t Youth & Young Adult Ministry t Mission& Outreach t Strengthening Our Congregations t Evangelism & Proclamation t Multicultural & Ethnic Ministries canons, his demeanor—Mr. Palmore his canons, knowledge law the his of and the would resume. proceedings the and bishop, to the something whisper V. Russell hand. Palmore Jr. would of Robert’s one in Rules of Order forward, awell-wornquietly copy and would calmly gentleman stride unassuming officer,presiding atall, platformthe belowseat just and the From his kerfuffle. a parliamentary into Council led the that something or do chair, by the action an saw it. past 20-plus years, the you in point at any of Virginia Diocese of the Council you Annual If attended the INSIDE HIV/AIDSmany orphans—the village— each in most vulnerable for the By village. each caring in children most 50 vulnerable for the provide basic educational support group to committed or other parish another DCT with in parishes 200 of the each to link seeks which Carpenter’s program, Kids the through relationships maintain congregations Virginia (DCT), where several Tanzania, Tanganyika of Central Diocese Gospel. the in grounded on prayer centered and partnerships mission globe, growing the across ministry active examples of Virginia you’ll us,and find calls spirit the WeV independent bunch. go where an are churches Virginia By Emily Cherry to Tanzania Calls Spirit the When I By Sarah Bartenstein R. for dedication and warmth, generosity remembered of theChancellor Diocese R ussell V.ussell Jr.: Palmore L In many ways—his fairness, fairness, ways—his many In A delegate would question That’s certainly true in the the in true That’s certainly / Palmore continuedonpage 3 19 19 10 10 6 Y Deacons E Deacons B oung A oung ishop Suffragan Search U Search Suffragan ishop 8M Partnerships Haitian Grow dults xplore B xplore Buck Mountain, Earlysville; Buck Mountain, Virginia: from groups the of all with partners are that villages the officer. communications Cherry, diocesan Carpenter’s joined Kids; Emily and recently that Earlysville, achurch of Buck Wynne Mountain, Marigail forcoordinator Carpenter’s Kids; St. Paul’s, Virginia and Richmond amemberof Johnson, Suzanne trip, including the in participated 2011. also Virginia Agroup from about February Carpenter’s in Kids more learn and diocese his visit Rt. Rev. S. to Johnston Shannon bishop of DCT, who the invited Rt.of Rev. the Mhogolo, Mdimi vision the is ministry This parish. Carpenter’s whole helps Kids the at 193 the business PalmoreRuss (left), (right) Charlton (center) David Thomas diocesan Michael and over confer ridge M ridge The team had a chance to visit visit to chance a had team The eader, A Parish Health & Wellness &Wellness Health Parish 22 inistries 11pdates L rd Annual Council in Annual Council Arlington in 1988. dvisor, Friend etter from the B the from etter Congo the about yths may 2011 importantly, growing friendships. importantly, friendships. growing perhaps and, most books and desks of donations construction, church new waterprograms, safe in have resulted partnerships Carpenter’s these the Kids, to meal adaily and uniforms member. Beyonda providing is Outreach, & Mission of director diocesan Blanchard, Buck which Colorado, of University of the Colorado,” from agroup of alumni from “Friends called team a and Stephen’s,atSt. priest Richmond; Rev. a the of Weezie Blanchard, family the family; Gottwald the Seminary; Theological Virginia Paul’s,St. Richmond; Richmond; School, Burke;Christopher’s St. Andrew’s,St. Grace,Kilmarnock; ishop t Volume 120 120 Volume / Tanzania continued onpage4 t Number 3 Number

Photo: S. Neale Morgan LeTTEr To The ediTor UTO–A Relationship of Ministry and Mission

At the 2011 Annual Council It is the oldest and largest funding May 2011 meeting in January, the United source for mission in the Episcopal t VOLUME 120 AThank Offering gifts totaled Church. It allows everyone to t NUMBER 3 $943.46. This record amount is participate in world mission when Circulation 21,500 what happens when the spiritual many cannot travel or do hands-on Published by The Diocese of Virginia atmosphere is positive and work. It is all based in prayerful moving in a good direction. After thanksgiving and in relationships. Bishop Henry Burt, secretary of Council, The challenge is now ours to The Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston announced that the $20 winnings recognize. The Board only has of a bet with the Rev. Abbott Bailey, $1,634,526.19 to grant this year. Bishop Suffragan rector of St. Andrew’s, Richmond, This amount is down from over $3 The Rt. Rev. David Colin Jones would go into the UTO Blue Box, million within the last 10 years and the miracle occurred when 11 down $529,214.74 from last year. Assistant Bishop other $20 bills showed up in Blue The Episcopal Church at General The Rt. Rev. Edwin F. Gulick Jr. Boxes throughout the Council Convention 2009 intentionally meeting room. On Friday the decided to move mission in the Editor total ingathering was $373.19; but world to be the responsibility of the Henry D.W. Burt II on Saturday the ingathering was dioceses, where the people are. The $570.27, far more than any receipts United Thank Offering is a way for Managing Editor in years past. All of this money goes everyone to participate. Emily Cherry to mission through grants in 2012. Thank you, Henry, for helping Henry’s gesture is considered participants at Council to open Design/Layout intentional giving, and mission in their hearts to the United Thank John Dixon the greater Anglican Communion Offering. A message to everyone is is the result. The United Thank to keep a Blue Box present in your Advertising Assistant Offering Board met in April to life as a reminder for daily thanks Karen Smith match prayers to intentional when a tangible gift really makes a gifts through grants. The Board difference to someone else. Thanks Copyright ©2011 The Virginia has just adopted a new mission be to God. t Episcopalian. No article, column, statement: “Put gifts into the Blue photograph or illustration in The Box with thanksgiving, prayer and An n e Go r d o n Cu r r a n Virginia Episcopalian may be generosity. Take blessings out of the UTO Pr o v i n c e III Re p r e s e n t a t i v e a n d reproduced or transmitted in any box for grants serving the Church’s Bo a r d Me mb e r form without written permission t t e p h e n s i c h m o n d from the editor. mission.” This simply defines the S . S ’ , R ministry which is now 125 years old. The Virginia Episcopalian (ISSN 15353621, USPS 019711) is published by the Diocese of Update: UTO Contact Information Virginia, located at 110 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23220. It is To all those ordering materials for the United Thank Offering (UTO): The published bimonthly six times per information received by your parish UTO coordinator on how to order year. Periodicals postage paid in UTO materials has changed. The correct phone number for the Episcopal Richmond, VA 23232-9998. Marketplace is 866-937-2772, and the Web site is www.episcopalmarketplace. org. Please pass this information on to anyone in your parish working with Subscriptions: the UTO. t $5.00 / year for communicants of the Diocese t $6.00 / year for non-communicants t $1.50 for individual copies

Views expressed in this newspaper The Diocese are not official statements of policy on by the Diocese of Virginia. Follow diocesan staff on Editorial and advertising policy is Twitter. Ed Keithly, second set by the editor and Executive clerk to the XIII bishop of Board with the advice of the editorial advisory board. Virginia, provides updates on the bishop’s comings and goings @theClerkVA. Henry Burt, secretary of the Diocese, reports on diocesan life @SecDioVA. News of The Diocese 3

Palmore continued from page 1 / officiant, and the Rt. Rev. F. Clayton the Richmond law firm of Mays & put one in mind of Atticus Finch, Matthews, bishop of the Office of Valentine, later known as Troutman though he was more gregarious Pastoral Development and a former Sanders. It was there he met his than the heroic figure in Harper Virginia suffragan. Also in the wife, Susan Armstrong, who was a Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. chancel were the current and former partner at the firm. Yet Mr. Palmore also called rectors of St. Paul’s, the Rev. Wallace Mr. Palmore was the father of to mind another, less highbrow Adams-Riley and the Rev. Robert Annie P. Witthoefft of Richmond character from fiction. Like P.G. G. Hetherington, St. Paul’s associate and Jessie P. Yancey of Nashville. Wodehouse’s Jeeves, he simply rector the Rev. Kate Jenkins, and the In addition to his wife, daughters materialized when he was needed— Rev. Benjamin P. Campbell, director and sons-in-law, he is survived usually a second before you knew of Richmond Hill and the homilist. by his grandson, Charles Russell Witthoefft, and an unborn grandchild; his sisters, Conde P. Hopkins and her husband, Ron, and Lelia P. Wehman and her husband, Paul; his cousins, Fred Palmore, Ann Palmore, Scott Pierce and Cliff Pierce; and numerous nephews, nieces and godchildren.

Ministry at Every Level Mr. Palmore represented Virginia as a lay deputy to General Convention for eight consecutive triennial Conventions from 1988- 2009, and was elected to serve as deputy to the 2012 Convention. A former vestry member at St. Paul’s, former member of the Standing Committee and the Board of

Photo: The Rev. Edward O. Miller Jr. Edward Photo: The Rev. Church Schools in the Diocese Russ Palmore (far right) gives the chancellor’s report to the 216th Annual Council in January of Virginia, a Memorial Trustee 2011 as (seated from left to right) Bishop Johnston, Bishop Jones and Bishop Gulick look on. for Roslyn and a member of the board of Forward Movement, he was awarded a Doctor of Humane you needed him. That was certainly The lessons were read by Mr. Letters by Virginia Theological in evidence at Annual Council or at Palmore’s sons-in-law, Steele Yancey Seminary in 2008. He also served as General Convention, but it was also and Ned Witthoefft. In addition a member of the Episcopal Church’s true on a more personal level, with to Mr. Campbell’s homily, the Executive Council. those who called him Friend. congregation heard touching and During the 75th meeting of Mr. Palmore, chancellor of the sometimes hilarious testimonies General Convention in 2006, he Diocese of Virginia since 1987, a from his cousin Fred Palmore (the was part of an 18-member special highly respected attorney and former chancellor was rather a scamp committee appointed to handle a well-known leader in parish, as a child, and as an adult, he was, convention resolutions concerning diocesan and churchwide well, a child—at least with nieces the Episcopal Church’s relationship ministries, died suddenly on and nephews) and his friend Charlie with the Anglican Communion. Thursday, April 7. Many of Guthridge (did you know that Russ In the Diocese of Virginia, those interviewed for this article Palmore loved to “wager”?) Mr. Palmore chaired a special struggled to imagine Annual Mr. Guthridge concluded his committee that dealt with property Council, or any other church event, remarks by reflecting that with Mr. issues involved with congregations without him. Palmore’s death, “The loss is not in which the majority of laity and The Ashland native who grew to [his family]. The loss is to those clergy decided in late 2006 to leave up at St. James-the-Less was a who will never know him.” All who the Episcopal Church. Parts of the long-time member of St. Paul’s, spoke mentioned the ability that resulting legal actions are still being Richmond, where on Tuesday, rivaled Mr. Palmore’s professional litigated. In an eloquent report April 12, a standing-room-only skills: the gift of friendship. to Annual Council in January, he congregation gathered for a At the April 12 service, Fred placed the ongoing struggle over service in thanksgiving for his life. Palmore noted, “There are 100 these matters in a spiritual context, Close to 1,200 family members, people here who think they were in the form of a Celtic prayer he friends and colleagues, including Russ’ best friend—and they would loved, “Stumbling Blocks and attorneys, clergy, lay leaders, all be right.” Stepping Stones.” He expressed national Church representatives Mr. Palmore was a graduate of confidence that the future held and community leaders packed Patrick Henry High School, and did more of the latter. the pews downstairs, the balconies a post-graduate year of study at St. His absence will be felt at every above, and spilled into an overflow Christopher’s School, Richmond. level of the Church. In a statement space. The procession included After graduating from Hampden- to The Virginia Episcopalian, the not only Bishop Johnston, Bishop Sydney College in 1969, he attended presiding bishop, the Most Rev. Jones and Bishop Gulick, but the the University of Virginia School Katharine Jefferts Schori, wrote, Rt. Rev. Peter James Lee, 12th bishop of Law, where he received his J.D., “The Episcopal Church has lost a of Virginia, who served as the and was a long-time partner at / Palmore continued on page 15 4 Mission

