June, 2008 • Volume 133, Issue No. 6

SALUS CRUCEsalvation by

the cross

Donald receives LifetimeAchievement in

Volunteer ServiceBelieving that it is

better to light a candlethan curse the dark-ness, Dr. Bob Donald, a communicant of St.John’s EpiscopalChurch in Pascagoula,has been an activevolunteer his whole life.

Governor HaleyBarbour acknowledgedDonald’s long timeservice at the Governor’s Volunteer Service Banquet inApril by presenting the Pascagoula physician with theLifetime Volunteer Achievement Award.

While in the Air Force, he traveled on his firstmedical mission; and that experience left a lastingimpression. Since then, he has traveled with theEpiscopal Diocese to Honduras five times, leadingteams on mission trips treating hundreds of peopleand even some animals.

Home has been Pascagoula and here he created alegacy of good works. Dr. Donald has been heavilyinvolved with the Jaycees, United Christian Outreach/Our Daily Bread soup kitchen, Bacot Home for Youth,the Recreation Commission, Habitat for Humanity,Excel by 5’s Early Beginnings Program, Union BaptistChurch’s Education on the Move program, and is in thecertification process to create a Big Brother/ Big Sisterprogram.

Donald’s volunteer work was balanced with hisduties as Chief of Staff at Singing River Hospital andpresident of Singing River Medical Society. At 71, hehasn’t slowed down!

Dr. Donald has used his time and talents to makethe lives of others better. He has traveled the worldand his own backyard establishing a high standard forvolunteer involvement and effectiveness, making theworld a little brighter.

By Gay Yerger

The Episcopal Diocese ofMississippi and the Center forMinistry have joined hands in offeringJourney Partners, a training program in spir-itual direction. The Center for Ministry,organized in 1999, is a collaborative ventureof Millsaps College and the MississippiConference of the United Methodist Church.

In February 2008 Journey Partnersinaugurated its third class. A two-yearcourse under the direction of Jane Wattsfrom the Center of Ministry, the program isboth ecumenical in approach and intention-al about diversity.

Participants include laity and clergyfrom the Episcopal, Baptist, Disciples ofChrist, Presbyterian, Mennonite, Catholic,and United Methodist churches.

The Gray Episcopal Conference Centerwill be the home for Journey Partners, pro-viding hospitality and sacred space for theparticipants.

Spiritual Direction is a ministry within the Christian tradition inwhich one person assists others to pay attention to God’s presenceand guidance in their lives. It is the art of walking beside others asthey listen for the leading of God, and as they discern how to live infaithful response in all of life. It employs both God-given gifts andcarefully cultivated skills.

Journey Partners provides a rich context in which to take one’s

own faith journey to a deeper level,to study classic and contemporaryspiritual writings and to develop the

skills of spiritual direction. Specific atten-tion is also given to spiritual guidance with-in congregations and groups.

The Rev. Wendy Miller, noted teacherand practitioner of spiritual direction, is theprogram’s instructor. She is AssistantProfessor of Spiritual Formation at EasternMennonite Seminary in Virginia, where shehas taught for the past fourteen years.

Miller is also the author of Invitation toPresence and Jesus, Our Spiritual Director.In addition to studies at AssociatedMennonite Biblical Seminary, she holdsMasters Degrees from Eastern MennoniteSeminary and General TheologicalSeminary.

Miller received training at ShalemInstitute for Spiritual Direction inWashington, D.C. and guides several training programs in spiritual directionaround the U.S.

This partnership between the Diocese of Mississippi and theCenter for Ministry helps move the Diocese toward its vision of OneChurch in Mission: Inviting, Transforming, and Reconciling.

For more information contact Jane Watts at jane@centerformin-istry.com or visit the Center for Ministry website www.centerformin-istry.com

Freedom Reins,Continued on page 5LESM Award, Continued on page 9

By Scott LenoirBringing a better

life to children who suf-fer from mental, physi-cal, and cognitive prob-lems doesn’t always hap-pen in a clinical setting,special school, or anoffice. That truth ledBrookhaven psychologist,Dr. Anne Henderson, a member of theEpiscopal Church of the Redeemer, to foundFreedom Reins in 2003.

Freedom Reins, officially named theSouthwest Mississippi Therapeutic RidingCenter, Inc., provides special needs childrenwith Equine Therapy. Participants in the pro-gram learn to overcome their difficulties by rid-ing and caring for horses.

By Michele Barker

Special needs children receive

hope and healing from horses

Diocese announces partnership with Center for Ministry

Gathered in a Spiritual Direction SupervisionPeer Group, an extension of Journey Partners,are: Sister Joan Duerst, the Rev Ann Whitaker,Jane Watts, Gay Yerger, the Rev Diane Harms,the Rev Sherry Johnson, and Richard Freis.

Henderson

Dr. Bob Donald

By Molly WadeLutheran Services in

America awarded one of theirannual “Awards forExcellence” to LutheranEpiscopal Services inMississippi. The theme forthe 2008 awards - TakingRisks for the Future - recog-nizes that today’s challengesrequire multi-faceted solu-tions.

Lutheran EpiscopalServices in Mississippi washonored for “CollaborativePartnerships” by LutheranServices in America for itsRealtor Relief Fund. LutheranServices in America (LSA) is an alliance between the Evangelical Lutheran Church inAmerica, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and their social ministry organizations.Almost 60,000 Mississippi Gulf Coast renters were made homeless by Hurricane Katrina.

Jill Schumann (left), President and CEO of Lutheran Servicesof America (LSA) and Suzanne Gibson Wise (right), Chair ofthe LSA Board of Directors present Mike Huseth, CEO ofLutheran Episcopal Services in Mississippi, the nationalaward of excellence for Collaborative Partnerships.

Lutheran Episcopal Services in Mississippi receives national

award of excellence

Jane

Wat

ts, p

hoto

2 The Mississippi Episcopalian

OUR DIOCESEFaithful

Departedby Catherine Johns

We wait. I think weprobably spend half of ourlives waiting-in line at thegas pump; for someone toreturn a telephone call oranswer an email; for thecheck to be, not in the mailbut in the mailbox. Then wewait for the more importantthings to happen: to get the

degree; for the right person to come into our life; tofind the right job (or for it to find us); to get a housebuilt; or for the courage to take the great leap of faith,abandon all of our encumbrances and be exactly whowe’ve wanted to be and do precisely what we’ve reallyalways wanted to do. How do we wait? Rudely, anx-iously and irritably? Or calmly, patiently and quietly?

As I pondered this meditation, I was reminded:A lot of waiting happens in T. S. Eliot’s “Murder in theCathedral.” The women of Canterbury wait-uneasilyfor the return of the Archbishop from France; theking, whom we never see but whom we hear alludedto, also waits-agitatedly-for the Archbishop’s home-coming. The Archbishop himself, Thomas Becket,waits-peacefully-for those he knows will come to killhim.

I have always loved that play. Having read itmany times, acted in it and directed it, I know most ofthe lines and certainly the story and the emotion itevokes. So it is quite natural that the many “waits” Irecall from the play should come to mind as I contin-ue my study of mysticism, my exploration of theFeminine Divine and my preparation for the HolyLeisure silent retreat at Gray Center in August. In thatendeavor, I have been reading Sue Monk Kidd’s Whenthe Heart Waits and The Dance of the DissidentDaughter. You know her work: The Secret Life ofBees, The Mermaid Chair. She is an extraordinarynovelist and an even better writer of spiritual non-fic-tion. She talks of the “Prayer of Waiting,” likening it toentering the chrysalis, which the caterpillar spins andfrom which the butterfly emerges. She writes of “wait-ing” for God to pray and of “waiting” for transforma-

tion. It is the contemplative way, the way of calmingthe soul.

