VOL. 3, ISSUE 2 • SUMMER 2012
WHY ‘LIKE’ THE CHURCH
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The Record/Summer 2012
Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Interview: Bishop Wendell Gibbs Jr. The Record 4800 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48201-1399 therecord@edomi.org www.theRecordOnline.org Phone: (313) 833-4425 The Record is a quarterly magazine for the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan. Vol. 3, Issue 2 Summer 2012 Episcopal Diocese of Michigan Episcopal Church Center 4800 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI 48201-1399 (313) 832-4400 • Toll Free (866) 545-6424
The Rt. Reverend Wendell N. Gibbs Jr. Bishop of the Diocese bishop@edomi.org The Reverend Canon Lisa A. Gray Canon to the Ordinary lgray@edomi.org Jo Ann Hardy Diocesan Administrator jhardy@edomi.org Sue McCune Executive Assistant Office of the Bishop smccune@edomi.org Beth Rowley Assistant for Program and Administration browley@edomi.org
A sermon delivered at the Virginia Theological Seminary on the anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. makes us consider how close we are to reaching the dream of which he famously spoke. Page 4
News
A look at some of the recent happenings within the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan, including how members of Holy Faith, Saline raised money to provide those in need with access to water. Page 6
Making it happen
The idea for an adult day facility turns into a reality, thanks to some contributions in talent from the congregation at St. Katherine’s, Williamston. Page 8
Youth and Young Adults
A picture spread shows Happening #10 at St. James, Grosse Ile and ‘Messy Church’ at St. Paul’s, Brighton. Page 10
Appeal for The Record
Rick Schulte Diocesan Communications Editor, The Record therecord@edomi.org Karen Robinson Executive Director Whitaker Institute krobinson@edomi.org 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
This magazine and our communications ministry can only survive through the help of people like you. Page 11
Facebook: A way to ‘like’ church
Using social media (such as Facebook) is a critical way for churches to not only keep its current members informed, but to also reach out to new members. Page 12
Episcopal Idol
A celebration of Episcopal music takes on the form of a popular TV show. Page 15
Social Feedback
See what people have to say about issues related to the Diocese of Michigan. Page 15
Book Review
‘The Uncommon Reader’ reminds us anyone should be able to discover the joy of reading. Page 16
Commentary
The Rev. Dorian McGlannan shows how everyday saints can be found among each of us. Page 16
Go Green
Everyone signed up to read The Record electronically will be entered to win a Kindle. Page 17
Photo Page
See what we were able to find in our photo archives and what’s happening today. Page 18
The Final Word
Being open and welcoming includes being mindful that there are others who have a different view of the world. Page 19 Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
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THE INTERVIEW: BISHOP WENDELL GIBBS JR.
The Dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. still resonates in today’s world On the anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Bishop Wendell Gibbs Jr. spoke at the Virginia Theological Seminary. Here are excerpts from his sermon. I grew up not far from here, in Washington, D.C. I learned and lived important segments of American History while a student in the D.C. public school system and at DeMatha Catholic High School. I have fond memories of growing up in a middleclass, African-American household where photographs of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. were the icons that commanded important wall space in my grandparent’s family room. I am part of a certain generation and I know precisely where I was when the announcements of the deaths of these two revered men were announced. Almost immediately after the rousing declaration of “I have a dream” echoed forth from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, the notion of being a dreamer was ridiculed by those who either prayed that the dream would certainly not come true or by those who wished to sell the notion that dreamers were weak, not grounded in reality or lacked true vision. Nevertheless, there has been an entire generation, and perhaps an entire people, compelled to embrace the dream and the dreamer because of the hope it afforded. Is the dream still relevant today? In 1984, I entered seminary and was immediately intrigued that one of the elective classes available to first-year students was one addressing the notion of dreams as God’s forgotten language. This was a class designed to examine
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the role of dreams in the Bible and then explore why Christians tend to reject the visions through which God can and does speak to humanity. I was intrigued by that class because I used to have quite vivid dreams about my own life situations and always wondered if there was some “message” that I was missing… After two meetings, dropping the class was a serious consideration. One of the “secrets” to remembering dreams was to keep pen and paper next to the bed and without fully waking oneself up, rolling over to jot down pieces of the dreams for later deciphering. In spite of that, I ultimately chose to stay in the class and found that making sense of both my nighttime handwriting
and the disjointed details of my dreams actually made sense. Yes, these details had to be understood within the context of what was happening in my waking life, but with prayerful focus, I could, at times, discern God’s word to me. At least I strengthened my faith that God still speaks through our dreams! As a black man discerning God’s call in my life, my memories and my dreams brought to light the icons on my grandmother’s wall and my thoughts turned to Dr. King. I asked myself, so what about Martin’s dream? Was God speaking to or through him? Is this dream relevant today? A key learning in the ‘Dreams’ class was the importance of context in discerning the meaning of
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a dream and its message. Hints of the context influencing the dream Dr. King chose to share with the world in 1963 come from early moments in that historic speech and from the record of American and African-American history. The prominent place of slavery, which ended just a century prior to the speech, and the slow movement toward equality plaguing the African-American consciousness, was certainly a part of the context. In his famous “I Have a Dream” speech Dr. King said: “But one hundred years later, we must face the tragic fact that the Negro is still not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize an appalling condition.” Dr. King’s experience of racial inequality was not a dream but a reality. However, through his words it is evident that his heart ached for a time when he would be accepted by people of all skin tones and ethnic persuasions as an equal human being, being created in the image and likeness of God, just as they were. And, as we continue to read Martin’s words, we can almost ‘hear’ evidence that this longing was a longing he shared with his God; a longing submitted to prayer and other times of communion with the God of liberty and freedom. Ultimately, he shared his interpretation of the language that Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
God had shared with him and he said: “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be selfevident: that all men are created equal.’” …I realize that at the time Dr. King shared his dream he was grounded in the context of the racial injustice that existed in the United States in the early 1960s. He could not have foreseen that human slavery would be part of a worldwide reality in 2012. And yet, his dream, God’s dream, then and now is about the transformation of a “sweltering desert of injustice and oppression into an oasis of freedom and justice.” Just as the striving for racial equality in the United States must be ongoing and has required participation by a broad cross-section of society to realize any accomplishment, so too, the work, the responsibility to end modern-day slavery will require the participation of us all. Our participation will require that we not turn a blind eye; that we be attentive to how we perpetuate slavery with our own hands and lives and daily practices. Because now, almost 50 years after Martin shared his dream, we must face the fact that not only African-Americans, but Hispanics, Women, even the Middle Class, are still not free. Each group is still sadly crippled by sophisticated forms of segregation and discrimination. Each group lives on an island noted for the poverty that arises from a lack of human dignity in the midst of the outrageous prosperity of the 1%. A truly appalling condition, don’t you agree? Of course, Martin Luther King’s dream is relevant today. A black man in the White House is really no big deal; black men and women have been present in the White House as servants and slaves for decades. The major difference on this day is that the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
Dr. King’s famous “I have a dream” speech was first delivered in Detroit at Cobo Arena in June 1963.