Tanzania continued from page 1 /

Suzanne Johnson is the diocesan coordinator for Carpenter’s Kids and also a member of St. Marigail Wynne, a member of Buck Mountain, Paul’s, Richmond, which has partnered with the village of Mwitkira. “Mwitikira has been Earlysville, receives a warm welcome in the transformed,” said Bishop Mhogolo. “It’s a great partnership.” He added, “In Virginia, of all village of Mapinduzi on her first trip to Tanzania. the parishes involved, they’re heavily linked in holistic ministry.” For St. Paul’s, the holistic Buck Mountain started their Carpenter’s Kids approach means providing extra support during a period of famine; installing new access partnership with Mapinduzi in 2010. “I was points to the water supply; and building a lending library in the village. Here, Ms. Johnson overwhelmed by the spirit of the people,” said shows (from left to right) the Rev. Noah Masima, Bishop Johnston, Bishop Mhogolo and the Ms. Wynne. During the trip, she was able to build Rev. Erasto Ndahani the art space in Mwitikira. on a relationship that, until that point, had been For the past several years, small teams of parishioners from St. Paul’s have traveled limited to an exchange of money and prayers. “I to Mwitikira to teach the students – and they quickly saw results. In 2007, 25 percent of now feel that I have friends in Mapinduzi,” she students in the village passed their secondary school exams. In 2010, 78 percent passed. said. “I see a real potential for partnership, not The national average is about 35 percent. “What we did was a catalyst to inspire people just through my church, but through the wider to work harder and study harder,” said Ms. Johnson. “The first piece is the relationship… western community for the village. There is Anything else flows from that.” Bishop Mhogolo agrees. “With Africans, they value a hunger for knowledge there and a desire to relationships above anything else,” he said. contribute to their own progress,” she added. Photo: Emily Cherry Photo: Emily Cherry

The team from Virginia spent time visiting [Top] Bishop Johnston had the opportunity to tour several villages without U.S. partners that hope to diocesan institutions, including the Msalato Bible College, one day be a part of the Carpenter’s Kids a center for church leaders that prepares men and women program. Even without that partnership, with theological education. Here, Bishop Johnston, joined “It’s a huge encouragement to see so many by (from left to right) Bishop Mhogolo; the Rev. Moses brothers and sisters in the world coming Matonya, principal of Msalato; and the Rev. Emmanuel to visit them,” said Bishop Mhogolo. The Madinda, sub-dean of the DCT Cathedral, addresses villages face similar obstacles – poor students in the college chapel. access to clean water; too few teachers One of DCT’s goals for the near future is the creation and school supplies; and lack of access of a Women’s Center, located on the grounds of Msalato, to adequate health care. Now, after that would provide residential services and assistance to experiencing the third consecutive year women in need while also offering courses and support of poor rainy seasons, famine looms as a groups for income-generating microfinance projects. “It’s particularly menacing obstacle. Bit by bit, the women who are the leaders of their communities,” said Carpenter’s Kids works to combat these Bishop Mhogolo. In Mwitkira, St. Paul’s partner village, for obstacles. The vision of Carpenter’s Kids example, over 120 women of the community have joined is to build hope for the children and the together into seven micro-savings groups to help develop village by providing supplies and necessary and expand micro-businesses. Already the women have items. “We don’t just create hope and then seen a difference in their families’ lives. stop it,” said Bishop Mhogolo. “We create Photo: Emily Cherry hope so it can sustain them.” Mission 5

Bishop Mhogolo, the host for the trip, leads an already large Diocese that continues to experience growth – DCT added 43 new parishes, containing 900 congregations, in one year, and Bishop Mhogolo To date, the Carpenter’s Kids program has succeeded in helping 6,535 himself confirmed over 8,000 individuals in 2010. children by partnering 114 villages. When the team from Virginia visited The Diocese is a real presence in their lives. “This Nhyinila, a village partnered with St. Christopher’s School, Richmond, is not a typical diocese,” said Bishop Mhogolo. villagers honored Bishop Johnston with gifts and song [above], and the “Why? We take it as holistic … Jesus was involved bishop had a chance to meet the Carpenter’s Kids in the village, pictured in healing ministry. We are too.” DCT employs a here with Emily Cherry and Bishop Mhogolo [below]. staff of 500 who work in such departments as an The Rev. Noah Masima is director of Carpenter’s Kids. “The on-site clinic, dental clinic and vision clinic; two importance of the relationships between our churches and the link hospitals; women’s and children’s ministries; an churches is huge,” said Pastor Noah. The program selects the most active NetsforLife anti-malaria campaign and more. vulnerable children in the village to receive assistance, regardless of Will Brooks, a member of St. Paul’s, Richmond, is religion. Anglican, Roman Catholic and Muslim children all take part. an Episcopal Church missionary to DCT, working as Carpenter’s Kids “is a source of making people come together, and program coordinator for Carpenter’s Kids. “I think when they come together, they do not separate themselves,” said there’s something very special happening in DCT,” Pastor Noah. “Some days when I go for reviews, I get the chance to he said. “It’s been very rewarding working here.” speak with the children themselves. Some of the kids are weeping, Here, Bishop Mhogolo (left) greets Suzanne Johnson, [saying], ‘This is the first time to have these supplies since I was born.’ Will Brooks and Bishop Johnston at his home. t Some say, ‘I was rejected by society. Now, I’ve got so many friends,’ Photo: Marigail Wynne or ‘I regarded myself [as] not being a human being.’” Because of Carpenter’s Kids, those attitudes can change. “They love school, they love the church, they feel proud,” said Pastor Noah. Photo: Emily Cherry [above] and the Rev. Noah Masima [below] Want to get involved? Contact Suzanne Johnson at [email protected]. 6 MIssion Resilience and Determination in Haiti Virginia young adults build partnerships

By Brooke Nunnally

On Fe b r u a r y 25, s e v e n y o u n g a d u l t s f r o m t h e Di o c e s e o f Vi r g i n i a Oe mb a r k e d o n t h e f i r s t d i o c e s a n m i s s i o n t r i p t o Ha i t i . Be l o w i s a p e r s o n a l a cc o u n t b y Br o o k e Nu n n a l l y o f St. Ja m e s ’, Le e s b u r g , o n e o f t h e p a r t i c i p a n t s .

We arrived in Port-au-Prince on a Friday evening not knowing quite what to expect. My head was spinning with excitement, nerves and anticipation for the week ahead as the plane touched ground. We were there. Haiti. The country most known for being the poorest in the Western Hemisphere, along with the devastating earthquake that rocked Port-au-Prince and its surrounding areas just a year ago. As it turns out, nothing could prepare me for the experience I was about to have. The following week was an assault on every sense, every emotion and every previous notion of the world I used to have and hold dear. An abridged excerpt from my diary, which I wrote in every night, best describes my initial thoughts while driving

through Port-au-Prince. Photo: Paris Ball The first thing I noticed were Brooke Nunnally meets a student at St. Matthieu’s Episcopal School in Bayonnais, Haiti. the tent camps – large masses of personal tents with people walking in and out of them, sitting outside, with and get to know them. Our and concrete up and down the going about their business. We passed first introduction to the people of stairs. During lunch and recess, a large market with Haitians selling Gonaives was at the church service we played, danced and sang with and buying items from shoes and on Sunday morning. Despite the school children. I cannot clothes to food. As we winded up and the language barrier, the church describe in words how beautiful down the hills of the city, there were service was comforting. Being and spirited the children were. people everywhere – walking from the good Episcopalians that we I have discovered that there are school, jumping on the back of the are, we knew when to stand, sit, few things more precious than tap-taps (Haitian version of a taxi), kneel and pass the peace, even Haitian children, in uniforms and and carrying baskets of goods on their in French. That evening we met bows, singing to you in French. heads. And the trash, rubble, graffiti with the young adults of St. Basil One day was spent at the Episcopal – it was everywhere. Every once in a Le Grand, joining them in their school in Bayonnais, a farming while, you could look over and see a weekly gathering at the church. It community about an hour away city that once was – large Caribbean- was fantastic to see how involved from the city of Gonaives. The style homes nestled on the side of a with their church community they children took home school pictures small mountain. But at closer glance, are, especially compared with the of themselves surrounded by a the buildings were abandoned, falling models we sometimes see in our frame that they decorated. We apart, half-empty. It is intense. And I own parishes; in the United States, provided lunch and ate with them, am so incredibly excited to be here. the time between high school a privilege not usually afforded by Our group spent the better and starting a family often lacks the impoverished school children part of the week in Gonaives, a city regular church involvement. in the community. north of Port-au-Prince not directly One of our projects was While the poverty of this affected by the earthquake. It’s to fund the construction of a beautiful country is at some points important to note that we did computer lab from two former overwhelming, the resilience and not go to Haiti in response to the classrooms at the Episcopal school determination of the people is both earthquake. The overall goal of our in Gonaives. We worked side by inspiring and humbling. With so trip was to build relationships with side with the Haitian construction little comes a sense of pride rarely the young adults there – to work team, carrying buckets of mortar / Haiti continued on page 7 Mission 7

Haiti continued from page 6 / can give in financial assistance and On our last night in Gonaives, seen in the states. A great example relationship is small compared to the Rev. Max Accimé, our Haitian of this is what we saw each night what we can learn from them. I have leader and priest of both churches outside our hotel – about 25 high learned more about myself, my faith and schools we visited, threw a school students, studying by the and how I want to live than I ever surprise party, inviting all of the light of the hotel sign. What we thought I could in just one week. young adults of the church. We talked, ate and danced with our Haitian counterparts, planting the seeds for more growth and relationship between our two Dioceses. Where we go from here is up to both of us. Our hope is to go beyond simply building relationships – to develop and nurture the brotherhood we have established. We want to focus on self-sustaining projects that will help the young adults, as well as the community in Gonaives. But we are not just here to help them. We are here to help each other. If you want more information on the young adult mission to Haiti or want to get involved, please e-mail Brooke Nunnally at [email protected]. t Photo: Metayer Marckenson The Rev. Justin McIntosh, assistant rector at St. Thomas’, McLean, reads the Gospel with the Rev. Pere Max Accimé at St. Basile le Grand Church in Gonaives. Mr. McIntosh was the chaplain for the young adult trip.

How are You Involved in Local Outreach?

Members of the Diocese are certainly busy building Minternational mission relationships – but from thrift shop ministries to soup kitchens, our churches are actively committed to local outreach and community involvement, too. We want to hear from you! Share your local outreach story with the diocesan Office of Mission & Outreach by contacting Mary Anne Bryant at 800-DIOCESE x17 or [email protected]. 8 Mission ‘The Forgotten Church’ The myths of the Democratic Republic of Congo

By Buck Blanchard, Diocesan Director of Mission & Outreach

I recently spent two weeks in the Democratic Republic of Congo Ivisiting the Anglican Church in the Dioceses of Boga, North Kivu, Bukavu and Kisangani. I had, of course, heard the stories and read the articles about all of the troubles in the Congo. Prior to leaving, I redoubled my efforts to learn everything I could. So by the time I left, I had a long list of things I absolutely “knew” about the Congo. As usual, I was completely wrong. Here are a few of my misunderstandings concerning the Congo and what I discovered during the visit.

