June, 2011 • Volume 136, Issue No. 6

By Scott Lenoir

First it was the storms of April and May that destroyed Smithville and otherareas in north Mississippi, particularly Clay County, then the flood waters came.

Tornado warnings throughout the south and mid-west became nightlyevents for awhile with high death tolls and mounting destruction.

The most horrific loss occurred Sunday, May 22 inJoplin, Missouri. The National Weather Service reportedthat Joplin was hit by the single deadliest tornado onrecord killing 123 people.

FEMA is even busy in Massachusetts assessing stormdamage from a rare tornado that struck Springfield inearly June.

The flood waters also came. The Mississippi Rivercaused the displacement of over 4,000 people inMississippi most of whom still have not been able toreturn to their homes as of this writing.

“Tornadoes are usually unexpected, but we knewthe flood waters were headed our way,” said the Rev.Carol Spencer who co-chairs the Disaster Preparednessand Relief Team for the Diocese of Mississippi with theRev. Scott Lenoir. “We were able to identify and help afew people who needed to move. “

A total of six families in Yazoo and Sharkey Countyreceived help from volunteers at Chapel of the Cross,Madison and St. Andrew’s Cathedral. The parishes sentwork crews to pack and move families to higher ground

prior to the predicted crests. The Mississippi Disaster Relief Fund established by Bishop Gray and admin-

istered through the diocese continues to receive generous donations which willbegin being disbursed very soon.

“We are so grateful for the generosity of the many parishes and individuals

who have contributed to this fund,” said Bishop Gray. Gray noted that one gift from the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana

was for $10,000. “Western Louisiana’s wonderful gift, and all of the gifts we havereceived, will go a long way to getting families affected by the storms and floodback on the road to a better life,” said Gray.

Many churches in the diocese figured out ways to respond to the multipledisasters which hit the South so hard this spring.

According to the Rev. Susan Crawford, St. James’ in Greenville served lunchto people bagging sand on the levee and at different spots in and aroundGreenville.

The Rev. Josie Williams, Deacon at St. Alban’s, Bovina said that the churchserved dinner several times for residents at a Red Cross shelter in Vicksburg.Also in Vicksburg, the Rev. Denny Allman reports that St. Mary’s has been collect-ing cleaning supplies, rags, and towels. The church drops off their collection atthe United Way in Vicksburg which will distribute the supplies to those needingto clean up after the water goes down.

Computers and TVs have been collected by the Rev. Judy Morris for stormvictims in Smithville. Judy Morris’s extended family in Smithville was particularlyhit hard and many in the diocese have come to the aid of the Morris family. TheRev. Paul Stephens has been networking with other churches and agencies tobegin a rebuilding program for those who lost their homes due to the EF5Tornado that destroyed Smithville.

As reported in May’s issue of the MSE, St. John’s, Laurel teamed up in acommunity effort and sent truck loads of relief supplies to Smithville andTuscaloosa, Alabama. A third truck was sent to Joplin, Missouri.

Like many other parishes, St. Peter’s By-the-Sea, Gulfport gave financially tothe relief fund, but also lent their disaster relief trailer to All Saints’, Tupelo forcontinuing work in Smithville. St. Peter’s received the disaster relief trailer forhurricane relief work. It bears the name “JC and the Carpenter Guys” and waspulled all over the Coast during the aftermath of Katrina.

Relief and recovery efforts continuein wake of floods and storms

A crew from St. Andrew’s Jackson stopped work long enough totake a picture. The group was moving the Sonny Baskin familyfrom the rising waters in Yazoo County.

Relief and recovery efforts,Continued on page 8

By Scott Lenoir

The Mississippi Museum of Art is now the site where the oldTrailways bus station in downtown Jackson used to be. Fifty yearsago the bus station was the place where the Freedom Riders werearrested and jailed.

On the site of the old bus station, the Diocese of Mississippibegan its Day of Repentance and Reconciliation with a processionto St. Andrew’s Cathedral. According to Bishop Gray III, the sin ofracism has manifested itself in slavery, segregation, and “a quitecontemporary complacency that sought to assure us all was well.”

In his sermon during the service, Bishop Gray III said thatmany people asked him about the need to confess acts and eventsin a distant past. “Why is it not possible just to move on?” theyasked.

“I would love to move on,” said Gray, “I would love for mypast to be less a burden than it is.”

Gray cited that over his years in parish ministry, mental healthprofessionals would often refer clients back to him as a priest.These clients were people who had talked as much as they couldand gleaned as much as they could glean from their time in thera-py sessions. The thing that was needed was sacramental.

“The next step required a confession to God and His Church.There is a burden that our sin forces us to bear until it is broughtinto the light and presented to God. The Church’s sacrament - the

reconciliation of a penitent - is designed, not to force us towallow in our sin, but to be healed and forgiven that wemight step into our future without the debilitating burden ofour past,” said Bishop Gray.

Gray acknowledged that reconciliation is not necessari-ly the product of repentance. “Our repentance and amend-ment of life does not demand, or manipulate God, into anact of forgiveness. Forgiveness, reconciliation, is always a giftof grace freely given by the offended one who gives up thedemand for retribution and justice. Repentance opens us tothe possibility of reconciliation, but reconciliation is possibleonly when all are willing to pay a price.”

Also remembered by the Bishop were those whohelped lead the way to a more just society. “As we, theEpiscopal Church, confess our complicity in the sin ofracism, it is important to praise God for those who havebeen instruments of redemption within this church - achurch that is both broken by its sin and filled by God’sgrace.”

Gray remembered Laurence Jones, the founder of what isnow The Piney Woods School; James and Willie Raspberry whofounded the Okalona School in Chickasaw County; the historicallyblack Episcopal Churches in Mississippi that were founded at theturn of the 20th century; the Rev. Ed Harrison who defended theFreedom Riders from the pulpit at St. Andrew’s Cathedral and who

Gray noted “paid a great vocational, emotional and spiritual price.“And there was a fellow named Gray- a relative of mine-

whose capacity for grace and forgiveness was in my view thesource of his courage and witness.

“We need not be afraid of acknowledging our failures. Whenhumankind had done its absolute worst - nailing Love incarnate ona cross ... When humankind had failed its ultimate test - then andnow God saves ... God redeems ... God heals.”

Day of Repentance and Reconciliation observed in diocese

The procession from the old bus station in Jackson to St. Andrew’sCathedral took place May 21st and began the Day of Repentance andReconciliation for the Diocese of Mississippi.

Jim Ca

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2 The Mississippi Episcopalian

OUR DIOCESE

June 2011

I really don’tknow why it strikes meat this moment andtime, but as I have readthe newsletters fromacross the state it hasdawned upon me thatmost parishes are mov-ing into the “summer

slowdown.” Some are cutting the number ofservices for the summer months; many choirsare taking the summer off; many church schoolclasses for youth and adults have been put onhold until next fall; and it is generally acceptedthat attendance and revenue both will be lower.

As penned by The Rev. Ann Whitaker,Creator, Clinton, “Pondering over the last fewmonths, I am recognizing how tired we are as acommunity. Our modern mantra seems to be‘I’m tired.’ Summer is here; school is out andsunny days abound. It is time to live Sabbath.Sabbath keeping is really about building ourrelationship with God. Summer is the time toenjoy God’s creation: beach, gardening, swim-ming. It is time for reading God’s word. It istime for us to grow together even as we claimour rest.”

I write this as I anxiously await a yearly tripto the beach with a couple of the grandkids,knowing that I will have to find someone to fill-in for me on assigned activities during that peri-od. It is easy to say to myself that “I deserve afew Sundays off because of all the activities thatinvolve my time and presence during the rest ofthe year. I am claiming my rest. Yet, I findmyself perplexed about why churches, and notjust the Episcopal churches, accept the “summerslowdown” as an acceptable event in church life.

