The Record Summer 2016 by Episcopal Diocese of Michigan

SUMMER 2016

Sweat Equity Camp Compassion: Hard work, great results

PHOTOSTORY

A 50th anniversary celebration

ST. AIDAN’S, ANN ARBOR It took a full weekend of activities for St. Aidan’s, Ann Arbor to celebrate its 50th anniversary in mid-August. Along with the reflections and special activities commemorating how the community has evolved over the years, a special celebration of the Eucharist included the church’s current vicar, the Rev. Dr. Judith Harmon, along with predecessors the Revs. Susan McGarry (left) and Richard Singleton.

The Record Summer 2016

Episcopal Diocese of Michigan

The Record Summer 2016

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 and Subscriptions: submit@edomi.org Website: www.edomi.org The Record is the quarterly magazine for the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan. Summer 2016

The Rt. Reverend Wendell N. Gibbs Jr. Bishop of the Diocese bishop@edomi.org James Gettel Canon for Congregational Life jgettel@edomi.org Canon Jo Ann Hardy Diocesan Administrator jhardy@edomi.org Jennifer Michalak Secretary Diocesan Administration jmichalak@edomi.org Beth Rowley Executive Assistant Office of the Bishop browley@edomi.org

The Reverend Eric Williams Director of Whitaker Institute ewilliams@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 Knena Causey Whitaker Institute kcausey@edomi.org

Rick Schulte Diocesan Communications Editor, The Record therecord@edomi.org

Cover Story: Camp Compassion

An ongoing companion relationship with the Diocese of the Dominican Republic produces an opportunity for hard work – and a tremendous return on the investment of time and effort. Page 6

A Hearty Approval for Summer Camps

The Rev. Steve Domienik explains how a real transformation takes place at Camp Stony Lake, operated by Living Water Ministries. Page 15

Ordinations

June proves to be a busy month for ordinations, as the diocese welcomes several new priests. Page 16

The Work Continues

Church of the Incarnation, Pittsfield Twp., is in its 24th year of offering up its skills and assistance to the people of Nicaragua. Page 17

Book Review

In this issue, Dawn McDuffie discusses ‘Waking Up White in America,’ a Debby Irving book that challenges all to identify the racism involved with the post-World War II housing market. Page 18

Whitaker Celebration

What awaits those who make it through some of the challenging educational offerings from the Whitaker Institute? Of course, it’s the annual Whitaker Celebration. Page 19

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The Record Summer 2016

Episcopal Diocese of Michigan

The Record Summer 2016

Camp Compassion DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

A shared journal reflecting on the emotions and activities of a youth and young adult mission trip

A moving experience for the young visitors to the Dominican Republic was a beachfront Baptism. This was led by the Rev. Lisa Tucker-Gray (St. John’s, Plymouth) and the Rev. Manisha Dostert (Christ Church Cranbrook, Bloomfield Hills).

June 29 Since today was the first day of work in the Dominican Republic, I was definitely skeptical. It was over 90 degrees, and I was covered in a thin sheen of sweat from just standing outside waiting for the bus. Needless to say, I was not exactly thrilled to go somewhere in that heat and work. But when we pulled up to La Escuela Nino Jesus (Baby Jesus School), I was pleasantly greeted by the Reverenda. Even though she didn’t speak much English, she welcomed us with open arms and was extremely kind. The work

we did today was sweeping and scraping the roof of the school in order to get it as smooth as possible to put a new coat of paint over the old, cracked one. It was aggravating at times, especially with the wind and the dust we were sweeping, but we got it done and it was so satisfying to see that whole roof covered in white paint after seven hours of work. My favorite time of the day definitely had to be when we met some local kids and got to hang with them and play with them for a while after lunch. There was Migalina (age 8), Joan (4), and