It is too dangerous to visit the Peter Quinn (center left) and Buck Blanchard (center right) gather with a group of internally Congo. It’s all rape and mayhem. displaced pygmies being aided by the Anglican Church in the Diocese of Boga. We’ve all read the stories about the horrible things that have Episcopal Relief and Development It’s too difficult to travel around happened in the Congo. The civil is there, but almost everyone I met the country. war in the Congo, from roughly asked me where was the U.S. church? I’ve been fortunate to travel the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s, Why doesn’t anyone come to visit? throughout a lot of the world, resulted in over 5 million deaths. Archbishop Henri Isingoma said including the neighboring countries That’s more than any war since that sometimes they feel like “the of Tanzania, Sudan and Uganda. World War II. And there continue forgotten church in the Anglican Traveling in the Congo was easier to be untold numbers of horrific Communion.” The people that we than all of those. Sure, the ride acts of violence, particularly met were friendly, warm, deeply was bumpy, but that’s the same against women, in certain areas spiritual and extremely desirous everywhere. It’s also part of the of the country. But although those of establishing connections with fun. The guest houses and hotels atrocities are very real, they aren’t the U.S. church. They were equally where we stayed were nice and the happening throughout the country. confounded with why we weren’t food was fabulous. The cities that During our visit, we experienced there to form relationships and to we visited were vibrant places with no security concerns and never help. I told them that it was mostly every service you could imagine. I once felt in any sort of danger. The because of all the reports of violence ignorantly asked a couple of times members of the Congolese church that we read. They politely asked if the next place we were to visit were unbelievably welcoming why we didn’t bother to come check ranked as a “town” or a “village.” and they took wonderful care of that out for ourselves or at least They answered: “We’re not sure… us (I was travelling with a friend, contact them to ask if Congo was what do Americans call a place Peter Quinn, who had never been a place that we could visit? I didn’t where 1 million people live?” I to Africa). We occasionally saw a really have a good answer for them. sheepishly looked out the window United Nations compound and and mumbled something. there were a fair number of soldiers / Congo continued on page 9 on the streets and highways, but essentially it was no different than many other countries in that part One More Myth: Funding for Diocesan Staff on Mission Trips of the world. It was an absolutely This edition of The Virginia Episcopalian features several articles delightful place to visit. involving members of the staff on international mission trips. We have received inquiries as to why the diocesan budget should pay for these trips. There are lots of people helping Fair question. Simple answer. For the most part, it doesn’t. Thanks to the already. generosity of several donors, 90+ percent of the costs of staff taking mission It seems as though every non- trips is funded outside of the budget. So when Buck Blanchard recently governmental organization on the traveled to Congo, for example, the funding for that trip was received from planet is somehow working in DR donors specifically so that he could make that trip and so that the costs Congo. Every town is filled with would not impact the budget. Thanks to this generosity, the Diocese has had white Toyota Land Cruisers ferrying the opportunity to form relationships with the “least of these” throughout humanitarian personnel around. the world and be in a position to encourage others to participate in similar What’s missing are members of the ministries. One of the donors to this program calls it “our loaves and fishes Episcopal Church. There are a few ministry” because travel dollars are multiplied many times over with far individuals and churches that have reaching impact. It’s a gift from God, and one that we try to manage faithfully. been helping in the Congo, and Mission 9 A Testimony of Grace

From the Consultation of Bishops in Dialogue, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Bi s h o p Jo h n s o n p a r t i c i p a t e d i n t h i s work. We visited the local Church Communion, the conflict has m e e t i n g d u r i n g h i s t r i p t o Ta n z a n i a . and its projects in education and provided us an opportunity to build BAn a bb r e v i a t e d v e r s i o n o f t h e r e p o r t community service. We enjoyed one bridges of mutual understanding i s p r i n t e d h e r e . Fo r t h e f u l l t e x t , another’s company, sharing both pain to us as we choose to turn face to p l e a s e v i s i t t h e d i o c e s e .n e t /Ne w s and joy from our hearts with stories face with each other. We know that and with laughter. We engaged in this topic requires the best of us in To the bishops and people of the theological reflection and dialogue. our dialogue: our mutuality and Anglican Communion, We tasted the wonderful karibu humility and prayer in listening and welcome of the hospitality of all who in speaking as we seek together for The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ cared for us during our stay. We God’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:6-16). and the love of God and the communion are grateful for the welcome made The commitment to true theological of the Holy Spirit be with you! to us by the Primate of Tanzania, dialogue has led us to know one (2 Corinthians 13:13) Archbishop Valentino Mokiwa. another, to discover ourselves in each We gathered assuming other, and to deepen our engagement From February 24-27, 19 bishops friendship and collegiality, in mission with one another (John 15; of the Anglican Communion met extending goodwill and humility 1 John 3:17-23). thanks to the initiative of the to one another, knowing that we We are aware that when we talk, Anglican Church of Canada. We are one in shared faith and values the words we use may not be heard came from the Sudan, Botswana, (Ephesians 4:1-6). We gathered as in the same way as we intend and we Malawi, Burundi, Ghana, Kenya, friends to share with deep gratitude do not always understand language Tanzania, South Africa, Canada, our testimonies to the work of the in the same way. We are engaged the United States and England. We Holy Spirit in our dioceses, and in a quest for language that will met as a group of partner pairs found in our gathering the presence bring us to common understanding and triads. This meeting had its and power of the Holy Spirit in our and to better dialogue. That does origins in the Lambeth Conference, midst. As a part of the Anglican not mean that we agree or that we where many of the relationships Communion, and recognizing that seek an agreement on particular represented in our gathering were we are but a small sampling of issues. What we do intend is to take established. Bishops in Bible Studies many such conversations in holy our responsibilities of episcopal and Indaba groups at Lambeth friendship taking place around the leadership in the life and work of the became friends, committed to Communion, we offer the following Church with seriousness, to engage diocese-to-diocese partnership as gift to the Church. in our calling to bring the local to the mission work, and to continued We have been engaged in a universal and the universal to the dialogue beyond Lambeth. process of patient and holy listening, local, to connect brothers and sisters We worshipped together, as Anglicans, coming from a wide across Provinces. We are taking praising God for the many gifts diversity of contexts and theological responsibility as bishops to lead our of partnership, and praying for positions, who have chosen to listen people forward in their baptismal the Church and for God’s world, to one another (Colossians 3:12-17). call to deepen relationship with mindful of the disasters and crises Some diocesan partnerships have Jesus and with each other, in love happening in our world whilst we been involved in dialogue about and service. This is the work of the were meeting. Our work was shaped human sexuality prior to the meeting Holy Spirit leading the whole people by our worship (Philippians 4:1-9). and these continue. We have found of God. t We shared testimonies from our that in the wider context of conflicts partnership mission and dialogue around sexuality in the Anglican

Congo continued from page 8 / The Anglican Church is small in the Congo River in a single-tree on this effort). They need help with the Congo. dug-out canoe that was 45-feet long. education, health care and Bible Again, this is simply not so. And the bishop helped paddle. school. But mostly they need to There are 500,000 Anglicans in the That’s something you don’t see know that they have brothers and Congo, organized in nine dioceses every day. sisters in Christ throughout the that stretch through a country the world. They need to know that they size of the United States east of There is nothing you can do to are not the “forgotten church.” All the Mississippi River. The largest help unless you are a carpenter or of us can help with that. concentration is along the eastern a doctor. If you would like to learn more edge of the country, bordering The church in the Congo is about the Congo or discuss a trip Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and hoping to establish broader links there, please contact Buck Blanchard Tanzania. But the church exists with the Episcopal Church. There at [email protected]. t throughout the country. I visited are all kinds of ways to help make Kisangani on the Congo River that happen. Simply visiting gives towards the center of the country. a powerful message of friendship. The bishop there leads a strong But they also need English teachers. church. He even took us to the The victimized women need help other side of the river to visit one establishing micro-credit business of his parishes there. We crossed to re-enter society (ERD is working 10 News of The Diocese Committee Starts Process for Bishop Suffragan Search

By the Rev. Alexander D. MacPhail, Allyson B. Getlein, Alexander Slaughter and Kendall Metz, the Communications Subcommittee for the Nominating Committee

March 12 is the day the church remembers Gregory the Great, How Can I Participate? Mremembered particularly for Because the story of the Diocese of Virginia belongs to each one of us, fostering the evangelization of the your input is critical to this process. The Nominating Committee has developed English. This year, it was also the a survey to gather our collective feedback, and to be good stewards of our day the Nominating and Transition environment, we have made the decision to submit this survey electronically. Committees for the next Bishop The survey will be posted to the following site as of May 1, 2011. Suffragan went on a day-long retreat together. We were joined by the Rt. www.surveymonkey.com/s/DioceseofVAsurvey Rev. Shannon S. Johnston, members of the Standing Committee and Judy Stark, our consultant. The electronically, and we will be actively Know that we cannot do this committees received their charges seeking out as many potential work well, if at all, without your from the bishop and the Rev. Edward nominees as a possible. In addition, prayers and support. We will keep O. Miller, president of the Standing we will provide ways for the people you informed of our progress, Committee. During the retreat, we of the Diocese to suggest names for thanking you in advance for your heard a great deal about the details consideration. understanding of the necessity for and best practices of the nomination Our plan is to have the profile confidentiality in certain aspects of and election process from Ms. Stark. available July 1, and we will this process. She was engaged by Bishop Johnston accept names from July 1- July The Nominating Committee and the Standing Committee to 31. No suggested names shall be comprises Allyson B. Getlein, support us in our work at the accepted after July 31 under any chair (St. Andrew’s, Richmond), recommendation of the Rt. Rev. F. circumstances. Should there be Sam Bridges (St. Francis, Great Clayton Matthews, head of the Office any changes to these dates, we will Falls), Ellyn Crawford (St. George’s, of Pastoral Development for the publicize the change. Arlington), Kendall Metz (Grace, House of Bishops and former bishop We will then be busy reviewing Alexandria), Russell Randle (Christ, suffragan of Virginia. materials of candidates and Alexandria), Mildred Robinson (St. Our charge as Nominating discerning together those we Paul’s Memorial, Charlottesville), Committee is to present to the will interview. The final slate Alex Slaughter (St. James’s, Diocese no fewer than four or more of nominees will be announced Richmond), the Rev. Ross Kane (St. than six nominees. At least one to the Diocese of Virginia on Paul’s, Alexandria), the Rev. Lucia nominee must have had experience February 3, 2012. At that point the Lloyd (St. Stephen’s, Heathsville), serving as an ordained person in the Transition Committee, chaired by the Rev. Alexander D. MacPhail Diocese of Virginia. Aiding us in this the Rev. Jim Dannals of St. George’s, (St. Andrew’s, Mt. Jackson and task is Ms. Stark, who will support Fredericksburg, will take the lead Emmanuel, Woodstock) and the both the Nominating and Transition on the process through and after Rev. Sven vanBaars (Abingdon, Committees throughout our work. the election. The election will occur White Marsh). The Rev. Charles We are creating a profile of during a special diocesan council on Sydnor (Grace, Kilmarnock) is the the Diocese that we will distribute April 21, 2012. committee’s chaplain. t

Presiding Bishop Celebrates with Richmond Churches

During a February 2011 visit to Virginia, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the DEpiscopal Church, had the chance to visit Episcopal ministries in several Richmond institutions. Bishop Jefferts Schori preached at the morning Eucharist and engaged in conversation with parishioners at St. Paul’s, Richmond before leading worship services at St. John’s, Richmond to help them celebrate their 400th anniversary. She also had the opportunity to visit the Peter Paul Development Center in Richmond’s East End neighborhood. t

[Right] The Rev. Laura Inscoe, rector of St. John’s, Richmond (left), the Rev. Sandra Levy, priest associate (back facing camera) [Above] The Rev. Lynne Washington, and the Rt. Rev. Ted Gulick, assistant bishop, greet Bishop vicar of St. Peter’s, Richmond and Jefferts Schori on the grounds of St. John’s before the processional director of the Peter Paul Development for their Eucharist celebrating 400 years of ministry. Center (PPDC), stands with Bishop Jefferts Schori at the PPDC. Photos: Hunter Tate From The Bishop 11 Mission Beyond Ourselves

Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on resource in the Church’s worship our Hymnal can earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples cause us to think and act theologically in real, everyday Jof all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and life. Many of these “Christian Responsibility” texts of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey are wonderful, visionary and real-world at the same everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am time. I’m particularly struck by hymn #582/583 (two with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20) different tunes for the same text) regarding the Gospel’s imperative for mission beyond ourselves: The conclusion of Matthew’s Gospel is rightly known as “The O holy city seen of John, Great Commission.” These final where Christ, the Lamb, doth reign, instructions to the disciples within whose foursquare walls shall come set forth the very purpose of no night, nor need, nor pain, the Church’s ongoing life. In and where the tears are wiped from eyes contemporary lingo, it is our that shall not weep again! mission statement. Clearly, the Church must be focused O shame to us who rest content outwardly in order to be faithful while lust and greed for gain to our Lord. in street and shop and tenement This is no less true for personal Christian life. wring gold from human pain, Every one of us must look to what is known as the and bitter lips in blind despair “Summary of the Law” (also referred to as the “Great cry, “Christ hath died in vain!” Commandments”), in which Jesus answers the question as to which commandment is the greatest: “You shall Give us, O God, the strength to build love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all the city that hath stood your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest too long a dream, whose laws are love, and first commandment. And a second is like it: You whose crown is servanthood, shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37- and where the sun that shineth is 39; see also Mark 12:29-31). Notice the all-telling phrase God’s grace for human good. “and a second is like it,” meaning that what it looks like to love God with all of your heart, mind and strength is, Already in the mind of God in fact, to love your neighbor as yourself. that city riseth fair: These two key citations from the Gospel fit lo, how its splendor challenges seamlessly together to shape the perspective that the the souls that greatly dare-- outward focus of Christian life and ministry applies to yea, bids us seize the whole of life what we encounter around the world and around the and build its glory there.* block. Whether local, regional, national or international, ministry in the world beyond our own “four walls” God’s call to us, the Church’s purpose, cannot shapes us and empowers us to be faithful disciples of simply be dreamed and talked about; indeed, by God’s Jesus. And surely, this is an arena in which actions truly grace, there is no reason for that to be the case. do speak louder than words. And one more thing: in our outward mission One has only to look through the section “Christian we are not “bringing Jesus” to any given place or Responsibility” of our Hymnal 1982 to get a very strong circumstance. In the Great Commission and the Great sense of the imperative to serve others, to help heal a Commandments, the promise to us is that we will find broken and hurting world. Nowhere else in the Hymnal and know Him already there, wherever and however is this aspect of Christian life exhorted so pointedly. you work to build what has stood too long a dream. t Give yourself a pleasant assignment and read through Hymns 566-612. There you will find the Church’s mind and vision for ministry beyond ourselves. It is practical theology in the highest sense. This is why I so much regret that this may be the least used portion of the Hymnal, at least in my own experience. I wonder why. Yes, it is true that a few of the texts can seem rather grim (but then, the realities of this world are hardly peaches-and-cream), and it is also true that a number of the tunes are unfamiliar. But I would counter that the truths of these texts are more important than how we feel about them and surely we can’t shy away from them just because we’d have to learn some new music. Could it be that these hymns are less-used because they make us uncomfortable by confronting us with the world’s brokenness, or because they seem to force us out of more “personal” space? Do you ever think of hymns in this way? A hymn is first of all a text and so it is vitally important to think of hymns beyond the music. As much as any *Words reprinted under OneLicense A-715405. 12 Calendar May 1 20-21 Dedicatory Organ Concert; St. Barnabas, Annandale; 4 p.m. With Anti-Racism Training; St. Mark’s, Richmond. Sponsored by the diocesan Maestro Hector Olivera on Rodgers Masterpiece organ. Call the church for Committee on Race Relations. Contact Ellyn Crawford (crawfordellyn@ info at 703-941-2922. yahoo.com) or the Rev. David Niemeyer ([email protected]), co-chairs. Walk for Sudan; Christ Church, Glen Allen; 1:30 p.m. “Fun Walk” to raise funds for the Hope & Resurrection Secondary School in Southern 29 Sudan; individuals and teams collect donations of any amount; music and Memorial Day Celebration; St. John’s, Richmond; 1:30 p.m. Patriotic activities; please visit christchurchrichmond.com/walkforsudan. music, good food, Patrick Henry reenactment.

Handel’s “Messiah”; St. James’, Montross; 3 p.m. Easter portion of “Messiah” presented by the Festival Choir of St. James’. 30 Diocesan Offices closed for Memorial Day. 2-4 Bishop’s Spring Conference; Shrine Mont. For clergy, lay professionals and spouses, with speakers the Rt. Rev. Drew Smith and the Rev. June Dr. Frank Wade, under the theme “Discovering Our Spiritual Gifts & 3 Vocations.” Visit thediocese.net. A Bit of Brit; St. Barnabas’, Annandale; 7:30 p.m. British gentlemen’s close-harmony quartet performance, followed by reception. 7 Conflict, Trauma Healing & Reconciliation; St. John’s, Centreville; 10 12 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Workshop is the second in a two-part series. Contact Alice A Colonial Tea; St. John’s, Richmond; 3-5 p.m. ECW recreation of a Foltz at 703-803-4194 or [email protected]. 1700s tea at Richmond’s historic Wilton House in Windsor Farms. 10 16 New Clergy Orientation; Diocesan Offices at Mayo Memorial Church Ed Ayers on the Civil War; St. John’s, Richmond; 7 p.m. University of House; 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Clergy new to the Diocese in the past 12-18 Richmond president and Civil War scholar will describe Virginia’s religious months are invited to meet staff, join in Eucharist and lunch and learn response to the Civil War. more about the diocesan community. RSVP to Cathy Gowen, 800-DIOCESE x15, [email protected]. 21-29 Episcopal Youth Event; Bethel University. A triennial gathering of young 12 Episcopalians. Celebration of Longevity; Westminster-Canterbury, Richmond; 2-4 p.m. Contact Anna Moncure, [email protected]. 24-25 Planning for Tomorrow for Clergy; Hilton Garden Inn, Richmond. For active 14 and retired clergy and spouses and surviving spouses. More details TBA. Convivium Chamber Choir; Grace, Alexandria; 7:30 p.m. Free concert, specializing in Renaissance, Tudor and 20th-century music. Visit 24-26 gracealex.org. Diocesan Discernment Retreat; Richmond Hill. Please contact Cathy Gowen, 800-DIOCESE x15 or [email protected]. 19 Rival Myths: Jamestown, Plymouth & the Founding of America; 29 St. John’s, Richmond; 7 p.m. With Dan Roberts as part of St. John’s 400th 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration; Goodwin House, Bailey’s anniversary celebration. Crossroads. Contact Anna Moncure, [email protected].

Who We Are

In the Anglican Communion How to Reach the Diocesan Staff A global community of 73 million Anglicans in 38 Call 800-DIOCESE (346-2373) or 804-643-8451. member provinces. Paris Ball, Director of Christian Formation [email protected] ext. 24 The Archbishop of Canterbury The Most Rev. and Rt. Hon. Rowan Williams Buck Blanchard, Director of Mission and Outreach [email protected] 16 Mary Anne Bryant, Assistant, World Mission [email protected] 17 In the United States A community of 2.2 million members in 110 dioceses Henry Burt, Secretary of the Diocese, Chief of Staff [email protected] 30 in the Americas and abroad. Organized 1789. Joy Buzzard, Financial Administrator [email protected] 22 The Presiding Bishop Frances Caldwell, Director of Development and Stewardship [email protected] 35 The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori Emily Cherry, Communications Officer [email protected] 21 Episcopal Seat: The Washington National Cathedral Laura Cramer, Benefits Administrator [email protected] 40 In the Diocese of Virginia Tyler Fox, Assistant to Bishop Jones and Bishop Gulick [email protected] 703-824-1325 A community of more than 80,000 baptized members and 424 clergy in 38 counties of central, northern and The Rev. Canon Susan Goff, Canon to the Ordinary [email protected] 11 northwestern Virginia, serving the world through 182 Cathy Gowen, Assistant to Canon to the Ordinary [email protected] 15 congregations, six schools, two diocesan centers and Julia Henderson, Assistant, Office of Development and Stewardship [email protected] 29 six diocesan homes, and home to the largest Anglican Kathlyn Jones, Assistant, Office of Christian Formation [email protected] 31 seminary in the world. Organized 1785. Wilbert “Skeet” Jones, Sexton 28 The Bishop The Rt. Rev. Shannon Sherwood Johnston Ed Keithly, Clerk [email protected] 38 The Bishop Suffragan Michael J. Kerr, Treasurer [email protected] 20 The Rt. Rev. David Colin Jones Mildred Lofton, Bookkeeper [email protected] 23 The Assistant Bishop Anna Moncure, Assistant to the Secretary [email protected] 25 The Rt. Rev. Edwin F. Gulick Jr. Lindsay Ryland, Transition Ministry Officer [email protected] 13 The Mayo Memorial Church House: Karen Smith, Receptionist/Assistant [email protected] 10 110 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23220-5095 Michael Wade, Assistant to the Director of Christian Formation [email protected] 27 804-643-8451, 800-DIOCESE, FAX 804-644-6928. Amy Williams, Assistant to Bishop Johnston [email protected] 12 Episcopal Seat: The Cathedral Shrine of the Transfiguration, Orkney Springs News of The DIocese 13 Bishops’ Visitations Bishop Johnston Bishop Jones Bishop Gulick May 1 May 1 May 1 a.m. St. Paul’s, Alexandria a.m. St. Anne’s, Reston a.m. St. Andrew’s, Mt. Jackson p.m. Calvary, Hanover p.m. Emmanuel, Woodstock May 15 a.m. St. Stephen’s, Richmond May 8 May 8 a.m. St. Peter’s Church-in-the- a.m. St. John’s, McLean May 22 Woods, Fairfax Station a.m. St. James’s, Richmond May 15 May 15 a.m. Grace & Holy Trinity, June 5 a.m. All Saints’, Richmond Richmond a.m. Christ Church, Alexandria p.m. St. Martin’s, Doswell May 22 June 12 May 22 a.m. Good Shepherd, Burke a.m. Pohick, Lorton a.m. St. James’, Leesburg p.m. St. John’s, Centreville p.m. Grace, The Plains June 19 June 5 a.m. Trinity, Manassas May 29 a.m. St. Thomas’, Richmond p.m. St. Margaret’s, Woodbridge a.m. St. Paul’s, West Point a.m. Grace, Millers Tavern June 12 June 26 a.m. St. Francis’, Great Falls a.m. St. Mary’s, Colonial Beach June 5 a.m. St. Peter’s, Arlington June 19 a.m. Grace, Kilmarnock June 12 a.m. Holy Comforter, Vienna June 26 a.m. St. James the Less, Ashland June 26 p.m. St. Paul’s, Hanover a.m. Cunningham Chapel, Millwood

Clergy Changes t The Rev. Peter Ackerman t The Rev. Dr. Howard Hanchey t The Rev. Lucia K. Lloyd has has been called as rector of St. will serve as interim rector at been called as rector of St. Stephen’s Christopher’s, Springfield. He Wicomico Church, beginning in May. Church in Heathsville, where she has has served as assistant rector of served as priest-in-charge since 2008. Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill, t The Rev. Candine Johnson, Alexandria since 2007. He will who has been serving as long-term t The Rev. Michael R. J. Pipkin begin his ministry there on May 1. supply priest at Vauters Church, has concluded his ministry at The Loretto in Essex County, has been Falls Church, Falls Church, where t The Rev. Barbara K. Blakemore appointed as part-time priest-in- he as served as priest in charge will serve as one of two clergy charge at Vauters Church. She will since 2007. leaders at St. James the Less, Ashland continue her ministry as chaplain of during their discernment period. St. Margaret’s School. t The Rev. Edward J. Tracy, who has served as rector of St. t The Rev. W. Scott Dillard will t The Rev. Charles A. Joy will James the Less, Ashland since retire as rector from Wicomico serve as one of two clergy leaders at 2007, has been called as canon for Church on May 1. He has served St. James the Less, Ashland during administration in the Diocese of there as rector since 1994. the church’s discernment period. Southern Virginia. He begins his new ministry on May 1.