In writing about the children’s activitieswithin her parish, The Rev. Helen Tester,Mediator, Meridian, recently said, “Churchdoesn’t take a ‘summer vacation.’ Our children

continue to need structure and maintain a con-nection with their church during vacation.Summer programming is much lighter, but wecontinue to have events for kids.”

Her first sentence strikes a chord. “Churchdoesn’t take a summer vacation.” Even morethought provoking is the fact that “God nevertakes a vacation. He is always there for us whenwe need Him.” What if we got down on ourknees and prayed for His help only to have arecorded message informing us “I’m tired andam taking a few weeks off. Please get back to meafter my vacation.”

To our lay leaders and clergy, I urge you toinsure that the “summer slowdown” in yourrespective parishes doesn’t leave someone with aneed hanging until “after vacation.” This iswhere we need to flex our creative thinking todevelop programs and activities that meet theneeds of our communities year-round.

In a recent newsletter from Grace Church,Canton, an unattributed on-line story was print-ed. Entitled “Why Go to Church,” the storyrelates how an energetic and successful businessman was complaining that it made no sense tohim to waste his hard earned day off by going tochurch every Sunday. “I’ve gone for 30 yearsnow,” he said, “and in that time I have heardmore than 1,500 sermons. But, for the life ofme, I can’t remember much of any of them. So,why go? I think I am wasting my time by beingthere, and what’s more, the ministers are wast-ing their time by giving sermons at all.”

Another equally successful parishioner lis-tening to this responded quietly, “I’ve been mar-ried for 30 years now. In that time my wife hascooked probably more than 10,000 meals -sometimes three in one day. But for the life ofme, I cannot recall her entire-balanced mealmenu plan for a single one of those meals. But Ido know this, they all nourished me and gaveme the health and strength I needed to do mywork. If my wife had not served me those nour-ishing meals - if I had eaten junk food instead - Iwould not enjoy the good health I do today. Infact, I might even be physically dead. Likewise, if

I had not gone to church each week, eventhough I cannot remember exactly what wasserved, I would be spiritually malnourished, per-haps even spiritually dead today.” Thank Godfor our physical and spiritual nourishment.

Regardless of what time of the year it mightbe, we all need to seek our spiritual nourish-ment, while our respective parishes need toinsure that such nourishment is available year-round.

Some of the ongoing activities around theDiocese include the Living Well Series at St.Philip’s, Jackson. This program is all aboutinformation and support. Living Well means liv-ing in God’s grace, facing facts, asking for guid-ance and growing into the glorious human beingGod called into Creation. On the thirdWednesday night of each month topics such asfamily dynamics, legal instruments, hospice, pub-lic transportation, medical issues, care giving,housing alternatives and grief are covered. Thisis held in conjunction with the weeklyWednesday night dinner.

Another Wednesday evening event is theLadies Bible Study at Redeemer, Biloxi.Breaking Free by Beth Moore is a 10-week Biblestudy with themes from Isaiah - a book about thecaptivity of God’s children, God’s faithfulnessand the road to freedom. The program will showhow God’s truths are relevant in today’s time aswell.

Last month’s column listed Vacation BibleSchool schedules for St. James’, Jackson; St.Peter’s, Oxford; St. John’s, Laurel; Advent,Sumner; St. John’s, Ocean Springs; St. Paul’s,Meridian; and St. Philip’s, Jackson. Add tothat list Chapel of the Cross, Madison, June27- July 1, St. Peter’s by -the -Sea, Gulfport,June 6 - 9; All Saints’, Tupelo, June 20 - 24; St.James’, Greenville, July 10 - 14; Mediator,Meridian, July 11 - 15; and St. Marks, Gulfport,July 18-22. Apologies if I missed anyone!

Trinity, Hattiesburg will host a marimbaconcert as a part of The Hattiesburg FestivalSouth cultural event. Jason and His Marimba Gofor “Baroque” will be performed at Trinity onJune 9.

The ladies of Redeemer, Biloxi are beinginvited to participate in a Facial Fundraiser.They are invited to come and enjoy a relaxingfacial and see how Dr. Rodan-Fields’ award winning skincare can change the skin. There is a$25.00 fee for the facial, but all proceeds will goto the church.

St. Peter’s by-the-Lake, Brandon will hostthe “Honoring David Johnson Variety Show,” onFriday, August 19, 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. CanonDavid Johnson will kick off this event. This willstrictly be an amateur event. A $10.00 admissionfee is being charged with the proceeds goinginto the Discretionary Funds of the Rector,Curate and Deacon at St. Peter’s.

Quotes from around the Diocese includeone by The Rev. Wilson Webb, St. Stephen’s,Indianola who recently wrote, “Where there isno prayer, we become callous to the needs ofourselves and others. Prayer changes our lives.We don’t expect God to change, but expect thatwe will be changed. Prayer is not an escapefrom the real world, but an entry into it.”

The Rev. Susan Crawford, St. James’,Greenville, in reflecting on what the church

taught her, said, “All of this is to say that as wecelebrate Pentecost this year, let us rememberthat we are not so much members of a church aswe are the church. Wherever we are, whateverwe are doing, good or bad, we are the church inthe world. Let’s purpose to bring church toevery part of the culture.”

Coming back to the “summer slowdown”theme I addressed at the onset of this column,The Rev. Mary Berry, St. Matthew’s,Kosciusko, was using some creative thinkingwhen she wrote, “The summer is a good time toinvite someone to come and worship with you.Make a plan; look around the places of your lifeand pray, asking our Lord to bring to your atten-tion the person(s) you will invite.......Remembermost folks will not come just because you ask;you need to ask by offering to come by and pickthem up for church on a specific date and thenbring them....The key to all of this is prayer,before, during, and after your contact.”

In conclusion, All Saints’, Tupelo printeda list entitled “Nine Reasons for Going toChurch,” as penned by Theodore Roosevelt.

1. A churchless community, where peoplehave abandoned, scoffed at or ignoredtheir religious needs, is a community onthe rapid down-grade.

2. Church work and church attendance meanthe cultivation of the habit of feeling someresponsibility for others.

3. There are enough holidays for most of us.Therefore, on Sundays, go to church.

4. Yes, I know all the excuses. I know thatone can worship the Creator in a grove oftrees, or by a running brook, or in one’sown home, just as well as in a church. ButI also know as a matter of cold fact that theaverage person does not thus worship.

5. One may not hear a good sermon atchurch. One will hear a sermon by a goodman who, with his good wife, is engagedall week in making hard lives a little a littleeasier.

6. One will listen to take part in readingsome beautiful passages from the Bible. Ifa person is not familiar with the Bible hehas suffered a loss.

7. One will take part in singing some goodhymns.

8. One will meet and nod or speak to good,quiet neighbors. He will come away feel-ing a little more charitable toward all theworld, even toward excessively foolishyoung persons who regard church-going asa soft performance.

9. I advocate a person’s joining in churchwork for the sake of showing his faith byhis works.

Notes & QuotesBy Jim Carrington

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

ORDINARY CONCERNS

The Mississippi Episcopalian 3

April 12 - Staff meetings in the morning. Annualconsultations with the Rev. Kyle Seage and theRev. David Knight. Between these two sessions Ivisit with senior seminarian Mr. Van Bankston.April 13 - Travel to Memphis for personal busi-ness. Return home in the evening.April 14 - Spend time with my father interview-ing sitters for my mother. Family matters con-sume most of the day.April 15 - In the office all day working mostly oncorrespondence. Afternoon session with groupfrom St. Andrew’s Cathedral brainstorming waysthat we could deepen our relationship with theDiocese of Twic East in Sudan.

