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An edition of episcopal news monthly
Vol. 1 No. 5
THE NEWSPAPER OF THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF NORTH CAROLINA
June 2010
The Disciple To Become a Quarterly Magazine – And More Changes to Come The Right Reverend Michael B. Curry, Bishop of North Carolina We know that, for us as Christians, communication carries theological weight – it’s the essence of who we are and what we are called to do as baptized disciples and followers of The Rt. Rev. the Lord Jesus Christ. Michael B. Curry John’s Gospel describes the One we follow as our Lord as the Word of God who became human. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). We are people of the One who is Word. Communication is at the heart of who we are. That understanding lies at the core of something new for the diocese: Beginning this fall, our monthly newspaper, The Disciple, will be transformed into a quarterly
magazine. We’re not doing this for financial reasons, though it will save money. We’re not doing this primarily for environmental reasons, though it will conserve resources and better reflect our stewardship of God’s creation. We’re doing this, above all, to tell our stories to each other and to others beyond us more creatively, thoughtfully and effectively. This change is just one part of a larger communications strategy for us as the Episcopal Church in our portion of North Carolina. Here is a brief overview of the communications, new and current, from the diocese: Please Note – A weekly e-newsletter from the bishop that brings you a brief video message, announcements and news from around the diocese. We send this by email every Wednesday afternoon. You can subscribe now by going to www.episdionc. org and clicking the “Join Our Mailing List” button on the top right side of the page.
use in their bulletins and A new diocesan webnewsletters. site, www.episdionc.org And this is just the begin– By early summer an ning! I’m not ready to tweet, attractive, user-friendly, nor do I really think anyone constantly updated diocwould want to read my tweets. esan website will conBut as James Russell Lowell nect you to the wider wrote in his great 19th Century Episcopal and Anglican world. We’ll soon share hymn, Once to every man and stories of parish events nation, “New occasions teach and special occasions. new duties.” Communication The Disciple: The is the heart of who we are Magazine of the Episas Jesus’ followers – and, copal Diocese of North once in a while, communiCarolina – This quarcating effectively requires Representative sample of what the terly magazine will feanew approaches, be it twitter, magazine may look like. ture color photographs, facebook, LinkedIn, blogthoughtful and reflective articles, interviews ging, and that’s probably just the beginning and more. of what will be available to us in the future. Around the Diocese – We’ll provide conIn a conversation with Sarah Herr, our gregations with a pdf insert once a month communications coordinator, I realized containing information and news they can something about the Continued on page D-7
Welcoming People of All Abilities
Bishop Creates New Committee on Accessibility Sarah Herr Communications Coordinator At a recent church service Bishop Curry watched as a parishioner read scripture from the Bible – an ordinary occurrence during a Sunday service to be sure - but after a brief moment he noticed how the woman’s hands moved deftly across the Bible, realizing then that the woman was blind. Not long before that service Bishop Curry met with Herb Horton, a native of North Carolina who had spent the majority of his career in New York working professionally and personally as an advocate for people with disabilities and for humanity in general. Horton wanted to share some of the resources and positive changes he had helped institute while serving on the Episcopal Diocese of New York’s Committee on Accessibility. “I have been always dedicated to helping people gain accessibility,” says Horton. “In the Diocese of New York we were able to make many positive changes while I served on the committee, which was from 1989 to 2005. Some of the changes were physical, such as building ramps at churches, but others were providing resources, education, and helping to change attitudes that people
“ If there are barriers of attitude, communication, or architecture for ANYONE the foundation of the House of God is weakened for ALL.” – That All May Worship, by Ginny Thornburgh & Ann Rose Davie may have about people with disabilities.” Since their initial meeting, Bishop Curry has created a Committee on Accessibility within the diocese and has appointed the Rev. Meg Buerkel Hunn the commit-
tee chair. “At some point in our lives, most all of us will become disabled – either due to age or injury. In addition, many of us are close to or know a person who is disabled. This issue is important to all people,” said Rev. Buerkel Hunn, who notes that when discussing accessibility and disability people often think of ramps. “Accessibility for the disabled is more than just wheelchair ramps, which are important, but disabilities can mean other things. There are learning, hearing, developmental and sight disabilities.” The committee is in the process of identifying ways it can provide resources, education, and connections within the diocese. In doing so, they have created a short survey (on page 6) that they are asking congregations to fill out and return to them to help identify where the diocese as a whole is on the topic of accessibility for people of all abilities. An electronic version of this survey is also available on the homepage of the diocesan website, www. edpisdionc.org, and was sent out in Please Note, the weekly e-newsletter from the Bishop. “Jesus calls the church to be a House of Prayer for all people, including those people on the margins of society. And often times people living with disabilities are living along those margins. It is our job to welcome them home,” Survey continued on page D-6 says Rev. Buerkel Hunn.
Diocese Welcomes Young Adult Missioner By Sarah Herr Communications Coordinator
Bishop Curry gets ready to record his Day 1 Message about serving the poor as part of a Day 1 radio series. His message will be broadcast on July 4 over many participating radio stations. Visit http://day1.org for a complete list.
