400 Howard St. Greenwood, MS Established 1881 Diocese of Mississippi
Nativity 2
Nativity Table of Contents A Prayer for our Search Who We Are A Brief History of Nativity Community Profile The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi The Mission of Nativity Our Ministries Parish Statistics Our Facilities Rectory Stewardship Finances Day School Our Staff Vestry Parish Assessment Nativity’s Strengths Nativity’s Challenges Hopes and Expectations
Letter to Prospective Priests
“worship, love, belong, grow and serve.” Nativity 3
A Prayer for our Search
Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a rector for this parish that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
“worship, love, belong, grow and serve.” Nativity 4
Who We Are
The Episcopal Church of the Nativity, located in Greenwood, Mississippi, is a diverse and active parish that is small enough so that members notice if someone is absent from their pew but large enough to support strong lay leadership. Our parking lot reveals a mix of pick-ups, BMWs and, thanks to a growing and involved set of young couples, a significant number of SUVs. Nativity is a part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, the Episcopal Church USA and the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi.
A Brief History of Nativity
In 1881, Greenwood was a small, unimpressive collection of river wharves, saloons, general stores and a handful of frame houses. The levee systems which would turn the Mississippi Delta into a cotton-growing powerhouse had not yet been completed, and there was little to attract new families willing to brave scorching summers, massive mosquitoes and the network of swamps and bayous stretching from this Leflore County seat to the Carroll County hills.
Without enough individuals to support separate denominational buildings, Greenwood worshipers of the 1880s met in a common center, designated as Union Church and located where the existing Ahavath Rayim Synagogue stands on East Market. Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians and Episcopalians took turns worshipping in Union Church, and each would eventually break away to start their own building programs. In May of 1881, four Episcopal families asked The Reverend William P. Browne of Canton to travel north and meet with them to discuss a Greenwood parish. Mr. and Mrs. Littleton Upshur, Mr. and Mrs. Alex Henderson, Mr. and Mrs. Gideon Montjoy and Dr. and Mrs. J.H. Lucas spent the evening of May 24, 1881, discussing that possibility with Reverend Browne, and plans were laid for a new congregation, to be known as the Church of the Nativity.
The most pressing need for this new parish was a suitable church building, and Greenwood had nothing to offer. Littleton Upshur donated land a few blocks south of the Yazoo River on Main Street (the current site of Fire Station #1), and Gid Montjoy began delivering lumber from his own property. The groundbreaking by the little group was arranged in October of 1882, and by the following March the new church was complete. Thirteen communicants were on the rolls when Church of the Nativity was admitted into union with the Diocese of Mississippi in April 1883.
“worship, love, belong, grow and serve.” Nativity 5
Those thirteen souls had a building but struggled to find a full- time rector in this isolated corner of Mississippi. It wasn’t until 1889 that the Reverend Cecil P. Wilson agreed to move to Greenwood, but his tenure was short-lived, lasting only one year. He was followed by the Reverend Jean B.C. Beaubieu and the Reverend George L. Neide. By 1895, the congregation had grown to include 50 members and the small Main Street church was increasingly crowded. Nativity’s Lay Reader-in-Charge, Charles Wheat Hinton, arrived in 1899 and began campaigning for a new and larger building. While he was away at General Seminary in New York City, Dr. J.H. Lucas spearheaded the drive for a new structure and an effort to maintain the active congregation, which had dwindled to thirty-two by the turn of the 20th Century.
When Reverend Hinton returned from New York, building plans picked up speed. Parishioner J.S. McDonald owned the lot at the southwest corner of Church and Howard Street, a prime piece of property in a town that was now the fastest growing community in Mississippi. He had deeded the lot to Nativity in 1896 with the stipulation that “a suitable brick church…not to cost less than $4000” be built on the site. The land was lost to tax default in 1898 and reclaimed by founding member Alex Henderson for $69.99.