black man currently in the White House is an elected civil servant of all the people and he actually chose to be there! Dr. King’s dream is certainly relevant today as we see too many children of all races mired in the poverty of our inner cities and too many of them are dying from drugs or gun violence. The dream of a society where one’s skin color is not the basis of judgment is extremely relevant this day as long as neighborhood watch captains can shoot and kill unarmed black teenagers simply because they look suspicious! The dream has relevance today. What happened to Martin’s dream is what happens to those of us who still dare to seek God’s language through our own dreams: there are those who do not want the dreams of God to be realized and certainly don’t want them to be shared with others. God did indeed speak to Martin and God speaks to us today. The message is as it has been: transformation, liberation, freedom and justice. As Dr. King said: “This is our hope…With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain
of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.” …A martyr’s road is not an easy one but it is a road paved with God’s mercy. We may not have to become actual martyrs to realize the true equality among
all peoples. However, we must each martyr our own agendas and privileges if the reign of God is to be transformed from the visionary hope of one servant of God to the living reality of all of the people of God. May each of us continue to live for the fulfillment of the dream of Martin Luther King, Jr., where “the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.”
Bishop Wendell Gibbs Jr. delivered a sermon at the Virginia Theological Seminary. (Courtesy of Susan L. Shillinglaw/VTS).
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NEWS
Holy Faith parishioners run to provide access to water
No one in the Dexter-Ann Arbor races on June 3 went thirsty. Water stations lined the course and there were scores of volunteers to hand it out. But sadly, such access to clean water is lacking in many parts of the world. That’s why nine parishioners from Holy Faith Church in Saline ran the races to raise money for water projects in developing nations. Calling it the ‘Run for Their Lives’ campaign, church members ran a combined total of 68 miles and raised $1,377 – enough to provide 55 people lifetime access to safe water through the aid organization Water.org And they appreciated the water stations in a whole new way. “Some of those stretches without shade did get pretty hot,” said church member Brian Marr of Saline, who ran the 13.1-mile half-marathon course.
Still time to turn in nominations for Diocesan leadership positions Time is running out to turn in nominations for key diocesan leadership offices. The due date is July 13. Nominations are being accepted for the following ministry areas: • Cathedral Chapter • Commission on Ministry • Disciplinary Board • Standing Committee For details, contact Canon Jo Ann Hardy at jhardy@edomi. org if you have any questions. After July 13, nominations will be accepted by petition only. (This is defined as 15 signatures or clergy in good standing and adult lay communicants of
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“I was definitely thinking about all the people who walk hours each day to get what we took for granted at every aid station,” added the Rev. Ian Reed Twiss, pas-
tor at Holy Faith. “The physical strain of the run helped to build a sense of connection with what they go through.” Co-founded by actor/philan-
thropist Matt Damon, Water.org works with local leaders to build sustainable and community-supported safe water projects all over the world. Its website notes the kind of stark realities that Holy Faith’s campaign hopes to help combat – that “more people die each year from unsafe water than from wars” and that “in just one day, 200 million work hours are consumed by women collecting water for their families.” The church’s running team included men and women (ages 15 to 63), experienced marathoners and first-time runners. Their common purpose? Helping others in the name of one whose dying words are still uttered far too often by people around the world: “I thirst.” To learn more about this global organization and how to help locally, go to www.water.org.
recognized congregations in the diocese). The election takes place Oct. 26-27 at the 178th Convention of the Diocese, hosted by the Radisson Hotel/Lansing Center.
Sings! aims to create a common ground for combining music and worship styles of all genres; encouraging and educating musicians to be dynamic and zealous leaders of congregational song; and sparking the imagination to discover new and innovative ways to stir communities of faith through enthusiastic music-making and authentic worship. The four-day conference offers 21 hours of workshops, daily worship in a variety of styles and opportunities for small-group discussions and informal dialogue. This is an opportunity to exchange ideas, express insights and share resources with other church musicians and liturgists.
This is being presented by the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music as a tool to gather information about the musical needs and liturgical trends of Episcopal congregations of all sizes. (Particular interest, however, will be paid toward the needs of small congregations). The goal of this gathering is to provide a dynamic environment for learning, listening, praying, thinking, and conversing. But mostly, this is all about creating a space for singing together. The event is limited to the first 50 registrants. All genres of music will be explored, including traditional Anglican
Participants from Holy Faith included Jack Edwards (left), the Rev. Ian Reed Twiss, Nan Reed Twiss, Brian Marr, Ingrid Smart and Kirsten Smart. Participants not pictured were Cathy Sigler, Jameson Schultz, and Adrian Reed Twiss.