Bishop Curry, Other Church Leaders to Speak Out About Hunger in Radio Series Special ‘Day 1’ series focuses on the MDGs and “Faith in Hunger” As a way to commemorate its 65th anniversary of weekly broadcasts, the “Day 1” national radio program hosted by Peter Wallace will air a special four-part series beginning June 13 focusing on “Faith & Global Hunger” in support of the Millennium Development Goals. Four prominent leaders will address the issue, and a wide range of audio, video, and text resources for individuals and church groups will be available on a special website at http://hunger.day1.org. The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry will issue a call to serve the poor individually and corporately in the series on July 4. Many radio stations within North Carolina feature the Day 1 Series, visit www.day1.org to view the list. Bishop Curry’s address will be available online at the diocesan website, www.episdionc.org, following the broadcast. Other speakers in the series include: • W. Hodding Carter III, Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs and State Department spokesman under President
Carter, journalist, author, former president of the Knight Foundation, Professor of Leadership and Public Policy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, speaking on the scope of the problem of world hunger today (airdate June 13). • The Rev. Dr. Barbara K. Lundblad, the Joe R. Engle Professor of Preaching at Union Theological Seminary in New York, Lutheran clergy, former pastor and frequent Day1 preacher, on the biblical foundation for serving the poor (airdate June 20). • The Rev. David Beckmann, President of Bread for the World since 1991, Lutheran clergy, former World Bank economist, author of books and articles on Christian faith, economics, poverty and hunger, on specific ways of addressing the problem of poverty and hunger particularly through the Millennium Development Goals (airdate June 27). • A fifth program tentatively airing Sept. 12, with a speaker to be announced, is also planned in Continued on page D-4
School of Ministry Names Director at Duke; in addition to working on new The School of Ministry resource materials for the diocese. Board recently named Ayliffe “During the past year Bishop Curry Mumford, Ed.D, as the School’s and the Board have worked hard to new Director. identify the ongoing mission of the Mumford has been serving School and what the work the School as the Interim Director of the will be to support ‘our shared minSchool since the retirement of Ayliffe Mumford istry of making disciples who make the School’s first Dean, the Rev. a difference and serve God’s Dream for a Dr. Leon Spencer, in early 2009. transformed world,’” said Mumford, who “We are very fortunate to have Ayliffe as has appreciated their work and dedication the new director for the School of Ministry. She has served us faithfully and well as the and is looking forward to assisting with implementing those visions as Director of Interim Director for the past year and we the School. are very pleased indeed,” said the Rt. Rev. Additional information on upcoming Alfred “Chip” Marble, Assisting Bishop resources being produced by the School of and School of Ministry Board member. Ministry, in addition to the new direction of Mumford’s assistance over the past year the School, will be unveiled in future diocesan in the Interim Director role has been vital, communications. Ayliffe Mumford can be says Bishop Marble, and she has assisted reached at 336.273.5770 or ayliffe.mumford@ the Board with planning and visioning, episdionc.org, and more information about organizing a number of events in the diothe School of Ministry is available online at cese - such as the Regional Wardens Conferences, SpringTide Retreat, and Clergy Day www.episdioncschool.org
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adults,” said Chittenden. “At Duke there has been a long and wonderful history of Christian work through the Episcopal Church and I am coming to an Episcopal In early May the Episcopal Diocese of Center and congregation in good heart. North Carolina welcomed the Rev. Nils My Diocesan role is completely new and P. Chittenden, who was called to serve as we are in partially uncharted waters here. part-time Young Adult Missioner for the The Diocese recognizes that young adults diocese and Chaplain at Duke University’s have not always been well-served – not just Episcopal Center. in the Episcopal Church but in general.” A native of south-east England, near CanChittenden says that well-developed terbury, Chittenden was heavily involved aspects of campus ministry can in inter-faith community work and be seen as a paradigm of how in housing and homelessness supthe needs of young adults in the port while serving as a Chaplain to Church should be served. Industry and Urban Regeneration “Young adults crave the opporin Gateshead, England. After four tunity to explore life’s big quesyears in this role, he headed-up a tions and the major themes of UK-wide church-related commutheology, and to serve the comnity development non-profit for munity, doing so in like-minded eight years. In addition, he has previously served as Chaplain at Rev. Nils P. Chittenden company, aimed at their needs at their point in life; the Church seems often to St. Mary’s College at the University of Durhave struggled with how best to do this… ham, Minor Canon of Durham Cathedral, Young adults do also want to participate Director of Development for the Diocese in the structures of the Church, and the of Durham’s Adoption Agency, deacon of Church needs to allow this in ways that tap a small rural parish, and in other various the sense of adventure, creativity, idealism positions. and energy of youth and not stifle it with Chittenden received a Certificate in unnecessary bureaucracy or a resistance to Theology from Westcott House seminary change and challenge.” in Cambridge, where he was trained for the On a personal level, Chittenden interests ordained ministry, and a part-time master’s are long and varied – from travel, dinner degree in politics and social policy, specialparties, antique furniture, and flying light izing in urban policy and development. He aircraft to home improvements, playing the received his bachelor’s degree in theology piano, growing vegetables, Renaissance from St. Chad’s College, University of polyphony and Belgian beer. Durham, and attended an Anglican boardInitially, he is looking forward to visiting ing school founded for sons of clergy durparishes around the diocese and getting to ing high school. know more about the ministry. The Rev. Nils “I am thrilled to be starting work both P. Chittenden can be reached at 919-599as Chaplain of Duke University and with 2995 or nils.chittenden@episdionc.org. my role to help the diocese serve its young
Clergy Changes
Around the Diocese
The Rev. William E. Smyth from Rector, Calvary Episcopal Church, Tarboro, to Retirement, June 7, 2010.
The Rev. William E. Smyth from Vicar, St. Luke’s, Tarboro, to Retirement, June 7, 2010. The Rev. Wendell Phillips from Priest in Charge, St. Michael & All Angels, Charlotte, to Retirement, March 31, 2010.