Guadiso (I think, 3) who were all siblings, and Reeby, a 9-year-old boy who loved basketball almost as much as talking. It was absolutely amazing to get to test my Spanish skills with the little ones who spoke extremely fast. I was constantly asking them to repeat what they’d said. Now I know how my family feels when I talk. By far the funniest moments were when Jacob and Reeby got into a “tu” (you are, no you are!) argument in which they were calling each other crazy, chicken, ugly, stupid, etc., which was hilarious. Finally, before we had to leave

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for the day, I sat down with the kids that had come to meet us, and I taught them a little English. They were so smart and I can’t wait to go back and see them tomorrow. Hollee Wilson Today was the first day of work and it was very different than any other kind of working environment I’ve been in. All of the natives speak Spanish, of course, and only three people in our group knew good Spanish. Playing with the kids was really fun because children are the same Episcopal Diocese of Michigan

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Two groups of young people from Michigan came to the Dominican Republic for the annual Camp Compassion experience. The Diocese of Michigan has a companion relationship with the Diocese of the Dominican Republic and a history of exchanging resources with each other.

everywhere even if they speak another language. Another interesting thing is Miranda, Macee and I went to a local supermarket, which was basically like any store back home, but it was full of people and most things were in Spanish. I also bought $300 worth of snacks which sounds weird, but of course it was in DR pesos. Working today was also scary because we were painting a flat roof and there was no railing, so you could just look down three floors. Frank (one of the locals) spoke in Spanglish, so I could Episcopal Diocese of Michigan

sort of understand him. Colin Fulton July 1 Today was a healthy combination of work and play. We finished up working on the parts of the church we were improving. Even though we only worked until lunch we came together as a unit and surprisingly got a lot done. We finished painting some of the rooms and the hallway and paintings of Peppa Pig and Mickey Mouse on the outside wall for the kids. I felt kinda sad

because it was our last day working there and I’ll kinda miss it, but I’m thankful to God that he gave me this great opportunity to help these wonderful people. Besides working, we also had a lot of fun. We played basketball with some of the locals (Frank and his brothers), who are actually pretty good. We went to the churches that were built from some of the former pilgrimissions and then we went to the beach. And it was the first time for me in the ocean. It was amazing and I had a lot of fun but the water was really salty

The Record Summer 2016

and that taste was in my mouth until we got back. Overall, today was awesome and this trip itself has been amazing and I thank God for this wonderful opportunity to come here and help others and make new friends and have some fun along the way. Joel Hill This trip has definitely exceeded my expectations so far. I came in scared and I didn’t have much motivation to work. Now, I’m left wanting to work more and I’m excited for what this weekend

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A science experiment? Actually, in a sense, it is. The young adults were introduced to the process of making soap.

will hold. The sense of accomplishment is amazing. Playing with the little kids was awesome and put a big smile on my face. I met the cutest little boy that I’ve ever seen. His name is Joan and even though I couldn’t communicate with him much we had a great time. I ended up taking about 100 pictures of him. I’ll always remember this pilgrimission and I thank God for this incredible experience. Macee Wilson Today, I learned that the people of Puerto Plata are not materialistic but God gives them courage, strength and shining will to make their days as good as possible. I especially saw God’s grace shine through when we were playing with the little kids, even though we couldn’t understand each other we still all had a great time. I

also realized that God gives time for play too like when we played basketball with some of the local volunteers like Frank. Another thing I have learned from my time here is that Dominicans can cook amazing food, I have not had a meal that I didn’t like on this trip yet. In conclusion, over the course of this trip I have realized how great God really is. Jacob Hanoian This pilgrimage has given me a chance to connect with God and let me learn new things that will eventually change my life. Given this opportunity, I have the ability to change many other lives. The children on the school grounds during the day give us passion for our work, as well as strength to keep going. Believing that I can and will make a difference also lets me hope there are

many other missions to accomplish. This day has succeeded with every intention, while we had time to relax and be mindful of the tasks at hand. My peers that are missionaries searching to be God’s servant have guided me with hope and love from the minute we met. When we started working together I knew God was with us and lending us power to create where creation was needed. Being with a totally new group of young adults was an opportunity that I knew in my heart that I needed. God has provided me with every thought, every waking heartbeat, sense of feeling and so much more. The language has not stopped me from making new friends and having loads of joyful memories that will be kept very safe. My mind is just growing more and more each day, and my heart is getting stronger and

