VOL. 6, ISSUE 3 • FALL 2014
Artistic Expression at St. James, Grosse Ile
TABLE OF CONTENTS Episcopal Diocese of Michigan Episcopal Church Center 4800 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI 48201-1399 (313) 832-4400 • Toll Free (866) 545-6424 Submissions: submit@edomi.org
James Gettel Canon for Congregational Life jgettel@edomi.org
The Reverend Eric Williams Director of Whitaker Institute ewilliams@edomi.org
Rick Schulte Diocesan Communications Editor, The Record therecord@edomi.org
It was a happy gathering at the Cathedral in early October. Page 4-5
Cover Story: Artistic Expression
The Reverend Michelle Meech Ministry Developer mmeech@edomi.org
Beth Rowley Assistant for Program and Administration browley@edomi.org
Photostory: Retired Community Luncheon
A look back, and a look at the current cause for celebration at St. Paul’s, Lansing. Page 8
The Rt. Reverend Wendell N. Gibbs Jr. Bishop of the Diocese bishop@edomi.org
Sue McCune Executive Assistant Office of the Bishop smccune@edomi.org
The House of Bishops meets in Taiwan, proving to be an amazingly eye-opening experience. Page 3
Happy 100th
The Record is a quarterly magazine for the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan. Vol. 6, Issue 3 Fall 2014
Canon Jo Ann Hardy Diocesan Administrator jhardy@edomi.org
Conversation with Bishop Gibbs
Erica Chappuis not only brought a desire to join the church, but she also brought her talents to St. James, Grosse Ile. Page 10
Eric Travis Missioner for Youth and Young Adults etravis@edomi.org Mark Miliotto Director of Finance mmiliotto@edomi.org Kara Chapman Accountant kchapman@edomi.org
The 180th Diocesan Convention
We encourage everyone to learn more about your diocese; here’s a rundown of some of the issues and candidates. Also, learn about our guest preacher. Page 12
Staying Focused
Once Christ Church Cranbrook, Bloomfield Hills started to focus their efforts on a specific range of projects, the results were impressive. Page 16
Resurrection Walk
Take a walk along the ground at St. George’s, Milford. Page 18
The Final Word
In a time when social media can be full of negatives, maybe it’s time to create some positives in our church. Page 19
Knena Causey Whitaker Institute kcausey@edomi.org
Page 18
2
The Record Fall 2014
Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
House of Bishops: Impressions from Taiwan For the first time, the House of Bishops met in the Diocese of Taiwan for its fall meeting. The bishops met after the urging of Bishop David Lai to host the event in his country. Bishop Wendell Gibbs Jr. recently sat down with Rick Schulte, editor for The Record, to share his experience.
Q A
: So what are your observations after spending time in Taiwan? : I think that we as a privileged people, we in the United States, take too many things for granted. We take each other for granted. Spouses take their spouse for granted. We take our natural resources for granted. We take our parents for granted. Parents take their children for granted. What I attribute that to is a lack of mindfulness of the other. What’s really interesting about that is, we spend a lot of time in the tenets of our faith, talking about that and going around that. Probably one of my favorite spots is to point to, with our Baptismal Covenant, respecting the dignity of every human being. That’s mindfulness. That’s not just about tolerating the other. It’s about being mindful of the other person, the others outside of ourselves, whether it’s an object, an animal, a person, a supreme being. It’s outside of ourselves. And it’s about recognizing how incredibly lucky we are to have these gifts. I think when we’re truly mindful in that way, it causes us to be so much more grateful. There was a phrase I heard in Taiwan: ‘One must remember the source while drinking the water.’ It’s not about remembering it came from the tap, or a bottle or a reservoir. No, it ultimately came from God, Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
Members of the House of Bishops gather for a group photo.
and being mindful of that source, when you drink the water. And from that comes how we treat one another. So, I think of the incredible hospitality I experienced in Taiwan. The outpouring of self was certainly reminiscent of my trips to Africa, where people who had very little would give everything to their guests. Food they wouldn’t normally eat, they would prepare for their guests. In Taiwan, it wasn’t the exact same thing, but it was a giving of self. They would never serve themselves until all of the guests at their table were served. If we would go on a tour, they would never sit on the bus until they made sure everyone was there, everyone was seated and everything was in order. Even Bishop Lai would say, “If there’s anything you need or anything you are unhappy about, let me know and we can fix it.” : You’re talking about such a great mindfulness. Sure,
Q
it’s a different culture than us, but it’s still an industrialized nation. They’re as busy as we are. And yet, we are often guilty of not being so mindful. Why is it we get complacent like that? : It goes back to my original word: Privilege. As an example, when we were there, it was very easy for us to stop in front of a doorway, a whole bunch of us, because we want to take in everything. Or we want take a picture, or we are in awe, but we forget that there are people behind us, waiting to go through the doorway. And they can’t, because we are blocking it. Another time, our hosts are waving their arms, to get us to go over to the side, so that cars and other people can get past us. And people were totally oblivious to our hosts, saying ‘move over, move over.’ It was kind of interesting. Some taxis were blowing their horns, wanting us to move. But for the most part, they were just sitting there, waiting for us. People on
A
The Record Fall 2014
motor scooters would just stop and wait. : Sort of being mindful that some people aren’t being mindful? : It was. It sure made me look at things differently. Even on the trip back. I got to customs in Seattle, and I was very tired. I looked around and everyone is looking at their cellphones. And I thought, I can finally turn on my cellphone and get my emails. And an announcement comes over the PA system, saying you are not supposed to turn on your cellphone. If you are holding your cellphone, please put it in your pocket now. So I immediately put it in my pocket. And I looked around, and the number of people who didn’t put their phone away…They looked up, you know they heard the announcement, and just went back to what they were doing. ‘I’m going to keep doing this. It’s my See BISHOPS, page 6
Q A
3
PHOTOSTORY
4
The Record Fall 2014
Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
PHOTOSTORY
Retired Community Luncheon brings together some familiar faces It was a happy gathering as members of the retired diocesan community met at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul. The day began with a celebration of the Eucharist, with a luncheon at Barth Hall following. Some members unable to attend the event submitted letters, which were read aloud by Bishop Gibbs.
Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
The Record Fall 2014
5
DIOCESAN NEWS
BISHOPS
Continued from page 3
right, my privilege.’ : So it sounds like it was quite an experience for you. : Yeah. And not only did we hear about the Taiwanese experience, but also the Phillipines experience and the church in Hong Kong. There are some who might call that the same experience, it’s not. The cultures have differences. To hear the challenges and the difficulties they have to go through to be a Christian community…Rather than be thwarted by that, they are uplifted and emboldened and take nothing for granted. They recognize folks who may convert and become Christian in their culture are giving up a lot. They have to do it very mindfully, knowing precisely what they are giving up. I often wonder about the mindfulness of people coming to church and the complaints they
Q A
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori leads prayers at the House of Bishops, flanked by the president of Taiwan, Ma Ying-jeou, and Bishop David Lai, the local bishop and host. (Photo/Episcopal News Service)
make about church…I think we have it so easy here. I’ve preached at Confirmation services before, about how people are persecuted. This isn’t the same kind of persecution. This is simply a case of what are you choosing? What are you giving up and what is the cost? Knowing the cost of discipleship, I wonder how many of us know the cost of discipleship.
It seemingly is so cheap here. It’s not a big cost. But when you experience Christians in other places, and you hear the stories, you think, wow. It also leads to a whole different concept of hospitality. We talk about radical hospitality, which here means inviting everyone to the Communion rail, regardless of preparation. And I’m thinking
that’s not radical hospitality. Radical hospitality, as I experienced it in Taiwan, is taking the time to hear from the other just what it is that is keeping them from embracing the faith that I embrace, and walking with them through the process of finding a way to do that. Teaching them what I know, sharing with them what I’ve experienced and why it’s so important to me, and letting them experience that through me and with me. That’s another form of hospitality. Even at the dinner table, with a big meal served with a lazy Susan served at the dinner table, our natural tendency is when the plate stops in front of us, we take what we need and we move on. Our hosts in Taiwan, if the person next to them had not yet been served, they’d take the plate and offer to serve them before they put anything on their plate. They made sure everyone at the table had been served before they took anything. It was an amazing experience.
Whitaker offers multiple program options
Whitaker Institute offers several training and educational programs in the coming weeks, including Eucharistic minister and Eucharistic visitor training. The cost is $25 per person. The Rev. Bob Hart leads the Nov. 8 session at St. Patrick’s, Madison Heights. The Nov. 15 program meets at St. Paul’s, Brighton, led by the Rev. Deon Johnson. The Saturday Series is a joint venture with the Diocese of Eastern Michigan, created to deepen
our knowledge of scripture. Deuteronomic History is the next course (Nov. 1), with courses to follow in Prophetic Literature (Dec. 6), Responses to Hellenism (Jan. 24, 2015), Pentateuch (Feb. 14), The Roman Period (March 21), Matthew and Luke/Acts (April 25), John and Paul (May 16) and Paul and the Canon (June 6). It’s a good idea to plan on registering at least two weeks in advance for each program. All ses-
sions take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Morning Prayer offered before each session beginning between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m. (depending on the weekend). The
Columbiere Retreat Center (9075 Big Lake Rd., Clarkston) hosts each event. The fee is $45 for each course and includes lunch. Two continuing education units are available for each course. For details, go online to www. edomi.org/saturday-series.
Diocesan Calendar
6
Oct. 24-25 Diocesan Convention Lansing
Nov. 22 Diocesan Council St. Paul’s, Brighton
Nov. 14-16 Happening #15 Saginaw
Dec. 9 Deans Meeting Diocesan Center, Detroit
Dec. 13 Diocesan Ordination The Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Detroit
The Record Fall 2014
Times, dates and location subject to change.
Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
The Record Fall 2014
7
CHURCHES
Celebrating 100 years St. Paul’s, Lansing continues its tradition of service
8
The Record Fall 2014
Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
CHURCHES
It should never be very difficult to find the location of St. Paul’s Church, Lansing. All one has to do is look for the dome of the State Capitol building – St. Paul’s is merely a block or two away. But the origin of the church went back to a time that preceded the existence of the Capitol. St. Paul’s has been in Lansing since the middle 1800s, although the current church has been open since 1914. The church recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of its current building. True, it’s an historic building. Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
It was recently included as part of the Historical Society of Lansing’s Church and State Tour. Not surprisingly, St. Paul’s has a pretty solid history. Initially, services in 1847 were held in the Senate rooms of the State Capitol. The church slowly began to grow, with occasional picnics on the Capitol lawn. The first formal church was completed in 1859 at the cost of $1,500. While it served its purpose, it took only a few years to determine there was a need for a larger church.