The Rev. Lois L. Boney from Non-Parochial, to Priest in Charge, St. Christopher’s, Garner, February 28, 2010. Vol 1, No. 5., USPS #177-940 Episcopal News Monthly ISSN 1050-0057 USPS# 177-940 is published monthly by the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, Inc. 815 Second Ave, New York, NY 10017. Periodical postage paid in New York, NY and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Episcopal News Monthly, PO Box 2050 Voorhees NJ 08043-8000. Bishop: The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry Assistant Bishop: The Rt. Rev. William O. Gregg Assisting Bishop: The Rt. Rev. Alfred C. Marble Jr. Submissions are welcome. Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina 200 West Morgan Street, Suite 300, Raleigh, NC 27601-1338 tel. (919) 834-7474 or (800) 448-8775 Send letters to the above address or to: FAX: (919) 834-7546 E-mail address: Sarah Herr, sarah.herr@episdionc.org Website: www.episdionc.org
Toward a Missionary Diocese…Making Disciples, Making a Difference
The North Carolina Disciple
ECW of North Carolina Partner with Anglican Women of Botswana to Meet the MDGs By Lisa H. Towle Diocesan ECW President The Anglican Women’s Fellowship of Botswana has received a $2,000 Millennium Development Goals grant from the Diocese of North Carolina’s Chartered Committee for Global Mission thanks to their partners in mission and ministry, the Episcopal Church Women of Lisa H. Towle North Carolina. The grant provides the seed money for the Women & Youth Skills Development Project. This project is envisioned by the AWF as a multi-year effort to help address the needs of the two groups most affected by the HIV/ AIDS crisis in Botswana, a small, politically stable country (population: 1.9 million) in sub-Saharan Africa with a diversity of religions and the second highest per capita AIDS rate in the world. It was a couple of years ago that the Diocese of North Carolina began a companion relationship with the Anglican Diocese of Botswana; women’s ministries have been a part of the companion link agreement since its inception. The motto of the AWF, one of two primary women’s ministry organizations in the Diocese of Botswana
ited educational and financial opportunities for a large (both of which have developed a relationship with the segment of female population with HIV/AIDS exacerECW), is “United in Prayer, Service and Love.” bates the problems. The group’s key objectives are prayer and worIn seeking the help of the ECW with ministry expanship, mission and witness, fellowship and study, and sion, Florence Bogopa, president of the AWF in Botswana, service and stewardship. These objectives have helped said, “We looked at all these things and said, ‘it’s time frame its outreach, especially as it pertains to their prito step up in a new way to help our country and the mismary focus – women and children. sionary outreach of our diocese.’” Now, new information about the ongoing needs of As both ministries have advocated for the implementhe Botswana is informing the ministry of the Anglican tation of the Millennium Development Goals, it seemed Women’s Fellowship. A presidential task force looking at the state of morality in the nation, and a natural fit to frame the project in terms of the a study by the Botswana’s National AIDS MDGs. Coordinating Agency, have both reported The project, whose first phase is to take place continued vulnerability of women and in Gaborone, Botswana’s capital city, will focus children to poverty, HIV/AIDS and teen on Goals number 1 and 3: Eradicating extreme pregnancy. poverty and hunger, and promoting gender equalThe United Nations Development ity and empowering women. The idea is, through counseling, skills and Programme has estimated that by the end entreprenural development, and mentoring by of this year more than 20 percent of all specially trained AWF members, to help create a children in Botswana will be orphaned community of women and vulnerable youth who because of AIDS. Extended families and are economically self-reliant and self-disciplined. communities have exhibited resourcefulFlorence Bogopa When she got word that the grant, written ness and generosity in their willingness and submitted by the ECW, had been approved, Florence to absorb and care for these orphans, but this capacity is Bogopa said, “Thanks to all in North Carolina who have being exhausted, especially as the current generation of helped our dreams come true.” grandparents, the primary caregivers, begins to die. Lim-
Ministerio Latino Send your updates to evermor11@aol.com
Around the Diocese
This summer will see several expansions or growth in programs of mutual ministry with Latinos! Holy Comforter, Charlotte is extending ESL classes through the summer. At St. Paul’s, Winston-Salem, all Kids Cafe students will be receiving scholarships to attend Vacation Bible School there. In Durham, St. Philip’s will continue to pro-
Rev. Sasser Ordination
St. Stephen’s Hosts ECW Convocation & the Rev. Lauren Stanley
vide tutoring for Buen Pastor students through the summer and St. Titus will hold joint Vacation Bible School with Buen Pastor. At St. Mary’s, High Point, an all Latina Venture troop was recently established in addition to the all Latino Boy Scout Troop. Please visit our website at www. hospitalidadnc.org.
Leah Quinn
The Rev. Dr. Howell Sasser was ordained into the priesthood on April 28, 2010, by the Rt. Rev. Catherine S. Roskam, Bishop Suffragan of New York, right, who was acting for the Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry. The Rev. Dr. L. Murdock Smith, Rector of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Charlotte, NC was the preacher for the occasion. To the left is the Rev. Deacon Susan Rainey Dankel, a longtime member of the clergy in the Diocese of East Carolina who is now at Yale in the process of moving on to the priesthood.