During the summer, while we continue to wor-ship and pray, our normal parish activities frequentlytake on a more leisurely pattern, allowing us to “wait”a bit for the return of the more hectic life of theschool year; to spend time with family; and to travel.

That is true in your newsletters, although I findexcitement in many of your summer offerings.

The June 1 newsletter from St. Mark’s,Gulfport, says “Occupancy (of the new church) isimminent!” Now that is a “wait” worth waiting for! It isone that is accomplished, that signals the beginning ofa new day. So congratulations and all good wishes tothe “Marksists!”

Elsewhere, as I write this, Vacation Bible Schoolis getting under way with summer-like themes such as“Rainforest Adventure” (St. Peter’s by-the-Sea,Gulfport, and All Saints, Tupelo) and “Beach Party”at St. Paul’s, Columbus. VBS at St. John’s, OceanSprings, is scheduled for late July and WonderfulWednesdays there are taking a break until mid-July.Creator, Clinton’s VBS theme is “Jungle Book.”Creator will also present “Fiddler on the Roof” inAugust. Love that one!

Holy Trinity, Vicksburg, is taking on its sum-mer Mission Project of supporting Haven House andthe Mississippi Preschool Literacy Initiative of WarrenCounty, through a golf tournament sponsored by themen of the parish, as well as refurbishing its ownpews through its “Pennies for the Pews” campaignwhich includes a fundraiser staffed by the Women ofthe Congregation. (No rest for them this summer!) St. James, Jackson, is doing Bizarre Book Studies inJune and July as they discuss Diane Schoemperlen’sOur Lady of the Lost and Found; Joan Didion’s TheYear of Magical Thinking; and Calvin Trillin’s AboutAlice. The last two, with love stories at their heart, areabout grief and loss-but don’t let that put you off. Weall experience it in one way or another, at one time oranother.

Holy Innocents, Como, had its annual parishpicnic June 1, preceded by a late afternoon service onthe lawn of parishioner Sharon McConnell. St. James,Greenville, was planning its 4th Annual Lobsterfest inmid-June.

NOTABLE QUOTES...“The church in the morning is dark...The candles

offer a more encouraging beauty than electric lightsever could...Something about lighted candles in achurch quiets the mind and stills the tongue, and theday begins with a certain hush, a quiet easing into theworld...In the evening, the sun lights the window inthe sanctuary, firing all its colors...You could leave thecandles unlit and nobody would notice. But we lightthem anyway. Lighting a candle to begin a set-asidetime for quiet contemplation, scripture and prayer is asignal. Do it often enough, and the very lighting of thecandle triggers prayer itself.” (St. Paul’s, Columbus,from Barbara Cawthorne Crafton’s website, www.gera-niumfarm.org.) “God meets us where our faith is andhopefully, our faith along with our love of God grows.As Christ walks with us, then runs with us, we are allstrengthened to be his disciples.” (St. Stephen’s,Indianola.)

“...The first half of the liturgical year takes usthrough the events of our Lord’s earthly life and min-istry, leading up to the great drama of his passion,death and resurrection, the ascension and the comingof the Holy Spirit...Now, in what has been describedas ‘the long green season,’ the emphasis shifts to ourresponse to God’s revelation in Christ Jesus.” (St.Paul’s, Columbus).

Finally, from Epiphany, Tunica, some humor:“If you look like your passport picture, you probablyneed the trip.” “Bills travel through the mail at twicethe speed of checks.” “No man has ever been shotwhile doing the dishes,” “Junk is something you’vekept for years and throw away three weeks before youneed it.”

The next time I write in this space, I will havemoved to a much more suitable place to wait for myown new house to be built.

Happy summer!

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

Continually published for 132 years in the Diocese of Mississippi

Official news organ of the Bishop and the Diocese of Mississippi118 N. Congress Street - P.O. Box 23107

Jackson, Mississippi 39225-3107

The Rt. Rev. Duncan M. Gray IIINinth Bishop of Mississippi

The Rev. Scott LenoirEditor

Notes & Quotesby Maria Watson

Anne Christman Mills, 67, com-municant of St. John’s, OceanSprings, died February 13, 2008.

Elmer “Lee” Johnson, 76, commu-nicant of St. John’s, Ocean Springs,died March 17, 2008

Dorothy Ross, 85, died April 22,2008. She was a communicant ofSt. John’s, Ocean Springs.

Barry Craig Davis, 24, died April26, 2008. He was a communicantof Church of the Nativity inGreenwood.

Jo Carol Bledsoe, 43, died May 7,2008. She was a communicant ofSt. James’ Church, Greenville.

Troy Lenear Luna, 89, communi-cant of St. Timothy’s, Southavendied May 9, 2008.

Emma Christine OverbyThompson, 94, died May 11, 2008.She was a communicant of St.James, Jackson.

James “Butch” Knight, 65, diedMay 12, 2008. He was a communi-cant of St. John’s, Ocean Springs.

Charles Henry Harrison, Jr., 86,communicant of St. James’,Greenville died May 23, 2008.

June 2008

The Mississippi Episcopalian 3June 2008

OUR DIOCESE

May 1 – Appointment in Hattiesburg has me upearly. Had planned to continue on to the coastfor a meeting with representatives fromEpiscopal Relief and Development, but plansneeded to change. I returned home in the after-noon and spent the afternoon catching up onsome correspondence and preparing a sermon.

May 2 – Gather with people from across thestate for Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast at theMississippi Telecom Center. Work with staff inthe morning on a variety of matters. Spend timeat the Health Department getting the necessaryvaccinations for my trip to Uganda this summer.

Travel to Gray Center in the afternoon foran appointment.

May 3 – Spend the day with the Commission onMinistry at Gray Center. Much of our time isused to begin a conversation on the leadershipneeds of the church in the next decade. Veryenergizing conversation.

May 4 – Annual visitation to the Chapel of theCross, Madison. During two worship services inthe morning I preach, celebrate, confirm 21 andreceive 1. Between services I teach an adult classon the history, theology and current practice ofthe episcopate. Wonderful reception followingthe service that includes a Celtic band and gor-geous spring weather. Visit with the rector, theRev. Alston Johnson briefly afterwards.

In the afternoon travel to Gray Center forregular meeting of the Post OrdinationConsultation. I thoroughly enjoy my time withthese newly ordained clergy and deeply appreci-ate this ongoing reflection and formationprocess that is so ably led by the Rev. CanonDavid Johnson and the Rev. Sylvia Czarnetzky.

May 5 – Day off. Spend much of the day with mygranddaughter, Harper.

May 6 – In office all day.Staff meeting in the morning. Afternoon appoint-ment with seminarian, Ms. Judy Morris. In theevening I joined Kathy in a home communionservice and dinner with members of St. Andrew’sat the home of Wayne and Ouida Drinkwater.

May 7 – Morning appointment with an aspirantfor holy orders. Extended telephone appoint-ment in the afternoon with staff of EpiscopalRelief and Development to discuss future part-nership efforts in Mississippi. We have been sup-ported enormously by ERD and the thousandswho have made contributions to this specialministry.