While the need was growing, so were the bills for St. Paul’s. For a while, the congregation experienced a great deal of financial strife. Eventually, the Rev. J.M. McGrath put the church back on solid footing. Reaching out to Michigan Agricultural College (now Michigan State University), a nearby boys’ reform school and St. Katherine’s, Williamston were also prudent moves. These days, the Rev. Karen Lewis serves as priest-in-charge. Members of the church are able to join in among the many min-
The Record Fall 2014
istries offered, ranging from the traditional to the seasonal, such as a fall coat drive, a mitten tree and filling Thanksgiving baskets. The church also served as host of the diocesan Ministry Fair this spring, impressing all with its large number of volunteers that helped the event run smoothly. St. Paul’s recently recognized 100 years in the same church building with a Eucharist and celebration. To learn more about St. Paul’s, go to the church website: www. stpaulslansing.org.
9
COVER STORY
Making her mark Talents of artist are encouraged at St. James, Grosse Ile
10
The Record Fall 2014
Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
By Rick Schulte Church and formal religion were never really a part of Erica Chappuis’s life. Eventually, though, the idea of it started to creep into her adult life. It wasn’t until her son had a church event with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets (a youth service and education group affiliated with the armed forces) that Chappuis had a lifechanging experience. “I had an epiphany where I realized I had to be baptized. It just moved me so much,” she said. “As I was watching people take Communion, I had a strong desire to take Communion, too. I had never been baptized and my parents still are not religious to this day.” So Chappuis (pronounced ‘Shap-wee’) began to explore. She experienced different churches, finding Episcopal churches in general to be very welcoming. And the direction it took her made her want to learn more. Eventually, her family moved from Grosse Pointe to Grosse Ile, a quiet island community about a half hour south of Detroit. “I found this lovely church on Grosse Ile, St. James Church,” she said. “I love the church, I love the way it looks, I love the history of it. We came here and talked to Fr. Phil (Dinwiddie, rector of St. James) and talked about what I was thinking and feeling. So I was baptized here, this year, on Jan. 12. “When you have that strong desire, you have to follow it.” What resulted was not merely a new face in the pews, however. Dinwiddie listened to Chappuis and recognized she had an artistic talent that could benefit the church. Others recognized it, too, which made the process of welcoming Chappuis to the church even more genuine. Chappuis attended a gathering of the St. James’ Garden Club and found it to be very interesting. A conversation was struck up with longtime church member Patricia Zavadil, who learned Chappuis had been visiting various Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
churches but was intrigued by St. James. “Look no further than here,” Zavadil told her. “You found your church.” It didn’t hurt, either, that Chappuis happened to visit shortly before the church’s Greens Market, held annually for 85 years. Learning all proceeds go to benefit those in need, Chappuis jumped right in. Although she considered her artistic contributions somewhat simple, she especially enjoyed the end result. “What made me feel good is I could take a few materials, which didn’t cost much, and be able to contribute a few hundred dollars to help out,” she said. These days, her contributions are noticeable in other ways. Dinwiddie called upon Chappuis to work on a project previously done at St. James, a board with images of people around the world hanging on a wall in the chapel. She retrofitted a cross in the middle of the board, creating the illusion of a gold cross with gold paint and other artistic modifications. Soon, other Dinwiddie talked Chappuis into creating more artwork. “He said, I’d like something down the hall, for in front of the nursery,” Chappuis said, with a laugh. “Oh, kids love babies and I thought, I’d do a nativity.” However, as she got into the project, she didn’t feel that painting was a good fit there. But, “Children love animals,” she said. “Perhaps I’d do a Peaceable Kingdom.” Originally created as an oil painting on canvas in the early 1830s by Edward Hicks, a Quaker preacher, this image shows animals that are normally battling each other are seen quietly gathered. “So Peaceable Kingdom is a beautiful passage and a beautiful image,” Chappuis said. “A lot of artists have taken that. There are several versions of it.” The Nativity has proven to be a
This Nativity painting was among 70 entries in an Episcopal Church-wide Christmas card contest.