June 2010
Toward a Missionary Diocese…Making Disciples, Making a Difference
We are the parts of God – Let’s help wherever we can
By The Rev. Dr. Hector Sintim St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Winston-Salem, hosted the Episcopal Church Women Convocation (ECW), where representatives from sister Episcopal churches came together with the mission and vision of reaching out to the world; especially with assistance to the church in Haiti. The speaker for the occasion was Rev. Lauren Stanley, an appointed missionary of The Episcopal Church serving in the Diocese of Haiti, the largest diocese in the Church. Currently, Stanley splits her time between the United States and Haiti, at the behest of Bishop Jean Zache Duracin. When in the United States, she travels to tell the story of the faithful people of Haiti, and spread Bishop Duracin’s message: “Please continue to pray for us in Haiti; continue to pay attention so that people here know what is happening there; continue to share from the beauty and bounty of your hearts; and discern how you would like to be involved in the rebuilding of Haiti”. Bishop Duracin calls the Jan. 12 earthquake, which devastated the land, Haiti’s “baptism,” and proclaims that “now is our new creation.” The earthquake, he says, “did not cause us to lose our faith in God.” The Rev. Dr. Hector Sintim, Priest in Charge of St. Stephen’s, called on those present to use whatever gifts the Lord has given them by helping others through education, empowering, encouraging and equipping others for the kingdom. “Some of us are the feet of God to walk for others to places that people do not want to go, the
The Rev. Dr. Hector Sintim and the Rev. Lauren Stanley
mind to reason for others to enjoy life, the hands to help re-build and touch the lives of those in need, the eyes to see the blessings of God by sharing it with others, the mouth to speak that others may hear and be liberated. He concluded by saying, “We are because you are, you are because we are. We are each other’s mirror in which we look to see not only ourselves but the face of Jesus in others.” We are the parts of God: spread in homes, workplace, places of worship, community, the nation and the world at large. Let us make all the effort to accord each other with all the necessary help. St. Stephen’s is a community church with a rich history of radical welcome and hospitality that is among the oldest black churches within the Diocese of North Carolina. Visit www.StStephensEpiscopal-nc. org for additional information.
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Botswana Diary By Leon Spencer
town. Sounding vaguely familiar to me from School of Ministry days, I am even to attend two wardens’ retreats, one north, one south, as well. The plans are energizing. Well, sort of. Memories of my recent flight come back to me, and I begin to fade. The workshops can wait. n I have a place to stay, and a kitchen, and I am provided a car, so as soon as possible I make my trip to the grocery, carefully driving on the left. Food “independence” is a reassuring sign of becoming settled, removing reliance upon restaurants and the generosity of others. Grocery stores in other countries provide a glimpse of their cultures. I browse around. In the “butchery” section there are nicelypackaged slices of “cow hoof,” and some
kind of entrails that I don’t want to even think about. Many of the staples are from The Rev. Dr. Leon Spencer, who retired South Africa, and I’m drawn to their juices in 2009 as Dean of the School of Ministry, made from exotic fruits. I find some Coke is spending several months in the Diocese Light, though unlike multi-can packaging of Botswana, with which the Diocese of of Coke and other sodas on the shelves, they North Carolina has a companion link. Here are only sold individually, and the prices are excerpts from his diary. Look for more seem higher. The very fine African beers excerpts on the diocesan website, www. – Windhoek lager, from Namibia, comes episdionc.org, found on the committees to mind – barely cost more. page under Global Mission Subcommittees. As I leave a woman sidles up to me in the parking lot, as if she has something Fr. James Amanze, who heads the Dioillicit to offer. “I have some potatoes to cese of Botswana’s companion link comsell,” she tells me. mittee, has given some good thought to n my coming, and to my work while here. I arrive on Friday, and Saturday morning I am looking forward to being in the confinds the two of us already sitting down, gregation at the English-language service note pads at the ready, to sketch out what at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, and I my schedule might look like. slip quietly into a pew. I’m barely settled I am here because folk here have a vision when I am extricated from my spot, vested for an Anglican House of Studies, one in an alb, and placed into the procesthat might train ordinands, help presion to the altar. All this, before 7:30 pare lay ministers, and offer continuing a.m., and I’m still jet-lagged. I sigh. education for clergy. At least I think Not a good beginning. that’s what they want. The plan is to A good service, though, and after meet with clergy and lay leaders to the distribution of the elements at the hear from them what they think this Eucharist, I watch children come to thing might look like, and a House of the altar rail for a blessing. I’m asked Studies may be quite a different animal to assist. Three young girls are the before we finish. Anyway, they have first at the rail, and I place my hands asked me to help them think through upon their heads and pronounce a their hopes for theological education. blessing. I’m building up steam to It doesn’t take long before Fr. James move down the rail when the third and I are anticipating three workshops; girl tugs on my alb. “Please pray for even the dates are set. We are to have As chairperson of the companion link between Botswana and North her,” she says, motioning to the secone with clergy, another with lay lead- Carolina, Fr. James Amanze presents children’s supplies and toys from ond girl. “She cannot see.” ers in the south, around Gaborone, and the youth of North Carolina to four diocesan day care centers. The I do so. And I pause to watch the another in the north, around Francis- event took place at St. Peter’s, Mogoditshance, on April 30. three girls leave together, the two
Episcopal Relief & Development Receives 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator Greetings Episcopal Relief & Development supporters, The Episcopal News Service press release copied below is very good news: Episcopal Relief & Development has received Charity Navigator’s highest (4-star) rating for the third consecutive year, a success story that happens infrequently. It’s good news for you and me as donors because we can continue to be assured our contributions to Episcopal Relief & Development will be used to further the agency’s work as efficiently as possible. And it’s good news for those hurting in the world because the agency’s efficiency means more people can be helped. As you tell ERD’s story, please share the news of our continuing financial efficiency. Peace and blessings, Reid Joyner Episcopal Relief & Development Coordinator Diocese of North Carolina erd-nc@hotmail.com 704/554-6359 Episcopal Relief & Development is pleased to announce that it has received its third consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management. Awarded
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annually, Charity Navigator ratings reflect an organization’s accountability, transparency and quantifiable results in comparison with other non-profit organizations. “Only 14% of the charities we rate have received at least 3 consecutive 4-star evaluations,” said Ken Berger, Charity Navigator’s President and Chief Executive Officer. This rating indicates that “Episcopal Relief & Development consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America. This ‘exceptional’ designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Episcopal Relief & Development from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.” Episcopal Relief & Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States and an independent 501(c)(3) organization. The agency takes its mandate from Jesus’ words found in Matthew 25. Its programs work towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Together with the worldwide Church and ecumenical partners, Episcopal Relief & Development strengthens communities today to meet tomorrow’s challenges. We rebuild after disasters and empower people by offering lasting solutions that fight poverty, hunger and disease, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.