In the evening, receive a call from son Petertelling us that the arrival of our newest grand-child (and first grandson) was imminent. Throwa few clothes in a suitcase and drive to NewOrleans to await the birth. Overnight in the hos-pital.April 16 - Joseph Danilo Gray, son of Peter andGiulianna Gray arrives healthy and whole onSaturday morning. Thanks be to God!

Chose to stay in New Orleans for the birthand, thus, had to cancel my plans to meet withthe Diocesan Altar Guild in Gulfport. I knowthey understood!

Kathy and I spend the night at the home ofthe new bishop of Louisiana, the Rt. Rev. MorrisThompson and his wife, Rebecca, both nativeMississippians.April 17 - Attend Palm Sunday service at TrinityChurch, New Orleans, then spend the rest of theday at the hospital.

Life is sometimes too full to be contained inthis mortal body.April 18 - Monday in Holy Week - We say ourgoodbyes to Joseph, Peter and Giulianna andreturn to Jackson.April 19 - Tuesday in Holy Week - Staff meetingsthroughout morning. Afternoon eucharist, spendmuch of the afternoon with parents.April 20 - Wednesday in Holy Week - Morningappointment with aspirant for holy orders.Annual consultation with the Rev. MargaretAyers. Afternoon appointments with the Rev.Kathleen Potts and the Rev. Jennifer Deaton.Hospital call later in the afternoon.April 21 - Maundy Thursday - Morning at homewriting and reading. Join with other religiousleaders in the Mississippi Religious LeadershipConference in issuing a joint statement of con-science reflecting our deep concerns over threeimpending executions to be carried out by thestate correction system.

Afternoon in the office. In the evening I par-ticipate with the clergy and congregation in theMaundy Thursday liturgy at St. Andrew’sCathedral.April 22 - Good Friday - In the office in themorning. Join in the Liturgy of Good Friday atSt. Andrew’s Cathedral. With parents in the after-noon.April 23 - Holy Saturday - At home during mostof the day. Join with Cathedral congregation inthe evening for Easter Vigil as I baptize five inthis glorious service.April 24 - Easter Day - Celebrate the Eastereucharist at St. Andrew’s Cathedral. Afternoonwith family.

April 25 - Day off.April 26 - Staff meetings throughout morning.In the office all day. In the evening at St.Andrew’s, I host the first of several conversationswith young adults around the diocese. My hopeis to learn something from these conversationsthat will inform our training of parish and dioce-san leadership to more fully engage the lives ofthese young people.April 27 - In office in the morning. Drive to GrayCenter in the afternoon to begin preparationsfor Cursillo #120 where I will serve as one ofthe spiritual Directors.

Late afternoon, drive to Vicksburg for areception hosted at All Saints’ School for thenew national director of AmeriCorps and manyof the Washington, D.C. staff. Richard and SusanPrice are our wonderful hosts in the All Saints’rectory. This partnership between AmeriCorpsand the Episcopal Church is deepening in somany wonderful ways.

Back to Jackson in the evening.April 28 - Return to Gray Center to participatein Cursillo #120. We have a very large numberof people attending this Cursillo. The staff hasworked very hard in preparation.

I celebrate the staff eucharist in the afternoonand we begin to welcome the participants laterin the day.April 29 - Gray Center - Cursillo #120.April 30 - Gray Center - Cursillo #120.May 1 - Gray Center - Cursillo #120 ends withthe closing eucharist in the afternoon. Returnhome very tired, but most appreciative of thetime, energy and prayer offered by so many thatmade this Cursillo retreat so meaningful for itsparticipants.May 2 - Day off.May 3 - Staff meetings in the morning.Appointment with Rev. Craig Gates. Conferencecall in the afternoon regarding the College forBishops. Late afternoon session with Ms. JanetSchriver and Mr. George Winston, noted pianist,about project they are working on with Jackson-area schools to teach Mississippi music and thehistory behind the music.May 4 - Annual consultation with the Rev. HelenTester. Meet with staff at St. Catherine’s mid day.Afternoon appointment with Ms. CharleneEichelberger and Mr. Bubba Montgomery to dis-cuss the wonderful ministry of Camp Caritas.

Drive to Madison in the late afternoon for apresentation to the congregation on the“Challenges of Contemporary Culture as theNew Mission Field.” This was the presentation Imade at one of the Diocesan Council workshopsand I was asked to bring it to the parish level forconversation.May 5 - Most of the morning was spent on aconference call with a congregational develop-ment group from Province IV.

Afternoon appointment with the Rev.Margaret Ayers. Mid afternoon session with theRev. Bob Blanton, New Lutheran EpiscopalServices of Mississippi executive director.

In the evening I attended a social gatheringin the home of Mike and Dawn Flannes onbehalf of St. Andrew’s-Sewanee boarding schoolin Sewanee, Tennessee. May 6 - Morning visitation with family of Bill

McLarty who died earlier in the week. Joinedwith many others at funeral later in the week.Bill was a childhood friend and husband ofMargaret McLarty, long time leader in this dio-cese. “May he go from strength to strength in thelife of perfect service.”

Conference call regarding my work with theCollege for Bishops. Afternoon appointmentwith the Rev. Catherine Rickett.

In the evening, I join with the congregationof St. Christopher’s Church of the Ascension toformally launch their capital campaign to build anew parish house and upgrade their worshipspace. It is a very ambitious project that they aredeeply committed to.May 7 - Travel to Gray Center to meet with theDiscernment Committee for the VocationalDiaconate who discuss with me their thoughtsabout those they have interviewed who are dis-cerning a call to the diaconate.

Home in the afternoon.May 8 - Mother’s Day (aka the third Sunday ofEaster) is spent at St. Andrew’s Cathedral for myannual visitation. I preach and celebrate at theearly service. Later I preach, celebrate confirm26 and receive 2 in the context of a very largecongregation.

Kathy and I take a number of Sudanese tolunch to celebrate the graduation of Tabitha’suncle, James Lueth, from Mississippi College yesterday. A very special time.May 9 - Traveled with my father to Oxford inorder to facilitate his participation in a booksigning tour around And One Was a Priest, arecently released book about his life. We visitwith (great) granddaughters, then spend a cou-ple of hours at Square Books. Dinner with theauthor, Dr. Araminter Johnston and her hus-band. Overnight in Oxford.May 10 - Return to Jackson - Afternoon in theoffice. More book signing in Jackson.May 11 - Drive to Hattiesburg. Meet with theReverend Tom Slawson. Lunch with the Rev.Marian Fortner. Annual consultation with theRev. Susan Bear at her office at Ascension.

Late afternoon appointment with member ofcongregation at Trinity. In the evening I baptizeone, confirm five, preach and celebrate at theeucharist at Trinity. A blessing of a porte cocherealso takes place.

After reception return home to Jackson late.May 12 - Drive my father to Tupelo for a book-signing. My brother meets us and I immediatelyreturn to Gray Center where I spend some timewith the newly ordained vocational deacons inthe first of their Post Ordination Consultation(POC) sessions.

Dinner at Gray Center as the deacons of thediocese begin their annual retreat. I speak tothem during their opening session.

Home to Jackson.May 13 - Work out of my home in the morning.Join with Dr. Anita George for television inter-view in which we discuss the upcoming Liturgyof Repentance and Reconciliation at St. Andrew’sCathedral. Afternoon session with the Rev.Canon Bryan Owen to finalize the planning forthis liturgy on May 21.

Spend time in the evening at St. Columb’sparticipating in the first Bishop’s AnnualStewardship Summit (BASS). Good crowd forwhat will be an annual stewardship training and

resource event.May 14 - Out to Gray Center for a meeting ofthe Gray Center Board of Managers. Many goodthings are happening with this very special min-istry.

Just before lunch, I celebrate and preach atthe closing eucharist of the Deacon’s Retreat.