Deaths t The. Rev. Robert Charles Hall, t Mrs. Martha Hodge, wife of t The Rev. Robert Lyles, a retired Jr., a priest of this diocese, died on the Rev. Vincent Hodge, died on priest of the Diocese of Virginia, Wednesday, April 14. During his Sunday, April 10, 2011. Mr. Hodge died on Saturday, March 26, 2011. ministry, Mr. Hall served as a dean serves as the vicar at St. Paul’s, West Mr. Lyles served at Church of the of the Diocese, a member of the Point and Grace Church, Millers Incarnation, Mineral. In 1963, he Standing Committee, a member of Tavern. Mrs. Hodge is survived by began serving as priest-in-charge the Executive Board and as chair of her husband, five children and and then rector at St. Barnabas’, the Commission on Liturgy. He was four grandchildren. Annandale until his retirement 36 rector of St. George’s, Arlington from years later. Mr. Lyles is survived by 1974-1995 and was an associate at St. his wife, Joy, and two children. James’, Richmond from 1968-1973. 14 La carTa del obispo Misión de puertas afuera…

Jesús les dijo, “Se me ha dado toda autoridad en el cielo y en ¿Alguna vez ha considerado estos factores sobre la tierra. Por tanto, vayan y hagan discípulos de todas las estos himnos? En principio un himno es un texto Jnaciones, bautizándolos en el nombre del Padre y del Hijo y y es fundamental de pensar sobre los himnos más del Espíritu Santo, enseñándoles a obedecer todo lo que les allá de su melodía. Entre los recursos litúrgicos de la he mandado a ustedes. Y les aseguro que estaré con ustedes iglesia, el himnario nos puede hacer pensar y actuar siempre, hasta el fin del mundo.” (Mateo 28:18-20) teológicamente sobre la vida cotidiana. Algunos de los textos son muy conmovedores, visionarios y muy La conclusión del Evangelio realistas. Por ejemplo, tomemos el himno No 382, En de San Mateo es justamente nuestra tierra bendita: conocida como “La Gran Comisión.” Estas instrucciones En nuestra tierra bendita para sus discípulos explican el de belleza y riqueza sin par propósito fundamental de la todas las gentes unidas vida de la Iglesia. En términos alabemos al Señor. contemporáneos es nuestra No debemos permitir declaración de propósito. que haya hambre, pobreza, dolor, Claramente, para poder ser ya que todo es don de Dios fiel a su Señor, la Iglesia debe y lo debemos compartir. orientarse hacia fuera de si misma. No debemos permitir Y esto también es muy cierto para nuestra propia que haya hambre, pobreza, dolor, vida Cristiana. Cada uno debe examinar lo que ya que todo es don de Dios llamamos “El resumen de la fe” (también llamado y lo debemos compartir. “El gran mandamiento”) en cual Jesús responde a la pregunta sobre el mayor de los mandamientos. “Ama Todos muy bien hermanados al Señor tu Dios con todo tu corazón, con todo tu ser y con firmeza, fervor y valor, con toda tu mente” —le respondió Jesús—. Éste es el venzamos nuestras barreras primero y el más importante de los mandamientos. El y aprendamos a vivir: segundo se parece a éste: “Ama a tu prójimo como a ti Por nuestra liberación mismo” (Mateo 22:37-39 y Marcos 12:29-31). Por favor todos juntos debemos luchar note la frase tan clara “el segundo se parece a éste” para así poder gozar indicándonos así que amar a Dios con todo el corazón, de esta vida en plenitud. con todo el y con toda la mente es, en realidad, amar al Por nuestra liberación prójimo como a uno mismo. todos juntos debemos luchar Estas dos citas del Evangelio se adjuntan para así poder gozar exactamente para delinear la perspectiva de la forma de esta vida en plenitud. en que este enfoque “de puertas afuera” para la vida y el ministerio cristiano se aplica tanto a lo que Dios nos llama – es decir, el propósito de la iglesia enfrentamos en el mundo como lo que enfrentamos – no puede ser simplemente imaginado o discutido; en cerca de nuestra vecindad. El ministerio local, regional, realidad, por la gracia de Dios, no es necesario que así sea. nacional o internacional hecho “de puertas afuera” nos Y algo más: cuando nos lanzamos hacia el mundo formará y nos motivará a ser fieles discípulos de Jesús. en misión “no estamos llevando a Cristo” a un cierto Y ciertamente, esta es un área donde las acciones hablan lugar o circunstancia. La Gran Comisión y el Gran con más claridad que las palabras. Mandamiento nos prometen que allí encontraremos y Uno no tiene más que buscar entre las páginas de conoceremos al Dios presente en cada circunstancia, El Himnario1 para tener un claro sentido del imperativo sin tener en cuenta dónde y en qué forma se trabaje por para servir al prójimo y ayudar a sanar a un mundo lograr aquello que por demasiado tiempo ha sido sólo enfermo y doliente. En El Himnario muy claramente se un sueño. expone este aspecto de la vida Cristiana. Examinen las páginas de El Himnario, particularmente los himnos 374-389. En estos himnos se puede notar la visión y el ideario de la iglesia sobre el ministerio “de puertas afuera.” Es una gran forma de hacer una teología práctica. De acuerdo con mi experiencia, es que lamento que a veces esta sea una parte muy poco usada del himnario. Me pregunto por qué. Ciertamente algunos de los textos pueden ser sombríos; pero, por otra parte, la realidad del mundo nos es mucho mejor. Y también es cierto que algunas melodías no son tan familiares. Pero yo afirmaría que las verdades contenidas en estos textos son más importantes que la forma en que nos sentimos por ellos y, seguramente, no deberíamos dejar de usarlos

porque tendríamos que aprender nuevas melodías. ¿O Traducido y adaptado por el Rev. Thomas Mansella. Nota del Traductor: El artículo original será que estos himnos son menos usados porque nos hace referencia al himnario en inglés The Hymnal 1982, a la sección de himnos dedicada a la Christian Responsibility (Responsabilidad cristiana), números 566-612, y el autor de esta nota cita hacen sentir incómodos al hacernos enfrentar un mundo particularmente el himno 582, “O holy city seen of John.” quebrantado o porque parecen hacernos salir de los sentimientos que nos hacen sentir cómodos? 1 El Himnario, © 1998 Church Publishing Incorporated News of The Diocese 15

Palmore continued from page 3 / George’s) was held at Roslyn. but more importantly the perfect faithful servant and good friend in “He was a 16-year-old counselor chancellor for the Diocese of Russ Palmore. We will sorely miss and he was the kind of person I Virginia. He was such a gentleman. the wit and wisdom he offered the wanted to be,” said Bishop Gulick. I don’t think I ever called him that Diocese of Virginia and the wider “He was just such a kind, intelligent he was not available.” Church over decades. His abundant and winsome person. He led his During difficult meetings or gifts will continue to bless us for peers well. He was so passionately conversations over contentious years to come.” committed to the work, you just matters, said Ms. Glasco, “When While Mr. Palmore had served wanted to match his passion. He Russ was there, everyone felt like Bishop Johnston for only a short was just a teenager, but he was so it was OK to be there. Everyone time, “He had a most ingratiating much of what he was as a man.” trusted him.” Noting that the April 12 service included long-time friends and colleagues who are now associated with the opposing side in the ongoing litigation over church property, she said, “I think Russ was probably smiling. He got everyone in that room together.” She also remembered, “He would walk into a room and you would see Bishop Lee relax.” Bishop Lee, for his part, said, “He was not just my chancellor, my legal advisor. He was my counselor in every way. I think I spoke to him twice a week during my episcopate, and would ask his opinion about all sorts of things, not just legal

Photo: Alix Dorr matters.” When the Lees lived in Russ Palmore (left) and Bishop Lee (right) greet Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey at Richmond’s Fan District before the 202nd Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia in 1997. moving to the bishop’s residence at Roslyn, bishop and chancellor regularly ran together, usually way of making me feel like our His friend and law partner down Monument Avenue. working relationship was already Brad Davenport recalls, “Early on Mr. Causey noted that his friend several years old,” said the bishop. in his legal career, as Russ was was known as a reconciler, but “When I became diocesan bishop, becoming more and more active that didn’t mean he compromised. we spoke about his continuing as in the Diocese and the Episcopal “He had a very strong sense of his chancellor and I was completely Church, the senior partner at the convictions. He had a very orderly, delighted that he was pleased to law firm quipped, ‘That Palmore calm process of dealing with those serve in that continuing capacity.” boy is going to be the first lay things. He knew what he thought “So much is said about Russ bishop in the Episcopal Church.’ was right.” in his capacity as a leader in the Little did he know that Russ had Suzanne Thomas, a member of Church, whether at the national set his sights much higher than Roslyn’s Memorial Trustees, called level, diocesan level or in the parish, that, as the tributes at his funeral him “a stalwart friend and ally. that I would feel remiss if I didn’t say demonstrated.” He was uncommonly generous what a personal loss it is for so many J.P. Causey, who will serve as with his time and talent. He was a of us,” Bishop Johnston continued. a deputy from Virginia for his 10th kind friend and a compassionate “He was so beloved in every sense General Convention, attended eight [adversary]–he was always able to of that word. In all my experience conventions with Russ Palmore. He see the big picture. He had what there just has been nothing to said of his colleague and friend, “He I would call an all-seeing eye. He compare with his rare combination was very highly respected. He had could understand and empathize of graciousness and wisdom, humor a very high profile,” yet he was “a with everybody. It was an uncanny and faithfulness.” quiet leader.” quality that is rare in people, really.” Mr. Palmore’s service to the His rector, the Rev. Wallace David Booth Beers, chancellor Episcopal Church began during Adams-Riley, said, “In any church, to the presiding bishop, came to his childhood. According to Bishop there are people who stand at the know Mr. Palmore when Mr. Beers Lee, “He was in the choir, he was center of a community’s life, and was chancellor in the Diocese of an acolyte—all that was very Russ certainly did here at St. Paul’s. Washington. “The word I’ve used important to him.” He embodied the true meaning to describe Russ is fair,” said Beers. He was a counselor at Roslyn of ‘counselor.’ He will be missed “Under stress and in all kinds of and Shrine Mont, and eventually tremendously. God bless Russ. May circumstances, he was fair. You was assistant director at St. George’s he rest in peace.” could take that to the bank.” Camp at Shrine Mont. Bishop Gulick remembers meeting him Trusted Advisor The Gift of Friendship when he was a 14-year-old camper Karen Glasco, administrative Brad Davenport recalled that and Mr. Palmore was a 16-year-old assistant to Bishop Lee for 25 years, his friendship with Mr. Palmore counselor during the last summer observed, “I think Russ was the went back 47 years, to high school that the boys’ camp (later St. perfect chancellor for Bishop Lee, / Palmore continued on page 23 16 News of The Diocese Being a Christian Today An interview with Lauren Winner