The Rev. Dr. Leon Spencer and Fr. James Amanze.
helping the sightless one back to their pew. n The second service at the Cathedral is the Setswana-language service, with a dash of English tossed in from time to time. The retired bishop, Bishop Naledi, is the celebrant, and he has Fr. James sit to his left, and me to his right. During the offertory, he leans over to me and says, “I don’t know if you were a Scout, but priests are also always supposed to be prepared.” He looks at me. I respond noncommittally. “Do you have your English prayer book?” he asks. “I want you to say…,” and here he repeats a few phrases from the Eucharistic Prayer that seem familiar. I do not know that Bishop Naledi has steadily lost his sight during recent years, and he can no longer read. (He has committed the liturgy for Holy Communion to memory.) Thus, unaware, I hold out the prayer book, asking him to point out what, exactly, he wants me to do. He does not look at it. The good Bishop leans over once more. “Just start right after the Acclamation,” he instructs, “and just fire away.” I smile. I’ve rarely seen “fire away” in my study of liturgy. Then he concludes: “When you come to ‘Jesus Christ,’ stop.”
DAY 1 continued from page D-2
anticipation of the global High-Level Millennium Development Goals Review Summit convening Sept. 20-22 at the United Nations. The series and supporting resources will examine global hunger through a Christian social justice perspective, in order to spark increased awareness and support of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) among people of faith. A comprehensive, simultaneous outreach campaign utilizing social media and the Web will be executed collaboratively by “Day 1,” the United Nations Millennium Campaign’s global communications program, and other allies including Bread for the World and The Micah Challenge. The idea for the series came from a listener and supporter in Chapel Hill, N.C. Charles Browning heard Lundblad say in a “Day 1” sermon that “Jesus knew long ago what economists and hunger activists tell us now: We have everything we need to end world hunger.” Browning, a retired farmer, and his wife, Margaret Knoerr, a librarian, were inspired to do something in response. He contacted the producers to suggest the idea of the series to raise awareness and encourage listener response to the problem. Formerly known as “The Protestant Hour,” “Day 1” is distributed to 200 radio stations across America and overseas, it is produced by the Alliance for Christian Media in association with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, the Episcopal Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the United Church of Christ, and the United Methodist Church. The program has received numerous awards, including the George Foster Peabody Award and the Communicators’ Award for Excellence in inspirational radio. For more information, call toll free 888-411-Day-1 or visit the program’s website, http://day1.org. In addition, audio, video, and text resources for individuals and church groups will be available on a special website at http://hunger.day1.org.
Toward a Missionary Diocese…Making Disciples, Making a Difference
The North Carolina Disciple
Brown Bag s Youth Outreach Weekend Inspires Blessing Northwest Region to Fight Hunger
By Duana Cisney NW Regional Youth Resource Missioner
Youth from the Northwest Region that attended the Diocese’s first Youth Outreach Weekend in February came away inspired to make a difference in their own community, resulting in a meal program that is helping to fight hunger one brown bag lunch at a time. In April and May high school students from St. Andrews, Greensboro and St. Christopher’s High Point, along with other volunteers they managed to enlist, made brown bag lunches for the homeless in the area. The idea was a take-away from the recently attended Outreach Weekend, where one focus was feeding the hungry as students packaged 25,000 meals for Stop
Hunger Now and worked in a community garden. They decided they would gather the first Sunday of each month, alternating locations between the two churches, and put outreach into action. During the first “lunch making” sessions, held after church on Easter Sunday morning at St. Andrews, members of St. Christopher’s showed up donning beautiful Easter bonnets and carrying bags of groceries. Fifty lunches were made during the first attempt, with 16 volunteers rolling up their sleeves. Once the lunches were made and put on one table, participants gathered in a circle holding hands and touching the bags at the same time. Together they prayed over the lunches and for those that would be receiving them. From there, each ‘lunch maker’
grabbed a handful of bags and off we went to find the homeless and hungry. In May, the same practice was followed, but the group assembled at St. Christopher’s for the second round of “Brown Bag Blessings” and area churches donated the food and supplies. Anyone interested in participating in the Brown Bag Lunches program can contact Duana Cisney, Regional Youth Resource Missioner, at duana.cisney@ episdionc.org. Some churches may have already been contacted to see if they would like to participate, and all participation is welcomed. Inquiries from churches that are not in the area or would like to start their own program are also welcome.
Brown Bag Lunch Recipient Shares Story about The Episcopal Church By Duana Cisney
Volunteers work to bag lunches for the hungry at St. Andrews, Greensboro.
Approximately 50 lunches were made and delivered to the hungry by volunteers in the Northwest Region. Volunteers continue to meet the first Sunday of each month.
As my husband and I were distributing lunches we happened on one man named Keith. We told him what we were doing and who had made these lunches. He explained that he and his girlfriend lost their jobs in Florida and had made their way here to Greensboro and asked if he could share a bit of his experience with the Episcopal Church. He went on to say that a couple of months ago, during a rainy day, he happened upon a church close by. When asking to see the Pastor, he was told many times that they had no money, even when he said he didn’t want money. The lady speaking to him said that she was talking to her husband as he was hard of hearing. Keith then asked about
another church. The husband answered that there was one across the street. (Keith was under the impression he couldn’t hear). Keith then went to the church across the street. He asked to speak to the pastor and was told that no one could help him. When he walked out the door, he saw yet another church across the street and tried there. He found someone and asked if he could speak to the pastor. The gentleman said that the pastor wasn’t there, but was there something he could do? Keith explained his plight. The man (we still don’t know who this is) put Keith and his girlfriend into his truck and took him to get a hotel room for the night. The church was St. Francis Episcopal Church, Greensboro. Thanks be to God.