Lunch at Gray Center. In the afternoon Kathyjoins me to continue some remodeling projectsthat we have begun at Gray Center.May 15 - Two services at St. James’, Jackson formy annual visitation. I preached and celebratedat the earlier service, then preached, celebrated,confirmed 34 and received 2 at the later service.Great social occasions including lunch surround-ed the later service. Healthy and very vibrantchurch that has taken its place as a leader in thisdiocese.

Left Jackson and drove to Columbus for aservice at St. Paul’s. I confirmed five andreceived one in the evening worship. I also com-missioned 6 members of the Community ofHope as lay visitors to local hospitals and nurs-ing homes. After reception at St. Paul’s, I made itas far as Starkville where I spent the night.May 16 - Return to Jackson where I spend muchof the day trying to deal with a series of unau-thorized uses of my checking account. What aheadache!

Afternoon appointment with the Rev. EdLundin.May 17 - Breakfast with my Roman Catholic andMethodist Colleagues. Staff meetings throughthe morning. Afternoon visit with Jim Barksdale,then drive to Cleveland for good visit with thevestry and rector of Calvary Church.

Return home to Jackson late.May 18 - Morning appointment with Bill Horne,Executive Director of Gray Center. Appointmentwith Ms. Lyn Stabler, rising middler seminarianat Sewanee. Staff sessions over lunch then meetwith the Trustees of the Diocese most of theafternoon. Drive to Rolling Fork for a meetingwith the rector and vestry of Chapel of theCross.

Home late to Jackson.May 19 - At home in the morning working onSaturday sermon for the Liturgy of Repentanceand Reconciliation. Meet with StandingCommittee at lunch and through much of theafternoon.

Leave early from Standing Committee todrive to Como to join in a leave taking liturgywith the congregation of Holy Innocents andtheir rector, the Rev. Sam Godfrey, who hasrecently accepted a call to Christ Church,Vicksburg. A very special occasion as they cele-brated Sam’s fourteen years in Como.

Drive to Olive Branch to spend the night.May 20 - Breakfast with the Rev. Bruce Cheney.Later I meet with one discerning a call to holyorders. Lunch with the Mission Committee ofHoly Cross, Olive Branch.Personal business in Memphis in the afternoon,then drive to Clarksdale where I join with manyfrom the Community to give thanks for theMission and Ministry of St. George’s EpiscopalSchool which will be closing its doors this springafter serving students in Clarksdale since 1957.

Home to Jackson late.

The Bishop’s Journal

June 2011

Continued on page 4

OUR DIOCESE

June 2011

May 21 - Led our diocesan-wide liturgy forRepentance and Reconciliation at St. Andrew’sCathedral. In a worship experience that acknowl-edges both our church’s complicity in benefitingfrom our tragic past and our deepest hope for aredeemed and grace-filled future, our gatheringis both somber and joy-filled. We begin at thesite of the old Trailways Bus Station, scene of thelast leg of the Freedom Riders journey in 1961,to process to the Cathedral and make our offer-ing to God at the altar in the context of the HolyEucharist. A surprisingly large crowd joins us forthis very meaningful worship.May 22 - Drive to Canton for breakfast meetingof those I will later confirm at Grace Church. Atthe parish eucharist, I preach, celebrate and con-firm three. Reception follows. After lunch withfamily, I drive to Rolling Fork for several meet-ings.

Home to Jackson late.May 23 - Day off. Attend with my father a recep-tion at River Hills Club for the new ViceChancellor at Sewanee. Dr. John McCardal andhis wife Bonnie.May 24 - Staff meetings throughout the morn-ing. Annual consultation with the Rev. Bill White.Afternoon appointments with the Rev. EdLundin and the Rev. Alston Johnson.May 25 - All day in the office. Appointmentswith Mr. John Juarwel, Mr. Darden Wade, Mr.Ralph Maisel and the Rev. Deacon Cathy Halford.Annual consultation with the Rev. Wilson Webb. May 26 - Extended conference at St. Catherine’swith nursing staff and my father in the morning.Following the meeting, I take my father to aluncheon honoring the Freedom Riders’ returnto Jackson during the 50th Anniversary week.

Drive to Gray Center for dinner, eucharistand commissioning of the new Camp Bratton-Green Summer Permanent Staff. We are joinedby the directors of the Summer Camp in a very

special occasion. I so appreciate the many giftsoffered so freely for the special ministry of CampBratton-Green.May 27 - In office most of the day. Afternoonappointment with Mr. James DeDeaux.

Our granddaughters, Harper and Sadie joinus in the afternoon for a “sleep over.”May 28 - Out early to Gray Center with grand-daughters to participate in the Bishop’sBarbeque and its assorted festivities.

Not able to participate this year in the “HogJog.” Decided to give other competitors a chanceto win some prizes. However, I did try my hand(with little success) at the Fishing Rodeo. Myefforts to be Angler of the Year will have to waittil next year.

Nonetheless, not to be discouraged, EricCohen of the diocesan staff and I won thebronze medal in the cardboard boat regatta. Ericwas the designer and builder of the boat, theBish-ship, but he was forced to paddle with theboat’s namesake, a liability that was too much toovercome.

At the Silent Auction, I was also consistentlyoutbid on a number of items, so I consoledmyself with a beautiful day, great food, mar-velous entertainment and this special gatheringof our diocesan family. In truth, I could hardlyhave asked for anything better!

Kathy and I spend the night at Gray Center.May 29 - Celebrate and preach at the morningeucharist at the Gray Center Chapel; with manywho stayed over from the Bishop’s Barbeque.

Kathy and I decide to stay the evening atGray Center. The peace and beauty of this placeis remarkable restorative.May 30 - Memorial Day. Most of the day is spentat Gray Center - fishing and tending to manyyoung trees I have planted.May 31 - In office most of the day. Afternoonappointment with aspirant for holy orders.Drove to Canton for meeting with vestry and rec-tor of Grace Church as part of my annual visita-tion of last week.

The Bishop’s JournalContinued from page 3

4 The Mississippi Episcopalian

Mentoring Children for Tomorrowimpacts lives of area youth

By Tonja MurphyToday’s headlines about youth focus on violence, drugs, lost lives and underachievement. It’s no wonder. An estimated two million children between the ages of five and eighteen have a

parent behind bars. With the incarcerated population growing at a rate of 6% a year, the problem callsout for intervention.

Right here in state there are thousands of youth with one or both parents in prison. With rolemodels like that, is it any wonder these children get caught in the cycle of crime and incarceration?

There is a way to break the cycle and Mentoring Children for Tomorrow is making strides inrewriting that story.

Lutheran Episcopal Services in Mississippi’s Mentoring Children for Tomorrow (MCT) programprovides mentors for children of incarcerated parents. These at-risk children are 72% more likely toend up in the criminal justice system than other similarly situated at-risk children.

MCT specialists use their knowledge to match mentors and children who have the best chance ofbuilding a trusting long term relationship. Statistical markers measure the positive impact of the rela-tionship on the child. Local volunteers have reached out to provide young people with friendship andthe opportunity to have a positive role models. The results are startling and tell us that our youth arejust waiting for someone to point them in the right direction.

Intervention with a mentor creates a different story D’Angelo is 14 years old. On the first meeting with D’Angelo, the MCT program specialists took

notice of his introverted behavior as he often held his head down during the interview. However,when asked what would be the best part of having a mentor he thought for a little while before saying,“I would always have somebody to talk to that would listen to me.” After that statement his demeanorinstantly changed. MCT matched D’Angelo and Sally, a pastor and non-violent juvenile courts media-tor, in the fall of 2010. This was not the typical match. D’Angelo is an African American male and Sallyis a Caucasian female. Sally had this to say: “I think D’Angelo is absolutely wonderful! He truly is agreat child who really wants to do well.” Through the continuous support of his mentor and the pro-gram specialists, MCT has learned that D’Angelo is doing better in school. According to D’Angelo andhis mom, his grades are improving and there have been no more fights. D’Angelo says, “This was a per-fect match.”