La u r e n F. Wi n n e r i s t h e a u t h o r o f n u m e r o u s b o o k s , then there are some other streams of piety…. What’s so i nc lu di ng Gi r l Me e t s Go d a n d Mu d h o u s e Sa b b a t h . Sh e h a s great about the Episcopal Church is people in different La pp e a r e d o n PBS’s “Re l i g i o n & Et h i c s Ne w s w e e k l y ” a n d streams come together and we meld. So I think I’ve h a s w r i tt e n f o r Th e Ne w Yo r k Ti m e s Bo o k Re v i e w , Th e been very much reshaped by being in a parish church Wa s h i n gt o n Po s t Bo o k Wo r l d , Pu b l i s h e r s We e k l y , Bo o k s for six years that, in general, would not describe itself a n d Cu l t u r e a n d Ch r i s t i a n i t y To d a y . Sh e h a s d e g r e e s f r o m as evangelical. That’s not a term that many of the Du k e , Co l u mb i a a n d Ca mb r i d g e u n i v e r s i t i e s , a n d h o l d s people there would claim, and my own spirituality a Ph.D. i n h i s t o r y . Th e f o r m e r b o o k e d i t o r f o r Be l i e f n e t , and theology and sense of life in the church has been La u r e n t e a c h e s a t Du k e Di v i n i t y Sc h o o l . reshaped by being there, and that’s part of what I love Ms. Wi n n e r w a s a t St. St e p h e n ’s, Ri c h m o n d , i n Ma r c h a s about the Episcopal Church broadly. p a r t o f t h e c h u r c h ’s Ce n t e n n i a l Sp e a k e r s Se r i e s , w h e r e s h e s p o k e a b o u t “t h e m i d d l e ”—h o w o n e n u r t u r e s spi r i t ual i t y i n VE: What is prayer? Why is it important? How does it t h e m i d d l e o f t h e l i f e o f f a i t h . work? Why is it that sometimes it seems to work and other Wh i l e s h e w a s a t St. St e p h e n ’s, Ms. Wi n n e r s a t d o w n f o r a n times it doesn’t? i n t e rv i e w w i t h Sa r a h Ba r t e n s t e i n , t h e p a r i s h ’s c o mm u n i c a t i o n s d i r e ct o r a n d a f o r m e r e d i t o r o f Th e Vi r g i n i a Episcopalian . LW: I think that prayer is attention. Prayer is entering into life with God in an attentive way. But I think VE: You’ve been called an evangelical Christian, and I wonder foundationally, for me, part of what is important to what that means for you and whether you think it’s an accurate know about prayer is that prayer is not something that description. What does it mean to be an evangelical Christian if we initiate. you happen to be an Episcopalian? What does it mean to think of praying without ceasing? You know, I’ve wondered, does that mean LW: I am less wedded to that term than I was maybe 10 we’re supposed to walk around all the time saying the years ago. For me, when I think of the evangelicalism, that Lord’s Prayer or something and when we depart from still very much is part of the leaven in my spiritual life. That that we’re ceasing to pray? And when I think about… has to do in part with the community that first welcomed who is it that actually prays without ceasing, the most me in the faith. I became a Christian [while] living in elemental answer to that is, God is who prays without England, and the Church of England has its own fault lines ceasing. and fissures, but I came back from these years of being a I used to think that prayer is what happens when new Christian in England thinking that it was not strange I talk to God. As a child, growing up, in a liturgical or contradictory to think that I was an Anglo-Catholic community, that’s what prayer was. You open a evangelical Anglican. And when people would say, “You prayer book, you say these words to God, that’s can’t be all of those things,” I thought, “Well, why not?” prayer. Then, I began as a young adult to learn that So I was very much nurtured by some Episcopalians prayer was a conversation, that prayer was also about and some other Protestants who very much identify as listening to God, which was sort of a new idea for evangelicals, and I’ve never been a perfect fit with what me when that was presented to me when I was 20 or I think an evangelical is. For example, academics will 21. But increasingly, I think even that conversation tell you that evangelicals have a dateable conversion metaphor isn’t quite right, because, you know when experience, a dramatic dateable conversion experience, you and I have a conversation, I’m here and you’re and I don’t. I can’t tell you that I became a Christian on here and this conversation is the thing we’re doing January 2 at 2:03 in the morning in 1997 or something. So together. But in prayer, I’m here, here’s God, but God in some ways I’ve never quite fit with that rubric. actually is the conversation. The conversation is not On the other hand, my spiritual life from the get-go just something between us, and I think about, you was very much centered on what evangelical idiom would know, the Trinity, what it means that this communion describe as a personal relationship with Jesus, and that of love is always sort of in motion, God’s love and was the heart of my spiritual life. I then…went through God’s self, and prayer, it seems to me, is our being a three- or four-year period of extended really spiritual caught up in that divine, loving exchange that is crisis and feeling alienated from God and then came already always happening, which to me is so freeing through that and landed in a somewhat different place. because I don’t have to start. Prayer is not something But I’ve realized in the sense, even in the crisis was an that I start. And it’s freeing because on some level it evangelical crisis. The crisis was about moving from this doesn’t really matter if I feel like it’s working. I mean, place where I felt this “personal relationship with Jesus,” frankly, I prefer to feel something. I struggle with the palpably—Jesus was my close friend, I talked to Jesus long stretches where it feels like I’m just talking to all the time—into some space where that didn’t really this invisible person who maybe doesn’t actually exist make sense, didn’t seem like an actual description of the after all, and why am I not hearing anything and so world or my life, but that even the crisis was a crisis I was forth. But I know that my feelings are not the final experiencing on evangelicalism’s terms. ratification of what’s happening. I think in the Episcopal Church today…one of the reasons that I’ve moved away from being attached to that VE: It’s often said that Christianity is more a way of life term is that in the Episcopal context I feel like it’s become than a system of beliefs. If that’s so, why are the ancient so politicized around issues of sexuality and other issues creeds important today? and I’m just not that interested in defining myself or the Church along those terms. So, I feel like the term that is LW: I don’t know that I would say that the question most meaningful to me – and maybe it’s even silly to even is exactly right. I think the question implies a false think about having terms for your spiritual life in this dichotomy: system of belief versus way of life. Those way – but I continue to abidingly feel so attached to the two things to me seem to be…inseparably integrated. I Episcopal Church that I feel like – if you want a label – that think the creeds are our story and they are not the only is probably my foundational label, and there are other story of the Christian life, but they are this elementally streams of spirituality feeding that. I think if you look at theological narrative that the Church discerned the history of Anglicanism, there is very much a stream and I believe that the Church discerned that with of evangelical piety all through the Anglican Church and / Winner continued on page 17 News of The Diocese 17 Gathering Together to Be Sent Out New state-of-the-art facility for youth ministry at Christ Church, Glen Allen

By Emily Cherry

A garage might seem to be an such courageous people,” he added. unconventional concept for a youth The congregation wanted to use Aministry center to model. But that’s their location in a growing area to just what the youth ministry team their advantage. “There began to at Christ Church, Glen Allen did. be a lot of conversation about what The whole purpose of a garage, it would look like for our church explained Joe Torrence, senior to be a witness in the Short Pump youth minister, “is to come in to community,” said Mr. Torrence. get what you need to be fixed or So they planned to construct and mended, but then to be sent right use the space with an eye toward out.” The same goes for the Garage community involvement. at Christ Church: “We gather For example, the new space together so that we can then be sent was recently host to CARITAS, a back into the world.” faith-based shelter and feeding This brand new youth building, program for the homeless. In the which celebrated its official opening first weekend of May, they’ll open in February 2011, is the culmination Photo: Susan Hornsby Bruce the building to the community for of a three-year capital campaign The Rev. Hillary West, assistant rector a viewing of the documentary film to expand the campus of Christ (left to right); Jenna Vinci, associate “Race to Nowhere.” Church. Other projects included an youth minister; Joe Torrence, senior youth The youth ministry team is an addition to the worship space and minister; and the Rev. Paul Johnson, rector, active one. Most recently, the youth a new music space. It’s a campaign stand in front of the Garage at Christ and their leaders partnered with that took place “in what we all Church, the new youth ministry space at the church’s Sudan ministry team know is a challenging economic Christ Church, Glen Allen. to host a pasta dinner and silent time,” said the Rev. Paul Johnson, auction that raised $20,000 toward rector. “It was a great experience… the groups’ collective ministries. What a privilege it is to serve with / Youth continued on page 23

Winner continued from page 16 / the work of the Holy Spirit. There were messy politics ask me something like, “Well, I don’t know if I really and infighting factions and so forth, but the Church’s believe this, so am I lying when I say this, or what am institutional politics are somehow, we hope, leavened by I doing?” And I feel like part of what we’re saying is a the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and the presence of the statement of aspiration, you know, “I yearn to believe Holy Spirit and the love of the Holy Spirit. this.” …We have a very modern notion of belief: that So the creeds are part of our skeleton, I would say. belief just begins and ends with an intellectual assent I want to note two things about the creeds: that when to something. But prior to the modern era, there was we say “I believe this” or “We believe this,” sometimes a more capacious, roomier notion that belief was part- people preparing for confirmation in my church will assent, and one can assent with one’s heart to something that one may not, at any given moment, intellectually be Works by Winner able to get your head around. I don’t really understand the mechanics of the Virgin birth, for example, but I can Girl Meets God: On the Path to a Spiritual Life (2002) assent to the narrative. Winner’s breakout memoir of her journey from Orthodox Judaism And I’ll also just offer a story that a friend of to Christianity. mine once shared with me that has sort of become an iconic story in my life. This friend is the daughter of a Mudhouse Sabbath: An Invitation to a Life of Spiritual Discipline (2003) Methodist pastor, and the pastor was preparing a group The Orthodox Judaism from which Lauren Winner came is rich with of teens for confirmation, and one of the teens said, “I spiritual traditions, including observance of the Sabbath. She seeks to don’t know if I believe this. Maybe I can’t be confirmed,” translate some of these customs to Christianity. and he said, “When you offer yourself, put yourself forward for confirmation, you are not promising that Real Sex: The Naked Truth about Chastity (2005) you will intellectually believe all this stuff every day “A survey of what the Bible, pastors and good Christian books say for the rest of your life. You are committing that this about the topic; and an overview of how chastity has been understood will be the story you wrestle with for the rest of your throughout Christian history.” -Publishers Weekly life.” And I find that an extremely compelling picture. We proclaim the creeds. On any given day, we may A Cheerful & Comfortable Faith: Anglican Religious Practice in the Elite be wrestling with them. Even if we’re ignoring them, Households of Eighteenth-Centrury Virginia (2010) that’s what we’re ignoring. Even if we’re doubting them, Examines the objects found in elite Virginia households during the that’s what we’re doubting, and we’re saying that this is, Colonial era and what they suggest about their owners’ lives and again, part of the architecture, and I’m going to live in a t religious practices. house built with this architecture.

Hear more from Ms. Winner at saintstephensrichmond.net/ Next up: A book tentatively titled Still, about spirituality in “the middle,” rectorsforum. the topic of her recent presentation at St. Stephen’s, Richmond. How am I still a Christian today, this week? Look for it in 2012. 18 STewardship in The diocese A Stewardship Culture Shift Pilot mentor program unveiled

A new initiative in the Diocese, set to talents; and help create a timeline for of the Episcopal Network for launch this summer, has a high set of stewardship events and marketing Stewardship (TENS), and will Ahopes: to change the way we think for the next year. Mentors will be include a signed commitment about stewardship and fundraising trained volunteer members of the contract as well as “homework” in the Diocese of Virginia. Committee on Stewardship. assignments. “The program requires This pilot program, spearheaded “This is a program for the a commitment from the vestry, by the diocesan Committee on church that really wants to the clergy and the stewardship Stewardship, will link six churches change the way it thinks about committee,” said Ms. Caldwell. with stewardship mentors for a stewardship,” said Frances Caldwell, Long-term, the Committee hopes six-month period. Mentors will lead diocesan director of the Office of to provide all churches who would churches through an established Development & Stewardship. “By like to participate with a mentor curriculum that will examine the using helpful mentors to guide partner over the next three years. seasons of stewardship; explore churches through an intentional Want to learn more? Please annual giving; take a closer look curriculum, we hope to change contact Frances Caldwell at 800- at planned giving and building or the way that churches think about DIOCESE x35 or fcaldwell@ establishing an endowment; discuss the culture of stewardship.” The thediocese.net. t how to get parishioners involved curriculum was inspired by a by celebrating their own time and workshop at a recent conference Study Group to ICRIBINKI Examine Funding I Ca n ’t Re m e mb e r It Be c a u s e I Ne v e r Kn e w It

th The 216 Council of the Diocese Congratulations to Bishop Johnston for a winning pitch at the April of Virginia passed a resolution 13 baseball game between the Richmond Flying Squirrels and the Trequesting the bishop to appoint Bowie Baysox. It was a great diocesan event! a group “to examine all pertinent issues on diocesan funding based on parish giving, and to recommend appropriate canonical changes for the 217th Council.” The Diocese currently operates under a voluntary system of giving adopted Celebrating a Tradition in 1957 called the Virginia Plan for proportionate giving. This will be the fourth Council-mandated of Excellence, Creativity examination of diocesan giving since the Virginia Plan’s inception. and Individuality The Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston, bishop, has appointed the teeped in the tradition of the Episcopal following people to be members of SChurch,Goodwin House Alexandria and the R-10a Study Group, with Frances Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads have provided Caldwell, director of the Office of exceptional lifestyle and care for older adults in the Development & Stewardship, as Northern Virginia area for more than 40 years. staff liaison. t Both Communities have: The Rev. Sue Eaves St. Thomas, Richmond � Spectacular views of the Washington, D.C. The Rev. Richard Fichter and Northern Virginia skylines Christ Church, Gordonsville � Updated kitchens with Ms. Heather Gold full-size appliances St. John’s, McLean � On staff Chaplains The Rev. Anne Hallmark Emmanuel, Middleburg � Wellness Centers with indoor pools Mr. Joe Junod, Chair � Formal and casual dining bistros Christ Church, Spotsylvania � The reassurance and value of our lifecare program Ms. Alisha King as well as Long-term Care Insurance options St. Paul’s Church-on-the-Hill, Winchester Call or come see us today. The Rev. Bob Malm Goodwin House Goodwin House Grace, Alexandria Alexandria Bailey’s Crossroads The Rev. Beth Palmer 4800 Fillmore Avenue 3440 South Jefferson Street St. John’s, West Point Alexandria, VA 22311 Falls Church, VA 22041 The Rev. Stuart Schadt 703-824-1236 703-578-7201 Trinity, Manassas www.goodwinhouse.org The Rev. Jack Sutor St. Paul’s, Hanover News of The Diocese 19 Building Bridges