Diocese Holds Spring Youth Event The Diocesan Youth Department held the annual Spring Youth Event 2010, and the theme was “My Life is Unwritten.” Below, reflections from the adult and youth event coordinators. During the weekend, the youth were presented with the idea that their life’s are UNWRITTEN. As many of them discovered, with God and others, going down the road of life doesn’t have to be difficult. Yes, there are times when life is hard and the road is covered with cracks and stones that we can trip over, but having God there beside us allows us to tread lightly and enjoy all the wonderful things that he has provided for us. All saw a lot of joy and laughter this weekend. I know I was touched deeply by all of it. Scott Durham Adult Coordinator
June 2010
I have served on the Chartered Commission on Youth for nearly three years now on the design teams for various events. However, this was the first time I served as a coordinator, and it was an astounding experience for me. It is incredible to watch something go from just an idea to a youth conference produced from the creativity, love, and faith of so many wonderful people. Everything came together so well, and I am confident that the participants had a blast. Speaking from experience, I know that one weekend is enough to change someone’s life, and I certainly hope that Spring Youth 2010 Unwritten was able to do just that. Though this was my last youth conference, I hope many of them continue to come back to the other events planned throughout the year. Rebecca Gordon Youth Cordinator
Toward a Missionary Diocese…Making Disciples, Making a Difference
Episcopal Center at Duke Participates in Durham CROP Walk Students at the Episcopal Center at Duke participated in the Durham CROP Walk, walking in solidarity with the many people in our world who use their feet as their only mode of transportation. Along the walk students learned the realities of poverty in our world as local, national and international statistics were posted along the way. The student vestry set a fundraising goal this year of $400 (a higher goal than monies raised last year); the total raised this year was $558 – placing the Episcopal Center at Duke in the “honor roll” category for being among the highest local fundraising groups.
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Accessibility continued from page D-1
The Diocese of North Carolina Review on Serving People with Disabilities
If you have questions regarding the committee or survey, please contact the Rev. Meg Buerkel at megbuerkel@gmail.com. How inclusive are we in the Diocese of North Carolina? How effectively do we reach out to people of all ages and all abilities and disabilities? How well do we use their gifts? Responses to this survey will help us know what we are doing well and what we need to improve on to more fully welcome and celebrate persons with disabilities in the life of our church. This task force, the Bishop’s Committee on Accessibility, is examining these issues in the broadest sense, that is, not just surveying physical accessibility (a
ramp, for example) but asking where we are with our attitudes and communications, as well. Please note that when you are completing the survey, we want you to consider all disabilities, including, physical, emotional, developmental, visual, hearing, and learning disabilities. This survey is short – no more than five minutes to complete! You may take this survey online at www.episdionc.org or fill out the below form and return your answers to the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, 200 West Morgan Street, Ste 300, Raleigh, NC 27601, c/o Bishop’s Committee on Accessibility. Surveys are due by June 21.
1. What is the name of your Parish? __________________________________________________________________________ 2. City of Parish
Dedication of Houpe Hall, Chapel of Christ the King, Charlotte
The Rt. Rev. William O. Gregg (left) with Ernest and Chris Houpe at the dedication of the Houpe Hall at the Chapel of Christ the King. Charlotte, in honor of their ministry. Ernest Houpe is the former warden and Chris Houpe is the Parish Administrator and Director of the Chapel’s After School Program, scheduled to close at the end of this academic year due to lack of funding. The longstanding program, formerly financed largely by churches in the convocation, has served two generations of students in the Optimist Park community. In years when the Chapel was without a priest, the Houpes filled in the gaps, running the office and seeing that the Chapel worship continued. The congregation began as a house church in 1904.
__________________________________________________________________________ 3. Your Name (Optional) __________________________________________________________________________ 4. Are you (please check one) Clergy Lay/Congregation Member
Vestry Member
5. Does your church have a contact person or committee that provides information, assistance, or fellowship to persons with disabilities? Yes No I don’t know 6. If you answered yes to the above question, please provide the name of the contact person / committee. __________________________________________________________________________ 7. Are your worship services accessible to persons with disabilities? For example, are the following available for those in need of them? (please check only one answer per row) Yes No I don’t know Large print materials Sign Language / sound amplification Special or reserved seating, parking, and/or ramps Other If other, please explain______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ 8. Are persons with disabilities participating in the life and community of the parish? For example (please check only one answer per row), Yes No I don’t know Are your educational programs accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities? Are your social events accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities? Is your parish’s fellowship accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities? Are your midweek programs accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities? Comments_________________________________________________________________
Region Lays Groundwork for Youth Exchange At the end of April, the Rev. Steve Rice (Rector of St. Timothy’s Winston-Salem), Bobby Steinhauser (Youth Minister, St. Timothy’s, Winston-Salem) and Duana Cisney, Northwest Regional Youth Resource Missioner, traveled to the Diocese of Costa Rica in order to share their vision of a possible youth mission exchange program. The group visited many churches and saw the Gospel being carried out before their eyes. The group is in the beginning stages
of planning to host 10 youth and two adults from Costa Rica in the Northwest Region in July with the hope of taking the same youth from the region to Costa Rica at the same time next year. Applications to participate in this mission exchange are currently being sent out to Rectors and Youth Ministers. Anyone interested in this work is welcome to contact Duana Cisney at duana.cisney@ episdionc.org.