Late afternoon leave for Forest where I cel-ebrate and preach at the 25th anniversary of thefounding of St. Matthew’s. This small, butvibrant congregation worships in a small house,wonderfully converted to a beautiful and inti-mate worship space. Overflow crowd thatincludes clergy who formerly served St.Matthew’s. I linger late into the evening enjoyingdinner on the grounds and rich conversationwith these good and faithful folks.

May 8 – All day at Gray Center where I convenea gathering of clergy and General Conventiondeputies to reflect with me on the proposed

Anglican Covenant being considered across theAnglican Communion as a means to providesome structure to our common life. Very gooddiscussion on the merits and shortcomings ofthe present draft document.

Afterwards, I meet for a time with the Rev.George Woodliff.

May 9 – Early morning session with our chancel-lor, Granville Tate and Canon McCormick. Inconsultation with other All Saints’ School own-ing bishops a decision is made to sign a contracton an option to buy the school. Very emotionalmoment for me.

Morning appointment with Mr. VanBankston. Working lunch with leadership ofCursillo movement to reflect on Cursillo #115and plan for the future.

Late afternoon session with the ReverendChuck Culpepper.

May 10 – Diocesan confirmations at St.Andrew’s. I preach, celebrate and confirm 15persons from five different congregations gath-ered from around the diocese. This pilgrimageto the Cathedral for spring and fall confirmationsis becoming an important part of our commonlife. I so appreciate the Cathedral rediscoveringits ministry to the wider church.

May 11 – Annual visitation to St. Andrew’sCathedral. Participate in two services. At the firstI preach and celebrate. After a reception in thecourtyard I preach, celebrate, baptize 1 and con-firm 15 adults at the later service. Signs of newlife abound here at St. Andrew’s.

Afternoon with family on this Mother’s Day.

May 12 – Fly out early for my continuing educa-tion work with colleague bishops. Assorteddelays make me considerably late in arriving inunprecedented rainstorm in Washington, D.C.Spend afternoon and evening with colleaguesand instructor.

Overnight at Virginia Theological Seminary.

May 13 – Breakfast with Peter and Giulianna,then drive into Washington for next continuingeducation session. After we finish our work atnoon I drive out to Silver Spring for a visit withmy father-in-law, Alan Whittlesey.

Return to Jackson in the evening.

May 14 – Breakfast with staff and chancellor ofthe Diocese. Morning appointment with wardensof St. Alexis.

Spend most of the day with the reorganizedFinance Committee of the diocese. My hope isthat by combining much of the work of variouscommittees with this single body and giving itnew authority in the budgeting process andrenewed oversight responsibility that it mightplay a vital role in the ministry of the diocese.This meeting that lasts most of the day consistsof orientation in the various financial aspects ofthe diocese.

Late afternoon appointment with Ms. ClelieMcCandless.

May 15 – Travel to Gray Center for regularThursday meeting of the Gray Center staff. Aschair of the Gray Center Board I am trying to

familiarize myself with as much of the operationof Gray Center as possible.

Strong rain during the morning exposesconsiderable leakage in our house. Return hometo clean up.

Noon meeting with the MississippiReligious Leadership Conference. Afternoonappointment with the Rev. Rosa Lee Harden.

May 16 – Morning in the office. StandingCommittee meeting begins with lunch. Lateafternoon appointment with the Rev. PaulPradat.

May 17 – Join with the Diocesan Altar Guild fortheir annual meeting at the Church of theCreator, Clinton. The ministry of the Altar Guild,so often unnoticed and too little appreciated, isan extraordinary one within the life of any con-gregation. I so appreciate their faithfulness andcommitment.

At the close of this meeting I preach andcelebrate at the eucharist.

May 18 – Annual visitation to St. James, Jackson.I preach and celebrate at both morning services.At the earlier service I baptize 5 and at the lateservice I confirm and receive 50. That is a realworkout for me!

A reception between the services gives me achance to visit with many who have been drawnto the Episcopal Church through the dynamicministry at St. James.

Good day of celebration as I also bless thefirst building in the congregation’s major renova-tion project.

Drive to Gray Center in the afternoon formeeting with the permanent staff for this sum-mer’s camping program.

May 19 – Day off. Spend time with my grand-daughter.

May 20 – After a breakfast meeting with DeanO’Connor of St. Andrew’s Cathedral I begin ashort “vacation” that will include attending grad-uation exercises at Virginia TheologicalSeminary, participating in Mississippi Day at theWashington national Cathedral and being a partof the wedding of our son, Peter and GiuliannaCappelletti.

May 21 – Kathy, Tabitha and I leave forWashington. Some anxious moments with airlinereservations, but we arrive in Washington late,none the worse for wear. Along with my motherand father we will be staying with Dean Lloyd ofthe Washington National Cathedral, his wifeMarguerite and son Gabriel.

May 22 – Graduation at Virginia TheologicalSeminary. Graduates include Mississippi semi-narian, Ms. Annie Cumberland who has beenassigned to the Cathedral, Peter and his fiancé,Giulianna. Brief visits with other Mississippians,Mr. Jody Burnett and Mr. Chris Robinson whoare helping to facilitate the various logistics forgraduation.

Honorary degrees are given to ourPresiding Bishop and the Most Reverend DanielYak, new Archbishop of the Sudan. Tabitha getsto spend some time with the Archbishop and hiswife. She is very excited.

May 23 – Last minute wedding plans are takencare of. I take the groomsmen and a few others

to a baseball game in the evening at the newWashington Nationals stadium.

May 24 – Wedding rehearsal and luncheon atthe Cathedral College. Beautiful spring day.

May 25 – Mississippi Day at the WashingtonNational Cathedral. I am the preacher for theservice, the celebrant is retired Washington bish-op, the Right Reverend Jane Holmes Dixon(Winona, MS) and the host is Dean Sam Lloyd(Canton, MS). Very large crowd includes severalhundred Mississippians. Glorious morning.

Immediately following the service we drivedown Connecticut Avenue to St. Margaret’sEpiscopal Church, where I preach at Peter andGiulianna’s wedding. My father is the officiant.Wedding reception is back at Virginia Seminaryin Alexandria. An even more glorious afternoonand evening!

May 26 – Memorial Day. A day of rest andremembrance. I spend some prayerful time inthe Chapel of Remembrance in the WashingtonNational Cathedral, a space dedicated to thosewho serve in the military.

In the evening Kathy, Tabitha and I takefriends to Annapolis, Maryland, one of Kathy’schildhood locales.

May 27 – A day of exploration in Washingtonwith friends.

May 28 – Tabitha and I visit the SudaneseEmbassy and are very warmly received. Bychance we also meet the Episcopal Church’s pri-mary missionary to Southern Sudan who has teawith us and the Embassy’s Consul.

Afternoon spent in Washington. Kathy,Tabitha and I fly out in the evening and arrivelate in Jackson.

May 29 – Back in the office. Appointment in themorning with an aspirant for holy orders. Annualconsultation in the afternoon with the Rev. ChanOsborn de Anaya and the Rev. RosemaryFoncree.

In the evening I ordain Cathy Halford tothe vocational diaconate at St. James, Jackson.Cathy’s work in the prisons is witnessed to bythe large number of non-Episcopalians attendingfrom the Kairos prison ministry.

May 30 – Canons McCormick, Johnson and Ispend the day at Gray Center in our quarterlyplanning retreat.

May 31 – Participate in Cursillo Fourth Dayworkshop through much of the day at St.Philip’s, Jackson. Large turnout and great spirit.