MCT has seen success in not only matching children with positive role models, we have been ableto establish a partnership with the Attorney General’s Office to further identify children and volunteermentors. “Statistics show that children of incarcerated parents are 72% more likely to become involvedin the criminal justice system than other at risk children,” said Attorney General Hood. “But statisticsalso show that children with mentors have better school attendance and attitudes about school and areless likely to use drugs and alcohol. With some effort, we can make a difference.”

For more information on how you, your organization, or congregation can be involved, contactTonja Murphy. 601-352-7125 or email tmurphy@lesm.org.Tonja Murphy is the Director of Mentoring Services at Lutheran Episcopal Services in MS.

OUR DIOCESE

The Mississippi Episcopalian 5

When I was first ordained and in my first church one of my parish-ioners told me her five year old son wanted to ask me something. Sincewe only lived three doors away I told her to send him down. So thislad climbed up on my sofa and asked me “Fr. Denny, what is heaven?”This was one of those questions they had called “coffee hour questions”in seminary. Those that come at you out of the blue and you fumblearound for an answer. It is not always the “right” one. In his newslet-ter from April 2011, the Rev. Lee Winter, Rector of Resurrection,Starkville tells us about a recent experience he had with a “coffee hourquestion.”

Dear Folks, One of the parents in our parish was asked by their young child, “How old is God?” They happily

told them they would have to ask me... which they did on a Sunday morning. The only thing I couldthink to say - so, it came out of my mouth before I had time to stop since it was a very poor answer fora child at that age and actually not intelligible to us adults, either - was, “Older than time itself.” Ideserved the look that the child gave me.

So, I stammered on something about “Really, really old. Older than anything else.” I later thoughtthat might have made things worse depending on their image of a really old person. Young childrenare concrete thinkers and highly abstract ideas like God being everywhere or too old to count don’t doa lot for them. Truthfully, most of us adults just have to accept that there are things we can’t explain.We understand why we say God is everywhere or that God is older than time, but our finite minds thatwork in a universe of physical limits and linear time don’t really get such things either. Maybe childrenare simply more accepting of there being mysteries in life. Any of us adults who have lived through ourchildren’s 2 or 3 y.o. “Why?” stage should remember how quickly we run out of answers.

Children have a wonderful spiritual life if we listen and support them in their growing in faithand love. We pray at their baptism, “Give them an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to willand to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works,”(BCP, p. 308). Of course, their questions and the answers that work for them differ from their parents.Actually, I’m not entirely convinced that theirs are that different - we adults want very similar things inrelationships to the people and world about us but we often make it much more complicated than itreally is. To know we are known, loved, accepted, and that those are constant and trustworthy is prettybasic.

As we move through Lent, remember that our Lenten disciplines are not about making us feelguilty but removing those things that block us from knowing that we are known completely, loved per-fectly, accepted for who we really are, and that we can count on that to the end of time. That’s whatthe stories of God in Christ - Gospels / good news tell us.

I’m still worrying about a good answer to that time thing even though I imagine that the childwho asked had moved on by lunch that Sunday. Adults, huh!

Peace be with you!

By Denny Allman

Ring Around the CollarBy Nick Gault

School was only out for a fewdays before members of St John’sEYC in Ocean Springs left early onemorning for the sweltering heat ofnorth Mississippi to take part inrecovery efforts in Smithville. Thegroup and chaperones set home baseat All Saints’ in Tupelo, where, whennot working in Smithville, they tookadvantage of the wonderful hospitali-ty of Paul and Martha Stephens andthe EYC members of All Saints’.

Since the Elvis Festival wasongoing, the EYCs made playdateseach evening and ate, ran, chased,played, and rode every carnival rideimaginable.

The work in Smithville was hotand tiresome, but nary a complaintwas heard. The youth were certainlymesmerized by the mass demolitionthe tornado caused: from the mile-wide array of flattened homes, to thelarge dent in the water tower madeby a flying car. St John’s EYC member Mary Jane LeBlanc, granddaughter of St Johns’ Deacon JimLancaster, expressed her desire to help others and “experience life changing” events over the summer.

“I just wanted to cry, itwas heartbreaking,” sheresponded when asked firstimpressions of driving intoSmithville. When asked if shethought the work was worth-while, Mary Jane exclaimed,“Oh, yeah! Totally!”

St John’s EYC memberMax McGraw could only say,“How lucky we are.” And theMcGraws should know, as theirfamily and friends livedthrough the traumatic eventsof Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Max’s father, Tom, alsochaperoned the trip. Tom is aquiet guy for the most part,and recognized his quietnature was more evident dur-ing the trip “...because all thepeople I dealt with and thesuffering, unhappiness and total loss that I was confronted with as a Katrina Disaster Coordinator cameback.”

Reflecting back, he believes he never really processed the events of Katrina and how it affectedhim personally. “A lot of what I had repressed after Katrina came back and I had to look at it, thinkabout it, and process it.”

The work continues in Smithville as rebuilding efforts are beginning to take place. Soon, theUnited Way distribution warehouse will be converted to a building supply warehouse. Potential home-builders will be able to complete paperwork for requisitions to obtain building materials to help inconstructing their new home.

The kind, resilient, and compassionate nature of Mississippians (which includes a great number ofgenerous Episcopalians) continues to spread its wings across our beautiful state, as well as the UnitedStates and countries far and wide. It’s no surprise that Mississippi continually leads the country incharitable giving per capita. While the money is a wonderful acknowledgement, the amount of workoffered by our residents can never be calculated and is surely the reason for our continued resiliencein times of trial.

Nick Gault is a teacher in Ocean Springs and part-time youth minister for St John’s. He has beeninvolved in ministry as a youth member and youth minister across our diocese for over thirty years.

Bill King Bill YoungBlood

601-953-2847

Ocean Springs EYCerswork in Smithville

Pictured are members of the St. John’s, Ocean Springs, EYC whoworked in Smithville.

St John’s EYC members take a break from clearing a lot of adestroyed home to speak with the owner. The family, parentsand two small boys, escaped harm when the hallway theywere in was left standing while the rest of the home wasobliterated by the storm. It was the first home wrecked bythe tornado as it swept north on Highway 25 throughSmithville.

June 2011

Northern Convocation commits to CBG

Eight parishes and missions in the Northern Convocation of the Diocese have joined togetherto adopt a cabin for renovation at Camp Bratton Green. They include All Saints’, Grenada, Holy Innocents, Como, Epiphany, Tunica, St. George’s, Clarksdale, Holy Cross, Olive Branch,St. Timothy’s, Southaven, St. Peter’s, Oxford, and Christ Church, Holly Springs.

6 The Mississippi Episcopalian

OUR DIOCESE

On the occasion of his 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood, the Rev. Ray Goodman,left, at the altar, con-celebrates with the Rev. Paul Stephens at All Saints, Tupelo, May 15th. Fr. Goodman is a past rector of All Saints’, Tupelo where he and his wife, Shirley are active communicants. (Note: services are being held in the parish hall through the summer while repairsare made to the church’s pipe organ.)

Once again the ladies of the Mediator-Redeemer in McComb and Magnolia have brought the “HolyFish” ECW award home. It is really hard to beat these ladies. Front row L to R: Akiko Kamo, NorikoFaust, Virginia Pope, Mickie Hall, Debbie Dorman, Back row: Susy Sanders, Vickie Conn, KathyHolmes, Simone Sandifer, Angie Dorman, Morgan Ihlefeld, Noel Anders, Virginia Goza, Gail Ott, BetsRobichaux (Gwen Nichols not pictured).