Everybody Sings! offers something for everyone interested in church music Christ Church Cranbrook, Bloomfield Hills hosts Everybody Sings! from July 31 through Aug. 4. Church musicians, song leaders, clergy, liturgists, choir members or anyone interested in the music of the church are invited to attend. One focus of the event will be on exploring ways for producing effective and creative liturgy and music for 21st century congregations. In addition, Everybody
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Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
NEWS church music, world music and newly emerging styles. Particular focus will be on congregational song and every session will include a generous amount of singing. John Repulski, Cranbrook’s director of music, will coordinate the event. Others from the Diocese taking part as teachers and performers include the Rev. Canon Dr. Lisa Gray (Canon to the Ordinary), the Rev. Gary Hall (Cranbrook rector), the Rev. James Hamilton (rector, Trinity, Farmington Hills), the Rev. Julie Huttar Bailey (priest-in-charge, St. Michael’s and All Angels, Lincoln Park) and the Rev. Beth Taylor (associate priest at Cranbrook). To learn more about the event, including registration information, go to www.everybodysings.org.
Exploring Your Spiritual Journey registration set for Sept. 1, prior to Emrich Center retreat Exploring Your Spiritual Journey (EYSJ) is a discernment process responding to the calling of the Holy Spirit and honors lay ministry as well as ordained ministry. The inclusion of people discerning a special direction in lay ministry, together with those who sense a call to ordained ministry, will enrich all who seek a
focused and deepened ministry to serve as Jesus taught in the church and in the world. The EYSJ year begins with the Opening Retreat, a 24-hour experience of spiritual reflection and sharing with others who are also seeking God’s purpose in their lives. Registration for EYSJ closes Sept. 1. The Opening Retreat is held in mid- to late- September at the Emrich Conference Center in Brighton. During the EYSJ year, in the midst of a Christian community, participants join a group of fellow seekers reflecting on God’s call and on what it means to keep covenant with God. Reflection and prayer lie at the heart of this program. Through reflection and prayer you are led to a closer walk with God, in quietness to hear what God asks of you. In this community, you will share a common life of discernment and exploration. You will reflect on your spiritual journey, identify your spiritual gifts and determine the resources, training and experience you will need to effectively carry out the unique ministry you have discerned. For further information and registration instructions, contact Karen Robinson, executive director for the Whitaker Institute, at krobinson@edomi.org or (313) 833-4412. Information courtesy of Whitaker Institute.
Canon Anderson to receive inaugural UBE award
Canon Bonnie Anderson, who hails from the Diocese of Michigan and will serve as president of the House of Deputies through the General Convention, was named the first recipient of the Verna Josephine Dozier Honors Award, given by the Union of Black Episcopalians. Her honor was scheduled to be received prior to the start of the General Convention and to coincide with the celebration of the 35th anniversary of the ordination of women to the the Episcopal Church. Dr. Deborah Harmon Hines, the Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas and the Rev. Altagracia Perez also were named as other award recipients. “As varied as the reasons were for selection of each recipient, the UBE Board and selection committee overall felt that each person’s life work and journey exemplified the spirit of their award namesake,” said UBE President John E. Harris Jr. “I am surprised and humbled to accept the invitation of the Union of Black Episcopalians to receive the Verna Josephine Dozier Award,” Anderson said. She said she met Dozier years ago at St. Mark’s, Washington, D.C. when her daughter was part of the community service program at the national cathedral. “We went to church at St. Mark’s Sunday morning and my daughter steered me into the pew
right next to Dr. Dozier. When we exchanged the peace, I told her how much I valued her ministry and saw her as a living saint,” Anderson said. “After the service, she took my hand and walked with me out of the Church while we talked about being lay people.” Anderson said “when the going gets tough” she reads from Dozier’s books, where she is able to “gain renewed courage and inspiration.” Verna Josephine Dozier was a teacher of English literature at the high school level and a noted Episcopal religious educator who focused on Bible study and claiming the authority of the laity. She was well known in educational circles for teaching scripture. She taught at national Episcopal youth summer conferences and at Washington’s Diocesan School of Christian Living, held in Maryland. Dozier modeled being a teacher of teachers, offering fresh questions and demanding approaches for others to pursue. Her emphasis on the prophetic nature of the Bible was always at the center of her vocation as a Christian educator, whether as a consultant, trainer, teacher, public speaker or author. In 1992, Dozier preached for the consecration of Jane Holmes Dixon as Bishop Suffragan of Washington, one of only a handful of laywomen asked to preach at an Episcopal consecration.
Diocesan Calendar July 5-12 General Convention, Indianapolis July 15-21 Camp Compassion, Brighton
Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
July 18 RSVP Deadline for Diocesan Picnic July 28 Diocesan Picnic Emrich Retreat Center, Brighton
July 31-Aug. 4 Everybody Sings! Christ Church Cranbrook, Bloomfield Hills
Sept. 4 COM Meeting Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Detroit
Aug. 3-Aug. 6 Bass Lake Festival Fairview, MI
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OUTREACH
Filling a need from within St. Katherine’s, Williamston opens Forster Woods Adult Day Center
The Rev. Ronald Byrd, rector for St. Katherine’s, proudly shows off the new Forster Woods Adult Day Center with Jerry Dahlberg (interim executive director for the facility) and Jennifer Putmon (program director for Forster Woods).