noteworthy project. It was actually submitted as one of 70 entries in a contest through the Episcopal Church, seeking an image for the front of a church-wide Christmas card. “I didn’t do it for the contest. It was actually Fr. Phil, originally saying, ‘We have an artist, maybe we can do something.’ But still, it’s an honor to be even among these. All of the entries are very good. It’s an honor just to be a part of this.” It didn’t take any lightningflash type of inspiration to get started on the Nativity painting. Actually, it took a great amount of research to piece it together. Once that was accomplished, Chappuis began working in acrylic paint. She was able to finish the painting in about two weeks. “I wanted to make it look like it was supposed to look like. Very Middle Eastern style, with the clothing and everything, and it took a lot of research to do it. There’s not much info about what Jewish people wore in the period,” she said. But through a lot of
The Record Fall 2014
digging, which included a careful study of other pieces from the same period, and a bit of imaginative thinking, Chappuis was able to put her image on canvas. “For something like this, I have to do a lot of looking. I look for pictures and faces, and I try to blend a lot of it together. I look for a pose, but I have to make up the rest.” Said Dinwiddie: “I’ve always felt that a key role of church is to build up the people for the mission they undertake in their everyday lives. Ideally, every member of the church is finding ways to connect their God-given talents to needs in their world and to address them in love. A part of this is helping people recognize needs in the church family, or church building or mission, and specifically addressing them. “Erica’s paintings are a perfect example of this. For the most part her art is going out into the world, but one aspect of that for her has been seeing a need in the church building for inspiring art and then working to meet that need.”
11
DIOCESAN CONVENTION
The Rt. Rev. Julio Cesar Holguin, Bishop for the Dominican Republic, will appear at the Diocesan Convention. (Photo: Episcopal News Service)
The Ballot Box Voting Information The polls will be open the following hours: Friday, Oct. 24: 4:45 to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 25: 7 to 11 a.m. Voters are encouraged to “meet the candidates” at the pre-banquet reception in the Convention Exhibit area at 5:15 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24. On the Ballot Cathedral Chapter (1 clergy, 1 lay to be elected) Members of the Cathedral Chapter work with the Bishop and vestry of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul congregation to enhance the ministry and mission of the Cathedral as the main church of the Diocese. It has 18 members, six of whom are elected at convention. The term of office is 3 years. The Chapter meets quarterly at the Cathedral Candidates: Lay: Ms. Paula Martin – St. Matthew’s & St. Joseph’s, Detroit Clergy: The Rev. Steven J. Kelly – St. John’s, Detroit Commission on Ministry (1 clergy, 1 lay to be elected) The Commission on Ministry assists the Bishop in development and affirmation of the ministry of all baptized persons. Among the duties of the Commission is the design and oversight of the ongoing process for recruitment, discernment, formation for ministry and assessment of readiness for it. It is to support and nurture persons accepted as postulants through ordination. This body has broad responsibilities for lifting up the opportunities for ministry of the word in this Diocese and the world. The Commission consists of the Bishop and 20 other members – 10 clergy who are entitled to vote at convention and 10 laypersons each of whom must be confirmed adult communicants in good standing of a
12
congregation entitled to vote at convention. Half are elected by members of convention; the other half are appointed by the Bishop. The term of office is five years. The Commission meets monthly at the Episcopal Church Center. Candidates: Lay: Mr. Michael Earle – St. Aidan’s, Ann Arbor; Mr. Jim Holubka – St. James, Grosse Ile Clergy: The Rev. Laurel Dahill – St. Mary’s-In-The-Hills, Lake Orion Delegate to Provincial Synod (1 clergy, 2 lay to be elected) At the Annual Convention next preceding the next scheduled triennial General Convention of The Episcopal Church, the Members of Convention shall elect one member of the clergy eligible to vote at Convention and two laypersons who are communicants in good standing in a congregation that has been admitted as a Voting Congregation, from those persons elected as deputies and alternate deputies to the General Convention to serve as delegates from the Diocese to the Synod Council of the Fifth Province of The Episcopal Church (the “Provincial Synod”), for a term continuing until the third Annual Convention following election. The Ecclesiastical Authority may designate a person to fill any vacancy that may occur in the representation of the Diocese to Provincial Synod. Each person so designated by the Ecclesiastical Authority shall have all the rights of a delegate duly elected. Candidates: Lay: Sr. Elizabeth M. Anderson – St. John’s, Royal Oak; Mr. Cedric A. Flounory – St. Clement’s, Inkster; Ms. Judith Schellhammer – St. Michael and All Angels, Cambridge Junction Clergy: The Rev. Ronald Byrd – St. Katherine’s, Williamston; The Rev. Laurel Dahill – St. Mary’s-In-The-Hills, Lake Orion Disciplinary Board (1 clergy, 1 lay to be elected)
The Record Fall 2014
Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
DIOCESAN CONVENTION
‘Todos Los Santos’ theme for Diocesan Convention
The 180th Diocesan Convention for the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan takes place Oct. 24-25 at the Lansing Center in Lansing. Todos Los Santos (translated from Spanish means ‘All the Saints’) is the theme for the event, with the Rt. Rev. Julio Cesar Holguin – third Bishop of the Episcopal Church of the Dominican Republic – serving as guest preacher at the Friday-evening Eucharist. Bishop Holguin and several members from the Dominican Development Group will also appear in a Friday-afternoon forum at 2 p.m. Oct. 24, which covers the companion relationship between the Diocese of Michigan and our new Latina@ Ministry. Earlier, the Revs. Juan Perez and Marcia Ledford will lead a discussion about the Latin@ Ministry in the diocese. It will touch on a wide range of issues, including ways to become engaged with the ministry. The rest of the day one schedule opens at 4 p.m. with an opening business session, which introduces new clergy in our diocese, in addition to members of the bishop’s staff. Any