Donna Harris of Trinity,Natchez signs her name as anOblate of St. JosephMonastery’s Annual Retreatheld at Gray Center. The Rev.Deacon James HenryLaBatard, St. Pierre’s, Gautier,also became an oblate of themonastery. Cynthia Low, St.Philip’s, Jackson and the Rev.Scott Lenoir at Chapel of theCross were received into theoblate novitiate. Look for afeature in the July issue of theMSE regarding clergy and laypeople who associate withmonasteries and what itmeans for them. Dr. Araminter Johnston, left, author of And One Was A Priest attended several book signings through-

out Mississippi in May with Bishop Duncan Gray Jr. Johnston wrote the book about the life andtimes of Bishop Gray.

Five transitional Deacons were ordained at St. Andrew’s Cathedral on June 4. The ordinands are standing with Bishop Gray III on the front row, left to right: Don Chancellor, Jr., Watson Lamb,Cleile McCandless, Seth Wally, and Van Bankston. Chancellor will serve Holy Innocents’, Como;Lamb goes to St. Francis, Philadelphia; McCandless to St. Timothy’s, Southaven; Wally as Chaplainat Ole Miss; and Van Bankston as curate, Trinity, Hattiesburg.

A group of participants in the first Bishop’s Annual Stewardship Summit go through an exercise iden-tifying motivations for giving or not giving during the conference hosted by St. Columb’s Church,Ridgeland, on May 13-14. Representatives of 15 congregations participated in the inaugural event.

Nathan Duncan/photo

June 2011

David Johnson/photo

June 2011 The Mississippi Episcopalian 7

OUR DIOCESE

Sudanese student Mangok Mayen stands with family and friends after his graduation at HindsCommunity College in Jackson last May. Mangok is the Sudanese Cultural Interpreter at CatholicCharities. Dr. Gregg Miller reports that the Sudanese community in the Jackson area has the highestgraduation rate of Sudanese refuges in the nation. In July MSE, look for in depth story of SudaneseCommunity and their lives in Mississippi as well as concerns for their home county.

Mr. Percy of the Jackson Zoovisited Chapel of the Cross,Madison with an assortment of critters including a PinkToed Tarantula which hasMajor Joe Hardman thinkingin terms of a strategic retreat.

Contact the Jackson Zoo about Mr. Percy’s traveling animal show. “Yeah we had fun!” A group of children gather around the gator at Chapel of the Cross,

Madison after the annual picnic for the Stewpot Community Services clients.

By Betsy Baumgarten

On Sunday, May 22nd mission congregations in the Delta gathered at the St. John’s Ruins in GlenAllen to celebrate Rogation Sunday. Members of St. John’s Leland and St. Paul’s Hollandale organizedthe service to celebrate the goodness of God’s creation and to offer up prayers for the right use of itsresources.

This year’s service was especially poignant because of local flooding and drought conditions.Many farmers showed up to have their dirt and crops blessed along with seeds and soil from home gar-dens.

Because of the fear of flooding, a bag of mud from one of the levees was brought to be blessedand prayers were offered up for all people who have been working hard to keep the levees safe andstrong.

Members of the larger Delta community joined the service and enjoyed a delicious potluck lunchat a local parishioner’s home after the service.

The Rev. Betsy Baumgarten is vicar of St. John’s, Leland and St. Paul’s Hollandale.

As happens in parishes across our diocese this time of year, graduating seniors are honored. Picturedabove are graduates who are communicants of All Saints’, Tupelo. From left are Buddy Fletcher,Harris Kirkpatrick, Katelyn Alford, Fr. Paul Stephens, Madeline Alvis, Isabel Gray, and Nathan Oaks.Not pictured is Molly Johnson.

St. James’ in Jackson held its annual confirmation service on May 15th. A class of 37 adults andyouth were confirmed by Bishop Gray III.

Delta Missions Celebrate Rogation in the midst of Flood and Drought

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8 The Mississippi Episcopalian

OUTREACH

June 2011

By Scott Lenoir with excerpts from the Starkville Daily News, written by Colleen McCarthy.

After reading Bridges Out of Poverty by Phil DeVol, the Rev. Deacon Lynn Phillips Gaines beganworking to organize an effort to bring the author to Starkville so that local and state leaders couldbegin to organize a way to address the needs of the poor among us.

Phillips Gaines, a Certified Financial Planner in Starkville and a Deacon at Resurrection EpiscopalChurch, was quoted in the Starkville Daily News regarding the program she advocates. “To me, whatBridges Out of Poverty is about, is not an issue of the strong helping the weak. It’s where we gettogether with people who are in poverty to understand where they’re coming from, the situations theyface, and to ally with them so that we can help them make the changes if they make them, if we needto make them.”

One problem, she said, is that people don’t realize how big an issue poverty has become inOktibbeha County and the state. The poverty rate statewide is 20% according to the U.S. CensusBureau. In Oktibbeha County the rate stands at 31%.

According to DeVol, “Poverty is a huge economic cost. If spending money could fix poverty, wewouldn’t be spending $4 billion a year and still have all these issues.”

DeVol said that wealthy, middle class and impoverished people all have different ways of thinking.Trying to approach poverty issues only from a middle-class standpoint isn’t working,

Devol’s two books, The Bridges Out of Poverty and Getting Ahead in a Just Getting By World,have programs that are designed to work together using a common language to solve problems.

DeVol said that his programs have been initiated all over the country, but each community ororganization must tailor it to meet specific needs.

The programs do not offer a how-to guide to fixing poverty, but rather how to build relationshipsto bridge the gap. According to DeVol, “I’ve seen other communities be transformed by this kind ofinitiative. And this community can too. Every place has something they do really well, and there will besomething that comes out of here that will have a unique energy to it and be a learning point for oth-ers.”

To learn more about Bridges Out of Poverty, contact the Rev. Lynn Phillips Gaines atLynn.Phillips@RaymondJames.com or contact Resurrection Episcopal Church in Starkville.

Leaders from Starkville, Tupelo and Vicksburg listen as author and national authority on povertyPhilip DeVol explains Bridges Out of Poverty, a program he created based on a book by the samename. Aimed at helping one family at a time get out of poverty, the program has worked throughoutthe nation. The Rev. Deacon Lynn Phillips-Gaines, seated to the right of DeVol, leads efforts to bringthe program to Oktibbeha County, where one out of three people live in poverty.

Episcopal deacon leads effort toaddress poverty in Mississippi

Relief and recovery effortsContinued from page 1

Tuscaloosa is home for family of the Rev. Marian Fortner at Trinity, Hattiesburg. Fortner’s sister,Irene Evans and her husband, Richard and 3 children all survived the tornado by seeking refuge in thebasement of the house. The Evans family and many homes in their neighborhood sustained heavydamage.

“Tom (Fortner) and I went over the next day to help, taking supplies that parishioners bought,loaned, or gave to us, and which we, in turn, gave to Irene or her neighbors,” said Fortner. “Havingbeen through Katrina, Trinity parishioners knew quickly what would be needed: gas cans, chain saws,generators, water and so on. They continue to collect supplies and deliver them.”

Fortner says that The Men of Trinity Fellowship Group plans to return to Tuscaloosa to help withlandscaping the Evans’s home and others in the neighborhood.

The Rev. Karl Shaffenburg, rector of Incarnation, West Point, reports that the parish has offeredfirst aid and hygiene supplies, bottled water, food and emergency repairs affecting eight families inMontpelier in Clay County. “In addition, fuel has been supplied for a community group active indebris clean up. The ECW of Incarnation ‘adopted’ two families who lost their homes for a period ofat least 90 days as the families work to find housing again,” said Shaffenburg.