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bigger each memento. Georgia Cotter July 2 Today, while downtown in Puerto Plata, we encountered a guide when we got dropped off in the middle of the city. He was very outgoing and clearly loved his job. He talked to us for more than an hour, trying to get to know us since he knew we were looking for places to tour and eat. He waited for more than an hour with us, then led us to a restaurant, which was very good. Even after he was tipped, he walked with us for a long time after we ate. He was clearly in the spirit of grace; he wasn’t interested in the money and was more concerned with building relationships. Matthew Fitzgerald We’re almost at the end of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan

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This is one of two local groups to visit the Dominican Republic.

trip now. We’ve done zip lining, shopping, swimming and painting, among other things. Georgia and I got to make cartoon characters – Mickey Mouse and Peppa Pig – on the side of the school wall, and we’ve all had a lot of fun interacting with the kids who live near where we’ve been working. Miguelina was the first one to approach us on Wednesday, and from there her siblings Joan and Gualizo joined. By the end of the second day we had about 15 kids, the oldest being 9 years old. We played tag and clapping games and helped them climb up the structures, and even though we were limited to the translating skills of Mia, Hollee and myself, along with a few others who’ve taken Spanish in school, we were still able to communicate and have a great time with the kids. We bonded a lot with them, and when we left the worksite yesterday they all seemed sad to see us go. It was amazing how eager they were to help out after just a few interactions, and even though they could get underfoot sometimes they made the work really enjoyable. Miranda RT Episcopal Diocese of Michigan

My experience in Puerto Plata has been probably the most fun I’ve had. I’ve experienced a new culture, new language and a new environment and atmosphere. Spending a week in the Dominican Republic has really opened my eyes in what the rest of the world has in store. I’ve become more aware of how privileged I am to have fresh water, fresh clothing and just a cleaner part of the world that I live in. Here, in the Dominican Republic, you have to worry about diseased water and enough water, enough clothes and clean clothes, and even just the ground. This week, I worked on a church and school in which I met new people, and had a blast throughout the 2-1/2 days we worked. The food here is delicious, meaning the rice and beans meals and the food the Hotel Lomar has provided for us. Emma Bongers July 3 As we are preparing to leave this beautiful island, I will say that this place is overflowing with life. I see it in the lush plants, the reggae and merengue music that floats through the air so often,

and the riot of colors on everything from the buildings, to the plants, to the people. The people we have met and worked with here have been so warm and welcoming. By U.S. standards they may not have as much, but they share love and energy freely. In return, I’ve felt so much spirit in myself and in the youth in our group. I’m happy to have all of this feeling and life and great memories to bring home. Cyndi Hernandez July 5 I said goodbye to one set of missioners yesterday and said hello to another set today. After a very early morning leaving Detroit and then a plane change, our second Camp Compassion group arrived in Puerto Plata today. It was so wonderful to see them and welcome them to the Dominican Republic. Eric Travis July 6 Today was a day filled with songs, laughter, basketball, tag and an abundance of smiles and memories that are never to be forgotten. As we sleepily arose

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from the comforting cocoons of our beds, we traveled through the town, waking up with the locals and taking in the sights and sounds of Puerto Plata. The worksite was a two-story school, and was very impressive by any terms, with a basketball hoop, a playground and many areas for people to sit and socialize. We gathered in a room, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, along with our group, and said a prayer. Groups were then formed, and off to work we went. My group was tasked with painting the ceilings white, and at first it seemed to be a boring job, but with the help of Cory, Mark, Mrs. Beaty and Mrs. Beaty’s phone, it became one of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had. Guys being guys, we talked about video games, movies and the like, until someone (me) suggested we sing a song. It was… a good effort. Stumbling through a couple a cappella versions of various One Direction songs, mostly because of the presence of a mega-fan on the trip, we were losing interest until Mrs. Beaty, who had recently joined the room, started playing music from her phone. Oh,