By Rick Schulte Reaching out to the community has never been at problem at St. Katherine’s, Williamston. Helping the area’s folks in need through food programs, or taking part in literacy programs, or getting involved in any other kind of duty has always been an attainable proposition. But there’s a special way of fulfilling a need that doesn’t involve writing a check or gathering items for distribution. “Part of our mission statement is reaching out into the commu-
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nity. We’ve always been a wonderful church for outreach ministry,” said the Rev. Ronald Byrd, rector at St. Katherine’s. “But I wanted to work on the ‘touch ministry,’ that’s what I like to call it.” And from the day he pulled up in the church’s driveway a few years ago, he had a pretty good vision of creating a project that could eventually serve this need – and the needs of the elderly in the Williamston area. Sitting on property originally donated by the Forster family, next to the original chapel, the
one-and-a-half story building had been underutilized in recent years. However, with some wellplanned renovations, the structure now has a specific use. A steering committee was created in early 2011 to develop a successful adult day program. Everything, from determining the needs of renovating the existing dwelling, establishing a care program and coming up with appropriate means of funding, was covered. The renovations began late last year. In March, the facility was incorporated as a non-
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profit. The Forster Woods Adult Day Center will cap its initial adult enrollment at 10, but aims to increase it to between 15 and 20 in the near future. The goal of the facility is to meet the needs of older adults who wish to remain at home (instead of taking up residence in a nursing facility). The facility is scheduled to open July 30, four days after a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring Bishop Wendell N. Gibbs Jr. and various members of the Williamston business comEpiscopal Diocese of Michigan
OUTREACH
munity. According to Jerry Dahlberg, a parishioner serving as the interim executive director, it took just over $91,000 to renovate the structure. Carefully researching what would be needed to create the Forster Woods Adult Day Center, the building was essentially stripped down to the bare studs and reworked to maximize what had originally been a residence into an adult care facility. “The heating and air conditioning were moved upstairs to provide more floor space on the main floor,” Dahlberg said. “We wanted to consider where we’re going with this.” Dahlberg explained how walls were moved, ceilings were replaced, and program, office and administrative spaces were created – with an eye on expanding the structure to create more space. “Our primary office functions will take place over at the church,” he said. “Even with the original ceiling, we tore out everything and took it back to the rafters. We have new electrical, plumbing, HVAC, septic.” As more grant funds become available, additional improvements are slated for later this summer. The financial portion of the project was a burden St. Katherine’s itself did not need to carry. Although a portion of the total amount was pledged from the church and its members ($2,500, which was actually surpassed due to generous matching contributions), a series of grants helped set the project in motion. An endowment fund created by St. Katherine’s provided nearly half of the project’s funding, with Trethaway Downs ($20,000), the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan ($10,000) and a diocesan Social Justice Ministry Grant ($4,000). The Whiteley Foundation ($7,000) also made a significant donation. Also, a United Thank Offering grant from the Episcopal Church is expected to help cover funding for the next buildEpiscopal Diocese of Michigan
Services provided by Forster Woods The property, which was originally donated by the Forster family, also includes a cemetery which serves as a final resting place for many members of the Forster family.
Here’s a listing of some of the services being offered by the Forster Woods Adult Day Center.
with the nursing aspect of this program, along with others who have worked in care facilities or in nursing. The list of contributions is great. “It turns out, really, everything we’ve needed we have right here at St. Katherine’s,” Dahlberg said. Both paid employees and volunteers will staff the facility. All staff and volunteers were required to undergo various training programs prior to the opening of the facility, including church-mandated programs (anti-racism and Safeguarding God’s People) and general safety programs (general and emergency first aid, CPR training and defibrillator use). One of the new employees is a familiar face at St. Katherine’s – Jennifer Putmon, who has worked in the church’s administrative office for nine years. She will serve as the program director for Forster Woods, overseeing the day-to-day operation of the facility. “I just came back from a training program for this, and it was so fascinating,” Putmon said. “I’m really excited to get started with this. “We will be catering our program individually to each client. That’s important.” While the overall task of bringing together such a program may seem daunting, Byrd trusts the hand of God is helping mesh
Continental breakfast, a customized lunch and snacks/beverages throughout the day. Professionally designed programming to engage the recipient and encourage social activity. Medications will be monitored, documented and administered as required.
ing upgrade. What made the entire process possible were the people resources already available at St. Katherine’s. According to Byrd, the church was able to use the skills of people already in the church community for various elements of the project – construction, nursing, education, and the like. That has helped to keep the cost of the project to a minimum. The bottom line is being watched closely, as the center will be selfsufficient. “The congregational support we have achieved has far exceeded my imagination,” Byrd said. “But this need has to be filled. And that need is great.” With the nearest adult care options available several miles away in Lansing and no other facilities within at least 30 minutes away (in Howell and Brighton), this was an idea that not only meets a need, but will be able to sustain itself without financial contributions from St. Katherine’s. However, the members of the church have contributed plenty, not only in terms of funding. That includes members like Chuck Featherly and Bill Selanders, whose expertise comes from more than 60 years in commercial building and construction. Also, Louise Selanders, a director in the nursing program at Michigan State University, is involved
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Other services available, which can be tailored to the care recipient’s needs. Regular health assessment Music therapy Animal therapy Exercise Information provided courtesy of Forster Woods. The facility will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. A detailed listing of program information and more facts about the facility may be found at www.forsterwoods.org.
well. He also knows the people around him are excited to get Forster Woods up to full speed. “Jennifer sent a text, which said thanks for having the confidence and trust for me to do this,” he said. “Everyone is excited. There is such a need for this and everything is working out well.”
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YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS
Happening at Grosse Ile
St. James, Grosse Ile recently hosted Happening #10, bringing together young people from throughout the Diocese for a weekend of learning. The next Happening takes place in November; please be sure to look for information regarding the Youth and Young Adult Ministry on Facebook and at www.edomi.org.