“The Disaster Preparedness and Relief Team wants to know about the relief work going on in thediocese,” said Carol Spencer, “so please give us a heads up on your activities.” Contact Spencer at cbstew@bellsouth.net or call the Allin House.

June 2011 The Mississippi Episcopalian 9

OUTREACH

$12 = ONE NET = ONE LIFE = CHRIST’S LOVEBy Cathy Halford

The presence and the love of Jesus Christ in us is the most defining characteristic of the Church.“They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love; they will know we are Christians by ourlove.

In May, I traveled to Cleveland, OH to the Episcopal Relief & Development annual conferenceand was shown and felt the love and presence of Christ. There were approximately 90 people thererepresenting different dioceses from all over the country. We heard about disaster preparedness andall that is being done in Haiti, Japan, and areas in the United States affected by tornadoes and floods.

One of the most important programs that many dioceses including Mississippi has and will con-tinue to take part in is Nets for Life. Episcopal Relief & Development began this campaign in 2006 andis now in the middle of Phase II of raising awareness for the use of mosquito nets in sub-Saharan coun-tries. By the end of 2012, the goal is to have donated at least $5 million worth of nets. Many of youhave been supporting that program by donating $12 for a treated mosquito net which is probablybeing used in some home in Africa or Central America.

A full-fledged diocesan campaign will begin very soon. Every parish, college campus, andEpiscopal school in MS will be involved and will be asked to decide what their goals will be and

whether it will be based on individual donations, on family donations, or perhaps, a fund-raisingevent. The campaign will take place from the beginning of Advent through Lent. To help each parishand campus take part, I will be asking for each to have a Nets for Life representative. There will bemuch more information to come.

When we look beyond ourselves and see those who are in need, we are called to be the handsand feet of Christ and follow His Commandment to spread His love. In this case, His love is in theform of a net that hangs from the ceiling above a bed to protect a man, woman, child, or family from adeadly disease.

Presiding Bishop Katherine has asked us to become involved, as well as Bishop Gray, who is sup-porting this program 100%. Please - be prepared to make this diocesan campaign a success by givingof your time, your talent, and your treasure.

If you are interested in becoming a Nets for Life representative, please email me atchalford48@yahoo.com.

The Rev. Deacon Cathy Halford serves All Saints’, Jackson and is the Episcopal Relief & DevelopmentDiocesan Representative.

HMM: a perspective on the 2011 tripBy Chris Scott

On February 19th, 2011, the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi Honduras Medical Mission (HHM)returned from another successful trip to the Village of San Joaquin, Honduras. This day marked thecompletion of my two-year commitment as the mission Team Leader, and the end of a very specialjourney.

My first trip to San Joaquin was in 2009, an opportunity to learn how the mission trip worked.San Joaquin seemed very familiar to me, a scene played out many times in the developing world andone I had experienced before. A swarm of people, excited with the arrival of Americans and their sup-plies. San Joaquin’s children were everywhere, grabbing and pulling me, competing for attention,shouting loudly in Spanish.

“Amigo, Amigo me llamo Nelson. Amigo Christian un dollar. Si’ Si’ un dollar, porfavor”

I have seen this before. The same smells, the same sights, the same looks, the same thing or so Ithought.

Nelson was 10 or 11 when I first met him in 2009, a small kid but revered among his peers for hissoccer skills; seemly care free Nelson’s main concern was soccer, candy, sodas and whatever mischiefthe day may bring.

My new friend Nelson followed me around the village everywhere I went. I rarely knew what hewas saying, but I always knew what he meant. At night after the clinics closed he would stand in frontof me a short distance chanting his litany of demands. I would give him money and send him to thecantina to buy a drink or candy. He would run there and back returning with two drinks or two can-dies and a big smile. Then and only then would he relax and sit with me, trying in vain to teach meSpanish.

The last day in the village I was to do an assessment of the village’s water system. The assessmentwas the first step in the process of getting an organization called Living Waters to select San Joaquinfor the installation of a water purification system. This system would provide clean water for SanJoaquin and surrounding area.

Nelson seemed to grasp the importance of the work; he elected to help me rather than join thesoccer game that day which I found very interesting. This twelve-year-old boy knew what clean waterwould mean for his village. I think Nelson also had faith that we would somehow get the systeminstalled, though at the time I had no clue if we could get it done or not.

Upon our return this February, Nelson was much different than the day we met. He was calm andfocused, anxious, I think, to help us get our work under way. Later in the morning, Nelson walkedwith me to the building where the water purification equipment had been installed during the 2010mission. He pointed to the rear of the building; there an addition was near completion. The villageleaders had constructed a new distribution point that was much better that the original one we hadbuilt.

The village of San Joaquin greatly values its new water system. Nelson, pointed and smiled, “Aguaamigo, very good.”

Our medical mission is not the same as other third world experiences. As I looked at Nelson’ssmiling face, the history of HMM flashed through my mind. Thirty plus years of very hard work havecreated something very special. Every team member and all who support the mission strive to make itbetter each year, yet it is already great. I thank God that I had the opportunity to serve the people ofSan Joaquin.

Chris Scott is a communicant of Chapel of the Cross in Madison.

HMM 2011 Team Leader Chris Scott, standing left, recognizes the Honduran translators at the closingbanquet in San Pedro Sula.

Scott Lenoir/photo

The 2012 Honduras Medical Mission is hosted by St. Peter’s, Oxford and Dr. KathyKvam is the Team Leader. Applications for the 2012 trip may be downloaded atwww.hondurasmedicalmission.com .

10 The Mississippi Episcopalian

EVENTS

June 2011

Coast churches sponsor competitivegrill off to benefit Haiti cathedral

By Candace Ozerden

The Master Grillers from St. Peter’s threw down a challenge to other Episcopal churches along theCoast for bragging rights as the best barbecue grillers. St. Pierre’s of Gautier answered the challengewith a team of their own Master Grillers.

The Barbeque by-the-Sea Challenge Event took place on Saturday, April 30th and was a wonder-ful fellowship opportunity with families from St. Peter’s, St. Pierre’s plus guests from our community.This event was also the intentional and deliberate effort of both churches to answer Bishop Gray’s callto help raise money for our brothers and sisters in Haiti to help rebuild their Cathedral in Port-au-Prince.

This fun event was blessed with beautiful weather which enhanced the wonderful scents ofyummy barbecue grilling on the teams’ rigs. A soft breeze from the Gulf made it perfect for enjoyingthe great food and the easy listening music of David Jones on his saxophone.

Approximately 275 guests were served and $3,000 was raised for the rebuilding efforts of thecathedral.

The trophy was awarded to the chefs of St. Peter’s by the three-person panel of judges. With spe-cial thanks to all who helped make our event such a success, all that is left to say is,” What a fun after-noon it was!”

Please grab your calendars and circle next year’s date: April 25, 2012. We would love to have youjoin us for good food and great fellowship by-the-Sea.

Candace Ozerden is a communicant of St. Peter’s, Gulfport.

The Center for Formation and Mission offers a full calendar of events this fall, providing a varietyof retreats and conferences at Gray Center to nurture our hearts and minds and spirits as we go aboutthe work of being God’s people in the world.

A Day Apart for prayer and reflection will be held Friday, July 22, from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Thisoffering is co-sponsored by the Center for Ministry as a time for intentional prayer, reflection andsilence. The Reverend Diane Braman will light the candle for us and hold the sacred space as we gath-er individually in community.

The inaugural event of our “Sewanee at Gray Center” series will be September 16-17, with anoptional additional event Saturday evening. The Reverend Dr. Robert MacSwain, Assistant Professor ofTheology and Ethics at Sewanee’s School of Theology will present “An Anglican Perspective on C.S.Lewis.” This conference is perfect for individuals or small groups who have an interest in the writingsof C.S. Lewis. Dr. MacSwain will focus especially on Mere Christianity and Letters to Malcolm, in addi-tion to the work he recently edited, The Cambridge Companion to C.S. Lewis.