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A celebration of the Eucharist and updating the look of an altar were among the ongoing activities.

how the tides turned. One of the workers and locals, Frank, asked me and a few others if we wanted to play basketball. In the 90-degree, insanely humid weather, we played. After 20 minutes, if even that, we were bent over, gasping for breath, and Frank hadn’t even broken a sweat. Dominicans, man, they’re amazing. Following more painting of ceilings, a game of tag with some of the children who lived near, and more basketball, we packed up and headed to Mosovi, a settlement outside of Puerto Plata. It was one of the most impoverished places I have seen with my own two eyes, but we were greeted with smiles and waves from the locals, which we readily returned. We were shown the church in the middle of the town, and our foreman, Charlie told us about the plan to give people access to running water, which was being taken from the people by large tourist resorts, which is just inhumane. Today was one of the coolest days of my life, and I can’t wait for what’s to come over the next few days. We’ve only just started our journey, but I already know how much I’ll miss the people, Puerto Plata and all of the happiness. Adam Peters

July 7 For breakfast we had a dish that was like oatmeal but way better than oatmeal. I don’t think I can go back to the kind we have in America ever again. Then we went on the bus to the school to paint again. When we were at the school, two girls that I met yesterday were there and greeted me with big hugs and smiles. I was on the blue team, which means I painted half the wall blue. My favorite part about being at the school is when we get to play with the kids. Whenever we had a break we would always play tag and talk to them. We finished painting the inside today so we had a lot of spare time. Alex, Marissa and I played with the girls and the girls even made paintings for Senora Beaty (I am so sorry if I spelled it wrong). Once we left the school we quickly went back to the hotel to get our stuff for the beach. On our way to the beach we stopped at two churches. The people there were very kind and two people at one church are making soap that we get to help with Saturday! We ate dinner, which was a really good eggplant dish with cheesy potatoes. I was voted by everyone to write about today because apparently I had an in-

teresting day. While writing, Eric told me to get everyone because we were going to a baptism. We went to the beach to do the baptism, it was really cool to watch because I’ve never seen a baptism happen at the ocean. We went back to our rooms, and I’m sitting on the balcony enjoying the Dominican weather while everyone else is playing hide and go seek. I don’t mind not being in the game though because it is really nice outside. I wish Michigan had weather like this more. Francine Rosinski July 8 On this beautiful Friday morning, I woke with excitement filling my veins for what I knew would be an amazing and unforgettable day. I was also late… So as I arrived with a look of shame on my face, I was greeted with another amazing and unique Dominican breakfast prepared by our wonderful hosts, and the bright (and awake) faces of my awesome group members. I was also that awake… on the inside. Shortly afterward, we were on the bus on the way to our next worksite. We did do a lot of work today. Most of our stupendous team started inside the church, painting the walls beige while

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jamming out. For the first part of the day I was putting a sealing on the roof to prevent further leaks with Adam, Mr. Peters/Dad, Mark, and Frank’s older brother Arizon. While I think I dripped more sweat on the roof than paint, we got through it with constant water breaks and with the leadership of Arizon, who never broke a sweat. After lunch, we got to go and see Frank and Arizon’s pets. This was one of my favorite parts of the trip. I LOVE animals. Lots of my trip has consisted of, during breaks, climbing trees or looking in other places for lizards. I have taken some really cool pictures so if any of you readers are connected with National Geographic, they should hire me. After our tour, we finished painting the Parish Hall with some more awesome music. After a short jam session with some of the church’s instruments with Frank and his brothers, we headed out, looking forward to the pool. At dinner a little while later, we shared laughs over all the day’s stories, which is my second favorite part of the day (first being making people we help smile). We got to see some of Eric’s topclass photography. (Yes, he is betEpiscopal Diocese of Michigan