In the evening I have dinner at the home ofthe Rev. Jane Alexander with the Rev. Dr. PhilipCulbertson, our pastoral care conference leader,and others.

The Bishop’s Journal

Have you remembered

God in your will?

Call

the Rev. Kyle Dice-Seage

Planned Giving Officer.

601-948-5954

June 2008

OUR DIOCESE

4 The Mississippi Episcopalian

Ring Around the CollarOne of my mid-life avocations was becoming an actor in Community

Theater. It was very rewarding and I developed a fairly impressive resume.However, there were folks in my congregation, as well as in the audience, whowondered at the propriety of a priest being an actor. Although I was always care-ful not to take roles which would demean either the church or the priesthood,there were still those whom I could not convince that this was just the way Ichose to spend the spare time part of my life. The following was written by theRev. Patrick Sanders of St. James’ Church, Greenville. He plays in a “much indemand” band, professionally. The essay addresses the life vs vocation of the priesthood. My Job, My Life

This past Tuesday my band played at Hal and Mal’s in Jackson. Great gig, great turn out, great time.The difficult piece was getting there on time, the two-hour drive being the thing between vestry meetingand opening song. (A big thanks to the members of the vestry for allowing me to leave a few minutesearly!!) I bolted from the church, drove straight to Jackson, dropped Skye off with GeeGee, we drove toHal and Mal’s, we pulled in the parking lot, I walked in, plugged in and played. I didn’t even have time tochange shirts. I was still wearing my jet-black clerical shirt.

This was a significant realization for me because my job and my life had intersected in a way I hadnot anticipated. I know I’m a priest and that I should act like one, but do they? Following our set, theconversations I had with folks quickly turned to the fact that I was a priest in a band. Why was that so hardfor people to make sense of, I wondered? No hard and fast conclusion, but I imagine it is just somethingpeople aren’t used to, the intertwining of the world and the church. Here’s the thing. I am a priest, blackshirt or not, ALL THE TIME.

In fact, I am a Christian ALL THE TIME. Certainly, I can expect the expectations people have ofpriests (and Christians) to interrupt my day to day operation as a human being, but it is those times whereI find my Christianity interfering with my life that I should scrutinize the most and adapt my behavioraccording to what I find.

My love for God and my dedication to God’s will for God’s people should change my life. It shouldchange yours. The question is, “what should change?” Well, we can start by examining those times whenwe try to forget momentarily that we are Christians for our own benefit. The decisions we make should beheld under the light of the Gospel and its message of example, generosity, charity and service. Remember,this is not just our religion it’s our life.

Peace, Patrick

For some reason, I devour post-apocalyptic books. It may bemy Scottish sense of balance, of crime and punishment. Or maybeit’s just the adventure. At any rate, any book that begins with theend of the world grabs my attention.

In fact, a recent issue of BOOKLIST, our book review maga-zine, had a section that focused on the apocalypse, and after. I had read six of the ten.

EARTH ABIDES. A CANTICLE FOR LEIBOWITZ. THE PESTHOUSE. ALAS, BABYLON.LUCIFER’S HAMMER. If a book opens with the end of the world, I want to read about the dayafter.

Interestingly, the list in BOOKLIST began with the Bible, King James Version. According tothe critic, the Revelation of Saint John the Divine is the ultimate vision of the apocalypse and theday after; be steadfast and endure.

Alas, most readers are either intimidated by Revelation or else they regard it as the prophecyof our own days. If your view or the view of your class reflects this, you may want to check outHOW TO READ THE BOOK OF REVELATION.

By Denny Allman

A-V Center Newsby Janet C. Nail

EAT THIS BOOK: a reviewI recently read a book which is one of the

most exciting, provocative books I have everread about the Bible. I refer to Eat This Book:A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading(Eerdmans Publishing, 2006) by EugenePeterson, the author of the translation of theBible known as The Message.

In chapter 2 of Eat This Book, Petersonwrites, “God does not put us in charge offorming our personal spiritualities. We grow inaccordance with the revealed Word implantedin us by the Spirit.” [p. 15]

Yet Peterson acknowledges that in ourcountry, both inside and outside the church,we do seek to form our own personal spiritu-alities. We have our own “text”, and “...the‘text’ that seems to be most in favor on theAmerican landscape today is the sovereignself...It has become characteristic of our bur-geoning, contemporary spirituality in its vari-ous manifestations to take the sovereign self astext.” [p. 16]

Peterson knows that many Christianshave and read Bibles: “Not that Christiansdon’t own and read their Bibles. And not thatChristians don’t believe that their Bibles arethe word of God. What is neglected is readingthe Scriptures formatively, reading in order tolive.” [p. xi]

Peterson advocates the ancient method ofreading Scripture known as lectio divina, a

fourfold way of reading a particular passage:“lectio (we read the text), meditatio (we medi-tate the text), oratio (we pray the text), andcontemplatio (we live the text).”

What lies behind this ancient method ofreading is the conviction that the reality withinScripture is a greater reality than the world weinhabit-the world of politics, economics, cul-ture, work, home, and play; that Jesus Christ isalive and can be encountered through thesesacred texts; and that it is truly possiblethrough reading Scripture in this manner tohave the Holy Spirit form Christ in us. We arethen transformed from the inside out.

All of this rings very true to me. IfChristianity is true-if Jesus is really risen andalive, then I trust him to have chosen a trust-worthy manner of communicating himself tome, a way without endless deconstructionsand reconstructions of a text which he has pre-sumably inspired and blessed.

I have grown weary of approachingsacred texts “from above” as if it is some thingto be dissected and evaluated based upon mycriteria, and so I believe him when he said,“Come to me, all you that are weary and arecarrying heavy burdens, and I will give yourest.” I want Christ inside of me, and I trustthe method that he has chosen to make thatpossible: the Bible.

By George F. Woodliff III

The Mississippi Episcopalian guidelines for submissions

If you wish to submit articles or pictures to the paper please have your submissionturned in by the first Tuesday of every month for publication in that month. A paper will bepublished every month with God’s help and the help of motivated writers and photographersin our diocese.

Send all submissions to the Rev. Scott Lenoir at the diocesan office or email Scott atslenoir1@comcast.net. If you wish to query Scott about a story please contact him by emailor call 601-856-8234.

We wish to have stories of local and diocesan-wide interest as well as national storieswith local tie-ins. Please use quotations where possible.

Photographs are welcomed! We accept prints and digital photos. Please shoot for facialrecognition. A wise editor once said, “We don’t need to know what one’s shoes look like.”Also, please send the names of the people in the picture.

Regarding digital pictures attached to emails (jpegs): please send jpegs that are at least1 MB in size. This size is larger than what most people shoot on a daily basis. Adjust thecamera to a higher quality setting and you’ll be okay. The reason for this is that printmedia needs the higher resolution for quality reproduction. There are ways to send verylarge picture files if your server doesn’t allow the transfer of the picture you took. Call Scottfor more info about that.

Regarding the Faithful Departed: upon the death of a communicant please sendCatherine Johns at the diocesan office the full name of the departed, age, date of death, andany particular information concerning his or her church life (vestry/mission committeemember, altar guild, founding member, delegate to Council, etc.).

MSE address updates are done on an ongoing basis. Please submit all address correc-tions and additions to Emily Everett at eeverett@dioms.com.

