creation of new short-term springtime. courses at GTS. “We will miss Ted on our Board,” said the Seminary’s Dean, the Very Rev. Ward B. Ewing, “but I am delighted he accepted this new position, where I know he will contribute in even more significant ways.” “I owe the beginning of my love for General to my daughter,” said Gerbracht, speaking of the Rev. Marjorie Gerbracht-Stagnaro, a 1995 GTS graduate who now serves as a school chaplain in Washington, D.C. “Through Marjorie I came to know and love the Seminary, and to have high regard for its faculty and programs. After my first ‘retirement’ in 2000, I offered my services to Dean Ewing, and I have been fully committed to the Seminary ever since.” Gerbracht and his wife June have three other grown children and five grandchildren, one of the reasons he is on campus only four days a week.

The Mercer School of Theology

Spring 2010 course offerings and continuing education workshops begin January 30th. Register now by visiting www.mercerschool.org Duncan Naylor Photo Montage or calling (516) 248-4800 ext. 40 Snapshots from “Wizards and Wonders,” a “Wednesdays in Advent” program, with supper, for “families to prepare for Christmas together,” at St. John’s, Lattingtown. for more information.

Janaury 2010 The Dominion Page E St. Jude’s Commemorates Veterans Day Voices of Women Episcopal Church Women Barbara Taylor, VP, ECW Diocesan Board Archdeaconry winter meetings are completed for this year. Brooklyn met on Dec. 5th and collected gifts for the Hucles Nursing Home, had installation of officers and a festive luncheon. The guest speaker was Margaret Cash, the Province II representative to the national board. Queens also met on Dec. 5th and collected gifts for the McLean Nursing Home, and the women of Riker’s Island. Borough President Helen Marshall was the guest speaker and Mrs. Debbie Young, wife of Archdeacon Young, interviewed Jeanne Provenzano, wife of the bishop. A delicious holiday luncheon followed. On January 9th Brooklyn will have its board meeting and units 2 and 3 of the Women of Vision Workshop will be held. Women of Vision is L to R, Edna Sinche, Ted Gerbracht, Robert Schroeder, Joseph Radke, Ken Lisle, Don Davis, Don McCalmont, Frank a scripturally based leadership program originally LaDuca, Arthur Voos, Joe Kozak, Al Bockleman, Ed Kelly, Bill Dwyer, Gene Browne and Dusty Crawford developed to lift up women for leadership and ministry roles and now has been modified to include individuals of all ages and walks of life. If you are interested in participating in the workshop, contact Birdie Blake-Reid at [email protected].