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The hard work of the visit to the Dominican Republic included repair of a church roof and painting inside the church.

ter than you, mom). We saw many cute pictures of us with our new family we’ve made at the school and church, and who we will always cherish. We also got to see some very funny pictures of our team. Although all of them, for me, inspired me. I saw the faces of people who we had only met a few days earlier, but who we had connected with, heart to heart. I may not go to church but I know I see God in this, for such happiness is a gift that is worth the world. Thank you. Corey Reed July 9 After breakfast we headed over to the church to finish painting. Yesterday, after we were given the list of things that needed painting, I volunteered to paint the altar. So that’s what I did today, with the help of Priest Lisa Tucker-Gray. People kept telling me I am really good at painting, which had only inflated my ego and has given me a career idea. Just as I was finishing painting Episcopal Diocese of Michigan

the altar and scraping off the stray paint, Eric told us we had to take a break. I really wanted to finish scraping paint, but the break wasn’t optional. So a group of us played basketball with some of the local kids. When our game of basketball was over, we went back to painting. However, since I was done with the altar, and had nothing to do, I did a little sweeping outside the church and then took another break. I went back to painting after Eric came in and said I need someone “cool” to finish trimming the ceiling in the other room. I thought, “I’m a pretty cool person,” so I volunteered to do that (he meant temperaturewise, but I was both, so it worked out). Next, we had lunch and headed back to the hotel before going to make soap. We drove the people who run the soap-making business to their work space, and I sat next to Chelsea (the person who runs the business), and it was really interesting to talk to her The Record Summer 2016

about her time here and her business. When we got to the soapmaking place they explained the process to us. When the lye water had cooled, we measured out three different oils, which then had to be heated until clear. While the oils were being heated we headed into another room to look at some beautiful handmade jewelry that contained a stone – larimar – that can only be found in the Dominican Republic. Once everyone who wanted jewelry got it, we went back into the other room to pour the soap into molds; which I got to help with. When the soap-making was done, Priest Lisa and Pastor Manisha Dostert set up a table so they could give Chelsea her first holy communion. Getting to see and participate in the communion was a great way to end the day. Marissa Huth July 10 Today was a great day! We started off the day with yet another great breakfast. We then headed off to church in our nice outfits of collared shirts, dresses and skirts. We were greeted at the door with warm welcomes. Slowly the rest of the congregation joined us throughout the service. I read a Psalm in English and attempted to sing along in Spanish. During The Peace, we were warmly greeted with smiles and hugs. I loved the music and how energetic the people were at such an early time of day. It had a lot more music and was a lot longer than my usual service at Christ Church Cranbrook. We then headed to Teleferico on the bus, having a great time singing and talking to our friend, Frank. When we got to Teleferico we discovered the extremely long lines. We quickly returned back to the bus and changed our plans for the day. We headed off to the beach in Cabarete and played tag in the water with Frank and Alex. I got hissed at by a group of women and I am still trying to figure

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New friends were made, both from Michigan and with the local youths.

out what that means. I am so glad we had more people with us than usual because we got to know them more and they really made this experience so much better. Overall, it was a great day and I am so sad our trip is now beginning to coming to an end. Alex Beaty July 13 It’s our final day, and if I had words to describe how awesome it was it would be fast, joyful and exciting. The last is always the best, and before I go over what I did today, I want to tell you all about my experience as a whole. The Dominican Republic is such an eye-opener and it’s a life-changing experience and for reasons only the eye can tell. So many bonds are shared and happy thoughts as well. The laughter never stops and the songs don’t, too. The Record Summer 2016

Episcopal Diocese of Michigan

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Along with interacting with the young Dominicans, there was time for recreation. Pick-up basketball games proved to be a popular activity.