__________________________________________________________________________ 9. This committee would like to know the kinds of information most useful to congregations in understanding and meeting disability concerns (please check all that apply): Starting & conducting a congregational disability concerns group Understanding ‘inclusion’ Special religious education curriculum Architectural accessibility Assistive listening programs Interpreters for the deaf Disability awareness and education for adults Disability awareness and education for children and youth Alternative worship materials (Braille, large-print, etc) Family support groups and resources Self-assessment tool for your congregation Thank you for completing this survey. The Bishop’s Committee on Accessibility will report on its findings by or at the 2011 Diocesan Convention.
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Current and Past EFM Students Reconnect
Current and past Education Students met at Christ Church, Charlotte in April, enjoying a chance to reconnect. Pictured are Lois Ann Partridge, Jenny Beaumont, Marnie Rodgers, Shelley Kappauf and Lisa Cashion.
Toward a Missionary Diocese…Making Disciples, Making a Difference
The North Carolina Disciple
COMMUNICATIONS continued from page D-1
Curry home. The daily newspaper still arrives, as does the Sunday New York Times. But the truth is, except for the Sunday Times, which takes a bit longer to read, the daily paper has a shelf life of about one day. After that, it’s in the recycling bin. An attractive magazine, on the other hand, will often hang around our house for a while, sometimes becoming almost a family friend. Something else has happened in our household, and we aren’t alone. Our sources of news and information are less and less found on paper and more and more found online and electronically. The younger the generation, the more that’s true. I’m not sure we even need a land line. Texting, tweeting, cell phone and other means of social networking are changing all that. I often talk with other bishops in the Anglican world on Skype, bypassing phones altogether. Quoting the prophet Isaiah, Jesus said of himself and any who would follow him, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor (Luke 4:18). In Mark, Jesus after the resurrection gives these orders to those who would be his baptized disciples: Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation (Mark 16:15). The feast of Pentecost reminds us that the Church itself was born in a burst of miraculous communication, as the Spirit of God opened up new pathways and possibilities so that a great diversity of people heard the good news of Jesus. As people heard the good news, barriers came tumbling down and a new rainbow people of God began to come into being (see Acts 2:1-13). Communicating the good news of Jesus Christ is at the essence of who we are. St. Frances of Assisi said, “Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.” So next Wednesday and every Wednesday, look for Please Note, the weekly e-newsletter of the bishop. And welcome in the fall The Disciple: A Magazine of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. Keep the faith, +Michael
FAQs about The Disciple: A Magazine of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina Who will receive this publication? As a member of an Episcopal Church in the Diocese of North Carolina your household can receive a copy of the magazine. Any canonical, non-parochial, and licensed clergy also can receive a copy. How do I know if the diocese has my correct mailing address? We’re updating our database. We’ve contacted churches to help include new members and to change information that’s out of date or incorrect. You can verify your information with your church, or contact Scott Welborn, diocesan database administrator, at 919.834.7474 / scott.welborn@episdionc.org, to update your information with the diocese. I don’t live in the diocese and would still like to receive the publication. How does this work? June 2010
We are happy to mail copies to people who have moved elsewhere. We are in the process of determining the mailing and printing cost of the publication, and would only ask for a donation to cover those costs on a yearly basis. Anyone can view the publication online for free. If you prefer to read the issue online instead of receiving a printed copy, contact the diocese at 919.834.7474. Will the same kind of information as was in the newspaper be included in the magazine? Yes and no. Because the magazine has fewer editions than the newspaper, we’ll have to make some changes to what’s covered. The magazine will offer thought-provoking features, interviews from around the diocese, inspirational information and high-resolution photography. We welcome all submissions and will consider them for publication in any of our communication vehicles based on policies that the Communications Committee is outlining. Where will I get other news and events? You can find other news and events not covered in the magazine by checking the news section of the new website (debuting this summer), as well as in Please Note, the weekly e-newsletter from the bishop. You can also check Around the Diocese, an insert that may be added to your church bulletin and will be available on the diocesan website. When will I get my first copy of the magazine? The first issue should arrive in early September. Here’s the tentative publishing schedule: Fall (September/October/November) – delivered in early September Winter (December/January/February) – delivered in early December Spring (March/April/May) – delivered in early March Summer (June/July/August) – delivered in early June
Bishop Curry speaks at the East Regional Wardens Conference.
School of Ministry Holds Regional Wardens’ Conferences The School of Ministry held three regional Wardens’ Conferences, “Re-imagining the Call to Serve.” Over 80 Wardens and vestry members attended. The East and Northwest Regions met in March and the South Region met in April, each with a Bishop in attendance. Designed as a daylong liturgy with each Bishop preaching and celebrating the Eucharist, the Regional Priests, Rev. Trawin Malone and Rev. Beth Ely, and Canon to the Ordinary for Administration Marlene Weigert also conducted workshops; the topics were suggested by Wardens who participated in Focus
Groups last fall. A number of resources were offered by each of the presenters; links are still available at the School of Ministry website, www.episdioncschool. org, for downloading them. The conference also had ample time built in for relationship building and idea sharing among the Wardens. Similar to many comments offered by the Wardens, one wrote, “This was a great idea – for wardens to be able to interact with each other and share some new learnings.” Thanks to all for their participation and support. Dates for the 2011 Conferences will be announced soon.
100 Years of Service
Ted Pratt
Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, recently celebrated the services of four people, whose ministries combined total 100 years of service. 40 years (Dr. Wylie S. Quinn, organist-choirmaster), 17 years (the Rev. Tambria E. Lee, associate for university ministry), 15 years (the Rev. Victoria Jamieson-Drake, associate for pastoral ministry), and 28 years (the Rev. Stephen Elkins-Williams, 3 years as associate and 25 years as rector).