In Fe b r u a r y 2011, t h e Rt. Re v . Sh a n n o n S. Jo h n s t o n o r d a i n e d t h e f i r s t c l a s s o f v o c a t i o n a l d e a c o n s i n t h e Di o c e s e o f Vi r g i n i a . Vo c a t i o n a l d e a c o n s l i v e o u t t h e i r e n t i r e o r d a i n e d m i n i s t r y a s d e a c o n s , f o c u s i n g t h e i r e n e r g i e s o n a b r i d g e m i n i s t r y , w h i c h i s i n t e n d e d t o b u i l d s i g n i f i c a n t t i e s b e t w e e n t h e Ch u r c h a n d t h e w o r l d . He r e , i n t h e i r o w n w o r d s , t h e f i v e v o c a t i o n a l d e a c o n s d e s c r i b e t h e i r u n i q u e m i n i st r i e s.

The Rev. Deacon Barbara Ambrose a police officer had issued his wife a ticket for an expired registration. I expressed sympathy but continued to advise him on what options In 2000 I left a career in banking to enter graduate his wife had but he became more irate, and he school, earning masters degrees in Christian hung up on me. Ieducation and social work. I knew that I wanted my In a few minutes time, I answered a s o c i a l work to b e “i n for me d by my fa it h ,” t houg h I wa s call that had a familiar voice. It was my irate not entirely sure what that meant until I discovered caller from earlier, apologizing to me for his the dual degree program I pursued. When I learned rude behavior. “Can you ever forgive me?” he that the Diocese was reconstituting the vocational asked. “Of course I can.” I told him. “More diaconate, I realized that my education and importantly, God forgives you and that’s interests were foundational in preparing me for what truly counts, right?” this ministry. “Thank you.” he said. “I feel better now. Since graduating in 2003 I have been a God bless you.” “God bless you too.” therapist in a Christian counseling practice I replied. and have also worked with the elderly in a It can be enlightening to be the bridge. t retirement community. I approach my duties in secular social work jobs as ministry. I also bring my skills as a social worker to my work The Rev. Deacon Mary Beth Emerson within the Church. For six years I was active with the diocesan Mental Health Committee where I was able to utilize my vocational knowledge to develop I met the Rev. Deacon Cris Greer in the mid-1990s at the educational and advocacy materials. In my ministry work camp he ran through an Episcopal church in North at St. Andrew’s, Richmond, I am exploring ways to ICarolina. He was the kind of guy who put tools into use my social work and pastoral care skills to reach people’s hands, showing them that they were capable out to the homeless community in our neighborhood. of building marvelous things. He would stand off a I also hope to provide grief support to our Eucharistic bit, observing and blessing with comments like, “Now visitors as they minister to people in declining health. look at you. You are a servant of the Lord!” Cris did While I welcome opportunities to minister to all of not merely travel the bridges between faith and praxis, those who find themselves at the margins, I feel between the church and the world. He was the bridge. especially drawn to serving the elderly, and those Cris’s widow, Charlotte sent me the last of his struggling with issues related to grief and loss or deacon’s stoles as an ordination present, one she wove mental health. t for him herself. In it is woven a diaconal promise and portent that I pray to be able to uphold. Although my ministry at St. Mary’s, Arlington as outreach The Rev. Deacon Dana Buchanan coordinator is coming to a close, I hope to continue to remain a resource for those seeking to serve others. After a little downtime, I intend to explore employment As we vocational deacons continue to meet, one phrase with one of Arlington’s helping organizations, and that has resonated with me has been, “Be the bridge.” will continue to serve as a vocational deacon at Trinity, AThis means that I am tasked by God to help others take Arlington, assisting with outreach, youth and lay the risk of opening themselves up to God’s desire. I can Eucharistic ministry. help facilitate ministry by all the baptized people of God. A fitting for the journey prayer that I carry in my Being the bridge can also mean allowing myself to datebook, written by the Rev. Charlie Price reads: be a reminder of God here on earth. In this vein is how I “Go where there is ignorance, go where there is need, am “the bridge” on a daily basis as a deputy clerk in the go where there is danger, go where there is pain, go General District Court in Leesburg. where there is narrowness, go where there is fear; Go I deal heavily with the public. I am very much in courage, go in doubt, go in the wisdom of knowing aware that my Baptismal Covenant charges me to treat and not knowing. Go in strength, and in the strength of every person with dignity and respect. Now, that’s not weakness. Go in the joy which overcomes sorrow, and in always an easy thing to do, especially when the person the love which casts out fear. is combative or just plain vulgar and rude. Go, and may the blessing of God go with you. Relying on God to guide me in the right way of how Amen.” t to handle a situation gives great reward. One incident that I recall was with a man over the phone. He spent the call cussing up one side and down the other because / Deacons continued on page 20 20 News of The Diocese When Big News is Big…Really Big Generous gifts help transform parish life

By Emily Cherry

When the Rev. Jeff Packard, rector “Both of us love the church … and we construction of a new rectory and of Christ Church, Spotsylvania, wanted to do something to help keep enabled the church to become more Waddressed his congregation on the church vibrant and active,” they involved in local outreach projects. March 20, it was with an exciting said. “We also wanted something “People were amazed and thrilled and surprising announcement: that would energize the church. It that we could do more outreach “We received $1 million,” said Mr. was very deliberate that it was not the [and] take better care of facilities,” Packard, which, he added later, “is entire amount [of the debt owed] that said Ms. Baker. “It was a wonderful such a fun thing to say.” we gave.” The congregation plans to gift for the parish.” Christ Church completed their use the donation to help pay off their “This type of generosity has new building, All Saints Hall, in monthly loan. the power to transform the life of 2005, and since then has been under The parishioners at Grace a church,” said Frances Caldwell, significant stress due to the hefty Church, Goochland received a similar diocesan director of the Office of amount of debt. The donation will blessing several years ago. When Development and Stewardship. “In go toward relief of that debt. “What long-time parishioner Rogers Meador these two churches, the gifts freed this has done is really removed the died in 2006, he left the church a sum up money from the operating budget stress,” said Mr. Packard. of $300,000, plus any funds that were for the benefit of ministries which And that’s just what the donors leftover in his will after the estate was change lives. We are blessed to know intended. “We wanted to relieve resolved. The church later found out about this type of support and to see the atmosphere of the church,” that those “leftover funds” totaled how each of us can make a difference, they said. “There was a cloud over over $2.5 million dollars. “I knew not only with our annual financial the church and it was affecting he was leaving some money to the support of our churches but with everybody, and it was important for church, but I had no idea it was going estate gifts we make during or after us to relieve that cloud.” to be this big of a gift,” said the Very our lives.” t The couple that made the Rev. Rhonda Baker, rector. donation chose to be anonymous. The donation provided for the

Deacons continued from page 19 /

The Rev. Deacon Marty Hager There have been many times during my journey when I have come away from a situation knowing that I had been carried over the bridge by the person I I consider my job at Loudoun County Mental Health believed I would be the bridge for. in Leesburg as my bridge ministry. I work as a senior I have witnessed this evolving ministry in my Iresidential counselor, working with clients in apartments time spent with the residents at Sunrise Assisted who need help with case management services and Living in Springfield. They have grown into their own supportive counseling. The mission of the team is to keep worshipping community, setting aside theological clients stable and in the community. differences, faith traditions and socio-economic We visit clients and respond to their needs as they backgrounds to worship together and to minister to arise. We provide medication case management, help with one another. My role now is to be a listening presence bills and manage doctor appointments and transportation. from time to time. We provide crisis care when needed. My pastoral ministry continues to evolve to I also manage four apartments that are county rentals encouraging and supporting people in discerning for clients. The objective is to insure the care, welfare, their unique gifts of ministry. The Sunrise Senior safety and security of the clients living there. Additionally Living facility in Alexandria invited me to begin a I work with the PATH workers who provide services to the Sunday worship service there, and Immanuel Church homeless which is a special interest of mine. on-the-Hill celebrated their first worship service there I would like to return to the hospital and work as a in March. My primary role is to support the team in chaplain one day. their ministry. At St. Thomas’, McLean where I serve as deacon, I As an ordained deacon, the church has opened teach classes and run workshops. My main objective is opportunities for me to carry Christ’s work. It has to keep the concerns of the world in the forefront of the provided the support, resources and commission for congregation’s mind. t me to lay the foundation for lay members of Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill to develop and respond to their call to ministry at Sunrise in Alexandria, a worship The Rev. Deacon Linda Murphy community that is enriched by the ecumenical diversity of the residents, staff, guests and worship companions as they focus how God is speaking to The word bridge does not fully define the gift of pastoral them in the here and now. t ministry that continues to energize and enrich my life. T“Bridge” seems to describe my call to bring the concerns of the elderly, the ill and those in crisis to the attention of the Church, and to bring the attention and resources of the Church to those in need. News of The Diocese 21 ‘Something Special’ in Richmond’s East End Anna Julia Cooper Episcopal School has ambitious mission

By Emily Cherry

For the past year and a half, the already strong Episcopal presence in FRichmond’s East End neighborhood has been growing thanks to a small middle school with big ambitions. Named for the prominent African American scholar who was an educator, author and activist in the late 19th and first half of the 20th centuries, the Anna Julia Cooper Episcopal School works toward a very specific goal: to help change the trajectory of students’ lives by preparing graduates who excel academically; persevere in the face of challenges; care for themselves and each other; and become leaders Photo: Kimberly Woodle in their homes and communities. A student hard at work at the Anna Julia Cooper Episcopal School in East End Richmond. “Along with essential academic skills, we’re trying to help provide our students with a certain stability the Book of Common Prayer. accommodate them. The school is and self-possession,” said Mike The curriculum includes weekly currently located in a former house Maruca, principal. “Because of the religious education classes, and with limited classroom space – two difficult circumstances from which students attend chapel every additional classrooms are located most of them come, the mission of week. “Ultimately, it’s a religious a block away in the basement this school is very ambitious.” organization,” said Mr. Maruca. of a nearby church. Peter Paul The school was founded in “We’re either about love or we’re Development Center has been a September 2009, in large part the not. That has to be our foundation.” great support, and students take genesis of an initiative made by But on top of that, he added, “the their meals and have physical members of St. Stephen’s, Richmond. students have to do better in math. education classes in the Center. “There’s a real Episcopal presence in They have to do better in English. The School hopes to find a suitable the East End,” said Mr. Maruca. That We have to be accountable.” building in the same neighborhood includes the next-door Peter Paul That accountability is something for the coming year. Development Center, the community the school is working toward. At Class size is intentionally small, and outreach center with an active just under two years old, “We’re with two sections of each grade, after-school program – the school’s still in the phase of needing one for boys and one for girls. A current building actually belongs to demonstrate…that we’re a dedicated group of teachers leads to PPDC. Anna Julia Cooper’s 35 worthwhile investment,” said Mr. classes in the traditional subjects – students are primarily of limited Maruca. “Because we’re tuition-free, history, science, math, English – plus resources and live in Richmond’s we depend on individuals to pay a few “other duties as assigned,” East End neighborhood. for tuitions for children who are not including driving the school’s two As an independent, tuition- their own.” They’re currently in minibuses to pick-up students each free middle school, 100 percent the process of seeking accreditation morning and take them home at the of funding comes from donors. with the Virginia Association of end of the day. “The kids have to “So much of the funding has Independent Schools (VAIS), a know that we care about them and come from folks associated with process that can take four to five are committed to them,” explained Episcopal churches and schools,” years. “We want to be accountable… Mr. Maruca. said Mr. Maruca. In fact, many and have people know that we meet To that end, the staff is working of the school’s 30+ volunteers certain standards. If we don’t, it will hard to build and strengthen come from Episcopal churches: have been a nice experiment but relationships with local high Grace & Holy Trinity, Richmond; little else,” he added. Happily, the schools, seeking out scholarship St. James’s, Richmond; and St. students have already demonstrated information for independent Stephen’s, Richmond. “It’s kind of significant advances both in their schools and working toward that hard to imagine this school without behavior and their academic skills. accreditation, all toward fulfilling our small army of volunteers,” he In its second year, the school its mission of helping students set added. In addition, Richmond-area has already grown. All 25 students their sites on college and responsible independent schools, most notably enrolled in the first year returned citizenship. “It’s a long road,” said St. Christopher’s and St. Catherine’s, this year, along with 10 new Mr. Maruca. But, he added, “I have been significant collaborators. students. The plan for the 2011- believe there’s something special The Episcopal connection is 2012 school year is to expand to happening here.” an important part of this young include eighth grade, with around For more info, visit t school’s identity. Students begin 50 students total. But that expansion annajuliacooperepiscopalschool.org. each day with a devotion from hinges largely on finding space to 22 News of The diocese A Healthy Diocese Body, mind and spirit combine in wellness ministries