potential ‘late filed’ motions are considered at this time. A pre-banquet reception in the exhibit area and the Whitaker Institute Kickoff Reception will also take place, with an opportunity to meet election candidates at this time. Later, dinner takes place at 6:15 p.m., just ahead of the Eucharist. The evening closes with the annual Friends of Emrich reception. Business resumes early the next morning and runs until approximately 5 p.m. At lunchtime, a clergy spouses and companions gathering will be held, as will a question and answer session with members of the diocesan Investment Committee (who will discuss new policy for the Growth and Income Fund). The Disciplinary Board replaces the Ecclesiastical Court and the Diocesan Review Committee under the provisions of the new Title IV Canons of The Episcopal Church, effective July 1, 2011. Pursuant to Canon 6.1 of the Canons of the Diocese of Michigan, provision has been made for the Diocese of Michigan and the Diocese of Western Michigan to cooperate in the disciplinary process of any matter in either diocese, through the creation of a common Disciplinary Board. The Board is to consist of nine persons, five of whom are members of the Clergy and four of whom are Laity. Each of the Dioceses listed in Canon 6.1 will elect two clergy and two lay members of the Disciplinary Board. In addition, each Diocese will alternate electing one additional clergy member. No Standing Committee member of either Diocese may serve on the Disciplinary Board. The method of selection will be as determined by each Diocese. In the Diocese of Michigan, the initial members will be appointed by the Bishop, with the advice and consent of the Standing Committee. Members may serve no more than two successive terms. The term of office is two years. The Disciplinary Board must meet within 60 days of the beginning (January 1) of each term and then as a disciplinary process requires. (See section IV of the Canons – Ecclesiastical Discipline). Candidates: Lay: Mrs. Pam Redfield – Christ Church Cranbrook, Bloomfield Hills; Dr. Edie Wakevainen – Christ Church Cranbrook, Bloomfield Hills Clergy: The Rev. Juan F. Perez Jr. – La Iglesia Detroit Hispanic Ministry; The Rev. Terri C. Pilarski – Christ Church, Dearborn Standing Committee (1 clergy, 1 lay to be elected) The Standing Committee serves as a council of advice to the Bishop; it examines persons in progress for ordination, and must consent to ordination; and it approves all property transfers and encumbrances of Diocesan property, including parish property. The Standing Committee consists of eight members, four members of the clergy entitled to vote at convention and four laypersons who are confirmed adult communicants in good standing of a congregation entitled
Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
o vote at convention. Its responsibilities are determined principally by the Canons of General Convention. Two members, one member of the clergy and one layperson, are elected at each Annual Convention. The term of office is four years. The Committee meets monthly except July and August, at the Episcopal Church Center. Candidates: Lay: Dr. Peter F. Trumbore – St. Mary’s-In-The-Hills, Lake Orion Clergy: The Rev. William Roberts – St. Anne’s, Walled Lake Trustees (1 clergy, 4 lay to be elected) The Trustees of the Diocese receive transfers of property to the Diocese for express purposes, and may receive funds from recognized congregations and other funds of the Diocese for investment purposes, invest such funds as directed or in their discretion as trustees they may determine; and to collect and receive all income from the funds, and pay out the net income for the purposes of the Diocese as established by Diocesan Council in the case of diocesan funds or pursuant and subject to the terms of the trust or trusts or other direction under which property or money has been received by it. The Trustees consist of the Bishop and 15 other members, three clergy entitled to vote at convention and 12 laypersons who are communicants in good standing of a congregation admitted as a Voting Congregation. Five members, one member of the clergy and 4 laypersons, are elected at each Annual Convention. The term of office is three years. The Trustees meet quarterly at the Episcopal Church Center. Candidates: Lay: Ms. Kay A. Bell – All Saints, Pontiac; Mr. Edward C. Hammond – Christ Church Cranbrook, Bloomfield Hills; Mr. Carl Pfadt – Christ Church, Detroit; Mr. Guy Thomas – The Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Detroit Clergy: The Very Rev. Dr. Susan Carter – St. John’s, Howell
The Record Fall 2014
13
CONVENTION RESOLUTIONS
A brief look at each of the seven resolutions
As is the case with each Diocesan Convention, the 180th version of the annual gathering has its share of issues, approvals and resolutions to act upon. We also understand this fact: While some people are keenly aware of every item relating to the convention, there are many others who are curious or simply want to know more about the workings of your diocese. For that reason, we’ve included a brief synopsis of the resolutions that will be acted upon Oct. 2425 at the Lansing Center. (A full description of each resolution may be found online at www. edomi.org/convention180, where you may also find a full wrap-up following convention). For those unable to attend as delegates or observers, we will provide live coverage of the event in a number of ways. Look for updates, photos and videos online at
14
Facebook.com/EpiscopalMichigan. You may also follow the proceedings on Twitter, where you can follow us @EpiscopalMI.
RESOLUTION 1 Originator: Bruce Donigan Subject: Diocesan Funding for the Social Service Ministries of the Diocese of Michigan RESOLVED: that the 180th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan direct Diocesan Council to allocate in its budget funding for the Social Service Support Ministries at the level of $58,214. RESOLVED: that funding for these ministries come from the investment income from the Opportunity Resource Fund and if needed, from the operating budget of the Diocese of Michigan. RESOLVED: that Diocesan Council supervise a process to make recommendations about
the allocation of the $58,214 for these ministries, and that there be a public, participatory and transparent process for the allocation of these funds with final approval of Diocesan Council until a new way of funding them is in place.
and Peace Advocacy Ministries continue to make recommendations about the allocation of the $18,545 for those ministries, in accordance with existing procedures and with final approval of Diocese Council.