Messy Church
Summer got off to a fun and messy start at St. Paul’s, Brighton as the church presented its Messy Church event. Geared toward young people, the church will also host Messy Church on July 18 and Aug. 23.
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Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
the
ECORD
To our readers, Each year, we make every effort to provide you with news from around the Diocese of Michigan. We do this in many ways. The longest-running method of communicating this to you has been through The Record magazine. For many decades, The Record has taken on several forms, but has always been a source for news and information. In recent years, we’ve moved to a magazine format. Many of you have expressed your satisfaction with this. For that, I say ‘thank you.’ We have worked hard at providing a variety of stories that collectively give a snapshot about what’s happening and what’s important in our Diocese. We have also provided more timely updates and news through several other sources: • Weekly Connection, our weekly e-newsletter. • Social media, where our Facebook and Twitter presence promotes interaction throughout the Diocesan household. • The Diocesan website, www.edomi.org. • Video productions capturing the events and people of our Diocese. • And theRecordOnline.org, an additional source for news and general information. We will continue to seek new ways of making sure all voices are seen and heard. Of course, we can only do this with your generous support. We have placed a donation envelope inside this magazine. We ask that you support us in whatever way you can. Whatever you decide, I humbly thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Rick Schulte Editor, The Record & Director of Communications
Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
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‘Like’ the church SOCIAL MEDIA
Embracing Facebook as a means of spreading your good word By Rick Schulte There is still nothing to replace the time-tested act of personal interaction, of looking someone in the eye and extending a handshake as a greeting. And hopefully, that will never go away. But you can’t ignore the fact a greeting like that will likely not be the first interaction many people get when they explore a new church. Like it or not, the first real opportunity to get a sense for what a church has to offer comes online. Most likely, it will come through a social media platform like Facebook, where churches can promote current events, post information about its history and give a gauge of where it may be headed in the future. Some churches are more involved than others on Facebook. Some offer only barebones information; others provide photos and videos, details about events and a church history. The idea of having a Facebook presence is crucial to a lot of churches. To others, it’s not a priority. I still think back to around 2007, when I was holding a similar position with a different religious organization. I noticed the shrinking numbers of those who were still on our mailing lists,
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The Facebook page for the Diocese of Michigan not only includes news of upcoming events, but also provides others an opportunity to tell others about their own events. There is also access to a wide variety of photos and videos from throughout the Diocese.
made donations and showed up for events were the same people over and over. And they were almost all getting up in years. That’s not exactly the way to grow
a church. So I mentioned that to my boss, a priest. I explained we had to get our name out in front of a new group of people. Not just middle-
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aged folks, but even young people. And there was a new way of doing it that seemed exciting and engaging. I’ll never forget his words, too. Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
SOCIAL MEDIA
“Rick, I have no interest in this,” he said. “This Facebook thing will never catch on.” Over a billion users later, I beg to differ. Despite the trepidation for many to initially wade into the social media pool, it’s something that can no longer be ignored. While sending emails back and forth is still the general method of communication in the business world, most personal interaction comes through Facebook (and Twitter, too. But for the sake of discussion, and considering this region is much more into Facebook than Twitter, we’ll keep everything in a Facebook context). I know what you’re thinking. The phrase ‘personal interaction’ and Facebook sound funny together, don’t they? Again, I’ll admit I’m old-school enough to prefer actual conversations with someone I can reach out and touch. But think about how you communicate on Facebook. After a day of work, I find posts and messages from people with whom I work. I might not make it to Brighton, Lansing and Romeo as often as I would like, but I have conversations with clergy and others from the church in those communities on a daily basis. So, the next step is an obvious one. If mere written words from my friends can keep me up to speed about their faith lives, imagine what posts from the actual churches can do. Here are some of the items I’ve come across on Facebook. Some are simple, some are a little more involved, but all are things your church can start doing today. • St. James, Grosse Ile uses its page to promote upcoming events and has an extensive collection of pictures from various church events. This is not uncommon and is especially useful for churches that have always had a shutterbug or two from their congregation at most events. (Hint: Don’t be afraid to ask Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
Ways to Stay in Touch There are many ways to learn about the Diocese. Here’s how: Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ EpiscopalMichigan Find us on Twitter: @EpiscopalMI Subscribe to Weekly Connection:
someone if they could send you a few images. It’s a great way to get new faces involved with churchrelated activities). • St. Matthew’s and St. Joseph’s, Detroit does well with posting scripture and references to sermons from the Rev. Shannon MacVean-Brown. This gives a good sense of what it’s like to walk into a church service – a very welcoming offer for newcomers. It also posts many pho-
tos from events. • St. Michael’s, Lansing effectively used Facebook to promote its spring rummage sale. Many churches do this to get the word out about specific events. How churches manage their Facebook page varies. The system used by All Saints, Detroit is a pretty common practice. “The responsibility,” says Chantelle Chinkhota, “is shared. We are trying a system of one per-
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This is our weekly e-newsletter, which is sent out in a Tuesdaymorning email. To subscribe, contact rschulte@edomi.org. To receive The Record magazine: This is available in both a print and electronic format. Please provide your name and address, plus specify which version you wish to receive, to therecord@edomi.org. To find the Diocesan website: All of the above information and much more can be found at www. edomi.org.