Thank you to everyone who contributes to the Mississippi Episcopalian. When yourchurch has a special project or event that you consider noteworthy: we want to know aboutit. Encourage writers and photographers in your church to send us the news!

June 2008 The Mississippi Episcopalian 5

OUR DIOCESE

So Sing a Song of IonaBy Debo Dykes

“So sing a song of Sarah, to laughter she gave birth; and sing a song to Tamar, who stood forwomen’s worth; and sing a song of Hannah, who bargained with her Lord; and sing a song of Mary,who bore and bred God’s Word.” (Iona Abbey Worship Book)

Iona is said to be a “thin”place where the Divine con-sumes one’s heart and soulwith a vision of immense long-ing. This past month, I shareda journey into the mystery andhistory of this small island, agem in the frigid waters of theIrish Sea, with six womensojourners, all seeking thedivine feminine, the veraicona, “true image” of God.

For nearly ten days,Jennifer Deaton, Rwth Ashton,Priscilla Pearson, Louise Dillon,Becky Williams, Patsy McCartyand I walked in the footsteps ofmany who have lived, workedand worshiped on Iona for over6000 years. We were nourished as we shared an agape feast each day in the ruins of the thirteenthcentury Benedictine Nunnery, and felt exhilarated by the presence of so many women, who for 800years devoted themselves to a spiritual life of prayer and contemplation.

Although I mentioned there were seven of us, there was another pilgrim we carried. Her namewas Rachel. She was 21 years of age. She and her mother had lived in Meridian, MS. Rachel walkedwith us each day on the green fields and grassy meadows, the rock riddled shores, the juicy bogs, andthe moorland abounding in heather. It was Rachel’s request to return to Iona where she would befreed to embark beyond the thin vale that enshrouds Iona and continue her journey. We gathered onthe bank at St. Columba’s Bay and celebrated Rachel’s life. Each of us poured Rachel’s ashes into thesea. We paused in silence, listening to the rocks sing a capella as the sea bathed each brilliant coloredstone now adorned with Rachel’s presence. We were aware that in every smallest particle of matter,this utterly alluring gift of human compassion fuels our souls as we bear witness of the unveiled gift oflife and glory.

“So sing a song of Anna, who saw Christ’s infant face; and sing a song of Martha, who gave him foodand space; and sing of all the Marys, who heeded his requests, and now at heaven’s banquet, areJesus’ fondest guests.” (Iona Abbey Worship Book)

The Brookhaven Separate School District cooperates with the volunteer driven ministry by trans-porting members of special education classes to the riding center located 13 miles east of Brookhavenevery Friday during the school year.

At the beginning of the year Freedom Reins volunteers meet with special education teachers andgo over each student’s Individual Educational Plan.

“We try to coordinate with the teachers on learning goals for each student while initiating them tothe benefits of Equine Therapy,” said Henderson, a native of Brookhaven.

The program also includes children from King’s Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven andthere are a few private lessons offered to area families.

Twenty to thirty children experience the Freedom Reins program every week during the schoolyear. The children have a range of disabilities from autism and Muscular Dystrophy to hearing andvision impairment.

Henderson began the ministry five years ago with her friend, Becky Green, also of Brookhaven.Charles Lofton became involved with the program after seeing the positive effects it had on his threechildren who have special needs.

Henderson, Green, and Lofton are Certified Therapeutic Rider Instructors, a designation receivedfrom Mississippi State University.

Freedom Reins has a herd of six horses and also several miniature horses which are part of theprogram. The miniatures are not ridden, but often provide a link for a child who might be afraid of fullsize horses.

“Besides riding, the children learn to groom, clean hooves, and lead them on halters,” saidHenderson. She added that each child receives permission from a physician before learning to ride.

Freedom Reins’ property,which is owned by Henderson,borders a beautiful part of theFair River where children takenature walks and play on thesand bars.

“They learn and discovernew things that broaden theirhorizons. But, the most amaz-ing discovery is realizing theyhave capabilities they neverknew they possessed,” saidHenderson citing a little boywho utters his first word at 8years old.

Henderson’s life is a busyone, jammed with appoint-ments and counseling ses-sions, but Fridays belong toFreedom Reins where she andher friends volunteer theirtime to bring a better life tospecial needs children andtheir families.

Contributions toFreedom Reins are taxdeductable. To learn more,log on to the Freedom Reinswebsite at http://www.free-domreins-swmstrc.org/

Dr. Anne Henderson at the Dixie National Horseshow with aFreedom Reins Rider.

These Freedom Reins students were independent riders and won rib-bons and awards at the Dixie National Horse Show this year.

By Alice SkeltonStephanie Deithelm,

Children’s Christian FormationDirector at All Saints’ EpiscopalChurch, Birmingham, AL andformer parishioner of St.Andrew’s, spoke at St. Andrew’sCathedral in Jackson on Sunday,April 27th.

During the Sunday schoolhour, Stephanie spoke to amulti-generational group ofinterested parishioners concern-ing her personal journey withThe Catechesis of the GoodShepherd and its importance toour children and the wholechurch.

Christian Formation Director visits St. Andrew’s

Jennifer Deaton, Becky Williams, and Rwth Ashton at the sea shoreon the Isle of Iona.

Freedom Reins,Continued from page 1

Kim Sewell (left) and Ruth Fletcher (right) Co-Coordinators of theCatechesis of the Good Shepherd at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, withStephanie Deithelm (center).

Debo Dykes, photo

PARISH LIFE

June 20086 The Mississippi Episcopalian

Delta Churches observe Rogation SundayBy Fonda Lundin

On Sunday, May 18th, Rogation Sunday was observed at the home of Mrs. Rickey Moore, Cary, Mississippi.Congregations from Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church, Rolling Fork, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Hollandale andSt. Thomas Episcopal Church, Belzoni; friends from Baptist and Methodist congregations of Cary and Rolling Forkwere in attendance on this the 26th year the Moore’s have hosted Rogation Sunday. The Rogation service thanksGod for creation, for agriculture, aquaculture and cultivation of all living things. In addition the service celebratedthe Holy Trinity. The Rev. Ed Lundin preached, celebrated communion, and blessed seeds and feed with more than60 people in attendance. They were honored by the attendance of the Reverend Clifton McInnis, former rector ofChapel of the Cross and his wife, Percy and son Clifton. The Reverend Ed Lundin was recently appointed rector ofthe Chapel of the Cross, Rolling Fork and St. Thomas, Belzoni. He and his wife, Fonda live in Rolling Fork.

Several men from St. Philip’s, Jackson enjoyed a long weekend camping on Mt. Nebo near Russellville,

Arkansas in May. Pictured on top of Mt. Nebo, left to right, are: the Rev. Tom Slawson; Randy Keng;

Bill Buhner; Lester Hailey; Glynn Bradshaw; Rusty Smith; Bill Burke; Lee Lewis; Jim Carrington;

Brian Bullard; Guy Bowering; and Kirk Hill.

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

Nativity GroundbreakingSunday, May 11th a much anticipated moment in the life of the Episcopal Church of the Nativity in Greenwood

finally came to pass with the blessing of the ground marking the official beginning of the construction of Nativity’snew parish center.

The parish center will be built between the Rose Building and a youth building on Howard St. in downtownGreenwood.

The constructioncrew arrived on time May12th and are well under-way with this long-planned project madepossible by the generosi-ty of Nativity parishionersand many friends of thechurch.

Structures Committee Chairman Dale Riser breaks ground as the Rev. Matt Rowe, rec-tor of Nativity Church, Greenwood and Jr. Warden John Doty Porter look on with ahost of Nativity communicants.