Not only are the people of the Dominican Republic kind, but the people you spend time with are as well. You get to see sides of people you would never see in normal conversation, and I got to feel so many enormous and abstract personalities, it felt like we were a family on the first day. Memories shared with others throughout the week can never be forgotten because we shared them together. The most inspiring memory on my journey was realizing that the ones who have less than me can still feel satisfied with what they have, no matter how poor they are. You would see children playing in their homes, content with what they’re doing and never complaining about what they don’t have no matter how much anger they felt. There were always intriguing people that had stories as long as a book. This was a life-changing experience I’ll never forget. Mark Thomas

Episcopal Diocese of Michigan

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#DC18

LANSING

The Record Summer 2016

Episcopal Diocese of Michigan

SUMMER CAMP

A ringing endorsement for Living Waters summer camp experience By the Rev. Steve Domienik When I was growing up, my parents sent me to several different summer camps that were all run by Roman Catholic male religious orders. I thought I was special because my five sisters never went to summer camp. It was years later that I found out the real reason for my good fortune – my parents were praying that I would develop a vocation and become a priest. My experiences in these programs motivated me to work one summer as a counselor in one of the camps I attended. Ultimately, my parents had their prayers answered, but they neglected to specify which denomination they wanted me to be ordained in! I have not had any involvement in summer camps since that time in college, until July, when I joined six other adult leaders from our diocese and we took 72 of our youth to Living Waters Ministries, a Lutheran summer camp in New Era, Michigan that has been operating since 1945. Our diocese collaborates with this Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) camp in western Michigan, (remember, we are in full communion with this branch of the Lutheran Church). There, we teamed up with 48 youth from this denomination and seven of their adult leaders. This camp has an amazing staff of counselors, cooks and administrators. They did an outstanding job organizing and leading all of the activities for the week. Every day after breakfast, there was an outdoor worship service. Then, our job as adult leaders was to lead small groups of campers in bible study every evening and help out wherever else we were Episcopal Diocese of Michigan

needed. All of the songs that we sang were religious or biblicallybased and set to popular tunes that you would recognize in our culture. There were an array of games, rope courses, horseback riding, swimming and kayaking as well as cookouts and campfires. The youth were busy all day long. For many of our Episcopal youth, this was the first time they had ever been to a camp, so all of these experiences were new. We had a group of five girls who weren’t happy and felt they just couldn’t remain, so two of them went home, but the youngest of the other three changed her mind and wanted to stay. This challenged her two older cousins to re-think their position because they didn’t want to leave their younger cousin “alone,” so they stayed as well. Amazingly, their attitude and behavior changed drastically once they made this decision. They went from nonparticipation to full engagement in the activities. God works miracles all the time! Other signs of transformation were apparent as well. Several of our small group discussions turned to prominent social is-

sues of our day. Youth and adults from different social, racial and economic groups found themselves listening to each other tell of their varied experiences about the shooting deaths of the young black men and the police officers, the Black Lives Matters movement and what it is like to grow up in inner-city Detroit as opposed to suburban or rural white America. These kinds of discussions are critical to breaking down stereotypes, prejudices and racism that still pervades our society. We have become very polarized in our perspectives on these issues and it becomes very easy to dismiss the “other” who is not like us or does not hold the same opinions. This creates an “us” vs. “them” mentality and often ignites fear, distrust, hatred and violence. This kind of separation, attitude and behavior is called sin. This sin is what our God wants to abolish in our world. Christians of all stripes are called to be involved in restoring our world to the way God intended it to be. A T shirt I saw at camp summed it up very well, “God’s plan, our hands.” These discussions were not al-

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ways easy, but we are reminded that building relationships takes time, effort and commitment. This camping experience laid a foundation for our youth and adults to begin this process of restoration within our diocese and our larger community. Will you join us in these healing conversations? I strongly support this camping ministry and I have already signed up to return next year. Please consider coming with me as an adult leader or send your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Together, we can do amazing things for God. The Rev. Steve Domienik is priest-in-charge at St. John’s Church, Westland.