What will the magazine look like? The magazine will be 8.5’ X 11 inches and will feature articles and four-color photographs on white paper stock. How will I receive information about The Episcopal Church USA and the Anglican Communion? The new website will feature news from The Episcopal Church USA and the Anglican Communion, and each edition of the magazine will feature some of the top stories from the Episcopal News Monthly. Clergy can receive a free subscription to Episcopal News Monthly. Others interested in subscribing may do so for $27 per year. Small groups of 10 or more receive a discounted rate. For more information and to subscribe, call 1-800-374-9510. To receive Episcopal News Monthly by email, visit http://www. episcopalchurch.org/78650_23228_ENG_ HTM.htm and submit your email address. Other questions and comments? Contact Sarah Herr, communications coordinator, at 919.834.7474 or by email at sarah.herr@episdionc.org
Toward a Missionary Diocese…Making Disciples, Making a Difference
Saint James Episcopal Partners with School
On May 4, Saint James Episcopal Church was presented with a Golden Opportunity Partnership certificate from Shepherd Elementary School. This certificate establishes an agreement between the school and the church noting that Saint James will provide tutoring services on a weekly basis, raise funds for the school’s needy children twice a year, assist the staff with purchasing classroom items not included in the school budget and adopt a family during the Christmas season. On that same day the congregation presented a check for $700 to representatives from the school. Saint James had raised this money from its annual chicken and dumpling dinner. Those pictured from left are Rev. Edward Scott, vicar of Saint James; Julia Stikeleather, principal of Shepherd School; John Morrow, teacher; and volunteer tutors, Susan Brown and Donna Ramey.
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GREGG
St. Andrews, Charlotte
St. Francis, Greensboro
Trinity, Mount Trinity
Rocky Mount Regional
June 13
Jun 20
Jun 27
St. Matthew’s, Hillsboro & Orange Co. 250th
Iglesia El Buen Pastor, Durham
Bob Lowery, Senior Policy Analyst Lutheran Episcopal Services In Mississippi (601) 352-7125 (o) mailto:blowery@lesm.org
camps are prepared to house trained persons associated with oil spill clean-up and wildlife rescue. As of this e-mail, vacancies are still available. If you are interested in becoming a trained volunteer for oil cleanup, please visit www.oceansprings-ms.gov. If you would like to be trained to assist in wildlife rescue due to the oil spill, please visit www.Pascagoulariver.audubon.org.
The Chartered Committee for Environmental Ministry submitted the following article from the Daily Green, www.dailygreen.com, written by By Dan Shapley, which summarizes the problems with the bottled water industry like this: 1. Plastic bottles are made from petroleum. 2. The bottles often go into the trash, rather than the recycle bin (in part because many states don’t offer five-cent deposits to encourage recycling, as they do on soda and beer cans and bottles). 3. The water is pumped far from where it is sold, creating needless pollution as trucks and barges transport it across the country or around the world. 4. Some local communities have objected to the sale of their water, arguing that the water underground or flowing from natural springs is publicly owned and
PLEASE NOTE: The Convention of the Diocese (2010) has asked worshiping communities to limit their use of bottled water at their social events.
should not be exploited for profit. 5. Bottled water is rarely as closely monitored as tap water. 6. Tap water in the United States, when provided by a municipal system, is the most highly monitored and safe supply in the world. 7. Some of the water sold in little plastic bottles is tap water, but it costs an awful lot more per gallon. Read more: http://www.thedailygreen.com/ environmental-news/latest/bottled-water47091001#ixzz0hDK7xgJF
The 7 Sins of Bottled Water
With impending disaster approaching the Mississippi Coast, Lutheran Episcopal Services in Mississippi has asked us to share this call for trained personnel and volunteers to be trained to assist in responding to the growing oil spill. The following message is from Bob Lowery with LESM. His contact information follows his message. Lutheran Episcopal Services In Mississippi (LESM) operates two construction camps on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Camp Victor is located in Ocean Springs and has the capacity to feed and house 232 people. Mission on the Bay is located in Bay St. Louis and has the capacity to feed and house 200 people. Both
LESM Seeks Oil Spill Assistance Volunteers
Please Note: Schedule is subject to change. To confirm a specific date, please contact the Bishop’s office at 919.834.7474 or email Margo Acomb at margo.acomb@episdionc.org.
Aug 29
July 4 – Aug 22 No Bishop Visitations Scheduled.
Emmanuel, Southern Pines
Holy Spirit, Greensboro
Holy Trinity, Greensboro
St. James, Monroe
MARBLE
Events
St. Mary Magdalene, Seven Lakes
June 6
Upcoming
CURRY
Bishops’ Visitations
New Format for The Disciple . . . . . . . . . 1 Welcoming People of All Abilities . . . . . 1 Bishop Curry on “Day 1” Radio Series . 2
Inside:
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ECW News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Botswana Diary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 ERD 4-Star Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Youth News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Accessibility Questionnaire . . . . . . . . . . 6 Regional Wardens Conference . . . . . . . . 7
Western North Carolina Bishop the Rt. Rev. G. Porter Taylor hosted his fellow North Carolina bishops April 14 and 15 in Asheville for a periodic gathering at which the bishops share ministry and mission initiatives. They are, pictured here, from left, the Rt. Rev. A.C. “Chip” Marble, retired Bishop of Mississippi and now Assisting Bishop of North Carolina; the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, Bishop of North Carolina; the Rev. Neff Powell, Bishop of Southwestern Virginia; the Rt. Rev. Clifton “Dan” Daniel, Bishop of East Carolina; Bp. Taylor; and the Rt. Rev. Santosh Marray, Assisting Bishop of East Carolina. Bp. Marray is the former bishop of Seychelles in the Province of the Indian Ocean, who began his work in East Carolina last fall.
June 2010
North Carolina Bishops Meet in Asheville
THE NEWSPAPER OF THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF NORTH CAROLINA
n w o r B Bag s g n i s Bles
Vol. 1 No. 5
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An edition of episcopal news monthly