Nativity Blessing: Nativity Verger Jim Barrett, leads acolytes Michael Lucas, JosephineHoward, Aden Avant, Angus Harper and the Rev. Matt Rowe in procession around theconstruction as communicants prayed for God’s blessing on the site, the project, andfor the safety of those who will build the new parish center.

Fonda Lundin, photo

Cooks and servers for the St. Mary's, Lexington ecumenical Mature Senior's Monthly Luncheon

pause for a brief moment in the kitchen. Pictured left to right are: Harriett Lenoir, St. Mary's;

Gene & Norlenia Austin (First Presbyterian, Lexington); Bill & Beth Warrington (First Baptist,

Lexington); Gloria Flanagan, Jr. Warden, St. Mary's; Beverly Nichols, Sr. Warden, St. Mary's.

June 2008

OUR DIOCESE

The Mississippi Episcopalian 7

The first week of the 2008 Camp Bratton Green sessions kicked off May 27th. TheRev. Brian Seage, Camp Director, and Camp Coordinator Sarah Williams help withthe Jr. High check-in.

Session 1 at Bratton-Green sported an interactive competition between campersand a Council of Wizards to see who would be elected head of the Wizards. Thetheme for the Jr. High Camp involved politics, economics, and should, according toPermanent Staffer Wil Oakes, “ forge a lesson about community with each otherthrough the metaphor of the Wizard story.” Wizards left to right: Lloyd Gray(Permanent Staff), Merry Barnes (Permanent Staff), Matthew Dewesse (PermanentStaff), Anne Marie Hall (counselor), Scott Davis (counselor), Katie Walsh (coun-selor), Wil Oakes (counselor).

Mississippi Day at the National Cathedral

Fifteen people from across the Diocese were presented for confirmation at St. Andrew’s Cathedral on May 9th.Confirmed were: (left to right) Jamie Bennett , St. Mark’s, Jackson; Joecephus Martin, St. Mark’s, Jackson;Quanikki Martin, St. Mark’s, Jackson; Susan Micelle, Trinity Church, Hattiesburg; Robert Cox, Trinity Church,Hattiesburg; James Washington, Sr. St. Mark’s; Leanna Owens, St. Mark’s, Jackson; Ricky Bingham, St. Mark’s,Jackson; Bonnie Houser, Church of the Ascension; Dave Brandon, Church of the Ascension; Michael Harbart,Church of the Ascension; Barbara King, St. Luke’s Brandon; Debbie Barrick, St. Luke’s Brandon; CarrollMcDaniel, St. John’s, Laurel ; Edie Davis, St. John’s, Laurel.

Bishop Duncan Gray, III ordainedthree candidates to the SacredOrder of Deacons, Saturday, June7th at St. Andrew’s Cathedral. TheRev. Catherine Rickett (left) isassigned to be Deacon in Chargeof St. Stephen’s, Columbia and St.Elizabeth, Collins; the Rev. PeterGray is appointed Curate for theHispanic Apostolate at St. Anna’s,New Orleans; and the Rev. AnnieCumberland is Curate at St.Andrew’s Cathedral, Jackson.

Josh Pugh carries the banner of TheChurch of the Redeemer, Biloxi for theMississippi Day Service at theNational Cathedral. The Building aNew America (BANA) Fellows CurtisWilliams and Adrian Walker follow inprocession. The BANA group traveledfrom Mississippi Day in D.C. toBoston, MA with the Rev. Jane Beardento do a little reverse relief work. Moreon this extraordinary story in nextmonth’s Miss. Episcopalian.

Bill McClarty, Dawn Flannes, Bishop Gray, III

Penn and Norma Owen with the Rev. David Johnson

Margaret McClarty, George Penick, Norma Owen, Ben Bradbury

The annual Mississippi Day at the National Cathedral was attended by many from the diocese. A reception was held for those attending.

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8 The Mississippi Episcopalian June 2008

EVENTS

By Alice Skelton

“The slight catch in Holley’s voicecan break your heart,”Time Out New York

On Friday evening, May 30th, Claire Holley,Jackson native, returned to St. Andrew’sCathedral in downtown Jackson for the launchof her new CD - Hush. In October of 2005,Claire and Caroline Herring, also a Mississippinative, performed at St. Andrew’s and releasedLive at Saint Andrew’s in December of that sameyear. Opening to a crowd of 160+ for Claire waslocal performer and attorney, Eric Stracener.

This album is all about home and comfortright down to the actual recording. Ensconcedin the comforts of a friend’s living room inGlendale, CA, with an upstairs bedroom servingas the control room, Claire recorded this newcollection of songs. Holley asked longtime pro-ducer John Plymale to helm the sessions: “Iknew this was going to be a quiet record,” shesays, “and I felt very protective of the songs. I

wanted them to be recorded in a comfortablesetting by someone I really trusted.”

While featuring some of the finest musi-cians on the West Coast, the songs on Hush payhomage to Holley’s roots back South. The albumfeatures locals, Greg Leisz, whose pedal steelswims in the opening track, Don Heffington,whose restrained touch on the drums shines on“Simple Meals;” and Kate Higgins who adds jazzpiano to Holley’s voice on “Stars Fell onAlabama.”

Though Holley savors the funky vibe of herSilverlake neighborhood, her songs still draw onher talent for southern storytelling. The haunt-ing narrative of “Wedding Day” hints at somestrange event unfolding, while “Go Away Now”shines a light into one of those dark inner placesof the self. In “Visit Me,” Holley relishes thequiet and the simplicity of a remote Alabama cot-tage; in “Another Day” the beauty of seeing theworld through a child’s eyes. “Simple Meals”pays homage to domestic comforts, while“Leaving This Town” gives voice to a restless-ness, a desire for adventure.

In addition to the release ofHush, Holley has been at workcomposing music for an independ-ent film, The Fence, due out laterthis year. Two of her songs haveappeared on ABC’s Men in Trees,and she was nominated by the LAWeekly for Best Original Music forthe songs she wrote for See RockCity, a play by Arlene Hutton thatpremiered in Los Angeles in 2006.Holley will be touring this summerin support of the new release.

A native Mississippian, Holleyspent several productive yearsabsorbing the rich variety of musicin North Carolina, where she gar-nered national acclaim with tworeleases from Chapel Hill’s Yep RocRecords. Her self-titled debut and aprevious collection of hymns titledSanctuary were featured on NPR’s WeekendEdition with Liane Hansen. A move to LosAngeles soon followed, and the birth of a son.

If you’d like a copy of Hush, please contact:claire_holley@hotmail.com or call 323-632-4230

Claire Holly with Eric Stracener at St. Andrew’s Cathedral.Alice Skelton, photo

LIVE!Claire Holley performs at St Andrew’s Cathedral Jackson, MS

w/special guest Eric Stracener

Pictured are the 2008 Summer Bishop’s Mission Corps members (left to right): Chris Hanna, LaurenceWainwright, C.J. Meaders (leader), Natalie Walden and Andrew McClarty.

Bishop’s Mission Corps returns to Grace, Canton

By Jim LadnerThe Bishop’s Misson Corps, a group of young people who live at Gray Center for six weeks under the

Rule of St. Benedict, has begun its third summer there. The group is led this summer by C.J. Meaders, III. C.J. has just completed nine months of life under

Benedict’s Rule while in Aberdeen, MS. The group members this summer are Andrew McClarty, Chris Hanna, Natalie Walden, and Lawrence

Wainwright. They will be working in Canton three mornings a week at Grace Church with the Adolescent Offender

Program. They will also worship at Grace while in Canton. We welcome the Bishop’s Mission Corps once again and give thanks for their ministry among us.