Gail Madden, ERD Diocesan Coordinator Happy New Year! 2010. Do you say “two distribution centers for opium, the population Cursillo News thousand ten” or “twenty ten”? Either way, it’s is afflicted with high rates of drug addiction Barbara Taylor, Cursillo Communications here or it looks strange to me. and HIV/AIDS. A ray of hope exists, however, I hope your Christmas was bright and that because Episcopal Relief & Development part- Another blessed Cursillo weekend has ended Gifts for Life was part of giving and receiving. ners with the Amity Foundation, and indepen- and from all of the reports of the team and the dent, faith-based Chinese voluntary organization new babe chicks, it was gloriously spirit filled. EMERGENCY UPDATE – Countries through- with strong roots in the community, to provide If you could not make it to this weekend, there out the Asia Pacific region are still reeling from a micro-credit loans to individuals with HIV/AIDS will be a spring weekend, Cursillo #87, March 18 string of natural disasters that struck the area in and their families. These loans enable people to to 21. Applications for both team and candidates early October. A day after a deadly earthquake become financially independent by improving are available on our website, www.licursillo.org. hit Samoa, and even more powerful quake dev- their farming methods, animal care, and busi- The weekend may be over but there is always astated Western Sumatra in Indonesia. Both ness opportunities. work to be done and there are so many ways to quakes were followed by tsunamis that caused As in Africa, groups of four to five house- serve. What have you done for the Lord and for further panic, damage and deaths. That same holds must band together to receive loans. the Cursillo community lately? Are you ready week, Typhoon Ketsana pounded the Philip- All are jointly responsible for repayment. This to serve on a team? Then you must attend the pines, dropping a month’s worth of rain in just improves cooperation and community dynam- team training on January 23rd. It will be held at six hours. The resulting floods have killed hun- ics, creates economies of scale, and results in far St. Mark’s in Islip from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For dreds and destroyed thousands of homes. greater “bang for the buck” than when individu- more information contact Susan Gibson, training Episcopal Relief & Development is support- als operate on their own. Also, no one receives representative on Secretariat. ing local partners as they get medicine, blankets, a loan without first being trained on how to put clothing, food, and cleaning supplies to victims of their investment to the best possible use. Not ready for a team? How about serving these disasters The rebuilding has just begun, but Episcopal Relief & Development and the Amity on a servant committee? you can be assured that Episcopal Relief & Devel- Foundation are helping many of Zhangfeng’s 78 Applications - Join that committee and talk opment will continue to support our partners on villages establish associations for women, youth, to candidates and sponsors. Call Pat Christie for the ground in the weeks and months to come. and men in order to strengthen HIV/AIDS preven- more information. tion, community cohesion and economic develop- Communications – Like to write? Send in an Sustaining the Body and the Spirit in Eastern ment. Your contributions help things happen in article, poem, or prayer. Contact Melissa Gill to Africa Africa, China, and wherever else help is needed offer your services. Through seminars supported by Episcopal to raise people out of poverty, fight hunger, elimi- Weekend Coordination – Help is always Relief & Development, women in Tanzania nate HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases. You needed to prepare for the arrival of the candi- learned how to productively raise chickens and also empower women and educate children when dates and to put away everything at the end of a small animals. Women band together in groups of you take action and become part of the solution weekend. Wylie Hunt will be overjoyed to hear five and apply what they have learned to become to the world’s problems. from you. generators of income, and food and care for their Training – Calling experienced Cursillistas families and ultimately their community. For the For ERD donations by phone, call to work with Susan Gibson for training future first time these women felt a sense of self-worth (800) 334-7626 x5129 Don’t forget to be teams. and empowerment. It gave them a kind of control a regular visitor to Episcopal Relief and Contact information for all of these reps they had never had before. Development’s web site at www.er-d.org can be found on the website, www.licursillo.org. God’s Peace be with you, Creating Opportunity Through Micro-Credit in Gail Madden Rural China Zhangfeng Township, located in southwest Questions or comments may be China, on the border with Myanmar, suffers addressed to me: from severe poverty, with a population com- Gail Madden posed of primarily ethnic minority groups that ERD Diocesan Coordinator face entrenched discrimination. Because of Box 398 Zhangfeng’s location close to the growing and Laurel, NY 11948-0398 Page F The Dominion IJanuary 2010 Incarnation Cathedral Hosts Mineola Choral Society Around the Diocese By Vera Levine On Sunday, January 31 at 4:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Freeport Native Celebrates Half-Century of Lay Ministry Garden City, the Mineola Choral Society will proudly present Mendelssohn’s Judith Wood, a native of Freeport, NY, celebrated her 50th anniversary Psalm 42, which the composer referred to as his “best sacred piece,” and in professional and lay ministries on October 18, at St. John the Evangelist Mozart’s Requiem, perhaps one of the most popular choral works ever written. Church, Dunbarton, NH. Listening to Mozart’s Requiem is an inspiring experience that enriches the soul Ms. Wood served four parishes in the diocese as organist/choir director and can leave one with an intimate vision of Judgement. Even though he did for more than 30 years before devoting time to specialized lay ministry. She not complete the work, we find that between the very urgent “Requiem aeter- is a graduate of the George Mercer School of Theology as well as a certified nam dona eis, Domine…” (Grant them eternal rest, O Lord) of the first move- pastoral counselor and clinical chaplain. ment and the “…quia pius est” (…because You are merciful) of the last move- As a chaplain, Ms. Wood served as parish health minister at All Saints’, ment, Mozart offers us some of his most beautiful music - sometimes startling Baldwin, before retiring to New Hampshire. and sometimes pleading but always evoking better things to come. Our 50-voice The Rev. Charles Clark, Priest-in Charge of St. John’s, Dunbarton, NH, chorus will perform these two masterpieces with a professional orchestra and Chaplain Wood, Jane White and the Rev. Harold Beliveau, former rector of All soloists. Tickets are $15; $10 for seniors and students. For more information, Saints’, Baldwin attended the celebration. A reception followed in the parish hall. visit www.mineolachoralsociety.org or call (516) 294-1175.