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son responsible for the site each month.” She explained additional people would be helping out in the coming months. In the case of All Saints, she also serves as co-chair of her church’s website committee (which includes Facebook management and the creation of a new church website). At St. Mary’s-in-the-Hills, Lake Orion, the team concept works
SOCIAL MEDIA slightly differently. band Pete is the primary poster “We have a lot of people who for their church. They are part of are working administrators,” Kim a web committee which handles Trumbore said. “Initially, it was a both the church’s website and little nerve-wracking because we Facebook page. were worried about not having “I do most of the day-to-day control of every post.” posts, though we have several Not surprisingly, her concerns parishioners with administrator were of issues such as typograph- privileges,” he said. “One handles ical errors, rants and other such the ads we occasionally run, othproblems. It really didn’t turn out ers post things relevant to their to be an issue, however. Her hus- committee and other responsibil-
The Facebook List The Episcopal Diocese of Michigan joined the Facebook ranks in mid2011 and currently has several hundred followers. Why is it important to have people follow the Diocese? Consider this: The web of followers also has friends and others who can potentially see this group has an interest in the Diocese. Just how many people is that? According to Facebook data, that number has climbed to more than 110,000 people. It’s that sort of ability to get the word out that makes Facebook a valuable ministry tool. Here’s a list of congregations and organizations in the Diocese using Facebook. Please note: Many of the congregations listed have multiple Facebook pages, such as a general page, a youth page and other pages or groups established to promote specific events or ministries. All Saints, Detroit All Saints, East Lansing All Saints, Pontiac Canterbury, Ann Arbor Canterbury, East Lansing Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Detroit Church of the Resurrection, Clarkston Christ Church Cranbrook, Bloomfield Hills Christ Church, Dearborn
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Christ Church, Detroit Christ Church, Grosse Pointe Christ Church, Pleasant Lake Christ United, DeWitt Church of the Messiah, Detroit Emrich Retreat Center, Brighton Grace, Monroe Grace, Mount Clemens Holy Faith, Saline St. Aidan’s, Ann Arbor St. Andrew’s, Ann Arbor St. Andrew’s, Livonia St. Andrew’s, Waterford St. Anne’s, Walled Lake St. Christopher’s and St. Paul’s, Detroit St. Clare of Assisi, Ann Arbor St. Cyprian’s, Detroit St. Barnabas, Chelsea St. David’s, Southfield St. Elizabeth, Redford St. Gabriel’s, Eastpointe St. James, Birmingham St. James, Dexter St. James, Grosse Ile St. John’s, Detroit St. John’s, Plymouth St. John’s, Royal Oak St. John’s, Westland St. Luke’s, Ferndale St. Martin’s, Detroit St. Mary’s-in-the-Hills, Lake Orion St. Matthew’s and St. Joseph’s, Detroit
St. Michael and All Angels, Cambridge Junction St. Michael’s, Grosse Pointe Woods St. Michael’s, Lansing St. Paul’s, Brighton St. Paul’s, Lansing St. Paul’s, Romeo St. Stephen’s, Troy St. Stephen’s, Wyandotte St. Thomas, Trenton Spirit of Hope, Detroit Trinity, Belleville Trinity in the Woods, Farmington Hills To add your church to this list, simply ‘like’ our page at Facebook.com/ EpiscopalMichigan or contact us at submit@edomi.org. Did you know? • The Diocese is followed as far away as Australia, South Africa, Greece and France. • The most traffic to our Facebook page comes from Ann Arbor, East Lansing/Lansing and Detroit. • Facebook is not only for young people. Nearly one-fifth of all traffic comes from women age 55-over. Ten percent comes from men 55-over. * Sixty percent of the total traffic comes from women. • The most ‘liked’ post came in May, when Bishop Gibbs referenced President Barack Obama’s support of gay marriage.
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ities, (such as) fellowship, youth group, vacation Bible school.” “We believe a good web presence is absolutely necessary in this day and age, and that includes a Facebook page,” said Janine Tinklenberg from St. Elizabeth’s, Redford. “So while not many of our members spend a lot of time on Facebook, it is a good place to show photographs of events they may not have attended for those who have liked the page, as well as indicating that our church community is alive and well for those looking for a church home. “The nice thing about it is that everyone can contribute to the page, not just the people who are the editors of our webpage.” She referred to the whole Facebook involvement as “more of a community-building experience.” Many churches have one person who handles all of its Facebook posts. That’s not unusual, although it’s often a good idea to have someone who can at least serve as a backup to make sure there aren’t any periods without any sort of online presence. If you don’t have a Facebook presence already, that’s okay. I’m sure you do lots of other stuff well. Of course, with a billion people out there, wouldn’t you like to at least try brag about it to a few of them? Despite the warnings of that priest I used to know, “this Facebook thing” did indeed catch on.
Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
St. David’s, Southfield to host Episcopal Idol music celebration
It’s all over but the singing, as contestants from throughout the Diocese compete in the first-ever Episcopal Idol competition. Sounds like a different way of encouraging musical performance in the church, doesn’t it? Well, that’s kind of the point. The event will be hosted by St. David’s, Southfield, with finals taking place Aug. 4. With a June 30 entry deadline, choirs and soloists were required to sing one verse of a hymn found in one of several books – The Hymnal 1982; Lift Every Voice, Sing II; Wonder, Love, and Praise or La Himnaro 1982. After paying a small entry fee, contestants audition by posting video performances on YouTube. From there, the general public gets to decide who gets a shot at the victory. Voters may view the videos, then can vote on them. The top eight vote-getters will be invited to the finals. It’s actually more a celebration of Episcopal music than a contest. “Episcopal Idol arose at a staff retreat in January here at St. David’s, as we contemplated how we might celebrate our Episcopal hymnody not just in our parish but diocesan wide.” said the Rev. Chris Yaw, rector at St. David’s. He will also serve the role of Ryan Seacrest, being the event’s host. “From here, our parish musician Devon Hansen has taken the ball and is running with it. “The goal is to gather our diocesan community around an enriching, encouraging, and fun event. We are intending the prize money to go to the music programs at our respective churches, so people don’t sing for themEpiscopal Diocese of Michigan
selves as much as for their faith communities.” The winner will have a cash prize donated to their church’s music ministry (and will be invited to sing the Offertory Anthem Aug. 5 at St. David’s. The remaining top four contestants will also get a donation to their church’s music ministry. Registration fees and support from the Diocese will fund the event. Yaw said “he wasn’t certain about the response for the event, but wants to make it as open to as many people and churches as possible. That’s why a design team was created “to make sure we have as many voices represented at the table as we can. Bishop Gibbs has been very supportive and has made a generous contribution to the effort.” The challenge in creating events in the church has always been having something faith-related, and yet still fun. Yaw said “the Gospel calls us to move outside of our communities to unite and celebrate God’s gifts. I think Lent Madness was a good indicator of what a creative idea can do and where it can go.” Lent Madness tapped into the excitement of picking tournament brackets for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, but turned it in a slightly different direction – offering a choice of favorite saints in head-to-head competition, seeking the mythical title of ‘Golden Halo.’ Yaw was involved with this as a celebrity blogger, offering his point of view on the event. Between the Facebook page (over
1,800 followers) and the tens of thousands of hits on its website, Lent Madness served as a reminder that it is possible to have fun with a religious topic. “It united a lot of our congregations nationally – and even internationally,” Yaw said. “It is clear to us that an idea may be what one person has, but it is honed, changed, morphed as more people bring their gifts to the table. “We are hoping this is what will happen with Episcopal Idol.” The finals will begin with each
of the final eight contestants performing one verse of any hymn found in Episcopal hymnody. A panel of ‘celebrity’ judges will offer their assessments, with the final four entrants returning after an intermission to perform the entire hymn. The judges will then choose the winner. To learn more about this event, including how to vote on entries and details about the Aug 4 performance, go to www.episcopalidol.org.
Social Feedback Here’s what our friends are talking about on Facebook (EpiscopalMichigan) and Twitter (@episcopalMI). Feel free to look for us there and join in the discussion. What Brought You to the Episcopal Church After spending 20 plus years in Charismatic Pentecostal churches I was hungry for a liturgical structured form of worship, and the full sacramental life. Bernie Yeater Facebook A mix of music and history, and feeling I’d finally found a spiritual home. Jeremy Peters Twitter “Cradle” Episcopalian – and now proud of the Church’s social justice positions. Shelley Miller O’Neill Facebook Tell Us About Pentecost Sunday in Your Church A joyous celebration at St Michael and All Angels, Cambridge Junction, with an inspiring message by Mark Hastings, reaffirmation of our Baptismal Covenant, lovely red draping, and a graceful dove kite flying overhead! We even had a demonstration of the effects of the wind despite its lack of visibility just as the Spirit moves even when we can’t see the Spirit! Judith Schellhammer Facebook What Program Did You Enjoy Most at Ministry Fair? Both the Holy Conversations session and the Launching an Alternative Service were awesome! Ross & Susan Vandercook Facebook
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BOOK REVIEW
‘The Uncommon Reader’ Even the Queen can discover the power and enjoyment of reading
I love a novel where a character her many public engagements. becomes a better person by the Those ribbon cuttings and ship end of the book. My desire to find launches are only a job, after all, redemption in a book may have but books have become a passtarted with skinny, ill-tempered sion. “What she was finding also Mary, heroine of The Secret Gar- was how one book led to another, den, but I’ve found the same doors kept opening wherever she theme in books writturned and the days ten for adults. In “The weren’t long enough Uncommon Reader” for reading she wanted by Alan Bennett, Her to do.” Majesty, Queen ElizaHer private secrebeth II is the central tary, the prime mincharacter. It’s a surister and the public prise to discover that are not pleased. Those Dawn she has a huge potenwho have power try to McDuffie tial for growth, despite manipulate the Queen her wealth and her by hiding her book, famous devotion to banning the traveling duty. library and removing her young Of course, the novel is a fanta- assistant Norman by sending sy, but it’s based on observations him off to college, but the Queen of human beings who like to finds other ways of obtaining read. That’s what hapbooks. By the time pens to the Queen in Norman disappears, this novel. She follows she has read so much her wayward dogs to literature and histhe back entrance of tory, she’s capable of Windsor Castle, and directing her own accidentally sees the reading. When a foottraveling library, what man informs her that an American would a missing novel may call a bookmobile. It have been exploded seems polite to boras a security risk, the row a book once the Queen answers, “Yes, librarian realizes she’s that is exactly what it at the entrance of the van, but is. A book is a device to ignite the she cannot answer his question, imagination.” “‘What does Your Majesty like?’ If you love to read as much as The Queen is puzzled for a min- I do, you must sympathize with ute…liking books was something this character despite her elevatshe left to other people.” Never- ed station and endless wealth. theless, she accepts a book by Ivy Before that fateful first novel, the Compton-Burnett, a book last Queen had no books for enjoychecked out in 1989. ment, no mysteries, no poetry, It’s the second book the Queen no people with whom to talk to selects from the traveling library, about the latest book. It’s an un“The Pursuit of Love” by Nancy folding joy to see her embrace Mitford, which starts the chain of reading and develop into an innew interests and new conflicts dependent thinker who can no for the Queen. She finds this nov- longer be ignored. el so engaging she exaggerates a Reviewer Dawn McDuffie is a sniffle to stay in bed and finish it. member of the Cathedral Church In fact, she soon begins to neglect of St. Paul, Detroit.