It would be 1902 before ground was finally broken for the new church. The existing rectory was sold for $1750 to generate the initial funds and J.E. Barnes and Company of Greenville was hired to begin construction. The Diocese of Mississippi purchased the deed from Mr. Henderson and then deeded it back to the parish on June 21, 1902. As was the custom in those days, the entire building was completed in a matter of months and the first service was held on August 3, 1902, led by the Reverend C.W. Hinton and the Reverend W.C. Whitaker of Jackson. The Greenwood newspaper reported that “Everybody enjoyed these services and are profuse in complimenting the appearance of the new church building and its splendid arrangement.” Oddly enough, the cornerstone, still in place today by the bell tower, was not inserted until the following day.
Two of the Gothic stained-glass windows of the old Main Street church were removed and installed in the new Howard Street sanctuary. The Jewish congregation paid $550 for the Main Street property and worshipped there until their Market Street synagogue was completed in the 1920s.
In 1912, in the midst of Greenwood’s boom years, a two-story rectory was completed behind the sanctuary, facing Church Street. It would serve the church rectors until a North Greenwood rectory was completed in 1956, leading to the demolition of the old house for a new educational and office wing. In 1926, the original tower on the south side of the sanctuary was demolished, and the Rose Community Building was erected in memory of Bessie Rose, wife of the Reverend Lysander Rose. By then, Nativity had grown to 300 communicants and was one of Greenwood’s largest and most active churches.
“worship, love, belong, grow and serve.” Nativity 6
Throughout the century, Nativity was served by a series of outstanding rectors, including the Reverends Dr. Lysander Rose, Randolph Claiborne, Warren Botkin, Duncan Gray, Sr. (later the Bishop of Mississippi), and the inimitable Reverend Jones Hamilton, who would lead Nativity for a full quarter-century. He was followed by the Reverends Michael Engle, Larry Maze (later Bishop of Arkansas) and Craig Gates. Ella Breckinridge served as Interim Priest from 2005 until 2006, when the Reverend Matthew Rowe was called. During his tenure, plans for a large addition were completed and accomplished, adding a Great Hall, an office suite, a large kitchen, courtyard, loggia and extra rooms for adult and youth education.
Community Profile
Located at the confluence of three rivers, Greenwood sits at the eastern edge of the Mississippi Delta and is home to some 18,000 residents. Known as the Cotton Capital of the World, Greenwood is a progressive community with small town charm and a high quality of life. With amenities including a world class boutique hotel, critically acclaimed restaurants, tree-lined boulevards, locally owned retail stores, and a balance of small and large homes, Greenwood is a destination of choice for large corporations, small businesses and young families alike. Greenwood boasts plentiful parks and recreation facilities and an assortment of community events held throughout the year. Located about thirty minutes west of Interstate-55, Greenwood is an easy-to-reach destination, approximately two hours from both Jackson, MS and Memphis, TN.
The majority of Nativity’s members choose to send their children to Pillow Academy, a private educational institution founded in 1965. Pillow Academy is highly regarded for its quality of education. Greenwood is also home to the Greenwood Public School District, which is comprised of four elementary schools, Greenwood Middle School, and Greenwood High School.
“worship, love, belong, grow and serve.” Nativity 7
The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi
Established in May of 1826, the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi has approximately 20,000 members and oversees a total of 91 parishes, missions, and mission stations. Within the diocese there are six chaplaincies, eight affiliated schools, and one cathedral, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral, located in Jackson, Mississippi.
The Rt. Rev. Duncan M. Gray, III is the 9th Bishop of Mississippi. Also serving in the Diocese of Mississippi are 139 presbyters (81 Active Canonical, 40 Retired Canonical, 18 Non Canonical), and 27 deacons (25 Active Canonical, three Retired Canonical, two non-parochial).