By Paula Neely

From parish nursing to Zumba health; how to harness community ministry is growing. “More people are classes to farmers’ markets, resources; and confidentiality issues. becoming aware of it,” she said. Fchurches throughout the Diocese Ms. Zebarth visits about 20 Other health and wellness are embracing the need to offer people, mostly elderly parishioners, ministries are also gaining popularity. organized programs, activities each week. This spring, she took a For example, yoga and and services that promote spiritual, 95-year-old homebound patient for a Zumba classes will be offered to physical and mental health ride so she could see the forsythias in parishioners and the community and wellness. bloom. Sometimes doctors ask her to for the first time this summer at A resolution passed by the check on their patients to make sure Immanuel, Old Church, according 2011 Annual Council “urges the they don’t have edema or to check to the Rev. Ryan Kuratko. The need congregations of the Diocese, which their blood pressure. for the programs was identified have not already done so, to explore Parish nurses also help as part of the re-visioning process and implement health ministry parishioners connect with health and that Immanuel completed this year. as an organizing concept or vital wellness resources and find doctors Weekly classes will be provided at component of outreach and pastoral and dentists. They also provide the parish house through Hanover care of the congregation by 2012.” educational information County Parks and Recreation. The resolution also “encourages and serve as patient At St. Stephen’s, Richmond, congregations to raise awareness wellness programs offered during of health ministries and promote the past few years have been very the understanding that successful. Sarah Bartenstein, health includes body, mind communications director, said and spirit.” they have developed activities Helen Zebarth, that offer a holistic approach R.N. and chair to achieving wellness of body, of the diocesan mind and spirit; finding balance; Committee advocates whenever healing in relationship with God, on Parish necessary. neighbors and ourselves; learning Nursing, To help people and encouraging healthy habits; and was the keep their medical leading lives of compassion. driving force expenses down, About a year ago, they began behind the Ms. Zebarth also offering a 10-week bible study with resolution. Ms. Zebarth said loans used yoga class that was so popular, they the resolution adds credibility equipment, now offer yoga and tai chi twice a to and increases awareness such as walkers, week. About 10 to 20 people attend about the importance of and she helps each class. They also offer meditation

health and wellness ministries. Illustration: John Dixon people decide and stress management classes that “It demonstrates that the Church whether they need are always full. cares about the greater whole of each to go to an emergency room or an “People talk about how the person,” she said. urgent care facility. programs have made a difference In addition to healing services Each year, she also helps in their lives. There’s a hunger and health clinics, parish nursing coordinate a community health for something that allows people and wellness ministries that focus fair that includes the local hospital to step off the merry-go-round, on the needs of parishioners and health department, as well as something that gives us permission are increasingly being offered about 50 vendors who specialize to pay attention to our health,” Ms. throughout the state. Some ministries in a variety of services such as Bartenstein said. have been around for years; others acupuncture, optometry, hospice St. Stephen’s also offers classes are just beginning. care, etc. and lectures on nutrition, and they Ms. Zebarth serves as a parish Carol Heddleston, a parish sponsor a Farmers’ Market from May nurse, also known as a faith nurse at Pohick, Lorton, provides through October. community nurse, at Christ Church, services similar to those offered Twice a year, pharmacology Winchester. She explained that by Ms. Zebarth. She is assisted students from VCU host a reception parish nurses are registered nurses by a group of parishioners who at St. Stephen’s for parishioners where and work as a team with their rectors take turns helping with pastoral they serve healthy food and provide to visit parishioners who are in the visits. They meet once a month and blood pressure checks, flu shots and hospital or homebound. invite experts to talk to them about recipes that focus on health concerns Training for parish nurses issues that they might encounter such as hypertension and diabetes. is offered through the National when visiting people who have “We also encourage prayer Episcopal Health Ministries. Alzheimer’s and other conditions. practice in addition to the physical The course includes how to pray Ms. Zebarth said there have been and mental wellness activities… with people; how to help them at least 30 parish nurses in Virginia, It promotes greater balance and integrate body, mind and spirit; but no one knows exactly how mindfulness, and it brings people how to manage volunteers; how to many are currently involved in the closer to God,” Ms. Bartenstein said. t get people involved in their own ministry. Ms. Heddleston thinks the News of The Diocese 23

Palmore continued from page 15 / very emotional, very high stakes recitations of Ernest Lawrence days, “into law school, and through and there were all kinds of reasons Thayer’s “Casey at the Bat,” so much almost 39 years of practicing for people to go crazy. He was the so that Ben Campbell used the 19th- law together at Mays, Valentine, calmest, most kind, rational, gentle, century poem as a text for his homily Davenport & Moore and then understanding man…you didn’t get at Mr. Palmore’s funeral, along with Troutman Sanders. moral outrage from Russ. [He knew] Psalm 139 and Matthew 6:25-27, 33: “Russ and I have helped each human beings are sinners, we fall “But seek first the kingdom of God other with cases, law firm politics, short, we make mistakes, and we’re and his righteousness, and all these marriages, divorces, children and going to approach this with love.” things will be given to you as well” all manner of things connected to “Russ was a trusted friend,” (verse 33). the Episcopal Church, the Diocese said Hugo Blankingship, his The path, said Mr. Campbell, of Virginia, its churches, missions, predecessor as chancellor of the “lies somewhere between sainthood meetings, bishops, clergy, issues, Diocese. “He enjoyed the God-given and second base: Some people in controversies, ecclesiastical and civil combination of a brilliant legal their seeking help the rest of us litigation, and matters high, low, sad mind and a keen sense of Christian keep on track. Some people by their and comical. He was my rabbi, and charity. We will all miss him.” friendship and loyalty can give I was his. To make the relationship Bonnie Anderson, president us a taste of things that will travel tolerable, we reminded each other, of the House of Deputies, attended through the barrier of physical regularly, that we had feet of clay.” Mr. Palmore’s funeral and said, death. Sometimes, if you are found Bishop Lee recalls, “He was “I am not surprised to learn that by God’s grace, other people can feel so attentive to everyone he knew, almost everyone I talked with at the the reality of what is good and what really. He had a wonderful sense celebration of the life of Russ Palmore is of God in you. Some people by of humor. He had skills I had at St. Paul’s thought he was their best their humility can make it clear that absolutely no idea how to acquire,” friend. He was so present to us.” what is going on in them is in some such as keeping baseball scores. She said, “Deputy Palmore way eternal.” J.B. Burtch has served on the set the standard for decorum, Mr. Campbell concluded: Standing Committee for three responsibility and insightful humor. “This is not a baseball game; this full terms and an unexpired term. His example of generosity of spirit is real life, and this is real death. During one of those tours of duty, set the tone for many General In Mudville, the rule is this: three he served with Mr. Palmore. Conventions. strikes and you’re out. But in “He had a tremendous gift for “His death has left a hole in Richmond, today, in God’s world, the friendship,” Mr. Burtch recalled. our hearts. He meant so much to so rule is this: On the third day he rose “He was one of the men who many of us. After all,” she said, “he again…He hit it over the fence.” was not afraid to be affectionate, was our best friend.” And as if to make the point, the not afraid to tell you they love closing hymn, “Lift high the cross,” you. Especially for guys in my Baseball is life was immediately followed by “Take generation, that’s rare.” Mr. Palmore was an avid sports Me Out to the Ballgame.” t “I have been in some fan, and baseball was his favorite. situations,” he said, “that were He was known for his dramatic

Youth continued from page 17 / “The cool thing for the students Classifieds is that not only were they doing

Contact Karen Smith ([email protected]) Play music you enjoy, with pianist/composer Jamie something that would help the for new classified rates and information. K. Sims. 25 years experience – mostly in NYC. youth ministry team, but they were Complimentary consultation. Near Carytown. doing something that would help SAT & PSAT Prep Classes – Gather 10 students 804-355-0414, [email protected]. the larger church community,” said and hold a Hunt Course at your church. www.huntprograms.com, toll free 866-425-7656. Top Floor Wintergreen Penthouse, $419,600. Mr. Torrence. The Hunt Course, preparing Virginia students Elevator access, wraparound decks, views of the Youth from Christ Church were since 1976. Mention The Virginia Episcopalian slopes and fireworks. 4BR+study, 3BA. Virginia also involved in the planning of the and receive a $50 tuition discount. Owned and Real Estate Partners, Becky Templeman, 434-760- operated by Episcopalians. 2888, [email protected] new space, which features a café – “It looks like a Starbucks that met Bed and Breakfast – In rural Albemarle County Brass, Fine Metals Master Craftsman. 40 years a high school student,” noted Mr. between Charlottesville and Shenandoah National professional experience. Can restore, modify Park; minutes from UVA, Monticello, and Skyline or fabricate church accoutrements, musical Torrence – that serves as a gathering Drive. Affordable rates. Hosts: David and Ginny instruments, lighting fixtures. Workshop near space. The larger main room Wayland, retired Episcopal priest. Wayland St. John’s in West Point, VA. George McCracken. features moveable furniture so the Orchard B&B, Crozet, Virginia. 434-823-7323, 804-238-4910 or [email protected]. space can be adapted for multiple [email protected], www.waylandorchard.com. Dering’s Cleaning Service, LLC – Solo LLC, purposes – such as an emergency residential cleaning, Richmond area. Licensed, site for Red Cross, which they hope Home Movies and Still Photos on DVD Bonded and Insured. 804-239-5865. to become in the future. –Transfer those old memories to DVD before they are gone forever! 8mm/16mm movie film; Bed and Breakfast – Three miles from Monticello, That connection between VHS/8mm video; slides, negatives and prints Ash Lawn, 10 minutes from Historic Downtown community and church is an to DVD or hard drive. Audio tapes and vinyl to Charlottesville, University of Virginia, Stadium important one for this youth CD. IMAGES Past & Present. 571-243-8371 or and surrounding wineries. Thirty minutes from [email protected]. Montpelier. Gourmet Breakfast. Call or email for ministry. “It would be really easy low rates, 434-296-6134, [email protected]. for us to become an island,” said Mr. Piano Lessons for Adults/Seniors in Torrence. “We want to find ways… Richmond. Also teenagers. Beginners to to make a lot of different bridges advanced. Build solid classical foundation, develop artistic expression, ergonomic technique. into the life of the church.” t TBO
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