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Everyday saints can be found living and working among us
By the Rev. Dorian McGlannan Following a three-day whirlwind tour of Washington, D.C. with my older daughter’s eighth-grade class, I headed to Baltimore to visit my dear friend Mary. As I step into her world, I am flooded with memories of living in a poor neighborhood in which I had a woman who was constantly fighting with her boyfriend in the row house on one side and a family in which I could hear the children being abused in the row house on the other side. I lived in that house for 10 years, trying to be a presence of hope in a challenging situation. Then I burned out. I will never forget the day I sat on my back step looking at the garbage in the yard next to me, smoking a cigarette and thinking, “I can’t do this anymore.” It was then that (my) journey toward moving to Seattle started. My close friend Mary has stayed. Of course, I would never have expected her to move, as she runs a system of homeless shelters that she started in 1978. Project PLASE (People Lacking Ample Shelter and Employment) now houses hundreds of homeless from the mentally disabled (for whom PLASE was started) to AIDS patients who have no place to live. Mary works constantly, always trying to raise money in a decidedly unfriendly environment. She still lives in the home she purchased more than 30 years ago in west Baltimore in a neighborhood that is a couple of blocks from the area where
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season one of “The Wire” (a television series about drug dealing and homicide) was filmed. In one of our conversations, Mary was once again bemoaning the fact that she was yet to see The Wire. I told her that she lives in the midst of The Wire, so there was no need to watch it. This was confirmed one morning during breakfast as I watched young men in the vacant lot behind Mary’s small urban yard. Every time we sat at her table, there was a fair amount of activity in this space. I thought, “How terrific. They must be working on an urban garden.” I finally asked Mary what these guys were doing. She casually said, “Oh, there’s a lot of drug dealing that goes on back there.” I thought to myself about how I have definitely lost my street smarts. Mary is amazing. Despite the fact that she has lived among the poor and, in this case, dangerous, for all this time, she has never had anything happen to her. Her shelters are mostly in poor areas. She is a holy woman who attends daily mass and has worked on behalf of the poor and neglected her entire adult life. She is one of the most content people I know. Sharing her friendship is a gift and a blessing. She is a saint. The Rev. Dorian McGlannan is rector for St. John’s, Plymouth. This originally appeared in her blog, “Dorian’s Discourse.” A link to this and other blogs may be found at theRecordOnline.org under the Blog Squad tab.
Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
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PHOTOS
Memories: Groundbreaking at the Cathedral
This is a glimpse of the groundbreaking ceremonies at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Detroit from June 1959. Bishop Richard Emrich is flanked by Michigan Gov. G. Mennen Williams and the Very Rev. John Weaver, dean of the Cathedral. The construction was an expansion of the Cathedral complex. If you have any old or historic photos from your church or from events in the Diocese, please contact us at submit@ edomi.org.
Today: Sharing in the joy of Baptism
As the congregation leans in for a closer look, Bishop Gibbs baptizes a young member of St. Luke’s, Ypsilanti during a May visitation to the church.
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Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
THE FINAL WORD
Being truly progressive and open includes welcoming other viewpoints If you haven’t guessed by now – through reading some of the stories in The Record, watching the news or simply through paying attention in church – the Episcopal Church has a reputation for being somewhat progressive. Some would say liberal. Some would even say radical. All are entitled to their opinions. Churches, like all of society, have members from all points of the spectrum. Personally, the political slants of my friends are as diverse as can be, ranging from left of the Occupy Movement and to right of Rush Limbaugh. I’ll note some of my own personal beliefs. I have voted for both Democrats and Republicans. I love and hate some of the things Gov. Rick Snyder has done. I like the spirit of the Occupy Movement but have some serious misgivings about its execution and messages. I believe the poor need help and social programs can be very helpful, but I’m not a fan of achieving this through enormous tax increases. I support gay marriage but also respect the opinions those who feel marriage is only meant between a man and a woman. If only the world was a black and white place, in terms of issues and answers. As most of us know, it’s not. Which leads me back to the original idea for the reputation of our church, which leans to the left. A friend of mine, an Episcopalian, recently noted: “Our church is welcoming and inclusive. As long as you follow its liberal agenda, that is.” Those can be stinging words. But many members of our church also see them as accurate. So what is the right answer? Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
so-called “hot butWell, that’s the beauton” topics, many of ty – and the challenge their members qui– of who we are. There etly question these is no one right answer. stances. Sometimes, For some issues, there they not-so-quietly may be a sense of prevailing opinion. But question these stancthat doesn’t mean our es. Either way, if you Rick answers are etched in mention the name of Schulte stone. a religion and a topic, you often know what Many mainstream the stance is on any religions have a fallback answer to questions re- given subject. Even in this church, issues garding social issues: The only real truth is found in the Bible. are approached differently. One Although many churches have church may openly embrace the their stance on specific issues concept of female clergy or LGBT such as abortion, gay marriage, acceptance. Others may have married and gay clergy and other more “traditional” views that do
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Does that mean one church is more Episcopal than another? Is one church any less right? Of course not. It may be a hard pill to swallow in listening to the views of someone who is similar to you in many ways, but a polar opposite in others.
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not look on either with much approval. Does that mean one church is more Episcopal than another? Is one church any less right? Of course not. It may be a hard pill to swallow in listening to the views of someone who is similar to you in many ways, but a polar opposite in others. I have had friends ask me, rather pointedly, why Bishop Gibbs simply does not enforce one doctrine for all churches to follow. (If you haven’t guessed, those friends are from another religion). As much as I’d like to see that sometimes, that wouldn’t be who we are as a church. You see, for as open and inclusive as we like to think we are of all lifestyles and choices, that also has to include those who don’t agree with us. It would be rather hypocritical if we believed otherwise. Rick Schulte is the Director of Communications for the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan and editor for The Record.
Thank you, Maria
Maria Franklin, who served for many years as the Director of Finance Ministry for the Diocese of Michigan, gets a well-earned round of applause during a retirement celebration held in her honor at Barth Hall.
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