Pre-Christmas Guests at St. Jude’s, Wantagh, Hosts Eight Week Course, St. George’s, Flushing, Event Christianity 101: By the Rev. Paul Xie Discipleship Building in a Modern World On a cold and windy December night, John Liu (former northeast Queens The Church of St. Jude, Wantagh, will be hosting an eight week course on District 20 Councilman) now the first Asian-American Comptroller-Elect of the Christian discipleship, “Christianity 101: Discipleship Building in a Modern City of New York, Grace Meng, Assemblywoman of New York State and Peter World,” on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. and repeating at 7:30 p.m. (for those who Koo, Councilman-Elect of Queens attended the Fifth Annual Tree Lighting cannot attend in the daytime) beginning January 14, 2010 and concluding on Ceremony at St. George’s Church, Flushing. March 4, 2010. The course is free and open to the public. The Church of St. Jude is located at 3606 Lufberry Avenue (south of Jerusa- lem Avenue only 2 ½ blocks East of Wantagh Avenue). There is ample parking available behind the church facilities. According to the Very Rev. Christopher D. Hofer, St. Jude’s priest, rector and course instructor, there is a growing angst among Christians as to living a Christian life within a world filled with distractions and often contradictory religious teachings. “This course is for individuals who wish to strengthen their faith in a nonthreatening and question-friendly environment,” Fr. Hofer said. “Participants will explore a wide range of topics and utilize resources ranging from Holy Scripture to contemporary writers in order to better understand what discipleship is all about.” All course materials will be provided by the parish although participants are encouraged to bring a Bible with them to the course. To enroll or for questions, contact the Parish Office at (516) 221-2505 or at [email protected]. The Church of St. Jude’s is a welcoming Episcopal community of faith serving the greater Wantagh and Levittown communities for over 50 years. Jonathan Henry Photo L to R: Lida Watson (Senior Warden), John Liu, Father Paul Xie, Peter Koo, Father For more information about St. Jude or the Episcopal Church, please call Ted Chase, Grace Meng, and Allen Azon (Junior Warden). Mr. Liu has been a (516) 221-2505, write 3606 Lufberry Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793 or visit its participant in four of the five annual tree lighting events at St. George’s Church. website at www.thechurchofstjude.org.