The Duncan M. Gray Episcopal Camp and Conference Center offers a state-of-the-art conference center as well as the informal spaces and accommodations of Camp Bratton-Green. Gray Center is the spiritual center of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi. The programming at Gray Center and the ministry of its associated camp, Camp Bratton-Green, reflect the vision and energy of the Rt. Rev. Duncan M. Gray, III and his leadership team. Gray Center offers a destination for groups in search of a location to support community, spirituality and hospitality. Nestled in the northwest corner of Madison County, Mississippi, near historic Canton, Gray Center is a wonderful resource maintained by the Diocese of Mississippi.
The Mission of Nativity
Parish Mission Statement The Episcopal Church of the Nativity is a Christian community where all are welcome to worship, love, belong, grow and serve.
“worship, love, belong, grow and serve.” Nativity 8
Our Ministries Nativity is home to many ministries that serve people not only within our church but throughout the community and beyond.
Acolytes Community Outreach Altar Guild Potluck Luncheons Children’s Chapel Pastoral Services ECW Serendipity EfM (Education for Ministry) Sunday School EYC Thoughts, Words, & Deeds Flower Delivery Stewardship Lay Eucharistic Ministers WeeYC Music, choir Worship
Parish Statistics
Active Baptisms Confirmations Weddings Burials Members 2011 308 3 6 3 3
“worship, love, belong, grow and serve.” Nativity 9
Our Facilities
The current Nativity sanctuary was built in 1902, approximately twenty years after the establishment of the congregation, in the heart of downtown Greenwood. The Gothic architecture, traditional wood pews, and series of stained glass windows create an awe-inspiring and welcoming space for worship. The sanctuary seats 230 people, including a choir.
While the sanctuary is the location of services at Nativity, on any given Sunday, one can find many members visiting, eating breakfast, and enjoying fellowship in the parish hall. Constructed in 2009, the Great Hall can seat 250 people around circular tables and is outfitted with audio and projection equipment. Attached to the parish hall is a full-functioning kitchen furnished with Viking appliances. Adjacent to the parish hall is the Youth Ministry Center and Scout Hut, the home of a local Boy Scout troop.
Rectory
Our church is blessed to have a Rectory, a wonderful home for our priest and his or her family. It's a charming brick home situated on the banks of the Tallahatchie River in Northeast Greenwood. Located on Robert E. Lee Drive, a winding tree-shaded street with friendly neighbors and lots of charm, the Rectory features a great floor plan for entertaining with a formal living room, formal dining room, gourmet kitchen with Viking appliances, charming family room with fireplace, study filled with bookcases, and huge fenced yard and patio area. It contains four spacious bedrooms and two and a half baths. The home was built in 1956 and has been updated several times under the church ownership. Each family that has called our Rectory home has enjoyed making it "their home."
North Greenwood is a fabulous neighborhood for children. On any given afternoon you will see people walking, kids biking, and lots of activity in the neighborhood. Though the house is not located on the church grounds, it's just minutes away and gives the Rector's family privacy and a quiet refuge away from the everyday church activity. We are proud to have the Rectory as part of our church and hope that our next Rector will find it to be a welcoming home.
“worship, love, belong, grow and serve.” Nativity 10
Stewardship
Stewardship at Nativity is characterized by a community of faithful members who generously support the ministry and mission of the church through both pledges and unpledged gifts to the operating account. These pledges and unpledged gifts, together with plate offerings, comprise all of the operating funding of the church, with the exception of occasional and usually small items of miscellaneous income. The church has no endowment for operating income, although there are three endowed scholarship funds, an endowed outreach fund, and an endowed fund whose proceeds are designated for the enjoyment of the congregation. These endowed funds are reflected in the attached financial Balance Sheet.
The total number of pledges and unpledged gifts has been almost unchanged for the past three years. For 2009 the total was 122, for 2010 the total was 125, and for 2011the total was 124. A total consistent with these numbers is anticipated for the current year. The dollar amounts of this income totaled $366,600 in 2009, $375,500 in 2010, and $390,000 in 2011. The dollar amount for the current year is expected to be approximately $385,000. Plate offerings for the past three years have totaled $12,000 in round numbers, and are expected to be the same for this year. Operating income accordingly totaled $378,600 in 2009, $387,500 in 2010, $402,000 in 2011, and is expected to total approximately $397,000 this year. These funds have been adequate for the operating expenses of the church.