RESOLUTION 2 Originator: Bruce Donigan Subject: Diocesan Funding for the Justice and Peace Advocacy Ministries RESOLVED: that in continued recognition of the Diocesan Mission and Ministry Commitment to Justice, Peace and Diversity and recalling our fifth Baptismal Covenant, the 180th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan direct Diocesan Council to maintain in its 2015 budget the 2014 Diocesan funding of $18,545 for the Justice and Peace Advocacy Ministries which in 2014 included funding for Covenant 5, and the following ministries under its umbrella: American Friends Service Committee Michigan Criminal Justice Program; Church of the Incarnation Criminal Justice Advocacy; Disability Awareness (including Alliance to Abolish Bullying); Economic Justice Commission; St. Katherine’s Adult Day Care Center (advocacy component); St. Peter’s Manna Works; St. Stephens’ Troy Dream in Action; Transgender Bisexual Lesbian and Gay Concerns Committee; St. Clements’ New Vision; and Word and World. RESOLVED: that for the fiscal year 2015 the 180th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan direct Diocesan Council to continue its funding of Covenant 5 and the Justice and Peace Advocacy Ministries in the amount of $18,545 from the operating budget of the Diocese or 19 alternatively from the Extended Ministry Fund. RESOLVED: that the persons active in Covenant 5 and Justice
RESOLUTION 3 Originator: Bruce Donigan Subject: Reauthorizing the Ability to Solicit Financial Support for the Justice and Peace Advocacy and Social Service Support Ministries of the Diocese of Michigan RESOLVED: that in recognition of the stated Diocesan Mission and Ministry Commitment to Justice, Peace and Diversity, the 180th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan authorizes the Justice and Peace Advocacy Ministries and Social Service Support Ministries to solicit funds from the governing bodies of recognized congregations and individual members of congregations in support of 14 social service support ministries and 11 justice and peace advocacy ministries.
The Record Fall 2014
RESOLUTION 4 Originator: The Very Rev. Ellis Clifton Subject: Building Bridges Through Faith-Rooted Organizing RESOLVED: that the 180th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan re-affirms the commitment of the Fifth Baptismal Covenant to strive for justice and peace among all peoples and to respect the dignity of every human being; RESOLVED: that this Convention affirms faith-rooted community organizing as one faithful and effective means of fulfilling this commitment and implementing RSVP/RUACH Social Justice & Outreach Goal, “Increase Advocacy for Social Justice Issues”; Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
CONVENTION RESOLUTIONS RESOLVED: this Convention acknowledges the leadership of the Southeast Michigan Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) which passed a similar resolution in support of faith-rooted organizing at its Synod Assembly in May 2014; RESOLVED: that congregations, leaders, and members of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan be encouraged to join with other people of faith to advocate for a just and compassionate society. RESOLUTION 5 Originator: The Rev. Charles Swinehart Subject: Further Enactment of General Convention 2012 Resolutions by Diocese of Michigan Congregations RESOLVED: that the 180th Convention of the Diocese of Michigan commends the congregations who have chosen to enact one or more of the resolutions adopted by General Convention 2012, thus implementing RSVP/
RUACH Social Justice & Outreach Goal, “Increase Advocacy for Social Justice Issues”. RESOLVED: that other congregations be encouraged to engage in similar choice and enactment, thus implementing RSVP/RUACH Social Justice & Outreach Objective 2.6, “Help Congregations to Establish Social Justice/Outreach Programs”. RESOLVED: that when there is interest by two or more congregations in the enactment of a particular resolution, we encourage a collaborative effort. As well, we encourage one or more deaneries to choose to enact (a) particular resolution(s).
restoring the education funding that has been cut since the start of the Great Recession, with a focus on making sure children can read by the end of third grade; supporting families earning the least through tax credits and more robust food and cash assistance; increasing child-care payments to help working parents; investing in strategies to reduce the 8.4 percent of Michigan babies born too small, particularly in communities of color; supporting the expansion of Healthy Kids, Dental to all eligible children, especially the more than 400,000 low-income children in Oakland and Wayne counties.
RESOLUTION 6 SUBJECT: Child Well-Being: Focus on Education and Poverty RESOLVED: that the 180th Convention of the Diocese of Michigan encourages the Michigan legislature and governmental agencies to address child education and poverty in Michigan, by:
RESOLUTION 7 ORIGINATORS: Heather Jones, Michael Blair, Margaret Maycock, George Port, Karen Kienbaum, Helen Santiz, Mark High SUBJECT: Solutions to Gun Violence RESOLVED: that the 180th
Convention of the Diocese of Michigan, in response to the impact on Michigan communities of deaths from gun violence, join with other faith communities calling for the following steps to be taken by Federal and State lawmakers: Requiring and enforcing universal background checks on all gun sales; a clear ban on all future sales of military-style semi-automatic weapons, highcapacity ammunition magazines and high-impact ammunition (i.e. ammunition more deadly than ordinarily used in hunting); making gun trafficking a Federal crime; and be it further, RESOLVED: that lawmakers advocate for public policy and adequate funding to provide community-based services, hospital care and research into the causes and treatment of mental illness.