ORDINATIONS

Meet our newest priests The Diocese of Michigan has several new priests after three separate ordinations in June. First, Bishop Gibbs welcomed the Revs. James Pashturro, Paul Castelli, Scott Steiner, Imogen Rhodenhiser and Daniel Lawson in a celebration at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul. Later, Bishop Gibbs joined the Right Reverend Catherine Waynick (Bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis) in the ordination of Jessie Gutgsell, which took place at St. Clare, Ann Arbor. The ordinations concluded at St. Michael and All Angels, Cambridge Junction, as Judith Schellhammer was ordained in the presence of the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ministry Support Team.

Photos by: Eric Travis & Rick Schulte

The Record Summer 2016

Episcopal Diocese of Michigan

NICARAGUA

Church of the Incarnation continues 24-year tradition of helping the poorest By Marshall Thomsen In the early 1990s the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, Pittsfield Twp. established a sister church relationship with an American Baptist Congregation in Catarina Nicaragua, It’s hard to express how much we’ve gotten out of this relationship over the last 24 years. For our congregation, it’s been an opportunity to share in the life of some of the poorest people in the Western Hemisphere. Having the opportunity to see the world through their eyes has been challenging, inspiring and transforming. It’s been particularly transforming for our youth who go expecting to simply feel bad for the people there, but instead discover how rich their culture, community and faith is. They come back also aware of how much a fear mentality has shaped their lives growing up in the wealthy community of Ann Arbor. Our sister church relationship has also been an opportunity for both of our congregations to engage in important work together. The imbalance of our two economies means that what for us is relatively small amounts of money, when combined with their volunteer labor, can make a huge difference in Nicaragua. Over the years, the projects we have completed together include: Expanding their church building, re-roofing 17 houses after an earthquake, putting on summer camps for youth in the area, running a small trade school for young adult seeking careers and sponsoring a school for children who couldn’t go to school at a time when the government was insisting people had to pay for education. In discussing with our sister church what we could do that would be most helpful, Episcopal Diocese of Michigan

This banner was presented to a delegation from Church of the Incarnation, which continued its ongoing work in Catarina, Nicaragua. (Photo: Jim Sweeton)

we found that what the broader community most needs is jobs and that the best thing we could do would be to build a hotel/ language school – which would both employ people and use the profits to help the broader community. This project would take advantage of the fact that tourism is one of the most profitable industries in Nicaragua and many people come to Nicaragua to learn Spanish. As we knew this project was too big for us to do on our own, members of Incarnation created Capital to Bridge the Divide, a non-profit organization whose mission is to “bridge the divide

between wealthy and developing countries by providing capital, employment, and opportunities for cultural exchange.” People in Catarina also created a governing board for El Puente (The Bridge) to provide local ownership and leadership for the project. Both boards include members of our respective broader communities. Together, our boards developed the vision of a sustainable economic development project in the form of a cultural exchange center and eco-hotel in Catarina. To date, we have provided support for El Puente to purchase land for the project, to build a large covered outdoor gathering

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space where classes, meals and festive occasions can be held and to build two bathrooms. Future construction on the site will include an amphitheater, lodging for guests, a commercial grade kitchen and a set of small buildings that can be used by local artisans as shops or as spaces to provide community services. Over 90 percent of the funds raised in the United States has been sent to Nicaragua in support of the project. Marshall Thomsen serves as vice-president of Capital to Bridge the Divide. For more information, visit www.nicaraguaproject.org.