The Rev. Dr. Philip Culbertson leads clergy at the Pastoral Training Conference at Gray CenterJune 2nd.

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June 2008

OUR DIOCESE

The Mississippi Episcopalian 9

The Reverend Harold F. Roberts received his Doctor ofMinistry Degree in Congregational Development from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in Chicago on Friday May 16th.The title of his thesis was, Out of the Deep: Leadership andRecovery of Congregations Following Hurricane Katrina. Fr.Roberts has a Masters in Divinity from Trinity College, Toronto(1973) and a Bachelor of Arts from Richmond College, Toronto(1970). He is also a graduate of the Executive DevelopmentProgram of York University, Toronto (1990) and the Educationfor Ministry Program of the University of the South at Sewanee(2004).

Fr. Roberts has been Rector of the Episcopal Church of theRedeemer, Biloxi since March of 1997. He moved to the GulfCoast from Diocese of Toronto where he had served for twenty four years. In 1991 Fr. Robertswas named an Honorary Canon of St. James Cathedral. He also served as an Honorary Aide. deCamp to five Lieutenant Governors of Ontario over an eighteen year period from March 1979 toFebruary 1997. He retired as a Major from the Forty-Eighth Highlanders of Canada (CanadianForces Reserve) and was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration in 1978.

Rector of Church of the Redeemerreceives doctorate.

The Reverend Harold F. Roberts

Third annual Spiritual Renewal Retreatoffered in August

By John Lever

The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi and the DiocesanCommittee on Ministry with Gay and Lesbian Persons arepleased to announce the third annual spiritual renewal retreat.The retreat will be held at Gray Center 22-24 August 2008.

The Rev. Brad Hinton, Rector of St. David’s EpiscopalChurch in Wilmington, Delaware, will lead the retreat. Fr.Hinton is known as a lecturer, teacher and discussion leader. Hehas served the Diocese of Delaware as VP of Council, the Chairof the Recovery Committee, and as a deputy to GeneralConvention.

The theme of the retreat will be “Without a Map: the jour-ney for full inclusion into the Church.” Participants will consid-er the ramifications of the rambling journey. Through personalanecdotes, study of biblical passages, silent reflection andshared experiences participants will find room to rejoice inrecent gains while considering their own potential status as spiritual landmarks.

Registration begins at 6 p.m. on August 22nd. The retreat ends after lunch on Sunday. To register online log on to www.dioms.org and click on News and Events, Diocesan Events or con-

tact the Rev. Debo Dykes at debo@dioms.org . You may also call The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi at601-948-5954.

In addition, registration brochures will be sent to all parishes and missions. For general informationregarding the retreat you may call The Rev. Janet Ott, 601-214-0700 or John Lever, jalever@live.com

LESM Award, Continued on page 9

In June 2006, it became apparent that neither federal nornot-for-profit dollars had been designated to rehabilitaterental property. With the support of The MississippiAssociation of Realtors LESM created a new program to assistwith the repair of affordable rental property.

Rehabilitated properties were made available to thoseliving at or below median income at pre-Katrina rates. Firefighters, police officers, teachers, and those who could nototherwise afford to leave FEMA trailers were able to receiveaffordable rental housing assistance.

LESM recognized the need for change and took a huge risk with landlords. LESM made another boldmove by asking volunteers to work on rental property. The risks paid off!

LESM rehabbed 16 houses/units at an average cost of under $10,000 each. Once this process provedto be a success, LESM received an additional $500,000 in funding from the National Association of Realtorsto continue the Realtor Relief Fund. “LESM is profoundly grateful for this investment from REALTORSaround the country who contributed to this fund which made this program possible.” said Michael Huseth,CEO, Lutheran Episcopal Services in Mississippi.

LESM heard the Lord’s call and responded with a unique program that has made a significant differ-ence in the recovery on the Gulf Coast.

For more information, please contact:The Rev. Molly M. WadeDirector of CommunicationsLutheran Episcopal Services in Mississippi601-352-7125 or mwade@lesm.org

The Reverend Brad Hinton

OUR DIOCESE

June 200810 The Mississippi Episcopalian

Editor’s Note: I ran across the piece belowwhile cleaning up files on my computer. It isfrom Holy Cross Monastery in West Park, NewYork. The Order of the Holy Cross is aBenedictine community within the EpiscopalChurch. Several years ago one the members,Brother Robert, shared some reflections in anewsletter on prayer which he found helpful inthis own prayer life. Brother Robert now residesat Holy Cross’ Mt. Calvary Retreat House andMonastery in Santa Barbara, California.Brother Ronald Haynes is in charge of theAssociates of Holy Cross in West Park. TheAssociates of Holy Cross are persons who liveunder the Associates Rule,which they adapt andinterpret in consultationwith a member of thecommunity or theirSpiritual Director. Inthis way the rule can betailored specifically toone’s life and circum-stances.

Getting started in prayer whenprayer doesn’t come easy

1. Pray as you can, and don’t try to pray as youcannot. Take yourself as you find yourself.

2. The only way to pray is to pray, and the way topray well is to pray much. The less one praysthe worse it goes.

3. If you have no time to pray much, at least prayregularly.

4. If you must put up with the fact that when youdo try to pray, you can’t seem to get into it,then let your prayer consist of telling this toGod.

5. Begin wherever you find yourself. Make anyacts you want to make and feel you ought tomake, but do not force yourself into feelings ofany kind.

6. You can’t get rid of the worries of this world orthe questionings of the intellect, but you canlaugh at them. Laugh at yourself and thenthink of God. In the simple relation you havewith God by prayer, it is though you are in thecenter of a wheel where the noise of therevolving circumference does not matter.

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

June 2008

OUR DIOCESE

The Mississippi Episcopalian 11

By Bill Horne

Got our Hogs Hoppin’ at Gray Center!

By John Fontaine

If you haven’t been to GrayCenter since the first of the yearyou’re one of a smaller groupthan usual this time of year! Ithas been a wild ride and a goodtime for all as we’ve hostednational groups like theDeacons Conference, CREDO (aChurch Pension Group retreatfor clergy), and The Gatheringof Leaders (clergy from all overthe nation with interest in ournational church’s future) as well asour own Friends Weekend and one of the largest CursilloWeekends in many years. It is truly our greatest hour when ourclient numbers swell like this! And this is just the tip of what elsehas been going on at Gray Center.....

We are, of course, gearing up for camp today - by the timeyou read this we will be in full swing! - and it’s going to be anotherbig one. We already have three or, maybe, four sessions with wait-ing lists, though we still have room for all ages at this time. TheRegular Camp #6, from July 29 - August 3, for youngsters whohave finished 3rd and 4th grades, still has a good many open-

ings..... call Sarah at 601-859-1517.In the last 18 months Lee Lewis and a corps of

helpers have planted over 100 trees of varying sizesand they are flourishing this year. If you’d like yourown tree at Gray Center, send us $25 and we’ll plantone for you (map included at no extra charge).