Although the gifts of dedicated parishioners have been adequate to meet operating expenses of Nativity, the challenge of stewardship at the church is raising the pledge/gift level from a broader group of parishioners and increasing the membership base. Stewardship embraces the worship service and the various ministries of Nativity, and all should participate with their financial support.
In addition to the operating gifts discussed above, Nativity embarked upon a major capital expansion and improvement project in 2008, which was completed in 2010. The cost of this undertaking was $4.4 million. The project was funded by a lead gift from one parishioner of $2.9 million. The balance – $1.5 million – has been reduced to approximately $100,000 through generous gifts of other parishioners over the past five years.
Finances
The current financial condition of Nativity is reflected in the Balance Sheet attached at the end of this profile. Note that the stated Real Estate values do not reflect the $4.4 million in renovations and improvements referenced above.
“worship, love, belong, grow and serve.” Nativity 11
Day School
Nativity is home to an excellent Day School Program for children ages six weeks to three years. The Day School has a 10-member team of dedicated educators who love God, teaching, and children. The Day School currently provides a safe, Christian environment for 43 children, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Our Staff
Jim Barrett, Business Manager David Williamson, Organist and Choirmaster Sarah Jackson, Office Administrator and Youth Coordinator Eddie Ivory, Sexton Hazel Ivory, Housekeeper
Vestry
Bill Andrews Senior Warden (* ex-officio) Frances Lavelle (*) Max Shaw Junior Warden Philip Lawes Mo Powers Treasurer Mary Carol Miller Tish Goodman Program Chair (*) Lance Mohamed (*) Dr. Mike Carter Finance Chair(*) Liz Mounger Craig Brown Structures Chair Harris Powers (*) Lark Brown (*) Catherine Kidd, Clerk Cyndi Saia (*) (*) Notes member of Search Committee Lucy Jones
“worship, love, belong, grow and serve.” Nativity 12
Parish Assessment
Nativity’s Strengths
The building that houses the Church of the Nativity has stood on the southwest corner of Howard and Church Streets for 110 years, a solid Episcopal presence in the midst of Greenwood’s historic downtown through decades of change and progress. Of course, not even the oldest members of today’s congregation remember the day the cornerstone was laid, but they can readily name their parents and grandparents who were there, and the liturgical traditions of this church have shaped and guided their long lives. Those wise souls are now watching a new generation of active, involved young adults take leadership positions and introduce their own children to the traditions of this parish. Our recently established Nativity Day School has grown to capacity within one year, supporting those families and the Greenwood community with quality, affordable child care. A recent building campaign has provided the members with ample space for service and growth without an undue financial burden, and our stewardship campaigns consistently reflect the generosity and dedication of the congregation. Numerous avenues are available for service within the church, including educational programs, music, Altar Guild, EYC, Outreach and ECW. Represented within our membership are community leaders in business, politics, education, agriculture and a wide variety of civic organizations. Nativity is a warm and welcoming environment where we challenge each other to grow in our service to our friends and neighbors.
Nativity’s Challenges
Nativity is a church with a strong tradition of cherishing our priests until they pass into retirement or move on to the Bishop’s chair. We revere our spiritual leaders and still pass along tales of Duncan Gray, Sr., Jones Hamilton, Michael Engle, Craig Gates and Larry Maze. Of course, there is a tendency with the passage of time to gloss over the bumps in the road and remember only the positive, but our more recent experience, which ended in the departure of our priest, was the result of a complex set of circumstances.