Episcopalooza Young people (and youngsters of all ages) were treated to the second-annual Episcopalooza event, hosted by Trinity Church, Belleville. The event kicks off the school year with a variety of free activities, food and a fun chance to mingle with other members of the diocese. The Youth and Young Adults Ministry for the diocese stages Episcopalooza.
Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
The Record Fall 2014
15
OUTREACH
A focused plan of action provides positive results By Peggy Dahlberg Anyone can be spread too thin. Even a congregation. For many years, outreach efforts at Christ Church Cranbrook, Bloomfield Hills were very widespread. The grants program, funded by parishioner pledges and income from specific investments, supported about 50 agencies. In addition, the congregation’s Episcopal Church Women (ECW) group held two rummage sales and a used book sale each year, giving the proceeds to local and international charities. Eventually, the rummage sales and book sales were replaced by an evening event that included live and silent auctions. The proceeds were distributed to four charities chosen by the ECW. In 2010, when the Rev. Gary Hall became rector, he observed we were giving money to a lot of different organizations. He suggested the congregation could really make a difference by narrowing our outreach efforts, identifying a program we could both support financially and create a relationship with, drawing upon the congregation’s wide array of talents and resources. Parishioners embraced the idea. A list of our interests, skills and talents emerged: tutoring, helping people prepare for and obtain jobs, and assisting with legal, health, and financial issues. Looking at all of our outreach efforts, we decided to fold our Servant Saturdays program – a day when we volunteered our time and labor to an organization – into this initiative. The Rev. Beth Taylor joined as an associate priest and led the committee charged with finding an organization with which we could partner with and funnel the
16
The strategic efforts at Christ Church Cranbrook have had a positive impact in the community.
majority of our outreach funds – and talents. The committee chose Focus: Hope, a Detroit-based civil and human rights organization dedicated to overcoming racism, poverty and injustice. Committed to developing safe, strong and nurturing neighborhoods where people want to live, work and raise a family, Focus: HOPE programs include career training, community development, fighting hunger and childhood education through their HOPE Village initiative. It takes a village Believing “it takes a village to raise a child,” HOPE Village actively seeks partners who will bring together the resources needed to transform the community. What caught the hearts and
minds of Christ Church Cranbrook were the children attending Glazer Elementary School, Detroit. Our committee learned the school wanted to build a STEM lab (Science Technology, Engineering and Math). This project resonated with the committee and others in the congregation. The decision was made to select Glazer Elementary as the beneficiary of that year’s “Evening for Outreach” fundraiser. Support for this project came from every part of the congregation. Members of the prayer shawl ministry created and sold hats, scarves and baby items to finance a life-sized skeleton for the STEM lab. The Sunday school children held a bake sale to buy items for the lab as well. Also, one of our parishioners owns a lab in
The Record Fall 2014
the process of renovating, so he was able to donate the granite worktable tops as well as advise on the project. Another parishioner took a group of Glazer students to the Field & Science Museum in Chicago. Birthday cakes and books Following the gift of the STEM lab, members of the congregation began to look for other opportunities at Glazer. An after-school tutoring program and ballet lessons were established; an afterschool robotics club is in the planning stage. Spending time at the school and getting to know the students, we learned some children’s birthdays might not include a cake. The congregation now holds a “birthday bag” drive twice a year. Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
This is a parish-wide collection of cake mix, canned frosting, oil and candles – everything to make a birthday cake except the eggs. Friday mornings during the school assembly, every student who has a birthday in the upcoming week gets a rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday to You” and receives a bag decorated by our youth group filled with the ingredients to make a birthday cake. One boy told me this was the only thing he got for his birthday. Working with the students and the staff, we saw the interest in reading and learned of the desire for an improved library and books for the children to take home over the summer. A few of our parishioners organized the Glazer library and filled in with books where needed. A book collection drive was held in the spring. Enough books were collected so each student was able to choose two or three books to take home. Since that first year, we’ve added monthly food drives for Focus: HOPE families and provide school supplies in the summer and mittens in the winter. Collaboration The relationship with Glazer is one of collaboration, not us swooping in and doing what we think needs to be done. The staff, parents and students tell us how we could help. We try our best to help them achieve their goals. As our next Evening for Outreach approached, we talked with staff, parents and students about their dreams for the school and the children. What rose to the top of the list was a new playground. We agreed to raise the money and help with construction; the staff at Focus: HOPE got busy identifying other partners to help with the design and the labor. Working with landscape architecture graduate students from the University of Michigan, and the students and staff at Glazer, a design for the new playground was formed. Parishioners, staff, Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
students and parents, neighbors, U-M students and Focus: HOPE staff helped build and landscape the playground over two weekends. Little things like resealing and lining a walking track that encompasses the playground made people more aware if its existence. One woman from the neighborhood told me that she never knew the walking track was there. Now she can walk without fear of being attacked by dogs that roam the neighborhood. The importance of shared vision Our relationship with Focus: HOPE continues, in large part because our church leaders took the time to explore what a different approach to outreach might look like at Christ Church Cranbrook. Many people in the metro Detroit area are working poor and need help. We have lost