Episcopal Charities of Long Island The Rev. E. Clare Nesmith, Executive Director

it is in giving that we receive... — St. Francis of Assisi diocese. We have said that the diocese needs a featuring some of our archdeaconry and Church A New Year, new way of looking at ministry. We have elected Based Grant recipients showcasing parish-based A New Resolve a new bishop to lead us in this path in this new ministries. Watch the mail for your invitation. day. Have you made any New Year’s Resolutions? Let us have a new resolve in the way that this Save the Date! September 27 Mine are predictable: lose weight, go back to the diocese serves the people of Long Island – from The 2010 Episcopal Charities Golf Outing will gym, straighten my desk, take time to play. What Brooklyn to Montauk. Let us have a new resolve be held on Monday, September 27. Start making are yours? to share our gifts, share our personal resources so your plans to be a part of this great day of play in What about as a diocese? What are resolutions that new ministry can happen and current minis- the diocese! To see photos and an article about we might make together as a diocesan family? tries are strengthened. Let us have a new resolve the 2009 Golf Outing, go to After hearing Bishop Provenzano’s speech at to serve together as the Body of Christ and help www.episcopalcharitiesli.org. convention, his conversations at each of the pre- make Christ manifest through our service. convention meetings, and his thoughts he has This New Year’s Resolution will take all of us Please give generously to shared with the various boards and councils, I together. With the strengthening power of the Episcopal Charities of Long Island think I know what he would say. Spirit, we have the potential to do more than we 36 Cathedral Avenue, P.O. Box 510, Garden What he has been saying to all of us is can ask or imagine. Let us resolve to be an integral City, NY 11530. To use a credit card, please go to echoing what he heard from us during the search part of God’s Work in God’s Dominion in the Sea. our website www.episcopalcharitiesli.org or call process and in the walk-abouts last year. The (516) 248-4800, ext. 19 and speak with Mrs. vision he has been sharing with us comes from Calling All Angels Nancy Kennelly, Administrative Assistant. When the vision and the hopes we have shared with There will be a diocesan-wide gathering of you make a donation in memory of or in honor him in our conversations and gatherings all the Episcopal Charities Angels on Saturday, of someone, their name will be recorded in the across the diocese. February 6, at 10:30 a.m., at the Church of the Book of Remembrance and an acknowledgement We have said we want a new vision for this Ascension, Rockville Centre. This year we will be sent to them. I Janaury 2010 The Dominion Page G The End of the Beginning: The Welcoming and Seating of the Bishop at the Cathedral by The Reverend Ann M. Tillman hoods representing a diversity of backgrounds and gifts, made The Feast of Christ the King their way through the gathered dawned gloriouslyr over God’s Domin- crowd to take their places. ion in the Sea, setting the tone for the After hearing the chancellor welcoming and seating of the Right of the diocese read the Docu- Reverend Lawrence C. Provenzano, ment of Succession and an apt Eighth Bishop of Long Island, in a choral antiphon, the congrega- festival evensong held that afternoon tion heard the resounding echo at the Cathedral of the Incarnation of their bishop knocking on in Garden City. Clergy and people the great doors of the cathedral gathered to “enthrone” their new with his pastoral staff. Nota- bishop in the finest of Episcopal tradi- bly, his request was to enter tion, yet the liturgy remained clearly and pray, and not to be glori- focused throughout on Christ, the one fied upon his throne. The Very Preston Merchant Photos true king. The event marked the end Reverend Theodore W. Bean, The bishop, knocking for admission to the cathedral, a traditional gesture in the of a series of festivities that began Jr., Dean of the Cathedral, wel- welcoming and seating liturgy with the bishop’s ordination and con- comed Bishop Provenzano with ished the bishop not to get too com- encouragement for their new bishop.” secration in September and continued these words, “The Lord prosper you; fortable there, noting that although he Throughout the afternoon our with the passing of the diocesan cro- we wish you well in the Name of the is most welcome in the cathedral his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ reigned zier at convention, and it ushered in Lord.” place is out among the people, visit- from His throne of grace, depicted the beginning of a new era of minis- The bishop knelt and prayed before ing parishes and engaging them in poignantly in “An Icon of Christ try and mission in asperging those mission. He also graciously welcomed Enthroned” written high above the the diocese. around him with the bishop’s wife Jeanne, offering our cathedra at the entrance to the apse The entire lit- holy water and gratitude for her presence “as part in 2001 by Guillermo Esparza. But urgy provided a finally making his of our common life in Christ” while there is more to Christ’s reign than rich feast for the entrance into the encouraging her to honor her own life iconic images, heavenly music, and senses: glorious cathedral. Those and calling as well. ancient words and traditions that music, fragrant gathered were Words of gratitude marked the cel- have already taken their place in the incense, refreshing graced by the par- ebration. Bishop Provenzano offered history of this Dominion in the Sea. waters of baptism, ticipation of the his thanks to all who were there, espe- The beginning has ended, and and brilliantly col- Right Reverend cially to the young people for giving we now move ahead with a new ored flowers beau- George Councell, up homework time for this occasion. bishop and a new resolve. The Rev- tifully arranged, Bishop of New He later offered these words of thanks: erend Canon Domenic K. Ciannella, to name just a few Jersey, who, on “I am very grateful to the dean and senior cleric in the diocese, joyfully elements. Antici- behalf of Province cathedral congregation for the tremen- exclaimed that, “The kingdom is pation mounted as The Great Doors of the cathedral are II of The Episcopal dous welcome and outpouring of love marching forward!” Indeed it is, and the final notes of closed before the bishop’s arrival. Church, assisted and support that has been shown to the dean offered these words of wis- the prelude died the dean in the for- both Jeanne and me. The music was dom for the journey: “As long as we away, and the opening hymn pro- malities of the seating of the bishop wonderful and accomplished, hav- remember as a worshipping commu- claimed with great certainty that “The in his cathedra, “the traditional sym- ing us each drawn into an atmosphere nity that Christ reigns, that each of us Church’s one foundation is Jesus bol of the bishop’s office and author- of prayer, reflection, and gratitude here is chosen, and that we depend Christ her Lord.” The autumnal sun ity,” according to the Rev. Canon for what God is doing in our midst. upon each other to help usher in the danced merrily through the stained Raewynne Whiteley, newly appointed I am especially grateful to my sister reign of Christ in this part of the king- glass windows as acolytes, choir, Canon Theologian for the diocese. and brother clergy who were present dom, then this diocese and this epis- and clergy, attired in brightly colored The dean, in his sermon, admon- and filled the pews with support and copate rest on solid ground.”

The bishop, the Rt. Rev. Larry Provenzano, extends greetings to the worshippers. The bishop is censed by the dean of the cathedral, the Very Rev. Theodore W. Bean, Jr.

Page H The Dominion January 2010