As shown earlier in this profile, we have 308 members on our rolls. Our recent sessions with Linda Nelson and Bishop Larry Maze have taught us that this number places us at the cusp of a “program church” size, and we now see clearly that our last rector was trying his best to lead us into that category. While some of this rector’s innovations were welcomed and embraced by all, many in the congregation felt that pastoral care was minimized and, at times, entirely absent. We all struggled for resolution of the conflicts that developed, but, in the end, our Rector felt he should move to the next stage of his ministerial calling. Every member of the Vestry pledged to help keep our Rector here if that was the decided path; however, we have clearly grown as a church body as we have learned more about ourselves than we ever dreamed possible through the assessment stage.
“worship, love, belong, grow and serve.” Nativity 13
Of our 308 members, we will see 100 to 125 regularly attend Sunday services, and we see an even smaller group actively involved in ministry, education and pastoral care. That places us squarely in the realm of a “pastoral church,” where we strive to meet the needs of each other and our community under the leadership of our rector. Despite the absence of a priest over these past few months, we have pulled together as a congregation and maintained a wide variety of endeavors, including worship, education for children, youth and adults, ECW, EYC, altar guild, outreach, acolytes, speakers’ series, Serendipity, choir program, Education for Ministry and special events such as monthly potluck lunches, a fall bazaar, a Halloween carnival and blessing of the pets. As one member observed, “When a chief calls, there are plenty of Indians who respond.” We are confident that our new priest will have strong congregational support when it is needed for various endeavors.
While membership growth for the Episcopal Church overall and Nativity specifically is on all our minds, we are a Mississippi Delta parish, and with that comes even more challenges because we are a region that does not enjoy the growth and prosperity that many other areas of our nation do. We recognize the fact that our town and county have diminished in some ways over the past few decades and the influx of new families is slow, but we also know that Greenwood remains one of the brighter communities in the Delta. Those who grow up here and choose to return after their education is complete tend to stay with the church in which they were raised. Bucking national trends, in recent years Nativity has actually attracted new members as well as confirmed many of our own youth, but we do not anticipate ever outgrowing our current facility. Our most recent strategic plan stated our desire to be an attractive parish for young families and youth and to always be an “open door” church, welcoming and nurturing all who choose to come through those doors.
During the discernment process with Linda Nelson and the Diocese, a list of desirable attributes for our next rector was developed (See “List A” and “List B,” pages 14-15). If those attributes could be summed up into a tidy package with one overwhelming characteristic, it would likely be “caring.” We are a deeply bonded community of Christians who are committed to loving and serving our Lord, each other and our city, and we look forward to welcoming a priest who shares those same priorities.
“worship, love, belong, grow and serve.” Nativity 14
Hopes and Expectations of a New Rector
On Friday and Saturday, July 27-28, 2012, the Vestry and members of Church of the Nativity met with facilitator Linda Nelson to discuss hopes and expectations for a new rector. During two separate meetings over these two days, two lists were created: List A: Critical ministry components, compiled by the Vestry List B: Qualities and skills of a potential rector, compiled by congregation members
List A: While many potential strengths and weaknesses were considered in the course of the meeting, these six ministry components were ranked as the most critical by the Vestry:
1. A potential rector will be dedicated to the practice of pastoral care, both in crisis situations and in day-to-day ministry to the parish. These expectations will be clearly defined and understood by the rector and the congregation to ensure a level of pastoral attention to our needs without an unrealistic demand on the rector’s schedule.
2. A potential rector will strive to understand the unique culture and atmosphere of Greenwood and the Delta and embrace the strengths and opportunities inherent in that culture. The rector should be enthusiastic about life in this community and initiate involvement in whatever elements of the area would be appropriate.
3. A potential rector will respect the traditions of Nativity, both those of an Episcopal nature and those unique to this congregation, and initiate needed changes with care and concern for the opinions of those affected. Before change is implemented, the rector will attempt to convey the underlying logic behind the change and move the congregation along with sensitivity to long-held practices.
4. A potential rector will function as a “shepherd,” endeavoring to build consensus whenever possible as major and minor decisions are made. Recognizing that some decisions fall entirely within the realm of the rector’s discretion and responsibility, the Vestry will expect the rector to welcome reasonable input and strive for a mutually agreeable resolution.