Up on the rise where we built the labyrinth arethe remains of an old silo. With a generous gift fromAll Saints Church, Grenada, we are converting thisinto a bandstand or gazebo. It should be ready for theBishop’s Barbeque. And at the camp we’ve mademany improvements with the help of legions of menworking on our Men’s Work Weekends. Their mostrecent project has been recently completed: a con-crete walkway from Cabin #1 to the boat dock. Thiswill facilitate the transport of our wheelchair boundSpecial Campers to the dock for lakeside fun.

We’ve kicked off our Special Events Program withbirthday parties, hosted entirely by our staff. Indoors and out-doors, winter and spring, rain or shine, we’ve got daytime andovernight slots available. Call Sarah or Grace and see what theymight arrange for your group. Standard and custom pricing avail-able.

We’re excited about the year and we hope you will join us forone or more of the many activities and events planned at the GrayCenter (www.graycenter.org)

“St. Surplus is building a new sanctuary” was reported some years ago in The Church News-predecessor of The Mississippi Episcopalian (the name of the church has been changed here to pro-tect the guilty).

Ever since that report, it’s been tempting to attempt to correct this misnomer with some suchpedantic prattle as: “must be a very small congregation. They’ll grow and add the chancel and navelater?”

However, when the dominant religions of the region are non-liturgical, with no formal serviceor prayer book, there’s no need to define the spaces in a church. It’s all perfectly and properly a“sanctuary.”

The dictionary definition is: “a sacred place of worship; part of the church where the altar isplaced; a place of protection to criminals, debtors, etc.; shelter.”

One size fits all! The Episcopal Church fits the definition of “where the altar is placed.” Next,before it, is the choir or chancel and then the nave where the congregation sits. “Nave” is from theLatin for “ship.” Many of our churches look like upside-down ships where we are embarked togeth-er on the “sea of life.”

What about that “protection to criminals, debtors, etc.”? In Medieval times, if a fugitive couldreach a church altar, he was safe from persecutors. Is that still so? A wide choice of sermon subjectsfor all you pastors and preachers.

However defined, a “sanctuary” is always a sanctuary; though Episcopalians, in most cases needa chancel and nave for liturgical services. Only the area around the altar do we call the “sanctuary.”

A “sanctuary” is always a sanctuary

Bill Horne

CREDO participants enjoy good food at Gray Center.

Calling all church musicians, choristers, and clergy who want to have agreat time singing and learning about Church music and liturgy!

It’s not too early to put a plug in for the 33rd annual MS Conference onChurch Music & Liturgy. This year it runs from July 29 through August 3. Theconference meets at the Duncan M. Gray Center.

The conference attracts church musicians and choristers from all overProvince IV and beyond (including New York, Nevada, and California). Inaddition to rehearsing for two services (Evensong at St. Philip’s and a closingSunday morning Holy Eucharist at St. Andrew’s Cathedral), conferees attendpractical workshops on a variety of topics, including service playing, musician wellness, and vocal tech-niques.

This year’s faculty includes the Rev. Susan Anderson-Smith, co-founder and chaplain of Imago DeiMiddle School in Tucson, Arizona; Michael Kleinschmidt, Director of Music and Organist of Trinity Church,Copley Square, Boston; and Michael Messina, Director of Music at Trinity Episcopal Church and Organistof St. Richard’s School in Indianapolis. The theme for this year’s conference is “Transforming Your Worldas Performer, Teacher, Pastor, and Prophet.”

The conference also features a Clergy Day on Friday, August 1 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.Continuing education credit will be given for clergy who register and attend.

The Rev. Dr. Bryan Owen, Canon for Parish Ministry at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, has participated as aconferee for the past three years, and this year will serve as chaplain for the conference.

“It’s a fun, informal way to learn more and gain a deeper appreciation for the music and liturgy ofthe church,” said Owen who added that one doesn’t have to be a musician or even know how to readmusic to get a lot out of the event.

For registration and other information on the MS Conference on Church Music and Liturgy and regis-ter, you can go to this website: http://www.mississippiconference.org. Or you may call the Rev. Dr. BryanOwen at (601) 354-1535, ext. 129, or e-mail him at bowen@standrewscathedral.org.

The Mississippi Conference onChurch Music and Liturgy

June 200812 The Mississippi Episcopalian

EVENTSDIOCESAN CALENDAR

JUNE 200815Bishop Gray visits:• Creator, Clinton - 10:30 a.m.

18• Deacons’ Council meeting, Allin House -11 a.m.

20-26• Camp Bratton Green Regular Session 3(5th-6th grades)

22Bishop Gray visits:• St. Francis, Philadelphia - 10:30 a.m.

25• Executive Committee, St. Andrew’sCathedral, Jackson - 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

26-28• Diaconate Discernment Committee

27-29• Camp Bratton Green First Camp (1st-2nd grades)

29Bishop Gray visits:• St. John’s, Leland - 4:00 p.m.

JULY 2008

1• Deadline for submittal to TheMississippi Episcopalian

2-8• Camp Bratton Green Regular Session 4(5th-6th grades)

4• Allin House closed in observance ofIndependence Day

7• Gray Center Executive Committee, GrayCenter - 2 p.m.

10-12• EfM Basic & Formation MentorTraining, Gray Center

11-17• Camp Bratton Green Special Session 2(ages 36>)

16-August 6• Lambeth Conference

17• Mississippi Religious Leaders’Conference - 12 noon

21-27• Camp Bratton Green Regular Session 5(7th-9th grades)

29-August 3• Music and Liturgy Conference, GrayCenter• Camp Bratton Green Regular Session 6(3rd-4th grades)

AUGUST 2008

5• Deadline for submittal to TheMississippi Episcopalian

6-9• Commission on Ministry

7-9• EfM Basic Mentor Training, Gray Center

8• Standing Committee meets, Gray Center- 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

8-10• Center for Formation & Ministry - “HolyLeisure”: Silent Retreat & SpiritualDirection, Gray Center

9• Gray Center Board Meeting, GrayCenter - 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

10Bishop Gray visits:• St. Paul’s, Hollandale - 6 p.m.

12• Dean’s meeting - Allin House11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

15-17• Center for Formation & Ministry -“Sacred Vessels”: Healing our SpiritualWounds conference, Gray Center

16• Bishop’s BBQ, Gray Center

17Bishop Gray visits:• St. Paul’s, Picayune - 10 a.m.

22-24• Center for Formation & Ministry -“Without A Map”: Spiritual Renewal forGay and Lesbian Persons & Friends, Gray Center

28-30• KAIROS

29-30• Healthy Congregations Meeting, St.Andrew’s, Jackson

Sponsored by St. Timothy’s, Southhaven$100.00 per player

Includes lunchBlessing of the Putters for a mystical 18

Many contests & prizes Money raised goes to area charities

Play Big Red call Joe: 1-800-238-3028 ext 226

Red Stoles Golf Tournament

Once again, Grace Church in Canton hosted over 100 vendors onthe church grounds during the bi-annual Canton Flea Market. Thechurch itself was open to the public. Organ and piano music wasplayed along with a good measure of gospel music. The Graceparish hall was available for those who need a place to rest.

Jane Jones, Becky Watford

Grace women provide help with hosting vendors and guests visitingthe church (left to right) Gwen Buffington, Lois Booth, HollyDerickson, Anne Meydrech and Barbara Ladner

Sunday, June 29th1:30 p.m. Wedgewood Golfer’s Club

Olive Branch, MS

MS Conference on Music & Liturgy

July 29th - August 3rd

GRAY CENTERTo register call

The Rev. Bryan Owen

601-554-1535, ext. 129

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