A Men’s Retreat, “Does God Have a Dream for You...Or Is Destiny Overrated?”, will be heldOctober 7-9, keynoted by the Rev. Patrick Gahan, Rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church inWimberly, TX. This event is co-sponsored by the Brotherhood of St. Andrew at Chapel of the Cross inMadison. Fr. Gahan has served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army, and as a coach and teacher inboth public and private schools; in his vocation as an Episcopal priest, he has marveled most at “howChrist does an extreme makeover on folks again and again.” In addition to being in conversation withFr. Gahan, participants will enjoy good fellowship, good food, and the opportunity to relax and enjoythe outdoors at Gray Center.

For information about these and other CfFM events, or to register for events, please visit our websiteat http://cffm.dioms.org

The Center for Formation and MissionOffers a Quiet Day, a C.S. LewisConference and a Men’s Retreat

The Center for Formation and Mission2011 Offerings: Rooted in Prayer

July 22 A Day ApartThe Rev. Diane Braman, LCSW, Solomon Counseling CenterCo-sponsored with the Center for Ministry

Sept. 16-17 Sewanee at Gray Center: An Anglican Perspective on C.S. LewisThe Rev. Dr. Robert MacSwain, Assistant Professor of Theology andChristian Ethics, Sewanee

Oct. 7-9 Men’s Weekend: Does God Have a Dream for You... Or is Destiny Overrated? The Rev. Patrick Gahan, Rector, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Wimbley, TXCo-sponsored with the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, Chapel of the Cross

Nov. 17-19 Silent Retreat: Who are you, God, and Who am I?The Rev. Susannah Grubbs Carr, Hawkins United Methodist, VicksburgThe Rev. Richard Robbins, Center for MinistryCo-sponsored with the Center for Ministry

Nov. 18-20 Benedictine SpiritualityThe Rev. Alston Johnson, Rector, Chapel of the Cross, MadisonMr. Bill Horne, Director, The Gray Center

Dec. 2-4 Knitting and Needlework in Advent: Mary and MarthaMrs. Susan Nix, St. Andrew’s Cathedral

By Barbara ThomasThe 16th Seeds of Faith Conference drew 80 people to Mediator Meridian May 20 - 22 to hear

John Dominic Crossan talk about his book “The Greatest Prayer: Rediscovering the RevolutionaryMessage of the Lord’s Prayer”.

Dr. Crossan discussed the poetry of the prayer, the places and events of the time that produced itand gave new insight into its meaning. Prior to the first session on Friday night, Kim Brown held afree labyrinth workshop. Visitors from Daphne, Alabama, Pensacola, Florida and various cities inMississippi attended, along with many from Meridian area churches.

Mark your calendars for the 2012 conference, to be held jointly with Congregation Beth Israel.Those who attended the Seeds of Faith in 2009 with Lawrence Kushner will be familiar with the sched-ule for the February 17 - 19 event next year.

The weekend event will feature Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, a devout Jew and a scholar of the Christianscriptures. She is a challenging and engaging speaker. Save the date for this exciting weekend, andlook for more information in the fall.

Barbara Thomas is a communicate of Mediator, Meridian.

Seeds of Faith Conference heldAt Mediator Meridian

John Dominic Crossan was the 2011 Seeds of Faith speaker at Mediator, Meridian.

DIOCESAN CALENDAR

EVENTS

June 2011

JUNE

6-11• CBG Regular Session I (grades 7-9), CampBratton Green, Canton

13-18• CBG Regular Session II (grades 3-4), CampBratton Green, Canton

17-22• CBG Pioneer Camp B - Mississippi Gulf Coast

17-24• Camp Caritas - Gray Center

20-24• CBG Regular Session III (grades 5-6), CampBratton Green, Canton

21•Gray Center Executive Committee - 5:00 p.m.,Allin House25-July 2• Cooperative College for CongregationalDevelopment - Gray Center27-July 1• CBG Regular Session IV (grades 7-9), CampBratton Green, Canton

28•Deacons’ Council - 11:00 a.m. - Allin House

The Mississippi Episcopalian 11

FAITHFUL DEPARTEDThelma Courtney Estabrook McIlwain, 98, communicant St. John’s, Pascagoula, died February 5, 2011.Nancy Kay (Newton) DeLeeuw, 75, communicant of St. Peter’s, Oxford, died March 13, 2011.Lillie Laverne Easterling, 71, communicant St. John’s, Pascagoula, died April 19, 2011.Laura Helen Blount Carroll, 85, communicant of St. James, Greenville, died April 11, 2011.George Thomas Kelly, Jr., 64, communicant of St. James, Greenville, died April 16, 2011.Sylvia Huggins, 83, communicant of St. Timothy’s, Southaven, died on April 22, 2011.Edward James Chidester, 65, a communicant and Mission Committee member of HolyInnocents’, Como, died May 6, 2011.Albert Colmer “Skeeter” Weeks, 83, communicant St. John’s, Pascagoula, died May 7, 2011.Harvey Robert Wingate, 73, communicant of Christ Church, Bay St. Louis, died May 9, 2011.Mary Belle Warden Bracey, 90, communicant of St. Mark’s, Jackson, died May 11, 2011.William Franklin Selph, Jr., 82, communicant of Mediator-Redeemer, died May 26, 2011.

Deployment ReportFor the Mississippi Episcopalian

June 6, 2011

IN TRANSITIONSt. Thomas’, BelzoniRedeemer, BiloxiSt. Elizabeth’s, CollinsSt. Paul’s, ColumbusRedeemer, GreenvilleSt. Philip’s, JacksonSt. Paul’s, MeridianChapel of the Cross, Rolling ForkHoly Trinity, Vicksburg

RESIGNATIONSThe Reverend Ed Lundin, retired, as Rector of Chapel of theCross, Rolling Fork, and Priest-in-Charge, St. Thomas, Belzoni

The Reverend Jan Oller, as Chaplain, St. Peter’s Church, Oxford,and the Episcopal Church at Ole Miss

The Reverend Harold Roberts, retired, as Rector, Church of theRedeemer, Biloxi

A family seeking shelter at Gray Center is not too happy with the efforts ofa friendly photographer. Papa goose, right, charged after the above picture was taken. Canada Geese are finding Mississippi to be a permanent home more and more as years go by.

Scott Lenoir/photo

Barbeque Fun

12 The Mississippi Episcopalian June 2011

Jim Ca

rring

ton/P

hotoBelow are a few photographs of

some events at the 2011 Bishop’sBarbecue. Many thanks to GraeDickson and the BarbecueCommittee and all the volun-teers who helped with the events. A great time for everyone!Thanks to Whit Rayner for manyphotos.

The 2011 Hog Jog was won by Tupelo’s own Lloyd Gray Jr. Runners and walkers from all over enjoyed the cool morning at Gray Center.

Chapel of the Cross, Madison gets ready to launch in the Card Board Regatta.

And they’re off! That’s Bishop Gray III in the purple boat designed and built by Allin House stafferEric Cohen. The boat “Peg Legs” won the race, not pictured.

Some floated and some sank — as usual. All Saints’ Grenada’s Card Boat Regatta entry was huge! The dragon boat won best design.

The Red Hots fired up fine music for the Barbeque.

Permanent Staffers Charles Marsalis and Abram Jones, members of the newly formed CBG ScooterHOG Club, helped Dave Wilson and Bill Horne with parking.

The Revd’s Robert Wetherington and BetsyBaumgarten say they WON the clergy division ofthe Hog Jog. Neither replied when asked howmany clergy ran.