5. A potential rector will be expected to manifest a sense of enjoyment and fulfillment in the practice of preaching and teaching. While every priest will naturally exhibit a unique style of delivering sermons and leading parishioners in spiritual formation, it is anticipated that the rector’s spiritual commitment and dedication to the Gospel will be evident to all those affected by their leadership.
6. A potential rector will view Nativity’s congregation as a deep pool of potential talent for Outreach, Youth development and engagement with the many programs within the church. This rector will be actively involved in leading, by example and by delegation, this parish into a more essential role in the spiritual life of Greenwood and the surrounding area.
“worship, love, belong, grow and serve.” Nativity 15
List B: On Saturday morning, July 28, 2012, fifty-five parish members of the Church of the Nativity met with facilitator Linda Nelson to discuss their expectations and hopes in the Vestry’s search for a new rector. They identified a number of attributes which they hoped would be found in potential candidates for this position. These included the following qualities and skills:
Rector “shows up,” i.e., is available and involved in times of crisis and for day-to-day pastoral care Personality balance, whether a natural extrovert or introvert Spiritual depth Demonstrates strong listening skills Demonstrates basic “people skills” Reverence and respect for both Episcopal traditions and Nativity traditions, with a commitment to “teaching before change” and a balanced perspective in the liturgy Demonstrates a positive attitude toward the congregation, as well as elicits a positive attitude from the congregation Experience in the South and with Mississippi congregations Demonstrates an enthusiasm for and an understanding of young people, including teens and children Serves as a leader who recognizes the leadership skills of others Serves as a consensus builder with the Vestry Open to renewal of Nativity parishioners’ involvement in programs like “Happening,” “Cursillo” and “Kairos” Supports Diocesan functions and activities and encourages parishioners’ involvement in those opportunities Maintains an active involvement in the community, including participation in ecumenical organizations
Those present were given a list of sixteen attributes which a congregation might seek in a new rector and were asked to vote on the most crucial six elements. The following were listed as the most vital for Nativity’s search, ranked by order of voting totals:
1. Visiting with the congregation 2. Preaching and making the Gospel relevant to parishioners 3. Worship leadership 4. Youth work (defined as all children and teens) 5. Administration and management of the facility and programs 6. Spiritual guidance and formation
“worship, love, belong, grow and serve.” Nativity 16
Dear Prospective Priests:
I hope you have enjoyed learning a little bit about Church of the Nativity. I often describe Greenwood to my out-of-town friends as the most Southern place on earth. When they visit us, every one of them falls in love with what we have here.
Nativity, like our community as a whole, is a great mix of tradition and contemporary thinking. You will find examples of that mix in every aspect of our life here, from the architecture and the mix of major employers to the tradition of our Nativity Christmas Pageant for the kids. A short stroll through downtown Greenwood, starting at the recently enhanced Church of the Nativity, is a great way to see first-hand how old and new work together seamlessly to create an outstanding quality of life.
We hope that, through Bishop Gray, you will get a chance to experience first-hand what makes Nativity and Greenwood so special. A proof point that I like to use showing how Greenwood and Nativity are bucking national trends is the number of young adults who return to their roots in Greenwood after graduating from college. Our church boasts a large number of engaged young families that call Nativity home, and we are very proud that within just a few months, our latest community outreach, Nativity Day School, was at capacity!
In short, we are a growing, financially stable congregation within the Episcopal Church that has a vision for our future. That vision includes a strong spiritual leader. We can’t wait to start writing the next chapter in Nativity’s history.
Sincerely:
Bill Andrews Senior Warden
“worship, love, belong, grow and serve.” Nativity 17
400 Howard Street Greenwood, MS 38930 Telephone: 662.453.7786 Fax: 662.453.1329 Email: [email protected]
“worship, love, belong, grow and serve.”