many of the well-paying factory jobs that provided so many with comfortable lifestyles. Working together, we explored what focusing our effort on a specific organization might be like and thought about ways our wide array of talents and resources might be put to use. Since beginning this relationship, Hall moved on to become the dean of the Washington National Cathedral and Taylor was called to be the rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Royal Oak. The lay committee she set up continues to guide this ministry. After Taylor’s call to St. John’s, the Rev. Ron Pogue (interim rector) hired Katy Knoer as the coordinator of ministries for outreach, hospitality and stewardship. Knoer has been incredibly busy overseeing the relationship between Christ Church
What is God calling your congregation to do? Consider bringing people in your congregation together to explore this question: “When the people at (your church) bring together your deepest desires and greatest gifts, how do you imagine the future God is bringing forth among you?” The Record Fall 2014
Cranbrook, Focus: HOPE and Glazer Elementary, keeping the vision and mission alive and the congregation engaged. This year’s Evening for Outreach beneficiary will be the construction of an outdoor learning center at Focus: HOPE’s Center for Children. This will be an outdoor addition to the childcare facility at the center that trains adults for jobs. The children will be able to play outdoors in a safe, educational environment. The adults can leave their children at the Center for Children while they are learning life and job skills. Recently, the congregation called the Rev. William Danaher Jr. to become our rector. He is passionate about the Christian need to care for others and is committed to continue and support Christ Church Cranbrook’s current outreach efforts. He has also articulated a goal of ensuring that the Episcopal Church becomes deeply involved in Detroit’s comeback. Peggy Dahlberg is director of communications at Christ Church Cranbrook. This was originally published for ECF Vital Practices. More information is available at www.ecfvp.org.
17
RESURRECTION WALK
Resurrection Walk St. George’s, Milford has offered a chance for a reflective walk along its grounds during the fall months. Visitors were able to view the various stations at their own pace, allowing an opportunity to pray and think at each spot.
18
The Record Fall 2014
Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
THE FINAL WORD
Who says our social media and commentary has to be negative? There are many things I miss about getting the Sunday paper. I mean, the actual newspaper, printed on actual paper. It’s a reflection back to simpler, slower times. My, how things have changed since then. Many people still do get home deliveries of their newspaper, but due to reasons of convenience, time or just a shift in how we acquire our news, the subscription numbers are way down. I’m not sure what makes me sadder – the fact that an industry of which I was a part for more than 20 years is changing for the worse, or that publishing online has emboldened people to say things they would not normally say. Specifically, I’m talking about the ‘comments’ section appearing after virtually every story that runs online. It gives readers an opportunity to respond to a story – sort of like an old-fashioned ‘letter to the editor’ – only with a sense of immediacy.
In reality, while What has happened to us a society when some comments do the mere fact a platraise valid points, form to speak gives many are simply us the bravado to say mean-spirited. Snarky. whatever we want, Rude. Sarcastic. I read stories about lobbing comments Ebola, the terrible vilike grenades? Rick rus. Elections, which Maybe I’m just a Schulte are upon us again. romantic, showing my age. But in some President Obama. instances, where Governor Snyder. we feel the urge Presiding Bishop to put in our allKatharine Jefimportant two ferts Schori. Heck, cents, maybe we even the Detroit could take a deep Tigers. You name breath, gather our it, and the angry thoughts…and words start to fly. stay away from the And this is not keyboard. just in the comOr maybe we ment sections, but can turn this dealso through social media. I grew sire to comment to dislike Facebook – a guilty and post what’s on our mind into pleasure of mine – until I started something good. No, life isn’t all to weed out my friends who had peaches and sunshine. Somea few too many negative things to times, there are wrongs in the say. world, or things don’t go the way
we like. I understand that. Perhaps we can look at social media, or the online comments section, in a new way. Why is it okay to argue about political choice, sports, cat videos and the like, but not talk about what we like about our church? It is all right to do this. In fact, it’s a wonderful idea to share our church with others. Maybe a good sermon stuck with you. Maybe taking a picture of your dinner (yes, I’m guilty of that, too) could be replaced by snapping an image of the stained-glass window at church that struck you as calming and colorful. Maybe the next time you see a story about an Episcopal church, you can chime in a good word or two. Can’t we make it okay to speak out in favor of something that means a lot to us? Rick Schulte is director of communications for the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan and is editor for The Record.
Let Our Voices Be Heard
Donate to Our Communications Ministry The Record/Communications Ministry Episcopal Diocese of Michigan 4800 Woodward • Detroit, MI 48201 Your Name:_______________________________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________________________ City:____________________________________________State:_________ ZIP________
$10
I WISH TO CONTRIBUTE: (Circle One)
$25
$50
$100
$500
0ther
(Please make all checks payable to: Episcopal Diocese of Michigan)
Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
The Record Fall 2014
19
The Record Episcopal Diocese of Michigan 4800 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48201-1399
20
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
DETROIT, MI PERMIT NO. 5312
The Record Fall 2014
Episcopal Diocese of Michigan