BOOK REVIEW

Review: Waking Up White in America by Debby Irving Debby Irving is an unusual memoirist. She was determined to tell the story of racism in the United states by telling her own story and the story of her family. The temptation in a memoir is to create the main character, one’s own self after all, as a good person, even a heroic person. In contrast, Irving is willing to show herself as a clueless young woman who does more harm than good in the world, because she doesn’t understand the racism of the culture that underlies the system, her own white culture. One distinction Irving draws early in the book is the distinction between racism and bigotry. Bigoted people say hateful things and use hateful language when referring to others. Racism is more difficult to define and more pervasive. Irvine defines racism as a system that give more power more privileges to white people. I loved Irving’s personal stories and the larger drama of how she learned that the pain of waking up to racism and the history of white privilege is far less wounding than her earlier alienation from history, reality, and her own emotional life. In Chapter Six Irving speaks of her first big turning point. In a graduate class at Wheelock College on “Racial and Cultural

Identity,” she realized, “Racism wasn’t about this person or that, this upset or that, this community or that; racism is, and always has been, the way America has sorted and ranked its people in a bitterly divisive, humanity robbing system.” The incident that brought that insight home to the author was the film, Race: The Power of an Illusion. This movie turned a spotlight on the GI Bill, a glaring example of racism at work. The educational benefits white GIs used to create strong futures for their families, were largely not available to black GIs. Most colleges and universities used a quota system that limited the number of black students who could enroll. “In the end, a mere 4 percent of black GIs were able to access the bill’s offer of free education.” Access to Federal Housing Administration homes was even more difficult for African American GIs. Because the federal gov-

ernment insisted on a system of segregation and red-lining, houses in the new suburbs were closed to black GIs. In fact developers’ projects were not approved unless racial s e g r e g at i o n was written into the plan. Housing was available according to the skin color of the applicants. Because the the redlining system was propped up by systematic “block busting,” those black families who were able to buy a home found themselves paying extra high prices for dated housing. Meanwhile, white real estate sales people made fortunes by frightening white home-owners into selling their homes at rock bottom prices and selling the same homes to black families at outrageously inflated prices. The following statistic shocked me even after I’d read a third of the book. “Between 1934 and 1962 the federal government underwrote $120 billion in new housing, less than 2 percent of

which went to people of color. America’s largest single investment in its people, through an intertwined structure of housing and banking systems, gave whites a life and financial boost that would accrue in the decades to come while driving blacks and other minority populations into a downward spiral.” Ultimately, Waking Up White inspired me. Irving describes a broken system that gives one group advantages while limiting and disadvantaging other groups. She is forthright and gentle at the same time. “This is what I believed,” is her message. “This is how I discovered the truth.” She doesn’t spare herself, and she expects her readers to be equally honest and willing to test their behavior and their history. As I turned to one of the sources listed at the end of Irving’s book, I read this quotation on the website of a PBS program entitled, Race: The Power of an Illusion. “Colorblindness will not end racism. Pretending race doesn’t exist is not the same as creating equality. Race is more than stereotypes and individual prejudice. To combat racism, we need to identify and remedy social policies that advantage some groups at the expense of others.” –Dawn McDuffie

Mass in the Park Open to all and offered through neighboring Downriver churches (St. Stephen’s, Wyandotte; Grace Episcopal, Southgate and St. Michael’s and All Angels, Lincoln Park), a weekly summertime Mass in the Park took place at Wyandotte’s Bishop Park, located alongside the Detroit River. The relaxed backdrop has been well-received by traditional churchgoers and local passers-by.

The Record Summer 2016

Episcopal Diocese of Michigan

WHITAKER INSTITUTE

A celebration of hard work An ample amount of effort culminated in the annual Whitaker Celebration. This event recognizes the hard work and the achievements of those who participated in some of the Whitaker Institute’s educational opportunities over the course of the year. The Rev. Judith Schellhammer of St. Michael’s and All Angels, Cambridge Junction, earned this year’s Servant Leader Award.

Photos: Catherine Long

Episcopal Diocese of Michigan

The Record Summer 2016

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The Record Summer 2016

Episcopal Diocese of Michigan